Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/715599
the city for your clients? "There's a new vibe to the city—the South End, the Seaport. Between the arts, opera, gourmet food, there's so much to offer." How do you troubleshoot smaller city spaces? "Through thoughtful engineering, we can design a home that is functional and maximizes space. For instance, smaller-size appliances, storing laundry baskets underneath a vanity, wall hooks." What's different in urban design? "You're dealing mostly with straight lines—not a lot of prim. Modern design has to be executed to the highest standards. For example, we're working with two designers over at Twenty Two Liberty that are prob- ably at the top of that pile as far as complexion, how complicated it is, the execution, the materials, the finish." woodmeister.com BoB Ernst PrEsidEnt, FBn ConstruCtion How do you approach the transition with clients? "We'll meet in their subur- ban homes and then look at the new place. That helps us get a handle on what their style is—molding details, flooring, lighting, things that remind them of their home and what they love." Which design trends are you noticing? "Definitely a contemporary and modern aesthetic. Clients want to live with 21st century architecture, clean lines, all-gloss white, custom cabinetry. It's a lot of fun!" What are some other tricks of the urban trade? "Installing wiring so that shades can be controlled by a remote. Creating storage in dead space. And always finding a way to design a funky kitchen, a lovely spa-like master bath, and a cool place to showcase art." fbnconstruction.com . bostoncommon-magazine.com 113 clockwise from left: A fab-collab between FBN Construction and Leslie Fine Interiors yielded a Mandarin Oriental unit with new ceilings and lighting; FBN renovated a three- story Comm Ave condo to display both a clean, modern aesthetic as well as existing, traditional details; true to its name, Woodmeister specializes in custom millwork, such as the cabinetry in this master bath.