The Insider: Prospect Heights Townhouse Goes Light and Bright With Salvaged Marble Mantels

A 19th-century brownstone in a Historic District, featuring extensive mahogany woodwork, underwent a significant renovation to balance the preservation of its original details with the creation of a brighter, more contemporary living space. The project was led by architect Kim Letven of NV/design.architecture, with construction completed by Brooklyn-based Burda Construction over 14 months. The brownstone's layout was reconfigured, dedicating three floors to the homeowners and reserving the garden level for visiting relatives. The parlor floor now houses the living room and a new kitchen/dining area, the second floor contains the primary bedroom, a study, and a new bathroom, while the third floor accommodates two children’s rooms and two new bathrooms. A key aspect of the renovation involved extensive structural modifications, including blowing out the rear walls on both the parlor and garden levels. These openings were then fitted with large steel and glass installations to maximize natural light entry. Despite these modern interventions, great care was taken to restore the original architectural elements. The magnificent burled mahogany doors, carved moldings, and plasterwork throughout the house were meticulously retained and repaired, ensuring that the historical character of the home remained intact. Beyond aesthetics, the renovation encompassed a complete overhaul of the building's infrastructure. All mechanical systems, including plumbing and electrical, were replaced. Radiant heating elements were installed beneath new pale white oak floors, which feature a herringbone pattern on the parlor floor and a straight run elsewhere, contributing to both comfort and a clean, modern aesthetic. The interior decor was influenced by the clients' preference for the color blue, evident in the sectional sofa in the front room. Specific design choices highlight the blend of old and new. The kitchen features lower cabinets painted in Benjamin Moore’s Beau Green, complemented by white Caesarstone countertops and matte gold fixtures from Restoration Hardware. A subtle gap in the crown molding above the new window wall discreetly integrates an automatic roll-down window shade. The primary bedroom emphasizes minimalism, allowing the intact original moldings and window trim to stand out. The second-floor study/library is distinguished by blue-backed bookcases and a preserved plaster arch. Bathrooms throughout the house received modern updates. The primary bath employs a subtle color scheme with a custom wood vanity designed to resemble furniture, gold-toned hardware, and gray marble hex tiles. One of the top-floor baths features turquoise glass tiles in the shower and marble mosaics on the floor, while another uses Popham encaustic cement tiles from Ann Sacks. A new large skylight and a wood-veneer pendant from LZF illuminate the top floor landing, further enhancing the home's brightness. Even a boy's room was personalized with a wall covered in a rocket ship blueprint, adding a unique touch. The lower level, designated for guests, also received an expansive kitchen as part of its renovation. #ParkSlope #BrownstoneRenovation #HistoricPreservation #InteriorDesign #ModernHome #ArchitecturalRenovation #BrooklynRealEstate #NVdesignArchitecture

A comprehensive renovation project was undertaken for a landmarked five-story brownstone in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn, prompted by the structural deterioration of its rear wall. The initial repair evolved into a complete top-to-bottom transformation, encompassing significant architectural and interior design changes. The project involved the installation of a new three-story wood and glass window system on the rear facade, enhancing natural light and views. The formerly low-ceilinged attic space was converted into a skylit home office, complete with a kitchenette and access to a newly created roof terrace. The restoration work paid careful attention to preserving historical elements, including the meticulous repair and reinstallation of original lacy plasterwork and other intricate historic details throughout the house. Concurrently, the homeowner, an interior designer, curated an entirely new color palette and furnishings scheme, blending modern aesthetics with the home's 19th-century character. Built in 1850 in the Anglo-Italianate style, the house is part of a unique architectural complex where three row houses are designed to appear as a single, larger mansion. This architectural type, characterized by its approximately 16-foot width and absence of a high stoop, is a notable, albeit rare, feature of the neighborhood. The English basement primarily serves for storage, with utilities entering at this level. The first floor, historically the staff and kitchen area, was reconfigured to improve light, airflow, and sightlines. The front room was preserved as a cozy sitting area with an arched window, while the kitchen and dining area were relocated to the middle and rear, offering expansive views of the backyard. The elegant second floor, known as the _piano nobile_, features a grand staircase leading to a central hall that separates a formal living room at the front from a more casual family room at the rear. The decorative plaster crown moldings on this level were restored, and the staircase was reinforced and given new treads. The third and fourth floors are dedicated to bedrooms, with a primary suite on the third floor and children's rooms on the fourth. The primary suite's layout was reconfigured so that it is entered from a generous hallway in the center of the house, rather than at one end, which is typical for row houses. A fitted closet connects the bedroom and bathroom, with the two-level bathroom design dictated by plumbing considerations. Children's rooms and bathrooms on the fourth floor were designed with vibrant patterns and colors. In the former attic space, The Brooklyn Studio created a functional penthouse study and a central kitchenette/bar area that opens onto an outdoor deck with a brick fireplace. An oval glass insert in the kitchenette floor allows natural light from the new skylight and sliding glass doors to extend to the floor below. The kitchen features a custom brass stove hood, a marble backsplash with prominent veining, and hand-blown glass knobs by Danish artist Nina Norgaard on the stained oak millwork. The design prioritized an airy feel by minimizing upper cabinetry. Throughout the renovation, existing floor structures were maintained where possible, with new parquet veneer flooring laid over original surfaces in some areas to preserve the underlying structure. #CobbleHill #BrownstoneRenovation #InteriorDesign #HistoricPreservation #TheBrooklynStudio #HomeOffice #Kitchenette #RoofTerrace #StructuralRenovation

