Rob Karosis
Example of a classic bedroom design in New York with gray walls, a standard fireplace and a stone fireplace

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

Hunter Douglas Sunroom Ideas Hunter Douglas Duette® Architella® Honeycomb Shades with SkyLift™ Operating Systems: SkyLift or LiteRise or Specialty Shapes Room: Sunrooms Room Styles: American Heritage Available from Accent Window Fashions LLC Hunter Douglas Showcase Priority Dealer Hunter Douglas Certified Installer #Hunter_Douglas #Duette #Architella #Honeycomb_Shades #SkyLift #LiteRise #Specialty_Shapes #Sunroom #Sunrooms #Sunroom_Ideas #American_Heritage #Window_Treatments #HunterDouglas #Accent_Window_Fashions Copyright 2001-2013 Hunter Douglas, Inc. All rights reserved.

Hunter Douglas Living Room Ideas Hunter Douglas Designer Screen Shades with PowerRise® 2.1 Platinum™ Technology Hunter Douglas Designer Screen Shades with PowerRise® 2.1 Platinum™ Technology Material: Indian Basket 5% Color: Willow Stick Operating Systems: Cordless System or PowerRise 2.1 with Platinum Technology Room: Living Room Room Styles: Contemporary, Transitional, Traditional Available from Accent Window Fashions LLC Hunter Douglas Showcase Priority Dealer Hunter Douglas Certified Installer #Hunter_Douglas #Designer #Screen_Shades #PowerRise #Platinum #Technology #Cordless_System #Contemporary_Living_Room_Design #Living_Room #Living_Rooms #Living_Room_Ideas #Contemporary #Living_Room_Window_Treatment_Ideas #Transitional #Traditional #Window_Treatments #HunterDouglas #Accent_Window_Fashions Copyright 2001-2013 Hunter Douglas, Inc. All rights reserved.

Roller Blinds and Solar Shades are similar in function, but are different in appearance. Roller Blinds have an Opacity rating between 1 - 5, with 1 being the roll up blind that lights up, and 5 being your blackout roller shades - no light passes through. Solar Screens / sunshades are a mesh fabric that lets in anywhere from 1% to 15% of UV rays through the fabric - This is called Openness Factor. Used both indoors and outdoors for patios. 5% Openness blocks 95% of the UV rays. Roller blinds come in a variety of fabric colors, patterns and textures. Note that this Graber kitchen custom roller shades have a pattern with most likely a Opacity factor of 1, which allows the sun to highlight the color and pattern in the fabric. If this shade had an Opacity of 5, it would be a blackout roller shade and you would only see the pattern and color from the inside. Motorized roller blinds available. Interior and exterior roller shades available. Use on exterior instead of outdoor curtains. Windows Dressed Up in Denver is also is your store for custom curtains, drapes, valances, custom roman shades, valances and cornices. We also make custom bedding - comforters, duvet covers, throw pillows, bolsters and upholstered headboards. Custom curtain rods & drapery hardware too. Hunter Douglas, Lafayette Interior Fashions and Graber. Graber roller blinds photo.

Hunter Douglas Bathroom Ideas Hunter Douglas Silhouette® Window Shadings with EasyRise™ Cord Loop Operating Systems: EasyRise Cord Loop Room: Bathroom Room Styles: Traditional Available from Accent Window Fashions LLC Hunter Douglas Showcase Priority Dealer Hunter Douglas Certified Installer #Hunter_Douglas #Silhouette #Window_Shadings #EasyRise #Cord_Loop #Bathroom #Bathrooms #Bathroom_Ideas #Window_Treatments #Traditional #HunterDouglas #Accent_Window_Fashions Copyright 2001-2013 Hunter Douglas, Inc. All rights reserved.

A vintage map detailing the traditional territories of Native American tribal groups acts as window shade and homework inspiration. Photos by Photo Art Portraits

INTERNATIONAL AWARD WINNER. 2018 NKBA Design Competition Best Overall Kitchen. 2018 TIDA International USA Kitchen of the Year. 2018 Best Traditional Kitchen - Westchester Home Magazine design awards. The designer's own kitchen was gutted and renovated in 2017, with a focus on classic materials and thoughtful storage. The 1920s craftsman home has been in the family since 1940, and every effort was made to keep finishes and details true to the original construction. For sources, please see the website at www.studiodearborn.com. Photography, Adam Kane Macchia and Timothy Lenz

A huge wall of windows faces the bed and billowy parachute curtains soften the space. The room was left simple and intimate to create restfulness. Photo by Lincoln Barber

