The Insider: Williamsburg Townhouse Gutted and Rebuilt as Open, Loft-Like Home

Keren and Thomas Richter of White Arrow, a Brooklyn design studio, undertook a seven-year renovation of their 2,000-square-foot, two-bedroom, two-bath apartment located in a landmarked 1892 Williamsburg building. This building originally functioned as a business college before being converted into artist lofts. The renovation is characterized by custom millwork, arched windows, distinctive tiled bathrooms, and the integration of salvaged Victorian doors and hardware, resulting in a meticulously detailed home. Keren Richter emphasizes that the extended renovation period allowed for a more thoughtful design evolution, ensuring a higher degree of nuance and attention to detail that might have been overlooked in a quicker process. Keren acquired the co-op unit in 2010, initially performing a basic paint job and floor refinishing. The design vision shifted significantly after she met Thomas, who has a background in visual effects. Their shared experiences in Europe led to a design language that incorporated Mediterranean influences, such as Portuguese tile work, and a blend of various styles to create a more European aesthetic, moving away from Keren’s initial rustic concept. Architect Kevin Greenberg of Space Exploration collaborated on the project from its inception, playing a crucial role in establishing the floor plan and the placement of electrical and plumbing systems. Greenberg also contributed to the design of the kitchen cabinetry, which drew inspiration from 19th-century French bakery cabinets, and the master bath and dressing room. Keren engaged in extensive international online sourcing for materials, utilizing platforms like eBay’s U.K. and Italian sites, Craigslist, Chairish, Etsy, and Live Auctioneers. A key focus of her search was acquiring historically significant doors, prioritizing those with grand proportions and original etched glass to enhance light flow into interior spaces, as well as period-appropriate Victorian hinges and knobs. The apartment's cohesive aesthetic is maintained through a consistent color palette, featuring Farrow & Ball’s Wimborne White on walls in rooms with wood floors and Webet in areas with black painted floors. Tristan Warner Studios served as the general contractor for the renovation. A focal point near the apartment’s entrance is a magnificent arched doorway, which Keren acquired early in the project. This doorway, repurposed from its original location, now leads to what serves as their young daughter's bedroom. A mid-20th-century chandelier from eBay Italy illuminates the apartment’s original, largely preserved tin ceilings. The living room features modern furnishings with a 1970s influence, including a Tobia Scarpa leather sofa, an Yves Klein coffee table, a Josef Frank rug, and chrome table lamps. White Arrow designed the custom floating credenza, and a newly created arch above the windows echoes the building’s exterior architectural elements. The apartment also incorporates salvaged items such as a fireplace mantel and extensive moldings and trim that align with the building's late 19th-century character. The master bedroom is painted in Farrow & Ball’s Hague Blue and furnished with a Shaker-style four-poster bed. A custom dressing room/closet utilizes salvaged doors, with bespoke metalwork by Mitchell Dose, who also fabricated a metal and glass partition for the master bath’s wet room, which includes a shower and a footed tub from Build It Green. The master bath vanity and gilded mirror evoke an Art Deco style. In the dining room and kitchen, North American chestnut floors are laid in a herringbone pattern. White Arrow designed the dining table, paired with Børge Mogensen chairs and a Moroccan rug. Lighting includes a chandelier by Brendan Ravenhill and Gubi pendant lights. The Richters replaced an existing structural arch between the kitchen and dining areas with a flatter one featuring millwork detail. The custom kitchen cabinetry, inspired by antique French bakers’ cabinets, incorporates wavy mouth-blown restoration glass from Bendheim. Vintage faucets from eBay England and other vintage hardware complete the kitchen. The nursery, formerly a guest room, features wainscoting and metallic wallpaper from Calico Wallpaper. The second bathroom showcases a collection of ceramic Delft and Portuguese tiles sourced online, with faucets from the British company Barber Wilsons & Co. on an antique earthenware sink. Thomas Richter provided the photography for the article. #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalSalvage #LoftConversion #WilliamsburgRealEstate #WhiteArrowDesign #HomeRenovation #VintageFurnishings #BrooklynInteriors #HistoricBuilding

