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

Derek Skalko
Example of a small trendy gender-neutral nursery design in Denver

These high gloss white cabinets are the perfect compliment to the single bowl sink. The black porcelain tile floor is low maintenance and a great touch to the minimalist look of the space. For more on Normandy Designer Chris Ebert, click here: http://www.normandyremodeling.com/designers/christopher-ebert/

In this kitchen, we updated the existing cabinets with new Cambria Berwyn quartz countertop and window sill. For the backsplash we installed 3x12 Debut glass tile in Shale with 1x1 Baroque Mosaic tile in Alabastro color with dove gray grout. A new Seagull Ambiance Rail lighting system was installed in Antique brushed nickel. A Moen Arbor High Arc single handle pulldown faucet in Spot Resist Stainless with a Moen Transitional Soap dispenser and a Blanco super single performa sink with stainless steel grid. We also installed in the existing pantry roll out trays for convenient storage.

Contemporary Palo Alto kitchen Photo credit; Devon Carlock
Mid-sized transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen photo in San Francisco with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, solid surface countertops, multicolored backsplash, glass tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and a single-bowl sink

In this kitchen, we updated the existing cabinets with new Cambria Berwyn quartz countertop and window sill. For the backsplash we installed 3x12 Debut glass tile in Shale with 1x1 Baroque Mosaic tile in Alabastro color with dove gray grout. A new Seagull Ambiance Rail lighting system was installed in Antique brushed nickel. A Moen Arbor High Arc single handle pulldown faucet in Spot Resist Stainless with a Moen Transitional Soap dispenser and a Blanco super single performa sink with stainless steel grid. We also installed in the existing pantry roll out trays for convenient storage.

In this kitchen, we updated the existing cabinets with new Cambria Berwyn quartz countertop and window sill. For the backsplash we installed 3x12 Debut glass tile in Shale with 1x1 Baroque Mosaic tile in Alabastro color with dove gray grout. A new Seagull Ambiance Rail lighting system was installed in Antique brushed nickel. A Moen Arbor High Arc single handle pulldown faucet in Spot Resist Stainless with a Moen Transitional Soap dispenser and a Blanco super single performa sink with stainless steel grid. We also installed in the existing pantry roll out trays for convenient storage.

[1] Blanco Diamond 441467 Super Single Bowl Sink - Anthracite [1] Artisan AF410SN Single Gooseneck Pull out Finial Handle Satin Nickel Daltile - BACKSPLASH ARCTIC GRAY 2 X 4 BEVELED MOSAIC (HONED) L757

Open concept kitchen - mid-sized modern light wood floor and beige floor open concept kitchen idea in Miami with a single-bowl sink, quartz countertops, an island, white countertops and stainless steel appliances

In this kitchen, we updated the existing cabinets with new Cambria Berwyn quartz countertop and window sill. For the backsplash we installed 3x12 Debut glass tile in Shale with 1x1 Baroque Mosaic tile in Alabastro color with dove gray grout. A new Seagull Ambiance Rail lighting system was installed in Antique brushed nickel. A Moen Arbor High Arc single handle pulldown faucet in Spot Resist Stainless with a Moen Transitional Soap dispenser and a Blanco super single performa sink with stainless steel grid. We also installed in the existing pantry roll out trays for convenient storage.

Open concept kitchen - mid-sized modern light wood floor and beige floor open concept kitchen idea in Miami with a single-bowl sink, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

In this kitchen, we updated the existing cabinets with new Cambria Berwyn quartz countertop and window sill. For the backsplash we installed 3x12 Debut glass tile in Shale with 1x1 Baroque Mosaic tile in Alabastro color with dove gray grout. A new Seagull Ambiance Rail lighting system was installed in Antique brushed nickel. A Moen Arbor High Arc single handle pulldown faucet in Spot Resist Stainless with a Moen Transitional Soap dispenser and a Blanco super single performa sink with stainless steel grid. We also installed in the existing pantry roll out trays for convenient storage.

Open concept kitchen - small transitional u-shaped open concept kitchen idea in Denver with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartzite countertops, stone slab backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

In this kitchen, we updated the existing cabinets with new Cambria Berwyn quartz countertop and window sill. For the backsplash we installed 3x12 Debut glass tile in Shale with 1x1 Baroque Mosaic tile in Alabastro color with dove gray grout. A new Seagull Ambiance Rail lighting system was installed in Antique brushed nickel. A Moen Arbor High Arc single handle pulldown faucet in Spot Resist Stainless with a Moen Transitional Soap dispenser and a Blanco super single performa sink with stainless steel grid. We also installed in the existing pantry roll out trays for convenient storage.

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. Photography: Eric Roth Photo

Large trendy bedroom photo in Delhi with beige walls

Simple and clean lines naturally create an effortless impact.
Inspiration for a small modern single-wall concrete floor, gray floor and vaulted ceiling eat-in kitchen remodel in Los Angeles with a single-bowl sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, gray backsplash, black appliances, an island and gray countertops

A custom hutch with glass doors and shaker style mullions to the far end of the kitchen creates additional storage for cook books, tea pots and small appliances. One of the drawers is fitted with an electrical outlet and serves as charging station for I-Pads and cell phones.

Product by Artistic Tile
Example of a classic kitchen design in Cleveland