Cambridge room praised for “classically styled yet high tech” design
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — A master bathroom designed and built by Charlie Allen Restorations for an 1853 Greek Revival home in Cambridge has been named “Bathroom of the Year” in Boston Globe Magazine’s “Dream Home 2007” competition. The new bathroom was praised for its “imaginative use of space and light,” and a “classically styled yet high tech” design.
The homeowners, a young, growing family, desperately needed the new space. Previously, the sole bathroom in their three-story home was on the ground floor, on the opposite side and one floor away from the master bedroom. Charlie Allen Restorations was tasked with introducing a master bath that would feature both modern amenities and a design that complemented the home’s 19th-century charm.
Working with architect Tom Downer, the Charlie Allen Restorations team eliminated an existing bedroom and crafted a functional and inviting master bath and dressing space in its place. The highlight of the new master bathroom is a large, glassed-in shower that doubles as a steam room. Radiant floor heating and an electric towel warmer add to the room’s appeal-particularly on cold winter mornings. Clerestory windows and frosted glass doors flood the bathroom with abundant natural lighting from adjacent floor-to-ceiling windows.
In the dressing area, large closets, wall cubbies, and custom-designed, furniture-quality armoires were introduced to improve storage for the family. Carefully selected, period-appropriate hardware, doors, base molding, and wide planked, white oak flooring were introduced throughout both areas.
In addition to Downer, other partners on the project include the demolition and disposal firm Mark One, Inc., HVAC specialists Keyes North Atlantic, Puccio Electric, Van Millwork, and the cleaning firm Surfaceworks.
“We’re very proud to have this bathroom recognized by the Boston Globe Magazine,” says Charlie Allen, founder of the award-winning firm. “It’s a great validation of our belief that-with careful planning-new technologies and historic design and architecture can co-exist beautifully.”
Charlie Allen Restorations is an award-winning contractor specializing in the seamless integration of modern amenities into period homes while retaining original period details. Charlie Allen Restorations combines expert tradespeople and established project management techniques to deliver exceptional customer satisfaction.
For more information about Charlie Allen Restorations, please call 617/661-7411 or visit http://www.charlie-allen.com.
