1347 Bergen Street Project | In Progress

Located just steps from 1339 Bergen Street, a neighboring brownstone completed in 2024, this project explores a different approach to contemporary Brooklyn living. While the two homes share an identical footprint, the design philosophy behind 1347 Bergen Street is rooted in a belief that thoughtful space planning creates a more livable home than the fully open-concept layouts that have become commonplace in brownstone renovations.

Rather than removing every wall on the parlor floor, the design introduces intentional moments of separation and designation. Upon entry, a central architectural wall creates a formal sitting room or dining space, establishing a sense of arrival and allowing each area of the home to serve a distinct purpose. Beyond, the kitchen is anchored to this division, creating a natural transition between gathering, cooking, and living.

Designed as the heart of the home, the kitchen combines professional-level functionality with warm, timeless materials. A large U-shaped layout incorporates a peninsula with seating for five, a separate prep island, oversized refrigerator, panel-ready dishwasher, dual sinks, pot filler, dedicated coffee station, and a full-height pantry wall. A continuous European-height backsplash capped with a shelf spans the entire kitchen, adding both utility and visual cohesion. The kitchen overlooks the full 18.5-foot width of the living room, where custom built-ins and bookshelves matching the kitchen cabinetry frame an 85-inch television and a generous sectional seating area. Beyond, new rear doors open onto a custom deck with wrought iron railings inspired by the original historic ironwork found at the front of the home.

The upper duplex level is centered around an expansive primary suite designed as a true retreat. Arched alcoves frame custom nightstand niches, creating architectural moments that feel both intimate and timeless. The primary bathroom features a 72-inch vanity, travertine pendant lighting, a separate water closet with a wall-hung toilet, and a spacious wet room that combines an oversized walk-in shower and soaking tub. Finished in hand-applied microcement, the bathroom is calm, sculptural, and quietly luxurious. Adjacent to the bath, a custom white oak dressing room provides extensive storage while maintaining a bright and airy feel through a large window overlooking the rear yard.

At the opposite end of the floor, two generously sized secondary bedrooms each feature substantial closet space and access to a thoughtfully designed shared bath. A 60-inch double vanity, tub-shower combination, and separate toilet room create a layout that functions effortlessly for families, guests, or future occupants. A dedicated laundry room completes the level, reinforcing the project's focus on practicality and everyday ease.

The garden level was designed as a highly desirable rental residence that adds both flexibility and long-term value to the property. Occupying the entire floor, the one-bedroom apartment includes a dedicated home office, 1.5 bathrooms, in-unit laundry, and a spacious L-shaped kitchen with ample storage and a dishwasher. Whether utilized as an income-producing rental, guest suite, or space for extended family, the garden apartment complements the primary residence while maintaining its own identity.

Throughout the home, every design decision was guided by a commitment to functionality, storage, and timeless materials. The result is a brownstone that challenges the assumption that bigger, more open spaces are always better, proving instead that thoughtful planning, designated rooms, and carefully considered details create a home that is both more beautiful and more livable.