Blowing Out the Back Wall and Adding Farmhouse Flair in Brooklyn

Jessica Siegel and her husband purchased a four-story, 11-foot-wide Carroll Gardens home in December, after the initial buyer withdrew due to extensive structural issues, including water damage, sagging floors, and severe termite infestation. Despite these challenges, Siegel, a designer at GDD Interiors, viewed the property's deteriorated state as an opportunity for a comprehensive renovation to restore its original grandeur while optimizing the limited space. The mid-19th-century house, though narrow, featured appealing architectural elements such as a curved staircase and elegant moldings. The inspector noted the termite damage was the most significant he had encountered in the neighborhood. Siegel’s vision was to preserve the home's historic character while modernizing its functionality. By June, the Siegels engaged architect Brenda Nelson from NVDA and Kelly Construction as their contractor. The demolition phase progressed rapidly due to the small footprint of the house. During this process, they discovered an additional three feet of ceiling height on the top floor, which was a pleasant surprise. Siegel took charge of the entire design process, including the layout, room dimensions, and the selection of all interior elements, from kitchen marble to plumbing fixtures, lighting, millwork, and furniture. The renovation necessitated a complete overhaul of the home’s infrastructure, including new plumbing, electrical systems, and central air and heating. A key aspect of the renovation involved modifying the garden-level kitchen. The back wall was removed, the remaining brick repointed, and a steel beam installed for structural support. A custom hot-rolled steel window wall, manufactured by A&S;, was then fitted, significantly transforming the space. This window, though costly, was considered a worthwhile investment by Siegel, as it dramatically enhanced the floor's aesthetic and openness. Photographs detail the kitchen's condition before and during the renovation, illustrating the extent of the work. The project also focused on preserving and re-creating the home's original moldings. Due to minimal previous updates, many original moldings were still present, albeit damaged. When sections were beyond repair, the contractor used salvageable pieces as templates for milling new ones. Plaster moldings were entrusted to a specialist for duplication. Additional pieces were sourced from Dykes. Approximately half of the finished moldings, including those on the parlor floor ceiling, are original, with the other half being new reproductions. The cost for plaster restoration was approximately $10,000, and woodwork restoration cost around $18,000. Furnishing the 11-foot-wide home required meticulous planning, emphasizing quality over quantity. Siegel carefully selected a smaller number of pieces that fit perfectly and were aesthetically pleasing. The design principle of ensuring easy passage throughout the home was crucial. For instance, a built-in banquette was incorporated into the entryway to serve as a dining solution, as a traditional dining set would not fit. Custom furniture, including a long, narrow table for the parlor, was ordered to accommodate the unique dimensions of the home. The renovation successfully blended historical preservation with modern living requirements, transforming a neglected property into a functional and elegant home. #HomeRenovation #CarrollGardens #NarrowHouse #HistoricPreservation #InteriorDesign #TermiteDamage #StructuralRenovation #CustomMillwork

