With stunning views of the Annisquam River, this beautiful first period home was constructed in 1690 for Nathanial Harraden, sailing master of the USS Constitution. It is believed to be the oldest remaining house in this neighborhood of Gloucester. Our extensive historic restoration preserved the integrity and historic details of the original structure, which had been altered significantly over time. Deteriorated structural elements were repaired or rebuilt, and historic elements including beams were revealed. A bright new kitchen and bathrooms provide a functional layout suited for modern living, and use authentic natural materials that will patina and weather in harmony with the rest of the home. The new island counter was hewn from a large decaying tree on the site, and hand-painted marble tiles adorn the backsplash. New cabinetry was hand-crafted using methods authentic to the time. We preserved the kitchen’s existing brick floor, which originally provided a durable surface for milking animals inside during cold winter months. Using authentic materials and craftsmanship of the era, this special house celebrates its historic character and embraces modern updates that will welcome home generations to come.

Located in the historic Floral Park neighborhood of Santa Ana, this kitchen remodel thoughtfully transformed an outdated Art Deco home into a warm transitional space with subtle European cottage influence. Designed to honor the home's 1930s character while introducing modern functionality, the remodel opened the layout and brought new life to the space through custom cabinetry, vaulted ceilings, and a sprawling central island. Layered with rich textures, decorative wallpaper, and refined blue and brass accents, the kitchen balances timeless character with everyday livability. Original windows were carefully repositioned to enhance natural light and improve flow, while custom details, including the built-in oven niche and induction cooking station, create a highly functional space tailored to modern living.

Located in the historic Floral Park neighborhood of Santa Ana, this kitchen remodel thoughtfully transformed an outdated Art Deco home into a warm transitional space with subtle European cottage influence. Designed to honor the home's 1930s character while introducing modern functionality, the remodel opened the layout and brought new life to the space through custom cabinetry, vaulted ceilings, and a sprawling central island. Layered with rich textures, decorative wallpaper, and refined blue and brass accents, the kitchen balances timeless character with everyday livability. Original windows were carefully repositioned to enhance natural light and improve flow, while custom details, including the built-in oven niche and induction cooking station, create a highly functional space tailored to modern living.

Our client wanted to keep her home’s historic character and charm and chose Forward Design Build Remodel because she knew we could work with her home’s historic bones and honor the original design. The goals for this remodel were to open the older kitchen, preserve the location of the windows, update the finishes and lighting, and better the kitchen's feng shui. Our plan involved maximizing storage in the smaller space without making it feel cluttered and overwhelming while adding luxury and higher-end finishes to the kitchen and bathrooms. Our team utilized custom cabinetry and a two-toned color palette in the kitchen to work with the space and efficiently open up the remaining area. We transformed the bathrooms from outdated, essential to elegant, modern ones with aesthetically pleasing and functional cutouts.

The island is expansive and highly functional to the demands of this historic home. Accommodating two sinks, two dishwashers, a trash pull out, and seating on the back side allows for guests to mingle while efficient food preparation and servicing to occurs. Jaeger & Ernst cabinetmakers worked closely with the Architect to integrate wall cabinetry, panels, moldings and doors to present a space respectful of this historic home. Island doors and paneling received classic collection moldings as the primary decorative element. Bollection moldings are often found in fine old homes and cabinetry. Jaeger & Ernst cabinetmakers: 434-973-7018

Our client wanted to keep her home’s historic character and charm and chose Forward Design Build Remodel because she knew we could work with her home’s historic bones and honor the original design. The goals for this remodel were to open the older kitchen, preserve the location of the windows, update the finishes and lighting, and better the kitchen's feng shui. Our plan involved maximizing storage in the smaller space without making it feel cluttered and overwhelming while adding luxury and higher-end finishes to the kitchen and bathrooms. Our team utilized custom cabinetry and a two-toned color palette in the kitchen to work with the space and efficiently open up the remaining area. We transformed the bathrooms from outdated, essential to elegant, modern ones with aesthetically pleasing and functional cutouts.

