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

Benchtop & splashback: Michelangelo Quartz. Builder: Fairhaven Homes.
Пример оригинального дизайна: большая параллельная кухня в стиле неоклассика (современная классика) с обеденным столом, врезной мойкой, фасадами в стиле шейкер, белыми фасадами, столешницей из кварцевого агломерата, белым фартуком, фартуком из каменной плиты, черной техникой, светлым паркетным полом, островом, коричневым полом и белой столешницей

We gave this rather dated farmhouse some dramatic upgrades that brought together the feminine with the masculine, combining rustic wood with softer elements. In terms of style her tastes leaned toward traditional and elegant and his toward the rustic and outdoorsy. The result was the perfect fit for this family of 4 plus 2 dogs and their very special farmhouse in Ipswich, MA. Character details create a visual statement, showcasing the melding of both rustic and traditional elements without too much formality. The new master suite is one of the most potent examples of the blending of styles. The bath, with white carrara honed marble countertops and backsplash, beaded wainscoting, matching pale green vanities with make-up table offset by the black center cabinet expand function of the space exquisitely while the salvaged rustic beams create an eye-catching contrast that picks up on the earthy tones of the wood. The luxurious walk-in shower drenched in white carrara floor and wall tile replaced the obsolete Jacuzzi tub. Wardrobe care and organization is a joy in the massive walk-in closet complete with custom gliding library ladder to access the additional storage above. The space serves double duty as a peaceful laundry room complete with roll-out ironing center. The cozy reading nook now graces the bay-window-with-a-view and storage abounds with a surplus of built-ins including bookcases and in-home entertainment center. You can’t help but feel pampered the moment you step into this ensuite. The pantry, with its painted barn door, slate floor, custom shelving and black walnut countertop provide much needed storage designed to fit the family’s needs precisely, including a pull out bin for dog food. During this phase of the project, the powder room was relocated and treated to a reclaimed wood vanity with reclaimed white oak countertop along with custom vessel soapstone sink and wide board paneling. Design elements effectively married rustic and traditional styles and the home now has the character to match the country setting and the improved layout and storage the family so desperately needed. And did you see the barn? Photo credit: Eric Roth

Organized drawers, like these. make cooking easier. These great cooks needed a space that allowed for entertaining and multiple work zones. Storage was optimized and is efficient with pull-outs and dividers. The kitchen has almost doubled in size and now includes two dishwashers for easy clean up. Lighting was appointed with sparkling pendants, task lighting under cabinets and even the island has a soft glow. A happy space with room to work and entertain. Photo: DeMane Design Winner: 1st Place ASID WA, Large Kitchen

Стильный дизайн: узкая кухня в морском стиле с кладовкой, открытыми фасадами, деревянной столешницей и темным паркетным полом - последний тренд

На фото: кухня в морском стиле с кладовкой, фасадами в стиле шейкер, столешницей из кварцевого агломерата, синим фартуком, фартуком из дерева, светлым паркетным полом, белой столешницей и серыми фасадами

На фото: большая угловая кухня в стиле неоклассика (современная классика) с обеденным столом, врезной мойкой, фасадами в стиле шейкер, белыми фасадами, столешницей из кварцевого агломерата, белым фартуком, техникой из нержавеющей стали, паркетным полом среднего тона, островом и белой столешницей

Пример оригинального дизайна: параллельная кухня-гостиная в стиле неоклассика (современная классика) с врезной мойкой, фасадами в стиле шейкер, столешницей из кварцевого агломерата, фартуком из мрамора, техникой под мебельный фасад, паркетным полом среднего тона и полуостровом

Источник вдохновения для домашнего уюта: большая п-образная кухня-гостиная с с полувстраиваемой мойкой (с передним бортиком), фасадами в стиле шейкер, серыми фасадами, столешницей из кварцевого агломерата, белым фартуком, фартуком из каменной плитки, черной техникой, светлым паркетным полом, островом и белой столешницей

Complete overhaul of the common area in this wonderful Arcadia home. The living room, dining room and kitchen were redone. The direction was to obtain a contemporary look but to preserve the warmth of a ranch home. The perfect combination of modern colors such as grays and whites blend and work perfectly together with the abundant amount of wood tones in this design. The open kitchen is separated from the dining area with a large 10' peninsula with a waterfall finish detail. Notice the 3 different cabinet colors, the white of the upper cabinets, the Ash gray for the base cabinets and the magnificent olive of the peninsula are proof that you don't have to be afraid of using more than 1 color in your kitchen cabinets. The kitchen layout includes a secondary sink and a secondary dishwasher! For the busy life style of a modern family. The fireplace was completely redone with classic materials but in a contemporary layout. Notice the porcelain slab material on the hearth of the fireplace, the subway tile layout is a modern aligned pattern and the comfortable sitting nook on the side facing the large windows so you can enjoy a good book with a bright view. The bamboo flooring is continues throughout the house for a combining effect, tying together all the different spaces of the house. All the finish details and hardware are honed gold finish, gold tones compliment the wooden materials perfectly.