Architects frequently recommend transforming dark, elongated Brooklyn row houses into vibrant, spacious living areas by opening up the rear wall, a technique colloquially known as "blowing out the back." This renovation involves installing a wall of windows, often spanning the parlor or garden level, to introduce natural light and connect the indoor space with the outdoors. This architectural intervention seamlessly integrates 19th-century brownstone aesthetics with modern design principles, significantly enhancing the daily living experience for residents. The popularity of this modification is evident, with architects like Drew Lang receiving numerous requests specifically for this type of renovation, underscoring its profound impact on a home's ambiance. Various approaches exist for implementing this rear wall transformation. Depending on the house layout, especially if the kitchen is located at the back of the parlor level, an architect might install counter-height windows above lower cabinetry. In some instances, floor-to-ceiling accordion doors are used to create a seamless transition to the exterior. For more extensive renovations, a window system might extend across multiple stories, necessitating additional structural support. Material choices for these windows range from standard aluminum clad and more economical commercial storefront windows to the premium and most expensive steel options. Drew Lang favors replacing the entire back wall with a floor-to-ceiling steel window due to its slender profile, which maximizes glass area. However, such a significant alteration comes at a substantial cost, with starting prices around $75,000. This estimate typically covers demolition, structural work, and the window itself but may not include high-quality, thermally broken steel windows, which are designed to prevent heat transfer. Despite the high investment, Lang emphasizes that the transformation dramatically impacts light transmission throughout the house and improves the overall feel of the interior spaces. Architect Alexandra Barker notes that clients undertaking major renovations almost invariably request the opening of the back wall. Her budgeting for this project ranges from $25,000 to $30,000, which includes approximately $9,000 for basic aluminum-clad windows, $5,000 for demolition, $5,000 for new masonry, and $5,000 to $7,000 for a new steel lintel. This budget typically does not cover engineer and architect fees or the additional cost of a rear deck, which is often integrated with a wall of rear windows featuring a door. Barker highlights that the parlor floor is usually the primary focus for this renovation, as homeowners prioritize creating interconnected and well-lit spaces on this level. Bill Caleo, a partner at The Brooklyn Home Company, a home builder, consistently incorporates "blowing out the back" in his gut renovations of single- or two-family houses. He states that this modification fundamentally alters the traditionally tunnel-like dynamic of brownstones, transforming them into luminous and aesthetically pleasing homes. Caleo performs this renovation whenever feasible, only abstaining if intricate original details risk being compromised. The extent of the renovation frequently influences the height of the rear opening. For example, a two-story rear addition allows for easy integration of a double-height wall of windows since the structure is being built anew. In cases where floor-to-ceiling windows on the parlor-level kitchen might reduce counter space, a large kitchen island can compensate. Caleo notes that the parlor level is the most common location for this opening, approximately 95% of the time, as it optimizes light and offers views of the backyard, enhancing the connection to outdoor living space. #BrooklynRenovation #BrownstoneDesign #InteriorDesignIdeas #NaturalLight #ArchitecturalRenovation #SteelWindows #HomeTransformation #ModernDesign #BrooklynArchitecture

OSSO Architecture undertook a significant renovation of an apartment situated in a former paper factory in Brooklyn, New York. The building, originally converted into artist studios in the 1980s, required extensive modernization to align with contemporary living standards. The Boerum Hill Loft project by OSSO Architecture aimed to transform the outdated space into an open and modern residence while preserving its inherent character through the integration of original architectural details. The renovation involved strategic modifications to the structural layout, notably the removal of a load-bearing brick wall. This alteration effectively doubled the living room space, creating a more expansive and adaptable central area within the loft. The design incorporates mid-century furnishings, contributing to a blend of historical context and modern aesthetic within this enlarged living space. The material palette selected for the renovation emphasizes natural tones and textures. This includes the use of natural oak, maple, American walnut, reclaimed brick, and blackened steel, all chosen to complement the industrial heritage of the building while introducing warmth and contemporary appeal. Vertical circulation within the loft is managed by two distinct staircases. An original spiral staircase provides access to the second floor, which houses the main bedroom, a bathroom, and an outdoor terrace. This original feature serves as a nod to the building's past, maintained and integrated into the new design. In addition to the main bedroom suite, a separate ladder-like staircase in the kitchen area leads to a loft bedroom, specifically designed to accommodate overnight guests. This maximizes the utility of the vertical space and offers a flexible sleeping arrangement. The overall design concept for the Boerum Hill Loft focuses on creating a harmonious balance between the building's industrial origins and the requirements of a modern residential dwelling. The careful selection of architectural finishes and the thoughtful layout demonstrate an approach that respects the history of the structure while injecting it with contemporary functionality and style. The project successfully re-imagines an industrial space into a comfortable and stylish home, highlighting the potential for adaptive reuse in urban environments. #BrooklynLoft #OSSOArchitecture #IndustrialConversion #ApartmentRenovation #BoerumHill #ModernDesign #InteriorArchitecture #AdaptiveReuse #ArchitecturalRenovation