With stunning views of the Annisquam River, this beautiful first period home was constructed in 1690 for Nathanial Harraden, sailing master of the USS Constitution. It is believed to be the oldest remaining house in this neighborhood of Gloucester. Our extensive historic restoration preserved the integrity and historic details of the original structure, which had been altered significantly over time. Deteriorated structural elements were repaired or rebuilt, and historic elements including beams were revealed. A bright new kitchen and bathrooms provide a functional layout suited for modern living, and use authentic natural materials that will patina and weather in harmony with the rest of the home. The new island counter was hewn from a large decaying tree on the site, and hand-painted marble tiles adorn the backsplash. New cabinetry was hand-crafted using methods authentic to the time. We preserved the kitchen’s existing brick floor, which originally provided a durable surface for milking animals inside during cold winter months. Using authentic materials and craftsmanship of the era, this special house celebrates its historic character and embraces modern updates that will welcome home generations to come.

A small bathroom we added underneath the stairs in the following stairs, adding form and function to a previously underused area.
Bathroom - small traditional 3/4 light wood floor bathroom idea in Boston with a pedestal sink, a one-piece toilet and blue walls

This completely gutted secondary bathroom on the second floor of the Restoring 836 home was rebuilt from the ground up to blend modern functionality with respect for the home’s historic roots. MDR Design Co. crafted a fresh, neutral space with updated fixtures and finishes that offer durability and style. Located alongside thoughtfully renovated second-floor bedrooms, this bath complements the home’s careful restoration by balancing contemporary comfort with the charm of a Folk-Victorian residence.

Located in the historic Floral Park neighborhood of Santa Ana, this kitchen remodel thoughtfully transformed an outdated Art Deco home into a warm transitional space with subtle European cottage influence. Designed to honor the home's 1930s character while introducing modern functionality, the remodel opened the layout and brought new life to the space through custom cabinetry, vaulted ceilings, and a sprawling central island. Layered with rich textures, decorative wallpaper, and refined blue and brass accents, the kitchen balances timeless character with everyday livability. Original windows were carefully repositioned to enhance natural light and improve flow, while custom details, including the built-in oven niche and induction cooking station, create a highly functional space tailored to modern living.

Located in the historic Floral Park neighborhood of Santa Ana, this kitchen remodel thoughtfully transformed an outdated Art Deco home into a warm transitional space with subtle European cottage influence. Designed to honor the home's 1930s character while introducing modern functionality, the remodel opened the layout and brought new life to the space through custom cabinetry, vaulted ceilings, and a sprawling central island. Layered with rich textures, decorative wallpaper, and refined blue and brass accents, the kitchen balances timeless character with everyday livability. Original windows were carefully repositioned to enhance natural light and improve flow, while custom details, including the built-in oven niche and induction cooking station, create a highly functional space tailored to modern living.

Located in the historic Floral Park neighborhood of Santa Ana, this kitchen remodel thoughtfully transformed an outdated Art Deco home into a warm transitional space with subtle European cottage influence. Designed to honor the home's 1930s character while introducing modern functionality, the remodel opened the layout and brought new life to the space through custom cabinetry, vaulted ceilings, and a sprawling central island. Layered with rich textures, decorative wallpaper, and refined blue and brass accents, the kitchen balances timeless character with everyday livability. Original windows were carefully repositioned to enhance natural light and improve flow, while custom details, including the built-in oven niche and induction cooking station, create a highly functional space tailored to modern living.

Located in the historic Floral Park neighborhood of Santa Ana, this kitchen remodel thoughtfully transformed an outdated Art Deco home into a warm transitional space with subtle European cottage influence. Designed to honor the home's 1930s character while introducing modern functionality, the remodel opened the layout and brought new life to the space through custom cabinetry, vaulted ceilings, and a sprawling central island. Layered with rich textures, decorative wallpaper, and refined blue and brass accents, the kitchen balances timeless character with everyday livability. Original windows were carefully repositioned to enhance natural light and improve flow, while custom details, including the built-in oven niche and induction cooking station, create a highly functional space tailored to modern living.

