The Insider: Prospect Lefferts Gardens Unit Set Apart by Unusual Shapes, Colors, Materials

This article details a renovation project by GRT Architects on a four-story, 12.5-foot-wide row house in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. The homeowners, initially concerned about the lack of natural light due to the narrow structure and limited window placement, commissioned Tal Schori and Rustam Mehta of GRT Architects for a comprehensive renovation. The primary goal was to enhance the home's airiness and brightness through innovative design solutions. A significant intervention involved replacing a structurally compromised central staircase. The architects capitalized on this necessity by designing a new staircase with a central void that extends from a skylight on the roof down to the garden level. This design creates an unobstructed pathway for natural light to penetrate the core of the house, dramatically improving the illumination of the interior spaces. Surrounding this new staircase are translucent fluted glass panels set in steel frames, which serve to diffuse light while maintaining a degree of privacy for adjacent rooms. While the garden-level kitchen, previously renovated and functional, was not part of GRT Architects' scope, the team undertook a full overhaul of the top three floors, including all bathrooms. The existing mechanical systems were found to be in good condition, allowing the architects to focus on aesthetic and spatial enhancements. The project represents GRT Architects' inaugural residential venture, building on the partners' extensive experience from their previous roles with renowned architects like Deborah Berke Partners and Cesar Pelli. Throughout the renovation, bespoke details and custom elements were incorporated to elevate the home's design. The entrance vestibule, originally rectangular, was transformed into an arched volume, echoing the house's original architectural features and infilled with the same fluted glass used for the staircase. Custom ombré wallpaper from Calico Wallpaper adds a unique aesthetic touch to this space. In the parlor floor's rear, designated as a playroom, custom cherry cabinets with terrazzo slab tops were installed, providing both storage and a sophisticated finish. The master bedroom features new wainscoting and a consistent muted purple color scheme from Farrow & Ball, a leitmotif employed throughout the house to create a cohesive ambiance. A dedicated dressing area with a walk-in closet connects the master bedroom to the fully renovated en-suite bathroom. The bathrooms showcase a blend of modern and eclectic choices, including penny round tiles from Waterworks arranged in inventive zig-zag patterns, sleek black faucets from Brizo, and distinctive sconces from Areti. On the top floor, a nursery is enlivened with custom wallpaper from the Danish company Ferm Living, complemented by a crib from Oeuf. The top-floor bathroom features a round mirror, evoking a ship's porthole, and a nautical color scheme. A study/guest room also occupies this level. The dining room, centrally located on the garden level without direct window access, benefits from leafy wallpaper from Paper Mills, applied to both walls and doors, to compensate for the lack of natural light. Pendant lights from Roll & Hill, and furniture from Design Within Reach, complete the dining area. The project successfully transformed a narrow, dark row house into a bright, spacious, and thoughtfully designed home. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #BrooklynArchitecture #GRTArchitects #FortGreene #NarrowHouseDesign #NaturalLight #CustomMillwork #GlassPartitions

The Coach House, a compact three-bedroom residence with an ash-lined guest annexe, has been completed by London-based Open Practice Architecture and interior design studio Kinder Design. Situated on a previously neglected infill site in East Dulwich, which once housed a Ministry of Transport (MOT) garage and its outbuildings, the project represents a growing trend of architectural firms venturing into property development. Open Practice Architecture and Kinder Design jointly acquired the site in 2017, acting as both developers and designers. The main house, organized around a central courtyard, was finished in 2022, followed by the adjacent annexe in 2023. Rupert Scott, director at Open Practice Architecture, highlighted that this approach allows architects to navigate challenging market conditions by directly engaging in development. Despite aiming for an "architecturally unique" outcome, the design intent was to create a structure that integrated subtly into its surroundings rather than drawing overt attention. The primary objective was to deliver a serene, well-lit, and functional family home that also met high standards of insulation and energy efficiency. The L-shaped layout of the Coach House mirrors the footprint of the original structures on the site. The ground floor accommodates the living, dining, and kitchen areas, which feature full-height sliding glass doors that open directly onto the central courtyard, fostering an indoor-outdoor connection. A white-steel staircase provides access to the first floor, where three bedrooms are situated. These bedrooms offer views of both the central courtyard and a strategically placed lightwell, designed to draw natural light into the deeper, naturally darker sections of the plot. Scott elaborated on the challenge of maximizing natural light, given the building's north-facing orientation. The inclusion of a "light pocket" at the rear was crucial in allowing two of the bedrooms to benefit from south-facing light, preventing all rooms from being clustered around the courtyard and ensuring a more equitable distribution of sunlight throughout the upper level. The material palette reflects a blend of historical context and modern functionality. Reclaimed London brick was chosen for the exterior, enabling the Coach House to harmoniously blend with the surrounding mews buildings and acknowledging the site's utilitarian past. The interiors are characterized by painted and plywood walls, complemented by a concrete floor with exposed aggregate, maintaining an industrial yet refined aesthetic. A large sliding wooden door, suspended from an exposed steel beam, marks the entrance, further referencing the site's previous function. The guest annexe presents a material contrast, featuring natural ash cladding on both its interior and exterior surfaces, including a hinged shutter on the first floor. This singular material application for the annexe, while simple, provides a deliberate visual counterbalance and acts as a distinct "bookend" to the main residence, according to Scott. This project contributes to a series of infill developments in London, such as a textured brick house by Platform 5 Architects and a cluster of homes with sawtooth roofs by Dallas Pierce Quintero, all of which creatively repurpose former industrial or neglected spaces. #CoachHouse #OpenPracticeArchitecture #KinderDesign #LondonArchitecture #EastDulwich #InfillDevelopment #ResidentialArchitecture #SustainableDesign #ReclaimedBrick #CourtyardDesign

