Since starting Brownstone Boys, we have renovated 30 homes. We’ve learned a thing or two about how spaces can transform, but we realized it was time to give our own brownstone a little love. We felt like our home reflected a past version of ourselves and design style, so we wanted our space to reflect where we currently are in life. Instead of redoing the entire brownstone, we decided to focus on the parlor floor, the heart of our home, where life, work, and entertainment all intersect.
We tackled the living room, dining room, and kitchen with one goal in mind: make the space feel more functional, open, and reflective of how we actually live. Every decision was intentional, from the new art that brings energy to the walls, to the ceiling medallion that restores a touch of historic character overhead.
One of our favorite transformations is the new cased opening connecting the living room and kitchen. Though a subtle architectural adjustment, it completely redefined the flow of the parlor floor. By creating a sense of separation between the kitchen and dining area, we were able to experiment with distinct design choices in each space, giving both rooms their own personality while maintaining a cohesive narrative throughout the floor.
In the kitchen and dining room, creamy whites and muted olive tones from new marble by ABC Stone anchor the space, offering both elegance and warmth. A custom marble shelf adds a refined, functional touch, while the green-painted walls and ceiling draw in a sense of nature from the backyard, blurring the line between indoor and outdoor living. The built-in dining banquette has quickly become the go-to spot for everything from morning coffee to intimate dinners with friends. Thoughtful additions like an integrated refrigerator and optimized storage cabinetry have not only improved functionality but also elevated the overall design of the parlor floor.
The living room received its own series of refinements, beginning with newly added moldings that lend architectural charm and subtle historic gravitas. During the renovation, we became Facebook Marketplace experts, sourcing sofas and chairs to reupholster in fabrics that perfectly aligned with our vision, customizing each piece to suit the space. A DIY antique patina mirror above the fireplace now adds both character and a touch of vintage allure, further enriching the room’s historic narrative while keeping it deeply personal.
This refresh wasn’t about reinventing our home, it was about refining it. By focusing on the parlor floor, we created a space that feels brighter, more functional, and completely ours. After decades of helping clients transform their homes, it’s nice to finally apply that experience to where we live.
Let’s bring back rooms in 2026!
Read our feature in Domino Magazine and shop our home! And check out our updated house tour video on YouTube.
