Best of Boston Home 2021: Our Guide to the Region’s Top Home Experts – Boston magazine

Home Design

One silver lining of spending more time at home? Dozens of new renovation ideas. Start your next remodeling adventure with our 2021 guide to the regions top designers, builders, makers, and shops, specially curated to help you transform the spaces that matter most.

SLC Interiors/Photo by Read McKendree/JBSA

High-End Remodeling, SouthCambridgeport Construction

Randy Milburns background in church restoration combined with Jim Burkes degree in mechanical engineering shines brightly in Cambridgeport Constructions stellar portfolio of renovations. Remodels, which include a cleverly transformed Georgian-style house in Brookline with a cedar-clad dry sauna, exude unfussy elegance and gorgeous craftsmanship inside and out. The icing on the cake? Architects confide that Cambridgeport Constructions operation is leaner than that of flashier firms, resulting in less cumbersome paperwork for homeowners and better value all around.

cambridgeport.com.

Cambridgeport Construction; interior design by Kate Coughlin Interiors/Photo by Sarah Winchester Studios

High-End Remodeling, BostonFBN Construction

These revered builders deliver the complete package. Bob Ernst, who has served as the Boston companys president since 1995, has been known to personally walk potential clients through every line item of a bid. Plus, dedicated onsite foremen ensure quality work (column-adorned bathrooms, gleaming custom kitchens, party-ready wraparound decks) and maximum efficiency throughout the renovation process. Designers value FBNs collaborative approach, while homeowners appreciate the weekly meetings that keep them abreast of budgets and timelines. One designer noted, I never walked on site to find a surprise. We believe it.

fbnconstruction.com.

High-End Remodeling, NorthPremier Builders

Premier Builders Ken Kumph treats every job, large and small, with equal attention, and his way of doing business trickles down. Crew members are not only attentive, punctual, and respectful, but a pleasure to chat with whether youre after a simple bathroom upgrade or a full-home renovation. Bonus: The companys robust in-house woodshop turns out artisanal-level architectural millwork and custom cabinetry, so you can rest assured that your projects finishing touchesfrom coffered ceilings to luxe built-inswill be handled with the same care and precision.

premierbuildersinc.net.

High-End Remodeling, WestKistler & Knapp Builders

Principals Rene West and Douglas Stevenson of Kistler & Knapp build to impress, carrying on the tradition of the 42-year-old companys now-retired founders. Case in point: a sprawling farmhouse in Sudbury with a stone-clad exterior, vaulted ceilings, and exposed beams. And then theres the church turned condo in the South End, complete with arched custom windows, which speak to the groups technical expertise. Theres nothing, it seems, this well-loved firm cant do.

kistlerandknapp.com.

Custom FurnitureSaltwoods

For the team at Saltwoods, crafting tables, benches, and kitchen islands isnt just about giving customers beautiful, one-of-a-kind furniture. Its about a connection between client, craftsmen, and the planet. It starts with materialsoften reclaimed oak sourced from downed trees or centuries-old deserted barnsthat, as finished pieces, display the geographic coordinates of their source. The level of care and attention to detail doesnt stop there, though: The same craftsmen who built your piece will also personally deliver it to your home.

saltwoods.com.

Colin Flavin/Courtesy photo

Illustration by Holly Wales

Custom Window TreatmentsJ&I Custom Drapes and Upholstery

Theres a reason this small workroom in Lynn, operated by a mother-daughter duo with decades of experience, is beloved by local homeowners and design pros alike. J&Is bespoke creations include classic valances with intricate pleating, quirkier numbers with fringe, and elegant panels in brilliant patternsall sold alongside decorative rods and essential hardware to help complete the look. Plus, not only will the team design and craft any treatment your heart (or window) desires, theyll come to your home to install the one-of-a-kind piece, too.

gotcustomdrapes.com.

Decorative PainterPatina

For Pauline Curtiss, every facet of an interior is a canvas. She can add stenciled motifs, abstract graffiti explosions, and serene landscapes anywhere you let her (hello, two-story statement foyer). Working closely with her small team, this RISD grad turns bare floors into rugs, walls into rich suede, and wood into tile. Shell even camouflage a bedside table to disappear against your bedroom wall. Extra points for her gorgeous porcelain dinnerware, adorned with delicate, hand-sketched patterns.

patina-designs.com.