Molly Torres Portnof, an interior designer based in Brooklyn and founder of DATE Interiors, embarked on a comprehensive decorating project for her 900-square-foot rental apartment in Prospect Heights, which she shares with her husband. Despite the apartment being a rental, Portnof approached the design with a high degree of personalization, viewing it as a liberating creative endeavor. The apartment, a one-bedroom floor-through in a vintage row house, had recently undergone renovations, featuring well-maintained wood floors, tall windows, a decorative fireplace, and updated kitchen and bathroom facilities. This meant Portnof's focus was primarily on furnishing and decorating rather than structural changes. The initial step in Portnof's design process involved painting the entire space, including walls, ceiling, crown, and baseboard moldings, in Benjamin Moore’s Super White. This choice aimed to create a cohesive backdrop, minimizing the visual impact of any existing imperfections. Following the painting, she introduced a variety of design elements: swapping out existing light fixtures for new ones, adding ceiling medallions to enhance architectural detail, and incorporating removable wallpaper for a temporary yet impactful design statement. She also installed pipe-and-wood shelving, along with battery-operated or plug-in sconces, and carefully selected furniture, rugs, and artwork to complete the interior. Every item in the apartment was chosen with careful consideration, avoiding generic or extraneous pieces. A recurring theme in the decor is music paraphernalia, reflecting the couple's shared passion. This includes displaying vinyl records, guitars, and other musical instruments. The living area features layered Moroccan rugs and a velvet sofa in a specific shade of blue, which were among the first items Portnof acquired for the apartment, indicating their foundational role in the design scheme. Personal photographs and travel mementos further personalize the space, ensuring it uniquely represents the couple's identity and experiences. Portnof emphasizes the importance of meaningful items, stating that anything displayed on the walls should hold personal significance. Portnof's journey into interior design began a decade prior, sparked by her desire to optimize the 500-square-foot Manhattan studio she shared with her husband, Harry Portnof, who is involved in the music industry. This experience led her to pursue formal education in interior design at the Fashion Institute of Technology after working in fashion digital marketing and gaining experience at design firms like Studio Sofield and One King’s Lane. DATE Interiors, her full-service design firm, reflects her personal design philosophy, with the name stemming from her Instagram handle, @designingatinyempire. Key pieces of furniture and decor include a blue velvet sofa from Interior Define, a vintage Persian rug sourced from House of Seance via Etsy, and leather safari chairs from Third Life Designs, also an Etsy find. The coffee table is from Anthropologie, and a rattan bar cart is from Serena and Lily. A customized metal pipe and wood shelving unit from Soil & Oak was specifically designed to house electronic equipment and vinyl records, complemented by a pink half-wall to soften the aesthetic. Dining chairs by Pierre Jenneret from France & Son are paired with a Saarinen-style pedestal table. Addressing the lack of an entry foyer, Portnof commissioned a round mirror with a single shelf from an Etsy vendor, JB + DG, to create a functional and welcoming entry point. In the bedroom, vintage Moroccan and Turkish rugs add warmth, while a wide woven leather bench from From the Source sits at the foot of the bed. A round mirror from Anthropologie and a bubble chandelier from West Elm balance the room's angles. The use of a lightweight fiberglass ceiling medallion is highlighted as an effective and easy trick for rental properties. Overall, Portnof's approach demonstrates how thoughtful design and strategic selection of decor can transform a rental space into a deeply personal and visually engaging home, even without permanent structural alterations. Her design philosophy prioritizes individuality, comfort, and the integration of personal history and passions into the living environment. #InteriorDesign #RentalDecor #ProspectHeights #MollyTorresPortnof #DATEInteriors #BrooklynDesign #PersonalizedHome #VintageDecor #MusicInspiredHome

