Inside David Harbour and Lily Allen’s “Weird and Wonderful” Brooklyn Town House

This blog post offers an in-depth photographic tour of the Brooklyn town house belonging to actor David Harbour and singer-actor Lily Allen, a residence described as "weird and wonderful." The couple collaborated with AD100 designer Billy Cotton and architect Ben Bischoff of MADE By to create a unique family oasis. The article features a series of 15 images, each highlighting a different area or detail of the home, providing a comprehensive look into its eclectic and thoughtfully curated interiors. The tour begins in the primary bath/sitting room, where Lily Allen is pictured. This space showcases Zuber wallpaper, Henri Caillon armchairs, and Pierre Frey carpet and shade fabric, along with a Louis XVI-style commode and Ralph Lauren home sconces. The combination of classic and contemporary elements sets a luxurious yet inviting tone. Moving to the living/garden room, both Allen and Harbour are shown. This room is distinguished by a 19th-century English chandelier, a Pier Luigi Colli cocktail table, and a custom double-sided sofa upholstered in Pierre Frey velvet with Houlès fringe. The window treatments feature Prelle chintz, and Zuber wallpaper adorns the walls, contributing to the room's rich and layered aesthetic. This space opens to a rear garden equipped with a Finnish sauna and cold plunge pavilion by Swelter House, emphasizing a blend of indoor comfort and outdoor wellness. The fireside sitting area within the living room provides a cozy retreat, further illustrating the meticulous attention to detail in fabric and material selection. A specific image captures a Venetian chair paired with a Louis XV bureau plat, positioned beneath a painting by Shara Hughes, adding an artistic touch to a functional area. The stairway, a central feature of the home, is wrapped in Loro Piana striped cotton velvet, complemented by a Pierre Frey carpet, creating a sense of grandeur and continuity throughout the vertical circulation of the house. The kitchen and dining area reflect a sophisticated yet practical design. Cabinetry by Plain English is featured alongside Ann Sacks backsplash tile and an Officine Gullo range. A custom dining table serves as the focal point. In this area, a laminated plum-colored check fabric by Claremont is utilized for the banquette, chair upholstery, and the island skirt, demonstrating a cohesive design theme. The downstairs den is characterized by a Le Manach tiger-patterned carpet and sofa fabric from Pierre Frey. This room also includes sconces by Liedekerke, a Banci Firenze side table for Gucci, and a collection of art, including a painting by Tabboo! and a drawing by Eduardo Paolozzi. The entry hall is crowned by a Venini pendant, illuminating Loro Piana cotton velvet wall covering and a Pierre Frey carpet. The primary bedroom features a bed covered in Pierre Frey silk with Houlès fringe, set against Zuber wallpaper and a Pierre Frey carpet, continuing the theme of opulent textiles and patterns. The primary bath/sitting room includes a fireplace flanked by Louis XVI-style commodes converted into washstands, and an Irish rock-crystal mirror above one of these vanities. Allen’s dressing room is equipped with custom Florense closets, combining functionality with sophisticated design. Finally, the children's bath is adorned with a China Seas Mylar wallpaper through Quadrille, with fixtures and fittings from The Water Monopoly, Speakman, Daltile, and Visual Comfort, showcasing a playful yet elegant design suited for younger occupants. #DavidHarbour #LilyAllen #BrooklynTownhouse #InteriorDesign #BillyCotton #BenBischoff #ZuberWallpaper #PierreFrey #LuxuryHomes

