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

Southwest brown floor living room photo in Phoenix with white walls and a standard fireplace

Klopf Architecture, Arterra Landscape Architects and Henry Calvert of Calvert Ventures Designed and built a new warm, modern, Eichler-inspired, open, indoor-outdoor home on a deeper-than-usual San Mateo Highlands property where an original Eichler house had burned to the ground. The owners wanted multi-generational living and larger spaces than the original home offered, but all parties agreed that the house should respect the neighborhood and blend in stylistically with the other Eichlers. At first the Klopf team considered re-using what little was left of the original home and expanding on it. But after discussions with the owner and builder, all parties agreed that the last few remaining elements of the house were not practical to re-use, so Klopf Architecture designed a new home that pushes the Eichler approach in new directions. One disadvantage of Eichler production homes is that the house designs were not optimized for each specific lot. A new custom home offered the team a chance to start over. In this case, a longer house that opens up sideways to the south fit the lot better than the original square-ish house that used to open to the rear (west). Accordingly, the Klopf team designed an L-shaped “bar” house with a large glass wall with large sliding glass doors that faces sideways instead of to the rear like a typical Eichler. This glass wall opens to a pool and landscaped yard designed by Arterra Landscape Architects. Driving by the house, one might assume at first glance it is an Eichler because of the horizontality, the overhanging flat roof eaves, the dark gray vertical siding, and orange solid panel front door, but the house is designed for the 21st Century and is not meant to be a “Likeler.” You won't see any posts and beams in this home. Instead, the ceiling decking is a western red cedar that covers over all the beams. Like Eichlers, this cedar runs continuously from inside to out, enhancing the indoor / outdoor feeling of the house, but unlike Eichlers it conceals a cavity for lighting, wiring, and insulation. Ceilings are higher, rooms are larger and more open, the master bathroom is light-filled and more generous, with a separate tub and shower and a separate toilet compartment, and there is plenty of storage. The garage even easily fits two of today's vehicles with room to spare. A massive 49-foot by 12-foot wall of glass and the continuity of materials from inside to outside enhance the inside-outside living concept, so the owners and their guests can flow freely from house to pool deck to BBQ to pool and back. During construction in the rough framing stage, Klopf thought the front of the house appeared too tall even though the house had looked right in the design renderings (probably because the house is uphill from the street). So Klopf Architecture paid the framer to change the roofline from how we had designed it to be lower along the front, allowing the home to blend in better with the neighborhood. One project goal was for people driving up the street to pass the home without immediately noticing there is an "imposter" on this lot, and making that change was essential to achieve that goal. This 2,606 square foot, 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom Eichler-inspired new house is located in San Mateo in the heart of the Silicon Valley. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Klara Kevane Landscape Architect: Arterra Landscape Architects Contractor: Henry Calvert of Calvert Ventures Photography ©2016 Mariko Reed Location: San Mateo, CA Year completed: 2016

This 1930's Barrington Hills farmhouse was in need of some TLC when it was purchased by this southern family of five who planned to make it their new home. The renovation taken on by Advance Design Studio's designer Scott Christensen and master carpenter Justin Davis included a custom porch, custom built in cabinetry in the living room and children's bedrooms, 2 children's on-suite baths, a guest powder room, a fabulous new master bath with custom closet and makeup area, a new upstairs laundry room, a workout basement, a mud room, new flooring and custom wainscot stairs with planked walls and ceilings throughout the home. The home's original mechanicals were in dire need of updating, so HVAC, plumbing and electrical were all replaced with newer materials and equipment. A dramatic change to the exterior took place with the addition of a quaint standing seam metal roofed farmhouse porch perfect for sipping lemonade on a lazy hot summer day. In addition to the changes to the home, a guest house on the property underwent a major transformation as well. Newly outfitted with updated gas and electric, a new stacking washer/dryer space was created along with an updated bath complete with a glass enclosed shower, something the bath did not previously have. A beautiful kitchenette with ample cabinetry space, refrigeration and a sink was transformed as well to provide all the comforts of home for guests visiting at the classic cottage retreat. The biggest design challenge was to keep in line with the charm the old home possessed, all the while giving the family all the convenience and efficiency of modern functioning amenities. One of the most interesting uses of material was the porcelain "wood-looking" tile used in all the baths and most of the home's common areas. All the efficiency of porcelain tile, with the nostalgic look and feel of worn and weathered hardwood floors. The home’s casual entry has an 8" rustic antique barn wood look porcelain tile in a rich brown to create a warm and welcoming first impression. Painted distressed cabinetry in muted shades of gray/green was used in the powder room to bring out the rustic feel of the space which was accentuated with wood planked walls and ceilings. Fresh white painted shaker cabinetry was used throughout the rest of the rooms, accentuated by bright chrome fixtures and muted pastel tones to create a calm and relaxing feeling throughout the home. Custom cabinetry was designed and built by Advance Design specifically for a large 70” TV in the living room, for each of the children’s bedroom’s built in storage, custom closets, and book shelves, and for a mudroom fit with custom niches for each family member by name. The ample master bath was fitted with double vanity areas in white. A generous shower with a bench features classic white subway tiles and light blue/green glass accents, as well as a large free standing soaking tub nestled under a window with double sconces to dim while relaxing in a luxurious bath. A custom classic white bookcase for plush towels greets you as you enter the sanctuary bath. Joe Nowak

