The Insider: Storied Brooklyn Heights Townhouse Gets a Decorative Makeover With an English Feel

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

In the vibrant Greenpoint section of Brooklyn, a creative couple, Jill Magid, a conceptual artist, and Jonny Bauer, an advertising executive, embarked on a significant remodel of their row house. This property, originally a workman’s cottage, underwent a head-to-toe transformation completed in mid-2013, blending its historical essence with modern design sensibilities. The exterior of the home immediately signals its updated character through subtle yet impactful design choices. For instance, the house numbers, a sleek neon '175' rendered in a sans serif font, serve as a modern beacon on a street otherwise characterized by more traditional architecture. This miniature, functional art piece, created by Magid herself, hints at the artistic and thoughtful approach taken throughout the renovation. The project focused on preserving the historic 'bones' of the structure while introducing contemporary interior updates to suit the couple's lifestyle and aesthetic preferences. This careful balance ensures that the home respects its past as a workman's cottage but simultaneously functions as a modern family residence. The renovation involved a comprehensive overhaul, from structural adjustments to the selection of finishes and fixtures, all designed to enhance both the functionality and visual appeal of the space. The integration of modern elements, such as the distinctive neon house numbers and potentially other interior design features, contrasts with the traditional brick siding, creating a unique visual identity for the property. The article highlights how the couple approached the renovation, suggesting a collaborative effort that infused their individual creative and professional backgrounds into the home's design. The choice of materials, color palettes, and spatial arrangements would have been meticulously considered to achieve a harmonious blend of old and new. This thoughtful renovation process aims to create a living space that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional for a contemporary family. The remodel transforms the historic dwelling into a personalized sanctuary that reflects the artistic inclinations of its owners while maintaining a connection to its architectural heritage. Ultimately, the project in Greenpoint serves as an example of how historic properties can be revitalized through careful and creative renovation. By updating the interior while honoring the original structure, Magid and Bauer have created a home that stands out with its unique blend of artistic expression and historical charm. The narrative implicitly suggests that the renovation involved strategic decisions to modernize living spaces, improve natural light, and optimize the layout, all contributing to a more comfortable and visually engaging environment. The home becomes a testament to how art and design can elevate everyday living within an urban historical context. #BrooklynHome #HomeRenovation #HistoricPreservation #ModernInteriorDesign #Greenpoint #ArtisticHome #RowHouseRenovation #CreativeCouple #UrbanDesign

This blog post details the renovation of a three-story Victorian home overlooking Long Island Sound in Larchmont, owned by the Pinchin family. The project, led by architect Robert Keller of Keller/Eaton and homeowner Gillian Pinchin, who also runs her interior design firm Wondernose, focused on transforming the traditional exterior with a funky, eclectic, and modern interior designed for contemporary family living. The primary objective was to modernize the home while maintaining its historical charm. The most substantial changes were implemented on the third floor. This area, which previously consisted of five small maids' rooms, was reconfigured to create a spacious master suite. This new suite now includes a master bedroom, a dedicated bathroom, a dressing room, separate his-and-hers offices, and a deck offering views of the water. The architect noted that the goal was to repurpose underutilized spaces into functional and aesthetically pleasing areas suitable for a modern lifestyle. A unique challenge was creating a sense of privacy for the parents within the master suite without isolating it from their three young children. The solution was a 2-inch-thick, 400-pound walnut door, crafted by Pinchin’s father, which slides on casters like a barn door. This door provides privacy when closed but allows the third floor to feel contiguous with the rest of the house when open. The second floor of the home features three bedrooms and a bathroom for the children, along with a guest room, an additional bathroom, and a laundry room. On the first floor, a modern island was incorporated into the traditional kitchen, blending new elements with existing aesthetics. Additionally, a formal living room was re-envisioned as a "grown-up room" by Pinchin, providing a tranquil space with two chaises for relaxation. The basement was also renovated to include a bedroom, a bathroom, a mudroom, and a gym, all designed with a clean, simple, and functional style. For the interior design, Pinchin adopted a "gallery approach," painting most walls white to allow select pieces of artwork or furniture to stand out. The most striking element in the house is a custom graffiti wall in the dining room. Pinchin commissioned an artist from San Francisco, who used traditional paint to create a "sloppy" graffiti look, even incorporating the children's initials into the design. This "crazy wall" creates a compelling contrast with the otherwise quiet room, furnished with midcentury pieces inherited from Pinchin's grandmother. The architect highlighted this surprising juxtaposition between the home's traditional exterior and its modern interior as a key success of the project. The article further elaborates on specific design choices in various rooms. In the master bedroom, artwork above the bed provides a splash of color against a neutral backdrop. Her office maintains an all-white theme with a zebra-skin chair and personal artwork. The kitchen features a modern island and a bubble chandelier alongside a reproduction of an old master's painting and green subway tiles. The "grown-up room" boasts a lenticular image of a ballerina above the mantel, offering a dynamic visual element, and combines high-end B&B Italia chaises with an Ikea shelving unit, showcasing a blend of high and low furnishings. The overall renovation successfully merges historical architecture with contemporary design and personal artistic expression. #VictorianHome #HomeRenovation #ModernInteriorDesign #ArchitecturalUpdate #MasterSuite #EclecticDecor #GraffitiArt #InteriorDesign #GillianPinchin #RobertKeller