The 2025 Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens, a biennial event benefiting the Lake Forest Chapter of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago, showcases the transformation of the historic Pembroke Lodge. This year marks the 20th production of the event, held in a grand Georgian-style main house originally designed in 1895 by architect Henry Ives Cobb with landscape architecture by Frederick Law Olmsted, and later revised by David Adler in the late 1930s. Thirty-eight interior designers and nine landscape design companies collaborated to reimagine the 15,000-square-foot mansion, including its tennis hut, pool house, and the remaining 3.5-acre grounds. Visitors can view numerous showstopping rooms, with nearly all sourced design elements and furnishings available for purchase, and 15% of the proceeds going to the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago. Among the highlighted spaces, the Foyer by Cynthia McCullough Interiors features Braquenie’s Les Muses et Les Lions wallcovering, inspired by the original 1930s design, complemented by Regency mirrors, an upholstered bench, and a Chippendale glass cabinet. Joey Leicht Design's Salon stands out with double doors lacquered in Tropical Rose, handpainted and embroidered silk walls by Fromental, and custom banquettes inspired by Frances Elkins. Birkman Interiors created a masculine, clubby Office, adorned with global artifacts, inviting contemplation and travel planning. Amy Kartheiser Design's Garden Room offers an ideal setting for luncheons, incorporating blue treillage-wrapped walls and chairs upholstered in Pierre Frey fabric with yellow and green accents, effectively bringing the outdoors in. The First Floor Hall/Stairwell by Lauren Collander Interiors is characterized by enchanting, hand-embroidered wallcovering and lush green tones, creating a Parisian garden aesthetic that guides visitors through the home. The Main Kitchen by Ablaze Design Group boasts a spacious central island with dual table-height surfaces, custom cabinetry, heat-resistant Dekton by Cosentino surfaces, and biophilic lighting to support circadian rhythms. JenMarie Interiors designed a stylish Mudroom featuring a striking Schumacher wallcovering, fluted wall paneling, bespoke built-ins, and Corinthian-style marble flooring. Sarah Dippold Design's Second Floor Landing serves as a harmonious transition space with jacquard fabric wallcovering, a custom floor runner, and layered textures. Robbins Architecture created a serene Girl’s Bedroom with a soft, dreamy Benjamin Moore color palette and wildlife imagery, evoking a fairy tale setting. The Mahjong Room by White Couch Design offers a stylish space for the trendy game, featuring House of Harris’ Fancy Flock wallcovering with herons, flowers, and lily pads, a round pink linen-wrapped game table, a custom scalloped settee, vintage chairs, and a Champagne Bar. Lastly, Meghan Jay Design's Cabana blends 1920s chic with contemporary style, utilizing a muted palette of blush tones and soft yellows, enhanced by an arched hallway ceiling with wave-shaped fabric panels. The Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens is open for a limited time, with advance tickets required. #LakeForestShowhouse #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #HistoricEstate #LuxuryInteriors #DesignShowcase #ChicagoDesign #PembrokeLodge #PhilanthropicEvent

New Leaf Custom Homes has unveiled its latest spec home project, located at 4214 Brookview Dr., which is designed to be both aspirational and inspirational, particularly for the luxury market. Rylan Clark, Director of Business Development for New Leaf Custom Homes, highlights spec homes as their primary marketing tool, showcasing their capabilities and design philosophy. The home distinguishes itself through its traditional architecture, reminiscent of classic designs and evoking a sense of nostalgic comfort. This traditional aesthetic, with a subtle English Tudor influence, aims to resonate with homebuyers who appreciate classic home imagery. The exterior and interior design carefully balance contemporary luxury with a timeless appeal, moving away from overly modern or boundary-pushing designs that might not evoke the same sense of 'home' for some buyers. A key differentiator for New Leaf Custom Homes is its integrated approach to homebuilding, which includes an in-house pool company and The Design Shop. This vertical integration allows for comprehensive project management and ensures that every aspect of the build, from initial concept to final touches, is controlled under one roof. Clark emphasizes that this streamlined process enables them to deliver custom homes within an 18-month timeframe and effectively manage client budgets through value engineering, a benefit extended to their spec homes as well. The interior design, orchestrated by The Design Shop, is a central focus of this project. Sam Bailey, Creative Director of The Design Shop, explains her approach, which involves leaning into the architecture to enhance the home's inherent character. For the Brookview house, she aimed to amplify a "homeyness" that is often lacking in spec projects. This philosophy translates into meticulous attention to detail, with custom trim layers, wood beams, wainscoting, ceiling paneling, archways, and white oak hardwood flooring used throughout the home, creating visual interest in every room. The kitchen is a highlight, featuring calacatta gold marble counters and backsplash, a quarter-sawn white oak island with reeded inset cabinet fronts, and a significant scullery with built-in appliances. The scullery also includes a butler's pantry with calacatta viola tops and unlacquered brass hardware, adding a touch of elegance and functionality. The home also boasts a cigar lounge with moody black walls, a custom-paneled ceiling, and a cocktail bar accessible through an arched serving window. An adjacent powder bath complements the lounge's design with black plastered walls and a calacatta viola custom-mitered vanity. The primary bathroom features a fluted soaking tub and French doors providing private garden access. An oversized covered loggia with a brick fireplace and a built-in kitchen, complete with a gas grill and vent hood, extends the living space outdoors. This project, available for $5 million, exemplifies New Leaf Custom Homes' ability to deliver luxury residences that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also thoughtfully designed to meet the aspirations of discerning homeowners. The collaboration with The Design Shop allows for Pinterest-worthy interiors that blend traditional charm with modern amenities, creating spaces that are both beautiful and functional. #NewLeafCustomHomes #LuxuryHomes #SpecHome #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #TheDesignShop #TraditionalArchitecture #DallasRealEstate #PinterestWorthy