SeaThru is a new, waterfront, modern home. SeaThru was inspired by the mid-century modern homes from our area, known as the Sarasota School of Architecture. This homes designed to offer more than the standard, ubiquitous rear-yard waterfront outdoor space. A central courtyard offer the residents a respite from the heat that accompanies west sun, and creates a gorgeous intermediate view fro guest staying in the semi-attached guest suite, who can actually SEE THROUGH the main living space and enjoy the bay views. Noble materials such as stone cladding, oak floors, composite wood louver screens and generous amounts of glass lend to a relaxed, warm-contemporary feeling not typically common to these types of homes. Photos by Ryan Gamma Photography

A 200 SF addition to an existing master bedroom, this master bath and closet has created a much needed spa-like retreat to an already beautiful home. The ceramic tile floor resembles a lighter hardwood to match the rest of the home, but offers the resiliency of tile for the wet conditions of the bathroom. A double floating vanity offers plenty of storage, and four skylights and a large window offer enough natural light that artificial lighting is rarely used during the day. The shower ceramic tile resembles marble, but allows for an easier hard surface to clean and maintain. The brass fixtures allow for a warm contrast to the cool grays, and are a great alternative to the typical stainless steel or brushed aluminum look. The brass also compliments the tile floor, as does the light grey vanity color and the brass color accents in the shower tile and vanity backsplash. A small passage just before the entrance to the bathroom allows for storage space in the form of two built-in white cabinets on either side. A sliding pocket door with privacy glass provides privacy while transferring natural light from one space to the next. The overall feel is inviting and peaceful, with a natural charm brought about by the materials and colors chosen to complete this spa-like retreat.

1950s kitchen photo in San Francisco

Example of a transitional home office design in DC Metro

Oasis in the Desert You can find a whole lot of fun ready for the kids in this fun contemporary play-yard in the dessert. Theme: The overall theme of the play-yard is a blend of creative and active outdoor play that blends with the contemporary styling of this beautiful home. Focus: The overall focus for the design of this amazing play-yard was to provide this family with an outdoor space that would foster an active and creative playtime for their children of various ages. The visual focus of this space is the 15-foot tree placed in the middle of the turf yard. This fantastic structure beacons the children to climb the mini stumps and enjoy the slide or swing happily from the branches all the while creating a touch of whimsical nature not typically found in the desert. Surrounding the tree the play-yard offers an array of activities for these lucky children from the chalkboard walls to create amazing pictures to the custom ball wall to practice their skills, the custom myWall system provides endless options for the kids and parents to keep the space exciting and new. Rock holds easily clip into the wall offering ever changing climbing routes, custom water toys and games can also be adapted to the wall to fit the fun of the day. Storage: The myWall system offers various storage options including shelving, closed cases or hanging baskets all of which can be moved to alternate locations on the wall as the homeowners want to customize the play-yard. Growth: The myWall system is built to grow with the users whether it is with changing taste, updating design or growing children, all the accessories can be moved or replaced while leaving the main frame in place. The materials used throughout the space were chosen for their durability and ability to withstand the harsh conditions for many years. The tree also includes 3 levels of swings offering children of varied ages the chance to swing from the branches. Safety: Safety is of critical concern with any play-yard and a space in the harsh conditions of the desert presented specific concerns which were addressed with light colored materials to reflect the sun and reduce heat buildup and stainless steel hardware was used to avoid rusting. The myWall accessories all use a locking mechanism which allows for easy adjustments but also securely locks the pieces into place once set. The flooring in the treehouse was also textured to eliminate skidding.