About 15 years ago, a former urban garage and metal shop was converted into a distinctive residential space, featuring a glassed-in central courtyard and three roof decks, one of which is accessible via a 27-foot-long catwalk. This significant renovation was initially undertaken by Brooklyn's Mesh Architectures for a musician and actor. More recently, a young couple, founders of a start-up company, acquired the property. They engaged Clinton Hill-based Bespoke Only, a boutique interiors firm established 10 years ago, to reconfigure the 2,100-square-foot, three-bedroom space to accommodate their specific live-work requirements. The primary objective of the new renovation was to create a functional distinction between the couple's personal living space and their professional work environment. This was achieved by converting one of the bedrooms, located at the far end of the central courtyard, into a dedicated office space. This strategic placement allows team members to enter and exit the office with minimal disruption to the couple's private lives. Furthermore, the renovation involved updating certain aesthetic elements inherited from the previous owner, specifically replacing a lime-green kitchen, which Melissa Lee, a founding partner of Bespoke Only, described as having a more "bachelor pad-ish" feel, with a design reflecting the new owners' preferences. Melissa Lee explained the spatial organization: "The front of the house is now their home and the rear wing is the office. The courtyard connects them." Bespoke Only undertook a comprehensive re-design of the second floor, culminating in the creation of a new primary suite. This suite incorporates custom millwork, notable for its unique design, and an en suite bathroom. The kitchen was also significantly upgraded with new ebonized cabinetry, which was extended to integrate seamlessly with the living room's storage solutions. The kitchen's aesthetic now features ebony-stained white oak with antique brass pulls, a black granite countertop, and a pale green marble tile backsplash. Additionally, two bathrooms on the ground floor were renovated. Throughout the residence, the interior design firm meticulously selected furnishings that complement the building's existing industrial architectural language, characterized by timber, glass, and steel elements. Recognizing the prevalent delays associated with custom furniture orders, Bespoke Only prioritized sourcing vintage furniture pieces. Lee highlighted the practical advantages of this approach, noting that vintage items are both "readily available and sustainable." The property boasts a substantial 1,600 square feet of outdoor space spread across three distinct areas, including a terrace adjacent to the second-floor primary bedroom at the front of the building. The main living area features an impressive 28-foot-high ceiling and walls treated with chalky limewash, designed to subtly reflect the changing daylight. The original wood paneling from the former garage/metal shop has been preserved on one wall, as have the concrete floors, maintaining a connection to the building's industrial past. A 10-foot-long polished chrome and cast resin light fixture from Coil & Drift serves as a central design feature. The furnishings in this space include circa 1960s Scandinavian Siesta chairs upholstered in cognac leather, a Danish teak and mosaic coffee table from the same era, and vintage African stools utilized as end tables. In the upstairs bedrooms, an interior window that previously offered a view into the downstairs living area was removed. This alteration was intended to enhance privacy and "shift the energy outwards to the expansive terrace," according to Lee. Oatmeal sheer linen drapes were installed to filter natural light. The bedrooms, though modestly sized, were designed with inspiration drawn from classic hotel rooms, emphasizing an "artfully compact" layout where "everything within reach." New custom furniture and casework were incorporated, including a combined headboard/nightstand unit and closets featuring caning below and fluted glass above. The en suite bathroom's entrance is framed by a capsule-shaped mirror, and its walls and walk-in shower feature glossy ivory square tiles with black marble pencil trim, imparting a retro aesthetic. A downstairs guest room, which lacks abundant natural light, was transformed into a cozy, mauve-toned space, complete with a vivid pendant light and elegantly illuminated custom built-ins. A small downstairs powder room is distinguished by rustic millwork and a stone vessel sink. #Williamsburg #BespokeOnly #GarageConversion #LiveWorkSpace #InteriorDesignBrooklyn #RenovationProject #CustomMillwork #VintageFurniture

