Brooklyn Heights Penthouse: Blending Historic Grandeur with Modern Living
In the vibrant heart of Brooklyn Heights, an extraordinary transformation has unfolded within a historic penthouse apartment. Designers Raychel Wade and Berg & Forster Architects embarked on a journey to revitalize the top two floors of a 19th-century Italianate townhouse, once the residence of a prominent hardware merchant. This ambitious project, initiated by Sabrina Gleizer and Jonathan Keehner, sought to seamlessly integrate contemporary living with the inherent grandeur and intricate details of the Gilded Age. The outcome is a home that not only honors its rich past but also thrives as a dynamic, welcoming space for modern life and entertaining.
The residence, perched atop a building along the iconic Brooklyn Heights Promenade, has long been a source of fascination for onlookers, its interiors often hidden from public view. The opportunity to renovate this unique space was a dream for Raychel Wade, who describes the apartment as a "storybook castle." Initially approached for a bathroom update, the project soon expanded to include the kitchen and, eventually, a comprehensive overhaul of much of the property. This expansion allowed Wade to delve deep into the home's distinctive character, unveiling a world rarely seen in New York City apartments. The renovation journey involved a delicate balance: preserving the historic integrity while introducing modern functionality and aesthetic appeal.
A central focus of the redesign was the expansive great room, envisioned as the primary gathering space for the family and their guests. Recognizing its frequent use, the designers approached this area with careful consideration. The room's inherent quirks, including a compact turret affectionately dubbed "the tower" and a distinct, self-contained bar, presented both challenges and opportunities. Wade masterfully reconfigured the space to define five unique zones, each harmonizing with the others while serving distinct purposes. The addition of French doors leading to a lower deck and an impressive fireplace significantly enhanced the room's connectivity and overall livability.
Throughout the renovation, the design philosophy revolved around complementing the apartment’s original features rather than competing with them. This guiding principle was evident in the material selections and structural enhancements. For instance, the original flooring was replaced with white-oak herringbone parquet, a choice that resonated with the building's prewar aesthetic. A darker perimeter stripe was subtly incorporated to echo the room’s intricate hand-carved wood paneling, providing visual continuity and depth. Instead of attempting to lighten the existing dark paneling, Wade embraced its richness, opting for a deep blue-gray mohair sofa and a gray tweed ottoman to create a sophisticated and inviting ambiance around the fireplace. The intention was to enhance the inherent character, making the space feel "dark and sexy" rather than overly bright or sterile.
Beyond the great room, moments of vibrant color and playful design were introduced in other areas. The circular entryway now captivates with a checkered limestone floor and whimsical hand-painted botanical wallpaper, setting an imaginative tone upon arrival. Upstairs, the loggia, a roof-level space dating back to the 1860s, was transformed into a versatile "three-season room." Bathed in a soft pink hue and framed by elegant arched glass doors, this area offers breathtaking panoramic views, providing an ideal setting for both indoor and outdoor gatherings. The integration of a kitchen in the loggia further underscores its role as a premier entertainment space.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the renovation was the meticulous attention to detail in every corner of the home. In the daughter's room, Wade maximized the compact footprint by designing a custom built-in bed and adding playful drapery, creating a youthful yet adaptable space. The bathroom underwent a complete transformation, featuring a custom vanity, a stylish medicine cabinet, and carefully selected tiles and hardware. Even seemingly minor elements, such as surplus marble from the bar, found new life as a console in the foyer, demonstrating a commitment to thoughtful design and sustainability. This comprehensive approach ensured that each room, from the grand entertaining spaces to the intimate private quarters, contributed to the overall narrative of a historically rich home reimagined for modern comfort.
Ultimately, the objective was to craft a residence that married modern comfort with enduring grandeur, ensuring its ability to gracefully withstand the test of time and daily living. The philosophy embraced the natural aging process of materials, allowing elements like brass to acquire a deeper patina and marble to develop character through use. The result is a home that, despite its showpiece quality, remains remarkably durable and comfortable, a testament to thoughtful design that values both aesthetics and practicality. This harmonious blend of old and new has successfully transformed a historic dwelling into a timeless sanctuary.