FabricsZimmans

Overflowing with bins and never-ending displays, this family-owned, 40,000-square-foot textile emporium will leave you swooning over the possibilities. About a million yards of fabric, all bought straight from mills, run the gamut: Unique cottons, sumptuous Belgian linens, rich leathers, and delicate silks, just to name a few, all have a place hereto say nothing of the treasure trove of trims, discount fabrics, and hardware youll find in the shops large basement.

zimmans.com.

FireplacesCommonwealth Fireplace

Whether youre fired up about a wood-burning stove or would rather remote-click to set a gas model ablaze, these Norwood experts help up your flame game. Their 4,800-square-foot showroom is a creative hotbed of some 50 lit fireplace and stove displays from the likes of Mendota, HearthStone, and Pacific Energy. And service will make you feel warm and fuzzy, too: Once they convert your existing hearth with inserts or install a completely new unit, theyll explain the safest, most efficient way to run it to last.

commonwealthfireplace.com.

Hardwood FlooringApex Hardwood Floors

Theres nothing quite like the gleam of hardwood floorsand no one quite like James Du and his team to sand, refinish, repair, or install them for you. Consistently praised by clients for their professionalism, craftsmanship, and top-notch communication skills, the Revere-based crew handily works with a range of wood types and custom finishes, laying down new planks and breathing life into tired ones with equal care and attention.

apexfloorllc.com.

Home AccentsNeatly Nested

If ever you were tempted to judge a book by its cover, youd be right to do it in the case of this Southie dcor shop, curated by interior designer Danielle McClure. The smorgasbord of pieces youll discover insidefrom handwoven baskets to rattan pendant lights to tassel-adorned pillowsis just as charming as its exterior, equipped with a yellow-and-white awning and a teal front door. Swing by in person or shop online for soft Dash & Albert rugs, chic tabletop wares, and folding mango-wood stools.

neatlynestedboston.com.

Home Gym EquipmentPrecision Fitness Equipment

Heres a thing you didnt know about Bruins goaltender Tuukka Rask: He trains on cardio and strength machines from Precision Fitness Equipment, headquartered in Framingham. Why? Perhaps its because of the staff who guide customers (famous and not) toward the right bench, elliptical, or interactive recumbent bike from brands such as Powerblock, Matrix, and WaterRower, while sharing advice on proper use. Or maybe its because the team offers design consultations, transforming lackluster home gyms into inviting spaces with members-only vibes. Either way, youre in good company.

precisionfitnessequipment.com.

WallcoveringsDebsan The Decorating Store

When you have the countrys largest selection of sample books (900, for those counting), clearly you can help impart a wow factor to any space. And thats exactly what owner Ben Greenberg and his team do. With intimate knowledge of designer collections, theyve even been known to find prints for some of the areas tough-to-style period homes. Get your feet wet with an accent wall in your powder room or cover every square inch of your home office with offerings from Thibaut, Schumacher, Waverly, and more.

debsan.com.

Wine Cellar ContractorBoston Wine Cellar Designs

Need a safe home for your prized Chteau Latour or Leeuwin? Brian Wilson has been pouring over the citys most refined wine cellars for some 25 years. From straightforward spaces (cases below, bottles above) to more elaborate schemes with grand stone arches and tasting tables, his vino-storage solutions are magnificent. Design speaks loudly, while Wine Guardian climate systems are whisper-quiet. Cheers to enjoying your winenot worrying about it.

bostonwinecellars.com.

Sashya Thind/Photo by Joyelle West

You feel incredibly fortunate to work from home but could really use a change of scenery. Sound familiar? Read on for a few easy ways to refresh your workspace, courtesy of Ideate Design Studios Sashya Thind.

Let There Be LightTheres no substitute for natural lightespecially in an environment where youre potentially working eight hours or more a day. Find a sunny spot, and if you have a view of the outdoors, go for it.

Pick a Good ChairWorking from home has its perks, but we all know that we end up spending way more time sitting at our desks than we would if we were traveling to an office. An ergonomic chair is more comfortable and can reduce back pain. Some great brands that we recommend to our clients are Herman Miller, Steelcase, and Haworth, which have multiple models you can test.

