Garden-Level Renovation: The Heart of the Home

In 2015, the owners of this lovely Carroll Gardens townhouse came to us to renovate the upper floors of their home. At the time, the garden floor was a separate apartment. Seven years later, we began Phase 2 of the project – reimagining the garden floor to be a luxe space perfect for hosting guests and entertaining, that still filled all the practical needs of the space.

Alongside the clients and interior designer Kate Gray of Hamilton Gray Studio, we designed a garden floor with designated space for living, dining, working, and a guest suite that felt both highly polished and cozy at the same time.

From the moment you enter the space via the garden floor, bright colors and elevated finishes welcome you inside. We collaborated with Hamilton Gray Studio to select a mix of bold patterns and colors, from floor tile to wallpaper to fabric coverings and paint colors to pack a punch into the entry vestibule. The colors in the floral wallpaper flow into the Vanderberg Blue paint color by Benjamin Moore that carries through the rest of the floor.

We fully restored the original staircase from the garden to the top floor, keeping original treads and handrails and maintaining the proportions of the staircase.

As you enter deeper into the garden floor, the guest suite was carefully designed to maximize space and functionality. A laundry closet and bike storage are discreetly tucked behind sliding doors, creating room for needed storage while the grass cloth wallpaper and millwork tie the hallway to the rest of the floor.  

At the front of the floor, a bedroom with Gucci Tian Print wallpaper and warm furnishings provides a true oasis for guests. Exposed beams and Silvery Blue paint from Benjamin Moore on the ceiling create a calming, cohesive space from floor to ceiling. A built-in walnut desk provides the perfect finishing touch.

In the center of the floor, discreetly tucked behind a massive pocket door, an office provides a secluded space for the homeowners to work from home, while still allowing for natural light when open. Santorini Blue paint relates to the guest bedroom and creates a delineation between the entertainment spaces and the designated work zone. On the right side of the room, a daybed provides the perfect spot for relaxation. Decorative lighting by Urban Electric and Hwang Bishop and custom upholstery selected by Kate Gray polish off the cozy nook.

The rear of the floor opens up to a massive couch, custom built-ins, and tons of natural light via floor-to-ceiling windows and doors. The millwork houses plenty of storage, a TV console, and a designated space for a Roland Kiyola piano, creating a versatile entertainment space. From casual reading to viewing parties to holiday sing-a-longs, the grand living area is perfect for any occasion. The wallpaper and paint color covering the trim and millwork ensure the entire floor feels cohesive without sacrificing the elevated style of the space.

Across from the dining area, a kitchenette with brass accents, a bold stone backsplash, and even a sleek two-burner induction cooktop is perfect for hosting dinner parties. An electric blue bar area, hidden behind the millwork, adds a fun and surprising element and much-needed storage.

From front to back, the entire design team set out to create a space that curated every detail to fit all of the family's needs, from work and casual living to hosting guests. The result is a garden floor that becomes the new heart and soul of the house.