Photography by Patrick Ray With a footprint of just 450 square feet, this micro residence embodies minimalism and elegance through efficiency. Particular attention was paid to creating spaces that support multiple functions as well as innovative storage solutions. A mezzanine-level sleeping space looks down over the multi-use kitchen/living/dining space as well out to multiple view corridors on the site. To create a expansive feel, the lower living space utilizes a bifold door to maximize indoor-outdoor connectivity, opening to the patio, endless lap pool, and Boulder open space beyond. The home sits on a ¾ acre lot within the city limits and has over 100 trees, shrubs and grasses, providing privacy and meditation space. This compact home contains a fully-equipped kitchen, ¾ bath, office, sleeping loft and a subgrade storage area as well as detached carport.

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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

Inspiration for a 1960s open concept medium tone wood floor and brown floor living room remodel in Portland with white walls, a standard fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Corey Gaffer
Minimalist dark wood floor and brown floor eat-in kitchen photo in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, gray backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Inspiration for a large scandinavian light wood floor and wood ceiling eat-in kitchen remodel in New York with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, soapstone countertops, gray backsplash, stone slab backsplash, paneled appliances, an island and gray countertops

Our client had a clear vision for their Scandinavian-style apartment, but with limited natural light and a small area, it was a challenge to create a cozy and minimalist living space. Arhist came to the rescue with its user-friendly interface, which helped us design a space that incorporated neutral colors, natural materials, and smart storage solutions. From modern and sleek furniture to soft lighting and simple decor accents, we carefully selected every element to highlight the Scandinavian style and create a serene and inviting atmosphere. The result is a stunning living space that feels spacious and uncluttered while still providing warmth and comfort. With Arhist, we were able to achieve our client's vision and transform their apartment into a warm and welcoming home. Try Arhist for yourself with our 14-day free trial and see how you can achieve your dream living space.

Ryann Ford
Farmhouse detached shed photo in Austin

photo by Seed Studio, editing by TR PhotoStudio
Photo of a small modern drought-tolerant and full sun backyard gravel landscaping in San Francisco with a fire pit.

This modern lake house is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The residence overlooks a mountain lake with expansive mountain views beyond. The design ties the home to its surroundings and enhances the ability to experience both home and nature together. The entry level serves as the primary living space and is situated into three groupings; the Great Room, the Guest Suite and the Master Suite. A glass connector links the Master Suite, providing privacy and the opportunity for terrace and garden areas. Won a 2013 AIANC Design Award. Featured in the Austrian magazine, More Than Design. Featured in Carolina Home and Garden, Summer 2015.

This high contemporary kitchen places an emphasis on the views to the expansive garden beyond. Soft colors and textures make the space approachable.
Eat-in kitchen - large contemporary l-shaped light wood floor and beige floor eat-in kitchen idea in Sacramento with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, white backsplash, stone slab backsplash, an island, white countertops, marble countertops and stainless steel appliances

Martha O'Hara Interiors, Interior Design & Photo Styling | Corey Gaffer, Photography Please Note: All “related,” “similar,” and “sponsored” products tagged or listed by Houzz are not actual products pictured. They have not been approved by Martha O’Hara Interiors nor any of the professionals credited. For information about our work, please contact design@oharainteriors.com.

Example of a mid-sized 1950s u-shaped laminate floor and beige floor open concept kitchen design in San Diego with a farmhouse sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Chipper Hatter
Wine cellar - mid-sized mediterranean porcelain tile wine cellar idea in San Diego with storage racks

MCM sofa, Clean lines, white walls and a hint of boho, black marble 1X4" Tile
Inspiration for a small scandinavian galley vinyl floor and brown floor open concept kitchen remodel in Phoenix with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, black backsplash, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

Inspiration for a large coastal wooden u-shaped cable railing staircase remodel in Miami with painted risers

MCM sofa, Clean lines, white walls and a hint of boho, black marble 1X4" Tile
Open concept kitchen - small modern galley vinyl floor and brown floor open concept kitchen idea in Phoenix with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, black backsplash, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances and a peninsula

This custom-built modern farmhouse was designed with a simple taupe and white palette, keeping the color tones neutral and calm. Tile designs by Mary-Beth Oliver. Designed and Built by Schmiedeck Construction. Photographed by Tim Lenz.

Built in bench seat created out of formed concrete and raised garden beds.
Photo of a contemporary side yard stone garden path in Sydney.