Designing Joyful Spaces for a Multigenerational Family

This home on Westminster Road in Brooklyn is more than just a house it’s a vibrant, shared sanctuary for a family of five and the children’s grandparents who live upstairs. When we first met them, they were juggling everyday chaos: not enough storage, nowhere to drop muddy boots or backpacks, and a dining room that couldn’t quite hold everyone especially during the holidays.  We stepped in to bring order and joy back into their space, starting with a brand-new family mudroom. Tucked just off the entry, this hidden gem corrals all the daily clutter including coats, shoes, baseball bats—into beautifully integrated custom millwork. The tile, from Grow House Grow, inspired the palette for the entire space, echoed in the sconce lighting and cabinetry.

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Living and Dining with Personality

We helped the family select all new furnishings—soft shapes, cheerful colors, sculptural lighting, and a playful spirit that runs through every rug, lamp, and coffee table. Their old dining setup couldn’t accommodate extended family meals, so we sourced an extendable table and layered the space with intention.  To visually separate the living and dining areas, we leaned into a gorgeous Voutsa patterned wallpaper placed above the original wood molding, which we painted a deep sage green pulled from the print. Linear lighting subtly uplights the wallpaper like a piece of artwork.

Restoring Historic Charm

When we learned stained glass had been removed by a prior homeowner, the husband was understandably disappointed. We commissioned a local stained glass artist called Soft Shapes to create a custom piece that feels like it’s always belonged. It’s now a forever treasure and focal point of the dining room.  The client also collaborated with a contemporary artist to commission a large dining room piece tailored to the space’s palette. Overhead, staggered mid-century chandeliers add dramatic flair and a sculptural touch.

A Bedroom Retreat—At Last

Their primary bedroom had become a collection of “good enough for now” pieces hardly a relaxing escape for two busy parents. We reclaimed an awkward hallway to add a custom dresser and built-in vanity nook, optimized the wall layout, and infused the room with peaceful colors, layered lighting, and deeply personal details—including a vintage stained glass window. Now, the room feels like a true retreat—with cozy reading nooks, low-profile lighting, and furniture chosen to balance comfort with storage.

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CLIENT: Private Client
LOCATION: Brooklyn, NY

SIZE: 1084 sq. ft
COMPLETION DATE:  2025
PROJECT TYPE: Residential Renovation

PHOTO CREDIT:  Coner Harrigan and Natalie Rebuck