Our clients for this apartment combination project in Brooklyn, approached Dean Works to help create a sophisticated renovation for their growing family. The combined two apartments feature three large bedrooms, two and half bathrooms and a large open space containing the kitchen, dining, and living rooms.

The material pallete was built around the client's wide-plank walnut flooring, which they had originally installed years before. We found a similar floor and then paired stone and tiles that complimented the warn, chocolaty colors. We loved the richness of the walnut, and designed built-ins and archways throughout the home to both visually unify the two apartments and create beautiful objects that provide closet space for the family's toys and extensive aperitivo collection.

The building was strict about adding new ceiling lights into the concrete slab ceilings, so like most Dean Works projects, we found creative ways to bring more light into the home. In this case, we added dropped soffits at the perimeter of the rooms and above the windows so that a hidden light cove could wash the walls and windows with atmospheric light. In addition to the lighting, we wanted the bathrooms to be areas to play with color and drama. We found a beautiful deep-green-turquoise tile that paired wonderfully with the walnut. And in the small, new powder room we added a bubble-like charcoal ceramic tile, a floating black sink, and a back-lit mirror to create a surprising club-like bathroom. The overall design of the apartment nods at a midcentury aesthetic but moves it into a contemporary world of design and detailing.