Get OrganizedBeing able to put stuff away at the end of the day leads to a space that is peaceful and welcoming the next morning. A small file cabinet on castors, for instance, can tuck under the desk to store extra stationery, pens, and files. Cable management is also important to hide unsightly wires.

Dont Forget to DecorateDisplaying art or framed photographs immediately creates a warm and inviting space. A fresh coat of paint can transform a room, toojust make sure you go with uplifting colors instead of dark, saturated ones.

Illustration by Holly Wales

CW Design/Photo by Lara Kimmerer

Bathroom DesignerCW Design

Clean-lined console vanities. Meticulous tilework. Freestanding soaking tubs, bathed in natural light. With equal weight placed on function and form, designer Cassia Wyner conjures sophisticated bathrooms that feel as good as they look, combining elegant fixtures and thoughtful finishes to undeniably blissful effects. Plus, her customer-service record is unparalleled. As one scroll through ample glowing reviews will attest, its not just Wyners design and problem-solving skills that make clients happy; its her approachability, organization, and attentiveness, as well.

cwdesignllc.com.

CabinetryBespoke of Winchester

Between remote learning and daily Zoom calls, your kitchen is getting a lot more action than usual. Bring order to the chaos with an assist from Bespoke of Winchester. Made in Revere, their custom cabinets hide appliances and cookware, while their cantilevered shelves (equipped with integrated lighting) showcase impressive barware collections and delicate dishware. Need a pick-me-up? Ask the crew to install mood-boosting pink racks for a pop of color.

bespokeofwinchester.com.

FixturesThe Inspired Bath

After perusing the rain showers and touchless faucets, youll leave this Waltham-based showroom with a long list of kitchen-and-bath must-haves. Offering top brands such as Grohe and Kohler, the Inspired Bath provides all the essentials youd ever dream of, as well as innovative add-ons including sparkling-water taps. Opt for the Amazon-powered smart mirror to turn down the lights via voice-command while you unwind in your new soaking tub. Alexa, more bubbles, please.

theinspiredbath.com.

HardwareMack Designer Hardware

This four-year-old Burlington shop may be a relative newcomer to the scene, but the staff at Mack Designer Hardware have decades of experience. The talented team can deftly walk you through their various brands (Rocky Mountain Hardware, Formani) to find the perfect style and finish for your space. With Macks massive selection of handles, locks, door hinges, and more, we wont blame you for stopping by for a simple cabinet latchand leaving with crystal pulls and a quartz doorknob.

mackdesignerhardware.com.

Stone FabricatorThe Granite Place

The pros at the Granite Place think of themselves as artistsand after working with them, youll agree. Their finely cut Italian marble islands will add a sleek look to your kitchen, while their Cambria quartz counters will create luxe vibes in the bathroom. And best of all, their fireplace surroundscrafted from heat-resistant granitewill have you looking forward to winter in New England (really).

thegraniteplaceinc.com.

TileLaFauci Tile & Marble

Drive to Watertowns Tile Milea popular stretch of shops near the Charlesand keep your foot on the gas until you reach LaFauci Tile & Marble. When you step inside the showroom, youll first be dazzled by the myriad marble, porcelain, and glass options (think: Moroccan-inspired cement mosaics and Terra Bella waterjet masterpieces) for your floors and walls. But youll be even more impressed when you confuse your own bathroom for a spa once the team installs whatever goodies you choose.

lafaucitile.com.

Venegas and Company/Photo by Michael J. Lee

Kitchen DesignerVenegas and Company

Whats the recipe for a beautifully designed kitchen? A functional layout, sleek cabinetry, gorgeous stonework, and carefully selected finishes to tie everything together. Thats how Venegas and Company achieves their stunning results, at least. Considering all of your needs (double islands, pantries, Teppanyaki cooktops), owner Donna Venegas and her team have been whipping up crowd-pleasing schemes since 2009. Among their recent successes? A revamped 19th-century space boasting blue-gray cabinets, a porcelain-clad hood to match the countertops and backsplash, and a hidden coffee bar.

venegasandcompany.com.