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

This article showcases the unique interior design styles of three designers, Jenny Powell, Edward Girardi, and Biff Bartron, as demonstrated in their personal homes. Each designer offers insights into their design philosophy, material choices, and practical tips for creating functional and aesthetically pleasing living spaces. Jenny Powell, owner of Somethings Unique, resides in a spacious Landenberg home with her family. Her design approach emphasizes a blend of elegance and family-friendliness, incorporating a relaxed European style with Scandinavian influences. After moving into their home, the Powells lightened dark wood floors and painted walls in pastel yellow and beige to create a brighter atmosphere. Powell's design is characterized by mixing old and new elements, such as Swedish Rococo-style sidechairs paired with contemporary fabrics, and the use of natural light and preserved greenery. Key elements of her home include fauteuil chairs from Spain with a gray-blue glaze, silk curtains in two colors, and durable microsuede upholstery for family-friendly living. The kitchen features granite countertops and unique hammered metal hardware, while the sunroom offers a casual dining space with a pine farmhouse table. Powell's home is adorned with her father's art, and she advocates for mixing styles, choosing tactile materials, incorporating personal art, and using a soft Scandinavian color palette. Edward Girardi, a proponent of high-rise living, has transformed his 16th-floor condominium in Wilmington into a sophisticated urban sanctuary. His design focuses on maximizing space and functionality in a compact environment. Girardi converted an adjoining unit into an intimate media room, painted in a custom purple-tinged gray. He meticulously blends his own paint colors and uses a sophisticated neutral palette as a backdrop for his home. A large, self-painted contemporary artwork dominates the living room, complementing the angular, masculine aesthetic. He repurposed a cocktail table by replacing its gold top with etched glass and staining the wood mahogany. Girardi's philosophy includes investing in neutral basics and updating accessories with lively prints. He emphasizes grouping family photos for impact and keeping them current. The dining area features a glass and chrome table for spaciousness, and custom built-in cabinets hide a bar and storage. His galley kitchen is designed for efficiency, with ceiling-height cabinets, slate tiles, and cork flooring. In the bedroom, a contemporary pedestal bed is paired with Shaker nightstands, and the space is unified by painting moldings and doors the same color as the walls. Girardi's advice for small spaces includes using larger tiles, decluttering with built-in storage, grouping pictures, measuring furniture carefully, and using solid colors to enlarge a space. Biff Bartron, a partner in BW Design Group, showcases an elegant California ranch home in Wilmington that balances luxury with simplicity, reflecting his preference for peaceful, spa-like environments. Despite initially being in disrepair, Bartron envisioned an open, light-filled space. He renovated in stages, prioritizing the kitchen and bathrooms. The enlarged kitchen features two dishwashers, three microwave ovens, stainless steel sinks, granite counters, and porcelain tile floors that mimic limestone. Sleek cherry cabinets with frosted glass panels and a pass-through window enhance light. A clever design integrates a Sub-Zero refrigerator, with the back half extending into the garage. Bartron unified the public spaces by installing dark ebony-stained hardwood floors. The dining table has an acid-treated copper top, and the living room offers comfortable seating for 11 around a baby grand piano. A chocolate brown daybed and silk curtains frame a bay window, allowing the city lights to become part of the decor. His color palette and simple furniture highlight a dramatic art piece from Paris. The powder room features hand-painted bamboo shoots and polished river rocks in the sink, adding a surprise element. The master bath is a spa-like retreat with a large stone shower and bamboo accents. Guest rooms on the lower level open to a private garden, and a secondary kitchen caters to entertaining. Bartron upgraded lighting and installed a whole-house stereo system. His recent addition of an Asian-inspired front porch creates a tranquil entry. Bartron recommends an Asian-inspired palette, using frosted glass for light and privacy, pampering oneself with luxury baths and linens, keeping window treatments simple to preserve views, and choosing durable materials for pet and family-friendly living. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignerHomes #ScandinavianDesign #UrbanLiving #ModernRanch #SpacePlanning #Renovation #HomeStyling