Architectural and interior design duo Arya and Michael Martin, founders of Studio OSKLO, have spent three years meticulously crafting their biophilic home in the Hollywood Hills. Their design philosophy focuses on integrating nature and minimalist aesthetics, blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living. The property, located in the exclusive Doheny Estates, features an earthy color palette and natural materials, harmonizing with the surrounding granite hillside. The home incorporates elements typical of 1960s and 1970s Los Angeles architecture, such as architectural columns that conceal a series of interconnecting terraces accessible from every living space. A central atrium with a second-floor overlook brings greenery into the heart of the home, complemented by walls of rift oak and matte plaster detailing. Large retracting glass panels and expansive corridors create an open atmosphere, offering views of black olive trees, grasses, and aged stepping stones. The exterior uses white and cream tones to soften the columns, which are exposed to direct sunlight. Hinoki-inspired wooden paneling wraps the second-floor terraces to provide privacy. A limestone promenade leads to a zero-edge pool, a private dining garden with a fireplace, and a granite rock formation inspired by the luxury hotel Amangiri in Utah. Inside, the plasterwork is predominantly white, with exceptions in the taupe cloakroom and the oak-paneled TV room. The sitting room features a fireplace carved from a two-ton block of Paloma limestone, assembled on-site by 16 men. The kitchen boasts Calacatta Paonazzo marble, lending a vintage feel to the contemporary space, while a Calacatta gold marble bar adds warmth. Each bedroom is designed with a unique palette to enhance personality. The interiors are furnished with a rich mix of textures, including boucle, velvet, mohair, and linen. Irani carpets, inherited from Arya’s family, blend seamlessly with pieces by notable designers like Vladimir Kagan, Gio Ponti, and Rick Owens. The couple also incorporated collectibles from their travels to Madrid, São Paulo, and Marrakech, creating a curated global aesthetic. Many furniture pieces were custom-made by Studio OSKLO, characterized by gentle abstract shapes and textures. Accessories from Tokyo, sourced during their trips to Japan in 2021 and 2022, contribute an Eastern influence to the Los Angeles views. Pottery, 19th-century bronzes, and clay objects are artfully displayed on built-ins, shelving, and tabletops. The dining room features a Tamara de Lempicka artwork, and a 1960s-era bronze bust adorns the second-floor hallway, reflecting the Martins’ personal tastes and careful attention to every detail in their home. #BiophilicDesign #HollywoodHills #StudioOSKLO #MinimalistInteriors #NaturalMaterials #EarthyPalette #LuxuryHomes #CustomFurniture #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesigners

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

A circa 1824 brick townhouse in Brooklyn Heights, formerly owned by landscape designer Alice Ireys, underwent a decorative makeover by Brooklyn-based design studio White Arrow for a family with two school-age children. The homeowners desired a design that honored the home's history while incorporating a fresh, modern sensibility, with a particular appreciation for cozy, antique elements and the simplicity of modern design. Keren Richter, co-founder and principal designer of White Arrow, aimed to create interiors that felt rooted in tradition yet updated for a young family. This project was a decorative overhaul rather than a gut renovation, as the townhouse's historical integrity, including Federal-era details like the newel post, stair, and parlor moldings, had been well-preserved by the previous owner. The structure, mechanical systems, and the four-story layout were suitable for a family of four, described by Richter as not overly grand, allowing for an intimate living experience. The design approach was strategic, focusing on enhancing existing features and introducing new decorative elements. Inspired by British decorating aesthetics, characterized by pattern mixing, florals, and a sense of coziness, White Arrow removed old wallpaper, repainted walls, and introduced layered lighting. Most of the furnishings were new acquisitions. The front parlor, designated as an adult entertaining space, features a crescent-shaped green velvet sofa and a Kant coffee table by RW Guild, chosen for their curvilinear forms to promote gathering and a convivial atmosphere. The room's white paint was selected to highlight the patterning of the antique fireplace tiles, avoiding visual clutter that wallpaper might introduce. The entry hall includes a Sawkille Rabbit bench beneath a contemporary photograph by Dean West. The rear parlor houses the formal dining room, which is adorned with hand block-printed wallpaper by Marthe Armitage for Hamilton Weston. A custom O’lampia chandelier illuminates a Nickey Kehoe Harvest dining table and Svenskt Tenn dining chairs. A modernist console and various artworks were brought by the homeowners from their previous residence. The garden level hosts the kitchen in the center, with a dining/breakfast area at the rear and a children's play area at the front. The kitchen cabinets are painted a pale blue from Fine Paints of Europe, complemented by Gordon stools from Lostine and rattan cone lights from Soane. The family dining area, situated at the rear of the garden level, opens to the backyard through sliding glass doors and features a round Bobbin table by Alfred Newall. A boldly striped stair runner connects the four floors of the house, adding a consistent design element. The second floor includes a sitting/family room adjacent to the primary bedroom. This room, painted in a deep blue, is conceived as an evening space with ample seating, including a rolled-arm sectional and a Chinese Art Deco rug. The dark color scheme in this room is intended to create a cozy, English library-like atmosphere and discreetly camouflage the television. The primary bedroom is furnished with a Kyma headboard by Ensemblier and a Nickey Kehoe bench upholstered in striped fabric by Flora Soames. The main bathroom retained its existing claw-foot bathtub and blue painted floors, requiring minimal intervention. The children’s top-floor bedrooms feature dormer windows, with the daughter's room enveloped in Svensk Tenn botanical wallpaper and the son's room decorated with bold primary colors, both designed to create lasting memories. #BrooklynHeights #TownhouseRenovation #InteriorDesign #EnglishDesign #WhiteArrow #HistoricHome #DecorativeMakeover #FamilyHome #TraditionalModernBlend

