While Brooklyn brownstones conjure up memories of their turn-of-the-century roots, they also remain the modern-day face of New York’s coolest boroughs. With brownstone living, however, comes responsibility—many of these classic beauties are in need of renovation and restoration. Here are 10 standout, renovated brownstones that retain their original charm with added contemporary cool.
While Brooklyn brownstones conjure up memories of their turn-of-the-century roots, they also remain the modern-day face of New York’s coolest boroughs. With brownstone living, however, comes responsibility—many of these classic beauties are in need of renovation and restoration. Here are 10 standout, renovated brownstones that retain their original charm with added contemporary cool.
Above the sink in the kitchen, you can see one of Bocci’s first 57 chandeliers. Photo by José Mandojana.
Above the sink in the kitchen, you can see one of Bocci’s first 57 chandeliers. Photo by José Mandojana.
At Lasvit's Salone exhibition: the LED-illuminated Moulds pendant lights by Jan Plecháč and Henry Wielgus capture the moment when molten glass emerges from its mold.
At Lasvit's Salone exhibition: the LED-illuminated Moulds pendant lights by Jan Plecháč and Henry Wielgus capture the moment when molten glass emerges from its mold.
Pendants are often located over a table or kitchen island because they provide ambient or task lighting
Pendants are often located over a table or kitchen island because they provide ambient or task lighting
Peg sofa table by Nendo for Cappellini. See it at Salone in Hall 20, Stand E01 - F06.
Peg sofa table by Nendo for Cappellini. See it at Salone in Hall 20, Stand E01 - F06.
Architect Janna Levitt devised a creative emellishment for a residence in Canada. Photo by: Philip Cheung
Architect Janna Levitt devised a creative emellishment for a residence in Canada. Photo by: Philip Cheung
The pendant lamp is a vintage find.
The pendant lamp is a vintage find.
A limited edition of 18, Anastassiades created the Lit Lines Pendant Light 2, 2011 for Nilufar Gallery in Milan, Italy. Available in satin or patinated brass.
A limited edition of 18, Anastassiades created the Lit Lines Pendant Light 2, 2011 for Nilufar Gallery in Milan, Italy. Available in satin or patinated brass.
In the eat-in portion of the kitchen, a George Nelson Bubble Lamp hangs above an Artek table and chairs by Alvar Aalto.
In the eat-in portion of the kitchen, a George Nelson Bubble Lamp hangs above an Artek table and chairs by Alvar Aalto.
Thanks to a contemporary interior that she’s been updating for a decade, modern architect Abigail Turin has learned to love her traditional 1925 San Francisco home. Rather than indulge her impulse and strip away the home’s traditional flourishes, Turin embraced the dark in her striking living room—the deep paint is Le Corbusier’s 4320J from Les Couleurs Suisse. An iconic Arco lamp by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos, Charles sofas by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia, an Extra Big Shadow floor lamp by Marcel Wanders for Cappellini, and a painting over the marble fireplace by Martin Barré shed a little light.
Thanks to a contemporary interior that she’s been updating for a decade, modern architect Abigail Turin has learned to love her traditional 1925 San Francisco home. Rather than indulge her impulse and strip away the home’s traditional flourishes, Turin embraced the dark in her striking living room—the deep paint is Le Corbusier’s 4320J from Les Couleurs Suisse. An iconic Arco lamp by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos, Charles sofas by Antonio Citterio for B&B Italia, an Extra Big Shadow floor lamp by Marcel Wanders for Cappellini, and a painting over the marble fireplace by Martin Barré shed a little light.
Don designed and built the white-oak kitchen table, which is cantilevered so knees don’t bump the underpinnings.
Don designed and built the white-oak kitchen table, which is cantilevered so knees don’t bump the underpinnings.
Bertjan Pot's Non Random D71 Light for Moooi, $728.
Bertjan Pot's Non Random D71 Light for Moooi, $728.
Takagi's Bluff City pendants are work lights with a kick of color and a hint of copper.
Takagi's Bluff City pendants are work lights with a kick of color and a hint of copper.
A bridge connects the second-floor office and guest bedroom with the backyard-facing master bedroom. To prevent excessive solar heat gain in this especial space, Butler Armsden used high performance Unilux low-e windows. Two Eurofase pendant lights from Chromos illuminate the hallway at night.
A bridge connects the second-floor office and guest bedroom with the backyard-facing master bedroom. To prevent excessive solar heat gain in this especial space, Butler Armsden used high performance Unilux low-e windows. Two Eurofase pendant lights from Chromos illuminate the hallway at night.
CELL SHORT PENDANT LIGHT