Oasis in the Desert You can find a whole lot of fun ready for the kids in this fun contemporary play-yard in the dessert. Theme: The overall theme of the play-yard is a blend of creative and active outdoor play that blends with the contemporary styling of this beautiful home. Focus: The overall focus for the design of this amazing play-yard was to provide this family with an outdoor space that would foster an active and creative playtime for their children of various ages. The visual focus of this space is the 15-foot tree placed in the middle of the turf yard. This fantastic structure beacons the children to climb the mini stumps and enjoy the slide or swing happily from the branches all the while creating a touch of whimsical nature not typically found in the desert. Surrounding the tree the play-yard offers an array of activities for these lucky children from the chalkboard walls to create amazing pictures to the custom ball wall to practice their skills, the custom myWall system provides endless options for the kids and parents to keep the space exciting and new. Rock holds easily clip into the wall offering ever changing climbing routes, custom water toys and games can also be adapted to the wall to fit the fun of the day. Storage: The myWall system offers various storage options including shelving, closed cases or hanging baskets all of which can be moved to alternate locations on the wall as the homeowners want to customize the play-yard. Growth: The myWall system is built to grow with the users whether it is with changing taste, updating design or growing children, all the accessories can be moved or replaced while leaving the main frame in place. The materials used throughout the space were chosen for their durability and ability to withstand the harsh conditions for many years. The tree also includes 3 levels of swings offering children of varied ages the chance to swing from the branches. Safety: Safety is of critical concern with any play-yard and a space in the harsh conditions of the desert presented specific concerns which were addressed with light colored materials to reflect the sun and reduce heat buildup and stainless steel hardware was used to avoid rusting. The myWall accessories all use a locking mechanism which allows for easy adjustments but also securely locks the pieces into place once set. The flooring in the treehouse was also textured to eliminate skidding.

Transitional kitchen photo in Houston

image: Travis Rhoads Photography
Inspiration for a small contemporary shade side yard stone formal garden in San Francisco.

Klopf Architecture, Arterra Landscape Architects and Henry Calvert of Calvert Ventures Designed and built a new warm, modern, Eichler-inspired, open, indoor-outdoor home on a deeper-than-usual San Mateo Highlands property where an original Eichler house had burned to the ground. The owners wanted multi-generational living and larger spaces than the original home offered, but all parties agreed that the house should respect the neighborhood and blend in stylistically with the other Eichlers. At first the Klopf team considered re-using what little was left of the original home and expanding on it. But after discussions with the owner and builder, all parties agreed that the last few remaining elements of the house were not practical to re-use, so Klopf Architecture designed a new home that pushes the Eichler approach in new directions. One disadvantage of Eichler production homes is that the house designs were not optimized for each specific lot. A new custom home offered the team a chance to start over. In this case, a longer house that opens up sideways to the south fit the lot better than the original square-ish house that used to open to the rear (west). Accordingly, the Klopf team designed an L-shaped “bar” house with a large glass wall with large sliding glass doors that faces sideways instead of to the rear like a typical Eichler. This glass wall opens to a pool and landscaped yard designed by Arterra Landscape Architects. Driving by the house, one might assume at first glance it is an Eichler because of the horizontality, the overhanging flat roof eaves, the dark gray vertical siding, and orange solid panel front door, but the house is designed for the 21st Century and is not meant to be a “Likeler.” You won't see any posts and beams in this home. Instead, the ceiling decking is a western red cedar that covers over all the beams. Like Eichlers, this cedar runs continuously from inside to out, enhancing the indoor / outdoor feeling of the house, but unlike Eichlers it conceals a cavity for lighting, wiring, and insulation. Ceilings are higher, rooms are larger and more open, the master bathroom is light-filled and more generous, with a separate tub and shower and a separate toilet compartment, and there is plenty of storage. The garage even easily fits two of today's vehicles with room to spare. A massive 49-foot by 12-foot wall of glass and the continuity of materials from inside to outside enhance the inside-outside living concept, so the owners and their guests can flow freely from house to pool deck to BBQ to pool and back. During construction in the rough framing stage, Klopf thought the front of the house appeared too tall even though the house had looked right in the design renderings (probably because the house is uphill from the street). So Klopf Architecture paid the framer to change the roofline from how we had designed it to be lower along the front, allowing the home to blend in better with the neighborhood. One project goal was for people driving up the street to pass the home without immediately noticing there is an "imposter" on this lot, and making that change was essential to achieve that goal. This 2,606 square foot, 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom Eichler-inspired new house is located in San Mateo in the heart of the Silicon Valley. Klopf Architecture Project Team: John Klopf, AIA, Klara Kevane Landscape Architect: Arterra Landscape Architects Contractor: Henry Calvert of Calvert Ventures Photography ©2016 Mariko Reed Location: San Mateo, CA Year completed: 2016

