{"id":2578,"date":"2024-01-23T05:25:40","date_gmt":"2024-01-22T21:25:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/homeofmaterials.com\/2024\/01\/23\/before-after-a-2500-square-foot-pre-war-brooklyn-apartment-opens-up-by-relocating-the-kitchen\/"},"modified":"2024-01-23T05:25:40","modified_gmt":"2024-01-22T21:25:40","slug":"before-after-a-2500-square-foot-pre-war-brooklyn-apartment-opens-up-by-relocating-the-kitchen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/homeofmaterials.com\/es\/before-after-a-2500-square-foot-pre-war-brooklyn-apartment-opens-up-by-relocating-the-kitchen\/","title":{"rendered":"Antes y despu\u00e9s: Un apartamento de 2.500 metros cuadrados en el Brooklyn de la preguerra se ampl\u00eda reubicando la cocina"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Dubbed \u201cBrooklyn\u2019s Champs-\u00c9lys\u00e9es\u201d by the New York Times<\/em>, Eastern Parkway in Prospect Heights is a grand thoroughfare that counts among its architectural gems Grand Army Plaza, the Brooklyn Public Library, and the Brooklyn Museum\u2014all within a half mile of each other. Nestled among these landmarks are elegant pre-war apartment buildings, like Turner Towers, Brooklyn\u2019s first residential high-rise and where we discovered this impressive renovation by Frederick Tang Architecture.<\/p>\n

Like many pre-war apartments, this one was larger (at 2,500 square feet) and airier (thanks to high ceilings) than most, but an awkward layout had its cramped galley kitchen shunted to one end next to small rooms that were originally intended to be servants\u2019 quarters. The homeowners, a couple who work in the arts, hired Frederick and his team to rectify the outdated design by relocating the kitchen to the heart of the home.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was really important for the clients to move the kitchen and create a more open floor plan,\u201d says Frederick, whose firm also collaborated on the interior design. \u201cThis would fulfill their love to cook and entertain. But working within the confines of the pre-war building is tricky. It was a balancing act to preserve some historic detailing while creating a more open modern home for a family.\u201d As far as we can tell, it was a balancing act that he pulled off with finesse.<\/p>\n

Join us for a tour. And be sure to scroll down for before shots and layouts.<\/p>\n

Photography by Gieves Anderson, courtesy of Frederick Tang Architecture.<\/p>\n


Above: A built-in bookcase and peg rail make this gracious entry feel more casual and cozy. The vintage German opaline glass Bauhaus pendant is from 1stdibs.
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Above: \u201cThe client had many pieces collected from family members, including antiques from their childhood. We embraced this and added subtly through new necessities and accessories. Vintage lighting became a key to this process. It bridged the gap between something old yet modern while providing accents throughout the home,\u201d says Barbara Reyes, Director of Design, Interiors + Branding at Frederick Tang Architecture.,

Above: Tiny no more, the kitchen, inspired by California mid-century design, is now centralized and open to the dining room. The lighting fixtures here are 1960s Scandinavian pendants by Arnold Wiigs Fabrikker from 1stdibs; the leather Afteroom Plus Stools for Menu are from DWR.
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Above: \u201cWe love the custom cherry millwork, from the sliding panels to the integrated handles, and the beautiful black soapstone counter with apron front sink and integrated drainboard,\u201d says Barbara. The wall-mounted tap is from Chicago Faucets, one of our favorite sources for faucets. (See 10 Easy Pieces: Traditional Wall-Mounted Faucets.)
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Above: In the dining room, more vintage lighting in the form of a 1960s Equator Pendant by Jo Hammerborg for Fog and Morup from 1stdibs.,

Above: The firm designed the custom walnut closets. The floor lamp is a Noguchi. (See 11 Times Noguchi Lamps Stole the Spotlight, Plus 5 to Buy.)
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Above: \u201cThe owners had a specific vision,\u201d says Barbara. \u201cNothing was to feel too precious, but instead lived-in and relaxed and for all elements to integrate with the historic bones of the space.\u201d
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Above: A light-filled kid\u2019s bedroom.
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Above: \u201cWe knew we wanted this to be playful and cheerful, but not thematically \u2018kid\u2019-like,\u201d says Frederick of the bathroom for the clients\u2019 young daughters. \u201cThis bathroom really started with the tile [which has] geometric shapes in relief designed by Kho Liang Ie for Mosa. The tile felt perfect for this project\u2014simple and neutral but with fun geometric texture.\u201d The mix-and-match colorful plumbing fixtures are by VOLA; the wall lights from Barn Light.,

Above: In lieu of the staff rooms, there\u2019s now a guest room, office, and bathroom.
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Above: In the guest bath, the walnut millwork and mirror were custom-designed by Frederick Tang Architecture. The zelig tiles are from Mosaic House; the German theater wall lights are by Cosack from 1stdibs. (See Water Colors: 10 Favorite Bathrooms with Retro Colored Fixtures.)
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Above: The new, more modern layout, now with a centrally located kitchen and guest quarters in lieu of staff rooms. <\/p>\n

Antes de<\/h2>\n


Above: The old layout. Note the tiny galley kitchen all the way on the right side.
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Above: The former tight galley kitchen.
Above: One of the staff rooms was used as a utility closet.
Above: The old dining room. <\/p>\n

For more Brooklyn homes we love, see:<\/p>\n