Located in the historic Floral Park neighborhood of Santa Ana, this kitchen remodel thoughtfully transformed an outdated Art Deco home into a warm transitional space with subtle European cottage influence. Designed to honor the home's 1930s character while introducing modern functionality, the remodel opened the layout and brought new life to the space through custom cabinetry, vaulted ceilings, and a sprawling central island. Layered with rich textures, decorative wallpaper, and refined blue and brass accents, the kitchen balances timeless character with everyday livability. Original windows were carefully repositioned to enhance natural light and improve flow, while custom details, including the built-in oven niche and induction cooking station, create a highly functional space tailored to modern living.

This traditional kitchen, nestled in a charming 1920s home in a historic Chicago neighborhood, beautifully blends classic design with modern functionality. Taupe-painted cabinets lend a soft, timeless elegance, while a rich walnut island adds warmth and a touch of natural sophistication. Glass-fronted cabinets showcase heirloom dishware, and the farmhouse sink offers both practicality and a nod to vintage charm. The stunning quartzite countertops bring a contemporary edge to the space, with their subtle veining and durable beauty. Together, these elements create a kitchen that honors the past while embracing the comfort and style of today.

Located in the historic Floral Park neighborhood of Santa Ana, this kitchen remodel thoughtfully transformed an outdated Art Deco home into a warm transitional space with subtle European cottage influence. Designed to honor the home's 1930s character while introducing modern functionality, the remodel opened the layout and brought new life to the space through custom cabinetry, vaulted ceilings, and a sprawling central island. Layered with rich textures, decorative wallpaper, and refined blue and brass accents, the kitchen balances timeless character with everyday livability. Original windows were carefully repositioned to enhance natural light and improve flow, while custom details, including the built-in oven niche and induction cooking station, create a highly functional space tailored to modern living.

Located in the historic Floral Park neighborhood of Santa Ana, this kitchen remodel thoughtfully transformed an outdated Art Deco home into a warm transitional space with subtle European cottage influence. Designed to honor the home's 1930s character while introducing modern functionality, the remodel opened the layout and brought new life to the space through custom cabinetry, vaulted ceilings, and a sprawling central island. Layered with rich textures, decorative wallpaper, and refined blue and brass accents, the kitchen balances timeless character with everyday livability. Original windows were carefully repositioned to enhance natural light and improve flow, while custom details, including the built-in oven niche and induction cooking station, create a highly functional space tailored to modern living.

Located in the historic Floral Park neighborhood of Santa Ana, this kitchen remodel thoughtfully transformed an outdated Art Deco home into a warm transitional space with subtle European cottage influence. Designed to honor the home's 1930s character while introducing modern functionality, the remodel opened the layout and brought new life to the space through custom cabinetry, vaulted ceilings, and a sprawling central island. Layered with rich textures, decorative wallpaper, and refined blue and brass accents, the kitchen balances timeless character with everyday livability. Original windows were carefully repositioned to enhance natural light and improve flow, while custom details, including the built-in oven niche and induction cooking station, create a highly functional space tailored to modern living.

A respectful renovation balances historical preservation and contemporary design. A historic log cabin, reimagined for a preservation-minded couple. Working with the architect, we thoughtfully swapped extraneous wood for panoramic windows and steel I-beams. The resulting interior feels simultaneously seamless and sophisticated, open and intimate. Layers of texture lend intrigue throughout: rustic timber walls complement the client’s contemporary art collection; plush upholstery softens such as a copious cobalt sectional soften minimalist lines of metal; cozy nooks, like one bridging the living room and master suite, invite relaxation. The master transforms the historic core of the cabin into a refuge defined by logs darkened to near black. Catering to keen chefs, we designed a gourmet kitchen as functional as it is flawless; opting out of a dining room in favor of a larger family area, the expansive kitchen island seats six. Every careful detail reflects the synergy we felt with this client and their respect for both history and design.