Australian designer Greg Natale's firm undertook the makeover of a narrow 19th-century town house in New York, drawing inspiration from the art deco era as seen through 1970s European cinema. The project, located on Manhattan's Upper East Side, was commissioned by repeat clients Leticia Francini and Stephen Ninnes, who sought to infuse their new American pied-à-terre with the color, pattern, and layering reminiscent of maximalist European restaurants. The four-story, mixed-use property includes a ground-floor retail space, which was converted into a white-box studio for their Art With Love Foundation, offering free workshops in Renaissance painting techniques. Natale's design approach for the 3,330-square-foot residence involved painting rooms—walls and ceilings—in a rich palette of blush, plum, terra-cotta, and various greens. Colorful shades of veined marble, such as Calacatta Viola, Rosso Levanto, and Verde Alpi, are extensively used on floors, walls, countertops, a fireplace, and to frame portals and doors. The intricate stonework was facilitated by the clients' relationship with an Italian quarrier, who cut the marble in Italy and sent masons to New York for installation. An exterior intervention included reinstating a historically appropriate double street entrance, with two doors defined by fluted limestone pilasters, leading separately to the art foundation and the residence. Engineered oak flooring in a herringbone pattern, designed by Natale, is used throughout much of the home, creating a vivid and welcoming interior within the narrow 12½-foot-wide brick building. The town house, previously renovated in the 1970s, retained its general layout but was stripped to the studs. The living spaces, including a sitting room, kitchen, and dining room, are situated on the middle level, flanked by two two-bedroom floors to accommodate the clients' five adult children. Mirror paneling, especially an art deco-inflected arrangement of bronze- and smoke-hued rectangles in the dining area, enhances the sense of space. The dining area also features a starburst molding centered on an 1980s Murano-glass chandelier, a modern interpretation of Italy's Liberty style. Murals play a significant role in setting the European tone, with an embroidered linen-and-silk mural based on Henri Matisse’s Jazz cutouts in the second-floor hallway and a wallpaper blowup of Wassily Kandinsky’s 1935 painting Deux points verts in the living room. The furniture selection combines vintage and contemporary Italian pieces. The living room features a Gianfranco Frattini 1970s Sesann sofa and Arnold Madsen 1944 Clam armchairs, complemented by a concrete-framed Iris mirror by Shawna and Matt Heide and a custom Anna Bonino paper pendant fixture. The dining area includes Dirk van der Kooij’s recycled-plastic Meltingpot table and Juliana Lima Vasconcellos’s Giraffe chairs. The main bathroom showcases Italian rationalism with a complex inlaid-marble shower pattern, while the adjacent bedroom features Mehmet and Dimonah Iksel’s hand-painted White Blossom wallpaper and Vincent Darré’s Neofutur headboard. A notable feature is the dressing room, connected to the main bedroom by marble-encrusted portals, designed to resemble a high-end boutique with sculptural marble-slab dividers forming open closets. #GregNatale #NewYorkTownHouse #ArtDeco #EuropeanCinemaInfluence #MaximalistDesign #MarbleInteriors #VintageFurniture #CustomMurals #InteriorRenovation