A light that mimics cellular growth which can be used in multiple, geometric configurations. Each Cell Pendant Light is made from layers of finely etched, polished brass filtering light rays to throw a satisfyingly dappled glow casting intricate shadows on walls, floors and ceilings.
CELL SHORT PENDANT LIGHT A light that mimics cellular growth which can be used in multiple, geometric configurations. Each Cell Pendant Light is made from layers of finely etched, polished brass filtering light rays to throw a satisfyingly dappled glow casting intricate shadows on walls, floors and ceilings.
Davor and August check out the yard from the living room. “The bifold Vistalite doors allow us to open the house up completely and enjoy the fresh, warm air,” Davor says.
Davor and August check out the yard from the living room. “The bifold Vistalite doors allow us to open the house up completely and enjoy the fresh, warm air,” Davor says.
Signal Pendant Light, $495–$695 at the Dwell Store

Inspired by satellites and stars, the Signal Pendant Light from Brooklyn–based Souda is meant to resemble a celestial body. It features a perforated metal shade that provides a distinctive light diffusion.
Signal Pendant Light, $495–$695 at the Dwell Store Inspired by satellites and stars, the Signal Pendant Light from Brooklyn–based Souda is meant to resemble a celestial body. It features a perforated metal shade that provides a distinctive light diffusion.
Another simple, white kitchen with black countertops is this diminutive kitchen in Singapore. Light pours in through the large window, and a tiny but tasteful farmhouse kitchen table rests in the middle of everything.
Another simple, white kitchen with black countertops is this diminutive kitchen in Singapore. Light pours in through the large window, and a tiny but tasteful farmhouse kitchen table rests in the middle of everything.
Designed in 1937 by acclaimed designer and architect Alvar Aalto, the A330S Pendant Lamp is a sophisticated ceiling light. Aino and Alvar Aalto were commissioned in 1936 to design the interior of the Savoy Restaurant in Helsinki. Made from a single piece of brass, the A330S Golden Bell Pendant was a part of the restaurant’s interior design. This lamp was also shown in the Finnish Pavilion of the 1937 Paris World Expo. 

The A330S is 15% off until October 22, 2015.
Designed in 1937 by acclaimed designer and architect Alvar Aalto, the A330S Pendant Lamp is a sophisticated ceiling light. Aino and Alvar Aalto were commissioned in 1936 to design the interior of the Savoy Restaurant in Helsinki. Made from a single piece of brass, the A330S Golden Bell Pendant was a part of the restaurant’s interior design. This lamp was also shown in the Finnish Pavilion of the 1937 Paris World Expo. The A330S is 15% off until October 22, 2015.
FUN 1DA PENDANT LIGHT

