Family Funs Up Magnificent Bed Stuy Brownstone With a Speakeasy in Its Past

Jodie Patterson and Joe Ghartey moved into one of Bed Stuy’s most impressive brownstones with their four kids three years ago, injecting their style into the home’s historic interior. But the basement? They’ll never change it.

The home came with a cornucopia of original detail — gorgeous dark wood moldings and paneling, stained glass windows, chandeliers, and fireplaces. But the family’s personal style has a more playful, modern edge and was recently featured on Design Sponge.

The owners carefully preserved and polished every inch of the Renaissance Revival house, designed by architect Jeremiah McAuliffe in 1891 — but the lively interior is anything but gloomy.

Colorful upholstery and contemporary art enliven the space, offering a counterpoint to the more traditional elements. A number of small art groupings and wall collages are scattered throughout the home, catching the eye and providing a constant source of inspiration for Jodie, founder of beauty companies DooBop and Georgia.

But the coolest part? The basement holds the remains of a prohibition-era speakeasy that once operated out of the home. A bright pink buzzer box was used to give entry to the lower door.

The speakeasy buzzer box

It might look like a storage room, but the basement once housed raucous illicit parties

The living room boasts a pier mirror and a whimsical screen

Colorful fabrics add vibrancy to the space. The sofa is from Ikea; the kids helped enhance the upholstery with spray paint.

The home’s rear parlor still has the original painted ceiling

A kitchen was created on the parlor floor by introducing a marble counter with stove and sink in the center, leaving the room’s original built-ins and fireplace intact

The master bedroom

The tile, plasterwork, and stained glass are original, but the fixtures and layout are new

Jodie’s home office

The children’s room

[Source: Design Sponge | Photos: Sasha Israel]

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