Cornerless windows are a small detail which helps to add a feeling of expansiveness to the view from this contemporary living room
Inspiration for a large contemporary formal and enclosed light wood floor and brown floor living room remodel in Denver with no tv, a ribbon fireplace and a metal fireplace

Bedroom Ideas - Gray vinyl vertical blinds from Graber - fabric vertical blinds, sheer vertical blinds or vinyl vertical blinds. The vanes have nearly 200 colors and patterns to fit any home decor idea. Vertical blinds can be paired with horizontal blinds that match the same color and style. Linear beauty with functional charm. Window treatment ideas for bedroom sliding door. Windows Dressed Up window treatment store featuring blinds, shutters and shades in Denver services the metro area, including Parker, Castle Rock, Boulder, Evergreen, Broomfield, Lakewood, Aurora, Thornton, Centennial, Littleton, Highlands Ranch, Arvada, Golden, Westminster, Lone Tree, Greenwood Village, Wheat Ridge. Graber photo of bedroom ideas - gray vinyl vertical blinds on sliding glass door.

Jennifer and Dan have lived in their Deer Park Illinois home for 15 years, slowly making minor fixes like painting and decorating; but they had a new plan for their kitchen the entire time. An awkwardly placed garage door, and an island cooktop with a terrible downdraft made a full-scale kitchen remodel an absolute must. Jennifer had many ideas in mind and wanted to work with a company that could provide high-end work, while partnering with a designer that would tailor the kitchen to her ideas. She was intrigued by the phrase “Common Sense Remodeling” in Advance Design’s feature she discovered while perusing an issue of the community’s Quintessential Barrington Magazine. Doing further research on the company’s website, as she looked through project profiles and read about Advance Design’s “Common Sense Remodeling” philosophy, she promptly scheduled an appointment to see if the people and ideas she read about were truly who they said they were. The more she read, the more she knew that the “Common Sense” approach to remodeling they described was exactly the type of company she was looking for. The partnership was sealed after an initial consultation with Owner Todd Jurs and Project Designer Michelle Lecinski. They displayed a combination of friendliness, professionalism and respect that was unmatched by any of the other companies Jennifer talked to. She knew that with Advance Design, she would be able to retain the vision that she had in mind with high-quality craftsmanship. “I reached out to Advance Design because of the ‘Common Sense Remodeling’ tagline,” Jennifer said. “That’s what lingered for me”. “Advance Design was the most respectful- of the house and of my design ideas, and the most professional of the handful of companies that looked at my project”. Soon after the meeting Jennifer began working with Michelle on the project design. They quickly developed chemistry. Jennifer loved how Michelle researched and located every detail that Jennifer wanted for the kitchen. Between the two of them, every concept and idea was worked through and perfected. “Jennifer had definite ideas about what she wanted the new kitchen to look like, she just didn’t know how to bring it all together. We worked together really well to make her ideas into the practical reality necessary for a well-functioning kitchen, with the look and feel that she had envisioned”, says Michelle. “Michelle was wonderful in using the CAD system she would show me new drawings every time we changed the layout while working through the design,” Jennifer said. “She was a really wonderful partner in execution, she made sure everything happened quickly and easily.” The finished design drew out elements of Jennifer’s style and personality. The pair call the look “sophisticated farmhouse” to describe the kitchen renovation to family and friends. The result was a beautifully crafted, authentic-feeling space that satisfied Jennifer’s dreams 15 years in the making. The whole project consisted of a kitchen remodel, mudroom upgrade with powder room, and garage entry relocation. “The projects I personally like the best, are the ones that put the client’s dreams on display,” Project Designer Michelle said. “And this is one of those projects.” The main focal point of the kitchen is custom zinc and brass ventilation hood with a vintage sheen, which was hand made to order by a small company in Indiana named Vogler Metalworking. “It’s like sculpture, a true work of art”, says Jennifer. Your eye is immediately drawn towards this elegant yet practical hood that eliminated the home’s downdraft problem and added a striking conversation piece at the same time. The carpenters had to use special gloves when transporting and installing it, so they didn’t smudge it with fingerprints. The beautiful hood centers proudly over the stunning black enamel and brass LaCornue Range. “I had a friend who had a LaCornue range and after learning how easy it was to cook perfect meals, I was convinced I wanted to have one”, says Jennifer. This unique, breathtaking combination anchors the entire kitchen and is apparent immediately as you walk into the great room the surrounds the space. DuraSupreme Crestwood cabinets with a Kendall Panel add function and sophistication. A custom gray paint color paired with a storm blue was developed