South End Townhouse

Location:
Boston, MA

This 19th century brownstone on a quiet street in Boston’s historic South End had good bones—and light from front and back—but the rooms felt disjointed. How to create a connected story to maximize a small but well-located townhouse? Starting with the entrance, Elms refined the stairs and added rich color and a painterly wallcovering that creates continuity and draws the eye upward. The heart of the home is a double-wide space with fireplaces on either end. On one end we designed a light-filled living room and, on the other, an airy dining room, creating a natural flow for entertaining.   

At the back of the house, the kitchen leads to the back deck. A den upstairs, with an original fireplace, makes a comfortable office space with custom millwork. We kept the primary bedroom and bathroom simple, with clean lines to amplify a compact but comfortable space. The total effect is cozy elegance that balances old-world charm with clean and contemporary touches.