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

Example of a farmhouse staircase design in San Francisco

Exposed rafter trails, custom dentil blocks and half-round gutters.
This is an example of a craftsman porch design in New York.

Home design - 1960s home design idea in Seattle

Westphalen Photography
Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized cottage single-wall eat-in kitchen idea in Burlington with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, black backsplash, stone slab backsplash, paneled appliances, beige walls, engineered wood floors 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

http://www.heidisbridge.com/
Minimalist home design photo in Philadelphia

We accented this Antiqued Farmhouse kitchen Range Vent with a handhewn Barn Beam from a Pennsylvania Barn. The Handcarved Corbel Sets the Barn Beam off nicely

These clients were looking for a designer/builder that would handle everything from concept to completion, providing peace of mind for themselves! “Working alongside Renovisions was a pleasant experience” said our clients as we cared to understand their vision, needs, wants and desires, enabling us to execute their projects successfully and professionally. During the design phase, our well-organized staff listened to the client’s requests and combined several design elements that produced a beautiful, calming and transitional feel to the new kitchen space. During the remodel phase, the clients had these top 5 items on the list of enhancements: * High- functioning ventilation to clear as much odors as possible (When we first met with the clients, they stated, “Something very fishy was going on in their outdated kitchen. Although they enjoyed cooking fish dinners, they fishy odors often annoyed them)! Renovisions designed and installed a wood hood in matching light gray painted finish with a hood liner that provided the maximum ventilation, while staying within the proper building code of a 350cfm air exchange, without having to add a make -up air system which would have added to the cost of the project. *Better functioning ‘Spinner Storage’ for interior storage. The clients loved them in their old kitchen; we furnished and installed new and better-quality spinners storage units. *A unique opening between the kitchen and family room that allowed homeowners to pass meals through as they enjoyed a movie from the family room. *A Smart-Divide porcelain enamel sink with stainless steel grids allow plenty of room for dirty dishes, pots and pans as well as separate areas to prep and wash dishes as needed. * Anti-glare finishes were a must have for these clients; kitchen cabinetry in a matte gray neutral finish, faucet and cabinet hardware in a matte black finish and stunning Cambria quartz countertops in a suede finish set the stage. At completion phase, homeowners were ensured that they were receiving high-quality products, style and craftmanship in the most efficient time frame and were thrilled with look of their new kitchen that also provided plenty of prep, entertaining and seating space. The clients attributes the success of the design to the emotions it inspired when the job was completed – they simply love everything about it!

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

Hallway - modern hallway idea in Houston

These clients were looking for a designer/builder that would handle everything from concept to completion, providing peace of mind for themselves! “Working alongside Renovisions was a pleasant experience” said our clients as we cared to understand their vision, needs, wants and desires, enabling us to execute their projects successfully and professionally. During the design phase, our well-organized staff listened to the client’s requests and combined several design elements that produced a beautiful, calming and transitional feel to the new kitchen space. During the remodel phase, the clients had these top 5 items on the list of enhancements: * High- functioning ventilation to clear as much odors as possible (When we first met with the clients, they stated, “Something very fishy was going on in their outdated kitchen. Although they enjoyed cooking fish dinners, they fishy odors often annoyed them)! Renovisions designed and installed a wood hood in matching light gray painted finish with a hood liner that provided the maximum ventilation, while staying within the proper building code of a 350cfm air exchange, without having to add a make -up air system which would have added to the cost of the project. *Better functioning ‘Spinner Storage’ for interior storage. The clients loved them in their old kitchen; we furnished and installed new and better-quality spinners storage units. *A unique opening between the kitchen and family room that allowed homeowners to pass meals through as they enjoyed a movie from the family room. *A Smart-Divide porcelain enamel sink with stainless steel grids allow plenty of room for dirty dishes, pots and pans as well as separate areas to prep and wash dishes as needed. * Anti-glare finishes were a must have for these clients; kitchen cabinetry in a matte gray neutral finish, faucet and cabinet hardware in a matte black finish and stunning Cambria quartz countertops in a suede finish set the stage. At completion phase, homeowners were ensured that they were receiving high-quality products, style and craftmanship in the most efficient time frame and were thrilled with look of their new kitchen that also provided plenty of prep, entertaining and seating space. The clients attributes the success of the design to the emotions it inspired when the job was completed – they simply love everything about it!