This article details the transformation of a previously raw, 1,200-square-foot loft space in Prospect Heights into a warm and inviting home, masterminded by interior designer Casey DeBois. The tenants, Geoffrey Lewis, a product developer for a real-estate tech firm, and Tze Chun, founder of the online art gallery Uprise Art, were drawn to the space's potential, particularly its expansive brick wall and oversized skylights, despite its initially terrifying appearance with temporary walls. The building owner agreed to remove most of these partitions, leaving only one wall on the lower level to create a private bedroom area. Debois, an alumna of the Fashion Institute of Technology with experience in designing both offices and residences across New York and California, faced the challenge of organizing the large, open space to prevent it from feeling cluttered while ensuring a harmonious flow. Her solution involved defining distinct areas through the strategic placement of area rugs, furniture, and art. The upper level encompasses the living, kitchen, and dining areas, while a few steps down lead to a den/TV space, two home offices, and the bedroom at the rear. To enhance the display of art, a crucial element given Tze Chun's background, the walls were painted Benjamin Moore's Simply White. Debois noted the space's gallery-like qualities due to its high ceilings, large walls, and abundant natural light from the skylights. The couple, having moved from a smaller West Village apartment, brought only a few pieces of furniture, necessitating the acquisition of mostly new or vintage furnishings. The design incorporates casual and quirky elements to add warmth, such as mismatched dining chairs, a diverse collection of artworks, and pineapple-patterned wallpaper from Hygge & West on the stair risers. An entry foyer was established near the front door with a bench and wall hooks, with the sofa back serving to delineate the entry from the living area. A neutral fringed rug from Pottery Barn anchors the living space, allowing vibrant accents like pillows, accessories, and art, including an abstract piece by Erin Lynn Welsh, to stand out. Uprise Art managed the installation of all artwork throughout the loft, and a modernist Wassily chair was sourced from Krrb. The kitchen, originally lacking in storage and counter space, was improved with the addition of a cabinet featuring a butcher block top for prep and storage, open shelving above, and a repurposed bookcase. The dining area features mismatched chairs from various sources like Craigslist and Furnish It Green, complementing a simple wooden table. The lower-level den/TV area showcases a salon-style art wall and a Moroccan rug from nuLOOM, providing a cozy ambiance. A leather sling chair from Urban Outfitters and a wood console from West Elm complete this space. In the bedroom, sheer curtains and white bedding soften the industrial aesthetic, with custom side tables from Brooklyn-based urbangreen completing the setup. The project highlights a successful integration of art and functional design within an industrial loft setting. #InteriorDesign #LoftConversion #ProspectHeights #CaseyDeBois #UpriseArt #VintageFurniture #ArtDisplay #Renovation #BrooklynHome #SpacePlanning

Brandi and Scott Fuller embarked on a renovation journey for their 1914 Georgian home in Park Hill, Denver, intending to complete a few specific updates. Initially, their plans were modest, focusing on expanding and remodeling the kitchen, which felt too small for their combined family of seven and the 8,000-square-foot house. They also planned to add ensuite bathrooms to two upstairs bedrooms, a walk-in master bedroom closet, and a basement home gym. Despite their experience in the architecture and real estate industries, the Fullers did not anticipate the extensive scope their renovation project would ultimately encompass. What began as a "few things" quickly escalated into a near-complete transformation of their historic residence. The catalyst for this expansion was the discovery of a sagging kitchen floor, a result of a previous shoddy renovation. The architect, Toby Branch of Branch Architecture Studio, explained that addressing this structural issue required significant interventions in the basement, leading to a full structural remodel of the kitchen floor and the basement ceiling below. This, in turn, caused new cracks to appear in the main level's plaster walls, necessitating further repairs. The snowball effect continued throughout the house. The upstairs updates followed a similar pattern; converting two children's bedroom closets into bathrooms required unexpected construction, which then prompted Brandi and Scott to overhaul their master bathroom. While these projects were underway, they also decided to remodel the third-floor bathroom and bedrooms, restore a bedroom suite above the garage, replace most of the home's lead pipes, and install a new HVAC system. Brandi likened the process to getting a new sofa and then realizing the drapes and paint needed updating, illustrating how one improvement led to the desire for others. Outdoors, the initial plans to repair the original red-brick walls, sand, and paint also grew significantly. The architect enclosed the walkway between the garage and the house to create a new mudroom and added a French door and metal staircase connecting the kitchen to the yard. This enhancement transformed the yard into an additional living space, usable for a significant portion of the year. The property's original brick hardscaping now frames new plantings designed by Lifescape Colorado and artificial turf, which the Fullers chose to retain and integrate into the design due to shade and maintenance considerations. Ultimately, the renovations covered 6,000 square feet. Beyond the structural changes, a key challenge was to seamlessly blend the home's preserved original architectural details—such as old windows, millwork, wood-plank floors, marble fireplace surrounds, and even original call boxes—with modern updates. The kitchen served as a prime example of this vintage-meets-modern aesthetic. Mikal Otten, owner and lead designer of Exquisite Kitchen Design, created a "traditional kitchen with soft contemporary touches." This was achieved by incorporating simplified traditional elements, like custom cabinets with a subtle cove profile and a soft white brushstroke finish, and ethereal blue glass backsplash tiles that offer a contemporary nod to classic brick styles. A stainless steel farmhouse sink replaced traditional porcelain, providing a cleaner, edgier look, while a walnut coffee-bar armoire and chevron-patterned white oak flooring reintroduced turn-of-the-century flair, recalling a historical practice of special floor treatments in specific rooms. The floor coverings played a crucial role in anchoring the decor of each room. Brandi explained that they started with the rug in each room and built the design from there. For instance, the dining room's modern floral rug influenced the choice of silk shantung wallcovering, a branch-like brass chandelier, and clear Lucite chairs. In the living room, a neutral rug set the tone for gray crushed-velvet sofas, a marble-topped coffee table, and a ring-shaped crystal chandelier. The foyer featured a custom stair runner with a cherry-blossom pattern, complementing a midcentury-style credenza and bold custom artwork. The furnishings selected by Brandi and Scott represent a diverse mixture of styles, primarily transitional but incorporating midcentury, contemporary, and bohemian pieces, which Brandi noted "came together in the end." Branch attributed the project's success not just to luck, but to the inherent integrity and forgiving nature of century-old homes, which allow for structural repairs and modern updates without losing their original character. The complete transformation ultimately highlighted the enduring strength and beauty of the home's historic foundation. #HomeRenovation #HistoricHome #InteriorDesign #KitchenRemodel #StructuralRenovation #ParkHillDenver #VintageModern #ArchitecturalPreservation

