Hi Ben,
I am new here at Houzz so forgive me if I break any question asking rules. We own a Brownstone in Clinton Hill. My question is. What exactly is involved in removing the (supposed load bearing) walls on both the parlor and garden floors. My next question is I see a radiator cover but am very interested in running HVAC for better air quality. Is that possible in an old Brownstone?
Thanks. »
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
Row house interiors are long and narrow spaces. Typically a stair hall at one side and living rooms to the other. Large openings between all the rooms allow natural light to permeate the interior.
Here we can see how a traditional middle-class Victorian layout has been adapted for modern living. A long, thin entrance hall would have opened to the drawing room on the right, then a separate dining room would have followed by the kitchen at the end. This conversion really opens up the space while still having clear sitting, dining and hall areas. The drawing room would have had a fireplace, but this has been removed and replaced with practical wall units; the dining room fireplace has been kept.