Restoring a House in the City

In "Restoring a House in Town", design expert Ingrid Abramovitch explores how twenty classic and historic town houses, brownstones, and row houses were transformed from pieces of the past into magical places to live today. Organized by period, from Colonial and Federal to Italinate and Eclectic, "Restoring a House in Town" features a diverse group of home owners and designers who share tales of creativity and innovation in adapting these homes for modern urban living. Whether it's the hunt for rare chandeliers and a custom carpet, salvaging floor boards for new tabletops, or removing walls to let more light in, all the nuts and bolts of restoriation are here. In Boston, a young family's renovation takes three years and includes every modern amenity imaginable (a media room, home gym, elevator), but saves most of the original interiors (window shutters and seats, marble fireplaces). A Baltimore couple--both stars of the graphic design world--must reconcile their cutting-edge tastes with their traditional surroundings. Many of their choices are by the book (restoring old pine floors), while others are radical (a glass and steel carport that doubles as extra party space). From furniture and color to rooftops and terraces, "Restoring a House in Town" brims with design ideas, history, and details.