The first level’s maze-like floorplan accommodated three cramped bedrooms, a bathroom and kitchen and living room. The new program’s focus was to move the kitchen to the back of the house and make it open to the family room and dining area. French doors connect the family space to a rear patio, and large windows flood the open space with natural light. Increasing the ceiling height from 8 to 9 feet also adds to the open feel. This was possible as we were adding a full second story. • Second Story Stairs. It was important for the family that the stairs to the bedrooms be located near the living areas, so instead of stacking stairs to the new second floor over the existing stairs to the basement, the designer placed them near the family room. The designer took the family’s comfort into consideration and created a landing for the stairway. A new window above the two-story stairwell brings in natural light. The under-stair area is fitted with open shelves for decorations and books.

Inspiration for a modern kitchen remodel in San Francisco

Drawing on utility farm buildings, the design of this house is direct in it’s form and organization. Located in a dense St. Paul neighborhood on a narrow 39’ wide lot, the house draws equally from it’s turn of the century neighbors for scale and materiality. The 20’ wide shotgun structure allowed the house to be pushed to the east, opening up the west wall for large windows and the opportunity for an outdoor room. This changed what is normally “nowhere” space between houses into an active extension of the home used to BBQ, play catch, and afford pleasant transition from front to back. Life plays out in the home within three space, the living/dining, the kitchen/breakfast, and the porch/outdoor room. All three are used daily either actively or borrowed. Each is clearly defined and connected to the others through the careful placement or absence of walls or corners, and made more expansive by increased height, defined sightlines, and exposed structure Architect: Ben Awes AIA

Photo by Jeff Herr
Example of a large trendy ceramic tile kitchen design with marble backsplash and an island

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

Transitional living room photo in New York

The goal was to update this 1990's colonial's dated kitchen to improve traffic flow, increase natural light, and create a more functional and integrated connection to the outdoor pool and deck, where the family regularly entertains. The original kitchen had narrow work corridors and poor cabinet storage. Along the back of the kitchen, on the poolside, a 22’ wide by 4’ deep bump out replaced a small existing bump out. A coffered ceiling with crown molding was created, adding elegance and giving the sensation of higher ceilings. The new bump out, which has 9’ ceilings and a wall of large windows, floods the kitchen with light and backyard views. The new bump out features large, passthrough sliding windows, overlooking the pool deck, offering easy access to a floating counter for serving. Screens roll up inside mullion pockets, so the windows do not need to be kept open while serving. The bump out created space for a massive kitchen island with leathered granite counter, anchoring the room. It’s large enough for the kids to do their homework, while Mom and Dad prepare meals. The result is a bright, stylish, more functional kitchen that is better connected to the outdoors and to the rest of the home.

To start, Sweeney removed the header that divided the dining room/seating area and painted the wood ceiling, thereby opening up the space and visually connecting the spaces into one. We then relocated the kitchen door to an existing window space to alter the flow of guests through the room and allow for a full wall of cabinets, increased countertop space, and an island more flexible for multiple users. After demolishing the kitchen, new custom white shaker-style cabinetry was installed, a classic white tile backsplash, and beautiful easy-to-clean gray-marbled laminate countertops. The kitchen was also updated with all new plumbing, and fixtures, including a Kohler chrome faucet, stainless steel sink, and brushed satin nickel pulls.

Martin King Photography --The Project: To take a dated and dysfunctional bathroom and transform it into a grand and stylish Master Bathroom complete with Tudor elements of design. The Challenge: The original ceiling height was not consistent with the rest of the Master Suite and made the space feel extremely closed in. The layout did not allow for a sense of luxury and spaciousness. The Solution: Raising the ceiling and continuing the exposed beam element from the bedroom area visually expanded the space and connected the room to the rest of the Master Suite. Custom designed and crafted cabinetry increased the beauty of the space along with much needed storage. A new layout created the space needed to give the room both volume and function. The Result: A beautiful Master Bathroom that provides every opportunity to relax and enjoy the pleasures of a sophisticated well thought out bathroom.

This modern single-family residence in Bethesda, Maryland, features the NanaWall NW Aluminum 840 system connecting a contemporary kitchen and dining space to a covered deck. Designed for everyday living and entertaining, the project demonstrates how operable glass walls can expand a home’s usable area, increase natural light, and maintain energy efficiency year-round.

