Danielle Emond 7/9/24 Danielle Emond 7/9/24

Custom Spaces: When Furniture Becomes Family

In the bustling realm of home decor, where trends come and go faster than you can say "avocado green is back," there's a quiet revolution happening. Here at eastside CO/LAB, we're skipping the fast fashion of furniture for something a lot more personal and a whole lot more permanent: custom furniture. It’s like the difference between a fleeting crush and a lifelong love affair—with your living room.

Sustainability Can Be Sexy

Why settle for off-the-shelf when you can go custom and eco-friendly? We’re all about pieces that stick around for the long haul, growing and changing as you do. Think of it as the furniture equivalent of a faithful friend who’s always there, even if you move houses more often than the latest trends on Pinterest.

Side Table Saga: Tiny Heroes of the Urban Jungle

Picture this: a city row house so snug that the bedroom offered a mere foot of space on either side of the king sized bed —hardly enough for conventional nightstands. Enter our hero, the custom side table—sleek, storage-savvy, and dressed in a calming beige grasscloth. Crafted in cahoots with the magicians at Compo Home on Etsy, these tables weren't just furniture; they were space-saving lifesavers in a stylish disguise.

The Green Sofa Chronicles: Where Comfort Meets Class

Imagine a Victorian home, its charm long stripped away, yearning for a dash of dignity. That’s where our custom green sofa comes in. Working closely with Kravet, we crafted a sofa that balanced classic elegance with the durability needed for a bustling family life. From the simple silhouette to the bench cushion designed for longevity, every element was chosen with care, ensuring the sofa added both comfort and class to their living space.

Blue Chair Blues: A Monochromatic Marvel

When faced with a room awash in blue, the challenge was to introduce a piece that could stand out without breaking the monochromatic theme. Inspired by the genius of Michelle Gold and dressed in a client's personal fabric choice, this chair wasn’t just another piece of furniture. It was a statement, a splash of texture in an ocean of blue, proving that monochrome doesn’t mean monotonous.

Pillow Talk: The Soft Side of Statement Making

No discussion of custom decor is complete without mentioning the transformative power of pillows. For one project, we worked with Thread to craft pillows that would bring a pop of color and drama to a muted room. Using fabric from Designers Guild, available at Osborne & Little at the Design Center, we chose a floral pattern with raised velvet on a silk background. These pillows, with their 50/50 insert of down and cotton, were not just comfortable; they were a statement, embodying classic design with a tactile luxury that remains unparalleled. Soft, supportive, and still stunning five years on, these pillows are the long-term relationship we’ve all been looking for.

So remember, your space should be as unique as you are. That’s where we, at eastside CO/LAB, come in. Thinking of embarking on a design adventure? Let’s make it happen together. With a knack for the bespoke and an eye for functionality and sustainability, we're here to transform your space into a reflection of you. Let eastside CO/LAB be your guide to a home that tells your story. Reach out, and let's create magic.

Danielle Emond 7/9/24 Danielle Emond 7/9/24

Orient Ave Project

Orient Avenue, East Boston

Danielle and Matt Emond, Eastside Co/Lab

Jared Kuzia Photography

One of Eastside Co/Lab’s most impressive full-service renovation project is located on Orient Avenue in East Boston. In 2019 a young family - with two kids, two dogs, and a lizard - found an opportunity to purchase an off-market turn-of-the-century brick cottage in the quaint neighborhood of Orient Heights. The single-family home was built in 1920 and needed a complete gut renovation. The renovation began and was completed during the height of the pandemic from 2019 to 2020.

The result is classic New England mixed with traditional English cottage vibes and Eastside Co/Lab’s signature black and white contrasts woven throughout. Functionality and beauty collide with custom hidden storage, minimalist furnishings and features, and family-oriented design choices. New windows showcase spectacular views of the Boston skyline and a completely reworked floor plan maximizes space, utility, and the flow of family life.

Scroll through to see why Eastside Co/Lab “design pioneers'' are paving the way to solidify Eastie’s place as Boston’s hottest new neighborhood.