Antoinette Allande Interiors, a luxury residential design studio based in Hoboken, executed a significant home renovation in Montclair, New Jersey. The project involved transforming a 19th-century house, built in 1902 and located at 191 Christopher Street, into a modern yet traditional living space for a young family. The property spans 3,174 square feet and originally featured three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The clients, Amy and Tristan Morel L’Horset, are a family with three young boys and a history of international travel. Amy works as a registered dietitian and nutrition professor, while Tristan is a senior managing director at a global service and consulting company. Their brief to Antoinette Allande was to update their traditional home with a fresh perspective, prioritizing beautiful aesthetics alongside practical, comfortable living. They required durable furnishings that were not overly delicate and could seamlessly integrate with their existing collection of French antiques. The home's original formal and ornate exterior and interior architecture necessitated a design approach that respected its historical integrity. Antoinette Allande's design philosophy for this project was coined "Eclectic Traditional with a touch of Whimsy." This approach allowed her to blend modern furnishings with the historical architectural details, incorporating elements of the clients' whimsical preferences. Key design choices included a large, comfortable family room sectional, intended for family time and movie nights. The dining area features vintage pieces—a table, chairs, and a chandelier—acquired by the clients while living in France. These ornate, classical French furnishings were complemented by rich jewel-toned textiles, contrasting with lighter architectural finishes. A contemporary hand-knotted rug from Rejuvenation and antique French chairs re-upholstered in sapphire blue velvet further enhance the eclectic mix. The home's walls are painted in Benjamin Moore’s Moonshine 0C-56, while trim and other white areas utilize Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace OC-65. The entry hall is designed to make a strong first impression, incorporating vibrant colors and patterns to reflect the clients' personality and create a welcoming atmosphere. This space features a commissioned Moroccan carpet, a family tree display, a Mokum by Katherine Martin wallpaper from Holly Hunt New York, an antique British Colonial entry table, an Indian block-printed tablecloth by Roberta Roller Rabbit, a Kelly Wearstler light fixture from Circa Lighting, a CB2 cabinet, and an Arteriors Home table lamp, all contributing to a playful and youthful aesthetic. In the living and dining areas, original built-in cabinetry and millwork were preserved and enhanced by whitewashing dark beams, the fireplace, and paneling. This technique was employed to create a lighter, airier feel, drawing inspiration from early 20th-century designer Elsie de Wolf, known for transforming dark interiors with white and light colors. The project remained within budget and on schedule despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. The property itself is a Dutch Colonial Revival style home, recognized for its ornate period details, symmetrical design, Ionic columns, white painted exterior, dormer windows with curved head sash detail, and black shutters, situated in Montclair's historic Marlboro Park area. Collaborators on the project included Franklin Nunez for painting, Orlando Silva of Golden Wallpaper for wallpaper installation, Ryan M. Brown Photography for documentation, and Brett Fixes for home improvements. Antoinette Allande Interiors operates from Hoboken, offering various design services including renovations, decorating, and art consulting, known for combining vintage and modern elements with contemporary art to achieve relaxed, layered, and eclectic interiors. #MontclairHomeMakeover #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #AntoinetteAllandeInteriors #EclecticTraditional #LuxuryResidentialDesign #DutchColonialRevival #VintageModernMix #HistoricalPreservation