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

Achieving a magazine-worthy urban garden is often more complex than simply purchasing plants and placing them in unprepared soil. This process involves multiple facets such as excavation, grading, drainage, masonry, fencing, irrigation, lighting, and soil amendment before any planting occurs, and necessitates selecting the appropriate plants for their specific locations. Alice S. Marcus Krieg, co-founder of Groundworks, a Brooklyn-based garden design-build firm established in 2001 with Carmen DeVito, notes that clients often present magazine images of gardens, unaware that these designs may be unsuitable for a Brooklyn climate, like those from Southern California. Many Brooklyn homeowners desire a lush green lawn, but Krieg points out that lawns are high-maintenance, requiring full sun, frequent mowing (every seven to ten days), and substantial water and fertilizer. Groundworks addresses these challenges through a structured process. An initial consultation focuses on understanding client desires and intended use for the space. Subsequently, the team presents three garden layout options with estimated costs. Once a design is chosen, a budget set, and an agreement signed, the installation phase begins. Groundworks manages all aspects of the project, including subcontracting masonry and carpentry, overseeing installation, and personally handling soil preparation and planting. Following installation, they offer ongoing maintenance services or provide a monthly to-do list for clients who prefer a hands-on approach. A significant portion of their work, approximately 65%, involves rear yards of row houses in Brooklyn. This type of project presents unique challenges, as all materials—from fencing and pavers to soil and plants—must be manually transported through the house, increasing labor and delivery costs, which often exceed client expectations. Structural elements represent a substantial part of the cost. For example, fencing for a typical 20-foot-by-40-foot backyard, a common initial client request, can range from $5,000 to $7,000 for cedar stockade and up to $20,000 for high-end ipé horizontal slat fencing. A comprehensive garden project, including fencing, a patio or deck, soil, plants, lighting, and irrigation, can reach mid-five figures, with some brownstone garden projects totaling up to $60,000. Plant material typically constitutes only about 10% of this overall cost. Despite these figures, cost-saving strategies exist. Krieg highlights that many clients inherit existing gardens with valuable but unmaintained elements such as old lilacs, roses, or viburnums. Groundworks assesses these existing plants, pruning and editing them to become focal points, emphasizing that in small urban gardens, each plant must be carefully selected to maximize its contribution. Economical plant choices that thrive year-round are preferred over those that require frequent replacement. For the dappled shade common in Brooklyn backyards, Groundworks recommends plants such as rhododendrons, pieris, climbing hydrangea, and low-growing ornamental grasses like carex and sedge for ground cover. Hardy, shade-tolerant camellias are suggested for floral displays, producing rose-like blooms in spring and fall. Creative solutions for budget-conscious designs include "limbing up" existing trees to expose their trunks and building decks or patios around them, or adding an ipé wood lip to an inexpensive fence to create a custom appearance. Groundworks also utilizes faux turf for children’s play areas, describing it as a high-end product made from recycled, permeable materials with subtle coloration. While costing $25 to $35 per square foot, it offers a 15-year lifespan, negating the annual struggles associated with natural lawns. Krieg and DeVito often encounter homeowners who have attempted to create attractive and functional outdoor spaces themselves, only to find the process more challenging than anticipated. The firm’s decades of knowledge and experience are presented as a solution for those seeking professional assistance with their backyard projects. #GardenDesign #BackyardGardens #UrbanGardening #LandscapeDesign #GroundworksInc #BrooklynGardens #HomeImprovement #OutdoorLiving #FauxTurf

