This 19th century New York brownstone townhouse features a refreshingly modern interior

The Property

A Brooklyn family have transformed their 3,500-square-foot New York brownstone townhouse into a more functional and comfortable modern home for their expanding family. They called on architecture studio BarlisWedlick  to transform the late 19th-century home in the Fort Greene Historic District both inside and out. 

The team blended original period features with bold, modern design. The result is a stunning home that achieves its original grandeur with a modern twist.

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Hallway

Before the renovation, the back of the home was closed off, and many rooms felt confined. Opportunities for light, air, and circulation to enliven the interior were captured through a few key moves. The most impactful change was a generous glass opening on the rear exterior wall to let in more natural light and provide views out to the garden, creating visual and spatial sight-lines from the moment you step into the home.

The architectural team, led by Principal Alan Barlis, retained many details of the house, including the original staircase, ceiling rosettes and crown moulding.

A series of hallway cupboards provide ample storage for coats and shoes.

A floating shelf acts as a handy console table for post and keys, while the modern arched mirror complements the curved millwork while also adding a modern contrast to the traditional features. 

Living room

The historic period features and crisp, incised ornamental surfaces that are characteristic of the Italianate style, are juxtaposed by contemporary light fixtures (hello Serge Mouille ceiling light) and art by the likes of Will Cotton and Sylvie Fleury.

The architects cleverly installed modern joinery throughout the home, without damaging or blocking the beauty of the original period details.

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Dining area

A neutral colour palette is spiced up with modern lighting, modern joinery and the homeowner's existing collection of mid-century furniture and custom-made contemporary furniture.

The interiors are a beautiful balance of old and new.

Kitchen

A modern kitchen at the rear incorporates modern kitchen storage, a modern kitchen island with breakfast bar, and a modern neon artwork.

A modern bubble pendant hangs down from the original, highly detailed ceiling rose. It's a striking contrast.

A bold, neon artwork adds an unexpected burst of colour.

Cloakroom

A traditional floral wallpaper prevents the contemporary vanity, sink and taps from looking to sterile, and instead offers a nice balance.

Staircase

A bespoke runner curves up with the staircase. Modern spotlights were installed to illuminate the artworks on display.

Master bedroom

A contemporary velvet bed and modern bedroom lighting freshen up this classical room with modern curves and simplicity.

The bedside areas are relatively bare, free from clutter and wires.

Across from the bed there's an elegant lounge area.

But the piece de resistance is the dressing room, with modern joinery offering ample storage without breaking up the original cornicing.

Modern millwork insertions open up the space, giving the owners more bedroom storage while respecting the original shape of the room. 

Master bathroom

The master bathroom has a relatively small bathroom layout (this is prime location in New York after all), but feels luxe thanks to the modern freestanding bath, floating bathroom storage and modern bathroom tiles – assembled in a chevron pattern.

Kids' room

The kids' bedroom features a relatively minimal scheme, with brightly coloured furniture and bedding adding pops of colour to the white bedroom scheme.

Home office

There's also a small home office, with adult working area and a kids desk area too – perfect for doing homework or drawing.

Kids' bathroom

A funky bathroom wallpaper adds a playful mood to this metro tiled bathroom.

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