The gut restoration of this 2,700-square-foot Brooklyn brownstone—originally built in 1899—and new addition required historic preservation and modernization to coexist in a perfect balance. Actors Rose Byrne and Bobby Cannavale trusted Frederick Tang Architecture to execute this particular challenge while being truly involved in the whole project.
“Bobby and Rose were an integral part of collaborating in the design process,” says Frederick Tang, director of design and principal architect at Frederick Tang Architecture. “This project is a real expression of their personalities.”
BEFORE: The previous exterior paint was a pale green color.
AFTER: The building’s brick exterior was painted with Benjamin Moore’s Heather Pink and the arched windows were restored.
The location, a one-block-long street in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn, known for having row houses each painted a different color, was key to making the design coherent. “We knew we wanted the home to take part in the series of the houses, but we also wanted to give it a fresh look,” remembers Frederick. “The decision on the pink actually came from the inside out.… As the project developed, the palette leaned towards pinks and greens, and it felt like a soft pink façade would be a fresh change but also would work with the flanking houses.”
The guest bedroom on the first floor has custom wood shutters, wallpaper by Candice Kaye, and a Matera bed by DWR.
The softly curving staircase leads to the upper level: The flooring is custom-made wide plank whitewashed white oak by State of the Art Wood Floor Gallery.
Bobby and Rose’s love for this bold color combination was one of the main sources of inspiration for the team. “We used it generously, especially in unexpected areas like the leather-wrapped island base or leather inset at the desk, the bold foliage wallpaper, and the exterior,” says Barbara Reyes, director of design, interiors/branding at Frederick Tang Architecture.
