The Inverness Bathroom remodel had these goals: to complete the work while allowing the owner to continue to use their workshop below the project's construction, to provide a high-end quality product that was low-maintenance to the owners, to allow for future accessibility, more natural light and to better meet the daily needs of both the husband's and wife's lifestyles. The first challenge was providing the required structural support to continue to clear span the two cargarage below which housed a workshop. The sheetrock removal, framing and sheetrock repairs and painting were completed first so the owner could continue to use his workshop, as requested. The HVAC supply line was originally an 8" duct that barely fit in the roof triangle between the ridge pole and ceiling. In order to provide the required air flow to additional supply vents in ceiling, a triangular duct was fabricated allowing us to use every square inch of available space. Since every exterior wall in the space adjoined a sloped ceiling, we installed ventilation baffles between each rafter and installed spray foam insulation.This project more than doubled the square footage of usable space. The new area houses a spaciousshower, large bathtub and dressing area. The addition of a window provides natural light. Instead of a small double vanity, they now have a his-and-hers vanity area. We wanted to provide a practical and comfortable space for the wife to get ready for her day and were able to incorporate a sit down make up station for her. The honed white marble looking tile is not only low maintenance but creates a clean bright spa appearance. The custom color vanities and built in linen press provide the perfect contrast of boldness to create the WOW factor. The sloped ceilings allowed us to maximize the amount of usable space plus provided the opportunity for the built in linen press with drawers at the bottom for additional storage. We were also able to combine two closets and add built in shelves for her. This created a dream space for our client that craved organization and functionality. A separate closet on opposite side of entrance provided suitable and comfortable closet space for him. In the end, these clients now have a large, bright and inviting master bath that will allow for complete accessibility in the future.

Example of a beach style bathroom design in Providence

Still Capture Photography
Transitional master black tile cement tile floor and multicolored floor walk-in shower photo in Cleveland with flat-panel cabinets, a two-piece toilet, beige walls, an undermount sink, a hinged shower door and beige countertops

Inspiration for a timeless living room remodel in Cedar Rapids

New Additions to Hoover + Hill This project is a continuation of the renovation and updating work Flavin Architects had previously completed at the 1958 Wales house, designed by architect Henry Hoover and Walter Hill. Our clients, a young family, desired more space for guests, a home office, a yoga studio, and covered car parking. The challenge was to respect the architects’ original vision and not to interfere with the perfect cruciform plan of the house. To accomplish these goals, we converted the existing garage/workshop structure into a guest house and then designed a new, separate carport/storage building. The new carport building shares the low-slope gable of the original Hoover structure. The post and beam structure characteristic of Hoover’s design is updated through the use of galvanized steel posts and I beams. The galvanized beams cantilever to support a sheltered walkway leading from the parking to a guest house terrace defined in relationship to the three structures surrounding it. The terrace is paved in slate with a central rain garden. Wood lattice clads the carport, providing good ventilation and letting the building glow like a lantern at night. Our guest house renovation celebrates the unique structural timber ceiling of the original garage. We replaced opaque plywood trusses with a slender cable truss structurally engineered by Webb Structural Services. This cable truss allows for a view of the timber ceiling. A wall of glass facing the courtyard replaced the original garage door. A murphy bed in the rear room enables quick conversion from guest quarters to weight room.

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

'Sweet 100' cherry tomatoes growing in a 15-gallon terra-cotta pot. Container-grown tomatoes are more susceptible to blossom end rot, but cherry tomatoes like 'Sweet 100', 'Sungold', and 'Black Cherry' rarely have this problem. Photo by Steve Masley

• A busy family wanted to rejuvenate their entire first floor. As their family was growing, their spaces were getting more cramped and finding comfortable, usable space was no easy task. The goal of their remodel was to create a warm and inviting kitchen and family room, great room-like space that worked with the rest of the home’s floor plan. The focal point of the new kitchen is a large center island around which the family can gather to prepare meals. Exotic granite countertops and furniture quality light-colored cabinets provide a warm, inviting feel. Commercial-grade stainless steel appliances make this gourmet kitchen a great place to prepare large meals. A wide plank hardwood floor continues from the kitchen to the family room and beyond, tying the spaces together. The focal point of the family room is a beautiful stone fireplace hearth surrounded by built-in bookcases. Stunning craftsmanship created this beautiful wall of cabinetry which houses the home’s entertainment system. French doors lead out to the home’s deck and also let a lot of natural light into the space. From its beautiful, functional kitchen to its elegant, comfortable family room, this renovation achieved the homeowners’ goals. Now the entire family has a great space to gather and spend quality time.

An impressive stone chimney works its way up from the basement levels of the home to the rafters to create an extended prow for this view-facing elevation. Combining extended patios on the main level and a walk-out basement leading to a waterfront fire pit, this Canadian home has all of the exterior and interior comforts of a traditional, yet modern timber frame home. Photos: Copyright Heidi Long, Longview Studios, Inc.