This article details the transformation of a 2,000-square-foot prewar apartment in Park Slope, Brooklyn, designed by Williamsburg-based artist and designer Leyden Lewis. The apartment, located in a 1929 building on Prospect Park West designed by architect Emery Roth, was renovated to combine elegance with accessibility for a nonagenarian client. Lewis, who has a BFA in architecture from Parsons and teaches at various design schools, emphasized craftsmanship and attention to detail throughout the project. A central aspect of the renovation was to create a barrier-free environment, making the apartment easily navigable by walker or wheelchair. This was achieved by eliminating door saddles and incorporating numerous curved surfaces, which Lewis noted also contribute to a sense of calm and safety by reducing sharp, 90-degree corners. These curves are prominent in design elements such as a kitchen ceiling soffit and a living room fireplace, replacing previously rectilinear shapes and fostering a tranquil atmosphere within the urban setting. Significant structural changes included converting a traditional closed-off kitchen into a modern, open-concept space. Architectural details, such as plaster cove moldings, were meticulously restored or recreated to honor the apartment's original character. The design incorporated a variety of luxurious finishes, such as leather floors in the entry foyer and bronze-clad steel door surrounds for new pocket doors featuring laminated textured-glass inserts. S. Hertz and 9 Co. served as the general contractor for the renovation. The entry foyer features leather hides from Edelman Leather, cut into tiles and treated with butcher’s wax for durability. Contemporary horsehair-covered benches from Donzella complement this space. Throughout the apartment, ordinary doors were replaced with wide bronze-clad steel pocket doors with textured-glass inserts, fabricated by Brooklyn-based Face Design. In the dining room, a limestone floor from Stone Source is juxtaposed with walls upholstered in iridescent silk from Jim Thompson. The living room's curved fireplace, a custom creation made from exterior-grade concrete, serves as a sculptural focal point, anchoring the room with its soft lines. Furnishings in this area include a custom silk rug from Joseph Carini, a contemporary sofa from Donghia, vintage 1960s armchairs from Donzella, and a coffee table from Horseman Antiques. The client's existing dining set was integrated into the new design, and the dining room drapes are made from gold and bronze sheer striped fabric by Jack Lenor Larsen. The master bedroom features silk-wallpapered walls and is illuminated by an Ingo Maurer light fixture. The kitchen's design includes a curved peninsula with a quartzite countertop from Stone Source, and a ceiling soffit that harmonizes with an existing circular plumbing stack. A chandelier from jGood Design enhances the kitchen's aesthetic. Opposite the kitchen, a 1950s French confectioner’s cabinet from Conjeaud & Chappey provides storage. The bathroom, while fully compliant with ADA standards, maintains the apartment's elegant aesthetic. It features custom sandblasted steel grab bars and other metalwork by Face Design, teak shower details, Waterworks hardware, and tiles from Walker Zanger. The project successfully blends high-end design with practical accessibility, resulting in a sophisticated and comfortable home. #InteriorDesign #ParkSlope #PrewarApartment #AccessibleDesign #LuxuryInteriors #LeydenLewis #BrooklynHome #Renovation #CustomFurniture

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

James Baker's curiosity was piqued by a boxy building near the Baton Rouge Country Club, hidden behind a tall, vine-covered barrier, recognizing its departure from the traditional south Louisiana architectural style. One Sunday, he discovered the secluded home was for sale and scheduled an open house. This timing was serendipitous, as he and his wife, Marsha, had been contemplating building a new home. Upon visiting, they were immediately captivated by the property's design, which featured massive windows looking out onto a lush private garden and a dramatically designed pool. Within days, they made an offer on the house. The home’s appealing features—streamlined structural details, an open floor plan, ample space for art, and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living—are characteristic of the tropical modern architectural movement prevalent in Miami. The house, built a dozen years prior, reflected the original owner’s preference for this South Florida aesthetic. Consistent with tropical modern design, tall and wide windows and doors throughout the home offer expansive views of the landscape and water features. Polished marble flooring extends from the interior to the exterior, creating a cohesive and luxurious feel. The overall ambiance is Zen-like, filled with natural light, and conducive to relaxed living, offering a warmer interpretation of typical modernism. Despite their previous homes being more traditional, the Bakers found the contemporary vibe of this house perfectly suited for their extensive and growing art collection, which primarily consists of bold and abstract pieces. The home's empty white walls provided ideal gallery spaces for displaying art acquired during their travels, as well as works by Louisiana artists sourced through Ann Connelly Fine Art in Baton Rouge and Soren Christensen Gallery in New Orleans. For the renovation, the Bakers enlisted Todd Normand of Bernhard Normand Construction. The project involved relocating a bar nook in the main open room to a separate living area, adding a fireplace and bookshelves to the opposite side of the room, and redesigning the master bathroom to include a sleek vanity alcove. Designers Helaine Moyse and Patrick Tandy, long-term collaborators with the Bakers, helped integrate the couple’s existing classic furniture with new contemporary pieces. This blend is exemplified in the dining area, where an 8x8-foot abstract painting by Meredith Pardue is framed by Venetian glass sconces and paired with a weathered antique Spanish dining table. Marsha noted that the mix of antique and modern elements, encouraged by the designers, prevented the space from feeling overly contemporary, maintaining a sense of warmth. The existing kitchen, featuring contemporary glass, metal, and exotic wood cabinet panels, initially challenged Marsha’s preference for all-white kitchens. However, replacing the dark granite backsplash with a multi-hued linear version brightened the space, and she eventually grew to appreciate its unique style, especially noting James's enjoyment of cooking there. Marsha, alongside friends Stacey Davis and Stacy Johnson, recently launched Envy, a decorating firm that began with holiday décor and expanded into full-service design. Through Envy, Marsha sourced window treatments and other furnishings for their new home, adding personal touches to the already impressive structure. The couple also took on most of the landscaping themselves, incorporating ferns, elephant ears, and other tropical-inspired plants around existing palm trees, with some natural materials from Red Onion and additional trees from Steve Rowley of Hydro-Scapes. They enjoy working in the flowerbeds and spending evenings on their marble-floored porch, which remains shaded and comfortable, watching the sunset with their three dogs. The once-mysterious home has become a cherished, comfortable space for the Bakers. #ModernArchitecture #TropicalModernStyle #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #ArtCollection #OpenFloorPlan #OutdoorLiving #LouisianaHomes #BatonRouge

