Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, New York
The overall directive for this project in a 1890’s Prospect Heights, Brooklyn brownstone was to enhance the way they lived. The family had lived in the house for a number of years and the choreography of how they occupied it was in flux due to the children growing older. Therefore, the ground and parlor floors were significantly reworked, including a new kitchen and a general opening up of the space including a new stair. Originally it was closed at the rear and the front, but we reversed that, creating a new library space in the front and opened the rear up to the south.
The family has an ever-expanding and impressive collection of beach rocks that they collect during their Maine summers. A primary task was to house this collection as well as their family heirloom furniture. The clients were partial to a certain imperial yellow, and we introduced a complimentary series of grays and blues that derived from the beach rocks. The base color of the project is a white with a tint of gold to enhance the warmth of the space. The staircase was opened up and a bench was devised to act as a handrail and a sideboard downstairs. The kitchen maintained its vintage sink and a new modern counter top was added to create a breakfast bar. The upstairs was programmed for the beach rocks, and we created a library area and formal entertaining area on the one floor. Each act was carefully deliberated with the client.
Photos by Caleb Crawford
