Old farmhouses offer charm and character but usually need some careful changes to efficiently serve the needs of today’s families. This blended family of four desperately desired a master bath and walk-in closet in keeping with the exceptional features of the home. At the top of the list were a large shower, double vanity, and a private toilet area. They also requested additional storage for bathroom items. Windows, doorways could not be relocated, but certain nonloadbearing walls could be removed. Gorgeous antique flooring had to be patched where walls were removed without being noticeable. Original interior doors and woodwork were restored. Deep window sills give hints to the thick stone exterior walls. A local reproduction furniture maker with national accolades was the perfect choice for the cabinetry which was hand planed and hand finished the way furniture was built long ago. Even the wood tops on the beautiful dresser and bench were rich with dimension from these techniques. The legs on the double vanity were hand turned by Amish woodworkers to add to the farmhouse flair. Marble tops and tile as well as antique style fixtures were chosen to complement the classic look of everything else in the room. It was important to choose contractors and installers experienced in historic remodeling as the old systems had to be carefully updated. Every item on the wish list was achieved in this project from functional storage and a private water closet to every aesthetic detail desired. If only the farmers who originally inhabited this home could see it now! Matt Villano Photography

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

What if you could access your hot tub or swim spa with style? What if it was as simple as turning a key? No more removing snow, ice or other debris. No more straining to lift your cover. With Covana, you can equip your hot tub or swim spa with one of the highest insulation covers on the market. Covana systems are more than just hot tub covers. They are also completely automated gazebos which offer you maximum comfort, safety, and intimacy. Made with state-of-the-art materials, Covana products are designed to endure the most rigorous climates while saving you money on unnecessary water, heating bills, and maintenance products.

Jacob Williamson Photography
Open concept kitchen - contemporary l-shaped open concept kitchen idea with flat-panel cabinets, quartz countertops and ceramic backsplash

The Libra Series gas-burning, direct-vent fireplace offers three multi-view configurations that serve as a primary focal point for multiple rooms. With an exceptional glass viewing area and the intense flame presentation of a powerful pan burner, the Libra Multi-View Series creates a beautiful, natural-looking fire that enhances the comfort and elegance of several rooms. Features Listed to ANSI Z21.88 Gas Fireplace Heater Available in 40” clean-faced corner, peninsula & see through models Combo top/rear flue configuration Top flue configuration Millivolt or energy saving electronic ignition Pre-wired for wall switch Outstanding heating efficiency for increased comfort and lower operating costs Detailed ceramic fiber “aged oak” log set with 1/2" heavy-duty grate Black painted interior (optional ceramic fiber liner available) Durable textured powder coat finish Optional blower and remote control available for all models Uses IHP SV 4-1/2" x 7-1/2" Direct Vent Pipe Limited Lifetime Warranty This fireplace meets all 2015 ANSI barrier requirements.

We made some small structural changes and then used coastal inspired decor to best complement the beautiful sea views this Laguna Beach home has to offer. Project designed by Courtney Thomas Design in La Cañada. Serving Pasadena, Glendale, Monrovia, San Marino, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, and Altadena. For more about Courtney Thomas Design, click here: https://www.courtneythomasdesign.com/

Example of a transitional 3/4 white tile white floor alcove bathtub design in Jacksonville with shaker cabinets, brown cabinets, gray walls, an integrated sink and white countertops

Inspiration for a large contemporary medium tone wood floor and brown floor dining room remodel in Charlotte with white walls

Relatives spending the weekend? Daughter moving back in? Could you use a spare bedroom for surprise visitors? Here’s an idea that can accommodate that occasional guest while maintaining your distance: Add a studio apartment above your garage. Studio apartments are often called mother-in-law apartments, perhaps because they add a degree of privacy. They have their own kitchen, living room and bath. Often they feature a Murphy bed. With appliances designed for micro homes becoming more popular it’s easier than ever to plan for and build a studio apartment. Rick Jacobson began this project with a large garage, capable of parking a truck and SUV, and storing everything from bikes to snowthrowers. Then he added a 500+ square foot apartment above the garage. Guests are welcome to the apartment with a private entrance inside a fence. Once inside, the apartment’s open design floods it with daylight from two large skylights and energy-efficient Marvin double hung windows. A gas fireplace below a 42-inch HD TV creates a great entertainment center. It’s all framed with rough-cut black granite, giving the whole apartment a distinctive look. Notice the ¾ inch thick tongue in grove solid oak flooring – the perfect accent to the grey and white interior design. The kitchen features a gas range with outdoor-vented hood, and a space-saving refrigerator and freezer. The custom kitchen backsplash was built using 3 X 10 inch gray subway glass tile. Black granite countertops can be found in the kitchen and bath, and both featuring under mounted sinks. The full ¾ bath features a glass-enclosed walk-in shower with 4 x 12 inch ceramic subway tiles arranged in a vertical pattern for a unique look. 6 x 24 inch gray porcelain floor tiles were used in the bath. A full-sized murphy bed folds out of the wall cabinet, offering a great view of the fireplace and HD TV. On either side of the bed, 3 built-in closets and 2 cabinets provide ample storage space. And a coffee table easily converts to a laptop computer workspace for traveling professionals or FaceBook check-ins. The result: An addition that has already proved to be a worthy investment, with the ability to host family and friends while appreciating the property’s value.

