Old Brooklyn Brownstone Gets a Mid-Century Modern Makeover

When Janet and Jerry acquired a unit on the fourth floor of their Crown Heights Browstone, they looked beyond the drop ceilings and dated linoleum. This small, dark one-bedroom apartment was meant to become their fashionable escape from the city – a pied-a-terre with a Scandinavian and California Mid-century modern touch. Here’s how they transformed their old Brooklyn brownstone interior into a light-filled sanctuary that punches way above its 600-square-foot weight class.

Architectural Magic Happens

The renovation began with bold structural changes designed to reimagine the space.

They relocated the unit entry from the fourth floor down to the third floor and turned the stairway into an interior architectural feature. This clever shift increased privacy while adding precious square footage. Here’s what else changed:

• Exposed ceiling beams replaced the old drop ceiling, adding vertical drama and that coveted loft aesthetic
• A skylight installation at the stairway top flooded the living room with natural light
• An archway separated the sleeping area from the main space without sacrificing openness
• Roof deck access through a new glass door created an outdoor oasis with Manhattan views

The contractor’s suggestion to leave the wooden beams unpainted proved genius—their natural texture became the apartment’s crowning glory.

Floors that Steal the Show

When the couple removed the vinyl and carpeting, their first vision was custom herringbone white oak from Europe (an expensive two-month custom order). However, just before abandoning ship, they found another custom option: pre-cut herringbone flooring that was half the price. 

This is one of those times when budget-friendly is actually the better option. The floors turned out fantastic, creating visual flow throughout the entire space.

Kitchen: Dark, Sleek, and Smart

Budget-conscious doesn’t mean boring. The kitchen proves it with style.

Dark wood IKEA cabinets ($3,000-4,000 for the full setup) paired beautifully with soapstone countertops that also served as a striking backsplash. The veined black stone creates a dramatic contrast against lighter elements. Smart choices included:

• Integrated appliances (washer/dryer combo, refrigerator, pull-out freezer), maintaining the minimalist vibe
• Industrial pendant lights above the countertop for task lighting
• In-wall storage maximizing every precious inch

A Bathroom Worth Bragging About

The bathroom transformation deserves its own spotlight. A vertical shower with skylight delivers an almost-outdoor bathing experience, drenching the space in natural sunlight. When the original stone tiles became unavailable (classic renovation surprise!), the contractor got creative—custom-cutting a large slab into a seamless 3’x3′ shower base, door saddle, and shelf. The in-wall toilet? Another space-maximizing hero.

Bringing It Home

This Brooklyn renovation showcases what happens when vision meets smart decision-making. From strategic structural changes ($15,000-25,000) to budget-savvy material choices, every dollar worked overtime. The result isn’t just a renovated apartment—it’s a masterclass in maximizing small spaces while staying true to mid-century modern principles.

Whether you’re tackling a brownstone unit or any vintage space, remember: limitations can inspire creativity. Those exposed beams, that custom stone work, the herringbone floors—they weren’t Plan A, but they became the perfect finish.

Elevate Your Renovation Game

Your brownstone deserves expert attention. Whether you’re navigating structural challenges, material selection, or creative problem-solving, professional guidance transforms vision into reality. Contact Zicklin Contracting at zicklincontracting.com to discuss your brownstone renovation today—because every old space has extraordinary potential waiting to emerge.