Transforming New York City Brownstones with Modern Renovations
As many of you who follow this blog know, New York City brownstones—those iconic, historic buildings that line the charming streets of neighborhoods from Brooklyn to Manhattan—are one of my favorite types of projects to take on. They truly give interior designers like us the opportunity to draw upon all our skills—design, organizational, time management, legal, and negotiation.
Working on these architectural treasures can breathe new life into them. What’s exciting is working with the historic elements of brownstones (protected by various New York City regulations), with new, modern design features. So, we want to explore some of this in this blog with you. We’ll delve into how our skillset in these areas– even including the use of Japandi interior design which is an area of expertise for us–is revitalizing these spaces, making them fit for modern living while preserving their classic allure.
The Timeless Charm of NYC Brownstones
As an experienced interior designer in New York, I appreciate that brownstones are more than just buildings; they are pieces of history that embody the city’s rich architectural past. From intricate facades to their classic stoops, stairways, moldings, and more each tells a story and has huge appeal.
Yet, inside many brownstones often hold layouts and features that can feel outdated to today’s urban dwellers. While they are large (overall) spaces, they can oddly feel cramped or divided up in ways that restrict flow, light, etc. This is where our interior skills come into play. We can transform these aging interiors into functional, modern spaces that still respect the original architecture.
The Role of a Specialized Brownstone Interior Designer
Renovating a brownstone might involve reimagining the interior spaces to create open, airy layouts. As we mentioned, traditional brownstones often have compartmentalized rooms that can feel dark and cramped by today’s standards. Removing non-load-bearing walls or enlarging doorways can open up these spaces significantly.
Good lighting is crucial in highlighting the brownstone’s architectural features and enhancing the ambiance. Designers can add a combination of task, ambient, and accent lighting to illuminate the space well. Options can include sleek track lighting, recessed lighting, or statement fixtures that complement the interior decor.
Another focus for interior designers is the “restoring” of original architectural details in brownstones such as moldings, fireplaces, and at times fully restoring the hardwood floors. This will preserve the historical integrity while contributing to the aesthetic value of the home. There are ways to carefully refurbish these elements to bring out their original beauty.
Incorporating Modern Design with a Touch of Japandi
Another topic you know we like to discuss (if you follow this blog) is merging design elements from different regions or with multiple cultural influences. We are always excited by implementing Japandi design—a blend of Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics.
Remember that this style emphasizes minimalism, natural wood finishes, and a calming color palette, which aligns beautifully with the Scandinavian appreciation for functionality, simplicity, and comfort. It’s perfect for brownstones as it enhances the historical elements with a clean, modern touch. How? Well, since Japandi has minimalist elements, it’s perfect for the more narrow, smaller spaces that brownstones can have.
Having sleek, modern furniture (and not tons of it) can fit well in these spaces. Also having lighter tones in terms of furniture can brighten the room and make it feel more spacious.
We can choose sleek, handcrafted furniture to keep the space uncluttered, complemented by natural textures and greenery that add warmth and life. The influence of Japandi can be seen in the use of soft, muted colors, highlighted by the rich, original woodwork typical of a brownstone’s interior.
Challenges and Considerations
While aesthetic transformation is a significant part of brownstone renovations, there are numerous practical considerations Manhattan and Brooklyn interior designers address (this is where the bulk of these brownstones are.) This can include upgrading outdated plumbing and electrical systems, improving insulation and window efficiency, and potentially retrofitting for natural gas, electric (for stoves), or even solar power. (If you are interested in learning more about some of these city-wide efforts, check out this website called NYC Accelerator.)
Additionally, renovating in New York City means navigating a complex maze of building codes and permit requirements, especially in historic districts where changes are strictly regulated. We know these well and help clients through regulatory challenges, making sure that all modifications are compliant and approved.
Sustainability in Renovation
Speaking of being environmentally aware and active, we put sustainability at the forefront of our design philosophy. We focus on sustainable practices, such as using reclaimed materials or selecting fixtures that reduce water and energy use. Of course design is paramount (as is the feedback of our clients), but we know that sustainability and high-quality interior design can dovetail very nicely. Being “green” is not only responsible, but these practices can also offer long-term savings to homeowners—such a crucial factor in New York’s expensive housing market.
The Future of Brownstone Renovations
Looking forward, the trend of transforming NYC brownstones into modern homes is only expected to grow. The amount of inventory is large, and areas of the city where such gut renovations are increasing. The appeal of living in these historic, visually stunning structures (with all the comforts of modern technology and design!) is undeniable. And with the help of our talented team, these old gems are being carefully and creatively ushered into the 21st century. (You can check out one of the Brooklyn brownstones we have renovated. And if you want to learn more about the history of brownstones check out Brownstoner.) Lastly, if you are asking the question: how do I find an interior designer near me? Please feel free to reach out and we can have a discussion about your needs and how we may work together!
Happy Autumn!