Sam Oberter
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern home design remodel in Philadelphia

Design: Michael Del Piero Good Design ©Janet Mesic Mackie
Inspiration for a contemporary gray tile alcove shower remodel in Chicago with flat-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, gray walls and a trough sink

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

Designed by: Studio Revolution Photography by: Thomas Kuoh
Bedroom - contemporary bedroom idea in San Francisco

Japanese Tea House featuring Japanese Soaking tub and combined shower and tub bathing area. Design by Trilogy Partners Photos Roger Wade featured in Architectural Digest May 2010

Kimberley Bryan
Inspiration for a 1950s kitchen remodel in Los Angeles

Lori Hamilton
Elegant beige tile outdoor patio shower photo in Miami

Example of a beach style bathroom design in San Francisco

Contemporary Black Guest Bathroom With Floating Shelves. Black is an unexpected palette in this contemporary guest bathroom. The dark walls are contrasted by a light wood vanity and wood floating shelves. Brass hardware adds a glam touch to the space.

An apron front sink and mesh inset shaker cabinets add vintage style while a white on white palette keeps the look clean and bright in this compact kitchen update. Photos by Photo Art Portraits

Kim Pritchard
Family room - coastal family room idea in Los Angeles

Gorgeous contemporary master bathroom renovation! Everything from the custom floating vanity and large-format herringbone vanity wall to the soaring ceilings, walk-in shower and gold accents speaks to luxury and comfort. Simple, stylish and elegant - total win!!

This narrow galley style primary bathroom was opened up by eliminating a wall between the toilet and vanity zones, enlarging the vanity counter space, and expanding the shower into dead space between the existing shower and the exterior wall. Now the space is the relaxing haven they'd hoped for for years. The warm, modern palette features soft green cabinetry, sage green ceramic tile with a high variation glaze and a fun accent tile with gold and silver tones in the shower niche that ties together the brass and brushed nickel fixtures and accessories, and a herringbone wood-look tile flooring that anchors the space with warmth. Wood accents are repeated in the softly curved mirror frame, the unique ash wood grab bars, and the bench in the shower. Quartz counters and shower elements are easy to mantain and provide a neutral break in the palette. The sliding shower door system allows for easy access without a door swing bumping into the toilet seat. The closet across from the vanity was updated with a pocket door, eliminating the previous space stealing small swinging doors. Storage features include a pull out hamper for quick sorting of dirty laundry and a tall cabinet on the counter that provides storage at an easy to grab height.

Example of a trendy 3/4 gray tile walk-in shower design in Boston with gray walls

An extreme renovation makeover for my clients teenagers bathroom. We expanded the footprint and upgraded all facets of the existing space. We selected a more mature, sophisticated, spa like vibe that fit her likes and needs, while maintaining a modern, subdued palette that was calming + inviting and showcased the sculptural elements in the room. There really was nowhere but up to go in this space.

Bathroom by Domain Interiors & Design; Built by Alka Construction Inc; Lighting from Design on Tap
Double shower - contemporary master multicolored tile and mosaic tile double shower idea in Charleston with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets and an undermount tub

Opting for an efficient design that allowed for openness and functionality while still reflecting spa-like and sustainable choices, these homeowners created a soothing primary retreat within a small space. Photographer: Clarified Studios

Patio - mid-sized mid-century modern backyard concrete paver and rectangular natural patio idea in San Francisco

Jeri Koegel
Inspiration for a small craftsman beige tile and stone tile limestone floor and beige floor alcove shower remodel in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, limestone countertops, a wall-mount toilet, white walls and a hinged shower door