On a quiet, tree-lined street in Park Slope stands a sun-washed classic nineteenth century Brooklyn brownstone, formerly owned by J. Crew’s Creative Director Jenna Lyons. Purchased by new owners in 2012, Roman and Williams was sought out to spearhead the owner’s intent to transition the homes’ formerly modern and minimalist design style to a more textured, layered aesthetic harkening back to the home’s roots. The firm was immediately drawn to the challenge of animating a house that was frozen and unused, and was dedicated to embracing the home’s historic bones while achieving an idiosyncratic and moody approach. The end result is a space that is inventive and unique, yet grounded and rich.

The owners, an English synth-pop star and the CEO of the Morbid Anatomy Museum, inspired Roman and Williams to embrace a darker and more feminine aesthetic. The firm focused on using pieces from the early twentieth century to draw out the history of the home and add a touch of familiarity. In the living room, worn inviting club chairs and woven leather stools are enhanced with a green Eastlake mirror for a pop of color. 

The classic Berber carpet and earthy buffalo hide draped over the sofa create a refined masculine comfort with softened touches. The custom-made darkened wood dining room table is paired with an eclectic mixture of chairs from Provence and Amsterdam. An early twentieth century wooden cabinet is filled with curiosities to charm dinner guests. Off of the dining room, the guest bathroom is a surprisingly pleasing yellow and purple color palette, wrapped in hand-embroidered silk wallpaper from England and brass faucets from the R.W. Atlas line from Waterworks.

Richly colored walls and sumptuous custom wallpaper add depth and a luxurious touch to the rooms upstairs. The master bedroom is painted ceiling to floor in a deep eggplant, accented with a four-poster bed from 1850’s India as the focal point of the room. Continuing down the hall is a sitting room with striking hand-embroidered silk wallpaper depicting flowering branches reaching across the walls of the room. A lavish Louis the XVI daybed creates a plush spot for an afternoon nap on a rainy day, and the vintage Aubusson rug creates an added layer of depth and ties the room together.