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

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

The 2024 Brooklyn Heights Designer Showhouse, located at a landmarked four-story Greek Revival townhouse at 182 Clinton Street, opened to the public and will run through November 3. Benefiting the Brooklyn Heights Association, the showhouse features rooms envisioned by various local interior designers, transforming the mid-19th-century dwelling with inventive and colorful vignettes. The house, historically part of “Doctors’ Row” and later home to the Penny Bridge Opera Company and Alcoholics Anonymous founder Bill Wilson, now showcases a diverse range of design aesthetics. Jennifer Morris of JMorris Design created an enchanted forest theme for the entry area and original staircase, inspired by local green spaces. She commissioned a 33-panel mural from Brooklyn maker Eskayel, which wraps the vestibule, entry hall, and lower floors, transitioning to a pale limewash on upper levels. Mossy green carpet on each floor enhances the illusion of a natural canopy. Allegra O. Eifler designed the front parlor, blending sophistication with casual elements. The room’s salmon wall color was inspired by the original marble mantel. Slipcovered seating with custom button details and antique wood pieces are arranged minimally on flatweave rugs, complemented by a gilded chandelier made of pressed metal leaves, adding a touch of lightness to the traditionally formal space. Steven Walsh’s rear parlor draws inspiration from Hubert de Givenchy's 1970s Paris apartment, exuding a glamorous yet refined ambiance. Faux suede wallcovering, a backless daybed, black leather club chairs, rose gold-plated nesting tables, and an abstract painting create an inviting and impressive space for entertaining. On the second floor, Lynn Kloythanomsup of Landed Interiors envisioned the primary bedroom as a late-summer meadow. This concept is brought to life through extraordinary bas-relief plaster ornamentation by Brooklyn-based Arkada Plus, depicting wildflowers and wheatgrass. A woven leather headboard by Jim Zivic Design, a Josef Hoffmann chandelier, and an Arts and Crafts-era chair add contrast, while a steel floor lamp introduces an unexpected element. Isy’s Interiors designed the en suite primary bathroom, incorporating a leafy Rebel Walls pattern to align with the house's overall forest theme. The designers worked with existing beige travertine countertops and floors, adding playful scalloped backsplash tiles and deep green-painted wood window shutters to enhance the space. Sisters Parul Jain Ghei and Kanika Jain Gupta of Studio Jai created a dramatic and functional writer’s study. Dark blue-green wallpaper from Ever Atelier, a chandelier with pastel glass discs by Tracy Glover Studio, and custom millwork with hidden desktops and bookshelves define the space. Whimsical art and accessories, such as a Hansel-and-Gretel candelabra by Nicholas Devlin, complete the room. Megan Prime and Joe McGuier of JAM crafted a "Midnight Study" with bold red-orange wallpaper, a William Morris carpet, and an asymmetrical amber marble mantel of their own design. The room features a 1930s Swedish cabinet, wood ceiling trim, and Art Deco plaster crown molding. A 1970s French table lamp and a cocktail bar, converted from a closet with gilded walls and a furry rug, showcase their unique approach to vintage finds and bespoke elements. Jennifer and Albe Angulo of Casa Angulo furnished a top-floor study for a creative individual using pieces sourced from live auctions. The room, described as a collector’s trove, includes an antique secretary desk, a shearling-covered Danish sofa, a Kandinsky-inspired wall hanging, 19th-century footstools, and a 1950s Gino Sarfatti pendant light, all anchored by an antique Persian rug. Rebecca Amir designed a charming and versatile children’s room with a blue-gray palette. The room features a canopy bed with a Schumacher print and an ethereal floral mural by Robert Christian on closet doors. Inspired by Block Island, the design incorporates white shiplap on the ceiling, shutters, and vintage white wicker furniture. Alyssa Alon of Alon Studio transformed a ground-floor powder room and a skylit top-floor bath. The upstairs bath, previously pink, now features waterproof tadelakt plaster, a marble vanity shelf, egg-and-dart molding, and brass sconces from Rosie Li Studio. Kate McElhiney took a practical approach to an existing top-floor bath, using Venetian plaster walls and “rental hacks” such as a Velcro-attached vanity skirt, battery-powered sconces, and a fabric window treatment using tension rods. Shapeless Studio created a nocturnal fantasy in the ground-floor mudroom, featuring a ceiling dusted with silver stars, polished brass wall hooks, a mural by children’s book illustrator Esmé Shapiro, a large Calacatta Viola marble bench, and a hand-carved sculptural screen by James Harmon, replacing a stair rail. Rinehardt | Miller Interiors designed a dining room/lounge on the garden level, prioritizing books, art, and conversation. A blue velvet banquette, a gleaming double-pedestal table, a striped velvet swivel chair, and an open expanse of ruddy textured carpet define the space. A neon sign above the mantel, reading “It was all a dream,” adds a celebratory touch. Ingui Architecture and BIA Interiors renovated the kitchen at the rear of the garden level, transforming it from white-on-white to a rich, deep emerald. The design emphasizes luxury and elevation, with two-tone limestone floors, a marble island with triple-bullnose edging, and vertically ribbed glass behind backlit shelving. Sliding glass doors connect the kitchen to the backyard. Project Plant designed the back garden with four tiers of expansive limestone hardscaping, offering a breathing space for city dwellers. Seasonal goldenrod and rudbeckia, ferns, and shade-tolerant species create a living canvas, complemented by acuba along a butter-colored back wall. Hormuz Batliboi of Batliboi Studio conjured an atmospheric plum-colored media room in the subterranean cellar. The room features crimson drapes, plush tiered seating with child-size nooks, and state-of-the-art hexagonal speakers disguised as wall art. A turntable for vinyl records and the immersive feel evoke an old-time movie palace, blending modern technology with nostalgic elements. The showhouse is open Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Thursdays until 8 p.m., through November 3. General admission is $50, with discounts for BHA members and students. Proceeds support the Brooklyn Heights Association's community initiatives, including plans for the BQE reconstruction and small business development on Montague Street. #BrooklynHeightsShowhouse #InteriorDesign #GreekRevivalTownhouse #BespokeDetails #LocalDesigners #HomeDecor #Renovation #ArchitecturalGrandeur #DesignImagination