The Metropolitan Opera's Patron Lounge, now known as the Keebler J. Straz Lounge, underwent a significant redesign by ELLE DECOR A-Listers Christine and John Gachot of Gachot Studios. This renovation marks a new chapter for the storied space, originally decorated by Billy Baldwin when the opera house opened in 1966. The Gachots, longtime fans of the Met Opera, were tasked with refreshing the lounge to reflect contemporary luxury while honoring its rich history and the grand aesthetics of the opera house. The original lounge, characterized by its wall-to-wall windows and domed ceiling, was designed by Baldwin to offer practical, flexible seating areas for guests. However, after decades, the space required a modern update. The Gachots were selected for their expertise in warm, sophisticated interiors, demonstrated in previous luxury hospitality projects like the Pendry Manhattan West and Detroit’s Shinola Hotel. Their approach to the Met Opera lounge involved a deep dive into the Met’s extensive archives, studying original sketches and photographs to reinterpret Baldwin's vision while introducing a fresh perspective. Inspired by Baldwin's initial layout, the Gachots divided the lounge into distinct zones for various activities, including a bar area, comfortable sofas, and tables for gathering. This zoning strategy ensures that the space remains versatile and inviting. The design seamlessly integrates with the opera's iconic common areas, such as the lobby with its red carpeting and travertine accents. The chosen color palette of blush, red, and camel complements these existing elements, creating a cohesive aesthetic throughout the venue. One of the standout features of the redesigned lounge is a glittering gold custom carpet by Creative Matters, which evokes the effervescence of freshly popped Champagne, serving as a luxurious counterpoint to the lobby's famous red carpet. Other custom elements include a brass Amuneal bar, screens upholstered in Clarence House fabric, and all furniture supplied by Roche Bobois. The bathrooms feature fixtures by Waterworks from the Bond collection, designed in collaboration with Gachot, alongside Waterworks sinks, mirrors, and stone. The lounge's new name, the Keebler J. Straz Lounge, honors a managing director on the Met Opera’s board who generously funded the renovation. Access to this exclusive space is reserved for Metropolitan Opera sponsor members. The redesign is intended to symbolize a renewed commitment to attracting and nurturing a new generation of opera enthusiasts and patrons, a sentiment echoed by both Straz and the Gachots. The project underscores the importance of cultural institutions and the role of design in preserving and evolving these significant spaces. #MetropolitanOpera #LoungeRedesign #GachotStudios #LuxuryInteriorDesign #CulturalRenovation #HospitalityDesign #NewYorkDesign #OperaHouse #InteriorDecor

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 Park Slope, New York, a townhouse renovation blends the old with the new, focusing on the transformation of a client's childhood home into a contemporary and functional space for a young, artistic family. Ethan Pomerance of Ethan Pomerance Architecture was tasked with this challenge, aiming to infuse new life while respecting the home's original Romanesque Revival architectural style. The design subtly weaves in echoes of the home's exterior and traditional downstairs elements with fresh interpretations, maintaining an airy feel. The project held significant sentimental value for the client, a filmmaker, who desired a vibrant space to raise her family above her mother, a Renaissance art historian. This artistic environment necessitated a design that honored historical elements while introducing modern, unique features. The renovation of the kitchen, which was originally the client's childhood bedroom, required innovative solutions to accommodate ample storage and cooking needs, as well as a dining table, despite the presence of an original chimney stack and a pathway to a terrace. Pomerance embraced these structural challenges, allowing the chimney breast to dictate the placement of the cooktop and sink, thus preserving its form and integrating it as a visual and functional anchor. To maintain the room's loftiness and volume, upper kitchen cabinets were reconceived as horizontal, shorter, and wider elements, hanging on the chimney stack like a tree trunk to create a sense of verticality. These sculptural cabinets feature sliding doors with blue geometric forms that act as functional elements and artistic statements, creating a full, dark circle when closed. The material palette combines traditional architecture with modern elements. Speckled terrazzo countertops, chosen from Concrete Collaborative, incorporate various colors present in the kitchen, tying together warm wooden parquet flooring, plaster walls, and the oat, white, and blue cabinet scheme. This