The Brooklyn Heights Designer Showhouse is back after a two-year hiatus and ready to open its doors to design lovers, for an exclusive look inside a stunning brownstone just steps away from the iconic promenade which offers perhaps the most world famous view of Manhattan. Co-Chairs Ellen Hamilton and Erika Belsey Worth are thrilled to present the work of over a dozen talented designers, each of whom transformed a portion of the home showcasing their unique perspective to blend old with new for a fresh take on what makes this historic Brooklyn neighborhood special.

“This year’s showhouse is particularly thrilling,” Erika Belsey Worth says, “because there’s nothing virtual about it! When the doors open, our visitors will be able to run their fingertips over the finishes on the walls and the extraordinary textures of our designers’ fabric selections. They will sit on the sofas and absorb the rooms with reawakened awareness of what it means to be in an exquisitely designed space. We can’t wait to experience the 2022 showhouse designers’ magic!”

Not only will visitors get a chance to enjoy the work of the designers in this classic Greek Revival townhouse, but the event will serve to benefit the Brooklyn Heights Association (BHA) which “pioneered the idea of a historic district and continues to provide leadership in balancing historic preservation with 21st century ideals.” Founded in 1910, the association was “instrumental in the creation of New York City’s first historic district, the construction of the iconic Brooklyn Heights Promenade, and the preservation of the nearby waterfront for what is now Brooklyn Bridge Park.”

The five story showhouse, a beautiful blend of old-world architecture and modern luxury, includes a double parlor with preserved period details, a full-floor primary bedroom suite, and beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces featuring a roof deck which boasts both city and water views.

Over the course of the event, visitors can expect to see the work of designers from Brooklyn and New York’s celebrated design community including: Antonino Buzzetta Design, Antonio Deloatch, Baxt Ingui Architects, Chused & Co, Circa 22 Design Studio, Collyer’s Mansion, JDK Interiors, JS Interiors, KD Reid in collaboration with Bo Concept, Laurie Blumenfeld Design, Meagan Camp Interiors, MeLinda K. Design, Nigel Rollings Landscape, Rupp Studio, Studio Dorion, Tara McCauley, and the Brooklyn Heights Gardens, Inc.

Design by Antonino Buzzetta | Photo by Trevor Parker

We begin our tour with a visit to the aptly titled “Italian Love Affair” lounge designed by Antonio Buzzetta. His sleek and richly hued space draws inspiration from 1970’s Italian design. The curvaceous sofa and coffee table in conjunction with the bold and bright straight lines found in the carpet and pedestals offer a striking overall look. Buzzetta explains: “I’ve always been intrigued by the strong colors and bold statement pieces that reigned supreme in the 70s and the Italians took it to the hilt.”

Design by Antonio Deloatch | Photo by Jonathan Hoekklo

The garden floor vestibule, designed by Antonio Deloatch, is a pleasing mix of old and new, bold and subtle, and includes a beautiful blend of nature and “man made” beauty in the form of mixed media artwork and striking verdant bouquets. These juxtapositions that work together is evocative of the very nature of Brooklyn itself.

 

Design by Baxt Ingui Architects | Photo by Adam Kane Macchia

The parlor kitchen, designed by Baxt Ingui Architects is a blush hued slice of heaven, with an abundance of carefully considered details that create an overall delightful space to experience. Leaded glass in soft colors offer a nod to a classic Brooklyn townhouse feature while sleek brass light fixtures are a modern touch.

 

Design by Brooklyn Heights Gardens, Inc. | Photo by Tim Cree

Stepping outside of the townhouse, one is treated to the work of Brooklyn Heights Gardens, Inc. The owner and designer has been described by the Wall Street Journal as having created “The showiest window boxes in town.” A statement that springs to life in the lovingly displayed window boxes done by Serhiy Mshanetskiy, a Ukrainian doctor who took up gardening some 20 years ago while awaiting his green card and who ended up opening his own urban gardening business.

 

Design by Chused & Co. | Photo by Jeff Holt

Back inside the home, the double parlor designed by Chused & Co., exudes serenity and sophistication. The space takes its cues from “the classic European charm of the 1940s” and makes wonderful use of vintage and antique furnishings and art from around the world. The color palette in the room is inspired directly by the artwork chosen for this elegant space.

 

Design by Circa 22 Design Studio | Photo by Tom Benedict

Beneath a Chinese inspired mural of a tree in bloom, a sky blue ceiling adds to the whimsical nature of “the garden room” designed by Circa 22 Design Studio. Truly bringing the outside in, this space was designed as a “perfect hideaway for daydreaming and escape. A space where one can get lost in a novel while lounging on the roomy sofa with curved lines and soft textures, playing an instrument, or listening to the music of birds chirping outdoors. ”

 

Design by Collyer’s Mansion | Photo by Erica Gannett

The library, designer by Collyer’s Mansion, has been transformed into an inviting space with a tastefully done blend of classic and modern touches. A bold teal area rug is an unexpected touch beneath a light-as-a -feather bubble style pendant which adds a soft glow to the space even when the marble fireplace is not in use. One can imagine warm summer afternoons with the windows open and a light breeze while chatting with guests or a winter night, fireplace aglow, book in hand.

 

Design by JDK Interiors | Photo by Kirsten Francis

Stepping inside the children’s bedroom, it is not hard to see how it inspired the name “Candy Coated Dreams.” Designer Jenny Dina Kirschner of JDK Interiors and artist Adam Sultan collaborated to create a room “inspired by childhood memories of circuses and carousels, ferris wheels and carnival game prizes, cotton candy and warm, soft pretzels.”  The space, “born out of a desire to simply evoke pure happiness,” is as functional as it is whimsical, incorporating much needed storage into its playful design.

 

Design by JS Interiors | Photo by Brett Wood

JS Interiors began their inspiration for the design of the sitting room began with a trompe l’oeil printed pattern imitating 19th century padded silk from Pierre Frey. “The material envelopes the tiny room in a whimsical, colorful and silky-seeming backdrop, a love letter to the firm’s perennial inspiration, textiles.” This space, designed to serve as a personal study, takes cues from small, highly decorated rooms in homes dating back to the Renaissance.

Join us next time as we cover the remaining designers who brought their talents and unique perspectives to this special Brooklyn home.

The showhouse will be open to the public from Friday, September 23^rd through Sunday, October 30^th. For more information, please visit the Brooklyn Heights Designer Showhouse website here.

Photos Courtesy of Brooklyn Heights Designer Showhouse / Text by Liana Hayles Newton