This dreamy master bath remodel in East Cobb offers generous space without going overboard in square footage. The homeowner chose to go with a large double vanity with a custom seated space as well as a nice shower with custom features and decided to forgo the typical big soaking tub. The vanity area shown in the photos has plenty of storage within the wall cabinets and the large drawers below. The countertop is Cedar Brown slab marble with undermount sinks. The brushed nickel metal details were done to work with the theme through out the home. The floor is a 12x24 honed Crema Marfil. The stunning crystal chandelier draws the eye up and adds to the simplistic glamour of the bath. The shower was done with an elegant combination of tumbled and polished Crema Marfil, two rows of Emperador Light inlay and Mirage Glass Tiles, Flower Series, Polished.

Flooring needs vary widely depending on the space. A homeowner seeking beautiful floors for their living room has different priorities than a business owner outfitting a commercial space. Yet in both cases, the right flooring well chosen and well installed makes an enormous difference. This guide looks at hardwood flooring for homes and flooring for commercial spaces, including the increasingly popular option of engineered hardwood, and what those in the Chicago area should know about each. The enduring appeal of hardwood Hardwood flooring has an enduring appeal that few other materials can match. It brings warmth, beauty, and a sense of quality to a home, complementing a wide range of styles from traditional to modern. Hardwood floors add character and elegance to a space, and they're often seen as a desirable feature that can enhance a home's appeal and value. For many homeowners, hardwood represents the ideal flooring choice. Part of hardwood's appeal is its longevity. Quality hardwood floors, properly cared for, can last for decades, and they can often be refinished over time to restore their appearance, extending their life even further. This durability makes hardwood a worthwhile long-term investment. Combined with its timeless beauty, this longevity explains why hardwood remains so popular despite the many flooring options available. Homeowners seeking this classic look often invest in quality hardwood flooring chicago for their homes. Understanding the enduring appeal of hardwood helps homeowners appreciate why it remains a favorite and consider it for their spaces. Flooring for commercial spaces Commercial spaces have their own distinct flooring needs, quite different from those of a typical home. A commercial environment whether an office, retail space, restaurant, or other business often sees high traffic, heavy use, and demands that residential flooring might not withstand. Commercial flooring must be durable, functional, and appropriate for the specific business and its needs, while also contributing to the space's appearance and atmosphere. Choosing flooring for a commercial space involves considering factors like durability, maintenance requirements, safety, appearance, and suitability for the particular use. The flooring in a commercial space affects not just its look but its functionality and the impression it makes on customers and clients. Because commercial spaces have demanding requirements, selecting appropriate, durable flooring and having it properly installed is especially important. Business owners in the Chicago area often work with professionals for their commercial flooring chicago needs. Understanding that commercial spaces have distinct flooring needs helps business owners make appropriate choices for their spaces. The rise of engineered hardwood For those who love the look of hardwood but want added versatility, engineered hardwood has become an increasingly popular option. Engineered hardwood features a real wood surface layer over a constructed core, offering the beauty of hardwood with some practical advantages. It provides the appearance of traditional hardwood while offering enhanced stability and versatility in certain applications. Engineered hardwood's construction gives it greater dimensional stability than solid hardwood in some respects, which can make it suitable for a wider range of applications and conditions. This versatility, combined with the authentic wood appearance, makes engineered hardwood an appealing option for many homeowners and even some commercial applications. It offers a way to enjoy the beauty of hardwood in situations where solid hardwood might be less ideal. Homeowners considering this option often explore engineered hardwood flooring Chicago for their spaces. Understanding the rise of engineered hardwood helps people consider whether it offers the right combination of beauty and practicality for their needs. Matching flooring to the space and use Whether for a home or a commercial space, matching flooring to the specific space and its use is key to a good result. Different spaces and uses have different requirements, and the ideal flooring for one situation may be unsuitable for another. A residential living room, a busy commercial space, and an area exposed to particular conditions all call for flooring suited to their needs. This is why understanding the demands of a space is so important in choosing flooring. Factors like the level of traffic, the type of use, exposure to moisture or other conditions, maintenance