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

Serene black and white open flow kitchen
Eat-in kitchen - large country u-shaped light wood floor, beige floor, shiplap ceiling and vaulted ceiling eat-in kitchen idea in New York with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, quartz backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and gray countertops

To improve storage and increase counter space near the range, the refrigerator was relocated in favor of a shallow pantry cabinet. Andrea Rugg Photography

DRAWERS!! easy access.. workhorse of the kitchen
Open concept kitchen - mid-sized modern u-shaped medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen idea in Other with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a peninsula and white countertops

Adding the wood cutlery divider keeps your utensils in one place without all the clutter.
Example of a large transitional u-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen design in Other with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, stone slab backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Inspiration for a transitional porcelain tile and brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, distressed cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash and subway tile backsplash

Our Austin studio decided to go bold with this project by ensuring that each space had a unique identity in the Mid-Century Modern style bathroom, butler's pantry, and mudroom. We covered the bathroom walls and flooring with stylish beige and yellow tile that was cleverly installed to look like two different patterns. The mint cabinet and pink vanity reflect the mid-century color palette. The stylish knobs and fittings add an extra splash of fun to the bathroom. The butler's pantry is located right behind the kitchen and serves multiple functions like storage, a study area, and a bar. We went with a moody blue color for the cabinets and included a raw wood open shelf to give depth and warmth to the space. We went with some gorgeous artistic tiles that create a bold, intriguing look in the space. In the mudroom, we used siding materials to create a shiplap effect to create warmth and texture – a homage to the classic Mid-Century Modern design. We used the same blue from the butler's pantry to create a cohesive effect. The large mint cabinets add a lighter touch to the space. --- Project designed by the Atomic Ranch featured modern designers at Breathe Design Studio. From their Austin design studio, they serve an eclectic and accomplished nationwide clientele including in Palm Springs, LA, and the San Francisco Bay Area. For more about Breathe Design Studio, see here: https://www.breathedesignstudio.com/ To learn more about this project, see here: https://www.breathedesignstudio.com/atomic-ranch

Inspiration for a mid-sized u-shaped ceramic tile, white floor and tray ceiling eat-in kitchen remodel in Dallas with ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, two islands, white countertops, flat-panel cabinets, quartz countertops, an undermount sink, beige cabinets and beige backsplash

This modern galley kitchen with island creates easy traffic flow in and out of the kitchen, dining room, breakfast area and living room. © Lassiter Photography **Any product tags listed as “related,” “similar,” or “sponsored” are done so by Houzz and are not the actual products specified. They have not been approved by, nor are they endorsed by ReVision Design/Remodeling.**

Full scale renovation in Santa Monica, CA. Before the renovation, this home was a dated, closed off space that had no flow. A wall was removed in the kitchen to create an open and inviting floor plan. All new interior shell details were selected by Kimberly Demmy Design - as well as all the furnishing that finished off the space. The end result was a polished space that encapsulated the full potential of this home. Suzanna Scott Photography

This Woodways contemporary kitchen utilizes a mix of materials to add depth and warmth to the space. The high contrast between the dark cabinetry and bright white backsplash and counter draw emphasis to this area. Undercabinet lighting is added for better visibility when using this space for tasks.

Kitchen [Photography by Dan Piassick]
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Dallas with an undermount sink, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and flat-panel cabinets

Example of a trendy l-shaped medium tone wood floor kitchen design in Phoenix with flat-panel cabinets, quartz countertops, stone slab backsplash and stainless steel appliances

The homeowners were in desperate need of storage and better function for their family of 6. They also needed the kitchen to be workable for several cooks. Taking the cabinetry to the ceiling and adding the large pantrys and island gave them the working space they needed. Then the fun began. The metal hood and tile were the inspirations for the rest of the rooms details. "X' details and beautiful lights and hardware!

Kitchen - large contemporary galley light wood floor and beige floor kitchen idea in Seattle with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Kitchen - large contemporary l-shaped marble floor and white floor kitchen idea in New York with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, stone slab backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Example of a mid-sized trendy l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen design in DC Metro with flat-panel cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, gray countertops, an undermount sink and medium tone wood cabinets

open shelf kitchen
Inspiration for a large contemporary galley porcelain tile and gray floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Kansas City with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, porcelain backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

A fun, bright kitchen remodel in Lexington, KY. Includes a custom, backlit steel and plexiglass rangehood, backpainted glass backsplash, waterfall quartz countertop, espresso stained slab-door cabinetry, and wine bar. Photo by Brian Wilson