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. Eric Roth Photo

Lori Dennis Interior Design SoCal Contractor Construction Erika Bierman Photography
Example of a large transitional enclosed medium tone wood floor living room design in San Diego with white walls

Dimensions vary based on arm style selected. Design your own sofa, sectional or chair by specifying a frame size; arm, base, cushion and back styles; and one of many fabrics. Then we custom-create the seat for you and have it ready for delivery in just 30 days. The body shown here is large.

Features: Contemporary modern sectional sofa with throw pillows Plush cushioning Log shaped head rests Left facing chaise Veneer ledge for drinks Contemporary built-in light to give off an ambient glow Storage compartment Leather / leather match Dimensions: 1 Seater w/ end table: W50" x D37" x H35"/41" Corner: W50" x D38" x H35" 2 Seater: W63" x D37" x H35" Chaise: W78" x D52" x H35"/41"

unway style and fashion come together in this beautifully designed oasis. The Julia features a curved design with luxurious back pillows. Sectional has a hardwood frame covered in soft Italian leather. The beautifully finished wooden top and attached side tables add style and function. Sectional can special be ordered in various leather and wood combinations. Sectional: 195"x 50"x 32" Chaise Lounge: 97"x 53"x 32"

A gracefully contemporary designed sofa, this modern sectional gives emphasis to expediency and functionality. Serving two purposes is the big leveled armrest on one side of the sofa as it can also be utilized as a table for your other items. A broad, flat armrest is attached near the chaise while supporting your head are the tilted back cushions. Coordinating throw pillows are included in this sectional that is supported by stainless steel legs. Features: Bonded leather upholstery where body touches PVC Color matched upholstery where your body does not touch Special order item 10-14 Weeks May be ordered in different colors Dimensions: 3 Seater: W80" x D36" x H32" Corner: W65" x D65" x H32" 2 Seater: W64" x D36" x H32" Chaise: W67" x D41" x H32"

Easily position the set into an outdoor daybed with the two end sectionals, and extend it with the ottoman/fill sectional in between. The Aman Dais 3 pc Teak Chaise features: 1 Aman Dais Ottoman/Fill Teak Sectional and 2 Aman Dais End Teak Sectionals. Cushions and bolster pillows included for the fill sectional and end sectionals. Made with Quick Dry Foam® core and 100% solution dyed Sunbrella fabrics. Built from 100% Grade A Teak, harvested from sustainable plantations in Indonesia. Every piece is precision manufactured to standard specifications for commercial and residential use. Optional Teak Finishes available.

Easily position the set into love seats or sofas with the end sectionals, or into an L-shaped lounge sofa with the corner sectional. The ottoman/fill sectional can be used as a bench, footrest, or to extend any configuration. The Aman Dais 6 pc Teak Sectional features: 1 Aman Dais Corner Sectional, 3 Aman Dais End Sectionals and 2 Aman Dais Ottoman/Fill Sectionals. Cushions and bolster pillows included for the corner sectional, end sectionals and ottoman/fill sectionals. Made with Quick Dry Foam® core and 100% solution dyed Sunbrella fabrics. Built from 100% Grade A Teak, harvested from sustainable plantations in Indonesia. Every piece is precision manufactured to standard specifications for commercial and residential use. Optional Teak Finishes available.

Features: Color: Gray With Dark Red Accents Upholstered In Bonded Leather Left Facing Chaise 2 Headrests Book Display in Armrest Light At End Of Chaise Available in Other Colors By Special Order (10-14 Weeks) Dimensions: Chaise: W81" x D51" x H29" 2 Seater: W47" x D35" x H29" Corner: W35" x D35" x H29" 2 Seater: W61" x D35" x H29"

Features: Color: Brown With White Accents Upholstered In Bonded Leather Left Facing Chaise 2 Headrests Middle End Table 6 Throw Pillows Included Available in Other Colors and Leather By Special Order (10-14 Weeks) Dimensions: Chaise: W79" x D50" x H35" 2 Seater: W67" x D37" x H35" Corner: W37" x D37" x H35" 3 Seater: W67" x D37" x H35"

Features: Upholstered in luxurious leather Color: Beige Highest quality leather in combination with the best leather match Solid hardwood frame construction Overstuffed back seat cushions Slick built-in end tables Sleek dark legs Premium stitched seat cushions with tufts High resilient cushions for maximum support and comfort Dimensions: Sofa: L84" x D39" x H31" Chaise: L95" x D39" x H31

Features: Front: Top Grain Leather / Back: Leather Match Padded seat, arms, and back ensure maximum comfort Lighting on the leather wrapped base extension gives off a soft, ambient glow End table armrest keeps drinks or reading materials handy Sturdy kiln-dried hardwood inner frame ensures long-lasting use Contemporary and practical addition to your living space Sectional includes sofa and chaise Dimensions: Sofa: 65"W x 37.5"D x 29.5"H Chaise: 52"W x 75"D x 29.5"H Overall: 117"W x 37.5"/75"D x 29.5"H

Features: Tufted leather Color: Beige Built in wooden end tables with red accents Stainless steel legs Real leather in the front, high quality leather match material on the back May be ordered in different colors and variations (Special Order) Dimensions: Section Overall: W122.5" x D89 / 35" x H30" Sofa: W85.5" x D37" x H35" Chaise: W37" x D89" x H35"

