Project Spotlight: Embarc Studio Project

Tell us about your business and this project:

Embarc Studio is a collection of architects, designers, and interior designers whose range of expertise helps strengthen our overall approach to each project we work on. For this project, we helped our clients completely gut renovate a single-family brownstone that was built in 1860 located in the iconic South End neighborhood of Boston. One of the most exceptional aspects of this home was the addition of a rear bay, which gave our clients a total of three large bays on their second and third levels of the home. Not only did this give them an eat-in kitchen with banquette seating, but it also allowed us to install a freestanding soaking tub in their master bathroom.

What were the client's needs and how did you meet them?

Our newlywed clients were looking to design a custom home for their young family that could grow with them overtime. Overall, they had a traditional aesthetic but wanted to make sure to push the boundaries a little and add some flare to match their fun and playful personalities. We loved that they were not afraid of taking risks, but also appreciated that when it came to the bones of their home, they made timeless and classic choices. The crown molding, interior doors, hardware, and handrails were all in keeping with a traditional brownstone.

 

What or who was your design inspiration?

From our first walk through we had our eyes on a gilt mantle mirror and Carrara marble mantle that were in the dining room and original to the home.  “Let’s keep it!” was the first decision we made We refinished and reinforced the mirror as well as cleaned up the mantle, relocating them to the parlor to excite and invite guests as soon as they came into the home. We also pulled inspiration from Aerin Lauder and Kelly Wearstler, who use high contrast, playful patterns, and layers of accessories to make their designs reflect the people who live in the spaces. We wanted this home and the interiors to feel representative of the homeowners, their life together so far, and leave room for their bright future ahead as husband and wife.

 

Embarc Studio. Photo by flaunt.

 

What was your favorite part of designing this project?

When we first met our clients, they were planning their wedding. When we finished this project, they were welcoming their first-born child into the world and into this home. It was an absolute joy to see our clients—who now feel more like friends—experience some of life’s most precious moments right before our eyes. Knowing that we played a part in designing the backdrop for their new life as a family of three made our passion for what we do as architects and designers stronger than ever.

 

 

What was a challenge that you faced along the way?

Timeline is always a constraint but even more so when you have a due date pushing you (no pun intended) to the finish line! We were very lucky to have had a fabulous team of dedicated individuals who made all the pieces come together.

What was your process for selecting the hardware for this project?

We selected the exterior and interior door hardware first. We needed exterior door hardware that could work with an electronic strike and interior door hardware that offered privacy, passage, and pocket functionality. Hamilton Sinkler’s Metropolitan Collection checked all of those boxes. We added the knurled detail to our lever handles on all interior doors, and it was the perfect touch of glamour to the traditional and functional handle style. Down the line, we coordinated cabinet hardware in many locations to tie everything together.

What appealed to you in your selection of Hamilton Sinkler hardware?

Everything! The finishes, the knurled and hammered details, the price point; there was no competition. One of my favorite items is the traditional bin pull with knurled details. This was front and center in our kitchen on all the drawers. We also loved the optionality we had with pocket door hardware, which can sometimes present challenges.

 

Embarc Studio. Photo by flaunt.

Embarc Studio. Photo by flaunt.