Modern luxury meets warm farmhouse in this Southampton home! Scandinavian inspired furnishings and light fixtures create a clean and tailored look, while the natural materials found in accent walls, casegoods, the staircase, and home decor hone in on a homey feel. An open-concept interior that proves less can be more is how we’d explain this interior. By accentuating the “negative space,” we’ve allowed the carefully chosen furnishings and artwork to steal the show, while the crisp whites and abundance of natural light create a rejuvenated and refreshed interior. This sprawling 5,000 square foot home includes a salon, ballet room, two media rooms, a conference room, multifunctional study, and, lastly, a guest house (which is a mini version of the main house).

These clients were looking for a designer/builder that would handle everything from concept to completion, providing peace of mind for themselves! “Working alongside Renovisions was a pleasant experience” said our clients as we cared to understand their vision, needs, wants and desires, enabling us to execute their projects successfully and professionally. During the design phase, our well-organized staff listened to the client’s requests and combined several design elements that produced a beautiful, calming and transitional feel to the new kitchen space. During the remodel phase, the clients had these top 5 items on the list of enhancements: * High- functioning ventilation to clear as much odors as possible (When we first met with the clients, they stated, “Something very fishy was going on in their outdated kitchen. Although they enjoyed cooking fish dinners, they fishy odors often annoyed them)! Renovisions designed and installed a wood hood in matching light gray painted finish with a hood liner that provided the maximum ventilation, while staying within the proper building code of a 350cfm air exchange, without having to add a make -up air system which would have added to the cost of the project. *Better functioning ‘Spinner Storage’ for interior storage. The clients loved them in their old kitchen; we furnished and installed new and better-quality spinners storage units. *A unique opening between the kitchen and family room that allowed homeowners to pass meals through as they enjoyed a movie from the family room. *A Smart-Divide porcelain enamel sink with stainless steel grids allow plenty of room for dirty dishes, pots and pans as well as separate areas to prep and wash dishes as needed. * Anti-glare finishes were a must have for these clients; kitchen cabinetry in a matte gray neutral finish, faucet and cabinet hardware in a matte black finish and stunning Cambria quartz countertops in a suede finish set the stage. At completion phase, homeowners were ensured that they were receiving high-quality products, style and craftmanship in the most efficient time frame and were thrilled with look of their new kitchen that also provided plenty of prep, entertaining and seating space. The clients attributes the success of the design to the emotions it inspired when the job was completed – they simply love everything about it!

The ground floor volumes wrapped in an elongated hand-fired brick, emphasizing the horizontality of the architecture that lays solidly on the land. (Photography by: Matthew Millman)

These clients were looking for a designer/builder that would handle everything from concept to completion, providing peace of mind for themselves! “Working alongside Renovisions was a pleasant experience” said our clients as we cared to understand their vision, needs, wants and desires, enabling us to execute their projects successfully and professionally. During the design phase, our well-organized staff listened to the client’s requests and combined several design elements that produced a beautiful, calming and transitional feel to the new kitchen space. During the remodel phase, the clients had these top 5 items on the list of enhancements: * High- functioning ventilation to clear as much odors as possible (When we first met with the clients, they stated, “Something very fishy was going on in their outdated kitchen. Although they enjoyed cooking fish dinners, they fishy odors often annoyed them)! Renovisions designed and installed a wood hood in matching light gray painted finish with a hood liner that provided the maximum ventilation, while staying within the proper building code of a 350cfm air exchange, without having to add a make -up air system which would have added to the cost of the project. *Better functioning ‘Spinner Storage’ for interior storage. The clients loved them in their old kitchen; we furnished and installed new and better-quality spinners storage units. *A unique opening between the kitchen and family room that allowed homeowners to pass meals through as they enjoyed a movie from the family room. *A Smart-Divide porcelain enamel sink with stainless steel grids allow plenty of room for dirty dishes, pots and pans as well as separate areas to prep and wash dishes as needed. * Anti-glare finishes were a must have for these clients; kitchen cabinetry in a matte gray neutral finish, faucet and cabinet hardware in a matte black finish and stunning Cambria quartz countertops in a suede finish set the stage. At completion phase, homeowners were ensured that they were receiving high-quality products, style and craftmanship in the most efficient time frame and were thrilled with look of their new kitchen that also provided plenty of prep, entertaining and seating space. The clients attributes the success of the design to the emotions it inspired when the job was completed – they simply love everything about it!

