Location: Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn
Architectural Style: 1890s Brownstone
Designers: The Brownstone Boys
Project Type: Full Brownstone Restoration & Renovation
Completed: 2025
A Brooklyn Brownstone Steeped in History
Tucked away on a quiet, tree-lined block in the heart of Bedford-Stuyvesant, this four-story Brooklyn brownstone carries over a century of history. Built in 1890 by Susanna E.C. Russell, Brooklyn’s first female architect, the home sits on a storied row immortalized in Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing.
When we first stepped inside, we knew this wasn’t just a renovation, it was an opportunity to preserve a piece of Brooklyn’s architectural legacy. “Saving Susanna” became a true labor of love: part restoration, part reimagination, and fully devoted to honoring the craftsmanship and creativity of its original designer.
Honoring Original Craftsmanship
From day one, our mission was clear: restore what’s worth saving. Layers of dark varnish were carefully stripped away, uncovering the woodwork’s natural warmth and grain. The home’s blend of wood species told a story of its own, so we toned and balanced each surface for cohesion while maintaining authenticity.
A hidden treasure lay beneath the floors, an original inlaid entryway, now a centerpiece. We extended its motif throughout the parlor, celebrating the artistry that once defined these historic homes. Missing sections of ornate plasterwork were re-created with precision, reviving the original balance between the brownstone’s bold woodwork and the delicate, feminine flourishes that Susanna Russell wove into her architecture.
Reimagined for Modern Living
The homeowner had lived here for years before the renovation, giving us unique insight into how the home should function. Together, we reconfigured the space into a two-family residence, a triplex above a garden-level rental.
On the parlor floor, we relocated the kitchen, anchoring the heart of the home with a steel-and-glass arched doorway that bathes the space in natural light. This gesture not only modernizes the layout but also enhances the historic elegance that makes Brooklyn brownstones so beloved.
Across the triplex, we prioritized flow, light, and functionality:
- Five bedrooms
- Three bathrooms
- Dedicated office space
- Thoughtful transitions between private and shared areas
The result? A home that feels both timeless and distinctly personal.
A Story Told Through Color
Every color in Saving Susanna has a purpose. Drawing inspiration from the homeowner’s time in Berlin, we introduced bold hues that carry a European sensibility. In the primary bath, deep blue Golem tiles create a moody sophistication, while a rich green lounge adds vibrancy and warmth.
Each shade, selected in partnership with Farrow & Ball, complements both the home’s historic bones and its modern interventions. Together, the palette feels grounded, expressive, and uniquely Brooklyn.
Small Details, Big Impact
For narrow Brooklyn footprints, storage is everything. We transformed hallways with custom built-ins, turning transitional spaces into functional showcases. Throughout the home, original storage pieces were restored, including a wardrobe that revealed a hidden shoe cabinet, a delightful glimpse into the creativity of 19th-century design.
These thoughtful touches celebrate craftsmanship while serving the needs of a modern family.
A Legacy Preserved
In every decision, from paint color to plaster detail, our goal was balance. This project stands as a bridge between past and present, proving that honoring history doesn’t mean living in the past.
For us, Saving Susanna captures everything we love about working on historic Brooklyn homes:
- Respecting the original architecture
- Incorporating modern functionality
- Designing for the next 100 years
This home isn’t just restored, it’s reborn, carrying forward the legacy of Susanna E.C. Russell and the generations who’ve called Bed-Stuy home.
Project Highlight
- Architectural Restoration: Original woodwork, plaster detailing, and inlaid flooring
- Modern Upgrades: Reconfigured kitchen with steel-and-glass archway
- Custom Millwork: Built-in bookcases, hidden storage, bespoke cabinetry
- Color Story: Farrow & Ball paint palette; deep blue and rich green accents
- Design Influence: European-inspired with Brooklyn character
Photography: Frank Francis Studio, Art Agency Department
Assistant Photography: Olivia Demetros
Styling: Rebecca Bartoshesky
Adding Color
- Farrow & Ball Pointing White – Kitchen walls | Farrow & Ball
- Farrow & Ball India Yellow – Garden entry | Farrow & Ball
- Farrow & Ball Wimborn White – Garden walls | Farrow & Ball
- Farrow & Ball Shadow White – Garden trim, bathroom walls | Farrow & Ball
- Farrow & Ball Lichen – Guest bedroom | Farrow & Ball
- Farrow & Ball Light Blue – Front lounge room, front office walls | Farrow & Ball
- Farrow & Ball Calke Green – Lounge bathroom | Farrow & Ball
- Farrow & Ball Sulking Room Pink – Primary bedroom | Farrow & Ball
- Farrow & Ball Setting Plaster – Primary closet | Farrow & Ball
- Farrow & Ball Blackened – Primary bathroom | Farrow & Ball
Furniture
- House of Hackney Foris Large Piped Velvet Cushion – Parlor throw pillows | Liberty
- Anaconda Cut-Velvet Bottoman – Petrol – Parlor ottoman | 1stDibs
- Pair of Chrome and Red Leather Club Chairs – Parlor chairs | 1stDibs
- Eros Hand-Knotted Red and Blue Area Rug – Parlor rug | CB2
- L’Objet TImna Industrial Loft Blue Porcelain Decorative Vase – Parlor vase | Kathy Kuo Home
- Island Red Sofa – Parlor sofa | 1stDibs
- Kevin Angled Bed With Low Footboard – Bed frame | Rejuvenation
- Bohemian Washable Cashmere Throw – Bed throw | WIlliams Sonoma
- Harris Jacquard Throw – Bed Throw | Rejuvenation
- Percale Bundle – Bedding | Parachute
Fixtures
- Soapstone Black – Kitchen counters and backsplash | ABC Stone
- Bosch 800 Series Freestanding Smart Refrigerator – Kitchen | AJ Madison
- Miele Built-In Full Console Dishwasher – Kitchen | AJ Madison
- Watermark Transitional Wall Mounted Shower Head – Bathroom showerhead | PlumbTile
- Art Nouveau Tile – Primary bathroom tile | Golem
- Carreau de Mur Lisses Émaillés Tile – Bathroom tile | Golem
- Classic Bicolor Pattern Chelsea Border Tile – Bathroom floor tile | Winckelmans
Light Fixtures
- Callahan Floor Lamp – Parlor floor lamp | Rejuvenation
- Leanne Ford Passport Kids Pendant Ceiling Light – Bedroom overhead light | Crate&Kids
- Nelson Saucer Bubble Pendant – Primary bedroom overhead light | Lumens
- Nelson Ball Bubble Pendant – Parlor overhead light | Lumens
- Tense Pendant Light – Kitchen overhead light | Vakkerlight
