Colorful Limestone
Published in Dwell and Brownstoner
Typically, townhouse and brownstone renovations in Brooklyn follow a similar script. Revealing original historic details and sticking to a neutral palette, there is a certain tonality that most clients expect for these modern refreshes. But for this brownstone renovation by Sarah Jacoby Architect, a young family was eager to create a vibrant space more tailored to their creative lives.
The clients’ affinity for color and pattern shaped the home’s personality. Wallpapers, selected in collaboration with the homeowner — a textile artist — add an unexpected layer of texture to surfaces that are often just painted within the white range. One of SJA’s primary spatial design moves was to reroute the main stair, a change that unlocked the heart of the new plan: a spacious, light-filled kitchen connected to an expanded dining area. The reconfiguration allowed for a full walk-in pantry, generous island seating, and improved circulation throughout the main floor, all while maintaining natural light. In the kitchen, dark blue, walnut-stained cabinetry is paired with a Heath Ceramics backsplash, Calacatta Monet counters from BAS stone, and
thoughtful built-ins to maximize storage.
A playful yet detailed spirit runs through the project, seen in moments like a curtain designed in color-blocks to align with wall treatments or the whimsical interpretation of the home’s original stair spindles. Bathrooms were each given distinct themes, from an “old-timey” second-floor bath to a primary spa retreat with skylit walkable glass above the shower, and carefully chosen fixtures. Outdoors, a rebuilt deck features Concrete Collaborative pavers and RBW lighting, extending the home’s livable space. Even the laundry room was thoughtfully considered, with a custom Fireclay tile mosaic backdrop and the cellar laundry has space to accommodate textile dyeing projects.
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