Interior ideas

A crackling fireplace—faux, as well—is the centerpice of the living room,

Lounge Zone

The living area is a bright space surrounded by windows on two sides. While the interior itself is fairly neutral, the furnishings and artwork introduce bright pops of color.

A calming vibe is immediately instilled at the entry.

The team created an open floor plan for the interior, where the kitchen opens to the dining and the living areas. Concrete flooring lends a soothing quality to the rooms, where there's a built-in concrete bench that also acts as a plinth for the fireplace.

“Living in a climate that experiences the highest of high temps and lowest of low temps, quality windows are so important,” says Heather. “We love that our home feels cozy all year long and the bright sun that shines inside year round, which makes us all happier people.”

“Most spaces, you’re looking outside. I love pretty much every angle,” said Sara. “The views created are of the property, the trees and nature. It’s really neat to see the outdoor environment change when you’re inside this house. You can see the leaves, whether they’re green or it’s fall or they’re completely gone because it’s winter.”

The kitchen features a 10-foot marble island and large windows to frame picturesque views of the waterfront landscape in Marblehead, Massachusetts. Also adding to the bright and airy feeling are two large picture windows, which the homeowners selected instead of upper cabinetry.

With a minimal and understated look, this floating staircase and landing design evokes a less-is-more philosophy and architectural style. Architect Carlo Gaspari converted a former knife-making workshop in Abruzzo, Italy, into a sophisticated residential property. The design pays homage to the home’s name—Casa del Ferro (the Iron House)—by using iron within the interior design, such as the staircase.

"There aren’t many row houses that treat vertical circulation and the relationship between public and private spaces the same way as [this house]," Shane says. White oak treads and a painted steel handrail make up the home's signature staircase.

A large cement fireplace can be used in the winter months, and it's surrounded by walls of windows and sliding doors that can be opened in the summer. "We adapted our work and finishes during construction according to the possibilities presented by local labor,

An English Sycamore partition wall allows light to spread into the shower room tucked behind it.

SF Historic Renovation

In the dining area, a collection of 19th-century bottles sits on a table from Restoration Hardware. The Wishbone chairs are by Hans Wegner for Carl Hansen & Søn, and the pendants are made from porcelain sockets from a hardware store.

Terrazzo floors and skylight up above add visual interest.