As an award-winning, master-planned community, Tributary at Manchester features neighborhoods of pre-1940s style homes designed to connect neighbors with front porches, sidewalks, alleys, parks, and trails. Homes range from condos to luxury custom designs. Integrity Double Hung and Casement windows were featured in several models. Details such as Simulated Divided Lite bars and traditional colors exemplify the architectural style, while ENERGY STAR efficiency offers homeowners long term energy savings and ensured the homes met EarthCraft House certification for sustainability.

A great dining table has always been the center of family life and Magnolia Homes' 8 foot Keeping Dining Table will be just that with its nostalgic look of the way things used to be. It has four keeping drawers on each side, thumbnail edges on the top and sturdy square tapered legs. Also available in 6 foot (72 inches) and 7 foot (84 inches) lengths. All sizes are also available in Jo's White painted finish. The beautiful Magnolia Home line was designed exclusively by Joanna Gaines to convey her fresh, unique design style that embodies her lifestyle of home and family. Each piece falls onto a specific genre: Boho, Farmhouse, French Inspired, Industrial, Primitive or Traditional. Painted finishes and wood stains are offered that replicate the look of age-worn vintage patinas. This piece is part of her Farmhouse genre, which is welcoming, comfortable and timelessly fresh. It features charming details such as scalloped trim, farmhouse-style turnings and age-worn finishes. Farmhouse is a nostalgic look into the way things used to be; how people worked with their hands, came home, ate well, and rested. It's a story of times past, how things used to be made, how they used to look. This style is the simplicity and timelessness of the past.

In Westhampton, New York, a homeowner installed this modern switchback floating staircase to connect their first and second floors. It’s a look that is as sturdy as it is beautiful.

Ambiance Air HVAC systems offer a completely flat wall profile with no component extending beyond the interior wall. MODEL: 15 000 btuh / Description: Through the wall unit fitting inside 36"x15"x13" sleeves MODEL: 23 000 btuh / Description: Through the wall unit fitting inside 42"x16"x13" sleeves

Slim profile barn doors are a great space-saving solution that you will love. Available in painted and stained finishes and offered in a large variety of styles, including louvered and solid designs, our slim profile doors can give your home a fresh and updated look. Perhaps the most eye-catching part is the exposed barn door hardware – too beautiful to cover up. Installation included in the price.

Slim profile barn doors are a great space-saving solution that you will love. Available in painted and stained finishes and offered in a large variety of styles, including louvered and solid designs, our slim profile doors can give your home a fresh and updated look. Perhaps the most eye-catching part is the exposed barn door hardware – too beautiful to cover up. Installation included in the price.

As an award-winning, master-planned community, Tributary at Manchester features neighborhoods of pre-1940s style homes designed to connect neighbors with front porches, sidewalks, alleys, parks, and trails. Homes range from condos to luxury custom designs. Integrity Double Hung and Casement windows were featured in several models. Details such as Simulated Divided Lite bars and traditional colors exemplify the architectural style, while ENERGY STAR efficiency offers homeowners long term energy savings and ensured the homes met EarthCraft House certification for sustainability.

Inspiration for a transitional kitchen remodel in Austin

This community offers elegance, southern charm, and scenic beauty. With a wide variety of floorplans, color schemes, and available lots, you can take pride in your home by reflecting your personal style of living. These open floorplan, high-quality homes offer luxury living at its finest with amenity-rich features, such as hand-scraped wood floors in the living room and hall to bedrooms, gas fireplace, tankless hot water heater, decorative crown molding, upgraded custom cabinets with 3 cm granite throughout the kitchen and bathrooms; all in which are covered by our award-winning proactive warranty. All of the homes are equipped with DSLD’s topmost energy-efficient features meaning more comfort and energy savings for the life of your home!

This community offers elegance, southern charm, and scenic beauty. With a wide variety of floorplans, color schemes, and available lots, you can take pride in your home by reflecting your personal style of living. These open floorplan, high-quality homes offer luxury living at its finest with amenity-rich features, such as hand-scraped wood floors in the living room and hall to bedrooms, gas fireplace, tankless hot water heater, decorative crown molding, upgraded custom cabinets with 3 cm granite throughout the kitchen and bathrooms; all in which are covered by our award-winning proactive warranty. All of the homes are equipped with DSLD’s topmost energy-efficient features meaning more comfort and energy savings for the life of your home!