Houzz Tour: Modern Home, Full of Character

Houzz Tour: Modern Home, Full of Character

This 19th-century house in Boston’s historic South End joins two townhouses, one of which had experienced a substantial remodel. The clients originally lived in one of the townhouses, and when the second one was vacated, they purchased it and contacted David Stern and Diane McCafferty’s Boston-based company to combine the two homes into one.

The clients have three children, so building a livable and receptive family residence was important. Bold colors and lively pieces were chosen to create an area that represented their personality. “The clients wanted spaces where their friends could feel at home, in which their children’ activities weren’t shut away behind doorways, and where a person could get a quiet moment,” says architect David Stern. “They weren’t afraid to take risks.”

Stern McCafferty

Custom alloy bookshelves line the wall of the second floor family room. A hidden wall of white storage cabinets with hidden hardware is visible on the back wall.

While many of the pieces of furniture in the house were custom designed, McCafferty and Stern also incorporated pieces the family owned and loved — but many of these were reupholstered to match with the new room. By combining these products with a few new classic mid-century things, Stern and McCafferty managed to accomplish a look that’s as diverse and bold as its occupants.

Stern McCafferty

This major living area is one of Stern’s favorite rooms. “It’s such a strong personality, and a sense of credibility without being overbearing,” he states. “I like the light and openness and intensity.” Stern put steel beams in which the walls intersect with the ceilings and the floors, making spaces in which the home’s authentic brick could stay observable.

Stern McCafferty

Stern made an open layout with views of the exterior and to all of the other floors of the house. Open spaces and light were crucial to the clients; they wanted a house that felt easy, beautiful, and comfortable. “Our work tends to be very contemporary, with easy lines and uncomplicated detailing,” says Stern. This approach is apparent throughout the rooms of the residence.

Stern McCafferty

The house consists of two adjacent townhouses — observable here, from the back of the structure — originally designed in a Romanesque revival style. Although the back of the house is relatively contemporary, the facade in front was preserved in its original classic style.

After the second townhouse has been purchased, Stern gutted it and rebuilt it to match the first. A craft room was inserted to the floor flat, a living room and dining area were added to the initial, an excess bedroom and family room were added to the second, and the master suite was placed on the top floor.

Stern McCafferty

A number of regions of the house have cut-outs to permit for lighting, highlight height, and let the original bits of the structure show through. “We developed a concept early on that the juncture between the 2 townhouses would be celebrated,” says Stern. “We wanted to embrace one of the primary conditions of the site and express it through the architecture.”

A similar cut-out can be seen in the primary living area of the house, where the view goes all of the way down to the garden level.

Stern McCafferty

The comparison of materials and the meeting of both homes is clear when viewing the cut-out from the top, where the original flooring meets the clear acrylic railings.

Stern McCafferty

This wonderful bathtub (which we originally fell in love with in this ideabook) was set up in the children’s toilet. Its beautiful and easy structure was accomplished by wedging a thick glass sheet involving two tile walls.

The idea came from the clients, who were motivated by a photo that they had rescued from an old magazine. “We adore detail, so there are always special moments in our projects,” says Stern. “And in the house, the glass-front bathtub was one of those minutes.”

Stern McCafferty

Each one of the children’s rooms have a similar open, contemporary and bright feel to the rest of the house, but are still very kid-friendly. Each child’s room has one bold wall of color, built-in desks and shelves, and a trundle mattress custom made by McCafferty.

Stern McCafferty

“The client wanted to keep the spirit of both first homes, but they also had a penchant for using deeply saturated color,” says Stern. “This was a very significant part the undertaking.”

In the dining area, a bold yellow wall sets off ordered dining chairs and a simple but strong table. The dining table, designed by McCafferty, can convert into a large console.

Stern McCafferty

The master suite is the definition of relaxation. The clients wanted it to be empty of any distractions or fuss, and McCafferty and Stern gather an area that’s really empty — but in the best way possible. The painted wood floors have been given a glossy sheen that reflects the calming blue wall behind the bed, which McCafferty designed.

Stern McCafferty

The property’s roof is accessible using a metal spiral staircase adjacent to the master suite. The glossy lacquered flooring extends throughout the package area, representing light around the open area.

When asked how he’d describe this house, Stern says,”It is alive, natural, vibrant, and uncluttered.”

Stern McCafferty

The several windows, existence of pure lighting, and exaggerated height of the house can make it feel removed from its urban location.

Stern McCafferty

The master bathroom is another one of Stern’s favorite rooms. The textured gray walls, immaculate bathroom tub, and white counter and flooring all combine to create a relaxing area. The big white tiles on the ground are nearly eloquent, visually extending the space.

Stern McCafferty

The master dressing room resembles a work of minimalist art. The couple needed a dressing room that sensed pristine and uncluttered, such as the master bedroom. Each of these white panels is a touch-spring doorway that opens to closet space and shelving.

Overall, this residence is a modern house, but it’s also filled with personality. The footprint and style of the original structure remains highly visible throughout the area, as is the clients’ unique and bold sense of style. “In the end, every project is unique,” says Stern. “This was determined as much by our predilections as by the site and the needs and personalities of the owner.”

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