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

The new owners of a wood-frame rowhouse, initially covered in vinyl siding, approached architect Alexandra Barker with a 1940s New York City tax photo, aiming to restore the house's historical appearance while integrating their preference for modern design, ample light, and vibrant colors. Barker, from Barker Freeman Design Office, assured them that both traditional elements and contemporary details could be successfully combined. The extensive renovation involved replacing the vinyl siding with cedar, and installing larger windows on the parlor and basement levels to enhance natural light, a departure from the historical two-window configuration but essential for the owners' vision. Inside, the house lacked any original details worth preserving, except for a skylight featuring Crayola-colored glass panels. This skylight served as a central inspiration for incorporating bright, clear colors throughout the interior, manifested through accent walls, ceramic tiles, and furnishings. While some original interior framing was retained, all walls were rebuilt with Sheetrock, allowing for subtle adjustments to room proportions. The clients desired to keep some walls in their original layout, particularly the one separating the front hall from the main living space on the parlor floor. New pocket doors were strategically installed here and elsewhere to offer flexibility in closing off spaces, featuring simple French doors with large glass lights and a minimalist design. The rear wall of the parlor floor was replaced with commercial storefront glazing, finished in anodized aluminum, to further open up the space. The exterior features a traditional cornice, window moldings, and a salvaged double front door, maintaining a connection to the circa-1940 aesthetic. The white cedar clapboard siding, sealed to preserve its natural hue, represents a modern approach to the facade. The front entry hall incorporates gray-blue painted stair risers, a newel post and balusters in a historic style, while the original staircase was preserved. The existing flooring underwent sanding, bleaching, and pickling. The central part of the parlor floor functions as a family/media room, marked by a blue sofa. The fireplace area features reclaimed brick veneer on the chimney breast and a canister fuel source hearth cabinet. Custom consoles and walnut shelves were crafted by CK Construction, with furnishings selected by the homeowner with Barker's guidance. The kitchen on the parlor floor utilizes IKEA cabinet boxes with custom Semihandmade fronts in walnut and white. Ann Sacks Lucien glass tile serves as the backsplash, and Basalto floor tile from Complete Tile was installed. The back wall employs a commercial storefront system by Arcadia Inc. A small powder room on the parlor floor is distinguished by red Ann Sacks tile, a Duravit sink, and a custom walnut countertop. The top floor accommodates a master bedroom with a full-height storage wall, a master bathroom, two children's rooms, and a small children's bath with green Ann Sacks tile. The basement level features a painted and waterproofed textured stone foundation wall, a new wood floor that extends to form the side of the staircase with hidden storage, and a layout that positions mechanicals centrally to maximize natural light in front and rear rooms. A home office and a guest room are also located in the basement. The rear facade presents a more contemporary look with tongue-and-groove white cedar planks and anodized aluminum windows and doors. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #EastWilliamsburg #Rowhouse #ModernTraditionalMix #AlexandraBarker #ArchitecturalDesign #BrooklynHomes

