Interior Decorating in an Historic Brownstone

Brownstones are stately on the outside and the style can be repeated inside.

Brownstones are stately, historic buildings whose design harks back to the architectural styles of a century ago. You may wish to create an interior that matches the elegant exterior.

History

Dark furnishings against light walls and floors can open up a room.

Many brownstone apartments have fallen into disrepair; those with original interiors may require a lot of work to get up to code and comfortably livable. On a positive note, this allows the renovator to completely redesign the interior. Many modern, simple styles can be well-suited to a brownstone.

Features

Decorative lights can accent a high ceiling.

Many brownstones have high ceilings and large, open rooms. To take advantage of this, install ceiling lights on long, slender chains, floor-to-ceiling drapes, tall bookshelves and tapestries to accent the height of the ceilings. Light colors on the walls will also help keep the open, airy feeling of the rooms.

Potential

To give the appearance of an elegant space, consider light floors and walls with dark furniture and accent pieces. When working with large spaces, be cautious of using patterns, as some can become overpowering.

References

• In Home Trend: Interior design of a Brooklyn brownstone
• Reliable Remodeler: Brownstone kitchen tips
• Home Decor Answers: Brownstone renovations

Resources

• In Home Trend: Interior design of a Brooklyn brownstone