Bold and Bright Brownstone
To reimagine this New York City brownstone, I started at the studs to combine five apartments into one spectacular home. The space was uniquely narrow, so every decision played a role in maximizing the width of the space, physically and visually.
The result was a total transformation. I used the original exposed brick as a highlight on each floor, and then added new walls, stairs, flooring, railings, windows, and more to renovate the home and make it feel as spacious as possible. This project is a perfect example that it’s not only square footage, but also volume, that goes to making a home feel larger.
Enjoy this peek of the project’s public spaces, wonderfully suited for gatherings with family, friends, and clients in the heart of the city.
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Central to the main floor, a new staircase was left open to add visual width to the narrow space.
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A white color palette is popped with bold artwork and adventurous, happy orange fabrics on the banquette and chairs. Lucite barstools allow for an unobstructed view of the stunning white marble.
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When faced with an obstacle, embrace it! Robin wrapped a column in quilted stainless steel to create an industrial focal point that adds textural interest.
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Robin designed live edge cutting boards that wrap perfectly around the white marble counters. They protect while adding a warm, organic element to the space.
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The white marble backsplash extends to the ceiling, and together with frosted glass cabinet doors, make the space feel open and gracious.
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It was important to use every inch of space. The frosted-glass-meets-stainless-steel motif extends into the butler’s pantry, with plenty of out-of-the-way kitchen storage.
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The kitchen is where life happens. That’s why, whenever possible, Robin incorporates a desk space to serve as a hub for family action. This desk features gray stained wood and custom stainless grilles over the frosted glass upper cabinet doors—contrasting counterpoints to the sleek white of the kitchen.
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Robin used the height of the ceiling and mirrors to play with the feeling of space. In every room, she kept a touch of original brick for a sense of loft living.
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Proof a little bit of color goes a long way. Robin popped the neutral palette with bold red touches. Vintage tables and lamps mix with contemporary pieces for a transitional look.
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On the fireplace wall, Robin added dimensional white marble tile for textural interest. She used sculptures and accessories from different eras and cultures to keep the decor interesting.
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The French doors were original to the brownstone’s living room and dining room, and Robin repurposed them to conceal a closet. She added a custom transom to extend their height and add drama, and also replaced the original glass panes with mirrors to visually widen the space.
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On every floor, the custom staircase plays an important role. By keeping the design of the home as open as possible, Robin maintained a spacious feel.
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Of course there’s a wet bar! The unique natural stone is its own star. The jewelry-like hardware and textured mercury glass tile makes every drink feel worthy of celebration.
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Handcrafted touches add soul to a space, even in a wet bar. This hand-hammered sink is a perfect example.
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Sometimes you only need one great piece to punctuate a design. This artisan-made blown glass bowl adds allure to the moody space.
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Robin says hardware is like jewelry—the little something extra that can take a look to the next level. The wet bar's hardware, with its exaggerated scale and pierced detail, is a perfect example of how to use hardware to create drama and personalize a space.
#ROBINISM
Our homes are a reflection of who we are…they also help us become who we want to be.
Place objects that inspire and uplift you in key locations throughout your home. Also...a little Feng Shui goes a long way!