This blog post details a comprehensive gut renovation and two-story addition to a Brooklyn Heights townhouse, transforming a former multi-unit building into a spacious single-family home for a growing family. Platt Dana Architects spearheaded the project, which expanded the living space to approximately 7,000 square feet. A key feature of the renovation involved replacing the solid back wall of the 19th-century row house with a two-story glass and steel expanse, extending the garden and parlor levels almost 20 feet into the backyard to enhance light and living area. The entire structure underwent a complete overhaul, including new heating, electrical, and sprinkler systems, with a focus on modernizing the house while respecting its classic prewar aesthetic. The architectural firm reworked the layout from the cellar, which was excavated to create sufficient headroom for a home gym, up to the attic, which now accommodates a guest suite. The design prioritizes the needs of a family with young children, featuring a flexible parlor-floor layout. A formal dining room, primarily used for special occasions, is situated at the front of the parlor floor, while the remainder of this level is dedicated to an open-plan kitchen and family room that overlooks the garden. This informal arrangement is designed to suit the family's current lifestyle and future growth, deferring the need for a formal living room. A new staircase connects the parlor floor to a playroom and garden on the level below. Given the lack of salvageable original details, the interior design, managed by Marie-Christine McNally of Marie-Christine Design, opted for a simple yet classic approach. New doors, moldings, and mantels were installed, along with a relocated main staircase that maintains a traditional appearance. The family room features a Montauk Sofa sectional and a new stair with a tempered safety glass rail leading to the garden level. Ten-inch-wide oak flooring from Carlisle was installed throughout the house. The kitchen boasts custom traditional-style cabinetry fabricated by ABR Builders, durable 3-by-6-inch marble tile backsplash, and a maintenance-free Glassos countertop, complemented by pendant lights from Alison Berger. A second sink in a storage wall expands the kitchen's functionality, and a vintage Knoll table with Elbow chairs serves as the everyday dining area. The front dining room is distinguished by painted wood panels and new plaster moldings, evoking the formality of the original front parlor. This space is furnished with vintage chairs, a Normandy table by Démiurge New York, and a modern chandelier by Jonathan Browning Studios. The master bedroom includes a walk-in closet with bleached oak cabinetry and direct access to a deck atop the new addition. The master bathroom is positioned at the front of the house to maximize natural light, featuring a large cast iron Kohler tub, marble tile from Complete Tile, marble walls from Stone Source, and fixtures from Waterworks and Dornbracht. The children's bathroom includes a long Duravit sink with Waterworks faucets and spacious linen closets. Abundant natural light is also drawn in through two elliptical skylights above. The connection between the family room and the playroom below is visually seamless, with an open stair featuring floating oak treads and a glass rail to preserve the flow of light and view of the garden. #BrooklynHeights #TownhouseRenovation #GutRenovation #HomeAddition #InteriorDesign #PlattDanaArchitects #FamilyHome #ArchitecturalDesign #LuxuryRenovation

