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

Neeto da Silva
Small trendy bathroom photo in Toronto

Imagine a lazy morning in this casually elegant kitchen, sipping your freshly brewed coffee as natural light pours through floor to ceiling windows. Then imagine being in this kitchen sipping your morning coffee and gazing out at the beautiful rolling landscape of one of New England’s prestigious golf clubs. Imagine . . . The owner of this beautiful contemporary kitchen with its idyllic setting imagined ! And her kitchen designer captured her imagination and brought this inspired space to life in both style and function. Columns of stainless steel are balanced by columns with the warmth of birch wood with just a hint of stain. On an adjacent wall one more wood column rises from floor to ceiling. A strong horizontal line of cabinetry seemingly intersects the vertical columns. While contemporary in design, the cabinetry in this kitchen found its beginnings with the Shakers and the designers of the Craftsman period. Increasing the size of the framing on the doors, accenting the cabinet shapes with square-edged trim and blocks of wood at varying depths, thinly slicing and randomly sizing the natural stone on the accent wall, and choosing oversized stainless steel handles definitively bring this kitchen forward in time. Recycled glass countertops in a soft, quiet color continue to help this kitchen live so harmoniously with its surroundings. As the day unfolds and the lazy morning turns into ambitious meal preparation, it is clear that this kitchen is a chef’s delight. The stainless steel columns incorporate double ovens, a microwave and a steam oven. Two wood columns house a refrigerator and a freezer. The separate wood column reveals pantry storage, and a TV is hidden behind a lift-up door. On the island with its clean, rectangular shape two dishwashers flank the sink. Imagine ! how much more pleasant the task of clean-up is when you overlook the family living space and vista beyond. In the cook center, a complement of drawers provides excellent storage for pots and pans, utensils, spices and herbs around the 5-burner cooktop. A powerful vent with a rear exhaust maintains the horizontal design of the space. And the freshly-brewed coffee in the morning ? It comes from a built-in coffee maker that’s just around the corner from the refrigerator. Along with a wine refrigerator, it creates a beverage and serving center between the kitchen and the dining room. The homeowner envisioned a kitchen that is as beautiful as its surroundings. Her kitchen designer wanted her kitchen to be as functional as it is beautiful. Both agree that this kitchen lives up to their expectations!

Having the opportunity to work with Samantha on her master bathroom remodel was truly a pleasure for us. Her house was built in 1984 and her master bathroom needed a new and fresh new look. In order to achieve the new look, we removed the dated shower, tub and tub surround, the vanity and the flooring. By removing the soffit and nonfunctional storage next to the shower, we increased the shower and made the shower room much larger. We freshened the walls by using the color Drift of Mist from Sherwin Williams. The shower wall and tub surround tiles are from Arizona tile. It is the Bare White Glossy Subway Tile laid in a 3rd offset pattern. This tile pattern gives a fresh update to the classic subway pattern. The shower floor is a porcelain hex tile that looks like Carrara Marble. The niche tile is the Paloma Steel Rhomboid shape tile. Laid in a star pattern. We used a soft contrasting grout to accentuate the tile patterns. We installed Icon Black Hex 24” tile from Arizona Tile. By using this large tile it made the room feel much bigger and completes the industrial look. We installed a custom shower barn door with exposed castors and used the 2 in 1 shower head from Delta. Matching bathroom accessories in the matte black finishes allow for the pop in contrast. We continued the shower tile around the new Kohler Underscore tub. We also used the matte black tub filler as well as the widespread faucet on the vanity.

