Park Slope Brownstone

Park Slope Brownstone

The owner of this historic Park Slope, Brooklyn Brownstone was a busy mom with two little girls – and a third baby on the way – when I first met with her. Although the brownstone had fantastic potential, she didn’t have the time to make design choices. She wasn’t even sure where to start. The result was a sea of brown leather bachelor sofas, even after living in their new brownstone for six months. She needed the help of an interior designer to create a home that worked well with the historic architecture, and for her growing family.

When making my initial walk-through of the Brooklyn, NY brownstone, I quickly noticed a few colorful pillows peeking out from the expanses of brown leather. What I discovered in my discussion with the owner was that she secretly loved color and patterns. She just didn’t possess the design confidence to know how to use patterns and more colorful elements. That gave me the insight I needed to design a home that worked beautifully for this New York family.

With a clear directive from my client, I focused on bright accessories and lively patterns for the Brooklyn, NY home design. At each turn, I sought to contrast the traditional architecture of the brownstone with bold design and vibrant colors.

In the dining room, there are patterned chairs around a modern table sitting beneath a traditional crystal chandelier. The centerpiece of the living room is a vividly colorful rug, which is contrasted by neutral furnishings around it. It’s bright but elegant; great for kids and guests. The den of this Brooklyn brownstone has plenty of storage for toys, a soft rug to play on the floor, fun bright art and patterns, (plus a great sofa for building forts).

Filled with colorful art, accessories and antiques, the design of the home now finds the best balance between bright and neutral, and traditional with modern.

ANA CLAUDIA SCHULTZ