The annual Real Simple Home event has transformed a historic Romanesque Revival row house at 1259 Dean Street in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, into a fully renovated and decorated show house. This impressive four-story residence, built around 1892, was purchased by Adam Dahill in 2012 and featured on the Crown Heights House Tour in 2013. After over a decade and a year of intensive construction, the townhouse has undergone a comprehensive restoration and redesign, spearheaded by AlexAllen Studio and numerous designers, including the Brooklyn-based Brownstone Boys (Jordan Slocum and Barry Bordelon). The renovation preserved many of the home's original features, such as intricate woodwork, carved wood mantels, and a striking onyx surround. The project focused on restoring these historical elements while integrating modern functionality and design. Key structural changes include moving the kitchen to the parlor level, adding exterior decks, and meticulously restoring the grand staircase to its original configuration. The designers drew inspiration from the house's existing details, particularly the vibrant stained glass in the front, which influenced the jewel tones used in the parlor's upholstered furniture, including a muted pink sofa and rusty-toned chairs. The parlor floor, primarily designed by the Brownstone Boys, showcases a harmonious blend of old and new. A previously overlooked area in the center of the house has been transformed into a cozy reading nook, featuring Umbria wallpaper by Spoonflower, printed on grasscloth, and period-appropriate embossed Lincrusta on the ceiling. The fretwork screen and the main stair were expertly restored by Omar Oulouah of Brooklyn Artisan Wood Crafts. The kitchen, a collaborative effort between AlexAllen Studio and the Brownstone Boys, beautifully juxtaposes refinished, elaborately carved woodwork with a contemporary marble island and countertops. A clever design choice involved placing the range and a modern white cube vent in a niche where a built-in bookcase once stood, making efficient use of space without disrupting the original architectural flow. Alexandra Burr of AlexAllen Studio emphasized the importance of integrating these original wooden elements into the kitchen's core design. The home also features unique design elements throughout. A butler’s pantry was painted a striking scarlet, inspired by a reddish-veined marble slab. The adjacent powder room includes Spoonflower wallpaper and a distinctive carved stone wall-hung sink sourced from Turkey. Outdoors, Brooklyn Grange, with Michelle Cashen, Ben Flanner, and Travers Martin, landscaped the garden and two newly added decks. The cellar, after receiving a vapor barrier and epoxy floor, was converted into a speakeasy by Kate Pearce of Kate Pearce Vintage. Upstairs, various designers contributed to the bedrooms and bathrooms, with Jessica Davis, Amber Guyton, Marrisa Hagmeyer and Ashley Murphy, Hema Persad, Jasmine Roth, and Mikel Welch each bringing their unique vision to different spaces. Sponsors like Pella Windows & Doors, Spoonflower, and Valspar supported the project. The show house is open for tours, with proceeds from ticket sales benefiting Win (Women in Need), New York City’s largest shelter and services nonprofit dedicated to homeless families. Adam Dahill, who has developed a reputation for historically sensitive brownstone renovations, plans to keep the house and eventually move back in with his family, currently residing in Prospect Heights. In the interim, he seeks a family to rent the upstairs portion of the revitalized property. #CrownHeights #RealSimpleHome #TownhouseRenovation #HistoricPreservation #InteriorDesign #BrownstoneBoys #AlexAllenStudio #BrooklynRealEstate #Showhouse

Blair Harris Interior Design, a relatively new name in the New York design landscape, has completed a remarkable renovation of an Upper East Side townhouse. This project exemplifies sophisticated interior design, blending opulent textures, colors, and patterns to create an atmosphere of regal allure. The architectural elements of the townhouse, such as floor-to-ceiling windows, intricate ceiling medallions, detailed molding, and bespoke built-ins, provide a foundation for the luxurious aesthetic. The living room's design centers around a harmonious interplay of cool blue-purple tones and various shades of warm brown, which complement the dark hardwood floors. Large plantation shutters on the extensive front windows enhance the room's natural luminosity. Adjacent to the main living area is a secondary, less formal seating space, distinguished by a unique light fixture resembling a cactus or sea urchin. This fixture's angular design is softened by the plush textures of a wide sofa and chaise, while dark built-ins and an accent chair further enrich the space. The dining room echoes the color scheme of blue, purple, and warm browns. A substantial dark hardwood table, surrounded by opulent purple dining chairs, anchors the room. Light blue walls and glass chandeliers with an ice-like appearance contribute to a lighter, more inviting ambiance. The kitchen, in contrast, is characterized by its bright and airy feel, with white cabinets and a kitchen table that reflect the abundant natural sunlight. Light blue tiles provide a decorative accent on the kitchen walls. Throughout the townhouse, decorative elements such as low-relief designs on molding and ceilings, and intricately inlaid floor patterns, underscore the attention to detail. The stairwell, connecting the lower and upper levels, features a chic gold light fixture and a rich banister, adding to the home's overall elegance. The design team's approach has successfully integrated color, texture, and material into each room, crafting a cohesive and inviting narrative for the clients. #UpperEastSide #TownhouseDesign #BlairHarrisInteriorDesign #LuxuryInteriors #NewYorkDesign #InteriorDecoration #OpulentDetails

