My Houzz: Neutral Charm in an 1890 Boston Brownstone
Soothing grays, classic lines and thoughtful decor come together in this couple’s 700-square-foot South End home
Alexis Fallon Kozmor and Terry Kozmor were drawn to the charm of Boston’s South End neighborhood when moving from nearby Brookline, Massachusetts. The brownstone in which their 700-square-foot apartment is located was built in 1890 and later converted into a multifamily home. Terry, seen here at left, is a director of fitness at Lynx Fitness Club in Boston’s Back Bay, and Alexis, right, works full time in medical sales and writes a design blog called South End Style. They’re pictured in their living room with their French bulldog, Mela.
“Since we have a dog, we made sure to have pet-friendly furniture and finishes that are durable yet stylish,” Alexis says.
“Since we have a dog, we made sure to have pet-friendly furniture and finishes that are durable yet stylish,” Alexis says.
The couple wanted to highlight their home’s period details while maintaining a contemporary feel, so they tried not to rush the decorating process. Their mantel features original dentil molding.
Tork brass dripping wall mirror: CB2; elephant match strike: Jonathan Adler; Hive vase: West Elm; browse more vases
Tork brass dripping wall mirror: CB2; elephant match strike: Jonathan Adler; Hive vase: West Elm; browse more vases
Since moving in six months ago, the couple have decorated their home in an elegant style with a neutral palette. When they aren’t exploring the neighborhood, they’re usually relaxing in their living room. The tall windows and open floor plan make it feel much larger than its square footage. The coffee table offers hidden storage for remotes, and the television is mounted across from the sofa so it’s not the focal point of the room.
Sofa: Macy’s; coffee table: BoConcept; Borst track armchairs in gray: Mercury Row; browse more armchairs with nailhead trim
Sofa: Macy’s; coffee table: BoConcept; Borst track armchairs in gray: Mercury Row; browse more armchairs with nailhead trim
The couple recently began collecting wine and tucked a mirrored buffet into this corner of their living room to hold it. The cabinet is home to more than 30 bottles, as well as supplies such as cocktail napkins and bar tools.
Adaline buffet: Houzz
Adaline buffet: Houzz
No major updates were needed when the couple moved in, aside from a few small cosmetic fixes such as wall patching and paint touchups.
Mela, seen here on the rug, loves to follow the couple onto the porch, which is accessible from the dining room.
Mela, seen here on the rug, loves to follow the couple onto the porch, which is accessible from the dining room.
The couple enjoy entertaining, and their goal was to ensure that their home felt inviting to guests.
Allium chandelier: Lucent Lightshop; Docksta table: Ikea; browse more dining tables
Allium chandelier: Lucent Lightshop; Docksta table: Ikea; browse more dining tables
The built-in shelving, ceiling medallions, crown molding and wall trim are original to the home. Terry’s photography from trips to Switzerland, South Africa, Germany and France add to the decor.
The galley kitchen is next to the open dining room — a layout ideal for entertaining friends and family.
Kitchen Layouts: A Vote for the Good Old Galley
Kitchen Layouts: A Vote for the Good Old Galley
The juxtaposition of original crown molding with new light fixtures gives the bathroom a stylish vibe.
No. 4 sputnik light fixture: Lucent Lightshop; browse more sputnik-style chandeliers
No. 4 sputnik light fixture: Lucent Lightshop; browse more sputnik-style chandeliers
The couple wanted their bedroom to feel relaxing, and they decorated with a soothing palette. “I kept it mostly neutral with shades of gray and blue. Though the bedding is all white, I chose various textures and fabrics,” Alexis says.
Above the bed is a juju hat the couple bought online.
Headboard: Wayfair; juju hat: Old World Shoppe; Chloe nightstands in Ash Gray: Pottery Barn
Above the bed is a juju hat the couple bought online.
Headboard: Wayfair; juju hat: Old World Shoppe; Chloe nightstands in Ash Gray: Pottery Barn
Mirrors: HomeGoods; Sanibel dresser: Macy’s; browse more white dressers
When the weather turns warmer, the couple love to spend time on the porch. “The South End neighborhood in Boston is unlike any other. We are in the heart of the city, walking distance from countless restaurants, shops and bars, yet it has a charming neighborhood feel,” Alexis says. “On any given day you will see children outside playing, dogs walking through the park and people out running. It is such an active, friendly neighborhood.”
Kaliko outdoor bistro chairs: Cost Plus World Market; mitre stripe outdoor throw pillows: Target; geometric outdoor lumbar pillow: Cost Plus World Market; Tricia trellis indoor-outdoor rug: Ballard Designs
Kaliko outdoor bistro chairs: Cost Plus World Market; mitre stripe outdoor throw pillows: Target; geometric outdoor lumbar pillow: Cost Plus World Market; Tricia trellis indoor-outdoor rug: Ballard Designs
“To us, there is nothing better than coming home after a long day of work and spending time on our porch,” Alexis says. “We will pour a glass of wine, grill some dinner and catch up with each other.”
My Houzz is a series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more projects.
More home tours: Apartments | Small Homes | Colorful Homes | Contemporary Homes | Eclectic Homes | Farmhouses | Midcentury Homes | Modern Homes | Ranch Homes | Traditional Homes | Transitional Homes | All
My Houzz is a series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more projects.
More home tours: Apartments | Small Homes | Colorful Homes | Contemporary Homes | Eclectic Homes | Farmhouses | Midcentury Homes | Modern Homes | Ranch Homes | Traditional Homes | Transitional Homes | All
Who lives here: Alexis Fallon Kozmor and Terry Kozmor and their French bulldog, Mela
Location: South End neighborhood of Boston
Size: 700 square feet (65 square meters); one bedroom, one bathroom
Year built: 1890