Architectural Cases

Converting any room into a true sanctuary of knowledge and aesthetics is effortlessly achieved with thoughtfully designed built-in bookshelves. These elegant storage solutions go beyond mere functionality, transforming spaces into personalized libraries that reflect individual tastes and stories. From showcasing treasured hardcovers and art pieces to integrating discreet storage, built-in shelves elevate a room's character, offering a sense of permanence and curated beauty.

Designing and Crafting Your Bespoke Bookshelves

For those looking to create a unique literary haven, the journey begins with a clear vision. First, consider the room's primary function and desired atmosphere—be it a tranquil reading nook, an elegant dining area, or a vibrant creative space. Next, evaluate the wall coverage, deciding whether to opt for a full-wall literary display, an upper-wall accent, or a more subtle half-wall installation. The choice of materials significantly impacts the final aesthetic; solid wood offers timeless warmth, while plywood or engineered wood provide more economical alternatives. Experiment with various colors, from bold hues that create a striking focal point to neutral tones that allow the displayed items to shine. Finally, fine-tune the details, such as selecting complementary hardware and integrating subtle lighting to enhance ambiance and highlight your curated collection.

Reflections on the Art of Bookshelf Integration

The thoughtful integration of built-in bookshelves offers more than just practical storage; it's an opportunity to weave personal narratives into the very fabric of a home. Each shelf becomes a canvas for self-expression, where books, artworks, and mementos tell a unique story. The process encourages homeowners to curate their possessions, embracing the philosophy that less can indeed be more. By focusing on quality over quantity and intentionally leaving pockets of open space, the display gains depth and visual intrigue. Moreover, the addition of integrated lighting can transform a simple shelf into a micro-gallery, casting a soft glow that invites contemplation and appreciation. Ultimately, these bespoke libraries are not just about housing books; they are about crafting an environment that nourishes the soul, stimulates the mind, and enhances the daily experience of living.

Renowned mixologist Sam Ross, celebrated for his contributions to the craft cocktail scene and co-founder of the esteemed bar Attaboy, has embarked on a significant personal project: the complete overhaul of his long-term residence in Red Hook. What began as a modest 600-square-foot apartment nearly two decades ago has blossomed into a spacious 1,200-square-foot dream home, encompassing the entire historic building. This ambitious transformation, driven by Ross's desire for a space that reflects his evolving lifestyle and passion for entertaining, was brought to life through a close collaboration with his long-standing friend and accomplished interior designer, Mel Brasier.

Ross's connection to his Red Hook abode traces back to 2008 when he first secured the small apartment through Craigslist. Over the years, a strong and enduring relationship developed with his landlord, a bond that ultimately paved the way for this extensive renovation. In 2022, when the opportunity arose to purchase the entire circa-1899 building, Ross seized it without hesitation. This acquisition not only doubled his interior living space but also unlocked the potential for a backyard and a raw rooftop, igniting his vision for a truly personalized home.

For the intricate design work, Ross instinctively turned to Mel Brasier. Their professional relationship spans over two decades, originating when Brasier, fresh from FIT's interiors program, designed Ross's inaugural bar, Attaboy. This shared history fostered an almost intuitive understanding between them. Ross explains that Brasier possesses a unique ability to grasp his initial, often abstract, ideas and elevate them into something far superior to his original imaginings.

Brasier, who later channeled her design expertise into outdoor spaces as co-founder of Manscapers, embraced the opportunity to reshape her friend's environment. She drew inspiration from Ross's warm and sociable character, translating it into a design language rich in tactile elements like wood and ceramics. The color scheme features saturated yet natural hues, such as forest green, terra-cotta, and deep rose, creating an inviting and convivial atmosphere that perfectly complements Ross's love for hosting gatherings.

While granting Brasier creative freedom, Ross did present a few key desires. He envisioned the ground floor's main level as an expansive, open-plan area, ideal for fluid conversation and social interaction. For his private retreat on the second floor, he sought a cozier, more intimate, cabin-like ambiance. His inspiration for this personal haven stemmed from a fascination with 1970s log cabin aesthetics, characterized by abundant cedar, a fireplace, and a distinctly relaxed feel.

Brasier meticulously delivered on these requests. The primary suite on the upper level is enveloped in cedar planks, creating a truly immersive and fragrant experience that Ross describes as akin to a constant sauna. A freestanding fireplace anchors a richly textured sitting area, while the bed is nestled into a comforting nook by the window, maximizing the feeling of secluded comfort. Downstairs, though devoid of cedar, the main living area proudly displays thick wooden beams, a discovery unearthed during the renovation. These rustic elements are balanced by the polished sophistication of white oak parquet flooring, laid in a classic chevron pattern, and elegant wainscoting adorning the walls around the dining table. This thoughtful integration ensures that each distinct zone within the main space flows effortlessly into the next, facilitating an uninterrupted flow of conversation, food, and cocktails.

Ross articulates a profound desire for his home to be a hub of affection and joy, a place where laughter echoes from children, friends gather in the kitchen, and family from afar feel welcome. The kitchen, a central element in his entertaining ethos, was given prime importance in the design. Its U-shaped layout is strikingly framed by eye-catching zellige tiles in a deep green hue. Brasier emphasized allocating a substantial portion of the budget to tiles and materials that exude texture and a handmade quality, even extending this artisanal approach to the basement bathroom.

Beyond the kitchen, floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto a meticulously designed backyard. Here, Brasier's landscaping prowess, honed with Manscapers, created an outdoor oasis featuring a dining deck complete with a grill, and a stone-paved patio bordered by a gracefully curved raised garden bed brimming with diverse plants. The outdoor enhancements didn't conclude there; Brasier and her team, known for their work on Bravo’s Backyard Envy, also conceived a sophisticated rooftop space. This elevated sanctuary boasts a pergola, luxurious chaises, and an outdoor shower, evoking the serene elegance of a Hamptons beach house.

For Ross, the reality of his transformed home remains almost surreal. Having lived in New York for two decades in more confined quarters, the abundance of space, natural light, and varied ambiances now feels like an enduring luxury he believes will never lose its appeal. His Red Hook residence stands as a testament to the power of thoughtful design and deep personal connection, evolving from a simple apartment into a vibrant, inviting sanctuary tailored to a life well-lived and shared.