Homes

A four-level 1890s townhouse in Brooklyn, New York by Ronen Lev is everything intimate and unexpected

JUL 28, 2023 | By Team ELLE DECOR India
In the living room there are yellow chairs Luteca Line chairs in a Pierre Frey fabric, the Julep sofa is by Tacchini in Perre Frey fabric, and the coffee table is a custom travertine Luca table by UmbertoBellardiRicci and purchased from Love House NY. The Alexander Girard 1952 checkered bench is from Maharam, the rug is woven, and the pendant is from Angele chandelier by Stephen Antonson; Photography by Nicole Franzen
A captivating scene where the Pinch Anders pendant gracefully complements the curtain drapes, harmonizing with the lime-wash rose ottoman painted wall by Ressource. The custom bed adorned with Pierre Frey Fabric perfectly matches the Armadillo & Co Etoile Rug, while the oak vanity table by Guillerme et Chambron, Edition Votre Maison, circa 1970, along with the furniture marolles chair, adds a delightful touch of contrast to break the monotonous colour scheme; Photography by Nicole Franzen
The whimsical wooden bunkbed perfectly complements the vibrant blue room, adorned with a delightful tiger rug and a white bunny sitting beside the bed. A charming childlike painting hangs between the two windows, filling the void with joy and imagination; Photography by Nicole Franzen

Immersed in creativity, sunlight, colours and spellbinding visuals, this 1890s townhouse nested elegantly in the Fort Greene neighbourhood in Brooklyn, New York carves a rather individualistic personality of its existence in one of the pulsing streets of the city.

Designed by Jessica Wilpon Kamel and Christina Akiskalou of Ronen Lev, a studio that delves into architectural and interior design, this four-level townhouse unfolds many inviting nooks, which anticipate one’s footsteps to explore and pose as an inspiration, brimming with timeless design hints.

A perfect pairing as the off-white pendant gracefully complements the neutral-toned wall. The sleek black boots align with the colour of the main door, while the basketball adds a touch of homely charm, breaking the colour scheme in a delightful way; Photography by Nicole Franzen

 

A captivating contrast unfolds with the standout yellow Luteca Line chairs, upholstered in Pierre Frey fabric, beautifully set apart from the serene neutral tones of the julep sofa by Tacchini, also in Pierre Frey fabric. The custom travertine luca table by Umberto Bellardi Ricci, acquired from Love House NY, elegantly complements the presence of the tall wooden standing mirror, creating a visually captivating arrangement; Photography by Nicole Franzen

The home strikes the perfect balance between history and experimentation, which has made it a perfect space for the family of four to engage with and create memories. It’s overflowing with charm and has a unique identity crafted through experimentation with neutrals, whites, and warm tones with thoughtfully curated pieces throughout the home.

A beautiful setup showcasing the timeless elegance of the dining vintage rey chairs by Bruno Rey, perfectly matched with the custom Ronen lev storage unit and flooring. The vintage oval marble dining table gracefully complements the wall and the accessories from the Primary Essentials in Brooklyn; Photography by Nicole Franzen

The space and its identity 

The space gives out a  warm and minimalistic theme, the home has distinctive shapes and themes flowing through the space like the black and white checkered pattern in the powder room, the detailing given to even a nook, and more. There is a play between making the space opulent and fun, this play has ensured the house is immersed in creativity. 

The library is immersed in vibrant tones, the Nickey Kehoe Curved sofa has a green fabric by Dedar, and there are paintings like upside down girl: Nasser Ovissi print, Horse: Nasser Ovissi original, and Portrait: photo of Iranian Princess by Wallace Seawell. There is a sheepskin armchair too; Photography by Nicole Franzen

Explore the townhouse a step at a time

As you step foot in this historic New York haven, the parlour floor ensures to welcome you, filled with opulence and grandeur. It becomes a captivating space filled with vintage, 1890s charm, high ceilings, and a classic fireplace. The street-facing windows bathe the home with New York energy and warm sunligh. The dining room and the kitchen have a view of a beautiful garden, which gives the townhouse a sense of a happy escape from the cosmopolitan city.

The majestic staircase leads to the full-floor primary suite, filled with inventive design clues. The third floor has two rooms and an office; it is the fusion of relaxation and productivity.

A captivating scene where the Pinch Anders pendant gracefully complements the curtain drapes, harmonising with the lime-wash rose ottoman painted wall by Ressource. The custom bed adorned with Pierre Frey Fabric perfectly matches the Armadillo & Co Etoile Rug, while the oak vanity table by Guillerme et Chambron, Edition Votre Maison, circa 1970, along with the furniture marolles chair, adds a delightful touch of contrast to break the monotonous colour scheme; Photography by Nicole Franzen

The tones of Brooklyn

This townhouse is the space where colours and patterns unite, it’s a tale of unity and style. In this eclectic but elegant abode, neutral tones dance with pops of colour, while textures add depth. The primary bedroom is where terracotta and layers of blush embrace each other and brighten the space, the living room has both coziness and elegance with the pristine white walls being the perfect canvas for the vibrant pops of colour. The allure of this home is the definition of art and expression and the warm minimalism followed throughout the home wraps one in a cocoon of warmth. 

A stunning arrangement featuring the luxurious Aronson’s large velvet textured rug, harmoniously paired with the RH teen’s cozy white plume small pendant. The vibrant groovy swivel armchair from West infuses the room with a splash of colour, beautifully complementing the playful energy of the Inside In Velvet classic wingback bed; Photography by Nicole Franzen

 

 

The whimsical wooden bunkbed perfectly complements the vibrant blue room, adorned with a delightful tiger rug and a white bunny sitting beside the bed. A charming childlike painting hangs between the two windows, filling the void with joy and imagination; Photography by Nicole Franzen

The beauty of simplicity 

They wished to curate a space that breathes comfort and joy, the aim was for the home to be the hub of memories. Each nook is engulfed in comfort. This home has happiness and is a haven to cherish every moment.

A delightful, playful yellow wallpaper from Maison C harmonizes with the Nickey Kehoe scallop sconce, seamlessly blending into the background, while the chequered flooring adds a touch of charm to the scene; Photography by Nicole Franzen

As Jessica says, “A space doesn’t have to be loud, bright, or come at you from all directions to feel complete. Embrace the beauty of simplicity and let carefully chosen pieces tell their own captivating stories”.

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