"Suspenders™ LED system is a delicately scaled, modular system of interconnected elements and suspended LED components. It can be configured as individual lighting sculptures or as a tiered web of infinite scope and variety. Using today’s leadingedge technology, Robert Sonneman has reimagined and greatly expanded his original Suspenders concept from the late 1980s with a lighter scale, increased capability, and wider range of precisely scaled luminaires. Because of the extensive range of possibilities offered by Suspenders, we have preconfigured a collection of arrangements that you can select as shown. You can also modify these arrangements using our configuration tables, or use them as inspiration to create your own completely custom configurations. We will continue to build upon and expand Suspenders as an openframed illumination system of innovative possibilities as we move forward. Two 36” Power Bars, each ceiling mounted by two 18” field-cuttable rod Ceiling Hangers, support three 36” Power Bars each hanging perpendicularly from two 6” Power Bar Hangers. Luminaires hang from the upper Power Bars and interspersed hang from the lower Power Bars in an alternating pattern, all on 12” Luminaire Hangers. Includes Power Feed with surface mounted transformer. Power Feed with remote mounted transformer is available for special order."

Design work for this eclectic 1900’s home in Maplewood started with making infrastructure improvements throughout the house. The new owners wanted systems that would be energy efficient and ecologically friendly. We installed a very high efficiency HVAC system, replaced the piping and plumbing throughout, and specified new super high efficiency windows. Other exterior improvements included new leaders and gutters, insulation, and new siding in some locations. These upgrades were balanced with maintaining as many as the original details of the house as possible. When you walk into the house, you still sense the original character and charm of the house, but are surrounded by modern amenities and environmentally sensitive finishes. Specific renovations include updated and reconfigured bathrooms throughout, a new kitchen, finishing of the basement, and repurposing of several rooms so the house would have better flow. In 2011 the family moved back to New York City, and new owners purchased this Maplewood home. We had the pleaser of working with them to design further improvements to the house necessitated by their growing family. We added a porte cochere, a family-room, and increased the ceiling height in their master bedroom. These improvements augmented our design work previously completed in 2008, and the house continues to be a blend of traditional old-house details with modern, contemporary furnishings that perfectly suite a family with young children.

Nestled in the hills of Orinda, California, this 1951 residence is one of only seven extant homes, now known as “The Magnificent Seven”, designed by architect Olof Dahlstrand, a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright. With its low-slung rooflines, natural materials, and deep integration with the sloping landscape, the home is a pristine example of mid-century modern design inspired by Wright’s organic principles. Over the years, prior homeowners have emphasized preservation, ensuring that the house remained relatively untouched. Each owner has respected the original architecture and stayed true to Dahlstrand’s intent. When a family of five—two college-aged sons and a middle school-aged daughter—acquired the property, they were captivated by its history, legacy of care, and architectural significance. While they appreciated Dahlstrand’s original vision, they also recognized the need to adapt the home for contemporary living while preserving its design integrity. The remodel was conceived as a thoughtful response to the past—an effort to bring the house into the 21st century without compromising its soul. The primary mandate was to maintain architectural continuity while improving the functionality, comfort, and livability for a modern family. The design team—architects and contractor alike—worked with a shared reverence for the original architecture, allowing that mindset to guide even the most technical or pragmatic decisions. A key objective was to increase natural light in the kitchen—a departure from Wrightian principles of enclosed, intimate cooking spaces—while maintaining the home’s architectural language. The kitchen was reconfigured to foster a stronger connection to adjacent living spaces while retaining the underlying concept of spatial separation. One of the most transformative architectural changes was the removal of a ridge beam that was originally planned to remain visible through the kitchen. During construction, the team collaborated on a better solution: a wide-flanged steel beam concealed within the roof envelope. This subtle move preserved the clean lines and ceiling continuity, a modern update carried out with utmost respect for the existing framework. The home’s original powder room, previously accessible only through the kitchen, was relocated for better flow and privacy. A new powder room was carved out of former kitchen cabinetry—a narrow, interior space that could have felt dark and enclosed. To avoid this, the design extended the line of original transom windows into the new powder room and added a skylight above the vanity. The result is a bright and airy space that feels consistent with the rest of the home. Other updates included the installation of new solid-core interior doors with veneers carefully matched to the original mahogany, enhancing the continuity of the interiors. Even smaller decisions, such as placing the door knobs at 42 inches high, mirrored the original proportions. Every choice reflected a shared belief between the architect, contractor, and client: that new work should serve the integrity of the old. The home’s extensive interior redwood millwork and paneling was meticulously restored. Where new materials were introduced—such as the replacement redwood soffit paneling—the contractor took pains to find finish nails that matched the original, rather than using modern equivalents. This level of craftsmanship and collaboration defined the project. It extended even to the detailing of a blind door to the new powder room, which had to disappear into the existing redwood board-and-batten wall. It was a team effort: the owner found a suitable handle, the architects devised the custom in-swing mechanism, and the contractor executed it so the door aligned precisely with the battens. Throughout, the homeowners were deeply engaged in the design process. One, a meticulous design enthusiast, focused on aesthetic integrity and historic detail. The other brought a practical and function-driven perspective, ensuring that new fixtures and materials would be durable and require minimal maintenance. While the home’s location posed no major site challenges, sustainability was a key concern. The team upgraded the roof insulation, installed solar panels with battery storage, and added ductless mini-split cooling systems. Lighting was another area where modern technology was woven into a historic framework: new square LED fixtures echo the original custom perimeter soffit lights, maintaining the design language while offering advanced performance. A planned expansion of a bedroom into suite with a bathroom had to be shelved due to budget constraints and the high cost of below-grade foundation work. Still, the team focused their efforts on making the most of the existing footprint, resolving constraints through design ingenuity rather than adding square footage. This renovation represents a collaborative achievement in preserving and evolving a historically significant home. Every decision was shaped by a shared ethos among clients, architects, and contractor: to maintain the home’s architectural soul while updating it for contemporary life. The result is a timeless modernist residence that continues Olof Dahlstrand’s legacy, remaining grounded in nature, craftsmanship, and human-scale design. Klopf Architecture Team: John Klopf, AIA, Klara Kevane, Fernanda Bernardes
Interior Architectural Design: Klopf Architecture
Structural Engineer: Daniel Bastiao
Contractor: Don Larwood, Larwood Construction Photography: Mariko Reed Year Completed: 2022

