Audrey Hall
Example of a trendy bathroom design in Other

Transitional master gray tile drop-in bathtub photo in Indianapolis with gray walls and marble countertops

Michael Hsu
Alcove shower - large contemporary master white tile and stone tile dark wood floor alcove shower idea in Austin with open cabinets, white cabinets and white walls

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

Southgate Homes
Study room - transitional freestanding desk dark wood floor study room idea in Dallas with gray walls

The client’s coastal New England roots inspired this Shingle style design for a lakefront lot. With a background in interior design, her ideas strongly influenced the process, presenting both challenge and reward in executing her exact vision. Vintage coastal style grounds a thoroughly modern open floor plan, designed to house a busy family with three active children. A primary focus was the kitchen, and more importantly, the butler’s pantry tucked behind it. Flowing logically from the garage entry and mudroom, and with two access points from the main kitchen, it fulfills the utilitarian functions of storage and prep, leaving the main kitchen free to shine as an integral part of the open living area. An ARDA for Custom Home Design goes to Royal Oaks Design Designer: Kieran Liebl From: Oakdale, Minnesota

Photo: Jessica Cain © 2018 Houzz
Example of a small mid-century modern freestanding desk study room design in Kansas City

Open concept kitchen - large 1950s galley medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen idea in Seattle with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops and an island

Dan Piassick
Country dining room photo in Dallas

Contemporary Office with Tangerine Accents
Mid-sized trendy built-in desk porcelain tile study room photo in Santa Barbara with beige walls

Bathroom - traditional bathroom idea in Richmond

Stunning Mill Valley contemporary filled with light! Beautifully remodeled with attention to detail and the finest finishes. Perfectly situated on the lower level of Mount Tamalpais and a short drive to downtown. Upper level consists of a master bedroom and bath, architecturally pleasing great room with fireplace, large dining area and open kitchen with a long countertop-bar. Sliding doors off of the great room lead to a fabulous deck for entertaining with views out to the San Francisco Bay. The lower level has two additional bedrooms and a full bath and access to a 2-car attached garage with plenty of room for storage. An additional detached storage shed, a hot tub, outdoor shower, level lawn, and cozy outdoor spaces complete this exceptional property. Close to downtown Mill Valley, easy San Francisco commute, hiking trails not far from your front door, and all of the beauty that Mill Valley has to offer.

Designer: Jackie Bayer, ASID, CID, Sadie Sanchez, allied ASID Photographer: Jamie Sentz
Transitional living room photo in Baltimore

This 2-story home with first-floor owner’s suite includes a 2-car garage and welcoming front porch. A dramatic 2-story ceiling in the foyer makes a grand first impression while hardwood flooring flows to the dining room, kitchen, and breakfast area. To the right of the foyer is the study, and to the left is the dining room with elegant tray ceiling and craftsman style wainscoting. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances, granite countertops with tile backsplash, and attractive cabinetry with decorative crown molding. Off of the kitchen is the breakfast area with triple windows and access to the deck and backyard. Adjacent to the kitchen and breakfast area is the great room with 2-story ceiling and a gas fireplace with stone surround. The owner’s suite with tray ceiling detail includes a private bathroom with double bowl vanity, 5’ tile shower, and an expansive closet. The 2nd floor boasts 3 additional bedrooms and a full bathroom.

Another sliding barn door in a modern farmhouse? You bet! This door leads to the study/home office.
Small farmhouse freestanding desk vinyl floor and brown floor study room photo in Other with gray walls

Photo: Mark Weinberg Interiors: Ann Tempest
Example of a danish built-in desk light wood floor study room design in Salt Lake City with white walls

Example of a mid-sized farmhouse gender-neutral dark wood floor kids' study room design in San Francisco with white walls

Example of a trendy freestanding desk medium tone wood floor study room design in Minneapolis

Photo from the Blue Sky Archives
Inspiration for a contemporary dining room remodel in Vancouver