This article explores a historic 1920s double-wide townhouse on the Upper East Side of New York City, which served as the 47th Annual Kips Bay Decorator Show House. The clients purchased the entire building after attending the show house, initiating a gut renovation led by Francis Nicdao, principal designer and chief creative officer of Pembrooke & Ives, and Stephanie Sarkies-Schabot, the firm's managing director of decorating. The renovation, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic, aimed to create a family home capable of displaying a vast, museum-quality art and antique collection without feeling overly formal. The design achieved a balance between contemporary cleanliness and traditional detailing, respecting the building's historical character. The entryway features checkerboard marble flooring and a spectacular spiral staircase connecting five of the six levels, designed to facilitate a smooth transition to vertical living. The living room, expansive due to the home's double-wide layout, is furnished with collectible design pieces and art, creating a grand and impactful atmosphere. Gold accents add a glamorous edge to a soft color palette. The combined breakfast and family room functions as the home's hub, with a custom back-to-back sofa dividing dining and lounge areas. This space, which opens into the kitchen, incorporates rich textures and blue hues, overlooked by Ralph Goings's artwork, _Tom’s Diner_. The kitchen, located on the entry floor, was designed for high functionality and ease of maintenance, with easily cleanable surfaces and ample counter space. Its blue island and barstools create a cohesive connection with the adjacent breakfast room. The wine cellar and wet bar, located in the basement and dining room respectively, demonstrate that even lower-level spaces can be glamorous, featuring specialty lighting for the wine display and a high-gloss blue paint with a mirrored backsplash in the wet bar. The primary suite, one of seven bedrooms, offers a dreamy ambiance with pink details and natural light enhancing its glow. The unique layout connects the bedroom to a walk-in closet and bathroom through a windowed corridor along the back facade. A guest bedroom provides a relaxing retreat with a neutral color palette, plush carpeting, embroidered drapery, a custom upholstered headboard, and a high-gloss wall finish. The primary bathroom integrates decorative lighting as a focal point, with a stunning chandelier and sconces, alongside symmetrical design and stone detailing for a luxurious and modern feel. Finally, the backyard patio, designed by landscape architect Luciano Guibbilei, serves as a “zen-like enclave” in the city, covering approximately 1,500 square feet and featuring a mural by artist Annie Morris, providing a serene outdoor escape. #NewYorkCity #TownhouseRenovation #InteriorDesign #LuxuryHomes #HistoricPreservation #ArtCollection #PembrookeAndIves #KipsBayShowHouse #HomeDecor

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

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

The article details the renovation of a redbrick townhouse in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn, by the design firm White Arrow. The project aimed to preserve the home's historic character while enhancing its modern functionality for a contemporary family. The renovation commenced with significant architectural alterations, including a 10-foot extension and a complete redesign of the rear facade. White Arrow's distinctive design philosophy is evident throughout the home, beginning with the parlor floor. This area features a sophisticated palette of moody wall colors and custom-built millwork, establishing a refined atmosphere. A notable addition is a dramatic bar, elegantly clad in Waterworks marble and accented with Classic Brass hardware, illuminated by sculptural sconces designed by Sophie Lou Jacobsen. The dining area is designed to integrate with the outdoors, with a glass wall offering views of the garden. However, the interior elements quickly capture attention, including bespoke cabinetry crafted by White Arrow, Maison Jansen brass sconces, and a floral painting by Lizzie Gill. An Anna Karlin chandelier hangs above a walnut dining table, complemented by a handcrafted Zia Tile Zellige floor that introduces an artisanal touch. The kitchen, while maintaining traditional structural elements, is executed with an airy and modern aesthetic, incorporating stone countertops, Water Monopoly plumbing fixtures, and a luxurious Lacanche oven. Moving to the private spaces, the bedrooms are characterized by a sense of understated luxury. The primary bedroom is distinguished by a 1950s Swedish chandelier and ceramic lamps, with an oak bed from Pinch flanked by a vintage Kjell Lönnblad painting and custom drapery from Carolina Irving Textiles. The guest bedroom fosters warmth through a wood-framed Woodbridge bed, vintage oak drawers, and 1950s opaline pendant lighting. Maine Cottage nightstands and oil paintings by Georges Darel and R Debray contribute to a nostalgic ambiance. The cellar has been transformed into a versatile retreat with an industrial aesthetic. It features Arthur Umanoff’s iron and rattan bar stools that add a retro flair, while Rejuvenation sconces highlight the darker tones of the space. A secondary living room on this level is furnished with a Rowe sectional, McGuire armchairs, and a vintage brass and opaline chandelier by Hans-Agne Jakobsson. The library, designed to feel intellectual, is filled with vintage finds, including a framed Elliott Erwitt photograph, a leather floor lamp by Lisa Johansson-Pape, and a reissued Jacques Adnet coffee table. The home includes two distinct bathrooms: a primary bathroom and a children's bathroom. The primary bathroom boasts a custom oak vanity, Apparatus sconces, and Lind and Almond medicine cabinets, all illuminated by an RW Guild flush mount light. The children's bathroom is designed with a playful and whimsical character, featuring yellow accents, bold Schumacher wallpaper, and a baby blue freestanding tub. Ultimately, each room in this Boerum Hill townhouse is curated to tell a unique story, rich with diverse textures, carefully selected objects, and intentional design choices. The overall result is a living space that feels simultaneously traditional and refined, yet avoids any sense of primness or conservatism, achieving a balance between historical reverence and contemporary living. #BrooklynTownhouse #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #WhiteArrow #BoerumHill #LuxuryInteriors #CustomMillwork #VintageFurniture #ModernClassic #ArchitecturalRenovation

