This 1890 rowhouse had been renovated over time, most recently in the 70s. Our clients wanted to renovate every floor. The floors and walls were out of level, and most of the systems were old. We gutted the structure to the studs, leveled and reframed the walls and floors, added insulation, and updated the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. Once the structural and systems work was complete, our crew installed a new expanded kitchen, updated all the bathrooms, and updated the basement.
Reconfiguring the first-floor plan involved taking down the wall between the kitchen and dining room to create one large entertaining space. To bring more natural light and provide sightlines from the front to the back of the rowhouse, we added new windows to the back wall and moved the opening to the other side as a full-light door. In the living room, we updated the existing brick fireplace with a tiled wall that has a television niche and cabinetry. Open glass shelves on either side display the homeowner’s photos. The new surround re-centers the room, allowing the fireplace to remain off-center, but it’s balanced by the mass of the tiled wall with cabinets underneath. We also added a small office, separated from the living room with a barn door. We reconfigured the closets in the hallway. We updated all the finishes in the powder room and slightly reconfigured it by moving the location of the toilet. The client added a wow factor with the midnight blue glitter wallpaper and mirror.
On the second floor, we renovated the primary suite with new double doors, a bed wall with glass shelves and niches, a walk-in closet, a larger shower with a bench, and a double vanity. The hall bath has the same footprint, but adding glass at the end of the tub makes the room feel more open. We also installed a pocket entry door. Additionally, the clients use the smallest bedroom on this floor as an exercise room. An exterior door leads to a Juliet balcony, but they’re planning for a future expanded balcony that will lead to a roof deck. In the rear bedroom, we removed a non-functional chimney.
In the basement, we reconfigured the floorplan to create a hallway with doors to an office, bathroom, and recreation room. The clients like to entertain, so the recreation room has a generous bar with a kegerator, icemaker, microwave, cooktop, dishwasher, and refrigerator. A fun red countertop accents the gray cabinetry. The clients opted to keep the concrete floor but added some glitter to the gray paint. The exposed ceiling contributes to the industrial look. We also enlarged the shower in the basement bathroom.
