Mike Chajecki
Large trendy women's brown floor and dark wood floor closet photo in Toronto with open cabinets and white cabinets

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

Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel in Cleveland

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

Inspiration for a large contemporary formal and open concept linoleum floor living room remodel in Miami with no fireplace, a wall-mounted tv and white walls

This beautifully crafted Scandinavian kitchen remodel blends the warmth of white oak shaker cabinets with the sleek elegance of a quartzite island, creating a space that feels fresh yet timeless. Brass hardware, a farmhouse sink, and a custom range hood add character, while panel-ready appliances and a full-height backsplash keep the look seamless. The open plan layout offers a bright, airy atmosphere, enhanced by natural wood tones, pendant lighting, and light flooring. A central island with seating invites casual dining and conversation, making this kitchen as functional as it is welcoming—perfect for cooking, gathering, and everyday living.

Photos by Paul Johnson; Kitchen Design by Veronica Campell, Deane; Interior Design by Karen Perry Designs; Architect by Robert A. Cardello Architects; Builder by Liesegang Building and Remodeling

A rustic modern bedroom featuring warm reclaimed wood accents, a cozy ambiance, and large windows that invite natural light and mountain views, creating a relaxing and sustainable retreat in this organic mountain home.

Designed and built by Terramor Homes in Raleigh, NC. The kitchen cabinets were consciously chosen in classic farmhouse style. Pure white and designed to reach the ceiling, clean and simple inset doors with simple classic chrome hardware pulls make for an impressive statement. Soapstone was used on the perimeter, offering the aged traditional look you would find in a classic farm home. However, the island was topped with a slightly more modern white granite with beautiful gray movement to add interest and a hard, reliable prep surface. The island measures an impressive 7 feet by 10 feet, matches the same clean lines, but was custom painted in a deep grayed turquoise to make a statement. It serves 6 seats for everyday eating and conversation and also allows for full functionality while still enjoying all the activity and views surrounding anyone who is spending time the kitchen workspace. Photography: M. Eric Honeycutt

A spacious, L-shaped Maple vanity with Dove finish offers double the amount of storage space. The new Viaterra quartz looks classic and is easy to maintain. Custom-made Ghost Wood mirrors and floating shelves fabricated out of distressed wood and galvanized piping create focal points amongst the clean white selections. Gorgeous Eramosa Ice ceramic tile floors add a splash of silver. The new shower feels much larger even though it’s in the existing footprint. A special shaving niche was placed 6” off the ground. The basketweave tile floor adds some geometric interest in the otherwise clean, white space.

Photos by Andrew Giammarco Photography.
Alcove shower - mid-sized contemporary 3/4 white tile and ceramic tile concrete floor and gray floor alcove shower idea in Seattle with shaker cabinets, white walls, a vessel sink, quartz countertops, a hinged shower door, white countertops and dark wood cabinets

Benny Chan
Mid-sized trendy wooden straight concrete floor and metal railing staircase photo in Los Angeles with wooden risers

This Arts and Crafts styled sprawling ranch has so much to offer the modern homeowner. A three car garage with extra storage adds space for a third automobile, workshop, or golf cart. Inside, each bedroom features elegant ceiling treatments, a walk-in closet and an adjacent full bathroom. A large utility room with a sink is conveniently placed down the hall from the secondary bedrooms. The large, gourmet kitchen includes a walk-in pantry and a large central island. The spacious dining room offers large windows and a buffet nook for furniture. Custom-style details abound in this luxurious plan with built-ins in the great room and breakfast areas. The well-appointed master suite includes a secluded sitting room that enjoys rear views, porch access and dual walk-in closets. The master bathroom is a spa-like retreat with dual vanities, a large walk-in shower, built-ins and a vaulted ceiling. The screened porch offers the best in year round outdoor living with a fireplace. A bonus space over the garage has nearly 800 square feet of space for future expansion, a large hobby space, home theatre or exercise room.

Visit Our Showroom 8000 Locust Mill St. Ellicott City, MD 21043 HanStone Sterling Grey Quartz Countertop HanStone Quartz: This is a sample of Sterling Grey from the HanStone brand of quartz countertops. Han Stone quartz is the new and gorgeous lineup of quartz kitchen countertops offered by the large Korean congolmerate Hanwha.

Antique white walk-in closet offers abundant shoe and handbag storage. Note the special java glazing and classical embellishments such as decorative molding and acanthus leaf corbels.

Example of a large minimalist single-wall concrete floor open concept kitchen design in New York with a double-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, solid surface countertops, brown backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Example of a transitional medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room design in Houston with white walls

Classic White Marble Guest Power-Room Designed by Julie Lyons. Photography by Dan Cutrona
Bathroom - small traditional white tile and stone tile marble floor bathroom idea in Boston with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops and white walls

Bedroom and mid-sized mountain style gender-neutral carpeted and gray floor kids' bedroom photo in Denver with brown walls