Photography by John Merkl
Inspiration for a contemporary light wood floor and beige floor kitchen remodel in San Francisco with shaker cabinets, purple cabinets and stainless steel appliances

A Modern Farmhouse set in a prairie setting exudes charm and simplicity. Wrap around porches and copious windows make outdoor/indoor living seamless while the interior finishings are extremely high on detail. In floor heating under porcelain tile in the entire lower level, Fond du Lac stone mimicking an original foundation wall and rough hewn wood finishes contrast with the sleek finishes of carrera marble in the master and top of the line appliances and soapstone counters of the kitchen. This home is a study in contrasts, while still providing a completely harmonious aura.

Landmark Photography
Beach style single-wall gray floor and concrete floor wet bar photo in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, white backsplash, wood backsplash and white countertops

Inspiration for a large transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen remodel in DC Metro with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, stone tile backsplash, black appliances, an island and white countertops

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

Mid-sized transitional u-shaped medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen photo in Other with recessed-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, mosaic tile backsplash, paneled appliances, an undermount sink, granite countertops, multicolored backsplash and a peninsula

Photo by Thom Greene
Inspiration for a shabby-chic style multicolored floor kitchen remodel in Chicago with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets and blue cabinets

Scott Hargis Photo
Farmhouse u-shaped dark wood floor enclosed kitchen photo in San Francisco with a farmhouse sink, beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, an island and paneled appliances

Eat-in kitchen - transitional u-shaped porcelain tile and white floor eat-in kitchen idea in San Francisco with shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, quartzite countertops, a double-bowl sink and stainless steel appliances

This couple wanted to update their tired, old space into a bright and beautiful dream kitchen. Working with our design team, they created an amazing new space that went above and beyond what they could have imagined. The kitchen needed to flow seamlessly to their open living area and needed to incorporate the old with the new. We kept as many original details as possible, but gave everything a fresh new look. The sleek white cabinets and quartz counter-top mix effortlessly with the warm navy blue lower cabinets and detailed scalloped tile backsplash. The neutral floor anchors the room and keeps your eyes drawn to the upper-half of the light-filled space. These days, what’s old is new again, and using brass accents really makes this kitchen on trend. The pendent lighting and drawer pulls add a touch of elegant, classic nostalgia to the space. All these details come together to give this kitchen a subtle nautical feel which brings the home owners much joy.

Huge tuscan galley travertine floor and brown floor enclosed kitchen photo in Other with raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, beige backsplash, an island and ceramic backsplash

Cape Cod; Dennis, MA The central feature is the kitchen island with its dark, contrasting countertop and traditional turned legs, providing a classic farmhouse aesthetic. Paired with the island are three natural-wood bar stools with woven cane seats, which add warmth and texture to the room. The stools are perfectly positioned for casual dining or conversation. The kitchen's cabinetry is a clean, classic off white shaker style that extends to the refrigerator and a built-in wine cooler, creating a seamless and integrated look. The ceiling design varies, with one section featuring traditional beadboard paneling, a common coastal design element, adding depth and visual interest. Two polished metal pendant lights hang over the island, providing focused task lighting and a touch of modern sophistication. Natural light pours into the space from a large window above the sink, which is flanked by simple white countertops and a backsplash. A vase of fresh green flowers on the island and a wine bottle hint at the room's use for entertaining and everyday living. The warm, wood floors complete the space, tying the natural elements together and grounding the bright, off white design.

This Dover Shores, Newport Beach home was built with a young hip Newport Beach family in mind. Bright and airy finishes were used throughout, with a modern twist. The palette is neutral with lots of geometric blacks, whites and grays. Cement tile, beautiful hardwood floors and natural stone were used throughout. The designer collaborated with the builder on all finishes and fixtures inside and out to create an inviting and impressive home.

Mid-sized elegant dark wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen photo in Philadelphia with a farmhouse sink, white cabinets, granite countertops, gray backsplash, subway tile backsplash, paneled appliances, an island, gray countertops and shaker cabinets

A stainless steel Wolf range is crowned by a custom wood hood surround, concealing a commercial grade venting system and within the island is a built-in microwave which keeps the counters free from heavy looking appliances.

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional galley dark wood floor kitchen pantry remodel in Chicago with glass-front cabinets, blue cabinets, quartzite countertops and white backsplash

Trendy l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen photo in Orange County with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, multicolored backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and black countertops

Inspiration for a huge transitional l-shaped light wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen remodel in Dallas with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, black cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Lucy Call
Kitchen - cottage u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen idea in Salt Lake City with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, a peninsula and white countertops