Design work for this eclectic 1900’s home in Maplewood started with making infrastructure improvements throughout the house. The new owners wanted systems that would be energy efficient and ecologically friendly. We installed a very high efficiency HVAC system, replaced the piping and plumbing throughout, and specified new super high efficiency windows. Other exterior improvements included new leaders and gutters, insulation, and new siding in some locations. These upgrades were balanced with maintaining as many as the original details of the house as possible. When you walk into the house, you still sense the original character and charm of the house, but are surrounded by modern amenities and environmentally sensitive finishes. Specific renovations include updated and reconfigured bathrooms throughout, a new kitchen, finishing of the basement, and repurposing of several rooms so the house would have better flow. In 2011 the family moved back to New York City, and new owners purchased this Maplewood home. We had the pleaser of working with them to design further improvements to the house necessitated by their growing family. We added a porte cochere, a family-room, and increased the ceiling height in their master bedroom. These improvements augmented our design work previously completed in 2008, and the house continues to be a blend of traditional old-house details with modern, contemporary furnishings that perfectly suite a family with young children.

Laurel Heights Photo features Gray Summit 12 x 24 in a brick pattern on the floor and 12 x 18 on the wall, with 2 x 4 brick-joint mosaics on the wall. We are a customer driven company, focused on increasing our sales and market share. We differ from our competition by our products, presentation, and service while continuing to support our reputation for value and selection. Quickly put…to make Century Tile “simply the best." Century Tile’s eleven locations and commitment to Chicago for over 65 years; First Quality Flooring, Value Pricing, Best In-stock Selection and Knowledgeable Staff. We also have the Midwest’s largest in-stock selection of flooring. We carry over 10,000 styles and colors of floor coverings which we import direct; as well as carry many of the major flooring brands domestically offered. Century Tile’s size and buying power allows us to offer you the best selection of products at the lowest price and best value in Chicago that you can take home today. Century Tile offers you Chicago’s most knowledgeable people who have an average of 12 years flooring experience. Our sales staff will assist you with any flooring project that you might have.

