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When architects Hayes and James Slade of Slade Architecture renovated a three-story brownstone in Brooklyn, they took an atypical approach to storage: "rather than concealing, it reveals and celebrates," says James. To tie the three floors together, the architects devised a blackened steel wall that acts like a multi-story magnetic board, running from the parlor floor to the roof.

Cohen added floor-to-ceiling shelving from Rakks including a low shelf which works perfectly as a double desk for her children and that is also a very efficient use of space.

In the lofted study, a Rakks modular shelf system was recessed into the drywall and topped with laminate boards. A white oak ceiling and flooring are found throughout the home, adding warmth to the minimalist palette.

Particularly fond of careful detail, Alter designed the treads of the entryway staircase to merge seamlessly into the adjacent bookshelves. “I enjoy doing things that make you wonder about the context and look a little further,” he says.

In the living room, Myers combined the client’s existing camel leather from Room & Board with a vintage WC Gerard van den Berg-style loveseat, found at the L.A.-based store Amsterdam Modern. The rug is the Joelle from Lulu and Georgia, and the overhead light a Petite Friture Vertigo Pendant. “The living room is really special, especially in the early evening when the room is filled with the light coming in from the sunset,” says Alexandra. “Nothing beats a Texas sunset.” The artwork is by Alexandra’s friend.

Alexandra worked with interior designer Natalie Myers of Veneer Designs to give the home an all new look, without changing anything about the shell of the home.

Concerned about the chemicals involved in laminate flooring, the couple chose to leave the concrete slab, the foundation of the home, exposed, almost eliminating flooring expenses. A local craftsman made the windows, using Texas pine for framing. The floor-to-ceiling windows, Pavonetti says, reduces the couple's need for lights.

Plaster walls mixed with gray marble powder dominate the interior of the bottom floor, complementing its spruce wood carpentry.

Architect Grant explains that the recessed orange wall with built-in storage shelving is a counterpoint to the view of Boston in the opposite direction.

Resident Ty Milford peruses a book by the George Nelson–inspired built-ins fabricated by Big Branch Woodworking

This contemporary design uses eco-friendly bamboo veneers with a clear water based finish throughout. The wall unit provides plenty of storage with 2 big drawers at the bottom and side cabinets to hide and store media equipment. This sleek unit features flat style door and drawer fronts, floating shelves, sleek chrome legs and handles that work well to give it a trendsetting and modern appeal.

Built-ins reduce the need for furniture.

The room also features built-in bookcases fabricated by Earthbound Industries and a vintage Sesann sofa by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina.

PS=Janna Lufkin

On one side of the house, a white central staircase leads to a split-level landing the Robertsons call "the reading room." "We needed a place to hang out and for the kids to read," explains owner Vivi Nguyen-Robertson. Awaiting the birth of the couple's son, she relaxes in a built-in reading nook in the library.

Paul finds a hiding place amongst the bedroom built-ins.

Custom millwork units are strategically located in every space—including hallways—to provide ample storage for the growing family.

"I've always loved the way buildings look when they're under construction, and the walls of the office are basically like open framing," Davis says.

Vintage, one-of-a-kind light fixtures are featured throughout the home. This living room hosted a Target photoshoot last fall, also styled by Emily Henderson.