Brooklyn brownstone’s celestial ceiling resurrects historic home
A meticulously restored brownstone in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, is rewriting its history, thanks to a breathtakingly ornate plaster ceiling that’s become the defining feature of the entire property.
A ceiling that set the stage
The Brownstone Boys, a local design firm helmed by Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum, faced a formidable challenge: transforming three separate, decades-altered units into a cohesive, period-appropriate residence. But the original parlor floor, boasting a truly spectacular ‘Sistine Chapel’ style ceiling, provided the unwavering foundation for their vision.
“The ceiling set the tone for the entire home,” Bordelon explained, a sentiment echoed by his clients who demanded its preservation above all else. “We had to save this plaster ceiling at all costs.”
The renovation wasn’t without its hurdles. Years of haphazard renovations – kitchens, louvered laundry doors, and a decidedly uninspired 1980s flushmount fixture – had severely compromised the space. Bordelon described the situation with characteristic dry wit: “It was a hilarious mix of these beautiful, ornate medallions and a tiny, little 1980s flushmount fixture on it. A landlord special!”
But the designers weren't deterred. They strategically employed a palette of whites and neutrals to combat the persistent shadows cast by a construction site across the street, maximizing the impact of the ceiling’s grandeur. Innovative design elements – a curved steel-and-glass door leading to the terrace and an arched opening that connected the parlor floor to the upper levels – further enhanced the flow and light within the home.
Refined details, layered history
The Brownstone Boys skillfully integrated modern design with the home’s historical DNA. Picture-frame molding, meticulously replicated from the parlor floor, added subtle depth to the upper levels, while a custom-fitted slatted oak cover concealed a modern HVAC unit, seamlessly blending functionality with the building’s aesthetic.
“We love building modern design into a historic home,” Bordelon stated, reflecting a clear philosophy. “I remember early meetings with the contractor where we told them, ‘You have to save this plaster ceiling at all costs.’”
The entryway immediately captures attention with its striking black staircase and surrounding moldings, creating a dramatic first impression. The kitchen, a testament to the firm’s ability to bridge the gap between contemporary and traditional styles, features oak cabinetry and a veiny marble countertop. Even the bistro seating in the dining room – intentionally small to avoid obstructing the magnificent view – contributes to the overall design narrative.
From the primary bedroom, expansive archways offer glimpses of Brooklyn’s greenery, a deliberate detail requested by the homeowners. The subtle, grayish-blue ‘Chill’ paint throughout the space—chosen to create a serene sanctuary— completes the transformation.
A restored legacy
The project represents a remarkable feat of preservation and design. The Brownstone Boys didn’t simply renovate a house; they resurrected a piece of Brooklyn’s past, proving that even a building scarred by decades of alterations can be reborn with a single, defining element—a celestial ceiling.