Russ & Robin: Brooklyn, NY
(39 votes, average: 3.51 out of 5)
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NAME: Russ & Robin
LOCATION: Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn
SIZE/TYPE: 750 sq. ft. 2 bedroom, 1940 condo
When we closed on this apartment we knew we wanted to do a modern, yet warm renovation. It had the generic feel of so many New York apartments with its high-gloss wood floor, 50 layers of paint (cream being the top) and the single $5.99 standard overhead light fixture. Fine for some people, not quite enough for us. Robin and I had a small collection of warm, organic-shaped furniture pieces which would serve as a contrast to our planned dark floors and white walls. More after the jump.
LIVING ROOM BEFORE
This pic shows that the apartment was in pretty decent shape when we moved in, just not quite our style. You can see that the apartment has great light.
LIVING ROOM DURING
The transformation from light floors to dark is pretty dramatic and without a rug could feel cold. Thank goodness for our rug.
LIVING ROOM AFTER
As you can see, a nice light shag rug and warm furniture can warm up the dark floor. We love the look of the dark floor but it requires too much sweeping and swiffering.
KITCHEN BEFORE
The kitchen was closed off a bit so we opened it. It also had some old appliances and Home Depot-style cabinets which we weren’t excited about so that all came out.
KITCHEN DURING
KITCHEN AFTER
We went with the white melamine Ikea cabinets, the 24″ stainless steel Summit refrigerator and soapstone countertops. The countertops are perhaps our favorite thing about the apartment.
BATHROOM DURING
The classic generic ceramic tile and junk fixtures had to go.
BATHROOM AFTER
We went with a nice slate floor and classic subway tile. Simple, clean and beautiful.
BEDROOMS BEFORE
White boxes with shiny floors. No thanks.
BEDROOMS AFTER
Again, the idea was to warm it up with stuff. We have different collections and figured they would look good on the walls. Clean lines and nice colors dominate.
Who is the hottie in the red sweatshirt?
Comment by sara stratford — September 28, 2007 @ 6:39 pm
Other than re-staining the floors and changing the appliances, it seems that most of your style comes from the interior design (nice furniture, wall-hanging, etc.). You can really do a lot with a blank canvas.
Comment by eSanders — September 28, 2007 @ 8:32 pm
How is your soapstone holding up? We have heard that it is a nightmare to maintain.
Comment by anonymous — September 29, 2007 @ 8:38 pm
Great light! I like that you maximized it (and the sleek style) by keeping the windows free of curtains. Love the guitars, btw.
Comment by kathy — September 29, 2007 @ 9:35 pm
LOVE IT!!!
Comment by mimi — October 2, 2007 @ 6:10 am
Looks great. You guys have a good eye for personalizing a space and still having a hip design concept. Clean and fresh, yet realistic and liveable. Nice work.
Comment by another sara — October 2, 2007 @ 9:31 am
Wow! Russ has mad style! Love it, and love looking at architecture and design, too. By the way, where on earth did you get that awesome oval crib?
Comment by Tracy M — October 2, 2007 @ 1:34 pm
Thanks for the nice words.
The countertops are Pietra Cardosa limestone, from Foro Marble in Brooklyn, and they are EXCELLENT. Beautiful matte finish, and easy upkeep. Perhaps our favorite part of the reno.
The crib is Stokke. We love that too. Converts to a toddler bed.
Comment by Russ-n-Robin — October 3, 2007 @ 4:12 am
That gas range is beautiful! Who makes it?
We’re considering soapstone, so it’s good to hear an endorsement.
Nice work!
- L
Comment by Lea — October 9, 2007 @ 5:05 pm
You clearly reached your goal of modern, yet warm.
The baby’s room is fantastic. You got it exactly right.
Comment by Kate — October 10, 2007 @ 11:40 am
Too bad the apartment is devoid of any original architectural interest and features from the 1940’s.
Sadly landlords in NYC apartments stripe them of their history when they do those generic renovations. Did you feel it was important for resale value to add the generic looking but upscale fixtures and cabinets to the kitchen and bathroom?
Your personal decorating choices and style is nice, I do adore the dark floors, some pattern on the floor rug, or pillows will add a depth and interest to the room that is currently missing.
Comment by Dew — October 12, 2007 @ 6:07 am
Very cool. Love the crib. Really really love the display over the TV stand in the living room. Getting ready to copy that in my kitchen! Awesome. Curious to see what you did to liven up the kitchen and bath, your choices are spot on but without accessories and accents they rooms lack depth and interest…but otherwise the reno was totally spot on with your goals.
Comment by LJ — October 19, 2007 @ 5:13 am
What kind of sofa is that!!?? Knoll?
Comment by Sean — January 23, 2008 @ 7:54 pm
What kind of sofa is that!!?? Knoll?
Comment by Sean — January 23, 2008 @ 7:55 pm
“Too bad the apartment is devoid of any original architectural interest and features from the 1940’s.
Sadly landlords in NYC apartments stripe them of their history when they do those generic renovations. Did you feel it was important for resale value to add the generic looking but upscale fixtures and cabinets to the kitchen and bathroom?
Your personal decorating choices and style is nice, I do adore the dark floors, some pattern on the floor rug, or pillows will add a depth and interest to the room that is currently missing.
Comment by Dew — October 12, 2007 @ 6:07 am”
Jesus, you’re a real Debbie Downer. Wuh-Wuuuuuh!!!
Cool place guys!!!!
Comment by Steve — March 2, 2008 @ 9:36 am
Lovely home with great MCM furniture to boot!. I especially love the use of space in the kitchen plus the baby’s room. (great crib!
I can also put in a recommendation for soapstone. thx.
Comment by san francisco modern — June 15, 2008 @ 6:28 am
I love your work. Could you tell me what brand appliances you used and how you like them? I am looking for feedback on small, stainless appliances for my tiny kitchen renovation. violettaval at gmail dot com
Thanks!
Patrushka, Cambridge
Comment by Patrushka — November 6, 2008 @ 6:25 am
Washroom can be decorated with the help of high class accessories and modern furniture.A shower screens can create a separate wet area. There are many benefits of a screen. A prevents water to spill on the floor.
Comment by frameless shower screens — August 6, 2010 @ 12:50 am
Very interesting ideas! I’ll be back for your new articles!
Comment by Soapstone countertops — September 19, 2011 @ 11:55 pm
I really liked your article. Cool.
Comment by Efren Binder — April 4, 2012 @ 1:03 am