The Insider: Crown Heights Brownstone Regains Historic Feel With Details, Decor

After developers had their way with the late 19th century three-story brownstone, its interior had been almost entirely gutted. ‘It didn’t feel historic in any way,” said designer Aubrey Ament of Brooklyn-based Glam Studio, who was charged by new homeowners with reversing that state of affairs. “Basically, the brief was to make this house feel like its former self.”

Ament and her husband, Will Glaser, who teamed up a few years back to offer interior design and renovation project management services, accomplished that with the robust application of decorative moldings and exuberant wall coverings, new custom millwork by Navy Yard-based Nathan Chintala, and new furnishings and lighting.

The clients appreciated the fact that partitions on the parlor level had long since been removed to create one big open space. “The question was, how do you bring some traditional character into that open plan concept?” asked Glaser. Liberal use of picture and crown molding was a key tactic. “We tried to make it look and feel legit.” Especially dramatic was the transformation of the windows, which had been “just boxed-in Sheetrock,” with new sills and trim.

But the work wasn’t all decorative. Glam Studio also had to deal with water damage on the garden level, figure out workarounds for several columns inserted by the developer on the parlor floor in lieu of structural beams, finesse spots where soffits interfered with the placement of crown moldings, and enlarge the primary bedroom by demolishing a closet and shifting a wall.

The overall interior design direction was informed by the clients’ love of the coast, Ament said — “the easy elegance and blue-green color palette of places like Rhode Island and Martha’s Vineyard.” Strong color and pattern came naturally to the clients, one of whom is a book editor. “We had a lot of fun with wall coverings, color drenching, and upholstery fabrics.”

The entry vestibule was the one area where original woodwork, not even in need of refinishing, remained. “It was the most untouched space,” Glaser said. Hamptons Toile wallpaper from Katie Kime introduces the fun wallpaper theme.

A newel post sourced from Etsy replaced one made of “nailed-together 1x4s,” Glaser said. The stairs were in sound shape overall, with decent balusters and handrails. Glam Studio added wall moldings along the side of the staircase and the wall going upstairs, as well as runner carpet, also from Etsy.

There was an existing wood mantelpiece around a non-working fireplace in the front parlor, which Glam Studio kept. “We’re not sure if it’s original, but it’s a great focal point,” Ament said.

“Cozy and calm, with good lighting” was the aim for the primary bedroom, painted Grecian Green by Benjamin Moore. A caned headboard from Article, an online outlet, brings the coastal vibe.

A new wall of closets was fashioned out of semi-custom IKEA boxes with fronts made by the millworker.

The garden floor is conceived as one large multipurpose room for family recreation and relaxing, enlivened by the kind of bright, bold color and pattern that recall coastal cottages.

At the rear, a green sunroom painted Herb Garden by Benjamin Moore, with Alpine Garden wallpaper from Hygge & West, Fireclay floor tile, and an L-shaped window seat, overlooks the garden.

The library/media area in the center of the space is defined by a 14-foot-long custom book and TV unit designed by Glaser and painted Washington Blue, a deep navy by Benjamin Moore, along with a small bar and kitchenette.

A powder room with Fireclay wall and floor tile and a pedestal sink from Vintage Tub & Bath was inspired by the clients’ recent trip to Italy, Ament said. “They came back with a desire to use orange and lemon wallpaper,” found at Home Depot.

“Before” photos (below) reveal the full extent of the transformation.

[Photos by Claudia Di Maio]

The Insider is Brownstoner’s weekly in-depth look at a notable interior design/renovation project, by design journalist Cara Greenberg. Find it here every Thursday morning.

Got a project to propose for The Insider? Contact Cara at caramia447 [at] gmail [dot] com

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