This Brooklyn Townhome Offers Scandi-Minimalism With Eclectic Touches

A developer's renovation of a historic Clinton Hill, Brooklyn apartment left it in a state that was a bit too clean-slate for the new owners, an art-loving family. They hired New York-based architectural and design firm vonDALWIG to transform the space, emphasizing its historic details and infusing the space with a sort of Scandi-meets-eclectic feeling.

vonDALWIG's renovation kept the two-bedroom apartment's light wood flooring and white walls (very reminiscent of Scandinavian design), and used these elements as the backdrop for modern art pieces and geometric fittings. The kitchen takes further inspiration from abroad, with IKEA cabinets outfitted in custom fronts by Reform, a Copenhagen-based company specializing in high-design pieces to hack IKEA kitchens. The end result is an urban home that balances old-world minimalism with artistic character.

1. Living Room

The backing of the original fireplace was tiled with Clé's Arc Black tiles, echoing the geometric motif in the artwork about the mantel, a piece by Los Angeles artist Math Bass. The sculptural chandelier is by British-Canadian designer Philippe Malouin, and was purchased at Matter in Soho.

2. Living Room

Alan Tansey

Vitsoe 606 Universal shelving on the walls provides a functional storage option for the client's colorful book collection.

3. Living Room

Alan Tansey

A Mies van der Rohe Barcelona couch — a circa-1930 design produced by Knoll — is an iconic anchor piece for the living room. The seating area is completed by a pair of Paulistano leather armchairs.

4. Living Room

Alan Tansey

One of the goals of the renovation was to add more natural light, so a new arched window in the kitchen gives the cooking space an even more open feeling. The countertops are outfitted with Richlite, an extremely durable resin-infused paper surface.

5. Dining Area

Alan Tansey

Over the vintage table, a group of five different pendant lights — all designs by Julia Jessen for Schneid — adds a playful glow to the dining area. All of the IKEA kitchen cabinetry features fronts by Reform.

6. Bedroom

Alan Tansey

vonDALWIG designed a new seating area in the master bedroom, built with white oak and window panes by Dependable Windows. The bedroom also features ample (somewhat hidden) storage spaces, in Design Within Reach's Nest Storage bed and IKEA PAX wardrobes, outfitted with Reform custom fronts.

1. Second Bedroom

The bedroom features a palette of neutral hues, allowing the geometric wall art to stand out.

Alan Tansey

1. Master Bath

In the master bathroom, ABC Stone's Ceppo di Gre stone makes up the shower walls and flooring.

2. Bathroom

Alan Tansey

In the second bathroom, Dzek's Marmoreal tile adds colorful, terrazzo-like flair to a small space.