Key Features:
- Waterfall edge countertop and full-height backsplash
- Finish carpentry wainscoting in the first-floor bathroom
- Custom shower and vanity in the second-floor bathroom
- Reimagined first-floor bathroom with clawfoot tub
After relocating from the West Coast to be nearer to family, our clients bought a charming 1865 row house in downtown Newburyport, close to the waterfront and town amenities. They appreciated the home’s character and wanted a renovation that balanced moody, vintage, modern, and technologically progressive elements while preserving its architectural integrity. They emphasized the importance of updating the home with character, color, and whimsical accents, staying true to its historic roots.
We embraced their vision and had a blast updating their kitchen, first-floor soaking room, and second-floor shower room. Despite the rowhouse’s spatial constraints, we achieved highly functional spaces by maintaining the original kitchen floor plan and making strategic tweaks for significant improvements.
Kitchen:
The first thing we did in the kitchen was relocate the sink from the peninsula to where the range was and move the range to the peninsula. This allowed us to give the clients a larger Wolf induction range and maintain the view of their beautiful side yard with hydrangea bushes and patio. We installed a ceiling-hung, low-profile vent hood that blended into the ceiling to avoid obstructing sight lines. We moved the sink to an interior wall, allowing for a larger workstation sink for meal prep. We chose beautiful shaker cabinetry in Farrow and Ball Beverly, a green color that is bright in the right light and moody at night. We accented it with brass lacquered hardware from Rejuvenation and updated all appliances to a suite of Sub-Zero and Wolf. The panel-ready fridge was integrated into the cabinetry, and we added antique fluted glass to some upper cabinets as a nod to history. We kept the exposed brick fireplace, which added natural charm. For modern elements, we selected a custom quartzite countertop with a full-height backsplash and waterfall edge on the peninsula, which is functional and easy to maintain. The updated tile floors feature a unique diamond pattern with black grout, continuing the moody theme throughout the kitchen and into the mud hall. Finally, the existing basement stairs were problematic, so we framed them in to create a pantry cabinet. We then built a new staircase inside a rarely used closet, maximizing the available space.
First Floor Bathroom:
We relocated the washer and dryer to the main bedroom suite, making laundry easier and freeing up space in the first-floor bathroom. This allowed us to transform the room into a luxurious tub-only retreat, complete with heated floors for consistent warmth. The room features a stunning clawfoot tub, antique-style plumbing fixtures, and a custom vanity with quartz countertops and vintage brass accents. The highlight is the vibrant Birdsong by Thoreau wallpaper, paired with classic penny tile flooring.
Second Floor Bathroom:
We reimagined the only bathroom on the main bedroom floor, previously constrained by a tiny corner acrylic shower. Removing the cast iron radiator provided more space, enabling us to reconfigure the layout. We installed an all-glass shower to open the room and used lighter tiles with personality-rich handmade cement floor tiles. Protected by tiles up to three-quarters height, the walls feature a beautiful and whimsical neutral-colored wallpaper. The vanity matches the downstairs style, connecting the design throughout the home. This bathroom now offers ample storage, something the clients requested, with a base cabinet and a recessed medicine cabinet.
All three areas we updated were a great success, meeting our clients’ renovation goals. We are thrilled with the results and wish the couple a lifetime of happiness in their beautifully updated home as they celebrate their upcoming wedding this month.
