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A Victorian home in Brooklyn gets a modern, maximalist makeover

Re: Design Architects transformed this historic home.

Published on 08 April, 2023 by Ash Read
Mid-century modern sitting room
  • Kitchen with mid-century lights
  • Modern kitchen
  • Bar basement
  • Seating area
  • Mid-century sofa
  • Large area rug
  • Mid-century modern sitting room
  • Accent chairs in a living room
  • Mid-century living room
  • Bedroom with pink accents
  • A pink accent wall and artwork
  • Pink curtains in a kids bedroom
  • Blue and green walled bedroom
  • Mid-century bedroom
  • Mid-century nightstands
  • Black and white bathroom
  • Bathroom with shower
  • Black and white bathroom
  • Pink and white bathroom
  • Sink and mirror in bathroom
  • Pink clawfoot bathtub
  • Black subway tile bathroom
  • Teal dining room
  • Teal dining room

In this Victorian home in Midwood, Brooklyn, New York, Re: Design Architects managed to blend old and new to create a beautiful and functional space. The fully refreshed, 5 bedroom/5 bath home in the historic Fiske Terrace in Midwood, now features a modern kitchen, playroom, wine cellar and office, as well as a playful basement designed around its original mid-century bar.

“We wanted to keep the home’s original charm while modernizing it,” says Re: Design Architects founder and lead designed Natalie Rebuck. “We resurfaced and painted every square inch of the house and installed new flooring, giving it a fresh and inviting look.”

We wanted to keep the home’s original charm while modernizing it.

Natalie Rebuck
Kitchen with mid-century lights
Photo: Sarki StudiosSleek, modern cabinetry along with state of the art appliances were installed to create this warm and functional kitchen.
Modern kitchen
Photo: Sarki StudiosThe expanded kitchen features a lovely breakfast bar.

The small, closed kitchen was expanded and opened up to allow for a clear view of the living space. Plus, sleek, modern cabinetry along with state of the art appliances were installed to create a warm and functional kitchen.

“Our goal was to create a space that was both functional and aesthetically pleasing,” says Rebuck. “We think we achieved that with this kitchen.”

Bar basement
Photo: Sarki StudiosThe basement was designed around the original mid-century bar.

The playful basement was designed around the original mid-century bar and includes a disco ball, Atari 80’s game station, projection screen, and bright, eye-catching colors. Other features of the house include a wine cellar, office, and attic playroom.

Seating area
Photo: Sarki StudiosThis basement/bar seating area features an eclectic mix of colors and textures.

“The basement was a lot of fun to design,” says Rebuck. “We wanted to create a space that was perfect for entertaining and we think we did just that.”

The end result is a home that is both modern and timeless, with a nod to its original gilded age-era charm.

Around the home

Living/sitting rooms

Mid-century sofa
Photo: Sarki StudiosThis sitting room features a blue mid-century modern style sofa with red accent pilllows.
Large area rug
Photo: Sarki StudiosThe large area rug steals the show in this space.
Mid-century modern sitting room
Photo: Sarki StudiosThe design makes the most of this room's unique shape.
Accent chairs in a living room
Photo: Sarki StudiosThis sitting room features two tan accent chairs to create a lovely reading nook.
Mid-century living room
Photo: Sarki StudiosJust off the home's dining room, this living space offers a perfect spot to sit back and relax.

Bedrooms

Bedroom with pink accents
Photo: Sarki StudiosThis bedroom features a snug reading nook.
A pink accent wall and artwork
Photo: Sarki StudiosLarge artwork and a bright accent wall create visual interest.
Pink curtains in a kids bedroom
Photo: Sarki StudiosThe pink accents in this space continue with the curtains and headboard.
Blue and green walled bedroom
Photo: Sarki StudiosThis bedroom features an interesting mix of colors and travel-inspired motifs.
Photo: Sarki StudiosThe space also features retro racing artwork.
Mid-century bedroom
Photo: Sarki StudiosThis mid-century inspired bedroom features lilac accents.
Mid-century nightstands
Photo: Sarki StudiosThe bedroom features many mid-century touches, from the nightstands and lights to the artwork and wood paneled fire place.

Bathrooms

Black and white bathroom
Photo: Sarki StudiosThe ensuite off the primary bedroom makes the most of natural light.
Bathroom with shower
Photo: Sarki StudiosThe long shower space features vertical subway tiles.
Black and white bathroom
Photo: Sarki StudiosCurved wall sconces are mounted onto the mirror.
Pink and white bathroom
Photo: Sarki StudiosThe wallpaper takes the spotlight in this bright and airy bathroom.
Sink and mirror in bathroom
Photo: Sarki StudiosGold accents are used throughout the bathroom.
Pink clawfoot bathtub
Photo: Sarki StudiosThe clawfoot tub is also complemented by gold accents.
Photo: Sarki StudiosThe bold, red pattern makes this a unique bathroom.
Black subway tile bathroom
Photo: Sarki StudiosThis bathroom features an eye-catching geometric wallpaper above its black subway tiles.

Dining room

Teal dining room
Photo: Sarki StudiosThe walls and trim in this dining room are painted with a striking, high-gloss teal.
Teal dining room
Photo: Sarki StudiosMid-century and contemporary furniture and an impressive chandelier, accent this dining space.
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