Two large 72"x16" flat panel pull-outs for pantry items and cleaning storage. design: Marta Kruszelnicka photo: Todd Gieg
Mid-sized trendy medium tone wood floor kitchen photo in Boston with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Melissa Kaseman Photography Countertop: Luca di Luna Quartzite Chandelier: Restoration Hardware Sconces: Shades of Light Cabinet Hardware: Top Knobs Appliances: Albert Lee Hood: Custom Built with Tiger Wood Wrap Backsplash: Heath Tiles both 3 x 5 and Hexagon Refrigerator: Liebherr Dishwasher: Miele Range: Bluestar Hood Insert: Zephyr Faucets and Pot Filler: Waterstone Sinks: Kohler White Cabinet Color: SW7005 Pure White Island Cabinet Color: SW6516 Down Pour Wall Paint: SW7666 Fleur de Sel

This renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income. DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request. MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic. RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income. ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them. URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances. OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values. Photography: Eric Roth Photo

Shane Baker Studios
Open concept kitchen - large contemporary light wood floor and beige floor open concept kitchen idea in Phoenix with a drop-in sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, wood countertops, multicolored backsplash, cement tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and beige countertops

Photographer: Kevin Colquhoun
Open concept kitchen - large contemporary l-shaped light wood floor open concept kitchen idea in New York with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Example of a mid-sized trendy l-shaped light wood floor and beige floor enclosed kitchen design in Dallas with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, white backsplash, stone slab backsplash, paneled appliances, an island, white countertops and solid surface countertops

Kitchen with Island
Inspiration for a large contemporary l-shaped porcelain tile and gray floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, quartz backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

New construction in Boulder Colorado. A collaboration between the homeowners, Tharp's Designer, Leah Mata and AGR Luxcraft designer, Sarah Schlesinger.

Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized contemporary l-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, gray cabinets, quartzite countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

Example of a trendy kitchen design in Santa Barbara

We were able to expand the look and feel of this compact kitchen by integrating the large pass through window (which conveniently acted as a breakfast nook!). Dark modern bar chairs added something unique to the space and matched perfectly with the base of the breakfast bar. The rest of the kitchen is light and contemporary, with subtle grays and beiges throughout. Project designed by interior design firm, Betty Wasserman Art & Interiors. From their Chelsea base, they serve clients in Manhattan and throughout New York City, as well as across the tri-state area and in The Hamptons. For more about Betty Wasserman, click here: https://www.bettywasserman.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.bettywasserman.com/spaces/jersey-shore-weekend-getaway/

David Joseph
Example of a mid-sized trendy l-shaped cement tile floor eat-in kitchen design in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Large trendy l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen photo in Dallas with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartzite countertops, black backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and black countertops

Kitchen - mid-sized contemporary u-shaped light wood floor kitchen idea in Denver with wood countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, an island, an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets and stainless steel appliances

Inspiration for a contemporary kitchen remodel in Portland Maine with black cabinets, quartz countertops, quartz backsplash, paneled appliances and white countertops

2019 Addition/Remodel by Steven Allen Designs, LLC - Featuring Clean Subtle lines + 42" Front Door + 48" Italian Tiles + Quartz Countertops + Custom Shaker Cabinets + Oak Slat Wall and Trim Accents + Design Fixtures + Artistic Tiles + Wild Wallpaper + Top of Line Appliances

Wood, aluminum, stainless steel, glass, and granite. Multiple textures and finishes create a feast for the senses.
Example of a trendy l-shaped eat-in kitchen design in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, glass countertops, white backsplash, glass tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped light wood floor and beige floor open concept kitchen remodel in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, quartz backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, white countertops and an undermount sink

Newly constructed; designed with a view to a retreat like backyard with pool, 2 decks and outdoor kitchen. The use of natural light and simple finishes lends to the warm welcoming style of this contemporary home. Dan Piassick