These clients were looking for a designer/builder that would handle everything from concept to completion, providing peace of mind for themselves! “Working alongside Renovisions was a pleasant experience” said our clients as we cared to understand their vision, needs, wants and desires, enabling us to execute their projects successfully and professionally. During the design phase, our well-organized staff listened to the client’s requests and combined several design elements that produced a beautiful, calming and transitional feel to the new kitchen space. During the remodel phase, the clients had these top 5 items on the list of enhancements: * High- functioning ventilation to clear as much odors as possible (When we first met with the clients, they stated, “Something very fishy was going on in their outdated kitchen. Although they enjoyed cooking fish dinners, they fishy odors often annoyed them)! Renovisions designed and installed a wood hood in matching light gray painted finish with a hood liner that provided the maximum ventilation, while staying within the proper building code of a 350cfm air exchange, without having to add a make -up air system which would have added to the cost of the project. *Better functioning ‘Spinner Storage’ for interior storage. The clients loved them in their old kitchen; we furnished and installed new and better-quality spinners storage units. *A unique opening between the kitchen and family room that allowed homeowners to pass meals through as they enjoyed a movie from the family room. *A Smart-Divide porcelain enamel sink with stainless steel grids allow plenty of room for dirty dishes, pots and pans as well as separate areas to prep and wash dishes as needed. * Anti-glare finishes were a must have for these clients; kitchen cabinetry in a matte gray neutral finish, faucet and cabinet hardware in a matte black finish and stunning Cambria quartz countertops in a suede finish set the stage. At completion phase, homeowners were ensured that they were receiving high-quality products, style and craftmanship in the most efficient time frame and were thrilled with look of their new kitchen that also provided plenty of prep, entertaining and seating space. The clients attributes the success of the design to the emotions it inspired when the job was completed – they simply love everything about it!

These clients were looking for a designer/builder that would handle everything from concept to completion, providing peace of mind for themselves! “Working alongside Renovisions was a pleasant experience” said our clients as we cared to understand their vision, needs, wants and desires, enabling us to execute their projects successfully and professionally. During the design phase, our well-organized staff listened to the client’s requests and combined several design elements that produced a beautiful, calming and transitional feel to the new kitchen space. During the remodel phase, the clients had these top 5 items on the list of enhancements: * High- functioning ventilation to clear as much odors as possible (When we first met with the clients, they stated, “Something very fishy was going on in their outdated kitchen. Although they enjoyed cooking fish dinners, they fishy odors often annoyed them)! Renovisions designed and installed a wood hood in matching light gray painted finish with a hood liner that provided the maximum ventilation, while staying within the proper building code of a 350cfm air exchange, without having to add a make -up air system which would have added to the cost of the project. *Better functioning ‘Spinner Storage’ for interior storage. The clients loved them in their old kitchen; we furnished and installed new and better-quality spinners storage units. *A unique opening between the kitchen and family room that allowed homeowners to pass meals through as they enjoyed a movie from the family room. *A Smart-Divide porcelain enamel sink with stainless steel grids allow plenty of room for dirty dishes, pots and pans as well as separate areas to prep and wash dishes as needed. * Anti-glare finishes were a must have for these clients; kitchen cabinetry in a matte gray neutral finish, faucet and cabinet hardware in a matte black finish and stunning Cambria quartz countertops in a suede finish set the stage. At completion phase, homeowners were ensured that they were receiving high-quality products, style and craftmanship in the most efficient time frame and were thrilled with look of their new kitchen that also provided plenty of prep, entertaining and seating space. The clients attributes the success of the design to the emotions it inspired when the job was completed – they simply love everything about it!