The article details a design project undertaken by Emma Beryl Kemper of Emma Beryl, a New York City design studio, to transform a two-bedroom Greenpoint duplex. The condo, originally created from a storefront in a vintage row house approximately a decade prior, was characterized by a cold, "cookie-cutter" aesthetic and lacked personalized touches for the young family residing there. The primary objective of the renovation was to infuse warmth and character into the space, making it feel more like a home, and to significantly enhance its functionality. One of the initial challenges involved the original kitchen, which featured only a single wall of cabinetry and an island. Beryl reconfigured this area, adding a wine bar with a glass cabinet to create a smoother transition between the functional kitchen space and the open living room, integrating it more effectively with the adjacent dining area. Beyond the kitchen, the project focused on maximizing storage throughout the duplex. This included reconfiguring the upstairs bathroom and adding a shower to the downstairs powder room, thereby converting it into a full bath. Custom built-ins were designed for an awkward downstairs room, which served the dual purpose of concealing plumbing pipes and creating a cozy nursery for the family. To achieve the desired warmth and character, the design incorporated vintage pieces, hand-painted tiles, and a selection of specific furnishings and materials. Manhattan-based Jan Renovations carried out all the new construction work, including custom millwork. In the open living room, a vintage rug from ABC Carpet, a grasscloth-covered media unit, and a new sofa from Restoration Hardware were combined with the clients' existing coffee table and chairs. The floor-to-ceiling storefront windows, which made the living room feel exposed, were addressed by adding a built-in window seat with integrated storage, creating a barrier and softening the space with curtains. A custom-built narrow bookcase in the corner was installed to hide wires. The dining area features a built-in banquette that conceals a steel rail for the downstairs staircase, also providing additional storage. Rejuvenation chairs accompany a wooden farmhouse-style table, complemented by a West Elm chandelier. A wooden desk from Restoration Hardware is positioned alongside the dining area. The kitchen was enlarged while maintaining its general location, featuring a contrast of white upper cabinets and open shelves with dark navy lower cabinetry. Carrara marble countertops and handmade tiles on the backsplash were significant upgrades. The master bedroom, being small, was designed to maximize openness, with custom floating nightstands and walls painted in a moody dark hue. Lutron shades were installed for privacy on the frosted storefront windows. The door to the upstairs bathroom was relocated to the front entry, necessitating a complete change in the room's footprint. The bathroom's color scheme aligns with the kitchen and master bedroom, incorporating patterned floor tiles from Tabarka Studio and custom-made wall tiles to match the blue in the flooring. A Restoration Hardware vanity and Cedar & Moss sconce completed the new bathroom. On the lower level, a custom-built angled closet provides linen and coat storage. The downstairs nursery features a bi-level window seat, a long wall of storage, and a floor-to-ceiling closet, all custom-built from lacquered wood to conceal mechanicals while allowing access. Distinctive wallpaper from Hygge & West and Dwell Studio baby furnishings enhance the space. A shower was added to the downstairs bathroom by utilizing space beneath the staircase, with a sink from Restoration Hardware and floor tile from Wayfair. The article also mentions the availability of before-and-after photos to illustrate the transformation. #InteriorDesign #Greenpoint #CondoRenovation #EmmaBeryl #CustomMillwork #BrooklynDesign #HomeTransformation

This blog post details a significant renovation of a 1970s South County residence, focusing on how lighting fixtures from Metro Lighting, in collaboration with KH Interiors, transformed the home. The project was led by interior designer Krista Howard of KH Interiors and Heidi Sanders of Metro Lighting, aiming to create a practical yet elevated space for a busy family of five. The renovation extended beyond a simple kitchen update, evolving into a two-story expansion that now includes a spacious cooking and dining area, along with a covered outdoor porch. Each design element was meticulously chosen to accommodate the family's active lifestyle, encompassing sports schedules, entertaining needs, and daily functionality. The team involved architect William Cover, Lurk’s Custom Cabinets, and photographer Anne Mathias, with Metro Lighting playing a crucial role in curating the home's lighting. In the reimagined kitchen, two large orb pendants are prominently featured above dual islands, one dedicated to storage and the other to function. These orbs are complemented by onyx stone cylinder fixtures that not only echo the kitchen's stone details but also cast a soft, sculptural glow. Above the breakfast table, a sleek gold fixture introduces a contrasting element, its simplicity providing a calm balance to the kitchen's more dynamic design features, creating a cohesive and visually appealing central gathering space. The lighting design extends thoughtfully into other areas of the home, transforming even transitional spaces. A hallway adjacent to the kitchen, referred to as the “kitchen hall,” connects bedrooms to public areas. Here, lighting is strategically used to gently illuminate stone accents, turning a functional corridor into a refined and welcoming passage. This attention to detail ensures that lighting serves both an aesthetic and practical purpose throughout the residence. The powder room and the adjacent lower-level pool changing area draw inspiration from the past, featuring brass vertical sconces reminiscent of 1940s design. These fixtures are paired with playful wallpaper to create an inviting retro-modern ambiance. The lighting in these areas is described as “quiet and classic,” designed to support the functionality of the space without becoming the dominant focal point, allowing other design elements to shine while providing adequate illumination. Beyond its aesthetic contributions, the home incorporates smart lighting and automated window treatments, enhancing both convenience and energy efficiency. These modern features allow the family to easily adjust their living environment, whether for hosting guests, relaxing in the evening, or quickly departing the house, all without compromising the home's timeless design integrity. Lurk’s Custom Cabinets further anchored the space with exceptional craftsmanship, coordinating finishes and cabinetry details with the overall lighting plan to ensure a harmonious visual flow between the kitchen and adjoining rooms. Ultimately, this South County residence represents more than just a renovation; it is a testament to thoughtful design, sustained collaboration, and the transformative power of architectural lighting. The project effectively elevates not only the home’s structure and aesthetics but also significantly enhances the family’s daily living experience. Through the combined expertise of Metro Lighting and KH Interiors, a once-dated kitchen has been revitalized into a radiant and central hub for connection and comfort within the home. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #LightingDesign #KitchenRemodel #SmartHome #ArchitecturalLighting #KHInteriors #MetroLighting

