Modern Luxury, October 2024

Peek Inside This Revived 1980s Townhouse


Tyler Karu Design and Interiors breathes new life into an outdated Boston townhome.The home’s new aesthetic is European, warm, textural, and timeless.

On paper, this Boston residence had a lot going for it—it was located in Charlestown with ample square footage and harbor views. But inside the 2,800-square-foot townhouse told a different story. Originally built in the late 1980s, the waterfront home was sorely outdated. “The kitchen and baths weren’t practical and the continued use of these spaces in their original condition would have led to many issues down the road,” says interior designer Tyler Karu, the expert the townhouse’s new occupants enlisted for design help. “[The owners] were smart in understanding that a full remodel would allow them to tackle all deferred maintenance and improve their quality of life in the space.”

So, before moving in, the couple embarked on a gut renovation, tasking Karu and her team with revamping the townhouse’s public areas and primary suite. To start, the pro focused on a significant structural change: relocating the three-story staircase, which ran through the middle of the narrow home. Thanks to an assist from Newton architect Yefim Massarsky, the team repositioned the element along an exterior wall, freeing up space and enhancing the townhouse’s flow. The move offered other benefits, too. “In redesigning the staircase and its parts, we were also able to make it a standout architectural moment,” Karu explains. “We designed a custom metal railing as well as a thoughtful tread and riser plan to ensure the stair became the aesthetic highlight of the home.”

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Tyler Karu Interior Design
Tyler Karu Interior Design

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