Large transitional master mosaic tile floor, gray floor and double-sink shower bench photo in Boston with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, gray walls, white countertops and a built-in vanity

The Historic Home lies at the heart of Michael Carter’s passion for interior design. Well versed in the academics of period architecture and antiques, Carter continues to be called on to bring fresh and inspiring ideas to historic properties that are undergoing restoration or redecoration. It is never the goal to have these homes feel like museums. Instead, Carter & Company strives to blend the function of contemporary life with design ideas that are appropriate – they respect the past in a way that is stylish, timeless and elegant.

This is an organic Lime Wash done with a true lime wash product as opposed to a brick mortar or concrete that is often seen on new houses. This product can be applied as a solid coating making the surface completely white, or can be applied and "washed off" in many artistic ways, as seen here. If you hate your brick or just want something unique this is a great option! Photo credit: Jeff Murrey

A historic rowhouse needed a major overhaul for modern efficiency and functionality. Opening up the downstairs, adding a half bath, finishing off the basement and modernizing bathrooms in the upstairs of the home made it fit for a 21st century family while keeping its historic charm.

A historic rowhouse needed a major overhaul for modern efficiency and functionality. Opening up the downstairs, adding a half bath, finishing off the basement and modernizing bathrooms in the upstairs of the home made it fit for a 21st century family while keeping its historic charm.

The exterior of this historic beauty, long in need of repair, was in poor condition. Stucco cracks, paint deterioration, holes in the garage walls, and a dilapidated patio cover created daunting challenges. We carefully and respectfully addressed these issues, breathing new life into the home while maintaining its original charm. Modern enhancements were central to the project’s success. We thoughtfully preserved the existing structure and carefully considered the design lines to ensure rhythm and continuity. We masterfully balanced symmetry and asymmetry, particularly in the new back patio design, which extends the living space and adds a visually cohesive element to the rear of the home. The choice of materials and colors highlights the home’s Spanish Colonial character, with a mix of textures and contrasting hues emphasizing key architectural features. Durable porcelain tiles on the patio floor provide function, safety and beauty. The color palette creates clear transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing flow and safety. The homeowners desired an updated, functional space while preserving the home’s historic characteristics. We navigated the complexities of working with a historic property, coordinating with the Historic Preservation Office to ensure all updates followed established guidelines. We fully realized the homeowner’s vision for a beautiful and functional outdoor space, meeting their need for an inviting outdoor entertaining area.

The owners of this beautiful historic farmhouse had been painstakingly restoring it bit by bit. One of the last items on their list was to create a wrap-around front porch to create a more distinct and obvious entrance to the front of their home. Aside from the functional reasons for the new porch, our client also had very specific ideas for its design. She wanted to recreate her grandmother’s porch so that she could carry on the same wonderful traditions with her own grandchildren someday. Key requirements for this front porch remodel included: - Creating a seamless connection to the main house. - A floorplan with areas for dining, reading, having coffee and playing games. - Respecting and maintaining the historic details of the home and making sure the addition felt authentic. Upon entering, you will notice the authentic real pine porch decking. Real windows were used instead of three season porch windows which also have molding around them to match the existing home’s windows. The left wing of the porch includes a dining area and a game and craft space. Ceiling fans provide light and additional comfort in the summer months. Iron wall sconces supply additional lighting throughout. Exposed rafters with hidden fasteners were used in the ceiling. Handmade shiplap graces the walls. On the left side of the front porch, a reading area enjoys plenty of natural light from the windows. The new porch blends perfectly with the existing home much nicer front facade. There is a clear front entrance to the home, where previously guests weren’t sure where to enter. We successfully created a place for the client to enjoy with her future grandchildren that’s filled with nostalgic nods to the memories she made with her own grandmother. "We have had many people who asked us what changed on the house but did not know what we did. When we told them we put the porch on, all of them made the statement that they did not notice it was a new addition and fit into the house perfectly.” – Homeowner

A gathering of historic Lazy O Ranch buildings merged into contemporary home living. “This home flows perfectly” stated the owner. 'It really functions well."

A gathering of historic Lazy O Ranch buildings merged into contemporary home living. “This home flows perfectly” stated the owner. 'It really functions well."

A gathering of historic Lazy O Ranch buildings merged into contemporary home living. “This home flows perfectly” stated the owner. 'It really functions well."

"Walls are merely suggestions" were the words used by our client to describe how we often approach a remodel - we see spaces as opportunities to carve out useful and beautiful efficiences to combine both form and function. Here we pushed back part of the wall in the hallway (and into the bedroom beyond) to create this sweet office nook which has proved to be a saviour during the pandemic and our work-from-home directives. It gives space for this dedicated function that didn't exist previously.

Vallejo Street San Francisco, CA While restoring the historic front façade, the remodel of this Pacific Heights residence modernizes its layout and takes advantage of expansive views of the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. The project blends the historic character of the original façade with improved functionality and modern, yet warm, materials. Photographer: ©Joe Fletcher

Upper level addition of master suite. Modern layout and functionality while blending effortlessly with original elements of this historic home. Designed and built by Giraffe Design Build

A historic rowhouse needed a major overhaul for modern efficiency and functionality. Opening up the downstairs, adding a half bath, finishing off the basement and modernizing bathrooms in the upstairs of the home made it fit for a 21st century family while keeping its historic charm.

A historic rowhouse needed a major overhaul for modern efficiency and functionality. Opening up the downstairs, adding a half bath, finishing off the basement and modernizing bathrooms in the upstairs of the home made it fit for a 21st century family while keeping its historic charm.

The homeowner of this old, detached garage wanted to create a functional living space with a kitchen, bathroom and second-story bedroom, while still maintaining a functional garage space. We salvaged hickory wood for the floors and built custom fir cabinets in the kitchen with patchwork tile backsplash and energy efficient appliances. As a historical home but without historical requirements, we had fun blending era-specific elements like traditional wood windows, French doors, and wood garage doors with modern elements like solar panels on the roof and accent lighting in the stair risers. In preparation for the next phase of construction (a full kitchen remodel and addition to the main house), we connected the plumbing between the main house and carriage house to make the project more cost-effective. We also built a new gate with custom stonework to match the trellis, expanded the patio between the main house and garage, and installed a gas fire pit to seamlessly tie the structures together and provide a year-round outdoor living space.

A historic rowhouse needed a major overhaul for modern efficiency and functionality. Opening up the downstairs, adding a half bath, finishing off the basement and modernizing bathrooms in the upstairs of the home made it fit for a 21st century family while keeping its historic charm.

The Historic Home lies at the heart of Michael Carter’s passion for interior design. Well versed in the academics of period architecture and antiques, Carter continues to be called on to bring fresh and inspiring ideas to historic properties that are undergoing restoration or redecoration. It is never the goal to have these homes feel like museums. Instead, Carter & Company strives to blend the function of contemporary life with design ideas that are appropriate – they respect the past in a way that is stylish, timeless and elegant.

A historic rowhouse needed a major overhaul for modern efficiency and functionality. Opening up the downstairs, adding a half bath, finishing off the basement and modernizing bathrooms in the upstairs of the home made it fit for a 21st century family while keeping its historic charm.