Kitchen

The chef’s kitchen is bright and welcoming with a huge island for prep and entertaining. A separate pantry to the right provides ample cabinet and storage space allowing the kitchen to feel spacious and minimalist. An extra large 48 inch range and custom glazed tiling adds a layer of warmth against the contrast of creams and blacks. The new floorplan created a large open living space on the parlor level to highlight the view and allow for better flow. The original bronze windows were restored with two new windows added. This family loves to entertain, so the kitchen island has seating for up to nine. Leather bar chairs are child-friendly and allow for heavy use. The matte black countertop is black-honed granite, which mimics soapstone, but is more resilient.

Features:

Lighting, Circa pendants
Island, quarter sawn white oak
Appliances, Thermador
Floor, 4 inch white oak
Chairs, ARHAUS
Cabinets, Direct Kitchen
Countertop, Atlantic Stone Works
Hardware, Rejuvenation

Designers chose cream cabinets along the wall of the kitchen, and a contrasting natural wood island that creates interest and syncs with open shelving made of the same wood species.

Features:

Shelving, custom
Windows, Original Bronze & JD Sash

Dining Room

Although difficult to see in this photo, the minimalist dining space is intentionally simple to feature the “million dollar” views of the Boston skyline. English cottage vibes are continued in this space with a double linear pendant.

Features:

Lighting, Circa Lighting
Windows, Original Bronze Windows & JD Sash
Chairs, McGee & Co

Entryway

The stairway is the focal point upon entry into this home with a custom oak and iron railing. The original brick chimney was preserved to add texture juxtaposed with clean built-in cabinets for storage and display. Custom cabinetry throughout this home makes every inch functional. Designers revised the floor plan to open up the entire first floor, but this staircase allows for a logical flow, separating the entryway and a small office (not shown).

Features:

Railing, custom oak and iron

Stairway

The original brick chimney continues to the second level where a black metal and glass fixture sparkles. This level maximizes square footage with a primary suite, two kids bedrooms, and a small second bath, along with ample custom storage and laundry. A perfectly-sized kids room can be seen to the left.

Features:

Lighting, Arteriors Home
Railing, custom oak and iron

Primary Bedroom

The primary bedroom suite has a small footprint, but enormous style. Dramatic windows showcase the same jaw-dropping view of the Boston skyline. The black and soft white expression continues in this room with pops of pastel, and natural wood and fibers. Double doors allow light to stream down the hallway. Adjacent to the bedroom is the primary bathroom (not shown).

Designers took advantage of the sloping ceiling in the primary bedroom to maximize space and build custom his and hers storage in the eves. The black and white color scheme is punctuated with a subtle cream shade on the trim. Not shown are custom built-in dressers on the right side.

Features:

Lighting, Wolfers Chandelier
Benches, Vintage

Sconces, Wolfers Lighting

Kids Room

Bold, fun colors punctuate this cozy kids bedroom. A trundle bed encourages sleepovers while allowing for space efficacy.

Features:

Rug, Etsy
Light, Shades of Light
Trundle Bed, Pottery Barn
Artwork, vintage

Kids bathroom

A small second bathroom has bold teal tiles in the shower. Brass hardware and a whimsical pendant that brings together this fun and functional space. Matching oak vanity and medicine cabinet add storage along with vertical shelves flanking the shower.

Features:

Lighting, bubble pendant, Etsy
Oak mirror, Amazon

Danielle Emond 6/2/23 Danielle Emond 6/2/23

Unlocking the Secret to a Successful Home Renovation

A Chat with Danielle Emond, Designer at Eastside Co/Lab

The birds are buzzing and the windows are open, pollen be damned. You’re itching to refresh your space, tired of ignoring the creak in the floor, or the rogue faucet spray. You ate ramen all winter and are ready to put your money where your Pinterest board is.

It’s time for a reno!

Suddenly you’re in a Google deep dive of opinions and ‘experts’, feeling like a fish out of water (not to mention unwelcomed familial input).

Don’t worry - we’ve got your back. Here are some key things to keep in mind when starting a renovation project, or hiring a designer.

Hire a PROFESH. Trust me, we all love saving money, but the experts get paid for a reason. Just like you wouldn’t trust a chef to do your plumbing, and – unless you’re my dad – you wouldn’t do your own. The DIY craze is fading, and we’re here for it. Hiring professionals for a home renovation alleviates much of the stress that comes with an already overwhelming process. Aside from visual talent, experience, and education, they know things you don’t even know you don’t know. In the end, they typically save you money by avoiding costly mistakes.

