As the heart of the home, the kitchen remodel was the primary focus of this renovation project, but it wasn’t the only element of the house that was updated. The owners of a Brooklyn brownstone wanted to bring their historic home into modern times without losing the vintage charm or antique details that add character to the spaces.

We worked closely with Chused & Co. interior designers to bring this 1800s home into the 21st century. The project included a new custom kitchen and renovation of three bathrooms, a powder room, and all bedrooms, closets, and living spaces.

Creating Custom Kitchen Details

This kitchen remodel was a full gut renovation that transformed it from an older functional space to a modern, but classic, hub for the family. Designed by Waterfront Kitchens and handcrafted by Plain & Fancy Cabinetry, every detail was carefully considered for the custom cabinets. 

Rich, slate-gray paint on the bottom cabinets provides a sense of grounding, while the white, open shelving and glass-front cabinets above keep the space feeling light, airy, and welcoming. The lower cabinets have just enough detail to make them elegant but not fussy, and the simple polished brass hardware is a nod to the historic nature of the home.

White subway tile on the backsplash adds texture for the ample natural light to play on, and the understated farmhouse sink complements the modern vintage aesthetic of the room. A custom pantry cabinet surrounding the refrigerator cleverly adds more storage space while tying the entire look together.

Imported oak from France was used for the kitchen floors and throughout the entire apartment. Tasteful light fixtures above the island complement the slate-gray and brass fixtures of the cabinetry below. 

Updating Other Spaces

In addition to the kitchen remodel, we also updated the bathrooms in this home to be more consistent with a modern lifestyle. We expanded the master bathroom into an en suite bathroom and moved an old claw-foot bathtub that already existed in the home. Glass subway tile continues the theme from the kitchen, and a custom inset that holds toiletries is both stylish and functional. 

We also transformed a powder room into a full bath by doubling its size and adding a shower. The second powder room was updated with a whimsical wallpaper pattern that aligned with the owner’s vision for a vintage but modern vibe. 

At the entrance, we put in a new mahogany door, and new doors with antique hardware were installed throughout the home. The second-floor stairway did not match the one below, so we re-created the antique post on the first floor to provide a consistent vintage feel as you ascend the stairs to the top floor. 

Planning for the Future

An important but invisible feature of this bath and kitchen remodel included planning for a future roof deck and garden. We installed framing for both the stairway and the roof so the home is ready for the next step when the owners decide to take it. When this phase is complete, the owners will enjoy a spectacular view of Manhattan and a surrounding rooftop garden. This type of planning makes the next stage of the project go much more smoothly, with less disruption to the owners.

Making a Modern Home Feel Timeless 

With the keen eye of a skilled interior designer, an expert kitchen designer, and a builder who emphasizes the importance of every detail, modern conveniences and antique details live in harmony. The owners benefit from all of the modern conveniences of an updated kitchen and larger bathrooms without having to sacrifice the historic charm of their unique home. View the project gallery to see more images of this custom kitchen remodel and Brooklyn brownstone update.