We’re thrilled to share that the entire front half of the duplex is finished — which means the open living and dining rooms on both sides are officially revealed. Walk in, turn toward the living area, and you’ll see this bright, welcoming space come to life.
On the left side, a beloved secondhand rug from New England Loom anchors the seating area. We paired it with our favorite Crate & Barrel sofa in Taft Truffle for durable, comfortable seating that we trust — we bought the same model multiple times because it’s held up so well with kids and pets. Two armchairs face a crisp white coffee table, with a small pouf for extra seating. Low-profile furniture and thoughtfully placed pillows make the arrangement feel relaxed and cozy.
A quartz-topped side table adds the marble look without the maintenance worry, and a large art print from Juniper Print Shop ties the living area to the blue-cabinet kitchen beyond — same tones, different rooms, one cohesive palette. The kitchen will get its own full reveal soon, but already you can see how the color story threads through both spaces.
This renovation went all the way back to the studs in many places. Early photos show collapsed ceiling sections and severe water damage. We rebuilt framing, replaced plywood, reframed openings to add a tall interior transom for light, and installed solid five-panel doors and pocket doors where it felt right — all choices inspired by the house’s original details, like exposed brick chimneys, refinished hardwoods, and diamond windows.
The transom we added above the doorway is one of those small architectural moves that makes a big difference: more natural light, more sense of height, and it feels original to the house even though it’s new. Adding these inspired-by-original features helped the rooms regain charm while addressing practical needs.
To organize the long open floor plan, we intentionally defined zones: an area rug and a floating furniture grouping create the living area, while a hanging chandelier marks the dining zone. That prevents the space from feeling like one long corridor and makes each end feel purposeful.
Tall, original-style windows are a standout feature of both sides — the first floor ceilings are nine feet high, and the windows reach nearly to the top, flooding the rooms with light and adding real presence. Because of that abundant glazing, we kept furniture low so sightlines to the windows stay clear and the rooms feel airy.
On the wall across from the sofa we placed the TV, mounted on the wall with a narrow console underneath. This keeps the media area tidy and unobtrusive so it doesn’t compete with the primary view when you walk in. If your space feels tight, mounting the TV and using a slim console is an easy way to keep circulation open.
We added cord covers to hide cables and opted for smart TVs in both living rooms so there’s just one visible wire. Little details like that — and planning outlet placement early — make the finished rooms look calm and intentional.
We also added a powder room where there had only been a big closet before — a practical improvement for guests and renters. The small bathroom is clean and simple for now, and we’ll likely add decorative touches like wainscoting or wallpaper later to make it feel like a jewel box.
We mixed metals throughout — brass in the chandelier and mirror, oil-rubbed bronze for curtain rods and door hardware — and repeated each finish in a few places so the mix feels deliberate and layered rather than chaotic. If you’re nervous about mixing metals, use small accents first (frames, a lamp, hardware) and repeat them to create cohesion.
The right side of the duplex is a mirror of the left in layout but with different styling choices: a more muted rug, alternate dining chairs, and reclaimed tables refinished to suit each room. Reusing secondhand pieces and refinishing tables saved a lot of money and gave both sides personality without breaking the bank.
Small architectural details — like painted stair risers that match each side’s front door color — add charm and a playful sense of identity to each unit. We painted one set of risers pink and the other a soft green to mirror the door colors, and it’s a tiny touch that makes the duplex feel intentional and cheerful.
We still have kitchens, laundry rooms, patio landscaping and lots of hemming to finish, but for now we’re so happy with how the living and dining areas turned out. These rooms showcase how thoughtful renovations, smart furniture choices, and a few carefully repeated finishes can transform an old, damaged house into two warm, welcoming homes.
P.S. If you want to follow the whole duplex renovation process, search for our duplex project updates to see the step-by-step progress from purchase through construction and design.