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"This urban residence, involving alterations and restoration to
a late 19th century brownstone, was a challenging endeavor, but an equally
exciting opportunity to use contemporary design to revitalize a 'classic.'
The redefinition of the interior spaces has lead to retaining the sense
of today's comfort and casual living," says Knoetgen.
The design intent was to create a separate private entrance
to a loft-like space with long sight lines and as much natural light
flow as possible, with the ability to comfortably entertain guests,
and have access to the rear garden.
Stubborn
Stairs
There were two major design problems: where to
locate the internal stair from the first floor (parlor level) to the
other levels; and how to deal with the interference for the existing
tenant staircase located at the center of the building. The couple still
has, and plans on keeping, four
interior, the designers concentrated on the materials, finishes and
details, and the interaction of these elements.
Since the couple loved natural tones and materials,
a simple neutral wall treatment was used in the kitchen as a backdrop
for elements
at the tenant staircase.
After trying many schemes, the designers decided to locate
the internal stairs in line with the kitchen and the library. In keeping
with the objective of long sight lines, the stairs were designed to
be as unobtrusive as possible, hence the stele rod rails; open risers
and
