Transformation in a Tight Space: How an Outdated Brownstone Became a Suave, Art Deco-Inspired Masterpiece
When it comes to city living, there’s no real match for the charm of a brownstone’s walkability and privacy infused with real character and history. Based on property alone, the life of a brownstone owner is the envy of other urbanites.
But sometimes all that character could use a little attention to bring out its best qualities. That’s when you need a designer who can navigate the tight turns and constraints of a historic building – a kind of marvelous contortionist act wherein the final result nevertheless feels natural, spacious, and comfortable.
This recent brownstone-in-the-city project completed by architecture and interior design firm, SV Design, might be the pinnacle of that sophisticated, intricate balance. Formerly owned by a host who loved lavish parties and luxurious Art Deco design, it hadn’t been properly updated in decades. With unique decor and architecture throughout, it took an expert hand from SV Design’s interior design team and associate of interiors, Lindsay Goode, to bring out a modern elegance and airiness to this five-story home with a rooftop pergola. The end result was a master class in how to create a masterpiece in a tight space.
Bathroom
The brownstone’s new owners wanted to honor the moody Art Deco design and rich patterns and materials that existed in the home. Portions of the house were decorated in outdated colors and patterns, and like many older homes, core rooms featured layouts that created tight, dark spaces, rather than open, bright ones.
The bathroom, always a space where design challenges come to a head, presented both of these predicaments at once. Dark orange faux marble predominated, and a faux marble door divided the room for use by multiple parties resulting in an unnecessary split that made for two awkward spaces.
“Our focus was to open it up, creating clean lines,” Goode says.
The team got rid of the divide and created a more natural flow and enough space to comfortably fit a Jacuzzi tub (after some careful planning regarding plumbing and layout). They then installed white dolomite tile, an inset onyx slab, and antique brass furnishings – all honoring the Art Deco vibes in a way that filled the room with light.
Kitchen
SV Design’s combination of technical skills and savvy layout design served the homeowners when they turned their attention to the kitchen. Thanks to the previous owner’s interests in providing a unique hosting experience, the kitchen was equipped with a variety of gadgets the new owners had no need for. A built-in barbecue and a built-in wok took up space without much function, while a large, hooded vent dominated the center of the room.
Like the bathroom, the decision was made to gut the room.
“We approached it as a complete gut. We weren’t trying to save anything,” Goode says.
By eliminating the vent and novelty cooking surfaces, the team was able to open up the kitchen and add a small island for functional chef space. Clear pendant lighting and minimalistic white backsplash and countertops were incorporated to increase brightness and a sense of space.
A new, cozy 1950s-inspired patterned banquette tucked in the corner is now an area to eat and gather surrounded by the natural light flowing in from the large windows.
Living Space
The instinct to get rid of the unnecessary and play up the positive guided the team throughout the house. In most of the rooms, the outdated, obscure technique of painted-canvas wallpaper covered the walls, while defunct wood-burning fireplaces turned up in strange places.
“We didn’t even know the dressing room had a fireplace until we got into demolition,” Goode says. “We definitely did not need a fireplace in there.”
Goode and the team cleared away the canvas and other drab styles in favor of updated Art Deco features that matched the kitchen and bathroom. Calming blue, the client’s favorite color, is now threaded throughout the dressing room, while clearing out the fireplace there made space for an art wall. When appropriate, Goode directed the wood-burning fireplaces be replaced with gas ones, making for a warm, homey vibe. The main bedroom, meanwhile, retains an elegant, bright feel, with more glass rod lighting and brass fixtures.
Entertaining Space
The home came with several wet bars installed thanks to the previous owner’s love of entertaining; however, they were located in small, cramped spaces apart from the main living areas, limiting their function.
“They were basically wet bars in closets,” Goode says, “We opened up both bars – one into the main family room, the other into the home office, and added countertop space and gold and glass floating shelves for functionality and a moody Art Deco vibe.”
No strangers to entertaining themselves, the fifth floor of the home is now complete with the kitchen, a family room with massive windows, and a stylish passthrough wet bar. By opening the floor up, the family finally has a space where they can do just about everything they need — the ultimate dream of any brownstone owner.
“They’re on that floor all the time. And they love using the roof for the Fourth of July,” Goode said. “They really wanted to create a fun space. And now they consider it their forever home.”
Rooftop
Older houses come with unique assets, and bringing out the best in these can present complex challenges. The homeowner loved the rooftop pergola overlooking the property’s large garden but while scenic, it was too small to work effectively on the roof.
“It was a major project, but it definitely created a much better living space,” Goode says.
SV Design expanded it, working carefully with local regulators to make sure they didn’t interfere with the home’s historic profile. With added tables and a sofa, new vines and plantings, and space for a potential bar or kitchen, the pergola became a highlight and potential hub for the home.
Credits: Architecture & Interior Design: SV Design; Builder: F.H. Perry; Roof Top Landscaping: Potted UP; Photography: Michael J. Lee
This is a paid partnership between SV Design and Boston Magazine