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

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.

"Richmond Gates" is a popular condo complex located in the Mount Tolmie area of Saanich. This 2 bed, 2 bath, 940 sq/ft south facing corner unit offers views of Mount Tolmie & plenty of sunshine. Elegant & contemporary featuring finely crafted Salina cabinets, granite counter-tops, stainless appliances & bamboo floors throughout. 9' Ceilings. Spacious living & dining rooms with cozy electric fireplace leading to the sunny deck. Nice bedroom separation and master bedroom has large 5 piece ensuite. In-suite laundry. Complex includes 1 secured underground parking spot, storage unit & bike locker. Excellent central location close to UVIC, Camosun, Jubilee Hospital, Shopping, Golf courses & short walk to all local amenities. Allows 2 pets and rentals. On bus route.

"Richmond Gates" is a popular condo complex located in the Mount Tolmie area of Saanich. This 2 bed, 2 bath, 940 sq/ft south facing corner unit offers views of Mount Tolmie & plenty of sunshine. Elegant & contemporary featuring finely crafted Salina cabinets, granite counter-tops, stainless appliances & bamboo floors throughout. 9' Ceilings. Spacious living & dining rooms with cozy electric fireplace leading to the sunny deck. Nice bedroom separation and master bedroom has large 5 piece ensuite. In-suite laundry. Complex includes 1 secured underground parking spot, storage unit & bike locker. Excellent central location close to UVIC, Camosun, Jubilee Hospital, Shopping, Golf courses & short walk to all local amenities. Allows 2 pets and rentals. On bus route.

"Richmond Gates" is a popular condo complex located in the Mount Tolmie area of Saanich. This 2 bed, 2 bath, 940 sq/ft south facing corner unit offers views of Mount Tolmie & plenty of sunshine. Elegant & contemporary featuring finely crafted Salina cabinets, granite counter-tops, stainless appliances & bamboo floors throughout. 9' Ceilings. Spacious living & dining rooms with cozy electric fireplace leading to the sunny deck. Nice bedroom separation and master bedroom has large 5 piece ensuite. In-suite laundry. Complex includes 1 secured underground parking spot, storage unit & bike locker. Excellent central location close to UVIC, Camosun, Jubilee Hospital, Shopping, Golf courses & short walk to all local amenities. Allows 2 pets and rentals. On bus route.

"Richmond Gates" is a popular condo complex located in the Mount Tolmie area of Saanich. This 2 bed, 2 bath, 940 sq/ft south facing corner unit offers views of Mount Tolmie & plenty of sunshine. Elegant & contemporary featuring finely crafted Salina cabinets, granite counter-tops, stainless appliances & bamboo floors throughout. 9' Ceilings. Spacious living & dining rooms with cozy electric fireplace leading to the sunny deck. Nice bedroom separation and master bedroom has large 5 piece ensuite. In-suite laundry. Complex includes 1 secured underground parking spot, storage unit & bike locker. Excellent central location close to UVIC, Camosun, Jubilee Hospital, Shopping, Golf courses & short walk to all local amenities. Allows 2 pets and rentals. On bus route.

"Richmond Gates" is a popular condo complex located in the Mount Tolmie area of Saanich. This 2 bed, 2 bath, 940 sq/ft south facing corner unit offers views of Mount Tolmie & plenty of sunshine. Elegant & contemporary featuring finely crafted Salina cabinets, granite counter-tops, stainless appliances & bamboo floors throughout. 9' Ceilings. Spacious living & dining rooms with cozy electric fireplace leading to the sunny deck. Nice bedroom separation and master bedroom has large 5 piece ensuite. In-suite laundry. Complex includes 1 secured underground parking spot, storage unit & bike locker. Excellent central location close to UVIC, Camosun, Jubilee Hospital, Shopping, Golf courses & short walk to all local amenities. Allows 2 pets and rentals. On bus route.

"Richmond Gates" is a popular condo complex located in the Mount Tolmie area of Saanich. This 2 bed, 2 bath, 940 sq/ft south facing corner unit offers views of Mount Tolmie & plenty of sunshine. Elegant & contemporary featuring finely crafted Salina cabinets, granite counter-tops, stainless appliances & bamboo floors throughout. 9' Ceilings. Spacious living & dining rooms with cozy electric fireplace leading to the sunny deck. Nice bedroom separation and master bedroom has large 5 piece ensuite. In-suite laundry. Complex includes 1 secured underground parking spot, storage unit & bike locker. Excellent central location close to UVIC, Camosun, Jubilee Hospital, Shopping, Golf courses & short walk to all local amenities. Allows 2 pets and rentals. On bus route.

"Richmond Gates" is a popular condo complex located in the Mount Tolmie area of Saanich. This 2 bed, 2 bath, 940 sq/ft south facing corner unit offers views of Mount Tolmie & plenty of sunshine. Elegant & contemporary featuring finely crafted Salina cabinets, granite counter-tops, stainless appliances & bamboo floors throughout. 9' Ceilings. Spacious living & dining rooms with cozy electric fireplace leading to the sunny deck. Nice bedroom separation and master bedroom has large 5 piece ensuite. In-suite laundry. Complex includes 1 secured underground parking spot, storage unit & bike locker. Excellent central location close to UVIC, Camosun, Jubilee Hospital, Shopping, Golf courses & short walk to all local amenities. Allows 2 pets and rentals. On bus route.

