Imagine a Brooklyn brownstone, weathered by time and divided into rentals, transformed into a stunning family home designed to endure for generations. This is the story of a Carroll Gardens renovation that’s as ambitious as it is inspiring. But here’s where it gets controversial: can a historic home truly be modernized without losing its soul?
Architect Michael Ingui of Manhattan-based Ingui Architecture (https://www.inguiarchitecture.com/) took on this challenge for a creative couple with two children. “This brownstone had lived many lives before my clients arrived,” Ingui reflects. “They knew it needed extensive work, but their vision was clear: restore it the right way, creating a home that would stand the test of time.”
Under Ingui’s leadership, and with Alyssa Kargl as project manager, the four-story building underwent a monumental transformation. The result? A luxurious owner’s triplex spanning the two lower floors and cellar, topped by two rental units. The scope was vast: restoring the front and rear facades, installing new mechanical systems (including central air), crafting a custom interior stair, designing all-new baths and a bespoke kitchen, replacing the rear wall with glass on the parlor and garden levels, and laying new flooring throughout. And this is the part most people miss: the delicate balance between preserving historical charm and embracing modern functionality.
The parlor level was reimagined as a vibrant gathering space, seamlessly connecting the front and back yards. “The rear yard sits a few feet above the garden level, creating a unique visual and spatial link from the parlor floor,” Ingui explains. Below, a cozy deck extends the living space, while the newly finished cellar houses a media/family room with faux windows that cleverly mimic natural light. Is this blending of old and new a triumph, or does it risk diluting the home’s original character?
The homeowners were deeply involved in the design process, curating a chic mix of vintage and modern furnishings. General contractor Matt Zocco of MLZ General Construction brought the vision to life, ensuring every detail was executed flawlessly.
The front facade, once in disrepair, was meticulously restored. “We selectively re-brownstoned it, replacing lost details like sills, lintels, and corbels, and restoring the missing cornice,” Ingui notes. The parlor windows were returned to their original elegant proportions, and a scaled entry door was installed. Exposed brick walls, like those in the public entry hall, were repointed and preserved, while new patterned floor tiles added a vintage-inspired touch.
The homeowners’ stylish taste is on full display in the front parlor and dining room, where their collection of vintage furniture takes center stage. “The furniture was all them,” Ingui says. “They had an incredible eye for cool, timeless pieces.” A pier mirror, original to the house, sits between the windows, paired with a new mantel. Local artist Francis Di Tommaso’s paintings adorn the dining room, complemented by a custom sculptural porcelain light fixture by Andreea Braescu.
One of the boldest decisions was replacing the rear wall on the parlor level with glass. “These brownstones are deep, and bringing in natural light was crucial,” Ingui explains. Columns between large panes of glass maintain the home’s historic scale, striking a balance between tradition and modernity. But does this modernization go too far, or is it a necessary evolution for historic homes?
The kitchen features clean-lined custom cabinetry in painted wood, paired with a marble backsplash and countertops. The parlor floor powder room is a showstopper, with gleaming blue tile, a solid marble sink, and a Moroccan brass pendant sourced from Etsy. New stairs connecting the parlor, garden, and cellar levels were restored to their original location, unlocking the home’s full potential.
On the garden level, two children’s rooms offer easy access to the backyard, while a secondary bath downstairs is enlivened by tile from Walker Zanger. In the cellar, ersatz windows with backlighting create a versatile ambiance. “The contractor’s idea to allow color changes—dawn, dusk, or midday—was brilliant,” Ingui says.
The rear facade, once crumbling from water damage, was revitalized with a proper stucco layer. Ingui Architecture also enlarged tiny bathroom windows, restored the fire escape, and built a new deck. Is this renovation a model for preserving historic homes, or does it raise questions about authenticity?
Photography by Adam Macchia (https://www.adamkanemacchia.com/) captures the transformation, showcasing every detail of this labor of love. Got a project to propose for The Insider? Contact Cara at caramia447 [at] gmail [dot] com.
The Insider is Brownstoner’s weekly deep dive into notable interior design and renovation projects, penned by design journalist Cara Greenberg (http://casacara.wordpress.com/). Catch it every Thursday morning.
What do you think? Does this renovation strike the right balance between old and new, or does it sacrifice too much of the home’s original character? Share your thoughts in the comments!
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