considerations, and the desired appearance all factor into the choice. Matching the flooring to these factors ensures a result that performs well and looks good over time. For commercial spaces in particular, the demands can be significant, making appropriate flooring choices essential. Understanding the importance of matching flooring to the space and its use helps both homeowners and business owners make choices that serve their needs well and provide lasting satisfaction. The value of quality installation For any flooring project, whether residential or commercial, quality installation is essential. Even the best flooring won't perform or look its best if it's not installed properly. Proper installation ensures the flooring is laid correctly, looks its best, and lasts as it should, standing up to the demands placed on it. This is especially important in commercial settings, where flooring endures heavy use. Different flooring types have their own installation requirements, and skilled installers know how to handle each properly, from preparing the space to executing the correct techniques. Quality installation involves attention to the details that make the difference between a lasting, attractive result and a disappointing one. Given the investment that flooring represents and, for businesses, its impact on operations and impressions ensuring quality installation is well worth it. Understanding the value of quality installation helps homeowners and business owners recognize why the choice of who does the work matters as much as the flooring itself. Making the right choice Ultimately, making the right flooring choice whether for a home or a business involves understanding the options, considering the specific needs of the space, and ensuring quality installation. Hardwood offers timeless beauty for homes, commercial flooring meets the demanding needs of business spaces, and engineered hardwood provides a versatile option combining beauty and practicality. The right choice depends on the particular space, use, and goals. Taking the time to understand the options and match them to the specific situation, rather than making a hasty choice, pays off in the quality and longevity of the result. Flooring is a significant investment that shapes a space for years, so getting it right matters. Whether outfitting a home or a commercial space, thoughtful choices and quality installation lead to results that look good, perform well, and provide lasting value. Understanding how to make the right choice empowers homeowners and business owners to achieve flooring results they'll be happy with for years to come. The bottom line Flooring needs vary widely between residential and commercial spaces, and understanding the options helps in making the right choice for each. Hardwood offers timeless beauty and longevity for homes, commercial flooring meets the demanding requirements of business spaces, and engineered hardwood provides a versatile option combining the beauty of wood with practical advantages. Matching flooring to the specific space and use, and ensuring quality installation, are essential to a good result in any setting. By understanding these options and priorities, those in the Chicago area can make flooring choices that serve their spaces well and provide lasting satisfaction. Whether the goal is timeless beauty at home or durable performance in a demanding commercial setting, thoughtful choices paired with quality installation deliver results that last.

Transitional u-shaped beige floor open concept kitchen photo in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, light wood cabinets, marble countertops, beige backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and multicolored countertops

While this new home had an architecturally striking exterior, the home’s interior fell short in terms of true functionality and overall style. The most critical element in this renovation was the kitchen and dining area, which needed careful attention to bring it to the level that suited the home and the homeowners. As a graduate of Culinary Institute of America, our client wanted a kitchen that “feels like a restaurant, with the warmth of a home kitchen,” where guests can gather over great food, great wine, and truly feel comfortable in the open concept home. Although it follows a typical chef’s galley layout, the unique design solutions and unusual materials set it apart from the typical kitchen design. Polished countertops, laminated and stainless cabinets fronts, and professional appliances are complemented by the introduction of wood, glass, and blackened metal – materials introduced in the overall design of the house. Unique features include a wall clad in walnut for dangling heavy pots and utensils; a floating, sculptural walnut countertop piece housing an herb garden; an open pantry that serves as a coffee bar and wine station; and a hanging chalkboard that hides a water heater closet and features different coffee offerings available to guests. The dining area addition, enclosed by windows, continues to vivify the organic elements and brings in ample natural light, enhancing the darker finishes and creating additional warmth. Photography by Ira Montgomery

A view of the open Lift-and-Slide door from the living room.
Living room - contemporary porcelain tile living room idea in Seattle with a tile fireplace