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

Exposed framing is possible because all the insulation is on the outside of the house. This concept is called "Perfect Wall" and was originally designed by Building Science Corporation's founder Joe Lstiburek. See our YouTube channel for more info and construction videos on Perfect Wall. YouTube.com/MattRisinger Casey Dunn

Custom home office built with reclaimed materials; Barn siding, rough sawn pine with green milk paint, and reclaimed oak counter tops. Zander Woodworks,LLC

This custom home office features charcoal and high gloss white with vanilla backing, designed to save space and complement your working style. Eye-catching brushed nickel handles are accented with leather for added color and style. Interior and under cabinet LED lighting provide greater visibility while working. Top shelves have open and closed shelving that provides space to decorate your office with home décor and plenty of room to store your favorite reads. The large stained maple countertop has tons of room to keep everything you need with in arms reach. Electronics are kept neat and tidy with a concealed wire management system. Our custom workspaces are designed with plenty of sturdy drawer space. Side to side file drawers fit letters and legal folders. Full extension glides make it easy to access all of your files and supplies. A transFORM home office is your place to stay focused and organized.

Bella Vita Custom Homes presents this legendary, two-story library/study. From the custom made stone fireplace to the spiral staircase, this legendary library speaks for itself.

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Inspiration for a large transitional freestanding desk dark wood floor, brown floor, vaulted ceiling and wall paneling study room remodel in Chicago with gray walls, a ribbon fireplace and a stone fireplace

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Study room - large transitional freestanding desk dark wood floor, brown floor, vaulted ceiling and wall paneling study room idea in Chicago with gray walls, a ribbon fireplace and a stone fireplace

Singleton Photography
Large transitional built-in desk medium tone wood floor study room photo with a standard fireplace

Example of a mid-sized transitional freestanding desk dark wood floor study room design in Salt Lake City with beige walls

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Meghan Bob Photography
Mid-sized transitional medium tone wood floor and brown floor foyer photo in Los Angeles with gray walls and a brown front door

This grand 2-story home with first-floor owner’s suite includes a 3-car garage with spacious mudroom entry complete with built-in lockers. A stamped concrete walkway leads to the inviting front porch. Double doors open to the foyer with beautiful hardwood flooring that flows throughout the main living areas on the 1st floor. Sophisticated details throughout the home include lofty 10’ ceilings on the first floor and farmhouse door and window trim and baseboard. To the front of the home is the formal dining room featuring craftsman style wainscoting with chair rail and elegant tray ceiling. Decorative wooden beams adorn the ceiling in the kitchen, sitting area, and the breakfast area. The well-appointed kitchen features stainless steel appliances, attractive cabinetry with decorative crown molding, Hanstone countertops with tile backsplash, and an island with Cambria countertop. The breakfast area provides access to the spacious covered patio. A see-thru, stone surround fireplace connects the breakfast area and the airy living room. The owner’s suite, tucked to the back of the home, features a tray ceiling, stylish shiplap accent wall, and an expansive closet with custom shelving. The owner’s bathroom with cathedral ceiling includes a freestanding tub and custom tile shower. Additional rooms include a study with cathedral ceiling and rustic barn wood accent wall and a convenient bonus room for additional flexible living space. The 2nd floor boasts 3 additional bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, and a loft that overlooks the living room.

A slender view black framed glass panel between the office and living room gives the office a glimpse of the slat wall beyond, and creates an open feel between the two.

With an office with a view this beautiful, the work may never get done. The open concept room is the dream office you have been looking for. With custom floating cabinets providing stylish storage.

The Mackenzie This is a home full of wonderful contrasts, where open, flowing layout meets intimate warm spaces. It's an urban farmhouse concept blending rich; natural finishes with sleek modern fixtures.