selection aims to make the kitchen appear to 'grow out of the floor,' ensuring a radiant and blended look without feeling sterile, and augmenting the natural light. Exposed ductwork was utilized to eliminate soffits and preserve plaster crown moldings, adding to the room's dynamic shapes and forms. Playfulness and color were crucial to the design, with different colored cabinet frames and unique cabinet pulls adding mindfulness and a sense of mystery to everyday activities. The use of soft geometry, like the half-ellipse vent hood, introduces personality and meaning, symbolizing a balance of power. The most striking feature is the Delft tile backsplash, which Pomerance transformed into a modern, surreal collage by cutting and arranging traditional blue and white tiles, adding a storybook quality with animal and nature scenes. Subtle details, such as squiggle handles, further enhance the space's character, blending functionality with a playful aesthetic. The overall design successfully marries historical reverence with contemporary artistry, creating a unique and personal kitchen. #TownhouseRenovation #KitchenDesign #DelftTiles #ModernKitchen #ArchitecturalPreservation #InteriorDesign #TerrazzoCountertops #GeometricForms #ParkSlope

This article details a significant renovation project undertaken by Glickman Schlesinger, a Ridgewood-based architecture firm, for an 1,800-square-foot corner loft in Williamsburg. The owners, a couple with one child and another on the way, sought to maximize their living space and address the shortcomings of the existing layout. Despite high ceilings and numerous windows, the original configuration, a remnant of the building's conversion to condos years prior, made the space feel dark and inefficient. Key objectives for the renovation included increasing natural light, creating a larger, open kitchen, and adding another child's bedroom. Architect Adam Glickman noted that the original kitchen was small and positioned away from the windows, while a corner dining room remained unused. The homeowners specifically requested a spacious kitchen with a large counter. Lauren Schlesinger, the other principal architect, explained that the initial layout blocked views to the windows upon entry, a problem rectified by the renovation. The architectural team strategically moved and removed walls, successfully achieving the clients' goals and even incorporating a new powder room. Additionally, Glickman emphasized the integration of seamless storage solutions by utilizing negative spaces within the apartment's layout. Material and design choices played a crucial role in the transformation. The original ceiling beams were stripped to expose their natural character, and the loft's old maple floors were stained a dark hue as per the clients' preference. The desired large kitchen counter materialized as an impressive 42-inch wide, 13-foot long black soapstone surface. Upon entering the redesigned apartment, visitors are now greeted with a bright, open space. A custom storage wall on the right side provides extensive organizational capacity, incorporating closets, drawers, a pantry, and a small bench. The hallway features ombré-effect wallpaper from Designers Guild, purchased through Osborne & Little. The kitchen is equipped with custom shop-sprayed lacquered wood cabinetry and high-end appliances and fixtures, including faucets from Dornbracht, wall ovens from Gaggenau, a Blue Star range, and a Sub-Zero refrigerator. The backsplash features antique white tiles from Heath Ceramics. A small desk is thoughtfully integrated into the kitchen cabinetry along the windows, with a black soapstone counter, sourced from ABC Stone, framing the room. The main living area includes a TV screen, built-in bookshelves, and a ledge with integrated storage. Recessed bookshelves further optimize storage without encroaching on living space. The newly added powder room showcases a custom marble sink and a beveled mirror medicine chest designed by the architects, with a faucet from Lefroy Brooks and peacock-feather wallpaper from Osborne & Little. Floor plans illustrate the transformation, showing how a former corner bedroom created an enclosed kitchen, and how reshaping public spaces allowed for a third bedroom and the new powder room in a previously unused closet area. #WilliamsburgLoft #LoftRenovation #GlickmanSchlesinger #InteriorDesign #KitchenRemodel #OpenConcept #SpaceMaximization #BrooklynInteriors #ArchitecturalRenovation

