BEDFORD STUYVESANT DUPLEX TOWNHOUSE
This duplex renovation reimagines the top two floors of a 19th-century brownstone, balancing preserved detail with contemporary openness. Working within the historic framework, the design opens up what was once a series of narrow, disconnected rooms into a cohesive space for family life, gathering, and rest.
Selective restoration kept the past in view—salvaged parquet floors, the original stair and handrail, and a working fireplace anchor the reconfigured layout. At the rear, new full-height NanaWall doors fold away completely, dissolving the threshold to the garden terrace and bringing natural light deep into the home.
Upstairs, the plan now accommodates a calm primary suite and two children’s rooms. A skylight above the stair brings in additional daylight, while subtle millwork and clean-lined finishes create a language that’s both grounded and current.
The result is a home that honors its architectural roots while making room for the rhythms of modern family living.
Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, NY
Architecture
Emily Chang
Bo Lee
photography
Kate Glicksberg
A simple material palette and custom millwork support a quiet, everyday elegance in the kitchen, tailored for everyday use and family life.
NanaWall doors open fully to connect the living area with the garden terrace.
A restored fireplace provides an anchor for the main living space.
Skylight above the stairwell draws light into the core of the home.
