This is The One Rule of This Effortlessly Chic Brooklyn Brownstone.

Photo of author
Written By Jim J Neal

Nick GlimenakisAfter seeing Delia Kenza, a Brooklyn-based decorator, in a design magazine, the homeowners of a Brooklyn townhouse realized she was the right person for them to transform their home into the home of their dreams.
Two young couples, one of which works in finance, were looking for someone to add personality to their Park Slope brownstone. It had been renovated shortly before the sale. The homeowner explains that the renovation had been done in a traditional way. Delia was able to modernize the space without any construction. Delia was a joy to work with and passionate about the job. Her aesthetic is contemporary, yet functional, livable and inviting.

Kenza used a striking black-and-white palette throughout the home. She also added bright, rainbow-colored furnishings, such as this Moustache accent chair in red. Nick GlimenakisKenza agreed that the renovation was well done but was not in keeping with her clients’ taste. Kenza says that the goal was to reflect her clients’ laid-back and adventurous style. She left her job as a lawyer 10 years ago to become a homeowner. “The hardware and lighting felt very traditional so we concentrated on changing those instead of ripping out everything and starting again.” Kenza chose to work around the issue, replacing brass fixtures with sleek chrome ones, and hanging sleek pendant lights by Michael Anastassiades.
Kenza was allowed to run the decor by the clients, but there is no beige. The client says that they gravitate to black and white, with pops of bright, cool colors. While listening to their wishes, the decorator made sure to take into account both homeowners. Kenza says, “I tried to focus in on both their aesthetics.” “Modern clean lines and a lot of black can sometimes feel too harsh. This was something that the wife was concerned about. We brought softness into the room through comfortable, stylish, yet elegant furnishings.”

Kenza took the biggest design risk in her bedroom. She painted everything in black. Nick GlimenakisIn the main bedroom, however the decorator doubled down in her homeowners’ love for black. Kenza says that the bedroom has beautiful natural light so it can be carried the dark color. “The black-on–black theme lends the room a chic, yet cozy, quality.” Kenza admits it was a bold choice but her clients agree it is their favorite space in the house.
Kenza said that durability was a key consideration in the design of the home. She joked that clients’ cat “rules” the house.
A mix of contemporary and custom furniture, lighting, and sculptures are used to create the sculptural silhouettes. There are also pops of red, purple and green. Kenza used “playful seating” in the living room to allow for smaller gatherings.

Kenza continued the black-and-white theme in the dining area with Miniforms’ sculptural Barry table, chairs by Tom Dixon, and a pendant by Flos. Tom Dixon teal dining chair surrounds a sleek black/white marble table from Italy. The homeowner says that the table is their favorite piece of furniture in the house. The couple’s art collection, which includes a mix of colorful and contemporary works of art, is surrounded by black and white.
Kenza explains that this project was about allowing clients to adapt and grow in their home over time. It also allowed them to let their artwork shine. We didn’t want it to be overloaded with accessories so we selected furniture pieces that are sturdy enough to support that weight. This is not your grandma’s townhouse.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://tophouseimprovement.com/decor/how-one-couple-turned-their-spare-bedroom-in-to-a-luxurious-bathroom/