Domino’s design director, Brit Ashcraft, and her husband, Sean, transformed their 1887 Victorian home in Hudson, New York, from a weekend retreat to a permanent residence, infusing it with an edgy, modern aesthetic while preserving its inherent character. Initially drawn to the home’s unique charm, despite its lack of modern conveniences, Brit was captivated by its “witch’s house” appeal, characterized by non-straight walls and stained-glass windows. When they decided to relocate permanently from Manhattan, they opted for thoughtful cosmetic updates rather than a full-scale renovation, embracing a philosophy of “splurge vs. save.” One of the initial projects involved a complete overhaul of the single bathroom. They replaced laminate flooring with black hex tiles, painted the wainscoting black, and installed a wall-mounted toilet to maximize space. A significant splurge was the metallic swan wallpaper by Nina Campbell, which added a touch of luxury to the small room. The kitchen underwent a two-phase renovation. Initially, they painted the walls and cabinets to brighten the space, removed decorative trim for a modern look, replaced granite countertops with stained and sealed butcher block, and updated hardware and lighting. The second phase involved a more daring color choice: drenching the entire kitchen in Farrow & Ball’s Dibber, a Martini olive green, after extensive testing. They also added a 2x2 checkerboard backsplash and upgraded hardware to unlacquered brass, aiming for a consistent, edgy aesthetic. Despite the updates, some practical limitations, like the fridge’s awkward corner placement and the lack of counter space around the sink due to windows, were accepted as part of living in an older home, mitigated by creative solutions like a movable prep table. Brit admitted to a slight regret regarding the initial decision to paint the entire house in a single white with green undertones and a gray trim that sometimes appeared purple, wishing she had chosen warmer tones. The dining room features a striking black and white scheme, anchored by a chandelier from Rejuvenation and dining chairs from Safavieh. The living room required three sofa changes before they settled on a modern Crate & Barrel sectional, chosen for its hard-wearing upholstery and low profile to deter cats. Lighting in the living room is intentionally layered, with bright sconces near the fireplace and a soft West Elm lamp, as Brit dislikes overhead lighting. Brit and Sean’s offices reflect their individual personalities and collections. Brit’s office features IKEA shelving filled with sentimental items, including gifts from friends and family, and a large DIY pinboard displaying cherished memories and inspiring imagery. Sean’s office, conversely, is a testament to his “maximalist” and “nostalgist” tendencies, packed with vintage Star Wars toys, Indiana Jones action figures, and other pop culture memorabilia, alongside art from various artists. He also proudly displays an original 1977 Italian movie poster for Star Wars. The guest bedroom, though small, was optimized for functionality by pushing the bed into a corner, creating more movement space, and incorporating blanket ladders, hooks, and baskets for storage due to the house’s small closets. The primary bedroom, which serves as a repository for overflow items like art and books, has also seen the bed rearranged multiple times to find the most functional layout. The couple frequently engages in weekend activities around Hudson, New York, such as coffee on the porch, visits to local eateries, vintage shopping, and outdoor movie nights, fully embracing their life in the quirky, re-imagined Victorian home. #VictorianHome #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #EdgyDecor #KitchenDesign #BathroomRenovation #EclecticStyle #SmallSpaceSolutions #HudsonValleyLiving

This article highlights a two-bedroom corner condominium located at 29 Tiffany Place in Brooklyn's Columbia Street Waterfront district. The residence is a warehouse conversion that seamlessly blends rustic structural elements with sophisticated, custom renovations. The home features 11-foot ceilings and expansive oversized windows equipped with attractive wood blinds. These design choices complement the exposed post-and-beam construction and original wood details, maintaining the building's historical character while introducing modern comforts. The interior design incorporates a diverse color palette, transitioning from serene grays to a distinctive Tiffany blue, which adds a unique touch to the living space. The kitchen has undergone a recent renovation, featuring new GE appliances, including a range and refrigerator, a GE dishwasher, and sleek quartz countertops. A wooden breakfast bar serves as a functional and aesthetic divider between the kitchen and the generously proportioned, open-plan living room, fostering a sense of continuity and spaciousness. Attention to detail is evident throughout the condominium, particularly in the bedrooms. The master bedroom is painted in a pale Farrow & Ball gray, creating a tranquil atmosphere. Storage solutions have been carefully considered, with custom walk-in his-and-hers closets designed by transFORM, maximizing organizational efficiency. The second bedroom is also equipped with optimized storage, featuring closets designed by transFORM, along with additional coat and storage closets to meet diverse storage needs. The bathroom is presented as fresh and modern, characterized by ample natural light, contributing to a bright and inviting environment. Beyond the individual unit, the building offers a range of desirable amenities, enhancing the living experience for residents. These include a well-equipped gym, a communal roof deck offering scenic views, convenient laundry facilities, and additional storage options. The presence of a live-in superintendent ensures prompt assistance and maintenance, while a dedicated bike room caters to residents' cycling needs. This condominium at 29 Tiffany Place represents a harmonious blend of historical architecture, modern renovation, and practical amenities, making it a distinctive offering in the Columbia Street Waterfront neighborhood. #BrooklynRealEstate #CondominiumLiving #WarehouseConversion #ColumbiaStreetWaterfront #InteriorDesign #CustomRenovation #TiffanyPlace #NYCRealEstate #RusticModern

