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Crafting a Dream Home: A Unique Renovation in Brooklyn
The vision behind a recent renovation of an 1840s Greek Revival brownstone was rooted in the shared passions of a young couple: their admiration for Ancient Rome, a love of James Turrell’s skyspaces, and the joy found in stormy beach days. This ambitious project, which spanned three years, was brought to life by a collaborative team of professionals who resonated with the couple’s dream and were brimming with innovative ideas.
“Building our home and building our family are forever entwined for us,” the wife expressed, reflecting their emotional investment in the renovations. The local firm the Brooklyn Studio, led by Brendan Coburn, played a pivotal role in this transformation. Coburn, who has roots in the neighborhood, brought a wealth of experience from similar projects. “We appreciated how each of Brooklyn Studio’s past works had its own identity,” the husband noted, highlighting the firm’s knack for personalizing designs to suit specific families rather than adhering to a single style. Complementing the architectural expertise, interior designer Augusta Hoffman, known for her functional yet serene spaces, offered a strategic perspective on creating inviting interiors.
A standout feature of the home is the rear staircase, constructed from stained mahogany to mirror the elegance of the primary Queen Anne-style staircase at the center. Utilizing a 3D printer, the team created various versions of the staircase, emphasizing the tactile experience of traversing it. “The feel of the stair as you descend was crucial,” Coburn explained, while project manager Balute highlighted the balance of creative vision and functionality in the design. The Venetian-plaster walls and limestone flooring work harmoniously to evoke the tranquil environment reminiscent of James Turrell’s artistic influence, crowned by a glass skylight. Notably, the stools utilized in this space were sourced from Green River Project.
Incorporating a two-story extension added the ideal setting for the bespoke staircase, which Coburn described as a “lovely piece of sculpture.” He noted that the striking design pays homage to both the Pantheon in Rome and Turrell’s skyspaces. Balute mentioned that this design presented an opportunity to blend the couple’s varied interests in a meaningful way. The staircase flows toward a more minimalist aesthetic as it transitions to the garden, designed to encourage a connection with nature, featuring a large Juneberry tree and vibrant plantings that thrive throughout the year.
To enhance sunlight and create scenic views from the garden-facing windows, the design team suggested relocating the kitchen one floor up to the parlor level. Though the couple may not be culinary enthusiasts, they cherish the time spent in this kitchen, which is accented by Pierre Augustin Rose stools upholstered in Pierre Frey fabric, ceiling lights from Apparatus Studio, and herringbone-patterned white oak flooring. The renovation was executed by Chilmark Builders, Inc.
The garden level features a more formal dining and bar space known as “the loggia,” seamlessly connecting to the beautifully landscaped garden and grilling area. A uniquely designed light fixture by Hoffman illuminates a vintage marble dining table surrounded by iconic 1960s Joe Colombo chairs. “The ability to host a summer dinner party with open access to the backyard is a remarkable experience,” Hoffman shared.
Reflecting on the design approach, Hoffman noted, “It embraced a minimal, almost modern Parisian aesthetic,” which aligned with the couple’s vision for their five-story home, including a newly added windowed penthouse reading room. The wife added, “It was essential that our home strikes a balance between beauty and functionality.” Hoffman’s elegant yet relaxed style resonated with the couple immediately, and while she typically favors richer hues, here she thoughtfully employed a cooler palette of blues and grays that evoke the feeling of a tempestuous beach day. The interiors, adorned with custom furnishings and lush textiles, creamy plaster walls, and unique design elements—including bathrooms inspired by beloved travel locales and hand-painted murals in the nursery—successfully convey warmth and character. Artistic contributions, such as works by Robert Mapplethorpe and bespoke de Gournay wallpaper, further elevate the home’s sophisticated ambiance.
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