In the heart of Brooklyn, two historic brownstones have undergone remarkable transformations, each telling a unique story of design and architecture. These renovations, led by different design teams, showcase the blend of historic charm and modern innovation that defines Brooklyn’s real estate landscape.
The first project, a 19th-century brownstone, was a labor of love for its new owner. The property, a narrow 3,100 square foot brownstone, presented a series of structural challenges. The kitchen, typical of these older buildings, was dark and tucked away at the back. The owner envisioned a bright, central kitchen that would serve as the heart of the home. Additionally, the absence of a stoop made the entrance feel less inviting, and the basement was more of a crawl space than a functional area.
The Visionary Team Behind the First Renovation
The owner found inspiration at a furniture exhibition in a Chelsea townhouse, where the kitchen design mirrored her vision. She discovered that architect Oliver Freundlich and his studio were responsible for the renovations. Freundlich’s creative approach to constraints, such as framing the house to allow light to travel from one end to the other, resonated with the owner. She immediately knew she wanted to work with him and his team.
About a year into the project, the owner brought on Augusta Hoffman an ELLE Decor A-list designer, to lend a fresh perspective. Hoffman’s attention to detail and intentional design complemented the owner’s background in art and design. Together, the trio tackled every decision, starting with the kitchen.
A Kitchen That Brings People Together
The kitchen needed to be beautiful and visible from both the living room and the dining room, all while fitting into the narrow space. Freundlich’s team mocked up the area to ensure sufficient clearances for seating at the island. The stairway, the spine connecting all three floors, was rebuilt into one sinuous line. The starting point for the stairs was the ground level, where Freundlich also enlarged the doorway to create a grander entrance. To the left, he created a mudroom with custom cabinetry, while Hoffman made the mudroom and the foyer gleam with high gloss lacquer ceilings.
Playful Design in the Wet Bar
On the same lower level, Hoffman showcased her playful side with the wet bar, accessible through the family room. Instead of the typical wood or painted wood cabinetry with stainless-steel countertops, she opted for all stainless millwork with a brushed finish and a rich walnut wood countertop and backsplash. She also added English taps as faucets and created a custom tile sink.
Creating More Space and Storage
To create even more space and storage, Freundlich went south. He dug about two feet into the earth and poured concrete beams to create a new basement, which became a gym, a sauna, and a laundry room. The result is a chicly arranged subterranean space that rivals the fanciest of gyms. The owner was thrilled with how cleanly it came together and how it now functions as a purposeful, well-designed area.
The Brownstone Boys: A Different Approach to Historic Renovation
In another part of Brooklyn, the Brownstone Boys a design firm co-founded by Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum, took on a different challenge. Their project was an 1899 brownstone in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, which had been divided into three separate units over the decades. The parlor floor, however, remained mostly intact, complete with ornate plaster medallions and molding, a grand staircase, and marble fireplaces.
Preserving the Ceiling’s Grandeur
The ceiling of the parlor floor was a cinematic masterpiece, featuring some of the most ornate plaster medallions and molding the designers had ever seen. They made it their priority to preserve this ceiling at all costs. The rest of the home was integrated around these historic elements, with a focus on brightening up the space. They installed a curved steel-and-glass door to the terrace and opened the wall that once split the staircase from the parlor with an archway, creating a sightline to the back windows.
Modern Design Meets Historic Charm
The Brownstone Boys added picture-frame molding to echo what’s on the parlor floor and hid a modern HVAC unit within a custom slatted oak cover. The primary bedroom now offers a view toward the trees growing in Brooklyn through what looks like an enfilade of archways. The designers also refreshed the staircase by stripping off layers of paint and creating contrast with the surrounding walls, allowing the entry’s ornate moldings to stand out.
Creating a Spa-Like Atmosphere
In the primary bath, a centered tub beneath a statement pendant creates a spa-like atmosphere. A view through an archway leads from the bedroom, through the walk-in closet, and past another archway into the bathroom. The rear garden was also transformed, with two levels making the most of a city backyard. The designers added a curved door on the landing to bring light into the home and a custom cover to conceal an unsightly radiator.
These two remarkable renovations showcase the blend of historic charm and modern design that defines Brooklyn’s real estate landscape. Each project tells a unique story of creativity, innovation, and a deep respect for the past.
