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

Eric Roth Photography
Eat-in kitchen - country l-shaped eat-in kitchen idea in Boston with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets and stainless steel appliances

A young couple with three small children purchased this full floor loft in Tribeca in need of a gut renovation. The existing apartment was plagued with awkward spaces, limited natural light and an outdated décor. It was also lacking the required third child’s bedroom desperately needed for their newly expanded family. StudioLAB aimed for a fluid open-plan layout in the larger public spaces while creating smaller, tighter quarters in the rear private spaces to satisfy the family’s programmatic wishes. 3 small children’s bedrooms were carved out of the rear lower level connected by a communal playroom and a shared kid’s bathroom. Upstairs, the master bedroom and master bathroom float above the kid’s rooms on a mezzanine accessed by a newly built staircase. Ample new storage was built underneath the staircase as an extension of the open kitchen and dining areas. A custom pull out drawer containing the food and water bowls was installed for the family’s two dogs to be hidden away out of site when not in use. All wall surfaces, existing and new, were limited to a bright but warm white finish to create a seamless integration in the ceiling and wall structures allowing the spatial progression of the space and sculptural quality of the midcentury modern furniture pieces and colorful original artwork, painted by the wife’s brother, to enhance the space. The existing tin ceiling was left in the living room to maximize ceiling heights and remain a reminder of the historical details of the original construction. A new central AC system was added with an exposed cylindrical duct running along the long living room wall. A small office nook was built next to the elevator tucked away to be out of site.

Kitchen - modern kitchen idea in Portland

Living room - farmhouse living room idea in San Francisco

This charming kitchen is the centerpiece of this home with the large island as a key gathering space for family and friends. The navy-blue painted cabinets and white countertop bring a simple elegance to the space while the over-sized brass pendants and brass fixtures add warmth. Balancing the cool blue and white palette are warm nutmeg coloured base cabinets with black hardware which are the perfect compliment to the rest of the space. The white countertops are balanced by a simple integrated hood fan and floating shelves, backed by classic off-white subway tiles. A cove crown molding finishes the cabinets to the ceiling while the shaker profile doors is repeated on the back of the island adding a sophisticated quality to this traditional kitchen. Flanked on either side by the stainless-steel fridge and wall oven, there is plenty of room to cook in this kitchen. The island features a deep sink with brass faucet, dishwasher and integrated pull-out garbage bins for easy organization. The induction cooktop is surrounded by deep drawers and ample counterspace; every cook’s dream! The layering of warm and cool tones gives this kitchen an old-world charm with all the comforts of modern-day living.

Inspiration for a timeless dining room remodel in Cleveland

With years of experience in the Nashville area, Blackstone Painters offers professional quality to your average homeowner, general contractor, and investor. Blackstone Painters provides a skillful job, one that has preserved and improved the look and value of many homes and businesses. Whether your project is an occupied living space, new construction, remodel, or renovation, Blackstone Painters will make your project stand out from the rest. We specialize in interior and exterior painting. We also offer faux finishing and environmentally safe VOC paints. Serving Nashville, Davidson County and Williamson County.

Color: Harmony Oak Frost
Example of a mid-sized classic painted l-shaped staircase design in Chicago with painted risers

The interior renovation began with the master bath, which included a glass-partitioned bathtub accented by glass shelving. A drop ceiling that is highlighted by recessed lighting fixtures and finished with minimal trim. The half wall mirror houses a hidden large plasma TV wall screen with audio/visual and remote control elements. The sleek white marble flooring in the hallway leads to a refinished deco staircase and handrail. “Museum” quality paint throughout and refined custom-millwork calls attention to the grand feel of the space. On the exterior, Empire City Construction repointed new mortar joints (cement lines) and replaced decaying bricks in the archways and walls of the corner patio. Preserving the classic hexagon bays and European style arches in this setback terrace of the penthouse suite.

This multistory Craftsman staircase brings warmth and simplicity to the home. Clean horizontal lines define the design, from the rectangular wood treads to the custom newels, balusters, and handrail system. These lines create a warm open flow that connects each level with natural elegance and timeless simplicity. 1976-2025 © Century Stair Company

Inspiration for a mid-sized transitional boy medium tone wood floor kids' room remodel in San Francisco with green walls

• A busy family wanted to rejuvenate their entire first floor. As their family was growing, their spaces were getting more cramped and finding comfortable, usable space was no easy task. The goal of their remodel was to create a warm and inviting kitchen and family room, great room-like space that worked with the rest of the home’s floor plan. The focal point of the new kitchen is a large center island around which the family can gather to prepare meals. Exotic granite countertops and furniture quality light-colored cabinets provide a warm, inviting feel. Commercial-grade stainless steel appliances make this gourmet kitchen a great place to prepare large meals. A wide plank hardwood floor continues from the kitchen to the family room and beyond, tying the spaces together. The focal point of the family room is a beautiful stone fireplace hearth surrounded by built-in bookcases. Stunning craftsmanship created this beautiful wall of cabinetry which houses the home’s entertainment system. French doors lead out to the home’s deck and also let a lot of natural light into the space. From its beautiful, functional kitchen to its elegant, comfortable family room, this renovation achieved the homeowners’ goals. Now the entire family has a great space to gather and spend quality time.

This kitchen designed by Cuvee Kitchen Designs features our Rutt Abbey door style in super white paint for a timeless traditional look.
Elegant u-shaped medium tone wood floor, brown floor and coffered ceiling eat-in kitchen photo with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and gray countertops

Inspiration for a small farmhouse porch remodel in San Francisco

Freshly painted house with a nice coat of Benjamin Moore's off-white paint. A white rail located in the front exterior of the home. A dark wood stained deck floor, which matches with its own door. Project Year: 2017 Project Cost: $5,001 - $7,500

This kitchen designed by Cuvee Kitchen Designs features our Rutt Abbey door style in super white paint for a timeless traditional look.
Eat-in kitchen - traditional u-shaped medium tone wood floor, brown floor and coffered ceiling eat-in kitchen idea with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and gray countertops

Noel Pahuamba
Example of a classic home design design

This kitchen designed by Cuvee Kitchen Designs features our Rutt Abbey door style in super white paint for a timeless traditional look.
Eat-in kitchen - traditional u-shaped medium tone wood floor, brown floor and coffered ceiling eat-in kitchen idea with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, gray backsplash, an island and gray countertops