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

With two little boys and lots of big boys working in our office, there's a lot of mud, boots and man "stuff." That's why we created the perfect rustic mudroom that will (try to) keep all that dirt contained.

This mudroom is finished in grey melamine with shaker raised panel door fronts and butcher block counter tops. Bead board backing was used on the wall where coats hang to protect the wall and providing a more built-in look. Bench seating is flanked with large storage drawers and both open and closed upper cabinetry. Above the washer and dryer there is ample space for sorting and folding clothes along with a hanging rod above the sink for drying out hanging items. Designed by Jamie Wilson for Closet Organizing Systems

Mudroom by Brynn Olson Design Group, Photography by Cynthia Lynn Kim
Mudroom - transitional multicolored floor mudroom idea in Chicago

Our design transformed a dark, unfinished breezeway into a bright, beautiful and highly functional space for a family of five. The homeowners wanted to keep the remodel within the existing space, which seemed like a challenge given it was made up of 4 doors, including 2 large sliders and a window. We removed by sliding doors and replaced one with a new glass front door that became the main entry from the outside of the home. The removal of these doors along with the window allowed us to place six lockers, a command center and a bench in the space. The old heavy door that used to lead from the breezeway into the house was removed and became an open doorway. The removal of this door makes the mudroom feel like part of the home and the adjacent kitchen even feels larger. Instead of tiling the floor, it was hand-painted with a custom paisley design in a bright turquoise color and coated multiple times with a clear epoxy coat for durability.

Mudroom - large transitional dark wood floor mudroom idea in New York with gray walls

Storage was another goal of the project. Our clients wanted a functional option, but did not want to sacrifice organization and aesthetic. A built-in mudroom bench serves all of these needs. Photo Credit: Mike Irby

Utility room - large transitional galley porcelain tile and gray floor utility room idea in Philadelphia with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, gray walls, a side-by-side washer/dryer and black countertops

This custom built mudroom in Marietta offers individual lockers and cubbies for this mother of four. Features include white raised panel doors and drawer fronts, beadboard backing, robe hooks, lots of overhead and below storage, and chrome hardware.

Bench at exit door, for putting on and removing footwear. Photography by Broadreach New Media
Example of a small classic mudroom design in Chicago

Inspiration for a mid-sized farmhouse slate floor and brown floor mudroom remodel in Portland Maine with beige walls

Dan Cutrona, photographer
Inspiration for a coastal light wood floor and beige floor mudroom remodel in Boston with white walls

The mudroom may be the most unexpected delight in the entire house. It’s a moment of true creative expression—a space that welcomes utility but doesn’t compromise on joy. Wrapped in Rebel Walls' Stripes in Graphite, the walls feel like a playful nod to the rest of the home's bold design direction. But it’s the combination of color, contrast, and function that makes this room shine. Fireclay Tile brings it all together underfoot, with a border in Tidewater and a classic field tile in Tusk—an echo of the palette found in the nearby kitchen. A custom butcher block bench offers seating and warmth, while closed cabinetry provides smart storage for dog gear, coats, and those everyday items that always need a home. And let’s not forget the ceiling—vintage magnolia blossom lights from Shades of Light cast whimsical shadows across the space, making even a quick trip to grab the keys feel like an occasion.

Ruby and Peach Photography
Inspiration for a transitional entryway remodel in Nashville

Centralize your chaos and clutter with storage that helps control it. How about a coat tree or mudroom bench built-in to a nook or in an entryway or hallway. When choosing a coat tree cabinet with a mudroom bench, consider things like storage, style and size. This is our latest Built-In Mudroom Open Bench Cabinet. This cabinet has 1 vertical partition with ample adjustable shelves and is finished in Accent Bright White on Maple. Contact us to create an organizational piece that reflects your needs and style. Schedule a FREE consultation today. 2233 34th Way N Largo, Florida 33771 727-522-2700 sales@accentwoodworking.com https://www.accentwoodworking.com/custom-furniture/

This beautiful traditional style mudroom designed by Tailored Living of Northern Virginia in white welcomes you home and keeps your family organized! This clean and classic style features 4 cubby spaces with beadboard backing, walnut glazing on the doors, and oil-rubbed bronze hardware. Storage is maximized with four upper cabinets, 2 triple hooks in each cubby, and lower drawers.

Photography by Michael J. Lee
Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional ceramic tile utility room remodel in Boston with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white walls and a side-by-side washer/dryer

Tara Benet Design created this 6,000 SF home in downtown Greenwich, CT in close collaboration with Greenwich Building Company. We curated every finish, from custom cabinetry, lighting, stonework all the way to the furnishings.

Entryway - transitional entryway idea in San Francisco