This article details the comprehensive renovation of an 1887 four-story Brooklyn Heights house, transformed from a multi-family dwelling previously owned by the Jehovah's Witnesses into a luxurious one-family residence. The property, located on a unique trapezoidal plot measuring 24 feet wide at one end and narrowing to 16 feet, presented significant architectural challenges. CWB Architects, based in Dumbo, was tasked with this extensive restoration, and the new homeowners allocated significant resources to achieve a high-end outcome. The renovation involved several major structural changes and aesthetic enhancements. A narrow four-story extension on the side of the house was demolished and replaced with a new building-wide, two-story wooden extension. This new addition was designed to evoke the enclosed tea porches popular in the mid-19th century. A significant structural issue arose during construction when the wall facing Joralemon Street was found to be collapsing, necessitating its complete rebuilding. Additionally, the interior floor framing required replacement. These unforeseen challenges extended the project duration by three months, bringing the total renovation time to approximately 18 months. The original interior details of the house were largely unsalvageable, with the exception of a single newel post. However, CWB Architects meticulously researched and replicated historical trim and casing styles to ensure the new details were historically accurate. The former clockwise-running oval-shaped staircase, though beautiful, was dilapidated and was rebuilt with a reversed orientation, which ingeniously allowed for the creation of a mudroom accessible via separate steps. All plumbing fixtures and finish materials were selected by CWB Architects, while Kelly Giesen of Kelly G Design handled the interior decoration of the 3,500-square-foot space. ABR Builders, LLC served as the general contractor for the project. Key interior features include an entry foyer adorned with patterned encaustic tile from Mosaic del Sur, and a custom mahogany island in the kitchen. The kitchen also features white granite slabs from Cancos Tile on the perimeter counters, Grove Brick tile from Waterworks in Sugar White for the backsplash, and cabinets painted with Farrow & Ball's Downpipe color. The parlor level boasts Carlisle wide plank white oak flooring. Above the parlor level, the flooring consists of 2-1/4" white oak, laid in a mix of herringbone pattern and straight-lay. The second floor accommodates a formal living room (piano noble) and a guest suite. The master bath is outfitted with Waterworks plumbing fixtures, Bardiglio mosaic marble on the tub area floor, and Carrara marble cladding the walls. The third-floor master suite incorporates extensive custom built-ins, and the top floor houses children's bedrooms within the original attic and hipped roof structure. The new two-story extension's design received unanimous approval from Landmarks. The outdoor space, designed by Urban Landscape Concepts, features a garden, a seating area, a parking court made of permeable pavers, and a custom fence crafted to complement the neighborhood's historic character. #BrooklynHeights #TownhouseRenovation #CWBArchitects #LuxuryHome #HistoricRestoration #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalRenovation #BrownstoneLiving #NewYorkRealEstate

Boston, with its historical architecture, including red brick brownstones and Georgian-style structures, offers a rich source of inspiration for design enthusiasts. The Beacon Hill neighborhood, particularly known for its Federal-style rowhouses and cobblestone streets, is highlighted as a prime example of the city's architectural charm. This area is home to unique home décor shops and accommodations that blend old-world charm with modern aesthetics. One notable destination is Koo de Kir, a home décor shop on Chestnut Street. The shop's name, a phonetic play on the French "Coup de Coeur," signifies an item that captivates. The owner curates a selection of unique items, aiming to offer products that are distinctive and memorable. Among the favored items mentioned are the Lotus Nesting Bowls, which are popular during wedding season, indicating their appeal as gifts or household additions. Adjacent to Koo de Kir is another recommended shop, Good, which offers a broader range of lifestyle accessories, encompassing both fashion and home goods. Its inventory includes antiques, works of art, and vintage accessories, suggesting a focus on curated and unique finds for those seeking distinctive pieces for their personal style or living spaces. For an immersive experience in Beacon Hill, the Charles Street Inn is suggested as a lodging option. This inn is characterized by its quiet and cozy ambiance, combined with an old-world flair. Each room is individually named after historical Beacon Hill residents, such as John Singer Sargent or Ralph Waldo Emerson, adding a historical touch. A key feature of the inn is the presence of authentic 1860 marble working fireplaces in every room, contributing to its charm and historical authenticity. Beyond traditional design, the article explores the contemporary design integration seen at the Liberty Hotel, located at the periphery of Beacon Hill. This hotel exemplifies how Boston marries its historical heritage with modern design and an energetic nightlife. Originally the Charles Street Jail, completed in 1851, the hotel's recent renovation respectfully incorporated elements of the original structure and its former purpose, creating an innovative and modern space. Its nightclub, Alibi, and restaurant, Clink, are highlighted as popular venues, partly due to their interior design, which creatively reinterprets the building's history. The article concludes by emphasizing Boston's ability to offer an exciting and inspiring experience for design aficionados, challenging any perception of the city as overly traditional or "stuffy." It showcases Boston as a city where historical elegance and contemporary design coexist and inspire. #BostonInteriorDesign #BeaconHill #HomeDecor #ArchitecturalInspiration #BoutiqueShopping #LuxuryTravel #HistoricalRenovation #LifestyleAccessories

