Todd Hafermann Photography
Inspiration for a modern u-shaped enclosed kitchen remodel in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, gray backsplash, paneled appliances and travertine backsplash

Inspiration for a transitional medium tone wood floor kitchen remodel in Houston with a single-bowl sink, recessed-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, multicolored backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Copyright © 2009 Robert Reck. All Rights Reserved.
Inspiration for a large southwestern u-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor open concept kitchen remodel in Albuquerque with an undermount sink, glass-front cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, multicolored backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island, granite countertops and stone slab backsplash

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

Jean Bai, Konstrukt Photo
Example of a 1960s vinyl floor and white floor kitchen design in San Francisco with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

Urban Lens Studios, Design Theory - Huntsville
Beach style dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen photo in Other with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, window backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

The kitchen was redesigned as a central gathering space that supports the open floor plan and captures views beyond. Clean lines modern cabinetry and integrated appliances create a streamlined aesthetic while maintaining everyday functionality. Large openings connect the kitchen to adjacent living areas and the outdoors, allowing light and views to flow through the space. The result is a refined yet highly functional kitchen designed for both daily living and entertaining.

Although the home is in its 100th year, the owners wanted to create an updated urban style reflective of their downtown location. The new styling, while sleek and contemporary, kept a traditional feel with a paneled door styling, crystal chandeliers and an updated glass version of subway tile. We were also able to create an open kitchen with a 3’8 ½” x 7’ 5 ½” island centered on a gourmet Wolf cooking area. Pendant Lights: Elegant Lighting, Toureag Collection, 8000D12 Kitchen Backsplash Tile: Ann Sacks, 2x6 Field Tile, Jute Collection, Ecru Refrigerator: SubZero BI-36UFD 36" Over and Under with French Doors and a Louvered Grill Range: Wolf DF$86C 48" Dual Fuel 6-Range Burner w/ Stainless Steel Knobs Hood: Best WP28M48SB 48" Classic Pro Wall Hood Kate Benjamin Photography

Open concept kitchen - mid-sized contemporary u-shaped marble floor and gray floor open concept kitchen idea in Other with blue backsplash, an island, an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, solid surface countertops, ceramic backsplash, stainless steel appliances and white countertops

Photo by Ross Anania
Urban staircase photo in Seattle

Urban l-shaped medium tone wood floor kitchen photo in Austin with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, brick backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized contemporary l-shaped dark wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Los Angeles with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, white cabinets, brown backsplash and an island

This bright new kitchen features a painted Nantucket beadboard ceiling, dropped beams, and random width Black walnut floors.
Example of a large classic u-shaped dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen design in Other with a farmhouse sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, marble countertops, white backsplash, paneled appliances and an island

Inspiration for a large timeless l-shaped medium tone wood floor open concept kitchen remodel in Los Angeles with raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets, blue backsplash, stainless steel appliances, a farmhouse sink, quartz countertops, porcelain backsplash and an island

Open concept kitchen - small contemporary single-wall porcelain tile open concept kitchen idea in Phoenix with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, stainless steel appliances, an island, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, white backsplash and glass sheet backsplash

Example of a transitional kitchen design in Seattle with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, gray cabinets, gray backsplash, subway tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances

Stacy Zarin Goldberg
Transitional u-shaped light wood floor and beige floor kitchen photo in DC Metro with an undermount sink, shaker cabinets, blue cabinets, wood countertops, gray backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and brown countertops

Mid-sized elegant l-shaped medium tone wood floor enclosed kitchen photo in Charlotte with an undermount sink, beige cabinets and an island

Urban Loft Kitchen Features Industrial and Contemporary Style. Light maple cabinets and vertical batten board used for the backsplash add contemporary style to this urban loft kitchen. Industrial touches, including copper pendant lights and wood-and-metal barstools, add welcome contrast and texture to the neutral space.