Tour a Brooklyn Prewar Apartment With Tons of Historic Character

Entrepreneur and tech guru Naj Austin's Crown Heights apartment blends gorgeous woodwork and modern touches that bring warmth and personality to a space filled with character.

February 08, 2022

By: Jeanine Hays and Bryan Mason

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An Entrepreneur's Brooklyn Retreat

Naj Austin loves building community. The CEO of Somewhere Good, a mobile app that connects people and the wellness app Ethel’s Club, Naj has been working to build platforms around community, wellness, diversity and joy for the past two years. In the buzzy Brooklyn neighborhood of Crown Heights, Naj works on building her brands and has created a lovely retreat for herself.

A Well-Styled Fireplace Mantel

Every aspect of this interior is well styled. Naj had help from friends to bring the space to life. “Shannon Maldonado from YOWIE, sourced a lot of the items in my apartment,” she reports. Naj also sourced items from artists and curators, including Saeed Akil Ferguson, Kiyanna Stewart and Jannah Handy of BLK MKT Vintage, and Jared Blake and Ed Be of Lichen.

A Very Modern (Classic) Brooklyn Brownstone

Naj has lived in her 1,000-square-foot, one-bedroom apartment for a little over a year. In that time, she’s worked to make it her own, marrying the building’s historic bones with her own modern aesthetic. When describing the historic pre-war, she’s quick to mention, “It has been beautifully maintained. I feel more like the caretaker of a very loved home.” One look and you can tell that every room has been carefully considered. In the living room, an orange modular sofa fits right in among the stunning crown moulding.

A Stylish Collection of Artisan Pieces

Built-in shelving in the living room holds an impressive collection of pieces. Artisan vases, bowls and hand-carved pieces are displayed among Naj’s collection of books.

This Reading Nook Is Also a Gallery

Panel doors and warm wood frame the living room. As a contrast, Naj has integrated modern furnishings and her growing collection of art and artisan pieces. “I had to design around all of the beautiful red wood in the apartment, which felt daunting at first. I learned to lean in and embrace its texture and warmth. I play a lot with the color in the main living space. I also have a lot of plants everywhere, which adds a breath of fresh air.”

A Thoroughly Modern Storage Solution

Every New Yorker needs storage in their space. And Naj has carved out a modern storage space in the bedroom. Again, a modern contrast to the home’s original moulding, stark white shelving and gray drawers pop against the creamy walls in the bedroom. Bins from Open Spaces provide the final perfect touch to keep things tidy and organized.

Wood Is Warmth in the Kitchen

Beyond the work space, Naj has embraced the kitchen’s warm wood tones and added to them. A woodgrain island feels right at home among the oak cabinetry and original wood moulding in the home. Greenery is the final touch to really enliven the space.

Tuck Into a Cozy WFH Space

“My home is a reminder of all the places I’ve lived, loved and visited. [It’s] eclectic and cozy.” In the kitchen a cozy corner has been carved out for a work-from-home office. Another showcase of Naj’s effortless mix of modern and historic pieces, a sleek black desk with shelving unit is met with a natural wishbone chair for another bit of contrast.

The Luxury of Natural Light in the Bedroom

With large bay windows that are original to the brownstone, light fills the interior and provides plenty of sunlight for Naj’s collection of plants.

Beautifully Preserved Built-Ins

It’s the historic touches that Naj feels stand out most about her home. “You see it in the pocket doors, the shutters, the stained glass windows and the original hardwood floors,” says Naj. Those details add to the warm and cozy interior. “When people walk in they let out a sigh of relief. It's definitely an oasis from the bustling Brooklyn streets.”

A Chill and Relaxing Main Bedroom

“The bedroom is designed for rest and ease,” says Naj. “Near the windows are cozy pillows, chairs and books.” Cream walls and a white upholstered bed set the stage for a restful environment. Color is brought in with the addition of a Persian rug. The rug’s palette is mirrored in the pillows on the bed.

A Midcentury Seating Area

A seating area featuring midcentury cane chairs feels like the perfect place to sit and relax. “[My home is] designed for comfort and gathering with a big couch and multiple sitting areas” says Naj. A self-proclaimed lover of finding unique pieces for her space, some her of favorite places to source furniture and decor include Kroft, Chop Suey Club, Open Spaces and SchoolHouse.

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Photo By: Sean Pressley

Photo By: Melanie Reiders