When Charles Cohen’s longtime clients and friends tapped the designer to revamp their Brooklyn townhouse, he was ecstatic—and aware that it posed a challenge. “I knew it needed a lot of lifestyle upgrades in terms of function for the growing family, while still encompassing a cohesive full home design,” says the owner of Charles Cohen Designs.
Built in the 1930s, the three-level, 3,250-square-foot residence was dated, closed off, and too small for the family. In short, it called for a gut renovation. The clients needed more bedrooms to accommodate their family and a larger kitchen to make it well-suited for entertaining friends and hosting family gatherings as well as children’s parties. By the time Cohen was done, the space held five bedrooms and four-and-a-half baths, making it an ideal spot for get-togethers.
Bringing more natural light into the home was another request, so Cohen introduced a large staircase window and a second window in the dining room to allow sunbeams to spread far and wide. New custom millwork, trim moldings, and statement-making materials add personality in keeping with the 1930s framework of the home.
For the color palette, Cohen and his team selected a mix of jewel tones and neutrals to create a timeless, calming atmosphere that still has plenty of personality. In the living room, rich green velvet sofas from Four Hands complement the teal-colored walls. White oak cabinetry paired with dramatic marble creates a moody yet welcoming tone in the kitchen. That same sleek, warm environment extends to the dining room through a mix of ebony-stained furniture and cane details.
The once-traditional townhouse now boasts a lively, modern-day look. While full of playful moments—from the nature-inspired wallpaper in the kitchen to the butterfly art in the girls’ room—it has serious staying power as a home where this family can live, grow, and thrive.
Entry
Brightening up the welcoming entryway, a large window along the staircase allows natural light to flow through the home.
Console: Arteriors. Flooring: PGS Wood Floors Inc. Mirror: Studio A Home.
Living Room
Sunlight bounces off of the teal walls in the living room, creating a soothing atmosphere. The rich green velvet sofas add a touch of elegance.
Sofas: Four Hands. Rug: Anthropologie. Art: William-Sonoma. Coffee table: Forom. Pillows: Metaphores. Side tables: Modern Interiors. Chairs: vintage.
Kitchen
For a moody yet fresh feel in the kitchen, white oak and sage green cabinetry were paired with Manhattan Grey marble countertops and a black-and-white checkered floor.
“When I saw our mural from Rebel walls installed in the dinette area of the kitchen, I knew we had a real moment there that would capture the essence of this family and last with them for a long time,” Cohen says.
Countertops and flooring: Manhattan Grey Marble from Nasco Stone + Tile. Stone installers: Royal Marble. Cabinetry: S&H Kitchens. Lighting: RH. Wallpaper: Rebel Walls. Chairs: CB2.
Dining
The dining room combines the sleek feel of modern design with warmth of cane chairs and wooden floors.
Table and storage unit: custom by Charles Cohen Designs. Lighting: Toledo Lighting. Chairs: Crate & Barrel.
Den
“We are very proud of the custom-designed den sectional that perfectly fits in the small 10-foot by 10-foot room in order to maximize seating and make the room feel larger,” Cohen says. “We kept a standard seat depth of 24 inches, but reduced the back thickness to a minimum in order to keep as much open space as possible.”
Sectional: custom by Charles Cohen Designs. Sphere pillows: CB2. Art: Leftbank Art.
Powder Room
“The travertine sconces used in the powder room are a beautiful accent to the space, with their warm, earthy tones and natural texture,” Cohen says. “They provide soft, flattering light that enhances the unique textured wallpaper and gold fixtures.”
Mirror: CB2. Lighting: Arteriors. Wallpaper: Wolf Gordon.
Primary Bedroom
Promoting a sense of tranquility was crucial when designing the primary bedroom, so Cohen went a minimalist route with soft neutrals and plush textures.
Nighstands: Ballard Designs. Table lamps: Crate & Barrel. Chandelier: Palecek. Wallpaper: Innovations. Headboard: custom.
Boys’ Bedroom
Navy and green plaid dominate the boys’ bedroom. Brown leather accents on the custom bedframes add a touch of warmth.
Bedframe: custom, with fabric from Concertex Fabric & Material. Cornice: locally sourced fabrics. Dresser: Crate & Barrel.
Girls’ Bedroom
A neutral color scheme is made playful with shades of pink and pastels in the girls’ room. Vintage headboards and delicate artwork round out the room’s youthful glow.
Desk: Crate & Barrel. Chair: Beam. Art: Leftbank Art. Bedframes: vintage.
