Case Study: From Homely to Haute Couture

"His ability to synthesize vision, floorplan and budget pushed the project to a whole new level."

Older homes built for the times in which they were constructed are often at odds with the demands of modern living. This 1890s Brooklyn townhouse illustrates that reality rather neatly.

A globe-trotting, international couple—she a creative and fashionista with a handbag and shoe collection to match, and he, owner of a powerhouse branding strategy firm—shared a small ill-equipped bathroom and an equally inhospitable closet , forcing them to command a bathroom down the hall and adjacent closet to accommodate their wardrobes and morning routines.

LEFT: THE PRIMARY BEDROOM'S ORIGINAL BATHROOM. RIGHT: GUEST BEDROOM CLOSET USED FOR SUPPLEMENTAL STORAGE.

PRIMARY BEDROOM BEFORE: ON THE RIGHT, THE EXISTING CLOSET. THE DOOR NEXT TO THE MIRROR MARKS THE ENTRY TO THE EXISTING BATHROOM

DEMOLITION

We're in the business of life enhancement, not simply adornment, so we devised a plan to optimize utility and flow and improve the overall experience. We removed the existing bathroom entirely and started afresh, annexing square footage from home office to expand the primary suite and allow the couple seamless, concurrent movement between bathing and dressing functions.

LEFT: PLAN BEFORE RIGHT: PLAN AFTER

A pass-through bathroom and dressing area anchored by a centralized sink, a private wet room with walk-in shower and freestanding tub, and a discreet water closet comprise the reconceived space. Both the bedroom's existing closet and the walk-in closet in the office were eliminated and replaced with a 12' long bank of mirrored wardrobes including our custom integrated solution for 120 pairs of shoes. Above, cabinets provide easy access for luggage, off-season clothing, and larger items.

CONCEPTUAL DESIGN AND FINAL INSTALLATION OF WARDROBES & SHOE STORAGE

To the match the client's ebullient personality and haute couture sensibility, we selected a palette of luxurious and confident materials: brass finishes, handpainted kintsugi-inspired wallcovering, geometric marble mosaic flooring, and heavily-veined Nero Marquina stone for the custom trough sink. Lighting is layered intentionally throughout, from the back lit medicine cabinets, to the minimalist accent sconces and cove lighting, to the architectural recessed fixures which provide dramatic surface highlights.

LEFT: WATER CLOSET RIGHT: DRESSING AREA

Early in our design process, we explored options for a glass enclosure that would allow views to the tub and shower from the bedroom. While that feature was eliminated to prioritze other components of the project, the towering wet-room with its custom bronze-and-walnut tub is no less dynamic. In an unpredictable twist, half of the last remaining lot of limestone tile specified for the walls arrived covered in red mold, forcing a late stage design pivot. Our solution: waterproof Moroccan plaster in a tonal hue to augment the usable material while maintaining the original aesthetic intent.

WET ROOM

In recognition of spectacular craftmanship and creativity in the use of tile and stone, this project was awarded Best Residential Design by COVERINGS, the largest and most significant surfacing conference in the US.

FROM THE CLIENT:

"When you meet a fellow aesthete its like meeting a kindred spirit who shares your vision of beauty. It was like that for Marc and me — a couple of witty references and we were on our way to a beautiful partnership. If it was up to me I would have had a house full of chairs so Marc’s ability to reign me in and create a unified look from our conversations was the starting point and the final act.

I had a couple of key moves I wanted to make within the brownstone, but it was his ability to synthesize budget, vision and floor plan that really pushed the project forward in a very interesting sophisticated way. He is not afraid of a challenge and is incredibly resourceful. His lighting knowledge and expertise was a welcome surprise and helped me look at lighting in a new way. Marc’s savvy suggestions on furniture and finishes gently pushed me and the project to a whole new level. He is a dream to work with."

See more of thie project here.

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