Inspiration for a contemporary bedroom remodel in Miami

New staircase for the add-a-level.
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless wooden straight staircase remodel in New York with painted risers

Backyard shed
Shed - mid-sized craftsman detached shed idea in New York

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

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/

White kitchen cabinets seem to be a new trend, and this kitchen includes both white and (very) dark brown cabinets. The stove area stands out with wall tile and a higher overhead shelf.

Exquisite new bathroom finished with white cabinets with furniture feet, light grey quartzite counter top, pivot mirrors, square sink and a one handle sink fixture!! Extra large shower for 2 includes a hand-held shower for her and massage jets for him. Large decorative niche for a dramatic focal point over the bench which is topped with the quartize counter top!!! the water closet has barnwood on wall and a secret hiding spot for the plunger!! Every woman's dream come true!!!!

Redone stairs
Staircase - large traditional wooden u-shaped open staircase idea in New York

If you take inspiration from the natural world, opt for trend-defying calm neutral bathroom. You may not realize how much range you can find—the spectrum runs from warm, earthy browns to cool, contemporary white.

Large transitional master brown tile and travertine tile linoleum floor and black floor alcove shower photo in Other with shaker cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, white walls, an undermount sink, a hinged shower door and solid surface countertops

Farm house themed basement with drift wood finished trim, bathroom, and wet bar
Basement - large farmhouse underground vinyl floor and gray floor basement idea in Chicago with gray walls

Jordan Jones, JDS Home Improvement Egress Specialist
Basement - modern basement idea in DC Metro

stairs leading up from the basement
Mid-sized transitional wooden straight staircase photo in New York with wooden risers

KPN Photo We were called in to remodel this barn house for a new home owner with a keen eye for design. We had the sink made by a concrete contractor We had the base for the sink and the mirror frame made from some reclaimed wood that was in a wood pile. We installed bead board for the wainscoting.

Example of a transitional family room design in Charlotte

Yorktowne Cabinetry manufactured by Elkay, USA
Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless single-wall light wood floor utility room remodel in San Diego with a drop-in sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, gray walls and a side-by-side washer/dryer

Foyer
Inspiration for a huge contemporary underground porcelain tile basement remodel in New York with blue walls

Inspiration for a mid-sized timeless 3/4 porcelain tile alcove shower remodel in Other with recessed-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, gray walls, an undermount sink and granite countertops

Example of a small trendy gray tile and ceramic tile dark wood floor and brown floor powder room design in Orange County with open cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, gray walls, a vessel sink, wood countertops and brown countertops