Features: White leather upholstery exudes a clean, contemporary look High quality leather match on the back Plush padding on seat, arms, and back for maximum comfort The attached end table offers extra space for drinks or decorative items Built-in battery operated lighting gives off a soft, ambient glow Contrasting black accent on the end tables adds style Sturdy construction for long-lasting use Stylish addition to your living space Sectional includes chaise, sofa, corner seat, and 1-seater Dimensions: Chaise: 53"W x 63"D x 38.5"H Sofa: 61.5"W x 36"D x 38.5"H Corner Seat: 44.5"W x 44.5"D x 38.5"H 1-Seater: 46"W x 36"D x 38.5"H

Features: Modern Sectional Sofa Upholstered in Top Grain Italian Leather where your body touches, leather split elsewhere Elegant and Sturdy Design All of the seats and backs are high density (1.9) foam to give comfort and support Adjustable Headrests Color: Black Dimensions: 3 seater: W76" x D39" x H35" Chaise: W92" x D39" x H35"

Example of a trendy dark wood floor living room design in Nashville with no fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Brad Haines knows a thing or two about building things. The intensely creative and innovative founder of Oklahoma City-based Haines Capital is the driving force behind numerous successful companies including Bank 7 (NASDAQ BSVN), which proudly reported record year-end earnings since going public in September of last year. He has beautifully built, renovated, and personally thumb printed all of his commercial spaces and residences. “Our theory is to keep things sophisticated but comfortable,” Brad says. That’s the exact approach he took in his personal haven in Nichols Hills, Oklahoma. Painstakingly renovated over the span of two years by Candeleria Foster Design-Build of Oklahoma City, his home boasts museum-white, authentic Venetian plaster walls and ceilings; charcoal tiled flooring; imported marble in the master bath; and a pretty kitchen you’ll want to emulate. Reminiscent of an edgy luxury hotel, it is a vibe conjured by Cantoni designer Nicole George. “The new remodel plan was all about opening up the space and layering monochromatic color with lots of texture,” says Nicole, who collaborated with Brad on two previous projects. “The color palette is minimal, with charcoal, bone, amber, stone, linen and leather.” “Sophisticated“Sophisticated“Sophisticated“Sophisticated“Sophisticated Nicole helped oversee space planning and selection of interior finishes, lighting, furnishings and fine art for the entire 7,000-square-foot home. It is now decked top-to-bottom in pieces sourced from Cantoni, beginning with the custom-ordered console at entry and a pair of Glacier Suspension fixtures over the stairwell. “Every angle in the house is the result of a critical thought process,” Nicole says. “We wanted to make sure each room would be purposeful.” To that end, “we reintroduced the ‘parlor,’ and also redefined the formal dining area as a bar and drink lounge with enough space for 10 guests to comfortably dine,” Nicole says. Brad’s parlor holds the Swing sectional customized in a silky, soft-hand charcoal leather crafted by prominent Italian leather furnishings company Gamma. Nicole paired it with the Kate swivel chair customized in a light grey leather, the sleek DK writing desk, and the Black & More bar cabinet by Malerba. “Nicole has a special design talent and adapts quickly to what we expect and like,” Brad says. To create the restaurant-worthy dining space, Nicole brought in a black-satin glass and marble-topped dining table and mohair-velvet chairs, all by Italian maker Gallotti & Radice. Guests can take a post-dinner respite on the adjoining room’s Aston sectional by Gamma. In the formal living room, Nicole paired Cantoni’s Fashion Affair club chairs with the Black & More cocktail table, and sofas sourced from Désirée, an Italian furniture upholstery company that creates cutting-edge yet comfortable pieces. The color-coordinating kitchen and breakfast area, meanwhile, hold a set of Guapa counter stools in ash grey leather, and the Ray dining table with light-grey leather Cattelan Italia chairs. The expansive loggia also is ideal for entertaining and lounging with the Versa grand sectional, the Ido cocktail table in grey aged walnut and Dolly chairs customized in black nubuck leather. Nicole made most of the design decisions, but, “she took my suggestions seriously and then put me in my place,” Brad says. She had the master bedroom’s Marlon bed by Gamma customized in a remarkably soft black leather with a matching stitch and paired it with onyx gloss Black & More nightstands. “The furnishings absolutely complement the style,” Brad says. “They are high-quality and have a modern flair, but at the end of the day, are still comfortable and user-friendly.” The end result is a home Brad not only enjoys, but one that Nicole also finds exceptional. “I honestly love every part of this house,” Nicole says. “Working with Brad is always an adventure but a privilege that I take very seriously, from the beginning of the design process to installation.”

Photo: Brian Barkley © 2015 Houzz
Elegant walk-out light wood floor and beige floor living room photo with gray walls and a ribbon fireplace

This gorgeous White Leather Sectional Sofa with Stainless Steel Legs is an Italian style sectional sofa made of white leather and stands on steel legs. With wood frame support and well-cushioned seat, back and armrest, this sectional sofa is comfort and stable. And with adjustable headrest and high quality leather compound with matching material, this sectional sofa will add comfort and style to your living room space. Sleek and functional, this sectional sofa fits elegantly almost in any space. Features: Sectional sofa Model T136C White leather upholstery Adjustable headrests Three piece sofa set version available Real leather in the front, high quality leather match material on the back May be ordered in different colors and variations (Special Order - 10-14 weeks) Dimensions: Sofa: W75" x D43" x H27.5/37" Chaise: W43" x D59" x H27.5/37"