so that the new kitchen looked like it belonged to the existing space. Unlacquered brass faucets and hardware were important to Jennifer because she wanted the living finishes to age over time. Remarkable brass diamond mesh cabinet door inserts imported from the UK continue to add this one-of-a-kind kitchen renovation; giving it a “you won’t see this everywhere” quality. The use of old railcar flooring for the coffee bar countertop and reclaimed oak for the open shelving gives an authenticity to the space uncommon in kitchens today. Jennifer and Michelle fell in love with the Limestone Grey Stone while they were investigating unique island countertop ideas. They liked the fact that the limestone as a living finish will age and change over time. Calcutta Miel Quartz countertops made for an excellent pairing around the perimeter, as it’s durable and perfect for cooking preparations. A textured white subway tile backsplash that runs to the ceiling keeps your eye moving towards the open shelving, and to the main focal point of the stunning range hood combination. “The kitchen functions beautifully, and it’s gorgeous,” beams Jennifer as she gestures with both hands while smiling ear to ear. “The most important thing was I wanted a kitchen that had a wonderful flow, cooked beautiful meals and was a great gathering place for family and friends, and this space does that perfectly! Beauty wise, it turned out exactly how I had envisioned. I felt the function part was the hardest part, and that was nailed”! Relocating the garage entry to the new mudroom was a huge priority and has finally separated the family’s arriving home functions from their kitchen. Now coats and shoes and bags have their own area for dropping once members arrive home. Matching gray DuraSupreme cabinetry helped create gorgeous, purposeful lockers for the family. A reclaimed vintage sink and custom wall paper were added to the tiny powder room to beautify the once previously only functional space. Advance Design was even able to create a custom space for their dog to sleep while the family is away. “It was unbelievable that a project of this size was completed in such a short time, and I think that’s because of the large amount of planning and preparation that went into it,” Jennifer marveled, “When we started, we were ready, and everything was prepared”. When it came to execution, Project Manager Justin Davis and his crew were quick, accessible, and organized. Projects like this kitchen are typically completed in as little as 8-10 weeks. Jennifer’s kitchen however despite the relocation of some challenging HVAC in a soffit and moving of an exterior door was completed remarkably fast in part because the team was working with an existing tile floor that ran throughout the first floor that the client really loved. “You get to know these people really well because they’re living in your house while you’re living in your house. They were so fast and really good, it didn’t take as long as even planned” reported Jennifer. “I would text Justin and he always responded almost immediately. I got to know all the guys who were working in our house and they were all wonderful people”. Details in a customized kitchen like this one require skill and care from the people who install it. “All the guys on the job were skilled at what the did. I wanted small details like little feet to look like furniture, that is where their carpentry skill came in to make these all perfect”, said Jennifer. “The tile guys were wonderful. They even let me determine how I wanted the texture with the grout to appear for a salt and pepper look; now that is a very skilled trade person making it custom”. In Jennifer’s interview, she continued to reference Advance Design’s “Common Sense Remodeling”, so I took a minute to ask her exactly what that phrase meant to her and how it played out in her experience with her project and the Advance Design team. Here is what she said: “I was intrigued about Common Sense Remodeling and in my head that there would be clear costs and prices, great communication between the design team, the execution team and me”, said Jennifer. They did deliver on that, it was so clear about the cost breakdown, what I could expect from everyone who came to my house, and everything that we had ordered. That to me is the Common Sense”! It’s great to see a client take literally our assertion that a well-planned remodeling project is simply “Common Sense”! She anticipated each step of the way would be clear, concise, and predictable, all the while protecting the outcome due to the careful upfront planning. “Advance Design delivered on their ‘Common Sense Remodeling’ promise,” Jennifer said. “From the design team, to the execution team - everything was straight forward like I imagined. The project turned out exactly how I envisioned, I enjoyed this process and absolutely would recommend Advance Design Studio to anyone.”

Hunter Douglas Bathroom Ideas Hunter Douglas Palm Beach™ Polysatin Shutters with TruView™ Rear Tilt Operating Systems: TruView Room: Bathroom Room Styles: Contemporary, Eclectic Hunter Douglas Palm Beach™ Polysatin Shutters with TruView™ Rear Tilt Material: Polysatin Color: Bright White Available from Accent Window Fashions LLC Hunter Douglas Showcase Priority Dealer Hunter Douglas Certified Installer Copyright 2001-2013 Hunter Douglas, Inc. All rights reserved.

