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

Inspiration for a mid-sized country l-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen remodel in Minneapolis with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, gray backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, granite countertops and ceramic backsplash

Full second floor renovation with new expanded bathroom. We started this project by taking down all the second floors plaster on the walls and ceilings. We reframed the bedroom closets to better utilize the space as well as adding a new hallway linen closet. We enlarged the main bathroom giving room for a new show stopping shower. New insulation, drywall, and trims were installed throughout. We also installed all new soft close by pass closet doors, new closet shelving, and black gas pipe closet rods. New Johnson hickory hardwood floors were installed throughout the bedrooms, hall, and stairs in English pub series; color hickory scotch. The bathroom tile work is exceptional and the metallic accent band adds to the look. From the ground up this second floor is brand new and it shows. Everything is now crisp and bright; a totally different space.

Arched brick ceiling with a custom made light fixture. The owners found the parts for this light fixture over the island and had a local artist create this one of a kind fixture. The table with the seating is made from an old bowling alley lane. The pin placement marks can still be seen on the table top. The table is free standing so it can be moved off the island if desired. A reclaimed scupper box is the transition piece from the range hood to the duct work with red accent paint. Peter Nilson Photography

Children's bath
Bathroom - cottage kids' multicolored floor bathroom idea in Los Angeles

Janine Dowling Design, Inc. www.janinedowling.com Photographer: Michael Partenio
Large beach style formal and open concept light wood floor and beige floor living room photo in Boston with white walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

To keep this busy family organized (and out of the cook's way!), dual undercounter refrigerators were placed on the end wall. Now kids can grab a soda from "their" fridge and guests can help themselves to wine or beer from the "adults'" fridge.

Freestanding bathtub - large traditional master porcelain tile and gray floor freestanding bathtub idea in Columbus with beaded inset cabinets, white cabinets, gray walls, an undermount sink, marble countertops and white countertops

Example of a large transitional master beige tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile and beige floor alcove shower design in Minneapolis with flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, a one-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops and white countertops

A spacious colonial in the heart of the waterfront community of Greenhaven still had its original 1950s kitchen. A renovation without an addition added space by reconfiguring, and the wall between kitchen and family room was removed to create open flow. A beautiful banquette was built where the family can enjoy breakfast overlooking the pool. Kitchen Design: Studio Dearborn. Interior decorating by Lorraine Levinson. All appliances: Thermador. Countertops: Pental Quartz Lattice. Hardware: Top Knobs Chareau Series Emerald Pulls and knobs. Stools and pendant lights: West Elm. Photography: Jeff McNamara.

Roehner + Ryan
Example of a mid-sized southwest master ceramic tile and brown floor bedroom design in Phoenix with beige walls

This new second-story addition seamlessly blends with the existing home, respecting its original architectural character. Carefully matched rooflines, siding, trim, and windows create a cohesive, integrated look. The expanded exterior adds both space and elegance, enhancing the home’s overall presence.

This new second-story addition seamlessly blends with the existing home, respecting its original architectural character. Carefully matched rooflines, siding, trim, and windows create a cohesive, integrated look. The expanded exterior adds both space and elegance, enhancing the home’s overall presence.

This new second-story addition seamlessly blends with the existing home, respecting its original architectural character. Carefully matched rooflines, siding, trim, and windows create a cohesive, integrated look. The expanded exterior adds both space and elegance, enhancing the home’s overall presence.

Chicago Lakewood Balmoral 1893 Farmhouse expands into contemporary living. A stunning collaboration between Mindy Wieland of W3 architectural design & Fred M Alsen of fma Interior Design. Contemporary Kitchen featuring Greenfield Cabinetry.

These clients retained MMI to assist with a full renovation of the 1st floor following the Harvey Flood. With 4 feet of water in their home, we worked tirelessly to put the home back in working order. While Harvey served our city lemons, we took the opportunity to make lemonade. The kitchen was expanded to accommodate seating at the island and a butler's pantry. A lovely free-standing tub replaced the former Jacuzzi drop-in and the shower was enlarged to take advantage of the expansive master bathroom. Finally, the fireplace was extended to the two-story ceiling to accommodate the TV over the mantel. While we were able to salvage much of the existing slate flooring, the overall color scheme was updated to reflect current trends and a desire for a fresh look and feel. As with our other Harvey projects, our proudest moments were seeing the family move back in to their beautifully renovated home.

Chicago Lakewood Balmoral 1893 Farmhouse expands into contemporary living. A stunning collaboration between Mindy Wieland of W3 architectural design & Fred M Alsen of fma Interior Design. Contemporary Kitchen featuring Greenfield Cabinetry.

Photo By: Jacob Elliot
Inspiration for a mid-sized 1950s backyard deck remodel in San Francisco with an awning

Chicago Lakewood Balmoral 1893 Farmhouse expands into contemporary living. A stunning collaboration between Mindy Wieland of W3 architectural design & Fred M Alsen of fma Interior Design. Contemporary Kitchen featuring Greenfield Cabinetry.