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

This 1990's home, located in North Vancouver's Lynn Valley neighbourhood, had high ceilings and a great open plan layout but the decor was straight out of the 90's complete with sponge painted walls in dark earth tones. The owners, a young professional couple, enlisted our help to take it from dated and dreary to modern and bright. We started by removing details like chair rails and crown mouldings, that did not suit the modern architectural lines of the home. We replaced the heavily worn wood floors with a new high end, light coloured, wood-look laminate that will withstand the wear and tear from their two energetic golden retrievers. Since the main living space is completely open plan it was important that we work with simple consistent finishes for a clean modern look. The all white kitchen features flat doors with minimal hardware and a solid surface marble-look countertop and backsplash. We modernized all of the lighting and updated the bathrooms and master bedroom as well. The only departure from our clean modern scheme is found in the dressing room where the client was looking for a more dressed up feminine feel but we kept a thread of grey consistent even in this more vivid colour scheme. This transformation, featuring the clients' gorgeous original artwork and new custom designed furnishings is admittedly one of our favourite projects to date!

THE PROBLEM Our client came to use with a kitchen that was outdated, didn't flow well or use space efficiently and wasn't offering the best views of their bucolic backyard. Their stately colonial home in a beautiful West Newbury neighborhood was in need of an overhaul. THE SOLUTION The primary focus was creating a more open and accessible L-shaped layout with oversized island and seating for 4-5 people. The appliances were relocated to optimal placements and allowed for a full 48" range, double ovens, appliances cabinetry with hidden microwave, in-island beverage center as well as dishwasher. We were even able to supplement the walk-in pantry with a free standing pantry for additional storage. In addition to a kitchen that performed better, we also increased the amount of natural light in the space with a larger window and through use of materials and paint, such as updating the trim to white, which reflects the light throughout the space. Rather than replace the hardwood floors, we simply refinished the existing oak floors.

This 1990's home, located in North Vancouver's Lynn Valley neighbourhood, had high ceilings and a great open plan layout but the decor was straight out of the 90's complete with sponge painted walls in dark earth tones. The owners, a young professional couple, enlisted our help to take it from dated and dreary to modern and bright. We started by removing details like chair rails and crown mouldings, that did not suit the modern architectural lines of the home. We replaced the heavily worn wood floors with a new high end, light coloured, wood-look laminate that will withstand the wear and tear from their two energetic golden retrievers. Since the main living space is completely open plan it was important that we work with simple consistent finishes for a clean modern look. The all white kitchen features flat doors with minimal hardware and a solid surface marble-look countertop and backsplash. We modernized all of the lighting and updated the bathrooms and master bedroom as well. The only departure from our clean modern scheme is found in the dressing room where the client was looking for a more dressed up feminine feel but we kept a thread of grey consistent even in this more vivid colour scheme. This transformation, featuring the clients' gorgeous original artwork and new custom designed furnishings is admittedly one of our favourite projects to date!

Wall paint: Simply White, Benjamin Moore; chandelier: Harlow Smoked, Triple Seven Home; table and bench: Craigslist; chairs: Homestead Seattle; rug: Sonoma Jewels Rug, Abacasa; wall art: The Island, Minted; sheep’s skin throw: Black Sheep (White Light); hardwood floor: Southern Pecan Natural, Home Depot Design: Annabode + Co Photo: Allie Crafton © 2016 Houzz

Trendy home design photo in Baltimore

Seeing is believing, but it helps to taste, touch, and smell, too. Find fresh inspiration at a Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove showroom.

This is a patented design by Rachiele Custom Sinks. These sinks are drop-in sinks with a 1" channel behind the apron that slips over the existing cabinet. Every sink is custom designed, we do not stock sinks at all. This design is often used when there is a crack in the granite front of and or behind a sink. A "U" shape cut is made in the countertop and the false drawer heads are removed and this sink simply drops in place. Notice that the apron lines up with the doors below and the reveal between the bottom of the apron is identical to what the reveal was between the false drawers were and the doors below. We have resolved hundreds of issues with cracked granite, offering a superior sink to replace the existing sink. Our workstation sinks are designed individually with the user(s) to be ergonomically comfortable and very efficient. Our goal is to save you time!

Park Avenue Penthouse - Dining Room Photo by Kris Tamburello Photography
Trendy dining room photo in New York

The architects of the last remodel knocked it out of the park framing this view from the master bedroom with those wonderful doors and sidelights! Photo by Michael Kelley https://www.houzz.com/pro/mpkelley/michael-kelley-photography

THE PROBLEM Our client came to use with a kitchen that was outdated, didn't flow well or use space efficiently and wasn't offering the best views of their bucolic backyard. Their stately colonial home in a beautiful West Newbury neighborhood was in need of an overhaul. THE SOLUTION The primary focus was creating a more open and accessible L-shaped layout with oversized island and seating for 4-5 people. The appliances were relocated to optimal placements and allowed for a full 48" range, double ovens, appliances cabinetry with hidden microwave, in-island beverage center as well as dishwasher. We were even able to supplement the walk-in pantry with a free standing pantry for additional storage. In addition to a kitchen that performed better, we also increased the amount of natural light in the space with a larger window and through use of materials and paint, such as updating the trim to white, which reflects the light throughout the space. Rather than replace the hardwood floors, we simply refinished the existing oak floors.