When Cummings Architects first met with the owners of this understated country farmhouse, the building’s layout and design was an incoherent jumble. The original bones of the building were almost unrecognizable. All of the original windows, doors, flooring, and trims – even the country kitchen – had been removed. Mathew and his team began a thorough design discovery process to find the design solution that would enable them to breathe life back into the old farmhouse in a way that acknowledged the building’s venerable history while also providing for a modern living by a growing family. The redesign included the addition of a new eat-in kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms, wrap around porch, and stone fireplaces. To begin the transforming restoration, the team designed a generous, twenty-four square foot kitchen addition with custom, farmers-style cabinetry and timber framing. The team walked the homeowners through each detail the cabinetry layout, materials, and finishes. Salvaged materials were used and authentic craftsmanship lent a sense of place and history to the fabric of the space. The new master suite included a cathedral ceiling showcasing beautifully worn salvaged timbers. The team continued with the farm theme, using sliding barn doors to separate the custom-designed master bath and closet. The new second-floor hallway features a bold, red floor while new transoms in each bedroom let in plenty of light. A summer stair, detailed and crafted with authentic details, was added for additional access and charm. Finally, a welcoming farmer’s porch wraps around the side entry, connecting to the rear yard via a gracefully engineered grade. This large outdoor space provides seating for large groups of people to visit and dine next to the beautiful outdoor landscape and the new exterior stone fireplace. Though it had temporarily lost its identity, with the help of the team at Cummings Architects, this lovely farmhouse has regained not only its former charm but also a new life through beautifully integrated modern features designed for today’s family. Photo by Eric Roth

The house was completely torn down, and was rebuilt. To help lower construction costs, we determined that foundations can safely continue to support a structure long into the future. Our design philosophy is to create balance and to increase the positive energy flow in your home, that being said, we design a HAPPY home for You and Your wellbeing!

This newly constructed custom family home was designed from the ground up to meet the evolving needs of a young family. The layout balances open-concept living with quiet, more private moments, creating a home that is both stylish and functional. Every detail has been considered for both day-to-day living and long-term enjoyment. A curated palette of natural materials ensures a sense of calm and continuity throughout the home. The thoughtful layout supports daily life, while layered materials and refined details create a calming atmosphere. Most importantly, it’s a home that the family can grow into—designed with both the present and future in mind.

The bare furnishing typical of Finnish design is perfectly according to our U-light suspensions, the last born lamps by Axo Light. The Iittala & Arabia Design Centre, recently opened at the Arabia Center, offers a diverse programme of activities for audiences with an interest in design. The design centre shop has also been revamped, it presents the extensive range of Iittala and Arabia products where they were originally created. The Design Centre tells the story of the brands and presents the expertise of today and of the future. The centre is located in Arabia, Helsinki, where the history of the brands has been made for more than 130 years and they continue to be developed with passion.

Referred to inside H&H as “the basement of dreams,” this project transformed a raw, dark, unfinished basement into a bright living space flooded with daylight. Working with architect Sean Barnett of Polymath Studio, Hammer & Hand added several 4’ windows to the perimeter of the basement, a new entrance, and wired the unit for future ADU conversion. This basement is filled with custom touches reflecting the young family’s project goals. H&H milled custom trim to match the existing home’s trim, making the basement feel original to the historic house. The H&H shop crafted a barn door with an inlaid chalkboard for their toddler to draw on, while the rest of the H&H team designed a custom closet with movable hanging racks to store and dry their camping gear. Photography by Jeff Amram.

This newly constructed custom family home was designed from the ground up to meet the evolving needs of a young family. The layout balances open-concept living with quiet, more private moments, creating a home that is both stylish and functional. Every detail has been considered for both day-to-day living and long-term enjoyment. A curated palette of natural materials ensures a sense of calm and continuity throughout the home. The thoughtful layout supports daily life, while layered materials and refined details create a calming atmosphere. Most importantly, it’s a home that the family can grow into—designed with both the present and future in mind.

This newly constructed custom family home was designed from the ground up to meet the evolving needs of a young family. The layout balances open-concept living with quiet, more private moments, creating a home that is both stylish and functional. Every detail has been considered for both day-to-day living and long-term enjoyment. A curated palette of natural materials ensures a sense of calm and continuity throughout the home. The thoughtful layout supports daily life, while layered materials and refined details create a calming atmosphere. Most importantly, it’s a home that the family can grow into—designed with both the present and future in mind.

The future of housing is not about owning the biggest home on the block. It’s about finding a home—and a community—that aligns with how people actually want to live. Buyers today are prioritizing: Smart, efficient spaces Wellness-focused environments Outdoor living and connection Community-centered neighborhoods And as these priorities continue to shape the housing market, communities like Houston High Rise Condos at The Parklane represent a new model of modern living—one that places lifestyle, balance, and thoughtful design at the center of the homebuying experience.

This newly constructed custom family home was designed from the ground up to meet the evolving needs of a young family. The layout balances open-concept living with quiet, more private moments, creating a home that is both stylish and functional. Every detail has been considered for both day-to-day living and long-term enjoyment. A curated palette of natural materials ensures a sense of calm and continuity throughout the home. The thoughtful layout supports daily life, while layered materials and refined details create a calming atmosphere. Most importantly, it’s a home that the family can grow into—designed with both the present and future in mind.

The house was completely torn down, and was rebuilt. To help lower construction costs, we determined that foundations can safely continue to support a structure long into the future. Our design philosophy is to create balance and to increase the positive energy flow in your home, that being said, we design a HAPPY home for You and Your wellbeing!