This blog post details the transformation of a three-story brick row house in South Slope, Brooklyn, into a bright and functional single-family home. The owners, a young family, sought to address the common issue of dark interiors found in many brownstones and desired additional living space. Architect Philipp von Dalwig of vonDALWIG Architecture spearheaded the renovation, which involved a significant gut-renovation and the construction of a two-story rear extension. The project began with a comprehensive demolition, removing a garden apartment and nearly all original interior structures, while preserving the main staircase. All mechanical systems were updated. The core of the renovation focused on maximizing natural light and expanding the living area. The new two-story extension features larger window and door openings, complemented by an array of skylights. These design elements effectively channel light into the central areas of the building, eliminating the previously dark ambiance. The front entry of the house remains on the parlor level, leading to a bay-windowed living room at the front. A central library and playroom, equipped with a book-lined niche and built-in seating, caters to the homeowners' two small children. The dining room and kitchen are situated on the upper level of the new duplex extension. A notable design feature is an opening in the floor towards the rear, which creates a double-height, multi-purpose space that connects visually to the garden level below. Pivot doors offer direct access to the garden from this lower level. The garden level also includes a guest room and bath at the front, along with a media room. The upper floors house the family bedrooms, a laundry area, and two new bathrooms. A deck off the master bedroom sits atop the new addition, providing outdoor space. Material selections and specific features are highlighted throughout the article. White engineered oak from LV Wood was used for the flooring. The kitchen, visible from the library/play niche, incorporates appliances primarily from Miele and pendant lights from Apparatus. A powder room is discreetly placed behind flush refrigerator and pantry storage. The kitchen's center island is crafted from Marini Marni, a natural stone from Italy, sourced through ABC Stone. The opening in the floor, which creates the double-height space, is secured with netting similar to that used for soccer goals, set into custom steel rails. Pendant lights from Flos illuminate this area. The exterior of the extension features a subtle geometric pattern applied to the stucco with a trowel, designed to create varying visual effects with the changing sunlight. The double-height space downstairs is described as a "robust functional space" suitable for entertaining and art projects, with its floor and custom elements, including a rectangular sink, made from the same terrazzo-like Italian stone as the kitchen counter. The downstairs media room includes storage beneath a stone-topped seating ledge and a wood-burning fireplace. The project successfully transformed a dark, traditional row house into a bright, spacious, and highly functional modern home, addressing the clients' desire for increased natural light and additional square footage through thoughtful architectural design and material choices. #TownhouseRenovation #SouthSlope #ArchitecturalDesign #RearExtension #NaturalLight #InteriorDesign #ModernHome #BrooklynRealEstate #ResidentialArchitecture

This article highlights a distinctive apartment located at 535 Dean Street in Prospect Heights, currently listed for just over $1 million. The residence, situated within the building known as Newswalk—a former Daily News printing plant converted into condominiums—offers a unique blend of historical context and contemporary design. It features a large, open living space characterized by impressive 12-foot-tall ceilings and expansive, wall-dominating windows, catering to those who appreciate a flexible loft-style layout. The current owners have invested significantly in customizing the apartment, collaborating with a local Brooklyn designer to introduce bespoke interior elements. These enhancements include a one-of-a-kind design that employs angles to create a dynamic and visually interesting space. Notable additions are custom built-ins and a dedicated desk area integrated along a living room wall, optimizing both aesthetics and functionality. Creative use of space is evident throughout the apartment. A walk-in coat closet is ingeniously tucked within the foyer, providing practical storage without encroaching on the main living areas. A striking floating loft mezzanine, crafted with custom-wrought ironwork sourced from Brooklyn, serves as an additional sleeping area. This innovative structure frees up the space below for a more intimate living room configuration. The apartment comprises two bedrooms. The master bedroom is strategically positioned near the entrance, ensuring privacy and featuring its own built-in closets for ample storage. The second bedroom offers exceptional flexibility through the use of moving walls, inspired by traditional Japanese screens. This design choice allows residents to reconfigure the space as needed, adapting the open loft layout to various functional requirements. Beyond the individual unit, the Newswalk building provides a comprehensive suite of amenities for its residents. These include a 24-hour doorman, a well-equipped fitness center, a communal laundry room, and a common roof deck, offering convenience and opportunities for leisure and socialization. The building's history as a printing plant contributes to its unique character, setting it apart within the Prospect Heights neighborhood. #ProspectHeights #BrooklynRealEstate #LoftApartment #NewswalkCondo #InteriorDesign #CustomBuiltIns #FlexibleLiving #NYCRealEstate #CondoAmenities

The new owners of a classic brick row house in Cobble Hill sought to maintain its original 19th-century details while significantly improving its functionality and natural light, particularly on the garden level and top floor. Having previously worked with Manhattan-based Platt Dana Architects, they engaged the firm for a comprehensive renovation. The parlor floor, with its preserved arched opening, moldings, and mantels, largely retained its historical character, but required the addition of a powder room. The garden level, originally dark and uninviting due to low ceilings and an obstructing rear balcony, was a primary focus for transformation. Platt Dana Architects, led by partners Kate Platt and Hope Dana, undertook extensive work throughout the house, including replacing almost every wall, ceiling, millwork, lighting, molding, doors, and hardware. A key intervention on the garden level involved opening up the ceiling to expose original wood joists, which added height and a rustic aesthetic to the kitchen area. The existing rear balcony off the parlor level, which cast shadows on the garden-level kitchen, was removed. The old wood and glass doors leading to the garden from the kitchen were replaced with lighter steel-and-glass units, and the dining area was repositioned closer to these new windows, featuring a new banquette for garden views. The kitchen itself was relocated to the center of this floor. On the parlor level, the architects addressed a previous renovation that had introduced chunky wood-framed doors and windows at the back. These were replaced with a sleek steel-and-glass system from Optimum, echoing the modern elements on the garden level and significantly enhancing natural light in the rear seating area. The front hall's second opening was doubled in width, and a new powder room was strategically added. The original floors, arches, fireplaces, and radiators on the parlor floor were meticulously preserved to honor the house's heritage. For improved safety on the stairs, an unusual 'pig’s ear' handrail was custom-fabricated. The homeowners' passion for books was accommodated through the design of distinctive thin, square-shaped bookcases that line walls throughout the middle of the parlor floor and create a cozy reading area off the primary bedroom. The existing stair connecting the parlor floor's sitting room to the kitchen below was retained, but the back wall around it was entirely rebuilt with black steel windows that integrate with the lower level's new facade. The all-new kitchen features a marble-topped island, custom wood cabinets painted in Farrow & Ball's Cornforth White and Stiffkey Blue, panel-ready appliances from Sub-Zero and Miele, and a Wolf range. Reclaimed heart pine flooring from The Hudson Company was chosen to match the home's existing wood. A TV/family room is situated beyond double doors at the end of this level. The garden-level powder room was updated with a unique wall covering made from recycled magazines. The primary bedroom and its adjacent sitting room on the floor above maintained their original layout, with Platt Dana adding a long built-in banquette and new bookshelves. The primary bathroom was entirely reconfigured and gutted, resulting in a skylit space on the top floor with a new gray and white mosaic floor. The top floor underwent a complete gut renovation to create four new bedrooms and two bathrooms. The house's entire rear facade received a new stucco coating, and the customized Optimum windows include a special bottom panel in the center bay that opens for pet access. The terraced backyard design was executed by Red Hook-based Dimastery Studio. The renovation successfully blended historical preservation with contemporary design solutions, significantly improving light and functionality for the new owners. #HomeRenovation #CobbleHill #PlattDanaArchitects #InteriorDesign #RowHouse #BrooklynDesign #NaturalLight #HistoricPreservation #CustomMillwork

