Park Slope Townhouse by Leroy Street Studio

Founder and chief curator of ART FOR CHANGE Jeanne Masel collects a range of evocative works to be enjoyed in her Brooklyn home. The renovation of Park Slope Townhouse sees Leroy Street Studio celebrate the artistic sensibility of both Jeanne and her husband Dennis Masel.

Originally built in 1910, Park Slope Townhouse sits in a historic Brooklyn neighbourhood renowned for its brownstones. The house, however, has a limestone facade. It is the peculiar context of architectural heritage and visual distinction that inspired the renovation of the home. The design brief detailed an expressive residence that showcases the art collection of the clients. While the historic facade is retained, an altered floor plan opens sightlines to the garden and landscaped terraces that are adorned with planters and green roofs. A spiral staircase then unifies the new and existing foundations.

The contemporary floor plan both maximises garden views and allows residents to encounter a diverse range of artworks as they move from one room to another.

By removing a floor to the rear of the townhouse, Leroy Street Studio establishes two nearly-double-height spaces that complement the art on display. The contemporary floor plan both maximises garden views and allows residents to encounter a diverse range of artworks as they move from one room to another. Enhancing this sense of journey, the plaster staircase curves between the street side of the home – capturing the original architecture – and the garden side, where the structural innovation has taken place. At the top of the staircase lies a luxurious penthouse addition.

Working closely with Jeanne, who was also an art advisor for the project, Leroy Street Studio designs an interior suitable to display. A large, empty space is left above the dining room table, and the adjacent lighting scheme is intentionally flexible; therefore, residents can effortlessly rearrange art installed in a gallery style. In the living room, a large-scale piece is juxtaposed to an understated, wall-mounted fireplace positioned opposite, while in the bathroom, a striking mosaic is adhered directly to a wall. Throughout the home, the plastered walls – painted white – enable the art to remain the focal point.

Alongside collected works, an expansive material palette enlivens Park Slope Townhouse.

Alongside collected works, an expansive material palette enlivens Park Slope Townhouse. Many of the fabrics and rugs emerge from a collaboration between Leroy Street Studio and Christine Van Der Hurd, which expresses an artistic approach to colour and pattern. According to the formality, rooms feature either smooth fumed or wire-brushed oak, with the latter indicating a more casual function. In addition, unconventional stones and tiles accentuate the softness of silk runners, wool curtains and boucle furnishings.

Championing aesthetic experience, Park Slope Townhouse immerses residents in colour, texture and form. Leroy Street Studio designs in the spirit of creative appreciation, crafting a residence where all art is celebrated.

Architecture and interior design by Leroy Street Studio. Build by BLDG and Leroy Street Studio. Landscape design by Barbara Rathborne. Artwork curation by ART FOR CHANGE.