The decision of whether to paint original woodwork in old homes, particularly brownstones and row houses, is a common dilemma for homeowners, architects, and designers. This choice is influenced by factors such as the owner's personal preference, the architectural style and era of the house, and the inherent quality and condition of the wood itself. While design trends fluctuate, with fads like all-white interiors giving way to bold colors such as navy blue or hot pink, natural wood finishes and neutral painted options like cream or gray remain popular in Brooklyn. Interior designer Louisa Roeder, for instance, opted to paint the well-preserved mahogany woodwork in her 1870s Prospect Heights brownstone white during a 2014 renovation. Her goal was to achieve a modern kitchen aesthetic, and she found that extending the white paint to the parlor floor and hallway woodwork significantly modernized the space, moving away from a Victorian feel. She acknowledged the decision as a "big gamble" due to its permanence. Fellow interior designer Tamara Eaton bases her decisions on the quality of the craftsmanship. She meticulously preserves elaborate, high-quality woodwork, such as mahogany with mother-of-pearl inlays, but is more liberal with painting lower-grade wood, as demonstrated by her choice to paint an entire parlor level with less distinguished woodwork a dark gray. Eaton emphasizes that owning a townhouse means embracing its history while adapting it for modern living, highlighting the constant negotiation between preservation and modernization. Preservationists, including Andrew Dolkart, a notable author and former director of Columbia University's Historic Preservation program, often consider painting original, unpainted woodwork as sacrilegious. Dolkart argues that if the intention was for the wood to be painted, less expensive materials like plaster would have been used. He points out that before the 1870s, woodwork was commonly painted, often with faux graining. In the late Victorian era, elaborate, natural woodwork on main levels was a status symbol. Pine and poplar in secondary spaces were typically meant for painting. The early 20th century saw a rise in white-painted woodwork with the Colonial Revival and natural oak in Arts & Crafts interiors. The mid-to-late 20th century 'brownstoning movement' led to stripping paint to reveal original wood beauty. Dolkart asserts that painting over beautiful original wood destroys the character of an old house, questioning the purpose of buying such a home if its historical artistry is not appreciated. Conversely, architect Jeff Sherman of Delson or Sherman often recommends painting woodwork, even if his clients frequently prefer restoration. He suggests that old moldings often require patching and replication, and sometimes stripping reveals inferior wood species like poplar. Sherman believes that painted molding can unify a home's aesthetic, especially in shades of white or pale gray, which can lighten and authenticate dark, wood-heavy rooms. Interior designer Fawn Galli embraces color, sometimes painting both woodwork and walls the same hue for a modern look or using contrasting colors. She famously painted a newel post in her Carroll Gardens brownstone hot pink, viewing it as an opportunity to inject fun and even shock into a space. Galli acknowledges that while townhouses tend to be dark, beautiful wood should be left natural, with an icy gray paint on the walls to brighten the space. #InteriorDesign #Woodwork #HomeRenovation #Brownstones #ArchitecturalPreservation #BrooklynHomes #DesignTrends #HistoricHomes