This article details the interior design transformation of a unique, stoopless turn-of-the-20th-century brick and limestone row house in Park Slope, Brooklyn. The project was spearheaded by Park Slope-based interior designer Jennifer Morris of JMorris Design, who executed a comprehensive renovation and redecoration. The house, notable for its well-preserved original features like woodwork, plaster decoration, and diamond-paned leaded windows, presented a foundation for a glamorous modern aesthetic tailored to the homeowners, a family with teenage twins and a younger son. The residence spans four floors. The ground level features two entrances, leading to a reception room and a service entrance that opens into a hallway, playroom, guest bedroom, and bath. The main living area, referred to as the piano nobile, is located on the high-ceilinged second floor. The third floor accommodates the primary bedroom, a newly designed luxurious bath, and a sitting room, while the children's bedrooms are situated on the top floor. A significant part of the renovation focused on the kitchen, previously a long, dark galley-style space with a single small window, located in a rear extension off the formal dining room. Mark Pennell of Pennell Design redesigned the kitchen within its existing footprint, dramatically improving its character by integrating large expanses of window glass. Jennifer Morris then infused the space with a glamorous aesthetic, blending new acquisitions with existing client pieces. The homeowner's preference for 'Miami energy' — playful, iridescent, and shiny elements — guided some of the decorating choices. Throughout the house, Morris meticulously blended modern design with the home's historic integrity. In the downstairs reception room, elaborate plaster relief panels and parquet flooring were in excellent condition, complemented by new marble tile flooring in the vestibule. The reception area features Philip Jeffries grasscloth wall covering with a subtle sheen, and charcoal paint for moldings and trim. An existing powder room was updated with a water-jet-cut mosaic stone floor, porcelain tile wainscoting, and a compact corner sink. Upstairs, a landing area between the living and dining rooms showcases Trove wallpaper with a falling feather motif, a Julian Chichester console, and a client-owned glass chandelier, alongside an unexpectedly successful IKEA rug. The front parlor, or living room, was envisioned as a serene space with a powder blue and cream color palette, featuring a scalloped pendant light and sofa from Mitchell Gold Bob Williams, blue velvet armchairs with chrome legs, and a modern coffee table from Modern Interiors of Brooklyn. Benjamin Moore’s Mineral Ice provided a silvery cast to moldings against white walls. The dining room stands out as the only area where the original woodwork, including built-in cabinets, a coffered ceiling, and leaded glass pocket doors, was preserved unpainted. This decision maintained a historical contrast to other areas where previously painted wood was refreshed. A round white table from Modern Interiors of Brooklyn was chosen to enhance light, and a Schumacher patterned wallpaper added subtle texture. An original undulating window seat under leaded glass windows received a custom cushion. The primary bedroom was updated with Benjamin Moore’s Veil Cream on moldings, while the adjacent sitting room was furnished with existing client pieces. The primary bath was completely renovated to create a sparkling environment using a mix of glossy and matte glass tiles, with a door leading to a roof terrace. Two top-floor children's baths were also fully redesigned, featuring graphic tile floors and glimmering half-walls with tiles from Nemo, and a utility-style double sink from Kohler. The teenage daughter's bedroom was designed to be feminine yet bold, incorporating magenta accents on the lower walls and carpet tiles for easy future updates. #InteriorDesign #ParkSlope #HomeRenovation #JMorrisDesign #ModernGlamour #KitchenRemodel #BathroomDesign #HistoricHome #BrooklynInteriors

