A gracious mid-19th century townhouse was renovated to provide a family of four with a respite from their fast paced lives in a serene setting that provides for private time both indoors and out. The interiors of the unassuming red brick and brownstone five-story house were completely renovated, with the exception of the historic parlor, to create generous, unencumbered spaces with ample built in storage. The restoration of the historic parlor on the home`s piano nobile requiring re-casting most of room`s original architectural plaster details. Walls coated with an iridescent silver finish, mahogany floors stained deep brown, and contemporary furnishings serve to showcase the historic features. Renovated parlor floor spaces include an open sitting area and eat in kitchen; a sliding linen panel closes off the kitchen when desired. A continuous storage wall spans the length of both areas, cleverly hiding the young family`s clutter. The kitchen`s custom cabinetry, in high-gloss tonal grey lacquer, provides a place for everything, and niches for art. A full width steel and glass wall opens from the kitchen to an upper terrace with a glass panel floor, which filters natural light down to the floor below. The ground-floor playroom is paneled with wall storage systems and also features a large steel and glass wall, which opens up to the backyard where an outdoor kitchen is sheltered by the upper terrace; continuous bluestone flooring unifies the back yard and the playroom. Upper floors are devoted to private living spaces, including a master bedroom suite and adjacent double height media room with a wet bar illuminated by a skylight and a clerestory windows that join to the study above, which opens to a terrace. In the master bedroom, a custom storage wall at the end of the bed holds a niche for a signature painting. In the nearly pure white master bath, glossy back-painted glass walls play off the striking stark white Thassos honed marble floor. The subtle tonality of the project serves to highlight the art collection of the owners. Pops of color are introduced in furnishings throughout.
