Nestled among the tree-lined streets in Brooklyn's Prospect Heights neighborhood, a neglected three-story brick townhouse was the victim of several unfortunate renovations, gouged of its original details. Two firms — Elizabeth Roberts Architecture & Design and Jessica Whitney Gould Interiors — took on the challenge of completely overhauling the Federal-style house. The goal? Restore certain original elements like classic plaster crown molding, relocate the kitchen, and reconfigure the floor spaces to accommodate a growing family.
The renovation spanned three levels: The family owns the parlor, garden, and cellar levels of the home. In the living room, a vintage Thonet bentwood coffee table is paired with the client's existing sofa and a vintage Dux wooden chair. Overhead, a vintage hanging light by Hans-Agne Jakobsson illuminates the living room space.
The living room fireplace is custom-made out of tadelakt plaster by New York-based craftsman Sean O'Tyson. The vintage rug is from an antique rug gallery, Nazmiyal Antique Rugs, located in New York City.
White oak drawers by cabinet company Peter van Cronenburg were brush-painted. An Undermount stainless steel sink from Home Refinements is commercial quality with a Dornbracht spray faucet, making it easier to cook and clean up together after a family meal.
In the kitchen, new appliances were necessary for the renovation. An oven by Bosch is paired with a hood by Miele. A Sub Zero refrigerator is disguised as a seemingly minimalist cabinet.
New windows were installed in both the front and rear façades of the Federal-style house. In the front, Marvin Double Hung windows with a historic arch welcome guests into the light-filled home. In the rear, the firm opted for a custom-measured steel and glass style from Optimum.
A Strut dining table from Blue Dot is surrounded by Hans Wegner wishbone chairs. The white oak wood floors with a natural matte finish were supplied by LV Wood and installed in a chevron pattern.
Described as a "gut renovation," the overhaul required the firm to completely rebuild the heating, cooling, electrical, and plumbing systems throughout the apartment. Much of the interior pieces were custom-built to maximize space. All bathroom and kitchen cabinets were custom-made by Matt Hogan of Reliquary Studios.
An ABC Home bed is outfitted in bedding created from fabrics from Mood. Custom doors by Optimum bring in natural light for the mornings.
In the bathroom, custom white oak cabinetry stands out from its surrounding stone materials — concrete walls and marble floors.
In another bathroom, blue and white wall tiles from Brasilia Popham in colors "slate" and "milk" give off a somewhat vintage feel to the historic home.
