Expansive family room, leading into a contemporary kitchen.
Inspiration for a large transitional medium tone wood floor, brown floor and wall paneling family room remodel in New York

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

Flannel drapes balance the cedar cladding of these four bunks while also providing for privacy.
Bedroom and large mountain style gender-neutral black floor and wood wall kids' bedroom photo in Chicago with beige walls

addet madan Design
Small trendy 3/4 porcelain tile corner shower photo in Los Angeles with a vessel sink, open cabinets, white cabinets, white walls, a two-piece toilet and solid surface countertops

Bedroom - craftsman bedroom idea in DC Metro

John Lennon
Small urban vinyl floor kitchen photo in Miami with a double-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, black cabinets, quartz countertops, terra-cotta backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Overview Extension and complete refurbishment. The Brief The existing house had very shallow rooms with a need for more depth throughout the property by extending into the rear garden which is large and south facing. We were to look at extending to the rear and to the end of the property, where we had redundant garden space, to maximise the footprint and yield a series of WOW factor spaces maximising the value of the house. The brief requested 4 bedrooms plus a luxurious guest space with separate access; large, open plan living spaces with large kitchen/entertaining area, utility and larder; family bathroom space and a high specification ensuite to two bedrooms. In addition, we were to create balconies overlooking a beautiful garden and design a ‘kerb appeal’ frontage facing the sought-after street location. Buildings of this age lend themselves to use of natural materials like handmade tiles, good quality bricks and external insulation/render systems with timber windows. We specified high quality materials to achieve a highly desirable look which has become a hit on Houzz. Our Solution One of our specialisms is the refurbishment and extension of detached 1930’s properties. Taking the existing small rooms and lack of relationship to a large garden we added a double height rear extension to both ends of the plan and a new garage annex with guest suite. We wanted to create a view of, and route to the garden from the front door and a series of living spaces to meet our client’s needs. The front of the building needed a fresh approach to the ordinary palette of materials and we re-glazed throughout working closely with a great build team.

The owners of this Berkeley home wanted a kitchen that fit their personalities, something industrial and modern with natural materials to add warmth. Photo Credit: Michael Hospelt

Converted from an existing Tuff Shed garage, the Beech Haus ADU welcomes short stay guests in the heart of the bustling Williams Corridor neighborhood. Natural light dominates this self-contained unit, with windows on all sides, yet maintains privacy from the primary unit. Double pocket doors between the Living and Bedroom areas offer spatial flexibility to accommodate a variety of guests and preferences. And the open vaulted ceiling makes the space feel airy and interconnected, with a playful nod to its origin as a truss-framed garage. A play on the words Beach House, we approached this space as if it were a cottage on the coast. Durable and functional, with simplicity of form, this home away from home is cozied with curated treasures and accents. We like to personify it as a vacationer: breezy, lively, and carefree.

Stacy Bass Photography
Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized coastal l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen idea in New York with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, an island, a farmhouse sink, solid surface countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Photo Credit: Betsy Bassett
Mid-sized transitional freestanding desk dark wood floor and beige floor study room photo in Boston with gray walls and no fireplace

A circular stone terrace is the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine after work. The larger gravel terrace below accommodates a small crowd for dinner or s'mores around the custom metal fireplace. Small trees and a gentle slope help define two very different seating areas in a compact back garden. mosaic-gardens.com

Savor every moment in a kitchen equipped with Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove. Like the perfect marriage of traditional and contemporary design, performance meets flexibility in a suite of customizable specialist appliances crafted to complement any transitional space.

This Beautiful Country Farmhouse rests upon 5 acres among the most incredible large Oak Trees and Rolling Meadows in all of Asheville, North Carolina. Heart-beats relax to resting rates and warm, cozy feelings surplus when your eyes lay on this astounding masterpiece. The long paver driveway invites with meticulously landscaped grass, flowers and shrubs. Romantic Window Boxes accentuate high quality finishes of handsomely stained woodwork and trim with beautifully painted Hardy Wood Siding. Your gaze enhances as you saunter over an elegant walkway and approach the stately front-entry double doors. Warm welcomes and good times are happening inside this home with an enormous Open Concept Floor Plan. High Ceilings with a Large, Classic Brick Fireplace and stained Timber Beams and Columns adjoin the Stunning Kitchen with Gorgeous Cabinets, Leathered Finished Island and Luxurious Light Fixtures. There is an exquisite Butlers Pantry just off the kitchen with multiple shelving for crystal and dishware and the large windows provide natural light and views to enjoy. Another fireplace and sitting area are adjacent to the kitchen. The large Master Bath boasts His & Hers Marble Vanity's and connects to the spacious Master Closet with built-in seating and an island to accommodate attire. Upstairs are three guest bedrooms with views overlooking the country side. Quiet bliss awaits in this loving nest amiss the sweet hills of North Carolina.

Flavin Architects was chosen for the renovation due to their expertise with Mid-Century-Modern and specifically Henry Hoover renovations. Respect for the integrity of the original home while accommodating a modern family’s needs is key. Practical updates like roof insulation, new roofing, and radiant floor heat were combined with sleek finishes and modern conveniences. Photo by: Nat Rea Photography

Elegant home theater photo in Miami

We love a kitchen transformation because it really impacts a family's lives! This bright and airy kitchen was dark and dated and in desperate need of an upgrade to accommodate a busy family. What used to be a 70s glass block wall is now the dramatic stone backsplash and a new rich blue island brings color and lots of extra storage to the space. We used beautiful custom counter stools to make the island a gathering or work-from-home spot, while the built-in banquette provides a comfortable setting for breakfast. There's a built-in coffee station with a metal mesh panel near the beverage center. We mixed soft brushed brass and matte black metal finishes for the hardware and plumbing.

Beach style 3/4 beige tile, gray tile and subway tile gray floor alcove shower photo in Los Angeles with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, a hinged shower door and gray countertops