Variations of materials implemented compose a pure color palette by their varying degrees of white and gray, while luminescent Italian Calacutta marble provides the narrative in this sleek master bathroom that is reminiscent of a hi-end spa, where the minimal distractions of modern lines create a haven for relaxation. Dan Piassick

His/Her Bathroom

This 4 bedroom (2 en suite), 4.5 bath home features vertical board–formed concrete expressed both outside and inside, complemented by exposed structural steel, Western Red Cedar siding, gray stucco, and hot rolled steel soffits. An outdoor patio features a covered dining area and fire pit. Hydronically heated with a supplemental forced air system; a see-through fireplace between dining and great room; Henrybuilt cabinetry throughout; and, a beautiful staircase by MILK Design (Chicago). The owner contributed to many interior design details, including tile selection and layout.

The family bathroom, with bath and seperate shower area. A striped green encaustic tiled floor, with marble look wall tiles and industrial black accents.

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

Martinkovic Milford Architects services the San Francisco Bay Area. Learn more about our specialties and past projects at: www.martinkovicmilford.com/houzz

Modern Bathroom Renovation.

An updated main, guest bathroom that is not only stylish but functional with built in storage.

#02 Statuario Bianco color in Master Bathroom used for Walls, Floors, Shower, & Countertop.

Kitchen and Dining Extension and Loft Conversion in Mayfield Avenue N12 North Finchley. ​Modern kitchen extension with dining area and additional Loft conversion overlooking the area. The extra space give a modern look with integrated LED lighting

Jack & Jill bathroom offers plenty of space for two people to use at once. Photos by Chris Veith

This modern bathroom has a grey stone look porcelain tile called Norgestone Light grey struttura and Light grey rettificato with Slate rettificato. There are different colors and styles available.

Equally beautiful and functional, this walnut vanity adds natural warmth to the newly renovated master bath. The linear design includes generous drawers fitted with customized storage for grooming accessories. Kara Lashuay

Once upon a time, this bathroom featured the following: No entry door, with a master tub and vanities open to the master bedroom. Fading, outdated, 80's-style yellow oak cabinetry. A bulky hexagonal window with clear glass. No privacy. A carpeted floor. In a bathroom. It’s safe to say that none of these features were appreciated by our clients. Understandably. We knew we could help. ​ We changed the layout. The tub and the double shower are now enclosed behind frameless glass, a very practical and beautiful arrangement. The clean linear grain cabinetry in medium tone is accented beautifully by white countertops and stainless steel accessories. New lights, beautiful tile and glass mosaic bring this space into the 21st century. End result: a calm, light, modern bathroom for our client to enjoy.