На фото: прямая, светлая кухня в современном стиле с обеденным столом, плоскими фасадами, белыми фасадами, деревянной столешницей, белым фартуком, черной техникой, светлым паркетным полом, бежевым полом и двухцветным гарнитуром без острова

Пример оригинального дизайна: большая прямая, светлая кухня в стиле кантри с деревянной столешницей, с полувстраиваемой мойкой (с передним бортиком), фасадами в стиле шейкер, белыми фасадами, белым фартуком, фартуком из плитки кабанчик, техникой из нержавеющей стали, паркетным полом среднего тона, островом, коричневым полом, белой столешницей и кладовкой

This beautiful Birmingham, MI home had been renovated prior to our clients purchase, but the style and overall design was not a fit for their family. They really wanted to have a kitchen with a large “eat-in” island where their three growing children could gather, eat meals and enjoy time together. Additionally, they needed storage, lots of storage! We decided to create a completely new space. The original kitchen was a small “L” shaped workspace with the nook visible from the front entry. It was completely closed off to the large vaulted family room. Our team at MSDB re-designed and gutted the entire space. We removed the wall between the kitchen and family room and eliminated existing closet spaces and then added a small cantilevered addition toward the backyard. With the expanded open space, we were able to flip the kitchen into the old nook area and add an extra-large island. The new kitchen includes oversized built in Subzero refrigeration, a 48” Wolf dual fuel double oven range along with a large apron front sink overlooking the patio and a 2nd prep sink in the island. Additionally, we used hallway and closet storage to create a gorgeous walk-in pantry with beautiful frosted glass barn doors. As you slide the doors open the lights go on and you enter a completely new space with butcher block countertops for baking preparation and a coffee bar, subway tile backsplash and room for any kind of storage needed. The homeowners love the ability to display some of the wine they’ve purchased during their travels to Italy! We did not stop with the kitchen; a small bar was added in the new nook area with additional refrigeration. A brand-new mud room was created between the nook and garage with 12” x 24”, easy to clean, porcelain gray tile floor. The finishing touches were the new custom living room fireplace with marble mosaic tile surround and marble hearth and stunning extra wide plank hand scraped oak flooring throughout the entire first floor.

Vertical roll-out pantry shelves flank the refrigerator with Led lighting- storage for dishware and food staples. Norman Sizemore - photographer
На фото: большая кухня в стиле неоклассика (современная классика) с серыми фасадами, столешницей из кварцевого агломерата, белым фартуком, техникой из нержавеющей стали, светлым паркетным полом, бежевым полом и белой столешницей

Super sleek statement in white. Sophisticated condo with gorgeous views are reflected in this modern apartment accented in ocean blues. Modern furniture , custom artwork and contemporary cabinetry make this home an exceptional winter escape destination. Lori Hamilton Photography Learn more about our showroom and kitchen and bath design: http://www.mingleteam.com

Стильный дизайн: угловая кухня в стиле неоклассика (современная классика) с кладовкой, открытыми фасадами, белыми фасадами, деревянной столешницей, белым фартуком, техникой из нержавеющей стали, темным паркетным полом, коричневым полом и коричневой столешницей - последний тренд

Kitchen remodel with reclaimed wood cabinetry and industrial details. Photography by Manolo Langis. Located steps away from the beach, the client engaged us to transform a blank industrial loft space to a warm inviting space that pays respect to its industrial heritage. We use anchored large open space with a sixteen foot conversation island that was constructed out of reclaimed logs and plumbing pipes. The island itself is divided up into areas for eating, drinking, and reading. Bringing this theme into the bedroom, the bed was constructed out of 12x12 reclaimed logs anchored by two bent steel plates for side tables.

Идея дизайна: отдельная, п-образная кухня в викторианском стиле с с полувстраиваемой мойкой (с передним бортиком), зелеными фасадами, фасадами с утопленной филенкой, столешницей из кварцевого агломерата, бежевым фартуком, фартуком из керамической плитки, паркетным полом среднего тона и островом

A butler's pantry for a cook's dream. Green custom cabinetry houses paneled appliances and storage for all the additional items. White oak floating shelves are topped with brass railings. The backsplash is a Zellige handmade tile in various tones of neutral.