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

Photo: Sarah Greenman © 2015 Houzz
Inspiration for an eclectic pool remodel in Dallas

At Suburban Steel Supply, our ornamental/miscellaneous steel division specializes in custom creations that add beauty, elegance and function to residences. From stairways and railings, to driveway gates and fencing, we have the experience and know-how to fabricate any design or style based on the client’s request. In spite of the highly skilled nature of this craft, no project is too big or complex for our experienced professionals. By paying special attention to every detail, we ensure that every project is built according to specifications. panerai replica swiss movement replica audemars cartier ballon bleu noob factory ferrari watch replica patek philippe replicas Like everything we do, providing excellent customer service is our number-one priority. Our consistent, predictable service ensures that all deadlines and closing dates are met. No unwanted surprises. Just quality craftsmanship and a finished product that exceeds expectations. We use a variety of materials, including steel, aluminum, stainless steel, brass and copper, as well as a choice of finishes that includes powder coating, paint, hot-dipped galvanized and natural beeswax. Our ornamental work is handcrafted in our state-of-the-art fabrication facility. Our field crew will install the work at the customer’s site upon completion.

Photo: Benjamin Hill © 2017 Houzz
Home theater - traditional home theater idea in Houston

Photo: Rachel Loewen © 2018 Houzz
Eclectic living room photo in Chicago

Melanie Johnson Photography
Example of a trendy home design design in Dallas

The strong architectural presence from the beams and drop lighting was balanced with cream painted walls and textures, and traced pattern on the drapery that served as a uniting factor in all three areas. Thoughtfully designed specifically for the family room, the television is a replica of an antique chest and serves to weight the presence of the stone fireplace feature. Custom furniture pieces scaled and designed to provide ample seating when entertaining guests or watching TV. Photos: Phillip Ennis

At Suburban Steel Supply, our ornamental/miscellaneous steel division specializes in custom creations that add beauty, elegance and function to residences. From stairways and railings, to driveway gates and fencing, we have the experience and know-how to fabricate any design or style based on the client’s request. In spite of the highly skilled nature of this craft, no project is too big or complex for our experienced professionals. By paying special attention to every detail, we ensure that every project is built according to specifications. panerai replica swiss movement replica audemars cartier ballon bleu noob factory ferrari watch replica patek philippe replicas Like everything we do, providing excellent customer service is our number-one priority. Our consistent, predictable service ensures that all deadlines and closing dates are met. No unwanted surprises. Just quality craftsmanship and a finished product that exceeds expectations. We use a variety of materials, including steel, aluminum, stainless steel, brass and copper, as well as a choice of finishes that includes powder coating, paint, hot-dipped galvanized and natural beeswax. Our ornamental work is handcrafted in our state-of-the-art fabrication facility. Our field crew will install the work at the customer’s site upon completion.