This article details a renovation project by Studio Ben Allen, focusing on a Victorian terraced house in York, England. The project involves extending the brick home by adding two barrel vaults, also constructed from brick, to the rear garden. This extension seamlessly integrates with the existing architecture while introducing modern elements. The newly created double-arched space houses the kitchen and a small dining area. To maintain a connection with the outdoors and preserve greenery, the extension incorporates a courtyard enclosed by glass doors and sliders on three sides. This design choice allows natural light to permeate the interior and offers a visual link to the garden. A recurring motif of arches is present throughout the home, extending beyond the external barrel vaults. Inside, arched cubbies are featured underneath the concrete sink, providing stylish storage solutions in the kitchen. In the main floor bathroom, tall mirrors with curved tops are installed above a double vanity, echoing the arch theme. Despite the consistent use of arches, the design avoids monotony, instead imparting a classic charm to the home. The interior design employs a mix of materials to create a fresh yet warm aesthetic. Raw concrete is used for the kitchen counter, complemented by polished concrete floors. The original brick walls are maintained, adding texture and historical character, while oak cupboards and shelving introduce warmth and a touch of natural elegance. This combination of materials and architectural details ensures the home feels contemporary without losing its inherent classic appeal. The renovation exemplifies how modern architectural interventions can respect and enhance the character of historic buildings. Studio Ben Allen's approach demonstrates a thoughtful balance between old and new, creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing living space. The emphasis on natural light, material selection, and the continuation of architectural themes contributes to a cohesive and inviting environment. #VictorianArchitecture #HomeRenovation #ArchitecturalExtension #BrickDesign #VaultedCeilings #InteriorDesign #MaterialMixing #StudioBenAllen #EnglandArchitecture

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

In New York City, where outdoor space is a rare commodity, a Brooklyn Heights townhouse has been ingeniously redesigned by Dean / Wolf Architects to seamlessly merge its interior with a spacious backyard. The project focused on integrating indoor and outdoor living, a significant challenge given typical urban space constraints. Rather than opting for conventional floor-to-ceiling windows, the architects developed an innovative, puzzle-like operable rear facade. The exterior of the townhouse retains its traditional Brooklyn aesthetic, characterized by red brick and black-framed windows, honoring the historic character of the neighborhood. The primary renovations were directed towards the interiors and the rear of the property. The architects undertook a significant structural modification, excavating the entire lower level and removing all servant spaces from the garden level and parlor floors. Additionally, the boundary wall separating the kitchen from the parlor was eliminated. These changes were implemented to create a more open-plan living area and to maximize the penetration of natural light throughout the home, reaching even its most secluded corners. The redesign also involved removing the fixed boundary between the garden and the rear of the house. This was achieved by incorporating multiple operable windows and doors into the facade. When these elements are opened, the glass appears to float, creating a dynamic visual and physical connection between the garden and the interior. The distinct shapes of the glass panes contribute to this fusion, acting as spatial indicators that blur the lines between the inside and outside environments. This architectural intervention exemplifies a site-sensitive approach, resulting in a stunning transformation that maximizes the utility and aesthetic appeal of both indoor and outdoor spaces. The project successfully addressed the homeowner's desire to feature their spacious backyard as a central element of their home, creating a unique and adaptable living environment that responds to the urban context. #BrooklynHeights #TownhouseRenovation #OperableFacade #DeanWolfArchitects #IndoorOutdoorLiving #ArchitecturalDesign #NewYorkCityRealEstate #HistoricPreservation #ModernArchitecture

