Houzz Tour: Brooklyn Townhouse Full of Light
New York architect Ben Herzog gives a 20th-century townhouse a fresh look while preserving its history
This New York home is smack dab in the middle of a close-knit row of houses in the Park Slope neighborhood of Brooklyn. Since existing homes on either side allow for limited sunlight exposure, the owners of this townhouse wanted to bring as much light in as possible.
Architect Ben Herzog opened up the space, using light colors, widening doorways and rooms and streamlining the design of the home. Since it was built at the turn of the 20th century, Herzog wanted to preserve the character of the home, but removed some details to give the house a timeless and clean look.
Architect Ben Herzog opened up the space, using light colors, widening doorways and rooms and streamlining the design of the home. Since it was built at the turn of the 20th century, Herzog wanted to preserve the character of the home, but removed some details to give the house a timeless and clean look.
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by Ben Herzog
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| Although many of the original details of the house were toned down, some of the existing work was left in the kitchen and the living room. The brick on this wall in the kitchen and dining room is from the home's original chimney. However, it needed a lot of work, so some old brick was patched in. The molded ceiling is actually made out of tin, and is also from the original structure. Table: Antique, Twin Fires Barn Chairs: Antique, found at Harwinton Antiques Fair Pendant: Flos Romeo Moon S2 |
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by Ben Herzog
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| Herzog designed traditional kitchen cabinetry to fit in with the home's original decor. Inset doors, beaded face framing and butt hinges all pay tribute to an earlier style. Island countertop: Walnut Cabinetry: Custom Countertops: Caesarstone Backsplash: Subway tile from Ann Sacks |
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| A transitional space between the kitchen and the living room also serves as a desk niche for the couple. Herzog installed a custom bulletin board from Forbo on the back wall of the desk, which is functional and adds a sense of depth to the small space. |
by Ben Herzog
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Although it's bolder than the rest of the home, the clients were completely on board with this paneled oak niche."I think it's a slightly modern, clean, but warm touch that counter-balances the traditional elements," says Herzog. The walls in this space are paneled with 10-inch-wide rift cut oak, stained in a blue/gray.
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| Herzog installed a new wood-burning fireplace in the living room. The fireplace is made from very traditional materials — marble and slate — but still has a simple and classic design. The rich hardwood floors, which extend from the kitchen into the living room, are hand-planed 8-inch-wide antique wood. |
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by Ben Herzog
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| Another intricately molded tin ceiling was preserved in this long living area. Originally, this space was even more narrow, which made it feel more like a hallway than a living room. Herzog had the rear wall opened up quite a bit to provide more space. The transitional niche between the living room and kitchen helped open up the room too. Couch: Room & Board Armoire: Custom Coffee table: ABC Carpet & Home |
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by Ben Herzog
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| This opening was widened to give the narrow living room a more balanced sense of proportion. The project's contractor, John Kemp Construction, replaced the crown molding on the ceiling, and cut out and reattached all of the tin with exquisite care so that it would look as though the room was always this size. Chandelier: Canopy Designs, ABC Carpet & Home |
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by Ben Herzog
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| The clients already owned all of the artwork in the home, and it was a natural fit for the project's fresh feel. While the carved newel on the staircase is original, the rest of the staircase was taken out and replaced with sturdy oak. Some of the original door casings didn't quite fit with the new, clean look of the home, so those were replaced too. |
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The guest bathroom on the home's main floor is one of Herzog's favorite rooms in the house. The gray-blue Moroccan echoes the same subtle tint of the oak in the niche between the living room and the kitchen.
Vanity: Shutter Vanity, Restoration Hardware
Tile: Moroccan Mesh-Mounted Mosaic Field, Walker Zanger
Vanity: Shutter Vanity, Restoration Hardware
Tile: Moroccan Mesh-Mounted Mosaic Field, Walker Zanger
by Ben Herzog
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The upstairs of the house holds three bedrooms, two baths and a laundry room. It took quite a bit of spatial planning, but Herzog was able to fit everything upstairs comfortably. This children's nursery is on the smaller side, but more room really isn't necessary.
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The clients were very involved with the home's design, finding a lot of the materials and products for the house on their own.
"It was an unusual situation in that both members of the couple were at nearly every design and site meeting," Herzog says.
"It was an unusual situation in that both members of the couple were at nearly every design and site meeting," Herzog says.
by Ben Herzog
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An outdoor deck on the back of the house was made out of Ipe wood and placed on sleepers. A high railing keeps it safe for little ones, but still keeps the space open to the backyard.
Outdoor couch: Crate & Barrel
All photography by Marco Valencia
More Houzz Tours:
A Brooklyn Landmark Returns to Glory
A Brooklyn Row House Renovation
A California Home Designed by Nature
Outdoor couch: Crate & Barrel
All photography by Marco Valencia
More Houzz Tours:
A Brooklyn Landmark Returns to Glory
A Brooklyn Row House Renovation
A California Home Designed by Nature
Ideabook updated on Dec. 12, 2011.
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quick and easy access to the patio and at the same time divides the eating area from the kitchen work area.
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