Bar Area of the Basement
Large trendy galley porcelain tile wet bar photo in New York with shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, multicolored backsplash, stone tile backsplash and an undermount sink

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

Mirabelle bathtub, tiled with Dal-tile subway tiles, shampoo niche with 3 travertine shelves. Mirabelle plumbing fixtures.
Bathroom - small traditional master white tile and subway tile porcelain tile bathroom idea in Orange County with a two-piece toilet and white walls

Connor Remodeling and Design Menomonee Falls, WI Kitchen $20,000-$40,000 Open views, more storage, and creating space for an island were the primary objectives of this remodel. Removing soffits and taking cabinets to the ceiling maximized storage. A broom closet was eliminated and a wall was pushed back to create more room for an island. Upgrades that added to the overall room appearance included custom maple painted cabinetry with a dark stained alder island as a contrast, plus the addition of stainless steal appliances.

Monk's Home Improvements
Elegant staircase photo in New York

Basement - mid-sized contemporary underground medium tone wood floor basement idea in New York with beige walls

Inspiration for a large transitional open concept dark wood floor and brown floor living room remodel in Other with white walls, a standard fireplace and a wood fireplace surround

Example of a mid-sized classic slate floor and black floor entryway design in New York with beige walls and a white front door

Powder room - small transitional porcelain tile and gray floor powder room idea in Boston with an integrated sink, recessed-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, a two-piece toilet, gray walls and solid surface countertops

Inspiration for a 3/4 beige tile and ceramic tile ceramic tile and beige floor bathroom remodel in New York with a two-piece toilet, beige walls and tile countertops

Side by side pool and spa in a thin and narrow back yard.
Example of a small trendy backyard concrete paver and custom-shaped pool design in Phoenix

Amy Bartlam
Example of a large trendy l-shaped ceramic tile and gray floor eat-in kitchen design in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, marble backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and medium tone wood cabinets

Basement Bar Area
Large trendy galley porcelain tile home bar photo in New York with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, multicolored backsplash and stone tile backsplash

Our New England customers typically save up to half the cost of buying new custom cabinets. By preserving your existing cabinetry, you can save enough to truly create the kitchen of your dreams. This makes cabinet refacing a second-to-none money saving option for your kitchen remodeling project. You can finally upgrade to a luxury counter-top, add storage accessories, decorative moldings…build in all of those bells and whistles you might have otherwise gone without due to budget concerns.

Example of a mid-sized mountain style master brown tile ceramic tile alcove shower design in Oklahoma City with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, granite countertops, a two-piece toilet and beige walls

Basement
Large arts and crafts underground basement photo in New York

Basement
Large arts and crafts underground basement photo in New York

This retaining wall project in inspired by our Travertina Raw stone. The Travertina Raw collection has been extended to a double-sided, segmental retaining wall system. This product mimics the texture of natural travertine in a concrete material for wall blocks. Build outdoor raised planters, outdoor kitchens, seating benches and more with this wall block. This product line has enjoyed huge success and has now been improved with an ultra robust mix design, making it far more durable than the natural alternative. This is a perfect solution in freeze-thaw climates. Check out our website to shop the look! https://www.techo-bloc.com/shop/walls/travertina-raw/

Inspiration for a small transitional 3/4 beige tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile alcove shower remodel in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops and white walls