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Classic Gets an Update in This Brooklyn Brownstone

November 25, 2014

By: Keri Sanders

From: Ben Herzog

Designer Ben Herzog remodels a classic Brooklyn brownstone with the hopes of keeping all the traditional charm while giving it a more modern spin and a better lighting scheme.

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Rear Exterior of Brownstone with Deck and Patio

From: Ben Herzog

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Brick Brownstone

The back of this Brooklyn brownstone features a quaint staircase and patio accented by clean black lines and a charming brick exterior.

White Country Kitchen with Cabinets and Tin Ceiling

From: Ben Herzog

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Classic Kitchen

A kitchen that was once lacking in lighting is now overflowing with sunshine. A beautiful country table pairs perfectly with the natural wood featured on the kitchen island.

Traditional Kitchen in White with Subway Tile Backsplash

From: Ben Herzog

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Bright and Luxurious

The owners of this narrow Park Slope brownstone wanted to increase the light and maximize the small space. Photography by Marco Valencia

CI-Ben-Herzog_Park-Slope-Kitchen-Before_s4x3

From: Ben Herzog

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Kitchen: Before

It's hard to believe the now-spacious kitchen was once no more than a niche.

Cream Country Kitchen with Butcher Block Island and Brick Fireplace

From: Ben Herzog

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Wow-Worthy Details

The gorgeous brick chimney immediately grabs your attention and draws the eye up to the stunning tin ceiling, which is original to the home.

White Eat-In Kitchen with White Cabinets and Island

Photo: Marco Valencia ©. From: Ben Herzog

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A Well-Lit Room

Antique white crackle (Ann Sacks) subway tile and classic bright white cabinetry allow the light from outside to reflect throughout the entire kitchen, making the room a bright and cheery space.

Small Office Nook Just Beyond Eclectic Living Room

From: Ben Herzog

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Office Niche

An office niche fills the gap between the classic kitchen and the more transitional living space. A custom bulletin board takes up the back wall for a functional and decorative touch.

From: Ben Herzog

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Kitchen Office

This cozy, rift-oak nook off the kitchen gives the homeowners extra room to work and to keep family papers. Photography by Marco Valencia

Blue-Gray Oak Hallway With Recessed Lighting and Dark Hardwood Floors

From: Ben Herzog

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Warm Wood Paneling

The ceiling and wall above and behind the desk is paneled with 10-inch-wide rift cut oak, which is stained in a blue/gray. The oak warms up the area and gives it a more distinct look from the rest of the home.

White Living Room with White Tin Ceiling and Hardwood Floors

From: Ben Herzog

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Materials That Make a Difference

Like the ceiling in the kitchen, the living room ceiling shows off the same beautiful tin, a look that adds a unique and delicate detail to this classic Brooklyn home. The simple fireplace is made of slate and marble, while the wood floors are made up of hand-planed 8-inch-wide antique wood.

Beige Entryway With Carved Newel Post Staircase

From: Ben Herzog

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Newel Vs. New

"We rebuilt the main stairway but reused the original intricately-carved newel post," says designer Ben Herzog. By keeping small details like the newel posts, the home was able to be updated without losing all the character of the original building.

Craftsman Bathroom With Double Sink Vanity

From: Ben Herzog

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Working With Walnut

The rich walnut seen in the master bathroom blends beautifully with the creamy wall color and results in a very traditional but warm design.

White Bathroom with Blue Moroccan Tile Floor and Rustic Vanity

From: Ben Herzog

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Casual Guest Bathroom

The main floor bathroom is similar to the master, though its light colors give it a more casual feel and reflect the oak paneling in the office niche.

White Bathroom with Blue Penny Tile and Built-In Shelves in Shower

From: Ben Herzog

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Childrens' Bathroom

The blue Atlantic Glossy penny tile mosaic floors are what set this bathroom apart, making it a bit more fun than the other bathrooms and adding a colorful detail the kids will love.

Ipe deck on urban brownstone surrounded by metal railing

From: Ben Herzog

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Romantic Patio

An escape from busy city life, this Brooklyn brownstone boasts a lovely patio with Ipe wood, plenty of seating and a perfect view of the night sky.

Ben Herzog

Classic Gets an Update in This Brooklyn Brownstone

Brick Brownstone

Classic Kitchen

Bright and Luxurious

Kitchen: Before

Wow-Worthy Details

A Well-Lit Room

Office Niche

Kitchen Office

Warm Wood Paneling

Materials That Make a Difference

Newel Vs. New

Working With Walnut

Casual Guest Bathroom

Childrens' Bathroom

Romantic Patio

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