This exterior renovation aimed to revitalize a charming 1960s Southern colonial-style brick home while preserving its timeless appeal. The skilled design team at Revolve embraced the client's vision of a "Transitional Contemporary" style, skillfully blending classic and modern elements to create a truly unique outcome. Revolve updated the home’s curved features, such as the classical columns and rounded bay windows, to achieve this beautiful transformation. They incorporated sleek lines and contemporary materials that exude sophistication. The removal of shutters and the enlargement of existing windows with modern frames and thermal glass enhanced the home’s visual appeal, increased interior natural light, and improved energy efficiency, contributing to the overall well-being of the homeowners. Gone are the days of painted-shut windows; the new windows now open smoothly, bringing a refreshing change! In keeping with the original design of the house, Revolve maintained the existing second-floor porch along the front, eliminating the picket railing and traditional molding. These elements were replaced with square columns and a minimalist custom horizontal metal railing system. Additionally, the team thoughtfully enhanced the continuous masonry façade by removing sections of brick and replacing them with a contemporary wood rainscreen. This adjustment added depth to what was previously a flat elevation and tied together areas of the house that were re-clad from vinyl siding to wood plank. The design team also redefined the geometry of the multiple rooflines and third-floor dormers to create a cohesive overall design. Carefully selected paint and stain colors added warmth and dimension to the updated exterior. Modern elements were introduced into the outdoor space, resulting in a cozy outdoor living area complete with a gas-powered fireplace and a large-screen TV—perfect for enjoying Ravens games with friends and family.

When downsizing to a town home it is important to take advantage of every inch available. This compact laundry area had a side by side washer and dryer and traditional laundry tub. The homeowner wanted a countertop to fold clothes, a place to hang hand washing and storage for laundry supplies. Designer Carol Kornak recommended stacking the washer/dryer and replacing the large laundry tub with a smaller sink allowing space for a folding area. To increase the counter space even more, a wood top was made to span the sink opening to create continuous counter space when needed. Finally, to add a little glam to a utility area, a glass tile backsplash was added that is functional and beautiful.

This exterior renovation aimed to revitalize a charming 1960s Southern colonial-style brick home while preserving its timeless appeal. The skilled design team at Revolve embraced the client's vision of a "Transitional Contemporary" style, skillfully blending classic and modern elements to create a truly unique outcome. Revolve updated the home’s curved features, such as the classical columns and rounded bay windows, to achieve this beautiful transformation. They incorporated sleek lines and contemporary materials that exude sophistication. The removal of shutters and the enlargement of existing windows with modern frames and thermal glass enhanced the home’s visual appeal, increased interior natural light, and improved energy efficiency, contributing to the overall well-being of the homeowners. Gone are the days of painted-shut windows; the new windows now open smoothly, bringing a refreshing change! In keeping with the original design of the house, Revolve maintained the existing second-floor porch along the front, eliminating the picket railing and traditional molding. These elements were replaced with square columns and a minimalist custom horizontal metal railing system. Additionally, the team thoughtfully enhanced the continuous masonry façade by removing sections of brick and replacing them with a contemporary wood rainscreen. This adjustment added depth to what was previously a flat elevation and tied together areas of the house that were re-clad from vinyl siding to wood plank. The design team also redefined the geometry of the multiple rooflines and third-floor dormers to create a cohesive overall design. Carefully selected paint and stain colors added warmth and dimension to the updated exterior. Modern elements were introduced into the outdoor space, resulting in a cozy outdoor living area complete with a gas-powered fireplace and a large-screen TV—perfect for enjoying Ravens games with friends and family.