This article details the second phase of a garage conversion project in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, focusing on transforming a former work-from-home space into a versatile lounge and an expanded, luxurious bathroom. The homeowners, having initially converted their garage into a residence and a startup office, enlisted Melissa Lee of Bespoke Only, an interior design studio, to repurpose the rear section of the unit once the dedicated work-from-home setup was no longer essential. The objective was to create a multi-functional area that could serve as an occasional home office, a guest room, and a general relaxation space, complemented by a significantly enlarged adjacent bathroom. Melissa Lee emphasized the vision for the en suite area to be a distinct world where work and relaxation could coexist. A key feature is an accordion-style glass door that fully opens, seamlessly connecting the bathroom with the outdoors, allowing for an experience akin to bathing in a private backyard. The renovation involved substantial structural changes, including repositioning walls and plumbing to double the bathroom's size. Additionally, new floor-to-ceiling millwork was installed to compensate for storage lost by repurposing a former closet, with these new elements painted black to create a striking contrast. The design choices extended to the aesthetic details of the lounge and bathroom. Wood from an exterior wall was repurposed to clad the ceiling, adding a rustic yet refined touch. The living area features sage green walls, which introduce an organic, leafy color, creating a balanced 'yin-yang' energy against the darker timber elements, as described by Lee. Furnishings in the living space include a gray velvet sofa from Six Penny, a hand-carved African coffee table, a rug from Ferm Living, a standing lamp from John Eaton, and a distinctive flower-like pendant light made of wood veneer from Weplight. For the office segment, Bespoke Only ingeniously built a short wall to create an alcove, ensuring the custom desk and molded plywood chair were not merely floating in the room but integrated into a defined space. The bathroom, in stark contrast to the moody tones of the lounge, was designed to be bright and inviting. It features a deep soaking tub and a new stall shower with elegant marble tile walls, contributing to the sybaritic atmosphere. Outside, the deck is furnished with wood dining furniture sourced from Article, further enhancing the functionality and appeal of the converted space. This project exemplifies a thoughtful and luxurious adaptation of living space to meet evolving homeowner needs. #Williamsburg #GarageConversion #InteriorDesign #BespokeOnly #HomeRenovation #LuxuryBathroom #MultiFunctionalSpace #BrooklynDesign #TheInsider

Interior designer Evans Geisler and her architect husband undertook a significant renovation of their two-story Williamsburg row house, transforming it from a dual-unit bachelor pad into a single-family home tailored for a family with three young sons. The couple purchased the house in 2014 from Geisler’s brother, who had acquired it in 2007. The initial state of the house was characterized by two separate units: one on the ground floor occupied by Geisler's brother's college roommate, and the second floor where her brother resided. The primary goal of the renovation was to consolidate these into a cohesive single-family residence, while also incorporating a small pied-à-terre apartment at the back of the second floor. Geisler described the house's original aesthetic as typical of two young men living in Williamsburg, lacking architectural personality and requiring a comprehensive update. The row houses in Williamsburg are often narrow and basic, prompting Geisler's initial improvement to be the removal of the entryway hallway, which she believed contributed to a sense of confinement. On the main floor, the design strategy focused on creating an open-plan layout by removing as many interior walls as possible, integrating the kitchen and living room into a single fluid space. A key element of this transformation was the restoration of the original staircase, which, along with a newly installed built-in bookcase, became prominent focal points upon entering the home. The original staircase, deemed the only element possessing inherent character, underwent extensive restoration. Layers of paint were meticulously stripped from the newel post, missing balusters were replaced, and the treads and handrail were stained dark, contrasting with white-painted balusters. In the kitchen, the design incorporated Caesarstone countertops and Ikea cabinets, complemented by open shelving. Geisler highlighted her preference for open shelving in the kitchen, noting that maintaining a coordinated look with white, off-white, and wood elements facilitated a clean and harmonious aesthetic. The renovation also extended to the rear of the first floor, where the bathroom was enlarged. A playroom was created in this area, featuring a Murphy bed for accommodating guests and a built-in desk designed for homework, catering to the