Relocating to the area, the homeowners wanted a home that offered an open floor plan and reminiscent of their Berkley, CA home. Boston architect Samuel Glaser designed the original home in 1949. Mr. Glaser lived in Newton and is perhaps best known for his design, with Walter Gropius and The Architects Collaborative (TAC), for Boston’s John F. Kennedy Federal Building. Mr. Glaser was the father of Paul Michael Glaser – TV’s Starsky of “Starsky and Hutch.”
The homeowner is an interior designer and appreciates the mid-century style and features – stone, concrete, glass, and wood and throughout the home, the décor compliments the original style. It is designated Historically Significant by the City of Newton. The original owner cared for and maintained its many unique attributes including custom woodwork throughout the home. The custom built-ins are the perfect spot for the mid-century ceramics and glassware the homeowner had been collecting for several years before purchasing the home.
The newly renovated kitchen addition honors the original architecture but updates the home with a larger kitchen area that includes a casual dining space with a wall-mounted banquette, and an expanded laundry and mudroom space. The addition allows for improved access and views to the yard from the kitchen. (The homeowners moved from California, so they really wanted the indoor/outdoor feel.)
The home features heated concrete floors in the basement and first floor (ceilings are heated on the second level) although this presented a challenge integrating the old and new concrete in the addition.
The living area features floor to ceiling windows. Regardless of the season, the homeowners can sit inside and still enjoy the outdoors.
Participants
- Designer: Diane Burcz
- Photography: Shelly Harrison