Extra&ordinary; Design is a London-based studio founded by Hyunhee Hwang, specializing in creating design-led products that elevate everyday spaces. Hwang's extensive experience in the design industry in South Korea and England, spanning over a decade, has shaped her distinctive aesthetic. This aesthetic is characterized by a blend of playful colors, sculptural forms, and the innovative use of jesmonite, a versatile composite material known for its tactile qualities and ability to mimic natural stone. The studio's latest collection, named Scala, draws inspiration from the grandeur of Roman marble architecture, specifically focusing on the visual elements of marble block stairs and columns. The Scala collection encompasses a range of home objects, including vases, candle holders, incense holders, and decorative trays. Each item within this collection is individually cast and meticulously handmade, resulting in unique marble-like characteristics and finishes. This artisanal approach ensures that no two pieces are exactly alike, adding to their individual charm and exclusivity. The use of jesmonite allows for the replication of marble's luxurious appearance while offering a more sustainable and lightweight alternative. Beyond the Scala collection, Extra&ordinary; Design also features pieces from its Jumony collection. This collection includes accessory trays and wall-mounted planters, which are distinguished by their ruffled edges. These delicate, fabric-inspired details are a direct nod to traditional Korean garments and accessories, reflecting Hwang's cultural heritage and her ability to integrate diverse influences into contemporary design. The Jumony collection's design elements evoke a sense of softness and movement, contrasting with the more structured forms of the Scala collection, yet maintaining the studio's overarching commitment to unique and visually engaging objects. Extra&ordinary; Design's philosophy centers on transforming mundane household items into pieces of art that contribute to the overall aesthetic and atmosphere of a home. By focusing on unexpected forms, vibrant colors, and innovative materials like jesmonite, the studio aims to create objects that are not only functional but also serve as focal points in a space. This approach challenges the conventional understanding of home furnishings, encouraging consumers to view everyday objects as opportunities for artistic expression and personal style. The studio’s dedication to craftsmanship and thoughtful design is evident in every piece, making each a conversation starter and a testament to the beauty that can be found in the reimagining of the ordinary. #ExtraordinaryDesign #HomeDecor #Jesmonite #SculpturalDesign #InteriorDesign #HandmadeObjects #ScalaCollection #JumonyCollection #HyunheeHwang

This article explores a Washington, D.C., home designed by Zoe Feldman, which showcases a maximalist yet restrained approach to interior design. The residence, owned by a young, fashion-forward couple with an affinity for British style, particularly House of Hackney, challenges conventional design norms by seamlessly integrating bold patterns, vibrant colors, and diverse textures. Feldman emphasizes that despite the eclectic mix of elements, the home maintains a cohesive and surprisingly neutral feel. The dining room, for instance, features a large, square layout adorned with striped Farrow & Ball wallpaper. This bold pattern, rather than being overwhelming, is described as soothing. The space offers a view into a floral-covered foyer, which in turn leads to a chartreuse-colored living room where various animal prints are harmoniously incorporated. Feldman explains that the striped wallpaper in the dining room naturally complements the William Morris Pimpernel print found in the stairwell, with both areas utilizing tame color palettes that subtly prepare visitors for the vibrant chartreuse living room. A key design philosophy employed by Feldman is balancing quirky and traditional elements, ensuring that "everything can’t be the star." This approach is evident in the inclusion of a vintage landscape tapestry in one corner and a human hand-shaped catchall for keys, a signature touch in Feldman’s projects. She stresses the importance of natural relationships between design elements, rejecting the idea of simply throwing disparate items together. The leopard stair runner is highlighted as an example of a seemingly bold choice that functions as a neutral, according to Feldman, who believes animal prints are inherently neutral and can coexist in nearly any space. The living room further exemplifies this adventurous design, featuring nude sketches by a team designer, antique glass mirror panels, and a 1970s tiger-print daybed. The striking chartreuse walls and window trim, painted in a Benjamin Moore hue matched by Fine Paints of Europe’s Hollandlac finish, create the illusion of lacquer without the associated cost and labor. In contrast to the vibrant communal spaces, the kitchen acts as a palette cleanser with its gradient blue cabinetry. Feldman applied various shades of Farrow & Ball paint—Pale Powder for the walls, Light Blue for medium door fronts, and De Nimes for pantry cupboards—to create a calming, smudged effect. The Donatello marble countertops, integrated sink, and backsplash, with their subtle blue veining, enhance this optical illusion. The adjacent family room, described as the "heartbeat of the house," is designed for both the couple and their young children. A TV is concealed behind bifold cabinet doors, painted in Farrow & Ball’s Stone Blue to match the walls and baseboards, allowing for a versatile space that can be active during the day and serene at night. Feldman’s use of antique brass grilling to disguise lower cabinet panels, a technique often used for radiators and AC returns, adds a functional yet decorative touch. The primary bedroom features an upholstered bed frame that is complemented by speckled Matouk Margot print pillows and duvet, chosen to play up the pattern rather than mute it. Feldman argues that small-scale prints can complement larger ones in ways solids cannot. The children’s bedroom incorporates playful pink dinosaur wallpaper from House of Hackney, with the border painted in an icy blue-green, a tone present in the motif, to ensure a cohesive and impactful design. This careful consideration of trim, doors, and ceiling colors maximizes the effect of the wallpaper, avoiding a stark white that would feel out of place. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #MaximalistDesign #PatternMixing #ColorPalette #ZoeFeldmanDesign #WashingtonDCHome #TextileTrends #EclecticStyle