The article details the thoughtful reimagining of a century-old Brooklyn brownstone by the design studio Enso, co-founded by Yuria Kailich and Joel Harding. Located just one block from Prospect Park, this three-story home, originally constructed in 1888 by architect William Flanagan, has been transformed into a midcentury-inspired haven, particularly appealing during the autumn season. Enso's renovation philosophy emphasizes softness, restraint, and meticulous craftsmanship, creating a space that embodies a quiet intelligence. The interior design incorporates an eclectic array of furnishings, balancing high-end pieces with affordable finds, and significantly featuring vintage items sourced from platforms like 1stDibs, Amsterdam Modern, and Chairish. A subtle yet distinct mid-century modern aesthetic permeates the home, evidenced by design elements such as a paper lampshade, a geometric coffee table, chrome accents, a modular wall unit, and Nordic Knots rugs. These contemporary and vintage additions are harmoniously juxtaposed with the home's original architectural features, including period moldings, cornicing, and stained glass transoms in the living area, which contribute to a sense of timeworn elegance within the eclectic decor. A significant aspect of the renovation involved addressing the inherent challenges of a historic property. The architecture firm Practical Arts collaborated on the project, creating several bespoke elements to overcome these quirks. For instance, in the primary bedroom, a custom wall-to-wall upholstered headboard, composed of three striped fabric panels, was designed to not only visually enlarge the room but also ingeniously conceal electrical cords, negating the need for extensive structural modifications. Another innovative solution tackled the issue of immovable standing AC units. Enso devised custom millwork to integrate these units seamlessly into the design. In the living room, a credenza made from solid white oak with woven rattan panels and a slatted top was crafted to allow for both storage and efficient airflow. Similarly, in the dining room, a sideboard, drawing inspiration from the work of Jean Prouvé, features sliding doors with rhythmic circular cutouts, which provide necessary ventilation while also serving as a compelling visual feature. The design studio Enso draws its inspiration from the Buddhist principles of enso, which encompass zen, transience, and the unhurried passage of time. These values are deeply embedded in the home's aesthetic, which is characterized by the use of natural materials, tactile finishes, and an overarching sense of calm and tranquility. The resulting atmosphere is one of understated sophistication; the space avoids excessive polish or preciousness, yet it manages to convey an exquisitely elevated impression. The renovation successfully blends historic charm with contemporary and mid-century design elements, creating a unique and serene living environment. #BrooklynBrownstone #MidcenturyModern #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #EnsoDesignStudio #HistoricHomes #VintageFurniture #CustomMillwork #ArchitecturalPreservation

Starling Architecture and Emily Lindberg Design collaborated to renovate a Brooklyn townhouse for a young family, transforming it into a 3,700-square-foot, four-bedroom single-family home. The project aimed to address the original house's sparse, chopped-up layout and lack of design features, which primarily consisted of white gypsum. The core design challenge was to elevate the space, introduce warmth, and create a cohesive design language throughout the property. The solution centered around an elegant, light European oak palette, supplied by Madera, a company specializing in seamless wood design solutions. This material choice became the catalyst for the entire renovation, influencing the design across all four floors and the basement. The initial brief involved combining a two-family townhouse into a larger single-family residence, incorporating a mudroom, work-from-home spaces, and an expanded dining room. The renovation process began with the decision to replace the parlor flooring with light oak, which ultimately extended to all areas. A cantilevered oak stair and linear wood screen were integrated to run through the entire home, serving as a unifying element that creates balance and harmony. This central feature also guided the development of a rhythmic “wood and slat” design language, evident in the custom millwork, wall paneling, and ceiling treatments throughout the house. The first floor now features an entry foyer and living room, with a timber volume housing a mudroom, powder room, and home office. The second floor includes a foyer, sitting room, an oak-clad dining room, and a kitchen. The third floor is dedicated to the primary suite and a guest room, while the fourth floor contains two children’s bedrooms and bathrooms. Even the windowless basement was dramatically transformed into a welcoming playroom, extending the wooden stair and screen element downwards. Madera's expertise allowed for precise customization of wood components, with each panel CNC-fabricated and finished in Belgium to exact specifications, ensuring consistent veneer widths. This level of control resulted in subtle yet stunning outcomes, as noted by architect Ian Starling. Madera’s ability to produce wide, long, seamless timber materials contributed to the minimalist yet rich interiors. The use of timber extends beyond flooring and stairs to millwork, architectural cladding, the batten screen, and custom furniture like the bespoke dining bench with integrated storage and floating nightstands. The design intentionally varies the application of wood in each space to create distinct effects, maintaining a cohesive aesthetic while offering unique tactile experiences. The project also reconfigured the layout, moving the kitchen from a dark central location to the south facade to maximize natural light and improve access to the dining area. This enhanced natural light highlights the rich material palette, which includes the tonal depth of oak, walnut, and ash, complemented by combed plaster and slate. The office, for instance, is almost entirely clad in cork, demonstrating a diverse use of natural materials. The interior design incorporates warm yellows and brass accents to complement the golden oak hues, while shades of blue provide dynamic contrast. The overall aim was to infuse the home with character, warmth, and personality using a neutral oak palette as the foundation, resulting in a spacious and inviting environment for the family and their guests. #BrooklynTownhouse #HomeRenovation #EuropeanOak #WoodDesign #CustomMillwork #StarlingArchitecture #EmilyLindbergDesign #MaderaSurfaces #InteriorArchitecture

