This article was originally published on March 20, 2023. It was updated on April 14, 2023
Set in the historic neighborhood of Midwood in Brooklyn, the rambling five-bedroom, five-bath Victorian home was built in 1899. While a few parts of the property had been upgraded during the 1970s, it now fell to architect Natalie Rebuck, founder of Brooklyn-based Re: Design Architects, to renovate and modernize every inch of the house.
The project got off to an unexpectedly slow start. Weeks after closing on the home, Covid lockdowns forced the client to delay immediate renovations. However, the interruption allowed time for the designer to meticulously plan a space that represents her unique tastes while catering to the family’s needs.
Befitting its Brooklyn demographic, sustainability was integrated into Rebuck’s design in every part of the Victorian home, in ways large and small. Low-VOC paint was used throughout the spaces. The original cast iron tub in the attic bath was the centerpiece of the remodeled room. The existing tile and fixtures in one of the guest bathrooms were retained as part of the design. Still-servicable kitchen cabinets and appliances were donated to a local resale company. All appliances installed on the project, including the dishwasher, refrigerator, washer and dryer, are EnergyStar rated. Even the furniture and decor is an eclectic mix of vintage/antique items along with contemporary pieces.
The project’s biggest takeaway for the designer? “I learned to go with my instinct with color, and to trust my judgement,” said Rebuck. “If a color doesn’t feel right, spend the extra money to fix it right then and there. Don’t wait to see if you end up liking the color.”
—By Leslie Clagett, KBB Managing Editor
