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

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

Photos by Whitney Kamman
Example of a large mountain style galley beige floor and medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Other with light wood cabinets, an island, an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, stainless steel appliances and quartzite countertops

Large Kitchen Island Has Open and Concealed Storage. The large island in this loft kitchen isn't only a place to eat, it offers valuable storage space. By removing doors and adding millwork, the island now has a mix of open and concealed storage. The island's black and white color scheme is nicely contrasted by the copper pendant lights above and the teal front door.

This modern lake house is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The residence overlooks a mountain lake with expansive mountain views beyond. The design ties the home to its surroundings and enhances the ability to experience both home and nature together. The entry level serves as the primary living space and is situated into three groupings; the Great Room, the Guest Suite and the Master Suite. A glass connector links the Master Suite, providing privacy and the opportunity for terrace and garden areas. Won a 2013 AIANC Design Award. Featured in the Austrian magazine, More Than Design. Featured in Carolina Home and Garden, Summer 2015.

The existing 3000 square foot colonial home was expanded to more than double its original size. The end result was an open floor plan with high ceilings, perfect for entertaining, bathroom for every bedroom, closet space, mudroom, and unique details ~ all of which were high priorities for the homeowner. Photos-Peter Rymwid Photography

photos by Susan Teare
Example of a trendy galley medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen design in Burlington with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an island and light wood cabinets

Inspiration for a mid-sized cottage l-shaped light wood floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Los Angeles with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

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

Shaker style kitchen with maple cabinets in praline finish. The fixtures, hardware and stainless appliances give the traditional shaker style a contemporary look. Countertops and island topped with quartz. Photo by Andrea Jones

A 1920s colonial in a shorefront community in Westchester County had an expansive renovation with new kitchen by Studio Dearborn. Countertops White Macauba; interior design Lorraine Levinson. Photography, Timothy Lenz.

Alise O'Brien Photography
Trendy u-shaped beige floor eat-in kitchen photo in St Louis with recessed-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and green countertops

New windows on the side and back of the space fill it with light and air. The light also bounces off the white countertops and other bright surfaces. Photo: Jane Messinger

The gourmet kitchen is stunning and bedecked with a quartz backsplash, countertops, and range hood, while reclaimed oak wood accents add a rustic touch.

Open concept kitchen - large transitional galley medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen idea in Salt Lake City with a farmhouse sink, light wood cabinets, white backsplash, stone slab backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Details: The existing pantry cabinet also has shelves inside the doors, to make certain certain items more accessible. At right is another new slab countertop, this time in English walnut; the area is a telephone and message counter. Shelves and drawers above are existing.

Full kitchen remodel in Bellevue, Washington.
Example of a mid-sized trendy medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen design in Seattle with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Kitchen: • Material – Plain Sawn White Oak • Finish – Unfinished • Door Style – #7 Shaker 1/4" • Cabinet Construction – Inset Kitchen Island/Hutch: • Material – Painted Maple • Finish – Black Horizon • Door Style – Uppers: #28 Shaker 1/2"; Lowers: #50 3" Shaker 1/2" • Cabinet Construction – Inset