Mid-sized transitional master gray tile and marble tile marble floor, gray floor, double-sink and wainscoting bathroom photo in Chicago with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, a one-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops, a hinged shower door, gray countertops, a niche and a built-in vanity

Country concrete patio photo in Denver with a gazebo

Entryway - transitional entryway idea in Minneapolis

Mudroom - large transitional porcelain tile, white floor and shiplap wall mudroom idea in Chicago with green walls

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

Entrance to this home features ship lap walls & ceilings that are off set with a brilliant blue barn door and abstract ocean theme art. Photography by Patrick Brickman

Photography: Agnieszka Jakubowicz Design: Mindi Kim
Example of a beach style gray floor living room design in San Francisco with white walls, a ribbon fireplace, a tile fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Photo Credit - Katrina Mojzesz topkatphoto.com Interior Design - Katja van der Loo Papyrus Home Design papyrushomedesign.com Homeowner & Design Director - Sue Walter, subeeskitchen.com

The traditional stand alone bath tub creates an elegant and inviting entrance as you step into this master ensuite. Photos by Chris Veith
Freestanding bathtub - large traditional master gray tile and subway tile marble floor and gray floor freestanding bathtub idea in New York with gray walls

Closet - closet idea in Phoenix

Kitchen photo in San Francisco

Kids' room - large transitional girl dark wood floor and brown floor kids' room idea in San Francisco with gray walls

Example of a large trendy galley light wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen design in Columbus with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, marble countertops, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Bedroom - large coastal master carpeted bedroom idea in Orange County with white walls

This stunning living room was our clients new favorite part of their house. The orange accents pop when set to the various shades of gray. This room features a gray sectional couch, stacked ledger stone fireplace, floating shelving, floating cabinets with recessed lighting, mounted TV, and orange artwork to tie it all together. Warm and cozy. Time to curl up on the couch with your favorite movie and glass of wine!

Inspiration for a mediterranean front yard landscaping in Los Angeles.

Bathroom - large contemporary master gray tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile bathroom idea in Dallas with an undermount sink, a two-piece toilet and white walls

Large transitional single-wall light wood floor and beige floor open concept kitchen photo in New York with a farmhouse sink, gray cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula, quartz countertops, matchstick tile backsplash and recessed-panel cabinets

Mid-sized trendy backyard stone and rectangular lap hot tub photo in Houston