Having the opportunity to work with Samantha on her master bathroom remodel was truly a pleasure for us. Her house was built in 1984 and her master bathroom needed a new and fresh new look. In order to achieve the new look, we removed the dated shower, tub and tub surround, the vanity and the flooring. By removing the soffit and nonfunctional storage next to the shower, we increased the shower and made the shower room much larger. We freshened the walls by using the color Drift of Mist from Sherwin Williams. The shower wall and tub surround tiles are from Arizona tile. It is the Bare White Glossy Subway Tile laid in a 3rd offset pattern. This tile pattern gives a fresh update to the classic subway pattern. The shower floor is a porcelain hex tile that looks like Carrara Marble. The niche tile is the Paloma Steel Rhomboid shape tile. Laid in a star pattern. We used a soft contrasting grout to accentuate the tile patterns. We installed Icon Black Hex 24” tile from Arizona Tile. By using this large tile it made the room feel much bigger and completes the industrial look. We installed a custom shower barn door with exposed castors and used the 2 in 1 shower head from Delta. Matching bathroom accessories in the matte black finishes allow for the pop in contrast. We continued the shower tile around the new Kohler Underscore tub. We also used the matte black tub filler as well as the widespread faucet on the vanity.

Our Customer wanted to add an additional bathroom in basement to accommodate her growing family. Basements are often an overlooked and underutilized area of the home. With careful design considerations for a basement remodel, the once cold and dark underground space can go from dark and scary to warm and inviting. Whether you are looking to completely remodel your space or increase your footprint by adding in a bathroom to your basement, there are countless transformation ideas to meet your family needs. We created a comfort and style bathroom with a rustic feel laundry room in this dark and unfished area of the basement. This simple basement laundry room was transformed by continuing the reclaimed wood-look tile floors, off-white paint and multipurpose laundry rooms sink. Cozy decorative accents like a whitewashed barn door and painting the framework and ceiling gave this space a rustic feel the Customer wanted. The Whitewash barn door added a distinctive rustic look, while providing dual function of privacy and decor without taking up extra space. Photo Credit: Suzanne Kalmin, Social Bug

Having the opportunity to work with Samantha on her master bathroom remodel was truly a pleasure for us. Her house was built in 1984 and her master bathroom needed a new and fresh new look. In order to achieve the new look, we removed the dated shower, tub and tub surround, the vanity and the flooring. By removing the soffit and nonfunctional storage next to the shower, we increased the shower and made the shower room much larger. We freshened the walls by using the color Drift of Mist from Sherwin Williams. The shower wall and tub surround tiles are from Arizona tile. It is the Bare White Glossy Subway Tile laid in a 3rd offset pattern. This tile pattern gives a fresh update to the classic subway pattern. The shower floor is a porcelain hex tile that looks like Carrara Marble. The niche tile is the Paloma Steel Rhomboid shape tile. Laid in a star pattern. We used a soft contrasting grout to accentuate the tile patterns. We installed Icon Black Hex 24” tile from Arizona Tile. By using this large tile it made the room feel much bigger and completes the industrial look. We installed a custom shower barn door with exposed castors and used the 2 in 1 shower head from Delta. Matching bathroom accessories in the matte black finishes allow for the pop in contrast. We continued the shower tile around the new Kohler Underscore tub. We also used the matte black tub filler as well as the widespread faucet on the vanity.

Design work for this eclectic 1900’s home in Maplewood started with making infrastructure improvements throughout the house. The new owners wanted systems that would be energy efficient and ecologically friendly. We installed a very high efficiency HVAC system, replaced the piping and plumbing throughout, and specified new super high efficiency windows. Other exterior improvements included new leaders and gutters, insulation, and new siding in some locations. These upgrades were balanced with maintaining as many as the original details of the house as possible. When you walk into the house, you still sense the original character and charm of the house, but are surrounded by modern amenities and environmentally sensitive finishes. Specific renovations include updated and reconfigured bathrooms throughout, a new kitchen, finishing of the basement, and repurposing of several rooms so the house would have better flow. In 2011 the family moved back to New York City, and new owners purchased this Maplewood home. We had the pleaser of working with them to design further improvements to the house necessitated by their growing family. We added a porte cochere, a family-room, and increased the ceiling height in their master bedroom. These improvements augmented our design work previously completed in 2008, and the house continues to be a blend of traditional old-house details with modern, contemporary furnishings that perfectly suite a family with young children.