Living green walls, or vertical gardens, are gaining popularity in residential settings, moving beyond their traditional use in corporate and hotel environments. These installations are praised for their aesthetic appeal, their ability to provide noise insulation, purify indoor air, and create a calming atmosphere. Many plant enthusiasts also consider them a form of living art. One example is De Anna Caiozzo, a Bed Stuy resident who installed a floor-to-ceiling green wall in her townhouse's parlor. Caiozzo, who values plants for their air-cleaning and positive energy properties, opted for a green wall as an alternative to numerous potted plants, which would have made her room feel cluttered. Her four-foot-wide wall, featuring ferns, ficus, cyclamen, spider plants, and African violets, cost approximately $10,000. It was designed to offer a wild and textured look, serving as a significant art piece that aligns with her preference for bold yet simple aesthetics. While DIY kits for green walls are available, landscape architects caution against self-installation due to potential issues like leaks, pests, or plant death. Gennaro Brooks-Church of Eco Brooklyn, who installed Caiozzo's vertical garden, has refined his installation techniques over a decade, emphasizing that proper installation is crucial for long-term success and minimal maintenance. Eco Brooklyn's process involves attaching a plywood base, a waterproof plastic sheet, and a top layer made of coconut coir and a synthetic binder, into which plants are inserted. An integrated irrigation system drains into a trough connected to the sewer. The cost for such installations is around $150 per square foot, or $12,000 for an 11-by-7-foot wall, including initial bi-weekly maintenance and subsequent quarterly visits. Although plants require some attention, Brooks-Church notes that maintenance is relatively minimal once correctly installed. Accessibility for maintenance and plant replacement is a key consideration for green walls. Landscape designer Mac Carbonell, who installed a two-story green wall in a Williamsburg townhouse, highlights that larger walls become increasingly difficult to maintain. He describes green walls as a significant commitment, requiring years of work. As a lower-maintenance and more cost-effective alternative, landscape architect Kim Hoyt designed two walls of vines for a Fort Greene townhouse. Instead of a pocket system, these vines are directly attached to a waterproof stucco wall and irrigated at the base, making the room feel less constrained. Creeping fig is primarily used, supplemented by other plants, and has proven successful in growing directly on the wall. Gardener Michele Paladino, who maintains Hoyt's vine walls, notes their easy and inexpensive upkeep, costing under $1,000 annually. In contrast, a traditional green wall with a pocket system, which she also tends, costs about $4,000 per year, indicating that regular green walls are more labor-intensive. These examples illustrate the diverse approaches and considerations involved in integrating living green walls into residential spaces, offering both aesthetic and environmental benefits. #LivingGreenWalls #VerticalGardens #BrooklynHomes #InteriorDesign #PlantWalls #EcoBrooklyn #HomeDecor #GreenLiving #UrbanGardening

This article details a recently renovated brownstone located at 541 1st Street in Park Slope, Brooklyn, listed for $7.49 million. The property features eight bedrooms, four bathrooms, and private outdoor spaces, emphasizing a blend of historic preservation and modern upgrades. Lyons Studio professionally designed and furnished the home, highlighting original architectural details like millwork and molding while incorporating contemporary elements. The parlor level, boasting 10-foot-high ceilings, welcomes visitors with a wallpapered entryway featuring custom harlequin marble tile and includes a restored pier mirror and ornate banisters. The formal living room on this level is bright, characterized by new herringbone flooring, a spacious layout with a sitting area under large bay windows, a unique chandelier, and restored stained glass transom windows. A functional fireplace divides the living area from the dining space, which accommodates a large table. The rear of this level houses a generously sized kitchen equipped with new skylights, Calacatta marble backsplash and counters, an integrated Sub Zero refrigerator, and an eat-in banquette suitable for dining or a work-from-home setup. Sliding doors connect the kitchen to a new iron deck that leads down to the garden. The upper floor is dedicated to the primary bedroom suite, a sun-drenched space with custom lighting, bay windows overlooking the tree-lined street, a decorative fireplace, and elegant moldings. The en-suite bathroom, separated from the bedroom by a walk-in closet, offers a double vanity, custom marble and tile-work, a freestanding tub, and a spa shower. This floor also includes a small study. The top-level accommodates three additional bedrooms, a Jack and Jill bathroom, another study, and a washer-dryer. The garden floor, accessible via its own entrance, is designed for family-friendly use. It includes a mudroom, a laundry room, and an additional bedroom with a full bath. An extension on this level provides ample space for a family room, complete with a wet bar, wine fridge, and dishwasher, making it suitable for entertainment. The 20-foot-wide home features a private outdoor garden, accessible from both the garden level and the kitchen deck. Its location offers convenient access to Prospect Park, with commercial amenities on Seventh Avenue a block west, and Grand Army Plaza and the Brooklyn Public Library’s main branch to the north. Deeded parking is also available for separate purchase. The listing is managed by Jessica Buchman of The Corcoran Group. #BrooklynBrownstone #ParkSlope #LuxuryRealEstate #HistoricHome #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #NYCRealEstate #FamilyFriendlyHome

