A Brooklyn Townhouse Transformed into a Mid-Century Modern Oasis
A young family in Brooklyn, New York City, recently purchased a newly constructed townhouse on a peaceful, tree-lined street. Drawn to the property's family-friendly location and the promise of an enclosed backyard, they envisioned a comfortable and personalized home for themselves and their new baby. However, the house, while structurally sound, lacked character and warmth. To realize their vision, they enlisted the expertise of interior designer Lucy Harris, who skillfully transformed the blank canvas into a harmonious and inviting mid-century modern sanctuary.
Harris understood the family's desire for seamless indoor-outdoor living, durable furnishings suitable for a young child, and a light, bright color palette. The overarching goal was to create a natural-feeling oasis amidst the urban landscape. The result is a stunning testament to thoughtful design and a keen understanding of the clients' needs and aesthetic preferences.
Entryway Elegance: A Colorful Welcome
The entryway serves as both a welcoming space and a practical mudroom. Custom millwork provides ample storage for shoes and coats, while a vibrant tile floor immediately establishes the home's eclectic and stylish personality.
"We wanted to create something that felt cool and reflected their hip Brooklyn neighborhood," explains Harris, "while still being very practical for their young family."
The custom tile floor, featuring tiles from Heath Ceramics, showcases bright blues and golds, creating a fun and inviting statement. Oak built-ins are accessorized with a natural leather mail and key holder and a simple half-moon mirror, adding to the entryway's charm and functionality.
Kitchen Refinement: Subtle Touches, Significant Impact
While the kitchen had already been installed as part of the new build, its existing cabinets and layout weren't exactly what the homeowners would have chosen from scratch. However, rather than undertaking a full renovation, Harris focused on simple yet effective changes to infuse the space with character and tie it into the overall oasis aesthetic.
"The kitchen was left mostly as-is," says Harris, "but rattan counter stools were used to bring in a natural material, and green pendants were used to tie in the green color scheme of the dining area." These subtle additions transformed the kitchen into a cohesive and inviting space.
Eat-in Kitchen: A Green and Inviting Nook
The eat-in kitchen area, arguably the most dramatic transformation in the house, perfectly embodies the casual yet sophisticated atmosphere that Harris aimed to create. To maximize seating in the corner nook, she designed custom banquette seating upholstered in a deep green wool boucle fabric. The addition of various shades of green further connects the space to the leafy street view outside.
A brass fixture introduces a textured patina, while a custom-made solid wood table provides a durable and refinishable surface. Angelo Mangiarotti's Tre 3 chairs add warmth and a vintage feel with their caramel color.
Living Room Serenity: A Blend of Vintage and Contemporary
The living room is designed to be a casual, peaceful, and fresh space, utilizing a serene palette with touches of earthy vibrancy. Harris incorporated pieces from small-scale makers, vintage finds, and contemporary designs to create a unique and inviting blend.
"The star here is the colorful area rug, an original design by Bauhaus textile designer Gunta Stölzl," says Harris, emphasizing its role in tying together the colors throughout the house. A soft and inviting sofa is paired with an organic-shaped coffee table, referencing the mid-century modern inspiration behind the project.
A comfortable reading area features a leather chair, a material used frequently throughout the house to reinforce the mid-century modern aesthetic. A glass side table adds a contrasting materiality, while custom-designed millwork displays the homeowner's vintage objects, injecting warmth and personality into the space.
Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Connection: A Lush Backyard Retreat
The townhouse boasts a strong connection between its indoor and outdoor spaces, catering to the family's love for the outdoors. Inside, an abundance of large house plants and earthy green color palettes create a sense of natural harmony. Outside, an inviting balcony dining space leads to an enclosed garden, effectively creating an outdoor room.
The backyard, designed by landscape designer Michael Cafiero, features classic furniture pieces such as Fermob Luxembourg chairs and a custom-made Croft House dining table, perfectly sized for the terrace.
Family Room Comfort: A Rich and Inviting Palette
In the family room, a slightly different palette is introduced, with deep blues and rich, rusty oranges creating an inviting and comfortable atmosphere. Mixed patterns add warmth and a casual feel.
A custom-designed rug and ottoman, along with a generous and comfortable sofa, provide ample seating. A small home gym, adjacent to the outdoor terrace, offers a convenient space for exercise. Sliding glass doors open onto the landscaped backyard, providing multiple areas for enjoying nature in the urban environment. Durable chairs were used on the back lawn, continuing with the verdant green theme.
Primary Bedroom: A Serene and Colorful Sanctuary
The primary bedroom is designed as a colorful, interesting, serene, and relaxing space. The palette is predominantly pastel, with moments of vibrant color. Notable items include a walnut nightstand, scalloped sconces, and a colorful quilt. A subtle patterned wallpaper adds texture, while patterned drapes infuse a bit of quirkiness.
Nursery: A Playful Desert Theme
Inspired by the owners' love for hiking in the West, the nursery features a playful desert theme. Geometric patterns are mixed to create a vibrant and fun space, while natural materials maintain a sophisticated feel. Cactus wallpaper in a neutral shade adds warmth and interest without overwhelming the room, and a terracotta-colored piece mimics the colors of desert rocks. Pops of cactus green are found in the fabric drapery and in art collected from Mexico.
Guest Bedroom: A Welcoming Space for Visitors
The guest bedroom is designed to comfortably accommodate visiting nieces and nephews. The mix of natural beiges, oranges, and browns continues into this space, with a walnut nightstand and a rug. Vibrant greens and blues are also carried through with the bed and the fabric for the drapery.
A Soulful Transformation
From the ground-level family room to the bright and breezy fourth-floor guest room, this modern townhouse has been transformed from a blank canvas into a soulful city oasis. Through thoughtful design, stylish updates, and a keen understanding of the clients' needs, Lucy Harris has created a truly special and inviting home.
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