This exterior renovation aimed to revitalize a charming 1960s Southern colonial-style brick home while preserving its timeless appeal. The skilled design team at Revolve embraced the client's vision of a "Transitional Contemporary" style, skillfully blending classic and modern elements to create a truly unique outcome. Revolve updated the home’s curved features, such as the classical columns and rounded bay windows, to achieve this beautiful transformation. They incorporated sleek lines and contemporary materials that exude sophistication. The removal of shutters and the enlargement of existing windows with modern frames and thermal glass enhanced the home’s visual appeal, increased interior natural light, and improved energy efficiency, contributing to the overall well-being of the homeowners. Gone are the days of painted-shut windows; the new windows now open smoothly, bringing a refreshing change! In keeping with the original design of the house, Revolve maintained the existing second-floor porch along the front, eliminating the picket railing and traditional molding. These elements were replaced with square columns and a minimalist custom horizontal metal railing system. Additionally, the team thoughtfully enhanced the continuous masonry façade by removing sections of brick and replacing them with a contemporary wood rainscreen. This adjustment added depth to what was previously a flat elevation and tied together areas of the house that were re-clad from vinyl siding to wood plank. The design team also redefined the geometry of the multiple rooflines and third-floor dormers to create a cohesive overall design. Carefully selected paint and stain colors added warmth and dimension to the updated exterior. Modern elements were introduced into the outdoor space, resulting in a cozy outdoor living area complete with a gas-powered fireplace and a large-screen TV—perfect for enjoying Ravens games with friends and family.

Built by Schumacher Homes, America's Largest Custom Home Builder, this stunning Charleston II American Tradition in Greenville, South Carolina, effortlessly balances traditional architectural details with modern elements. Based on one of our most popular floor plans, the Charleston II offers increased square footage and abundant storage solutions tailored for modern living. The heart of the home is an expansive, open-concept great room defined by classic wall paneling details and a custom iron railing that perfectly completes the home’s refined traditional style. This grand living space flows seamlessly into a chef-ready kitchen equipped with generous counter space, a large central island to gather around, and a giant walk-in pantry. To manage busy family schedules, an oversized laundry and mudroom zone has been upgraded with dramatic floor-to-ceiling tile, a custom bench locker, and integrated coat hooks to keep the home perfectly organized. The thoughtful layout continues with a perfectly placed pocket office, offering a quiet, dedicated space to organize daily tasks or work from home. This pocket office leads gracefully into the luxurious owner’s retreat, a private main-level sanctuary showcasing an expansive primary bath and two large walk-in closets. To elevate the primary suite's design aesthetic, the bedroom features a show-stopping beamed cathedral ceiling that adds striking verticality and architectural detail. A smart split-bedroom layout ensures ultimate privacy for the entire family, keeping the additional secondary bedrooms situated on the completely opposite side of the residence so everyone can enjoy their own independent space.

Design work for this eclectic 1900’s home in Maplewood started with making infrastructure improvements throughout the house. The new owners wanted systems that would be energy efficient and ecologically friendly. We installed a very high efficiency HVAC system, replaced the piping and plumbing throughout, and specified new super high efficiency windows. Other exterior improvements included new leaders and gutters, insulation, and new siding in some locations. These upgrades were balanced with maintaining as many as the original details of the house as possible. When you walk into the house, you still sense the original character and charm of the house, but are surrounded by modern amenities and environmentally sensitive finishes. Specific renovations include updated and reconfigured bathrooms throughout, a new kitchen, finishing of the basement, and repurposing of several rooms so the house would have better flow. In 2011 the family moved back to New York City, and new owners purchased this Maplewood home. We had the pleaser of working with them to design further improvements to the house necessitated by their growing family. We added a porte cochere, a family-room, and increased the ceiling height in their master bedroom. These improvements augmented our design work previously completed in 2008, and the house continues to be a blend of traditional old-house details with modern, contemporary furnishings that perfectly suite a family with young children.