Although your brownstone home is charming because of its history, long, narrow floor plans were not meant for modern family living. Luckily, smart renovations can change these awkward floor plans into functional layouts that allow for seamless movement, perfect for entertaining, cooking, or just enjoying your home. Here is how some savvy NYC homeowners are changing their interior brownstone without sacrificing character.
Opening Up Your Layout
The traditional brownstone design of having separate, boxy rooms lined up in a row throughout the house can feel claustrophobic. Modern renovations embrace open concept designs that allow for the free flow of light and conversation.
Strategic space planning includes:
- Removing non-structural walls between the kitchen and dining areas
- Creating clear sightlines from front parlor to back extension
- Positioning half-baths away from cooking zones
- Adding hall closets and pantries through clever reconfiguration
One Brooklyn brownstone owner was able to get a pantry, closet, and powder room while keeping the whole space open. This proves that you don’t have to choose between storage and spaciousness.
Smart Kitchen Solutions
Mechanicals eat up cash faster than you can say “cooking down draft”. Expect to invest $50,000-$100,000+ for a full kitchen overhaul in NYC.
Modern brownstone kitchens feature:
- Extra-long islands (think 10-11 feet) maximizing prep space
- No upper cabinets for visual openness
- Dark-painted pantries that “disappear” when closed
- Multiple sinks creating separate work stations
- Professional-grade appliances like BlueStar ranges
The combo of concrete and marble definitely captures the essence. For areas with low usage, splurge with marble, and in other areas, go with poured concrete countertops. It’s sophisticated, budget-conscious, and ages beautifully.
