Inhabited by a family of jazz aficionados for more than 30 years, this project was the gut renovation of a four-story 1899 brownstone on the border of Clinton Hill and Bed-Stuy Brooklyn. Much of the brownstone’s original detail was obscured—masked by layers of paint and hidden beneath temporary walls, resulting in a structure with good bones but in abysmal disrepair. My client’s interest in Brooklyn’s architectural and historical past and the home’s fine original detail were the impetus for the purchase of this residence.

Our work started with a complete re-imagining of the flow of the house and the overhaul of all the mechanical systems –plumbing, electric, and HVAC. The kitchen was moved to the back of the parlor floor. We constructed a new deck, with custom railings to take advantage of the southern garden, complete with a pear tree. To access this deck, we designed mahogany French doors to fit into the existing plaster arch, retaining all original details and finishes. We closed off the stairs to the garden floor, creating a two-bedroom garden rental unit below, and added a powder room where the stairway landing had been. Above the parlor floor, accessed by a stunning curved staircase, we constructed two new bathrooms, a primary suite, a family room, an office, and a laundry room.

In order to restore the home to its former glory and in keeping with the client’s interest in Brooklyn’s historic heritage, temporary walls were removed exposing strong architectural details. Years of paint were stripped from almost every surface. Extensive plasterwork to recreate and enhance original moldings was undertaken. All windows and doors were replaced, mirroring much of the original panel and molding detail. The home’s wood newel posts, handrails, and shutters were stripped and waxed to remain raw, allowing their natural finish to evolve over time. Damaged floorboards were replaced with original pine boards pulled from renovations of nearby brownstones, or were left in their original state to reflect the history of the home.

Furnishings and finishes were inspired by the client’s eclectic mix of acquisitions procured over years of family travel as evidenced by the incorporation of Moroccan and vintage glass tile and marble accents within the design. The result is a livable, warm, welcoming home, true to its heritage, where recordings of former frequent visitors like jazz greats, Nina Simone and Pharaoh Sanders can be heard.