needs of a growing family. Upstairs, new walls were constructed to define two bedrooms and to functionally separate the aforementioned rear apartment from the main living quarters of the house. Geisler's overarching design philosophy for the home was to create a casual and highly kid-friendly environment, given that she had a toddler and was pregnant during the renovation. This involved avoiding overly fussy or expensive elements and implementing organizational systems to mitigate clutter and manage the daily demands of family life. All three sons share a single bedroom, which is equipped with a crib and custom bunk beds. Geisler acknowledged that some might find this arrangement unconventional but noted its general effectiveness, particularly in fostering interaction among the boys. The interior walls throughout the house were uniformly painted in Benjamin Moore's Chalk White, and the floors were stained to the darkest possible shade. Geisler emphasized the importance of a cohesive design throughout the entire house, asserting that a consistent aesthetic facilitates a smooth transition between rooms and contributes to a unified overall impression. #WilliamsburgRenovation #InteriorDesign #KidFriendlyHome #OpenPlanLiving #StaircaseRestoration #KitchenDesign #CustomBunkBeds #FamilyHome #BrooklynDesign

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 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

The article details a successful loft conversion project in a narrow Victorian two-bedroom property, which was undertaken to address the growing space needs of a family with two children and a requirement for a guest room. The homeowners engaged Rees Architects, led by Daniel Rees, to expand their living area. The primary challenge was the limited ceiling height of only two meters in the original loft space, which would have been further reduced by the structural framework of the planned dormer. To overcome this, the architects ingeniously lowered the ceilings on the two floors below, creating a balanced and proportionally aligned three-story home rather than a cramped loft. The loft conversion resulted in the addition of two extra bedrooms and a bathroom, significantly increasing the property's functionality. The main bedroom, now located in the loft, features integrated window seat ideas clad in plywood. These window seats offer comfortable seating and garden views, eliminating the need for additional furniture that would otherwise consume valuable floor space. The interior design of the main bedroom is characterized by a muted color palette, fostering a calming atmosphere. Daniel Rees explained that the beams in the master and spare rooms were left exposed but painted the same color as the walls to enhance the sense of space and depth. Built-in wardrobes under the eaves maximize storage, with hidden compartments behind clothes rails. Angled brass skirting creates an optical illusion of greater height, contributing to the crisp aesthetic, while carefully positioned glazing ensures ample natural light. Innovative design solutions were also applied to the hallway doors, which were configured to maximize floor space. When open, these bespoke doors allow access to the master bedroom and ensuite. When closed, they effectively incorporate a section of the hallway into the master bedroom, while providing privacy for the bathroom. Magnets embedded in the door leaves ensure they remain fully open at a 90-degree angle, maintaining a flush finish. A large rooflight with an integrated blackout blind illuminates this flexible hallway area. The walls in certain sections feature a rubber and cork material, which not only provides a contrasting texture against the black design elements but also offers acoustic insulation properties to absorb sound. The new bathroom in the loft showcases modern design with clean, uncluttered fixtures. Wall-hung sanitaryware contributes to a sense of spaciousness. The walls are covered in Marmoleum, a natural and CO2-neutral material that provides a durable, low-maintenance, and seamless finish, avoiding the breaks typically seen with wall tiles. The windows are strategically placed to create an elongated appearance, further enhancing the perception of space. A compact walk-in shower is included, without a glass enclosure, simplifying maintenance, and the floor is also finished with Marmoleum in a pattern reflecting the nearby cork and rubber walls. Matte black shower fittings complete the contemporary look. The guest bedroom is designed as a multifunctional space with movable furniture, allowing for adaptability. Olive green walls and dark floors provide an effective contrast, with the window framing garden views. Despite the deep hues, light-colored furnishings and a bright ceiling maintain an airy feel. Before the renovation, the property had a standard, cramped Victorian layout with only two bedrooms, which was insufficient for the family's needs. The loft conversion transformed this into a more spacious and balanced family home, demonstrating how upward expansion can be a highly effective solution for creating additional living areas. #LoftConversion #HomeRenovation #ArchitecturalDesign #SpaceMaximization #VictorianProperty #InteriorDesign #FamilyHome #BathroomDesign