Homepolish designer Tali Roth offers practical advice for renters looking to personalize their temporary living spaces, emphasizing that a rental unit's potential should not be wasted due to its temporary nature. She asserts that individuals often reside in rentals longer than anticipated, making it essential to create a comfortable and personalized environment rather than living in a state of limbo. Roth's own Chelsea loft serves as a prime example of how to infuse personal style into a rental without undertaking extensive, permanent renovations that could jeopardize a security deposit. Roth suggests focusing on easily modifiable elements within a rental. Lighting and window treatments are identified as key areas for impactful changes. For instance, an existing, generic light fixture can be replaced with a more aesthetically pleasing one. In her dining room, Roth replaced an IKEA light with a Synapse chandelier by Apparatus Studio, which helped to make the space feel cozier by lowering the ceiling's visual height. For those hesitant to alter existing wiring, sculptural wall lamps that plug into outlets and can be mounted high are presented as a viable alternative. Installing blinds and full-length curtains is also recommended to add warmth, texture, and privacy, with Roth opting for gray Belgian flax linen curtains to complement her home's modern color scheme. The article highlights Roth's innovative approach to customizing furniture, particularly her collaboration with Semihandmade to transform standard IKEA cabinet systems. Through this, she added custom taupe doors, a counter, and brass hardware to her units, demonstrating how affordable, modular furniture can be elevated to appear bespoke. One of the most significant transformations in Roth's loft was the application of faux concrete to a large wall by i faux. This technique was used to address the challenge of vast, white rental walls, adding significant texture and depth to prevent the space from feeling like a stark, empty box. Roth's design philosophy embraces geometric patterns and chunky forms, which she refers to as a "Flintstones aesthetic," influenced by her appreciation for modernism. This theme is consistently applied throughout her home, evident in sculptural vases, Hubble Wall Sconces by Pietro Russo for Baxter in the living room, and terrazzo wallpaper in the bathroom. While Roth chose traditional wallpaper, the article also suggests removable wallpaper options for renters seeking less commitment. The process of designing each rental space is also presented as a learning opportunity, allowing individuals to refine their tastes and understand what works best for their lifestyle, including considerations for living with young children. Roth shares a personal insight regarding her velvet couch, noting that its susceptibility to watermarks might lead her to choose a different material in future rentals, at least until her son is older. Ultimately, Roth emphasizes that customizing a rental is a common practice, particularly in cities like New York, where landlords generally expect tenants to personalize their living spaces. She reassures renters that most lease agreements simply require the unit to be returned to its original state, detailing her plans to reverse her changes, such as reinstalling the original light fixture, deconstructing the faux concrete, removing wallpaper, and repainting walls white, before moving out. #RentalDesign #LoftLiving #InteriorDecor #HomepolishDesigner #TaliRoth #DIYDecor #ApartmentRenovation #ModernAesthetic #IKEAHacks

This article offers a glimpse into the New York City home of actors Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, highlighting its unique blend of rustic charm and urban sophistication. Despite its prime Tribeca location, the residence evokes the feeling of a secluded cabin, characterized by weathered floors, a vast open layout, and distinctive architectural details. The couple, known for their privacy, occasionally share snippets of their homes on social media, revealing a design aesthetic that prioritizes personal touches and a moody-chic ambiance. Key features of their NYC abode include intricate rugs, a marble bathtub, and, most notably, prominent wood beams spanning tall ceilings. These elements contribute to the home's rustic character, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. In a rare social media post from 2023, Lively provided a candid view of her luxurious bedroom, showcasing an unmade bed that added a touch of relatability to the otherwise opulent setting. For those inspired by Lively and Reynolds' home design, the article provides actionable advice on how to recreate a similar rustic aesthetic. It acknowledges the challenge and expense of sourcing and installing authentic reclaimed wood beams but offers a more accessible alternative: faux beams, such as those available from Architectural Depot. Additionally, the article suggests replicating the couple's wooden wall paneling, which envelops the room in rustic charm. Options for achieving this look range from easy-to-mount reclaimed wood wall paneling from Wayfair to more budget-friendly and renter-friendly solutions like wood-patterned peel-and-stick wallpaper available on Amazon. The overall design philosophy of Lively and Reynolds' NYC home appears to be a deliberate effort to create a sanctuary that feels detached from the urban hustle while remaining firmly within the city. This blend of remote cabin aesthetics with penthouse living is achieved through a careful selection of materials and design elements that prioritize natural textures, warmth, and a sense of history. The home serves as an example of how to infuse a personal and character-rich design into a metropolitan living space. #CelebrityHomes #NYCInteriorDesign #RusticChic #HomeDecorInspiration #BlakeLively #RyanReynolds #ArchitecturalDesign #DIYHomeDecor