This 1990's home, located in North Vancouver's Lynn Valley neighbourhood, had high ceilings and a great open plan layout but the decor was straight out of the 90's complete with sponge painted walls in dark earth tones. The owners, a young professional couple, enlisted our help to take it from dated and dreary to modern and bright. We started by removing details like chair rails and crown mouldings, that did not suit the modern architectural lines of the home. We replaced the heavily worn wood floors with a new high end, light coloured, wood-look laminate that will withstand the wear and tear from their two energetic golden retrievers. Since the main living space is completely open plan it was important that we work with simple consistent finishes for a clean modern look. The all white kitchen features flat doors with minimal hardware and a solid surface marble-look countertop and backsplash. We modernized all of the lighting and updated the bathrooms and master bedroom as well. The only departure from our clean modern scheme is found in the dressing room where the client was looking for a more dressed up feminine feel but we kept a thread of grey consistent even in this more vivid colour scheme. This transformation, featuring the clients' gorgeous original artwork and new custom designed furnishings is admittedly one of our favourite projects to date!

ADPD703HM4: adorne® Paddle Dimmer - 700W - Incandescent/Halogen - Magnesium Dual-engineered with a rocking motion for seamless on/off lighting control, as well as a slider for dimming in one beautifully inventive package. To determine what option is right for you, make sure the wattage of your bulbs matches the wattage of the dimmer switch by multiplying the number of bulbs by their respective wattage. For example, if you have a chandelier with 11 bulbs at 100 watts each, you would need the 1100 watt dimmer switch. Supports incandescent and halogen bulbs and single-pole/3-way operation. Easy "1-for-1" installation lets you simply replace your existing switch in just minutes. Fits in your existing electrical box and does not require new wires for typical installation. Innovative assembly and snap-in system make it fast and simple to install.

ARTR152M4: adorne® Tamper-Resistant Outlet - 15A - 125V - Magnesium All adorne outlets include a tamper-resistant design featuring a patented shutter system, keeping children safe by preventing them from pushing small objects into the outlet. The shutters are molded a dark color that they fade into the backgorund while keeping users safe. Patented shutter system helps prevent improper insertion of foreign objects. Configuration easily supports two plugs and offers the capacity of a standard outlet. Easy "1-for-1" installation lets you simply replace your existing outlet in just minutes. Fits in your existing electrical box and does not require new wires for typical installation. Innovative assembly and snap-in system make it fast and simple to install.

This client had a bathroom with a great layout but it was outdated and there were some things that never made sense. For instance, the entry is double doors facing the back wall of the shower - which originally had no light. Simply adding recessed lighting made the whole space more welcoming. The dated under-mount tub was replaced with a gorgeous freestanding tub. We added film to the window by the tub for privacy. Two beautiful sliding glass doors now hang in the new shower with marble accents. His & hers vanity areas each have ample storage below and on the towers - topped with stunning fixtures, a uniquely formed sink and tile mirrors.

Elegant home design photo in London

This 1990's home, located in North Vancouver's Lynn Valley neighbourhood, had high ceilings and a great open plan layout but the decor was straight out of the 90's complete with sponge painted walls in dark earth tones. The owners, a young professional couple, enlisted our help to take it from dated and dreary to modern and bright. We started by removing details like chair rails and crown mouldings, that did not suit the modern architectural lines of the home. We replaced the heavily worn wood floors with a new high end, light coloured, wood-look laminate that will withstand the wear and tear from their two energetic golden retrievers. Since the main living space is completely open plan it was important that we work with simple consistent finishes for a clean modern look. The all white kitchen features flat doors with minimal hardware and a solid surface marble-look countertop and backsplash. We modernized all of the lighting and updated the bathrooms and master bedroom as well. The only departure from our clean modern scheme is found in the dressing room where the client was looking for a more dressed up feminine feel but we kept a thread of grey consistent even in this more vivid colour scheme. This transformation, featuring the clients' gorgeous original artwork and new custom designed furnishings is admittedly one of our favourite projects to date!

Our clients came to us after purchasing their new home, wanting to update a few things to make it “theirs.” They wanted to refresh the kitchen by simply changing the backsplash and installing a new chandelier. Our clients picked out super cool allen + roth Imperial City Subway tile backsplash that really changed the entire look of the kitchen. Three simple Tamill clear with black drizzle 7” glass pendants were hung above the kitchen island, where there was once a glitzy chandelier. They also opted for a gas stove, so, we removed the existing electric cooktop and installed a gas stove instead. A metallic gray Blanco Valea Silgranit low-divide undermount sink replaced the existing stainless sink, and we installed an Addison Arctic stainless kitchen faucet to finish it off. These simple changes made a huge difference in the appearance of this kitchen. Our clients are so pleased with the outcome. Design/Remodel by Hatfield Builders & Remodelers | Photography by Versatile Imaging