A luxurious loft located in the Gretsch Building in Williamsburg is currently on the market for $2.5 million. This 1,832-square-foot corner apartment offers three bedrooms and panoramic views of both the Manhattan and Williamsburg Bridges. The interior design showcases high-end finishes, featuring soaring 13-foot beamed ceilings and custom imported cabinetry, contributing to an overall sophisticated aesthetic. The entrance opens into a chic entertainment area, illuminated by expansive industrial-style windows. The flooring throughout the main living spaces consists of Australian Jarrah wood, which adds warmth to the contemporary design. The living room is equipped with a functional fireplace, alongside integrated custom stereo and lighting systems, creating an inviting and modern ambiance. The open-plan chef's kitchen is a focal point, highlighted by a 14.5-foot-wide granite island, offering ample space for food preparation and casual dining. It is outfitted with top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, catering to both functionality and style. The three bedrooms are conveniently located directly off the main living area. The master suite is particularly noteworthy, featuring custom built-in closets and an opulent en suite bathroom. This master bath is designed with custom Italian stone, a six-foot Zuma soaking tub for relaxation, and a marble and glass walk-in shower. Both the master bedroom and the second bedroom share the advantage of excellent city views and oversized windows, mirroring the light and airy feel of the living space. The third bedroom also benefits from large windows and generous closet space, offering flexibility for use as a guest room or a home office. Historical context reveals that the Gretsch Building, originally constructed in 1916 as the Gretsch Musical Instrument factory, was transformed into a luxury condominium at the turn of the 21st century. Residents of this building have access to a range of amenities, including a landscaped rooftop deck, a full-time doorman, an on-site super, a children's playroom, a bike room, and private storage facilities. Its prime location on a major artery of Williamsburg places it within easy reach of acclaimed restaurants, bars, and grocery stores, integrating luxury living with urban convenience. #WilliamsburgLoft #GretschBuilding #LuxuryRealEstate #BrooklynCondo #HighEndInteriors #NYCRealEstate #ArchitecturalConversion #UrbanLiving #WaterfrontViews

This article highlights the top five most popular stories on Brownstoner from the past week, offering a glimpse into real estate and interior design trends in Brooklyn. The first featured story showcases a duplex condo loft in south Williamsburg, located at 330 Wythe Avenue in the Esquire Building, a converted shoe polish factory. This unit is noted for its industrial aesthetic and a bespoke handcrafted kitchen, drawing parallels to the work of sculptor JB Blunk. Despite its spacious layout, the loft contains a single bedroom and bathroom, and is listed for $1.495 million. Another prominent story details a comprehensive gut renovation of a four-story brownstone in Carroll Gardens. The homeowners, in collaboration with Dan Kaplan of Bowerbird Architects, opted to maintain the original configuration of two duplex apartments. The article specifically references the upper duplex, which has been transformed into a high-end rental unit. This renovation was particularly extensive due to significant termite damage in the lower two floors, which now form the owner’s three-bedroom apartment, necessitating the replacement of joists and substantial internal structural work. A related piece further elaborates on this project, highlighting how the architect addressed the dire structural condition of the narrow Carroll Gardens brownstone, initiating a full gut renovation after a plaster medallion fell, nearly causing injury. The list also includes news outside of residential real estate, announcing the official opening of the Trader Joe’s Williamsburg outpost. Located at 200 Kent Avenue, the store was set to open on Friday, December 10, with live music to mark the occasion. The article mentions that a mural adorned the entrance, and interior work was ongoing just prior to the opening date, indicating community anticipation for the new grocery store. Finally, the