This article details a comprehensive renovation project undertaken by Sherman Architects on a historic brownstone in a Prospect Heights Historic District. The property, while possessing original details, suffered from significant structural and aesthetic issues, including a crumbling facade, a deteriorating rear extension, and chronic water damage. The ambitious renovation aimed to address these problems, restore the building's historical integrity, and modernize its living spaces. Sherman Architects initiated the project by tackling the structural challenges, particularly the dilapidated rear extension. This extension, which previously obstructed views and access to the garden, was rebuilt to span the full width of the house. The new design incorporated steel-and-glass French doors, significantly enhancing natural light and connectivity to the outdoors. Concurrently, a roof terrace was established off the library on the floor above, providing additional outdoor living space. A central component of the interior transformation was the creation of a contemporary and efficient kitchen. This new kitchen features a center island and a distinctive porcelain backsplash, reflecting a blend of modern functionality and refined aesthetics. Throughout the house, the team diligently restored original architectural elements, including intricate mahogany woodwork, decorative moldings, and stained glass, patching and refinishing them to their former glory while addressing prior electrical modifications. The exterior facade, which was previously discolored, cracked, and detaching from the masonry, underwent a meticulous restoration. Sherman Architects meticulously rebuilt the facade, re-anchoring and re-brownstoning the entire face of the building to meet and exceed Landmark standards. Every original ornament was painstakingly recast, and all windows were replaced, ensuring both structural integrity and historical accuracy. One of the most transformative aspects of the renovation involved the cellar. Formerly a damp, uninviting space primarily used for mechanical equipment, the cellar was completely overhauled and converted into an inviting, 1970s-inspired family recreation area. This involved significant excavation to increase ceiling height and the implementation of a dry well to resolve drainage issues. The reimagined lower level now encompasses a media room, a home gym, a new powder room, a laundry room, and ample storage. Existing brick arches were incorporated into the design, creating cozy, defined rooms, and a gold-upholstered banquette in the media room was ingeniously integrated as part of a structural bench footing. Further enhancing the living experience, the renovation included the installation of central air conditioning, with HVAC equipment and file storage cleverly concealed behind original closet doors. The garden level entry now features a new bamboo-paneled mudroom illuminated by hidden LED lights, with sliding doors revealing a practical shoe bench. A Serge Mouille chandelier anchors the dining area, which benefits from a new wall of glass, and a modern console designed by Sherman Architects adds a contemporary touch. The outdoor spaces were also upgraded, with a new bluestone stair leading to a re-designed garden characterized by a material palette of black metal cladding, exposed brick, and bluestone paving. The project successfully merged historical preservation with modern living requirements, creating a functionally improved and aesthetically revitalized home. #ShermanArchitects #ProspectHeights #BrownstoneRenovation #HistoricPreservation #KitchenDesign #CellarConversion #InteriorDesign #ExteriorRestoration #BrooklynRealEstate

This article details the gut renovation of an early-20th-century, stoop-less row house in Prospect Heights, transforming it into a "modern but warm" duplex for a family. Architect Jeff Etelamaki collaborated closely with the homeowners to realize their vision, resulting in a design that blends contemporary aesthetics with comfortable living. The renovation involved the owner's duplex across two floors, while also incorporating two rental units—a studio and a one-bedroom apartment—on the ground floor of the three-story building. The design process involved extensive discussions between the architect and clients, moving beyond simple choices to a more sophisticated exploration of materials and spatial relationships. Initially, the idea of exposed brick was considered for warmth and budget, but it was later replaced with more refined materials to achieve a polished look. A central feature of the renovation is the graceful central staircase, which is the original structure but has been updated with new treads and a blackened steel railing. Etelamaki widened the stairwell opening and framed it with radius corners, enhancing light flow and creating an organic, sculptural element that serves as a focal point for the surrounding rectangular spaces. The living room showcases a large Calacatta marble slab wall around the fireplace, a striking element that required significant effort to install. This is juxtaposed with overlapping rectilinear fields of handmade ceramic wall tiles from Heath, which subtly define different areas within the space. The homeowners' furnishings contribute to the modern aesthetic, featuring mid-century classics such such as an Arco lamp and a Noguchi coffee table, alongside pieces from Blu Dot. New oak flooring from LV Wood is installed throughout the home, and a plate-glass window provides views of the garden. The kitchen area is distinguished by a section of ceiling clad in tongue-in-groove cumaru, a Brazilian hardwood, used as a budgetary alternative to full-length teak boards. Recessed tubular fluorescent lights illuminate the space. The kitchen cabinets are from IKEA's Akurum line, chosen for their crisp corners and soft white color, and are customized with teak elements. Countertops are made of Quartzite Renoir, a natural stone with distinct color and veining, fabricated by SMC Stone. Appliances include a Proline range hood and a Sub-Zero refrigerator. A dining area is located at the front of the house, with a children's playroom situated behind a perforated sheet-steel pocket door from Milgo-Bufkin. A wall with open shelving separates the dining area from the play space, furnished with a dining table from CB2, chairs from Blu Dot, and a vintage light fixture. The new windows are casement style, designed to crank open. The upper floor includes a master bedroom with a small section of exposed brick for added warmth. The master bathroom features a blend of materials, including quartzite tile flooring and a slate wall from Stone Source. A Toto Nexus soaking tub is surrounded by water-resistant cumaru, mirroring the material used in the kitchen ceiling. Larissa sink basins, also from Toto, are set into a custom teak vanity crafted by Tjun Industries, who also served as the project's contractors. A 1970s-inspired Jonathan Adler chandelier hangs in the stairwell, and another set of perforated sheet-metal steel doors opens into a den or TV room with a pea-green accent wall. #ProspectHeights #TownhouseRenovation #ModernDesign #WarmInteriors #JeffEtelamaki #BrooklynArchitecture #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #DuplexLiving