Choosing said professional. Online forums such as Thumbtack, Angie’s List, Houzz, etc. can help with finding construction + design professionals. However, cold calling doesn’t always yield the best results. We like to use our network for contacts; think neighborhood message boards, stopping by an active site or texting your sister-in-law’s brother who just graduated from architecture school - chances are if they can’t help, they will lead you to someone who can. As always, it's good to get at least two quotes and check references before signing on the dotted line.

Use honest materials. As tempting as the price tag for synthetic materials may be, they don’t have a tendency to age well and ultimately will weigh you down in replacement costs over time. Hardwood and stone will age like fine wine and never go out of style. Not only does this mean extra money for you in the long run, but it is also much better for the environment to have materials that are going to last for centuries, rather than high-turnover products, or fast fashion materials and finishes. Not to mention, natural materials increase the value of your home.

Think of resale. Unless you plan on never leaving your home, make sure to keep resale in mind. It can be difficult to merge personal touches with timeless design or balance value-add with cost, which is where designers can be helpful. Keeping resale in mind doesn’t mean dulling your personal style. Louder expressions can come from artwork, furniture, textiles (rugs), and even lighting, as these things are much easier to switch out. We also love consulting real estate professionals on renovation plans for resale input.

Keep these things in mind, and you will end up with a project you will love and that will last a lifetime.

Looking for inspiration for your renovation? Check out our Emmons Street Project blog post.

Danielle Emond 3/31/23 Danielle Emond 3/31/23

Emmons Street Project

Emmons Street, East Boston

Danielle and Matt Emond, Eastside Co/Lab

Jared Kuzia Photography

In East Boston - perhaps the city’s final real estate frontier - Danielle and Matt had a dream of transforming a rundown 1900’s three-bed, four-bath townhouse into a bespoke family home. For three years they lived through a gut renovation with two small children. The result is nothing less than spectacular.

Aptly named the “French Shipyard Flat” the home boasts a color palette of dark ocean blues juxtaposed with dramatic black and white expressions. Exposed brick and original wood beams contrasted with modern furnishings and lighting ties together old and new. Custom built-in cabinetry throughout the home adds ample storage and functionality, luxuries often missed in turn of the century homes. When thrown a curveball, i.e. a small kitchen footprint, the designers built a substantial attached pantry that would delight any urban home cook. Luxury abounds with Calcutta marble in the kitchen and Ann Saks tile in the bathroom.

Project Stats:

1,500 square feet home
Full building renovation of a early 1900’s workman row house
Three-bed four-bath primary residence + studio Airbnb in the basement
Designed by interior designer and architect husband and wife duo of Eastside Co/Lab

**Exterior**

Welcome to the French Shipyard Flat at #9 Emmons Street. A gut renovation infused French character and flair into this 1900’s workman row house. Designers chose iron and brass that will patina and age beautifully over time. White-washed cedar slatting is a nod to the waterfront and former shipyard a few blocks away. Blues and black and white hints at the color theme within the home and lends a historical nautical vibe while brass hardware adds a modern touch.
Features:
Paint, Benjamin Moore
Lighting, Rejuvenation

A historically-accurate cornice was added to the top of the building to infuse character into the facade. Nautical blue was chosen for the new siding, a nod to the nearby shipyard. The original awning windows were enlarged and replaced with two over one windows.
Designers changed the home’s permits to multifamily use and the studio basement unit was transformed into an income-generating Airbnb property. The Airbnb unit has its own entrance in the front and back.
Features:
Paint, Benjamin Moore
Windows, Anderson, A400 Series / Two Over One

Kitchen & Dining

This long narrow space was missing the square footage needed for a traditional L-shaped countertop or island. Designers chose a minimalist single countertop with open shelving supplemented by a large pantry with ample storage and prep space hidden out-of-site. A custom door vent hides the HVAC system.