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

Designer Leanne Ford assisted her brother, Steve Ford, and his wife, Andrea, in creating a nursery for their first child, Jack, within their 7,000-square-foot warehouse home in downtown Pittsburgh. Steve Ford had initially converted the industrial space into his residence in 2019, which later accommodated Andrea. The arrival of a baby necessitated a strategic redesign to incorporate a functional and comfortable nursery without relocating. Leanne Ford, known for her work on 'Restored by the Fords' and her design aesthetic, took on the task of transforming a former dining room/dance floor area into a 300-square-foot nursery. The chosen location for the nursery was previously an open area adjacent to an old garage door. Steve Ford undertook the construction, building a new room with double doors and a curved wall. Leanne Ford was then responsible for decorating this windowless space. Her design approach integrated elements from her Crate & Kids line, which had recently been released, featuring whitewashed woods and black accents. This style complemented the existing industrial character of the warehouse home, ensuring the nursery felt like a natural extension rather than a separate, incongruous addition. Steve and Andrea appreciated that the design seamlessly blended with their established home aesthetic. The absence of natural light in the nursery, while initially a potential challenge, proved to be advantageous for a newborn's sleep schedule. To prevent the space from feeling enclosed or dark, Leanne implemented several design strategies. She installed extra-long linen curtains from Etsy on slinky wires in front of the old garage door, which helped to soften the industrial backdrop. Layering rugs on the concrete floors added warmth and texture, making the room more inviting. Despite the 12-foot ceilings, the combination of carefully selected furniture, playful artwork, and varied textures on the walls, floor, and lighting contributed to a cozy and warm atmosphere for the entire family. Leanne Ford challenged conventional nursery layout rules by not pushing all furniture against the walls. Instead, she positioned Jack’s Canyon Spindle Crib closer to the center of the room and brought the bouclé rocker inward. This arrangement fostered a sense of flow and provided easy access for parents from multiple directions. The casual decor extended to leaning artwork on the dresser, a temporary solution until Jack becomes more mobile, and incorporating repurposed drop-cloth art from The Salt Air Farmhouse, which added a whimsical touch to the space. A significant and playful element in the nursery's design is an enormous vintage disco ball, prominently displayed over the center of the room. This choice reflects a shared affection for disco balls between Leanne and Steve, with Leanne having previously designed a disco ball holiday ornament for her Crate & Barrel collection. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the disco ball serves a functional purpose by reflecting light from the five sputnik-like flush-mount lights, illuminating the space. Steve Ford personally installed all the fixtures, utilizing his Hart Power and Hand Tools, demonstrating his hands-on involvement in the project. The article concludes by listing several products used in the nursery design, including a Homespun Kids Wicker Hamper, Canyon Spindle Crib, Joy Table Lamp, and a Faded Organic Geometric Baby Crib Quilt, all from Leanne Ford's collections. Overall, the project exemplifies a successful integration of a child's space within an unconventional industrial home, maintaining both functionality and a consistent aesthetic through thoughtful design choices and personal touches. #NurseryDesign #WarehouseConversion #IndustrialInterior #LeanneFord #KidsRooms #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #SpacePlanning #UniqueDecor