This article details a significant renovation project undertaken by Shakespeare, Gordon, Vlado: Architects (SGVA) on a late 19th-century, four-story townhouse in Park Slope, Brooklyn. The clients, a couple with two young children, sought to address the common challenge of disconnectivity across multiple floors in townhouse living, aiming for better spatial interaction between family members and access to the garden. Architect Amy Shakespeare's innovative solution involved a complete gut renovation and a re-imagining of the internal floor levels in the lower half of the building. The redesign involved lowering the floor plate at the back of the house to create a sunken living room directly accessible at garden level. The kitchen's floor was also lowered, reducing the number of steps from the entry level and improving connectivity to both the entrance and the garden. This extensive structural modification was feasible due to the building's prior state, which consisted of four rundown apartments with no original features deemed worth preserving. The upper floors, the third and fourth, maintain a more traditional layout, accommodating a master bedroom, children's rooms, and additional bedrooms for visiting family. These floors also feature dedicated spaces for entertainment, such as movie-watching and video gaming nooks. Throughout the home, the design incorporates a predominantly white color palette, punctuated by bold, jewel-toned wall colors and dynamic textile patterns, adding vibrancy to the interiors. Upon entering, a vestibule and mudroom are located at the front, leading to a double-height library situated centrally in the floor plan. This library is distinguished by a striking wall of teal-colored bookshelves. Sustainable materials were a key consideration in the project, with extensive use of 100 percent certified wood, including fumed oak for the flooring. The double-height central space is illuminated by a Triad 15 light fixture from Apparatus. The sunken living room, furnished with a sectional sofa from B&B Italia, offers direct access to the garden. Visual transparency between spaces is enhanced by a glass panel incorporated into the kitchen's wood railing. The kitchen features a blue Lacanche range with nickel trim, a high-priority item for the clients, along with appliances from Sub-Zero/Wolf. The painted wood cabinetry was custom-built by the general contractor, Fulton Contracting. Nancy Angel, a Brooklyn-based designer, was responsible for all custom upholstery, including the dining area banquette adjacent to the kitchen. From the kitchen, an unobstructed view extends towards the front of the house, across the top of the library. Tempered glass and steel were used for the new stair railings, contributing to the open and modern aesthetic. The top floor includes a black-painted TV room, which also accommodates a queen-size platform bed for guests. On the exterior, the architects created a geometric composition on the blown-out back wall using standard-sized Marvin windows. Despite the lot being fully built out, a balcony was added by indenting the back wall to form a small terrace. The backyard was designed by Joanna Pertz Landscape Architecture, featuring a play area with a sandbox and swings at its far end. The project successfully transformed a multi-level townhouse into a cohesive and family-friendly living space. #ParkSlope #TownhouseRenovation #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #FamilyLiving #SGVA #FloorLevelModification #SustainableMaterials #BrooklynRealEstate

In a vibrant Noho building, a two-bedroom corner-lot loft in Manhattan has been transformed into a cozy cocoon by Beirut-born architect and interior designer Rabih Hage. The primary focus of the design was to leverage the abundant natural daylight, which shifts throughout the day, revealing the inherent beauty and potential of the space. The clients, cosmopolitan globe-trotters, sought a design that could balance the city's energy with the intimacy of home. Rather than leaving the industrial space as a polished yet impersonal canvas, Hage developed a design narrative that brought the interior to life, allowing light to infuse the space and create moments of calm and character. Hage's vision centered on creating a sense of joy and serenity, a unique yet homely experience for his clients, who intended to use the apartment as their Manhattan pied-à-terre. The design subtly integrates the dynamic interplay of natural light, which Hage describes as an optical illusion. The expansive windows of the corner plot frame city views, establishing a strong connection between the interior and the surrounding Noho neighborhood. This link to the exterior extends to the apartment's structural elements, where the industrial character of the area inspired Hage's approach. The apartment's vaulted ceilings and exposed metal beams, characteristic of Noho's industrial heritage, are not concealed but celebrated. They are painted in anthracite grey, enhancing their rugged texture and linear drama, with projector-style lighting further highlighting their presence. This approach blends raw industrial energy with a sense of refined calm, embracing imperfections and elevating them to create a personal and atmospheric environment. Despite these utilitarian elements, Hage succeeded in making the apartment feel warm and inviting, emphasizing the importance of textures. The warmth emanates from how light interacts with the textures and forms of the furniture and interior volumes. Every surface, from soft upholstery to subtle polished finishes, is designed to invite exploration. The entrance makes a bold statement with textured black leather mosaic tiles, gradually transitioning to quieter living areas where layered materials establish a calming rhythm. A muted, earthy color palette serves as a serene backdrop, enhancing the sensory experience of the space. Hage designed the entrance to act like a 'camera obscura,' drawing visitors' eyes toward the external light filtering through the bay windows across the living room. Furniture is strategically placed to amplify this ambiance, with pieces changing tones and revealing new dimensions as the light shifts throughout the day. An open and flexible layout allows the apartment to evolve with the clients' lifestyle, accommodating their growing art and object collection from their travels. This design caters to the neighborhood's cosmopolitan sensibilities while creating an interior that feels adaptive and responsive to new influences. Collaborations with French upholsterers and cabinet makers introduce nuanced craftsmanship, creating striking shadows. A bespoke double-sided sofa exemplifies this fluidity, acting as both a functional element and a symbol of the boundaryless space. Murano glass table lamps by Barovier & Toso further enhance the artistry, reflecting and refracting the evolving hues of light. Hage describes the design as a combination of 'vertical and horizontal design,' blending heritage and discovery. The vertical aspect connects to family and inheritance, providing a sense of history, while the horizontal speaks to the clients' well-traveled lifestyle, incorporating global objects and art. This creates a deeply personal yet cosmopolitan space where every detail, whether an heirloom or a travel-inspired piece, adds layers of meaning without being overt. The design embraces the building's industrial character, complementing it with a tactile material palette and muted tones, ultimately creating a home that embodies contrasts: rugged architectural features with luxurious materials, and an intimate ambiance reflecting the clients' individuality within the vibrancy of Manhattan. The ultimate goal was to subtly integrate the city, allowing residents to feel distinctly in New York. #ManhattanApartment #LoftDesign #InteriorDesign #RabihHage #NaturalLight #IndustrialChic #Noho #HomeDecor #CosmopolitanDesign