House Design: Captivating Architectural Features

The Plaster Arch: An Architectural Gesture That Tells a Story of Flow and Connection

The deep plaster arch in this home is a striking architectural feature that not only guides the eye from the living area toward the kitchen and backyard but also creates a sense of movement and fluidity. Hidden within this arch is a secret bar area, softly illuminated by vintage smoked-glass candlesticks that cast a warm, ambient glow. The fluted plaster adds visual texture and rhythm, while a sturdy steel-framed window wall introduces a delicate contrast to the sculptural softness of the plaster, embodying a dialogue between strength and grace.

The Entryway: A Memorable First Impression

From the moment you step inside, the space captivates with rich green walls set against playful green-and-pink tiled flooring—a modern twist on tradition. A custom asymmetrical mirror echoes the curved arch of the original doorway, establishing a sculptural design language that carries throughout the home. This interplay of color and form announces the home’s ethos: bold in detail, cohesive in narrative.

This entry makes a strong first impression with walls painted in a rich green, playing off a playful green and pink checkerboard tile floor, a fresh twist on the traditional. A custom asymmetrical mirror echoes the curved arch of the original doorway, setting the tone for the sculptural language that continues throughout the house.

The Living Room: Where Art Meets Daily Life

A curved sofa and armchairs flank two overlapping marble tables atop a leaf-shaped rug, striking a balance between organic and geometric. A walnut side table anchors the space, while a gold-leaf relief by Andrew Zimmerman and a cloud-like sculpture by Mike Hansel add bold artistic statements above the original marble mantel. Here, every piece tells a story, from the organic rug to the nature-inspired sculptures.

In the parlor, a curved sofa and matching armchair embrace two nested marble tables atop a fluidly shaped rug. A walnut sideboard anchors the space, while a gold-painted relief by Andrew Zimmerman and Cloud Support by Mike Hansel add a bold sculptural presence above the original marble fireplace mantel.

The Kitchen: Functional Elegance with Organic Touches

The kitchen is grounded in Calacatta Vagli Viola marble countertops and a mushroom-toned island, with custom cabinetry and a curved pantry that softens sharp lines. A trio of hand-blown glass pendants floats above a pale oak dining table, balancing simplicity and sophistication. This space isn’t just for cooking—it’s for connection, embodying the “kitchen as the heart of the home” philosophy.

The kitchen is grounded by Calacatta Vagli Viola marble countertops and an island painted in warm mushroom tones. Custom cabinetry and a curved pantry bring softness to the architecture, while a trio of hand-blown glass pendants hang above a pale oak dining table. It’s an inviting space that balances simplicity with elegance, ready for casual meals or larger gatherings.

The Upper Floor: Spaces for Relaxation and Creativity

Playroom: At the top of the redesigned staircase, this flexible space is flooded with natural light, encouraging creativity and play.
Media Room: Eggplant-colored walls embrace a marble bar and Chartreuse velvet seating, with curved cove lighting and an antique resin lamp tempering the drama.
Primary Suite: Lavender-gray plaster and warm oak elements are lit by printed linen sconces and an antique resin pendant, while framed still lifes add a personal touch.

A rebuilt, curving staircase winds through the center of the home, culminating in a sculpted, skylit hall on the top floor.

The Bathrooms: Continuity in Design Storytelling

Primary Bath: The lavender-gray plaster is complemented by Green Onyx and Rosa Aurora Macchia Vecchia marble, with a freestanding tub beneath a steel-framed garden-view window.
Guest Bath: Espectaculo marble wraps the walls and floors, while Rosa Aurora tile defines the shower area, harmonizing with the home’s material palette.

This primary bathroom continues the lavender-gray plaster from the bedroom and elevates it with dramatic stone selections. Green onyx and rosa aurora macchia vecchia marble define the shower, while a freestanding tub sits beneath a steel casement window overlooking the garden and the wood vanity is topped with onyx.

Final Touches: Beauty in the Details

Even utilitarian spaces like the laundry room embrace boldness, with cement tile in a daring aunch pattern, tying every corner into the home’s unified material narrative.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

This Boerum Hill home embodies a design philosophy that elevates functionality into art, where every element—from the sweeping plaster arch to the playful entryway tile—mirrors and enhances the life of a social family. The design isn’t just a aesthetic shell but a partner in memory-making, from gatherings around the kitchen to quiet moments in the primary bath. What stands out is the designers’ audacity in using color and texture without sacrificing comfort, raising a question: How can built environments enrich human experience rather than merely serve it? The home answers practically: through details that surprise, comfort, and inspire.

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