Andy & Andrew’s Vintage Modern

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Name: Andy Crepeau & Andrew Arbaugh (plus Oliver & Scout)
Location: Somerville, MA
Size: 900 square feet
Years lived in: 4 — rented

Just blocks from some of greater Boston’s best vintage furniture locales, Andy & Andrew’s home is curated with an endless array of cool and quirky finds. Since Andy is half of the duo behind Ampersand Vintage Modern, a resale business for mid-century and industrial furniture and wares, some items come and go, while others have found a more permanent place.

(Image credit: Tara Bellucci)

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

You enter Andy & Andrew’s apartment through the dining room. Already a perk by Boston rental standards, its original wide-plank flooring, high ceilings, and mid-morning sun make the decidedly spacious central room feel warm and welcoming. Which is perfect for the pair, as they love to entertain — they even had their wedding in the backyard.

A mix of charming original detail and “what were they thinking?” mid-century renovations, the space inspired creativity from the couple, especially when it came to what is called “the half-room.” A small, wood-paneled room with three doorways and no window, they used the awkward space to their advantage, and it’s now a mixture of clothes storage and collections.

Despite the challenges inside, taming the outside proved a more time-consuming yet rewarding task. Andy & Andrew have a patio and backyard that now has tons of room to entertain and raised beds for Andrew to garden.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Apartment Therapy Survey:

Our Style: Vintage Modern.

Inspiration: Our friends. We’re fortunate enough to have a group of design savvy friends who have great style and care about their homes.

Favorite Element: The wide-plank, hardwood floors drew us to the apartment in the first place.

Biggest Challenge: The “half-room” between the dining room and kitchen. It’s not quite big enough to be a room – but too big to be a hallway. We ended up using it as a sort of walk-thru closet. It shouldn’t make sense… but somehow it does…

What Friends Say: We hope they’d say that they feel welcome, comfortable and that they brought a bottle of wine.

Biggest Embarrassment: The drop ceiling in the bedroom. It’s unfortunate. The rest of the apartment has beautiful, tall ceilings. It’s a shame that someone felt the need to alter the ceiling in the one room where you end up staring at it the most.

Proudest DIY: The back yard. When we first moved in, we could tell there was potential, but it was pretty hard to see. After several months of clearing, raking and planting we were left with a beautiful garden that we’re able to enjoy every summer.

Biggest Indulgence: Custom picture framing. I think that a lot of people neglect their walls when decorating a room. Framing artwork well can make a huge impact in a space. And it doesn’t always cost a fortune. DIY frame shops, like the Framers’ Workshop in Brookline, MA can save you a bundle. At the very least, buy a ready-made frame, and have a mat custom cut to fit your piece and the frame.

Best Advice: Surround yourself with the things you love.

Dream Sources: Reside in Cambridge and Machine Age in South Boston. An unlimited budget at Brimfield would also be nice.

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Resources of Note:

PAINT & COLORS

LIVING ROOM

DINING ROOM

KITCHEN

BEDROOM

BATHROOM

HALF ROOM

(Image credit: Apartment Therapy)

Thanks, Andy & Andrew!

Images: Tara Bellucci, backyard: Andy Crepeau, wedding photo: Eric Reed

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Re-edited from a post originally published. 2/14/12 – JL