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

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

This article highlights the historical residence at 46 Willow Place in Brooklyn Heights, a structure that has not been on the market since the 1960s. This property is significant as it is the sole remaining house from an original colonnade row, a style popular in New York during the 1830s and 1840s. The house, situated within the Brooklyn Heights Historic District, dates back to the 1840s and retains several original features, including wide-plank floorboards and a black marble mantelpiece with a Greek Revival profile. The facade features simple wooden columns, indicative of its architectural origins, with a more complete colonnade row still visible across the street at 43 to 49 Willow Place. The 21-foot-wide single-family dwelling is structured two rooms deep with a side stair hall. The entry hall showcases wide-planked floorboards and an original staircase with a newel post and a curved railing. The front parlor, despite later additions like a wood floor and ceiling tiles, maintains its historic character with the aforementioned marble mantel. The rear parlor has seen additions such as paneling and floor tiles, and the kitchen, located in the rear of the parlor floor, features circa 1950s cabinets, a vintage wall oven, and a cooktop. Historically, the property and its surrounding area faced challenges, as evidenced by an 1853 Brooklyn Daily Eagle report detailing unsanitary conditions in the row's yards and privies. The original row that included 46 Willow Place was intact on a 1929 map, but by 1940, only two houses, Nos. 44 and 46, remained. The vacant lots were later developed with three modernist houses in the 1960s. The house at 46 Willow Place has been in its current ownership since 1969, shortly after the Brooklyn Heights Historic District was established. The upper floors of the house accommodate bedrooms and study areas. The first floor above the parlor contains two bedrooms, joined by closets, and a smaller third bedroom or study. The street-facing bedroom on this level features wide floorboards, later wall moldings, and a mantel with Colonial Revival details, alongside hearth tiles that suggest a Deco-era modification. The full bathroom on this floor also retains Deco-era elements, including a green console sink and tub. A 1930s alteration, indicated by a 1935 building permit to convert the property into a two-family dwelling, may account for some of these bathroom details. The top floor offers two additional bedrooms and two small study spaces, one equipped with a Deco-era wall-hung sink and the other with a skylight. A bathroom is absent on this floor, suggesting a potential area for renovation. The street-facing bedroom on this level lacks windows, featuring only a skylight and a brick chimney wall. The garden level, which houses the mechanicals, is mostly unfinished with a recently painted concrete floor. This level provides access to the rear yard, and an enclosed front garden, both offering potential for landscaping. The property is currently listed at $3.45 million with Paul Murphy of Compass. #BrooklynHeights #HistoricHome #ColonnadeRow #RealEstate #HouseOfTheDay #VintageArchitecture #MarbleMantel #GreekRevival #HomeRenovation