Designed in 1964 by legendary Danish 20th century designer Verner Panton, the Fun 1DA Pendant Lamp is reproduced for today’s design enthusiast by Verpan. This elegantly constructed ceiling-mount pendant lamp is made from a three ring metal frame with descending strands of shimmering metal discs. Combined to form a cohesive whole, these brilliant circles glisten like the scales of a fish or gleaming beads. When illuminated, the reflective surfaces enliven any space with dynamic, ethereal light. When touched, the discs emit a soft twinkling sound that lends further animation to the lively design and lends beauty and dimension to any room.
FUN 1DA PENDANT LIGHT Designed in 1964 by legendary Danish 20th century designer Verner Panton, the Fun 1DA Pendant Lamp is reproduced for today’s design enthusiast by Verpan. This elegantly constructed ceiling-mount pendant lamp is made from a three ring metal frame with descending strands of shimmering metal discs. Combined to form a cohesive whole, these brilliant circles glisten like the scales of a fish or gleaming beads. When illuminated, the reflective surfaces enliven any space with dynamic, ethereal light. When touched, the discs emit a soft twinkling sound that lends further animation to the lively design and lends beauty and dimension to any room.
The Hex 750 Brass Pendant is a statement lighting fixture that is created from brass electroplated aluminum that is hand-brushed and finished in a clear matte lacquer that maintains and protects the distinctive finish. The entire hexagon shape is fixed with high output LED strips, which provide a strong and consistent diffusion of light.
The Hex 750 Brass Pendant is a statement lighting fixture that is created from brass electroplated aluminum that is hand-brushed and finished in a clear matte lacquer that maintains and protects the distinctive finish. The entire hexagon shape is fixed with high output LED strips, which provide a strong and consistent diffusion of light.
The Raimond Pendant Light features a speherical silhouette, which is both soft with its rounded lines and geometric with its symmetry. The result is an elegant, eye-catching light that would complement a modern interior.
The Raimond Pendant Light features a speherical silhouette, which is both soft with its rounded lines and geometric with its symmetry. The result is an elegant, eye-catching light that would complement a modern interior.
The kitchen is lit by an IKEA pendant light.
The kitchen is lit by an IKEA pendant light.
Parson Russell terriers Pepper and Trixie get a glimpse of the large courtyard through a glassy expanse by Marvin Windows and Doors.
Parson Russell terriers Pepper and Trixie get a glimpse of the large courtyard through a glassy expanse by Marvin Windows and Doors.
Sayes designed a pegboard screen to hide a bathtub and wash basin in the downstairs bathroom, and used the same shade of salmon-hued paint from Resene on the ceiling in the master bedroom. Sayes fashioned the pendant lamp from common parts, including a ceramic socket and a G125 incandescent lightbulb.
Sayes designed a pegboard screen to hide a bathtub and wash basin in the downstairs bathroom, and used the same shade of salmon-hued paint from Resene on the ceiling in the master bedroom. Sayes fashioned the pendant lamp from common parts, including a ceramic socket and a G125 incandescent lightbulb.
In the kitchen, custom walnut cabinetry and Caesarstone counters are paired with Bertoia stools and Ikea pendant lamps.
In the kitchen, custom walnut cabinetry and Caesarstone counters are paired with Bertoia stools and Ikea pendant lamps.
In the kitchen, the couple found barely used appliances instead of new ones to save money. The cabinetry and butcher block counters are from Ikea.
In the kitchen, the couple found barely used appliances instead of new ones to save money. The cabinetry and butcher block counters are from Ikea.
Neyer is also working on prototype for a pendant lamp inspired by a yo-yo.
Neyer is also working on prototype for a pendant lamp inspired by a yo-yo.
Paring an overhead light down to a simple, elemental form, the Disc Pendant Light from Workstead is an elegant light with an exposed bulb. Available in brass and blackened brass, the light consists of an arm and adjustable ten-inch disc. The light can be suspended straight from the ceiling, or the disc can be rotated to redirect light as needed.
Paring an overhead light down to a simple, elemental form, the Disc Pendant Light from Workstead is an elegant light with an exposed bulb. Available in brass and blackened brass, the light consists of an arm and adjustable ten-inch disc. The light can be suspended straight from the ceiling, or the disc can be rotated to redirect light as needed.
The Anastassiades String Pendant Lights from Flos bring suspension lighting to the ceiling. Available with spherical and conical pendants, each Anastassiades String Light provides diffused light, and can be used as overhead lighting in living rooms, bedrooms, or dining rooms. With two different cable lengths, the pendants can be strung in a variety of configurations from simple and streamlined to geometric and intricate. Each pendant light includes a weighted floor switch or ceiling canopy and several hooks with which to string the pendant. Each String Pendant Light can be used individually or grouped with other lights in the series to create a robust lighting display.
The Anastassiades String Pendant Lights from Flos bring suspension lighting to the ceiling. Available with spherical and conical pendants, each Anastassiades String Light provides diffused light, and can be used as overhead lighting in living rooms, bedrooms, or dining rooms. With two different cable lengths, the pendants can be strung in a variety of configurations from simple and streamlined to geometric and intricate. Each pendant light includes a weighted floor switch or ceiling canopy and several hooks with which to string the pendant. Each String Pendant Light can be used individually or grouped with other lights in the series to create a robust lighting display.
The couple designed the master bedroom, choosing a new red carpet inspired by the original and a Half Moon pendant by Allied Maker.
The couple designed the master bedroom, choosing a new red carpet inspired by the original and a Half Moon pendant by Allied Maker.
The Raimond Zafu Pendant is a sculptural fixture inspired by the pure beauty of mathematics—it was created to be both systematic and organic, and resembles a star-filled sky when illuminated.
The Raimond Zafu Pendant is a sculptural fixture inspired by the pure beauty of mathematics—it was created to be both systematic and organic, and resembles a star-filled sky when illuminated.
Intending to take light to an elemental place, the Aura Light from Ladies & Gentlemen Studio features two simple, primary elements: the light source—the bulb—and the illumination, which is highlighted by a brass ring. The result is a simple but sophisticated fixture that can be used as a singular suspended piece, or can be grouped with other Aura Lights for a more dramatic, installation-like effect.
Intending to take light to an elemental place, the Aura Light from Ladies & Gentlemen Studio features two simple, primary elements: the light source—the bulb—and the illumination, which is highlighted by a brass ring. The result is a simple but sophisticated fixture that can be used as a singular suspended piece, or can be grouped with other Aura Lights for a more dramatic, installation-like effect.
The GM—Grethe Meyer—Pendants are balanced pendant lights that can be used for overhead lighting in a dining room or kitchen, and can also be grouped together to create a graphic lighting installation. Shown here, the GM 30 Pendant Light in Copper is made of lacquered solid copper and is suspended from a black fabric cord.

Shown with Menu’s Afteroom Chair, Kaschkasch Mirror, and Marble Wall Clock.
The GM—Grethe Meyer—Pendants are balanced pendant lights that can be used for overhead lighting in a dining room or kitchen, and can also be grouped together to create a graphic lighting installation. Shown here, the GM 30 Pendant Light in Copper is made of lacquered solid copper and is suspended from a black fabric cord. Shown with Menu’s Afteroom Chair, Kaschkasch Mirror, and Marble Wall Clock.
Pick your Edison bulb poison: filaments in creative shapes from Tiab Inc.
Pick your Edison bulb poison: filaments in creative shapes from Tiab Inc.
A closer look at the copper GM Pendant light, shown with Menu’s stackable glasses.
A closer look at the copper GM Pendant light, shown with Menu’s stackable glasses.

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