Martin King Photography -- The Project: To take a dated and dysfunctional bathroom and transform it into a grand and stylish Master Bathroom complete with Tudor elements of design. The Challenge: The original ceiling height was not consistent with the rest of the Master Suite and made the space feel extremely closed in. The layout did not allow for a sense of luxury and spaciousness. The Solution: Raising the ceiling and continuing the exposed beam element from the bedroom area visually expanded the space and connected the room to the rest of the Master Suite. Custom designed and crafted cabinetry increased the beauty of the space along with much needed storage. A new layout created the space needed to give the room both volume and function. The Result: A beautiful Master Bathroom that provides every opportunity to relax and enjoy the pleasures of a sophisticated well thought out bathroom.

For years, the housing market focused on one primary metric: square footage. Bigger homes, more rooms, and larger footprints were seen as the ultimate measure of value. Today’s homebuyers are thinking differently. In 2026, buyers are increasingly prioritizing how a home supports their lifestyle, not just how large it is. Rising interest rates, hybrid work, wellness priorities, and changing household sizes are shifting demand toward right-sized homes in communities that offer connection, convenience, and quality of life. This shift is redefining what makes a home truly desirable—and communities like The Parklane are perfectly aligned with these evolving priorities.

In the remodel of this loft, the materials took center stage. Leather tile walls in the living room and powder room highlight a striking balance of textures, materials, and color. Dropping the bar counter in the kitchen and wrapping the base in steel dramatically increased the work space but also maintained the social connection, emphasizing the benefits of the open plan. The Master Suite was created by combining the small bathroom with the walk in closet, resulting in a lovely bathroom for two. The large single sink with dual faucets responds to both the spatial limitations as well as the need for two persons to use the sink as the same time. The elimination of the closet is addressed by the addition of 4 foot high cabinetry in the bedroom. Quirky repurposed light fixtures add the finishing touches to an artful and uniquely playful atmosphere.

To start, Sweeney removed the header that divided the dining room/seating area and painted the wood ceiling, thereby opening up the space and visually connecting the spaces into one. We then relocated the kitchen door to an existing window space to alter the flow of guests through the room and allow for a full wall of cabinets, increased countertop space, and an island more flexible for multiple users. After demolishing the kitchen, new custom white shaker-style cabinetry was installed, a classic white tile backsplash, and beautiful easy-to-clean gray-marbled laminate countertops. The kitchen was also updated with all new plumbing, and fixtures, including a Kohler chrome faucet, stainless steel sink, and brushed satin nickel pulls.

To start, Sweeney removed the header that divided the dining room/seating area and painted the wood ceiling, thereby opening up the space and visually connecting the spaces into one. We then relocated the kitchen door to an existing window space to alter the flow of guests through the room and allow for a full wall of cabinets, increased countertop space, and an island more flexible for multiple users. After demolishing the kitchen, new custom white shaker-style cabinetry was installed, a classic white tile backsplash, and beautiful easy-to-clean gray-marbled laminate countertops. The kitchen was also updated with all new plumbing, and fixtures, including a Kohler chrome faucet, stainless steel sink, and brushed satin nickel pulls.

To start, Sweeney removed the header that divided the dining room/seating area and painted the wood ceiling, thereby opening up the space and visually connecting the spaces into one. We then relocated the kitchen door to an existing window space to alter the flow of guests through the room and allow for a full wall of cabinets, increased countertop space, and an island more flexible for multiple users. After demolishing the kitchen, new custom white shaker-style cabinetry was installed, a classic white tile backsplash, and beautiful easy-to-clean gray-marbled laminate countertops. The kitchen was also updated with all new plumbing, and fixtures, including a Kohler chrome faucet, stainless steel sink, and brushed satin nickel pulls.

To start, Sweeney removed the header that divided the dining room/seating area and painted the wood ceiling, thereby opening up the space and visually connecting the spaces into one. We then relocated the kitchen door to an existing window space to alter the flow of guests through the room and allow for a full wall of cabinets, increased countertop space, and an island more flexible for multiple users. After demolishing the kitchen, new custom white shaker-style cabinetry was installed, a classic white tile backsplash, and beautiful easy-to-clean gray-marbled laminate countertops. The kitchen was also updated with all new plumbing, and fixtures, including a Kohler chrome faucet, stainless steel sink, and brushed satin nickel pulls.

The family room was transformed by removing the wall that previously separated it from the kitchen, creating a more open, connected, and functional layout. This structural change enhanced the flow between spaces, increased natural light, and established a seamless transition between the kitchen, dining area, and living room. The result is a brighter, more modern, and highly social environment. The space features continuous hardwood flooring, a fireplace feature wall as the architectural focal point, and custom built‑ins that provide both balance and storage. Warm tones, comfortable furnishings, and the new open layout make this family room the true center of the home—ideal for everyday living and family gatherings.

Patio - farmhouse patio idea in San Francisco