Features:

Counter and backsplash, Cumar, Calcutta gold marble
Drywall Wrapped Hood
Appliances, Kitchenaid
Faucet, Brizo
Custom artwork

Sumptuous Calcutta marble countertop and backsplash adds a luxurious touch, while mixed metals allows gold accents to be interwoven with silver and black without overwhelming the space. Black framed slider windows overlook a small balcony and grill space.
Features:
Calcutta Gold Marble
Anderson Windows
Gold switch plate, CB2

**Dining**

Designers choose a family table instead of an island that serves as a dual dining and prep space. Sophistication meets practicality with elegant curved back chairs that have custom resilient fabric for childproofing.
Features:
Chairs, Restoration Hardware
End Chairs, CB2
Table, Anthropologie
Pendant, Anthropologie
Rug, Chilewich
Custom art

**Powder Room**

Adjacent to the dining and kitchen space, the small powder room makes a big statement. Ann Saks tiles accentuate the black and white expression, while vintage art and mixed metals add a distinctly French flair. Thin built-in cabinets (1.5 inches wide) offer storage where every inch counts.
Features
Tile, Ann Sacks, Benton Clara Mosaic
Poster, vintage, estate sale
Pendant, Rejuvenation
Faucet, Kohler
Toilet, Kohler
Sink, Quattro

Living Room

Natural wood, original brickwork, and black hardware characterize this small, but functional living space, centered on an electric blue velvet sectional. Natural light abounds through black framed windows that replaced and enlarged the original awning windows. The oversized sectional couch creates a welcoming vibe.

Features

Couch, Interior Define
Windows, Anderson, A400 Series / Two over One

The open floor plan provides a seamless flow for easy living. Custom built-ins create ample storage for hiding any and all clutter.

Features:

Counter and backsplash, Cumar, Calcutta gold marble
Drywall Wrapped Hood
Appliances, Kitchenaid
Faucet, Brizo
Custom artwork

**Entryway / Mudroom**

Tucked away under the stairs, a luxury that few city homes can claim: a mudroom! Cubbies for each family member, plus one for a guest and benches to remove shoes.
Up at top of the stairs to the left is a view of the original beams that were preserved by the designers to juxtapose old and industrial with new and modern.
Features
Custom iron railing
White oak floor, custom stain
Custom millwork

Primary Bedroom

A thin, long space, the primary bedroom features a statement canopy bed with just enough space to circulate on both sides. His and hers closets with custom built-ins provide ample storage.

Features

Bed, Room & Board
Custom closets
Custom side tables wrapped in grass cloth

**Primary Bathroom**

Simple, but elegant, the primary bath shines with stacked white subway tile juxtaposed by black stone. Lights streaming through the window in the shower combined with cut glass hanging pendants creates a flattering lighting scheme. Double faucet vanity provides ample drawers space and an open shared Scarabeo sink to surprise and awe. Mixed metals of black, antique brass and silver.
Pendants, Rejuvenation
Herringbone black stone 3 x 36 inch, Wayfair
48” vanity, Ikea with custom front
Faucets, Brizzo
Sink, Scarabeo

Simple black and white tiles and mixed metals shine extra bright with ample natural light. Laundry closet with extra storage shown on the right.
Features
Herringbone black stone 3 x 36 inch, Wayfair
Showerhead, Brizzo

Kids Room

In true Montessori style, shelving and furniture is kept at child height creating a welcoming space for little people to read and play.

Chesterfield couch, Wayfair
Wallpaper, Scion Kelda Pebble
Lamp, West Elm X Pottery Barn Kids
Rug, Martin Group, Novagratz Wool

Colorful expressions in shades of blue and pink for a cozy child’s bedroom with ample room to rest, play, and lounge.
Features
Bunk beds, Etsy.com
Bedding, Lewisishome.com
Lighting, Lulu & Georgia

**Kids Bathroom**

A simple, clean space with a few colorful accents.
Features:
Vanity, Ikea with custom fronts
Lighting, Shades of Light

A four-foot extra deep bathtub is hard to find, but was essential in this space to allow for custom storage to the right. The tone-on-tone mermaid scale tiling adds dimension and whimsy.
Features:
Bathtub, Kohler, Supply New England
Shower tile, Daltile
Floor and tub tile, Wayfair

The Office

This multi-purpose space has enormous storage and utility. Original beams from the home were repurposed to create a custom desk. Pivoting lights add to the flexibility of the space.

Features:

Desk, original beams and Floyd Detroit legs
Lighting, Rejuvenation
Neon sign, custom

Roof Deck

An inviting rooftop oasis with bistro lights, nautical stripes, and contrasting black metal and natural wood creates a distinctly French seaside flair.

Features:

Customer iron railing
Decking, Timbertech
Furniture, Wayfair