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WE SEE THAT HALLWAY STATEMENT CEILING.

There are apartments with good bones, and then there are apartments with GOOD BONES. This Park Slope, Brooklyn apartment definitely falls in the latter category. But it doesn’t end there. With the help of friend Lauren Wills, Principal at Wills Design Associates, this young family was able to transform their beautifully built, natural light-filled space into a modern—still comfortable and kid-friendly—home.

photography by  UNGANO + AGRIODIMAS
produced by  ALYSSA CLOUGH

HOW DID THIS PROJECT COME ABOUT? The homeowners are good friends of mine. We had discussed working on their last apartment, but it was a rental so the priority wasn’t there. She got pregnant last summer and before we knew it they were in contract and I was giving them a design presentation. It all came together very quickly.

WHAT DID THE OWNERS OF THE HOME EXPRESS THEY WANTED TO SEE WITH THE REMODEL (OR REDECORATION)? We actually spoke quite briefly about what they wanted to see. My friend had a Pinterest page for inspiration, which I looked over. From there I gave her a presentation and we dove in. I still can’t believe how seamless the process was. We were on the same page from the beginning. They wanted a comfortable home that was stylish without being fussy.

I HAVE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THAT MIRRORED MANTLE IN THE LIVING ROOM! WHAT IS THE HISTORY THERE? I wish I knew more about the mirrored mantle in the living room! It came with the apartment and there was no way we were touching it. It stumped me initially, but we embraced it. We lucked out in that we had amazing bones to begin with.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE AESTHETIC OF THE NEW HOME? Lighthearted, modern, and most importantly comfortable.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THIS DESIGN PROJECT? Working with a friend who was a very easy client!

In Benjamin Moore’s Leisure Green

IS THE CEILING OF THE LONG

NARROW HALLWAY

PAINTED? I CAN’T TELL! IF IT IS, I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR MORE ABOUT THAT. It is! It is a soft minty color. I wanted to mimic a shade in the vintage rug we found. I ended up going with a lighter version of a green. This is the peaceful transition from the living/dining/kitchen area to the bedrooms. She didn’t want to put art on the walls and keep this area free of additional decorations so I thought it would be a fun way for it to still feel designed, but calm.

WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL FAVORITE PIECE IN THE HOME? FAVORITE ROOM? This is a hard question, because I love a lot about this project. My favorite piece may be the fish wallpaper (if I can use wallpaper as a piece). The master is my favorite room. It is so light and welcoming—even with a black wall. I would sleep like a baby in here.

WHAT INSPIRED THE HUE FOR THE BLUE ROOM? There is an image I saw once of a navy lacquered office that really stuck with me.The navy was heavier than I wanted for their apartment so after 3 blue samples we decided on this one.

HOW DID YOU DECIDE ON THE

BLACK ACCENT WALL

IN THE BEDROOM? I KNOW SOME PEOPLE ARE HESITANT TO GO DARK. I love creating contrast and a statement. I wanted to keep the living room light and had already decided on the all blue study, but still aimed to do something unexpected in the master without it being over the top. The black accent wall seemed like a great compromise. The room is so bright and can handle it. I went with a satin finish as well so it still reflects light. They were hesitant, but trusted my decision, which is a great feeling.

WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU RAN INTO WITH THIS PROJECT? The timeline. We finished the project 2 weeks before she gave birth. I was feeling the heat towards the end, because I wanted them to have a completed home before the baby arrived.

That’s Benjamin Moore’s Blacktop!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF THIS DESIGN PROCESS? Giving my friend her presentation and she said to me, “This isn’t what I expected, but I love it.” That means I’m doing my job and makes me happy to hear.