Lots of thoughtful fixes throughout a Cambridge triple-decker improved the living situation for a couple moving in together for the first time, and for their tenants too.

Removing walls in the kitchen on the first floor, where our clients live, and on the second floor, which is home to their tenants, resulted in bigger, brighter, and better workspaces for everyone. New finishes and fixtures and repaired and repainted cabinetry add to the appeal of both rooms.

The first floor living room is set for winter with a new zero clearance gas fireplace surrounded by a black granite surround and a custom-made mantel designed and built by CAR Project Manager Steve Weber.

Because our clients often work from home, we added two subtle workstations within built-in bookcases between the dining and living rooms.

The master bathroom needed a complete update. Our clients selected porcelain tile in a horizontal design above the chair rail with the same tile laid placed in a diagonal design below. We installed new fixtures and painted with Benjamin Moore’s Navajo White.

With two adults now sharing the master bedroom, more storage was necessary. We created bump out closets on either side of the windows, placing shelving within (eliminating the need for bureaus) and inset mirrors in the doors.

Radiators throughout were in bad shape. Scraping and painting them in a hammered bronze color brought them back to life with great period character.

We upgraded the home’s back porches by adding a Snap-It ceiling to the lower two porches, which collects rainfall and guides it into gutters and downspouts rather than letting it fall into the space below. A new porch on the third floor quickly became the homeowners’ favorite spot for relaxation, and a new spiral staircase provides safe access between levels.

Our partner on this project was Woodworth Architects in Newton, MA.