BROOKLYN, NY

As a family was soon to grow from four to five, they decided it was time to upgrade to a three-bedroom apartment. However, their current two-bedroom featured an unusually large private outdoor terrace that was too good to leave behind. While the developer-style modern building was nicely appointed, the cabinetry and appliances were beginning to show wear and the existing layout did not make the most of the natural light coming in from the floor-to-ceiling windows.

This was not a case of simply adding another apartment, removing the superfluous kitchenette, and cutting a hole to connect them. By annexing the neighboring one-bedroom unit, both spaces were completely reconfigured to create a 2,000 sf home featuring a large living-kitchen-dining space that suited the family’s entertaining style. The new architectural layout has an enhanced connection to the matching 2,000 sf outdoor space.

The design focused on light and desaturated tones that gave consistency throughout all flooring, doors and millwork.  Blue or green materials are present in each room, ranging from soft pastels to rich jewel tones, and all set against a bleached white oak palette.  The result is quiet and modern, but still with moments of drama - like the powder room’s emerald green ceramic wall tile.

The north facing exposure provides soft light throughout the day, which is augmented by custom brass linear lighting throughout, designed by Solk Architecture to highlight art and open shelving areas. There are also moments of playfulness, such as the kids' room bed nooks. To make a shared bedroom feel more special and private, each of the girls has their own bed space with reading lights and bookshelves.

Solk Architecture provided architecture, interior design and furniture selection services.