Cambridge Townhouse

Project: Cambridge, MA
Scope: Entry, kitchen, dining area, primary bedroom, primary closet, and primary bathroom
Architect: SKA (Sam Kachmar Architects)
Builder: Fresh Start Contracting
Photographer: Ben Gebo Photography

Incredibly unique because of its storefront façade and entryway, multi-level layout with vaulted ceilings, and architectural details, this loft-style townhouse near Harvard Square was already dripping with character, and the owners pushed that eclectic vibe even further in their remodel this year. Originally built in 1874, the property housed a grocery store in the early 1900s, a bakery around 1925, a shoemaker, fishmonger, laundry (picture included), and a Chinese restaurant in the 1940s. Blending historical elements with modern design and amenities and accentuating the architectural details of this property were the main focus, a goal shared by one of the previous owners, who was an architect.

The remodel of this three-story, two-bedroom, three-bathroom space included updating the layout by adding a primary closet and bathroom on the main level and a gut renovation of the kitchen. In the entryway, which still maintains a storefront layout, fresh vibrant paint frames two lofted workstations with industrial pipe railings. Through the main door, the elevated kitchen space was redesigned with custom blue cabinetry and is set off with a mirrored backsplash, which is repeated in the shower and behind the clawfoot bathtub in the primary bathroom. A woodstove that originally flanked the kitchen was replaced with a gas fireplace, and the stairs leading to the kitchen were widened. Stools anchored to the kitchen peninsula swing aside for storage and sit atop custom pull-out drawers that are devoted to the owners’ two beloved cats.

An accent wall in the dining area was painted the same blue as the cabinetry, bringing continuity to the space and accentuating the vaulted, beamed ceilings. The spacious living room has generous windows leading to a courtyard and includes a wet bar for entertaining. Stairs outside another full bathroom lead to a lofted TV and lounging area and continue up to a roof deck with atrium windows and steel-cable railings, blending contemporary and traditional design and allowing light to travel to all the nooks and crannies of this uniquely shaped space.

A complete redesign of the primary bedroom area allowed for the creation of a master closet with a custom mural and a primary bathroom with transom windows, dual showerheads, double vanities, and a clawfoot tub. A generous bedroom includes the repurposed wood stove from the kitchen, now only for decoration, which is set off by custom arched bookshelves.

The lower level includes a gym space and secondary bedroom warmed by original wood ceilings and oversized windows, a full bath, and a laundry room. In addition, the courtyard and roof deck offer multiple outdoor entertaining areas. There is hardly a square angle to be found in this eclectic property, and this renovation embraced all of its quirks.