Boerum Hill Federal

The Boerum Hill project was all about bringing character and charm back to this historic townhome. When

the young family first purchased the property, the house was renovated in a rather stark and contemporary fashion that felt uncharacteristic to its roots - a Federal style townhouse on arguably one of the most quintessential tree lined Brooklyn blocks.

With this in mind, the focus of our work was reintroducing a series of “background” details that define the integrity of a historic vernacular dwelling with aplomb - materials and finishes appropriate for its 18-century bones yet function fluidly in a modern day setting. Notably, there was a playful use of pattern and color throughout - snippets reminiscent of the bygone yet feel relatable and whimsical at once. A spectrum of colors inspired by historic spaces and archive wallpaper patterns are quietly illuminated in a warm glow filtered through opaque glass, a trademark of antique opaline fixtures, which can be spotted in multiple places of the home.

Similarly, this type of color punctuation is seen on the teal blue interior doors throughout the three-story house - a historic color from Farrow & Ball, Oval Room Blue serves as a cheerful contrast to the predominantly neutral backdrop. As a result, a sense of place and time is uncovered while the home’s past and present mingle beautifully.