This article details a home renovation project undertaken by designers Josh Linder and Tom Egan of Evolve Residential for Margaret Chu-Moyer and Mike Moyer's Brookline home. The initial request was for updated furniture on the first floor, but the project evolved into a comprehensive reconfiguration to improve flow and connectivity between rooms. The designers introduced the concept of "enfilade," a term for a row of aligned doorways, to describe the redesigned space, which Chu-Moyer described as "brilliant." The renovation focused on optimizing existing spaces with relatively minor structural changes. On the left side of the house, a significant improvement was the replacement of a large gas fireplace with a picture window in the family room, which increased natural light. This change created a brighter and more inviting atmosphere. A custom sectional sofa, upholstered in striated velvet with verdigris and plum colors, was chosen as a durable and family-friendly centerpiece, accommodating the entire family. Chu-Moyer's grand piano was strategically placed in a nearby niche, integrating it seamlessly into the new layout. The right side of the house exemplified the "enfilade" design, with the living room, dining room, and kitchen flowing front to back through newly widened cased openings. The kitchen underwent a complete renovation to maximize space and functionality. Quartzite countertops, chosen for their lower maintenance compared to marble, featured wavy horizontal veining, adding visual interest. A wood-lined breakfast bar was incorporated to cleverly conceal coffee-making equipment, contributing to a clean and organized aesthetic. Lighting fixtures also played a crucial role in the design. Spiral chandeliers with red cords were installed above the kitchen island, casting cool shadows that Chu-Moyer particularly appreciated. These red accents were intentionally included to subtly reflect Chu-Moyer's Chinese heritage, adding a personal touch to the contemporary elements. Egan noted that these chandeliers were visible from the living room, bridging the contemporary kitchen design with the more traditional furnishings of the living room. The dining area was made more inviting with a curved settee that complemented a round table the couple had owned for 30 years. This choice was deliberate, as Egan explained that upholstered seating encourages people to use dining rooms more frequently. Indeed, the family began using their dining table daily for meals and work, a change Chu-Moyer initially did not expect. The living room featured a symmetrical arrangement with an antique Biedermeier chest flanked by striped chairs, positioned to create an appealing view. Incorporating such antique pieces is a signature of Evolve Residential, highlighting the value of older, well-crafted items. The living room's seating arrangements combined a curved custom settee in midnight blue chenille with a tufted rust mohair sofa, creating a welcoming yet sophisticated ambiance. The designers favored plush fabrics for their rich color palette, making them versatile for pairing with other textiles. Ceramic garden stools provided additional functional elements around a diminutive coffee table, and an abstract artwork by Ken Sloan added a lighthearted touch to the space. The final element, a Persian rug with purple accents, was installed after all other furnishings and was noted by Chu-Moyer as an unexpected yet perfectly cohesive addition, demonstrating the designers' expertise in bringing diverse elements together to achieve a harmonious overall effect. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #BrooklineHome #EvolveResidential #EnfiladeDesign #KitchenRemodel #LivingRoomDesign #DiningRoomTransformation #CustomFurnishings