fifth popular story presents a renovated two-family brownstone in Bed Stuy. This property, though described as petite, features appealing historical details such as intricate plasterwork, decorative moldings, and five mantels. The listing price for this brownstone is $1.695 million, and it boasts updated kitchens and bathrooms, combining classic charm with modern amenities. Together, these stories provide an overview of notable residential properties, renovation projects, and local developments attracting significant attention within the Brooklyn real estate and lifestyle landscape. #BrooklynRealEstate #WilliamsburgLoft #CarrollGardensRenovation #BrownstoneRenovation #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #RealEstateMarket #TraderJoesWilliamsburg

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 collaborative effort between Brooklyn-based architecture firm Worrell Yeung and cooperative gallery and design studio Colony to renovate a 3,000-square-foot historic loft overlooking Union Square in New York City. The project aimed to transform the triangular-shaped space into a contemporary residence suitable for homeowners, including a concert violinist, and also function as a recital venue for entertaining guests. The loft, which occupies an entire floor, was revitalized by Worrell Yeung, focusing on its fundamental geometries and classic materials. Worrell Yeung initiated the renovation by exploring strategies that emphasized the loft's distinct characteristics and preserved original elements. A key aspect of the design involved creating unique volumes to define spaces within the open layout, such as a custom metal screen and bookcase near the front door and a circular bathroom. The renovation optimized the space to offer unobstructed views from the 14 northwest-facing windows, resulting in a light-filled open loft environment. The design team aimed to enhance the existing structure rather than completely redesigning it, focusing on subtle yet impactful changes. Following Worrell Yeung's architectural design, Colony, led by founder and creative director Jean Lin, took charge of elevating the interior through carefully selected textures, patterns, and colors. Lin emphasized creating an elegant home by layering textures, colors, and comfort, ensuring these elements complemented the loft's open nature while adding personalized touches. The collaboration aimed to bridge the gap between monumental architectural design and the intimate signatures of a home. The furnishing choices reflect both functionality and aesthetic appeal. The living area, designed to accommodate musical recitals, features substantial seating arrangements. These include a moss green Bristol Sofa by Poliform, a Gentry Sofa by Moroso, and a Seal Chair by Brdr Petersen, all strategically placed around a circular Lania Rug by Woven, near a Mason & Hamlin grand piano. These pieces were selected to provide comfort for guests and complement the expansive feel of the space. A multifunctional den was incorporated into the design, offering flexibility as a home office or a more private space. This den can be closed off using sliding metal and glass doors, which discreetly recede behind the entryway bookshelf when open. The den features a black desk paired with a Wishbone Chair by Carl Hansen, blending functionality with modern design. The private areas of the loft are accessed via a hallway, where a cylindrical powder room is a notable feature. The powder room's interior is adorned with sage Mutina Biscuit ceramic tiles and a single slab of forest green Cipollino Apuano on the floor, providing a striking visual and textural contrast. The main bedroom, situated at the narrow end of the triangular layout, is furnished with a green Dubois Bed by De La Espada, flanked by smoked glass Crux Pendant Lights by Allied Maker. Tonal Precipice – Alpamayo wallpaper by Flat Vernacular adds further texture to the walls, creating a serene and sophisticated atmosphere. The primary bathroom continues the theme of refined details, featuring a curved shower wall clad in white Mutina Biscuit ceramic tiles. The second bedroom, serving as both an office and a rehearsal space, includes a striped Arc Lounge Chair by Moving Mountains and Coven Wallpaper by Maison C, contributing to its dual-purpose functionality and artistic ambiance. This project marks the second collaboration between Worrell Yeung and Colony, highlighting their evolving design vernacular and their commitment to pushing the boundaries between architecture, interior design, and furniture, while prioritizing the client's needs and creating a truly bespoke home. #LoftTransformation #NewYorkCityLoft #WorrellYeung #ColonyDesign #InteriorDesign #HistoricRenovation #ContemporaryResidence #UnionSquare #ArchitecturalRenovation