A couple residing in lower Manhattan acquired a circa 1892 Renaissance Revival brownstone and sandstone row house in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, measuring three stories high and just under 17 feet wide. While the house retained significant original details such as stained glass, wainscoting, an intact staircase, and carved Queen Anne style wood mantels, the new owners sought a brighter and more contemporary living space. They enlisted Gowanus-based architect Jeff Etelamaki to undertake a comprehensive renovation of the two upper floors, with a 'clean-up' of the garden level for an au pair or visiting family. The architect identified the primary challenges as the house's overall darkness and awkward proportions. The parlor level, for instance, suffered from a narrow entry hall, staircase, and galley kitchen that consumed a third of the house's width, leaving an exceptionally long and narrow living area (9 feet, 8 inches wide by 42 feet long). Etelamaki addressed this by opening up the hallway wall and dividing the lengthy space widthwise. An expanded kitchen was relocated to the rear of the parlor floor, and a dining area, featuring a round table to counteract the angularity of the space, was placed in the middle. This strategic repositioning was deemed the most practical solution for the layout. A significant stylistic decision involved replacing the existing ornate mantels and a large pier mirror. The homeowners opted for simpler white marble mantels, sourced from earlier-era Boston houses via New Hampshire, after the original pieces were sent to an architectural salvage warehouse in Harlem. This choice was partly facilitated by the necessity to replace the uneven and worn parquet flooring with new white oak planks from Madera Surfaces. Other improvements included removing a wall to open the stair hall and whitewashing existing dark brown woodwork to enhance brightness and modernize the interior. While much of the original detail, such as the front door, trim, wainscoting, and stair balusters, was preserved, the latter were highlighted with Farrow & Ball’s Manor House Grey. Additional design elements included abstract art by Brooklyn-based painter Alex Soffer positioned over the mantels in the parlor and kitchen areas. Two barrel-shaped chairs in the front parlor were chosen to complement the mantel's opening and prevent the narrow space from feeling overcrowded, while original stained glass panels above the parlor windows were retained. Custom kitchen cabinetry, along with a wall of glass-doored cabinets, was crafted by Tamas Matyek of Brooklyn-based Prowood. Lighting fixtures, including hanging lights over the black granite island, contemporary glass fixtures in the dining area and entry hall, and sconces throughout the house, were supplied by Allied Maker. A new powder room was integrated to the right of the kitchen, necessitating a slight bump-out into the kitchen space. Built-in white oak and mixed hardwood cabinets with integrated pulls were installed to optimize space in the kitchen, given its limited width for a dining table or banquette. On the upper floor, two smaller rooms were combined to create a single, full-width primary bedroom, with salvaged wainscoting used for repairs. The primary bedroom features furniture from Chicago’s Blu Dot. The central section of the top floor was reconfigured to include a walk-in closet and an entirely new skylit bathroom, which is partly clad in large-format porcelain tile. The existing door to a deck remained, with a potential future addition to that floor considered. #ProspectHeights #TownhouseRenovation #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalSalvage #ModernUpdate #MarbleMantels #BrooklynRenovation #EtelamakiArchitecture #HomeRedesign

The article details the renovation of a vintage three-story row house in Prospect Lefferts Gardens (PLG), led by Brooklyn-based architectural practice Studio Officina. The project was initiated by new homeowners who expressed a strong preference for vibrant colors in their interior design, a departure from currently popular monochromatic schemes. However, the renovation faced significant initial challenges, as extensive structural issues, including considerable termite damage and unresolved leaks, were discovered after demolition began. These issues necessitated the replacement of numerous joists on each floor, delaying the implementation of the homeowners' colorful vision. Once the structural repairs were completed, Studio Officina proceeded with the comprehensive renovation of the parlor level and the addition of a new bathroom on the top floor. The original layout of the 50-foot-long structure, which had been a two-family residence, featured four rooms per floor with two internal rooms and a meandering corridor, creating a somewhat inefficient and disjointed feel. The architectural team retained but modified the long hallway on the parlor floor, strategically narrowing the middle rooms to integrate a coat closet, a new powder room, and pantry storage. This adjustment aimed to enhance functionality and flow within the space. The core of the aesthetic design revolved around the bold use of paint and tile. The homeowners’ desire for color was met with unabashedly bold primary hues, meticulously balanced with substantial amounts of white to prevent the spaces from feeling overwhelming. The architect emphasized that at eye level, even in the hallway, white surfaces largely dominate the visual field, providing a clean contrast to the vibrant accents. A notable design element is the use of patterned tiles from the Margherita range by Mutina, designed by Natalie du Pasquier, a co-founder of the 1980s design collective Memphis, available through Stone Source. These tiles are featured prominently throughout the project. Specific design choices highlight the colorful theme. The staircase structure was painted a vivid blue, tempered by white wainscoting. The front parlor, serving as the living room, features walls painted in Farrow & Ball’s Stirabout, a neutral earthy tone, complementing a brown velvet sofa from Sarah Ellison, which was one of the few new furniture purchases. The kitchen, a central focus, was designed around the clients' specific request for a "pink kitchen" from "Day One." This vision materialized with a pink Samsung Bespoke refrigerator and custom cabinetry by Jon Besch. A backsplash of zellige tile from Zia Tile and natural wood elements, including open cubbies and a cabinet, were incorporated to provide textural variation and prevent the pink from dominating the space. Countertops are stone slabs from Geraci Stone Gallery, and pendant lights above the kitchen island were crafted by one of the homeowners, a ceramic artist. The dining area, adjacent to the kitchen, was created by removing a load-bearing wall to establish a wider, more open space. A Noguchi Akari light fixture illuminates the dining table. The newly added powder room and upstairs bathroom also showcase the project’s commitment to distinctive tile work. The powder room features graphic wall and floor tiles from Mutina’s Margherita line, while the upstairs bath includes a vanity from Alape and Pixel tile from Italian supplier 41zero42. Studio Officina also utilized an existing light well, enlarging it to accommodate a new skylight, enhancing natural light in the new bathroom. The article concludes by noting that until all rooms are renovated, the homeowners' children are given artistic freedom on the walls, underscoring the family-centric and personalized approach to the home’s ongoing evolution. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #ColorfulInteriors #ProspectLeffertsGardens #StudioOfficina #BrooklynRealEstate #TileDesign #StructuralRepair #CustomCabinetry