WREN
BROWNSTONE
In the heart of Brooklyn’s Cobble Hill neighborhood, Studio D collaborated with the creative owner to reimagined a classic 4-story brownstone into a bold and modern family home that celebrates artistry, heritage, and contemporary living.
Cobble Hill | Brooklyn, New York
Architect : YMD Studio
Builder : GDT Building + Construction
Home to a talented ceramic artist and her family, the project was a true labor of love—stripped to the studs and rebuilt with uncompromising craftsmanship and vision. Despite being managed long distance from Colorado, Studio D orchestrated the interior architecture and design process seamlessly, proving that true collaboration and trust can transcend geography.
The design reflects a dialogue between past and present, artistry and function. Historic features, including carved marble fireplace surrounds and existing plaster moldings, were carefully preserved and refurbished, then reimagined with bold, modern hues that amplify their character. These revived details create a dramatic stage for the family’s art collection and travel-curated objects, turning each room into a living gallery.
Balancing the homeowner’s expressive, artistic spirit with the demands of family life, Studio D paired daring finishes with practical solutions. The kitchen by Henrybuilt features warm walnut cabinetry and eco-friendly Richlite countertops - a marriage of luxury and sustainability. The primary shower showcases dimensional tile and antique mirror introduces layers of depth and texture, while a sculptural trough concrete sink anchors the space. At the home’s core, a newly added skylight floods the stairwell with natural light, illuminating all four floors and connecting the house vertically in a way that feels both architectural and poetic.
Bathrooms and private spaces lean into drama and personality, with bold wallpapers, lacquered finishes, and inventive material pairings that embody the homeowner’s artistic lens. Studio D’s bespoke touch shines in the vintage lighting, furnishings, and detailing throughout, ensuring no element was overlooked.
What makes this project remarkable is its duality: a family home designed for comfort and functionality elevated into an artistic expression of identity and place. By honoring the home’s historic roots while layering in daring materials, curated vintage finds, and highly customized elements, Studio D created a residence that is as timeless as it is forward-thinking. This Cobble Hill brownstone stands as proof that long-distance design partnerships can succeed brilliantly when grounded in trust, artistry, and meticulous execution - a home that is at once deeply personal and universally inspiring.