The Aspect Window Series has been independently tested to meet strict energy efficiency standards and is ENERGY STAR® certified. Aspect brand custom vinyl windows come standard with an innovative, multi-chambered frame and sash design, triple weather-stripping and ComforTech™ Warm Edge Glazing, a high-tech glass package that measurably improves thermal performance—for less heat loss, warmer glass temperatures and reduced interior condensation.

The clients approached us with an addition that was failing structurally and a 1950’s era kitchen that was in serious need of updating. Alloy created a new addition to accommodate a larger bathroom, a laundry room and a small mudroom. The addition also includes a portico that opens to the clients wonderful gardens in the back. The kitchen was also opened up to the dining room creating more light and natural flow throughout the house. Our client, a landscape architect, wanted a view from the kitchen that looks into the gardens at the back of the house. The bathroom has exposed joists and clerestory windows bathing the whole room in natural light while allowing for privacy. The same tile was used throughout but in multiple scales creating interesting textures while maintaining a cohesive palette and a serene ambiance. Andrea Hubbel Photography

Designed to maximize function with minimal impact, the studio serves up adaptable square footage in a wrapping almost healthy enough to eat. The open interior space organically transitions from personal to communal with the guidance of an angled roof plane. Beneath the tallest elevation, a sunny workspace awaits creative endeavors. The high ceiling provides room for big ideas in a small space, while a cluster of windows offers a glimpse of the structure’s soaring eave. Solid walls hugging the workspace add both privacy and anchors for wall-mounted storage. Towards the studio’s southern end, the ceiling plane slopes downward into a more intimate gathering space with playfully angled lines. The building is as sustainable as it is versatile. Its all-wood construction includes interior paneling sourced locally from the Wood Mill of Maine. Lengths of eastern white pine span up to 16 feet to reach from floor to ceiling, creating visual warmth from a material that doubles as a natural insulator. Non-toxic wood fiber insulation, made from sawdust and wax, partners with triple-glazed windows to further insulate against extreme weather. During the winter, the interior temperature is able to reach 70 degrees without any heat on. As it neared completion, the studio became a family project with Jesse, Betsy, and their kids working together to add the finishing touches. “Our whole life is a bit of an architectural experiment”, says Jesse, “but this has become an incredibly useful space.”

Window treatment ideas - Consider combining window treatments to make the window look larger or becomes part of the room design. This modern window treatment has custom gray curtain panels topped by a gray valance made of the same fabric. The window blinds are also made of a gray fabric. Works just like a wood blind or mini blind / aluminum blind, except the vanes are made of a textured fabric. This small living room space is transformed by this window treatment design. Windows Dressed Up in Denver is also is your store for custom curtains, drapes, valances, custom roman shades, valances and cornices. We also make custom bedding - comforters, duvet covers, throw pillows, bolsters and upholstered headboards. Custom curtain rods & drapery hardware too. Home decorators dream store! Photo: Gray fabric blind by Graber - Living room ideas.

Mid Century Modern Renovation - nestled in the heart of Arapahoe Acres. This home was purchased as a foreclosure and needed a complete renovation. To complete the renovation - new floors, walls, ceiling, windows, doors, electrical, plumbing and heating system were redone or replaced. The kitchen and bathroom also underwent a complete renovation - as well as the home exterior and landscaping. Many of the original details of the home had not been preserved so Kimberly Demmy Design worked to restore what was intact and carefully selected other details that would honor the mid century roots of the home. Published in Atomic Ranch - Fall 2015 - Keeping It Small. Daniel O'Connor Photography

Cellular shades - honeycomb blinds. Whatever you call them, they are popular and budget conscious window treatment ideas to use in every room of the home. Honeycomb shades and cellular blinds can be blackout cellular shades, insulated shades, room darkening or light filtering. Top down bottom up cellular shades and cordless cellular shades are just some of the options available, beside a huge range of colors, textures and styles. Custom arch cellular shades / honeycomb blinds are available as well as skylight shades, bay window treatments, oval, triangle and more. This living room example is a Hunter Douglas Applause Cellular Shade. Windows Dressed Up in Denver is also is your store for custom curtains, drapes, valances, custom roman shades, valances and cornices. We also make custom bedding - comforters, duvet covers, throw pillows, bolsters and upholstered headboards. Custom curtain rods & drapery hardware too. Hunter Douglas cellular shade photo.