design

“He spends a lot of time in this room, so it had to really work for him,” says Cuttle of Andrew’s office. To maximize the workspace, they designed a white oak corner desk that extends across the window, but doesn’t block the light.

The wall shelves are also by Croft House

An Allied Maker sconce was mounted beside artworks by Cara Tomlinson, via BDDW gallery.

The nightstands and dresser are both by Croft House. The overhead light is from Rejuvenation.

Custom millwork now stores toys and books, and becomes a media console in front of the couch. The designers also added a daybed below the windows.

Nato Studio added new lights to the already remodeled kitchen, including TK pendants over the island and sconces from Triple Seven. “For the lighting selections, we were looking for very natural materials that have a timeless feel, like brass and milk glass, as opposed to bringing in something that looked too contemporary,” says Cuttle.

The vintage dining table was the client’s own, while the sideboard is from Croft House and the rug from Nanimarquina, via TRNK.

An Article sofa was placed with an ottoman from Jardan. The vintage Hans Olsen chair is the client’s own, and the artwork is by Susan English, from Kathryn Markel Fine Arts.

A custom white oak cabinet made by North Summit Studio fits the narrow dimensions of the pass-through television room. “We designed it so that if they ever decided to move, it functions as two credenzas with a series of modular boxes that are dovetailed together and stacked on top of each other. Then you have the one large opening for the television,” says Cuttle. “The thinking was that they could then theoretically very easily repurpose all of that into another residence.”

The chandelier in the living room is Lambert & Fils. The couple fit a new piano in the corner so it’ll be ready for music lessons for the children. “She’s been wanting to teach her children the piano, so it also creates this music space [in the living room],” says Pillet.

“Those living rooms are always a challenge in brownstones, to furnish in a thoughtful way,” says Cuttle, pointing to the narrow dimensions of the room, the low window sills, and abundance of woodwork taking up wall space. A curving Carl Hansen sofa floats in front of the bay window, so as not to block the light and allowing easy sightlines. The chairs and coffee table are from Lawson Fenning and the rug is Jardan.

"The dark, moody primary suite and its contrast to the bright and airy primary bathroom shower are another favorite of both the design team and the homeowners,

Heath tiles were used in the primary bathroom, and unlacquered brass fixtures from Watermark continue the theme.

"The combined efforts of the design-educated clients and architectural design professionals resulted in an organized layout and cohesive material palette that enhances, rather than erases, the existing character of the home,

A second staircase was added to take advantage of the height provided by a previously unfinished attic. The skylights bring sunshine down to both levels.

Skylights now fill the refreshed attic with sunshine.

The deck was reconfigured to open on to the garden, as one enlarged and connected space.

Malcolm Davis Architecture helps a family roll back years of hodgepodge additions while opening the rear facade to the garden.

Anodized aluminum-and-glass sliding doors are all that separate guests from the peaceful environs.