Interior designer Louisa G. Roeder, who spent her childhood in London’s Chelsea neighborhood, has applied her eclectic, layered, and high-low design philosophy to her own Prospect Heights brownstone. Roeder, who began her design career after friends sought her help with their apartments, emphasizes a style that blends family heirlooms with modern pieces. Her approach to decorating Victorian row houses is informed by her upbringing, resulting in a decor that feels assured and sophisticated. The 1870 brownstone, purchased by Roeder in 2014, retained much of its original character, including elaborate plasterwork, arched doors, moldings, and marble mantels. The house was in near-pristine condition, minimizing the need for extensive renovation. Key modifications included the creation of a bay window in the kitchen, the addition of a new wood deck, and the installation of a new half-bath adjacent to the master bedroom. Throughout the house, floors were stripped and refinished, and Mitsubishi mini-split air conditioning units were installed for climate control. While Roeder works with trade resources for her clients, her personal home features many pieces sourced from online platforms such as Craigslist, Etsy, and eBay, reflecting her preference for unique and pre-owned items. Her design aesthetic is distinctly non-minimalist, characterized by a rich layering of furnishings and objects. To prevent the diverse elements from appearing chaotic, she employs a disciplined neutral color palette, which allows the various pieces to coexist harmoniously without overwhelming the space. The designer noted that contrasting colors with numerous objects could feel too busy, hence her choice of muted tones. Significant updates to the home's aesthetic included painting doors, moldings, and stair treads white, which contributed to a lighter and more contemporary feel. A signature element of Roeder’s style is the layering of kilims and other area rugs over sisal carpets, with one such sisal carpet custom-cut by A-1 Interior Carpets. The parlor, a grand space, is furnished generously across its three sitting areas with mostly secondhand or antique upholstered pieces that have been recovered. This approach aims to create a cozy atmosphere despite the room's scale. Art Deco-era armchairs, for instance, were discovered on eBay and imported from Hungary. Collaborating with lighting designer Paul Pisanelli of New York Vintage Lighting, whom she met at Brooklyn Flea, Roeder co-designed most of the house’s hanging light fixtures. A notable example is the quirky chandelier in the front parlor, which ingeniously repurposes wooden elements originally used for tin ceiling cornices. The walls are adorned with black-and-white abstracts by Brooklyn artist Eugene Constan, and a framed construction by multi-disciplinary artist David Alekhuogie hangs above other vintage online finds. The rear parlor, shown in a "before" photograph, illustrates the house’s original state. Roeder removed a cabinet that appeared vintage but was not original, selling it and installing a bay window in its place that now overlooks the garden. In the kitchen, Roeder streamlined the existing counter for a more modern appearance. The dining area features a discontinued dining table from Jayson Home, paired with chairs from IKEA, and white bar stools from Blu Dot. Additional IKEA cabinetry was integrated into the dining space. The master bedroom boasts a custom-designed headboard with upholstered channels in Duralee fabric. Above the mantel in the master bedroom’s sitting area hangs a swimming pool painting by artist Michael Sherman. An upstairs den/TV room functions as a communal living space, accommodating friends whom Roeder rented bedrooms to, an arrangement that has seen no turnover. A guest bathroom received a fresh paint job and a Moroccan rug, with a West Elm shower curtain concealing the original claw foot tub. Finally, a new deck constructed from Trex composite, featuring a steel cable railing, replaced an old, worn deck, and is furnished with bright pink chairs with wicker seats sourced from Industry West. #InteriorDesign #BrownstoneRenovation #ProspectHeights #LouisaGRoeder #EclecticDecor #VintageFinds #BrooklynHomes #HomeStyling

The Brooklyn town house belonging to actor David Harbour and singer-actor Lily Allen is a vibrant and unconventional space, designed in collaboration with AD100 designer Billy Cotton and architect Ben Bischoff of MADE. The home, described as a "familial fantasyland of daring beauty and individual connoisseurial vision," stands in stark contrast to the prevailing trend of minimalist, neutral aesthetics. Its interiors feature a dynamic mix of chintz balloon shades, crystal chandeliers, pink silk, tiger-patterned textiles, and Mylar wallpaper, reflecting Allen's bold, eclectic, and fun personal taste, as noted by both Cotton and Harbour. The project began with the renovation of a late-19th-century Italianate brownstone in Brooklyn’s Carroll Gardens neighborhood. Architect Ben Bischoff recalls the house's initial deteriorated state and the subsequent discovery of original moldings and doors beneath layers of past renovations. The couple sought to preserve the historical character while creating a casual, family-friendly environment, rejecting overt formality. Billy Cotton presented three design directions: traditional English, modern Brooklyn town house, and a layered Italian style, which the couple embraced due to the neighborhood's Italian-American history and Allen's desire for something "weird and wonderful." The layout of the house also deviates from typical conventions. The second level features a primary bath-cum-sitting room, adorned with wall-to-wall floral carpet, Zuber wallpaper, and sink stands fashioned from Louis XVI–style commodes. This eclectic design prioritizes the owners' preferences over traditional resale value concerns, as highlighted by Allen. The primary bedroom, uniquely situated as a windowless chamber between the main bath and dressing rooms, further exemplifies the personalized approach to the home's design. On the piano nobile, the kitchen and dining area are positioned at the front of the house, immediately accessible from the street, signifying its role as the home's central gathering space. Conversely, the living/garden room, featuring a double-sided sofa in emerald velvet, is located at the rear. The lower-level media room, devoid of original 19th-century details, adopts a crisp, contemporary interior with a glamorous, Madeleine Castaing-inspired aesthetic, showcasing matching tiger-patterned carpet and sofa against high-gloss, creamy-white walls. This design choice, according to Cotton, is a reflection of Allen’s captivating presence and her aversion to conventional living spaces. David Harbour, a self-proclaimed "suburban boy" accustomed to a more conventional aesthetic, expresses admiration for his wife's distinctive vision and willingness to take design risks. Despite the unconventional style, which their children playfully refer to as the "clown house," the home embodies a deeply personal and creatively executed living environment that perfectly suits the family's unique preferences. The collaboration between the homeowners, designer, and architect resulted in a unique and character-filled Brooklyn residence. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #CelebrityHomes #BrooklynRealEstate #EclecticDecor #RenovationProject #ArchitecturalStyle #LuxuryInteriors