The screened, open plan kitchen and media room offer space for family and friends to gather while delicious meals are prepared using the Fire Magic grill and Big Green Egg ceramic charcoal grill; drinks are kept cool in the refrigerator by Perlick. Plenty of room for everyone to comfortably relax on the sectional sofa by Patio Renaissance. The tile backsplash mirrors the fireplace’s brick face, providing visual continuity across the outdoor spaces.

Photo Credit: Marko Metzinger, http://markometzinger.com This Manhattan dining room is the perfect blend of traditional and eclectic. Black DWR Salt Chairs surround an antique farm table. The colorful kilim rugs just enough punch. Wall color: Pebble by Pratt & Lambert

Pendant Lights: Hinge Pendant No 804 by Quorum International. Stools: Charcoal Grey counter-height stools by Tabouret.
Eat-in kitchen - transitional l-shaped eat-in kitchen idea in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, solid surface countertops, gray backsplash, stone tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances

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

Photo Credit: Neil Landino, Counter Top: Connecticut Stone Calacatta Gold Honed Marble, Kitchen Sink: 39" Wide Risinger Double Bowl Fireclay, Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Arctic Gray 1577, Trim Color: Benjamin Moore White Dove, Kitchen Faucet: Perrin and Rowe Bridge Kitchen Faucet VIDEO BLOG, EPISODE 2 – FINDING THE PERFECT STONE Watch this happy client’s testimonial on how Connecticut Stone transformed her existing kitchen into a bright, beautiful and functional space.Featuring Calacatta Gold Marble and Carrara Marble. Video Link: https://youtu.be/hwbWNMFrAV0

The primary color scheme of this room uses various shades of blue, to help pop-in coastal undertones. We mixed patterns and straight lines with organic elements to create soft edges.

Blending contemporary and historic styles requires innovative design and a well-balanced aesthetic. That was the challenge we faced in creating a modern kitchen for this historic home in Lynnfield, MA. The final design retained the classically beautiful spatial and structural elements of the home while introducing a sleek sophistication. We mixed the two design palettes carefully. For instance, juxtaposing the warm, distressed wood of an original door with the smooth, brightness of non-paneled, maple cabinetry. A cork floor and accent cabinets of white metal add texture while a seated, step-down peninsula and built in bookcase create an open transition from the kitchen proper to an inviting dining space. This is truly a space where the past and present can coexist harmoniously. Photo Credit: Eric Roth

Inspiration for a transitional freestanding desk dark wood floor and brown floor study room remodel in Minneapolis with beige walls

Natural Cleft Bluestone random pattern patio & walkway, LED mood lighting, landscape design & construction, masonry fire pit, seating wall and planter using cultured stone veneer, new composite deck installed wit water proofed understory, Bluestone steps, drainage installation, outdoor TV, cultured stone veneer on foundation walls of house

An artful blend of styles inspired by our love contemporary and modern farmhouses, while honoring tradition and simplicity.
Transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen photo in Minneapolis with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, porcelain backsplash, black appliances, an island and white countertops

Inspiration for a transitional brick patio remodel in Chicago with a roof extension

Subtle artistic details bring elegance to this dining room. From the pale patterns found in the wallpaper to the nailhead trim on the chairs, we wanted the space to feel elegant and carefully curated. Complementing the neutral color palette are golden accents which add a touch of glamour and soft lilac hues which bring about a calm and tranquil feel. The goal was to design a space that felt inviting and properly dressed for the occasion, whether that be a formal or casual setting.

Our kitchen and bath designer, Claire, worked with the clients to design an amazing new kitchen (dubbed Not Your Average Island). The clients’ biggest headache was that the kitchen didn’t function for their family. They were limited with their current seating arrangement, their countertops were filled with appliances, proper storage solutions were lacking and the space was just not working well for them. With the banquette for the children to comfortably do their afternoon homework, additional island seating and enhanced function throughout, our designer Claire completely transformed this space. Her expertise created a one-of-a-kind (definitely not your average) island that was designed specifically for this wonderful family and allowed her to find a home for every piece and part (and more!) the homeowners use every day and the clients love their new kitchen! Photography: Scott Amundson Photography

Tuscan porch idea in Houston with a fire pit and a roof extension

Dining room
Inspiration for a large eclectic dark wood floor, brown floor, wallpaper ceiling and wall paneling dining room remodel in New York with blue walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

Photo by Daniel O'Connor Photography
Example of a transitional l-shaped dark wood floor open concept kitchen design in Denver with recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, no island, an undermount sink and multicolored backsplash

Blending contemporary and historic styles requires innovative design and a well-balanced aesthetic. That was the challenge we faced in creating a modern kitchen for this historic home in Lynnfield, MA. The final design retained the classically beautiful spatial and structural elements of the home while introducing a sleek sophistication. We mixed the two design palettes carefully. For instance, juxtaposing the warm, distressed wood of an original door with the smooth, brightness of non-paneled, maple cabinetry. A cork floor and accent cabinets of white metal add texture while a seated, step-down peninsula and built in bookcase create an open transition from the kitchen proper to an inviting dining space. This is truly a space where the past and present can coexist harmoniously. Photo Credit: Eric Roth

Elegant l-shaped medium tone wood floor kitchen photo in Boston with a single-bowl sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets and no island

Example of a huge trendy galley light wood floor and beige floor open concept kitchen design in Los Angeles with an island, an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, paneled appliances and beige countertops