Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: A Prewar Brooklyn Home Gains a Modern Edge
With geometrical cabinets, brass accents and a live edge here and there, an older home makes a presence in the present
This tour begins in the kitchen, where the placement of cabinets and other storage posed a challenge. Designer Stefanie Brechbuehler, intent on creating a visually pleasing workhorse of a kitchen area, rearranged the layout to accommodate updated appliances, fixtures and flush custom cabinetry. "The placement and unique design of the cabinetry transformed the way the space functions and how it opens up to the dining area and living room," she says of her work on the home, in the Prospect Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. "You could say that the family now lives in the kitchen."
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A family of 3, originally from India
Location: New York City
Size: 1,300 square feet
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A family of 3, originally from India
Location: New York City
Size: 1,300 square feet
The rustic live-edge countertop makes a lovely mate for the sleek, custom island cabinetry. The wood's natural edge disrupts the the sleek lines and sharp angles of the entire kitchen; it's a pleasant surprise as you come around the island corner.
Brechbuehler's clients challenged the designers when it came to color. "We're known for having a very muted palette. But because our clients come from such a colorful culture, we couldn't really deny color in their home. We infused our design with some color while remaining true to our design sensibilities," she says.
The designer integrated brass accents with a pinkish hue throughout the apartment, most notably in the kitchen. She purchased brass fixtures, door handles and light switches, and splurged on a custom hood replated in brass.
"I think the brass details really make the design sing," says Brechbuehler.
Faucet: Rohl, custom plated in brushed brass
The designer integrated brass accents with a pinkish hue throughout the apartment, most notably in the kitchen. She purchased brass fixtures, door handles and light switches, and splurged on a custom hood replated in brass.
"I think the brass details really make the design sing," says Brechbuehler.
Faucet: Rohl, custom plated in brushed brass
The clients, who "cook like crazy," she says, have added baking and entertaining to their list of weekend activities. They threw a big party here, and everyone lingered in the kitchen, Brechbuehler says. "This is really our goal in the end: to enrich the lives of our clients."
The designer gets excited when she talks about the hidden gem of the kitchen: the pantry. Its built-in outlets and countertop make the coffee maker and other appliances completely accessible.
"Everything is plugged in, ready to use and inside of the cabinet. Our clients love the pantry's functionality," says Brechbuehler.
"Everything is plugged in, ready to use and inside of the cabinet. Our clients love the pantry's functionality," says Brechbuehler.
Wegner wishbone chairs in white laquer and oiled walnut work well with the sharp angles of the paper clip–legged dining table.
The living room is a study in midcentury furniture. Wood materials and furniture details warm up the space. Sliding doors with brass handles open into an office area drenched in sunlight.
The designer continues the design theme in the office with brass cabinet handles and a custom live-edge table.
A skylight provides the otherwise windowless bathroom with soothing natural light.
Brechbuehler left the exposed brick walls throughout the duplex (seen here in the master bedroom). "They show the bones and age of this prewar apartment and work well with the warmer wood furnishings and flooring," she says.
Hood: Rangecraft, custom painted in brushed brass