"Richmond Gates" is a popular condo complex located in the Mount Tolmie area of Saanich. This 2 bed, 2 bath, 940 sq/ft south facing corner unit offers views of Mount Tolmie & plenty of sunshine. Elegant & contemporary featuring finely crafted Salina cabinets, granite counter-tops, stainless appliances & bamboo floors throughout. 9' Ceilings. Spacious living & dining rooms with cozy electric fireplace leading to the sunny deck. Nice bedroom separation and master bedroom has large 5 piece ensuite. In-suite laundry. Complex includes 1 secured underground parking spot, storage unit & bike locker. Excellent central location close to UVIC, Camosun, Jubilee Hospital, Shopping, Golf courses & short walk to all local amenities. Allows 2 pets and rentals. On bus route.

"Richmond Gates" is a popular condo complex located in the Mount Tolmie area of Saanich. This 2 bed, 2 bath, 940 sq/ft south facing corner unit offers views of Mount Tolmie & plenty of sunshine. Elegant & contemporary featuring finely crafted Salina cabinets, granite counter-tops, stainless appliances & bamboo floors throughout. 9' Ceilings. Spacious living & dining rooms with cozy electric fireplace leading to the sunny deck. Nice bedroom separation and master bedroom has large 5 piece ensuite. In-suite laundry. Complex includes 1 secured underground parking spot, storage unit & bike locker. Excellent central location close to UVIC, Camosun, Jubilee Hospital, Shopping, Golf courses & short walk to all local amenities. Allows 2 pets and rentals. On bus route.

"Richmond Gates" is a popular condo complex located in the Mount Tolmie area of Saanich. This 2 bed, 2 bath, 940 sq/ft south facing corner unit offers views of Mount Tolmie & plenty of sunshine. Elegant & contemporary featuring finely crafted Salina cabinets, granite counter-tops, stainless appliances & bamboo floors throughout. 9' Ceilings. Spacious living & dining rooms with cozy electric fireplace leading to the sunny deck. Nice bedroom separation and master bedroom has large 5 piece ensuite. In-suite laundry. Complex includes 1 secured underground parking spot, storage unit & bike locker. Excellent central location close to UVIC, Camosun, Jubilee Hospital, Shopping, Golf courses & short walk to all local amenities. Allows 2 pets and rentals. On bus route.

"Richmond Gates" is a popular condo complex located in the Mount Tolmie area of Saanich. This 2 bed, 2 bath, 940 sq/ft south facing corner unit offers views of Mount Tolmie & plenty of sunshine. Elegant & contemporary featuring finely crafted Salina cabinets, granite counter-tops, stainless appliances & bamboo floors throughout. 9' Ceilings. Spacious living & dining rooms with cozy electric fireplace leading to the sunny deck. Nice bedroom separation and master bedroom has large 5 piece ensuite. In-suite laundry. Complex includes 1 secured underground parking spot, storage unit & bike locker. Excellent central location close to UVIC, Camosun, Jubilee Hospital, Shopping, Golf courses & short walk to all local amenities. Allows 2 pets and rentals. On bus route.

Master Bedroom with Red Bed Frame and custom drapery and bedding.
Bedroom - traditional master light wood floor bedroom idea in Charlotte

To obtain sources, copy and paste this link into your browser. https://www.arlingtonhomeinteriors.com/retro-retreat Photographer: Stacy Zarin-Goldberg

Welcome to Oaklawn Trace, located in Lacombe, Louisiana. Just minutes from 1-12, the location offers a wonderful balance to the transient worker in search of a stress-free commute to neighboring cities, while conveniently located next to some of the Northshore’s natural beauty for when it is time to relax and enjoy the small-town feel of this cozy little community. Adjacent to Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Reserve, Bayou Adventure, Fontaine Bleau State Park, and the Trailhead in Mandeville, Lacombe is a great spot to experience the outdoors. From afternoon bike rides on the St. Tammany Trace, to breaking out the fishing poles and casting a crab net on Lake Road, to kayak & canoe rentals as well as intimate guided sunset paddle swamp tours on the Cane Bayou, Lacombe will leave you yearning to experience all of the Sportsman’s Paradise of Louisiana.

Welcome to Oaklawn Trace, located in Lacombe, Louisiana. Just minutes from 1-12, the location offers a wonderful balance to the transient worker in search of a stress-free commute to neighboring cities, while conveniently located next to some of the Northshore’s natural beauty for when it is time to relax and enjoy the small-town feel of this cozy little community. Adjacent to Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Reserve, Bayou Adventure, Fontaine Bleau State Park, and the Trailhead in Mandeville, Lacombe is a great spot to experience the outdoors. From afternoon bike rides on the St. Tammany Trace, to breaking out the fishing poles and casting a crab net on Lake Road, to kayak & canoe rentals as well as intimate guided sunset paddle swamp tours on the Cane Bayou, Lacombe will leave you yearning to experience all of the Sportsman’s Paradise of Louisiana.

Small elegant gray one-story mixed siding gable roof photo in Charleston

Custom Steady Rack Bike Racks. These racks allow you to roll the bike onto the rack and turn sideways for maximum storage and room. Great for kids!
Garage workshop - mid-sized contemporary attached garage workshop idea in Chicago