In the heart of Boerum Hill, Brooklyn, Barker Architecture Office has reimagined the classic townhouse, crafting a residence that seamlessly blends dramatic hues, sculptural forms, and luxurious materials. Designed for a social family of three, this home prioritizes both intimate family life and ample space for entertaining, resulting in a dynamic and sophisticated urban dwelling.
From the moment one steps inside, the tone is set. The entry hall, enveloped in a deep, evocative green, immediately establishes the home’s rich palette. A playful green and pink checkerboard floor offers a refreshing twist on traditional black and white, while a custom asymmetrical curved mirror echoes the arch of the doorway, hinting at the fluid lines that permeate the interior.
The parlor floor is a study in elegant contrasts. A curved sofa and armchair, anchored by two nested marble tables and a sinuous rug, create a welcoming seating area. A custom walnut sideboard provides a grounding element, while carefully curated artwork, including a gold relief by Andrew Zimmerman and a “Cloud Support” piece by Mike Hansel displayed above the original marble mantel, adds layers of artistic depth. A dramatic fluted plaster arch, housing a bar area illuminated by vintage French smoked glass sconces, frames the transition to the kitchen and the expansive rear steel window wall, creating a sense of both connection and separation.
The kitchen itself is a masterclass in material interplay. Calacatta vagli viola marble graces the custom cabinets and island, painted in sophisticated mushroom tones. A curved pantry cabinet complements a pale oak dining table and upholstered chairs, while a trio of hand-blown glass pendants adds a touch of ethereal beauty. A conveniently located powder room, tucked off the hallway, features creamy plaster walls, a backlit asymmetrical mirror, and a bespoke sink crafted from Irish Connemara marble.
The rebuilt staircase leads to the upper levels, beginning with a light-filled playroom. A tambour-lined transition conceals a marble-clad bathroom with a stone sink and ledge, creating a subtle yet luxurious transition to the media room and garden beyond. Painted in a deep aubergine, the media room exudes a sense of cozy drama. A sectional sofa and a chartreuse velvet barrel chair surround a custom curvy walnut coffee table. A vintage Italian cocoon resin lamp and curved perimeter cove lighting provide a soft, ambient glow. A marbled bar area further enhances the room’s entertainment potential.
The second floor is dedicated to the primary suite, a haven of tranquility rendered in soft lavender gray plaster and accented with stained oak. Printed linen wall sconces flank custom wall-hung side tables, while a still life hangs above the headboard. A vintage resin pendant provides a focal point above. An arched closet leads to the en-suite bathroom, also finished in lavender gray plaster. Here, green onyx and rosa aurora macchia vecchia marble create a striking and opulent shower. A steel casement window above the freestanding tub offers views of the garden, while the vanity is clad in onyx and stained oak. A home office, painted in a rich forest green, provides a dedicated workspace, featuring a custom tambour white oak desk and custom LED sconces.
The top floor, reached by the curving staircase, culminates in a sculpted skylit hall. One bedroom boasts a feature wall of arched wallpaper with acid green accents, while the guest bedroom features a green velvet bed and custom travertine side tables. A trio of clay pendants complements the tones of the wool rug. The guest bathroom is a showstopper, with espectaculo marble wrapping the walls and floor and rosa aurora stone tile lining the skylit tub and shower recess. Even the laundry room receives thoughtful attention, with cement tile in a dynamic pattern.
The exterior spaces are equally considered, with the deck and garden levels finished in a striking travertine checkerboard pattern. Throughout the Boerum Hill Townhouse, Barker Architecture Office has masterfully woven together a rich tapestry of textures, colors, and forms, creating a home that is both visually stunning and deeply livable, a true testament to contemporary urban design.