With no shortage of hard work and imagination, Dixon Projects transformed a woefully neglected Italianate brownstone into a strikingly modern home with bright, expanded interiors and relaxing outdoor spaces.
Acquired as a two-family building, Bergen Street's former interiors featured uninspired updates alongside a few unkempt architectural details. The original staircase was worn, poorly added ductwork was exposed, and ceilings were cracked or carelessly patched throughout. Noting its exceptional position within the newly created Boerum Hill Historic District Extension, the Dixon Projects team planned an expanded and reimagined five-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bathroom showplace encompassing effortless indoor-outdoor living and a contemporary industrial design scheme.
Built in 1856 among a relatively modest row of Italianate three-story homes, since its earliest days the Bergen Street property likely housed families on the upper floors with lodgers or servants in the English basement below. At the turn of the 19th century, the home was occupied by the Lamb family who threw a notable birthday party described in detail in the newspapers of the day. Today, the home invites equal revelry with several floors of entertaining spaces indoors and out.
The welcoming parlor floor has been reworked as an open-plan level with the premium chef's kitchen as its centerpiece. Anchored by a large Caesarstone island, the space features bold stainless steel appliances by Fisher & Paykel, Bosch and Wolf, and gleaming white cabinetry featuring recessed pulls that nod to the industrial styling found throughout. Handsome gray ceramic tile echoes the stainless finishes, and pendant lighting is minimalist and sleek. At the rear of this level sits the first of several outdoor spaces — a wide balcony overlooking the verdant backyard below.
Topped by a bright skylight, the reconfigured staircase features blackened steel spindles that bring a rhythmic energy to each floor. An elevator has been added to ease travel from within the home's expanded footprint.
Ascend to the second floor, once home to two nondescript bedrooms and a simple hall bathroom, to find a decadent full-floor master suite. The bedchamber opens to a large rear balcony, and an enviable walk-through custom closet acts as a passage to the luxurious en suite bathroom. Here, large-format dove gray tile gives the appearance of poured concrete gone upscale while exposed-bulb wall sconces add pared-down, stylish illumination. Curved edges in the snow white vanity and the large exposed tub soften the bold detailing.
On the third floor, another bedroom suite is joined by two rear-facing bedrooms that share a hall bathroom. Above, an added penthouse lounge level delivers an ideal location for newsworthy soirees. Flanked by oversized terraces front and back, the indoor-outdoor flow is seamless and filled with spectacular skyline views. Indoors, caged light fixtures in the powder room continue the industrial theme, and the convenient wet bar allows for uninterrupted celebrations. At the front terrace, a blackened steel spiral staircase leads to a massive roof deck above.
For entertainers with a penchant for movie nights, the tiled cellar level below has been transformed into a premium theater thanks to the 4K ultra-high-definition projection system and 120-inch HDTV screen.
Thoughtful details make this a home where comfortable, relaxed living and quality craftsmanship are as highly prized as gracious entertaining. Closets are fully finished, and the cellar level boasts a massive storage room. Bathrooms feature radiant heat flooring while wide-plank oak paves the rest of the home. Luxe millwork and door hardware add a bespoke feel.
Outside, the ornate cornice has been restored, and peeling paint has been removed from the handsome brick façade to create a stately first impression worthy of this home's exciting next act.