Arazi Levine Design/Photo by Joyelle West

Transitional ArchitectArazi Levine Design

Israel-born Dana Arazi Levine has amassed quite the following since establishing her Boston studio in 2017and its easy to see why. The pros schemes showcase an impressive blend of architectural training and killer interior-design instincts, resulting in spaces that feel both timeless and contemporary. Take, for instance, this issues feature on a historical Back Bay condo [page 50], whichthanks to Levines thoughtful interventionpairs resized rooms, scaled for how we live today, with classic details like molding and mahogany paneling.

Transitional Interior DesignerAna Donohue InteriorsGazing at a space designed by Ana Donohue is a little like visiting an exciting new exhibition at your favorite museumyouve got no idea where to look first. But thats a good thing. Full of personality and texture, every facet of the Oklahoma natives thoughtfully layered interiorsfrom the carefully selected furnishings, upholstered in hard-to-ignore hues like emerald and lime green, to the bold artwork that ties her rooms togetherdemands (and deserves) attention.

Michael DAngelo Landscape Architecture; architecture by Flavin Architects/Photo by Nat Rea

Landscape ArchitectMichael DAngelo Landscape Architecture

Trust us when we say that landscape architect Michael DAngelo is a force of nature. Able to work in a variety of settings, the University of Rhode Island grad counts a tiered yard in Cohasset, beautifully connected to the rocky coastline, and a bamboo-laden roof top in the South End among his many fine creations. And no plan is too extravagant for DAngelo. Need proof? Consider a forthcoming Brookline scheme, outfitted with lush plantings, a rejuvenating sauna, and a terrace for at-home yoga sessions.

m-d-l-a.com.

Landscape Design/Build, BostonPerennial Gardens

These days, having access to a private green space is more of a luxury (or, dare we say, a necessity) than ever. Thats where Perennial Gardens comes in. In addition to designing and installing plantings and patios at sprawling estates, the firm has a particular knack for revitalizing petite urban gardens and rooftops. Equipped with an eye for color and scale, an understanding of irrigation systems and environmental conditions, and, occasionally, a crane to help out on installation day, principal Ellen Abdow and team create lush oases with luxe features such as custom outdoor kitchens.

perennialgardens.net.

Landscape Design/Build, NorthAndover Landscape Design and Construction

Tap the pros at Andover Landscape and youll have it all: a garden blooming with perennials, a lap pool to keep you active, and a bluestone patio equipped with a fire pit for roasting marshmallows. Founder John Nardozza and architect Russell Stottalong with masons, arborists, and electricianshave a hand in every step of the transformation, from the first rendering drawn to the last shrub pruned. Plus, theyll plant an herb garden so you can spice up home-cooked meals.

andoverlandscape.com.

Landscape Design/Build, SouthMainStay Landscape

Everyones idea of outdoor heaven looks a little different. Luckily, this Westwood-based team wields the know-how to create just about any open-air hangout you can imagine, from private but roomy urban patios to colorful wildflower meadows bordering beachfront pools. But the small firm, founded by green-industry vet Jay MacMullan in 2015, doesnt win our vote for its beautiful spaces alone; the crews extensive horticultural knowledgenot to mention its first-rate maintenance servicesare equally divine.

mainstaylandscape.com.

Landscape Design/Build, WestA Blade of Grass

Youve got a beautiful home, but youre lacking the landscape to match it. Its a tale as old as time for the pros at a Blade of Grass, who know a thing or two about solving a predicament like this one. Take, for example, a stately home in Wayland that the crew enhanced with a series of patios, surrounded by manicured greenery and flowers. Theres also the decidely Instagrammable poolside in Carlisle, complete with a sculptural pergola. Wed call those success stories.

abladeofgrass.com.

Custom Outdoor FurnitureJanus et Cie

For four-plus decades, Janus et Cies creative, contemporary designs (a pod-like chaise lounge, for example) have transformed many an outdoor space. It should be no surprise then that there are very few limitations to what the Design Center standout can create beyond its collections, too. Want to take a sofa from the existing stock and change the size, fabric, and finish? Easy as pie. Plus, those with more traditional tastes can turn to the showroom for exclusive pieces by Maine-based Weatherend Estate Furniture, which uses boat-building techniques to craft custom wooden pieces.

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Best of Boston Home 2021: Our Guide to the Region's Top Home Experts - Boston magazine