The article features a Greek Revival house at 49 Willow Place in Brooklyn Heights, currently on the market for $4.525 million. This residence is part of a rare, picturesque row of four Greek Revival colonnade houses, a style considered modern in the 1830s and 1840s, and now scarce in 21st-century Brooklyn. While the interior of the house underwent a gut renovation in the early 2000s, its exterior maintains its original character as part of a visually unified stretch of two-story brick houses, distinguished by simple wooden columns that form the colonnade. Historical records suggest this particular row on Willow Place was completed by the mid to late 1840s. City directories indicate residents were present in some of these houses by 1847. Notably, in early 1849, one of the houses in the row was acquired by the Oneida Association, a utopian religious community established in 1848, serving as their Brooklyn branch. The Association, comprised of "Perfectionists," later expanded to include another house in the row the following year. An 1888 article described the row on Willow Place, then considered a deteriorating street, as having been constructed by Anson Blake, though the attribution is not definitively confirmed. Blake was a real estate figure of the period and owned at least one other colonnade row nearby. The 1850 census shows William and Sarah Owens residing at 49 Willow Place (then known as No. 47) with their six children and a servant. William Owens was employed as a glassblower. Advertisements for the Oneida properties in 1857 provide insight into the typical interior features of these houses, including nine rooms, marble mantels, sliding doors, and gas service. The renovated interior of 49 Willow Place retains some of these historic elements, such as marble mantels, a period newel post, and wide-plank floorboards, while integrating modern amenities like updated wet rooms and central air. The house spans four floors, with the garden level housing the dining area and kitchen. The floor above features double parlors, and the top two floors are dedicated to bedrooms. The residence offers ample bathroom facilities, with three bathrooms distributed across the bedroom floors and a powder room on the garden level. The double parlors are separated by pocket doors, each featuring a black marble mantel and a wood-burning fireplace. The front parlor is equipped with full-height windows overlooking the front porch. The modern kitchen, located at the rear of the garden level, is fitted with wood cabinets and stainless steel appliances, including a stove hood. A long peninsula effectively separates the cooking area from the dining space. A brick fireplace is also present in this area, and a door provides access to a compact rear yard. The second floor accommodates two bedrooms and two bathrooms, one of which is en suite. On the top floor, only the rear-facing bedroom and its small attached office have external windows; the front bedroom and its corresponding bathroom are illuminated by skylights. The rear yard includes a paved patio suitable for dining, along with planting beds and space for container gardening. The property last changed hands in 2004 for $2.3 million. The current listing is held by Jeb Hart of Corcoran. #BrooklynHeights #ColonnadeRow #GreekRevivalArchitecture #HistoricHome #RealEstate #LuxuryHome #Brownstone #NewYorkCity

This blog post showcases a Federal-style row house located at 45 Willow Street in the Brooklyn Heights Historic District. The residence, dating back to circa 1824, maintains a picturesque exterior characterized by a Flemish bond brick facade and dormer windows, preserving its 19th-century aesthetic. The property holds historical significance as the long-time home of renowned landscape architect Alice Recknagel Ireys, who grew up there and later established her practice within the house. Ireys was known for her diverse landscape designs, including public housing projects, playgrounds, and notably, the Fragrance Garden at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, which she created for the visually impaired in the 1950s. She resided at 45 Willow Street until her passing in 2000. Inside, the house presents a blend of historical elements and contemporary renovations. Original features from the early 19th century, such as the newel post, stair, and moldings in the double parlors, are still present. Modern conveniences include a small powder room cleverly integrated into a closet and a butler’s pantry at the rear, equipped with a sink and wine fridge, offering direct access to the garden. The main kitchen and dining room are situated on the garden level, featuring a glass wall that provides views of the meticulously designed garden. The garden itself is a key highlight, maintaining its original two-tiered layout conceived by Ireys. A recent restoration undertaken by RKLA Studio enhanced this outdoor space with the addition of two curved staircases, facilitating a seamless connection between the parlor and garden levels. The upper two floors of the residence accommodate five bedrooms, three of which feature mantels, and each floor includes a full bathroom. A compact, windowed home office overlooks the garden, offering a serene workspace. The property's financial history indicates it last sold in 2006 for $4.495 million, and it was periodically on and off the market in 2017. Currently, the house is listed for $7.495 million, represented by Ravi Kantha, Matthew Lesser, Gian Mitchell, and Cameron LeCates from Leslie J. Garfield. This offering provides an opportunity to acquire a home that combines historical architecture, thoughtful interior updates, and a professionally designed garden with a notable legacy. #BrooklynHeights #FederalStyle #RowHouse #HistoricHome #AliceIreys #LandscapeArchitecture #RealEstate #LuxuryHomes #BrooklynRealEstate