New York brownstone renovations can easily erase the charm of their historic vernacular, but an update to an Italianate brownstone from 1910 in Brooklyn’s Cobble Hill manages to retain some of its roots while ushering in a new, unique character. The dwelling is home to an embroidery designer, her husband who works in brand consultancy, and their two children. They approached local studio Claire Hung Design to turn the 3,600-square-foot, four-story home into a space that puts a sophisticated spin on the wife’s childhood memories of Swiss chalets while creating a serene atmosphere for a bustling family.

The solution ended up being the same for both parts of the brief: employing wood. The designers opted for wood after looking to Japanese interiors where repeating lines and clean millwork created the calm atmosphere they were after. Alongside Brooklyn-based firm Studio Vural, Hung and team used wood, specifically European oak, as the dwelling’s dominant material and, in effect, neutral color palette. When entering into the living room, it’s immediately present, from the custom built-in shelving and beams on the ceiling to the perimeter of the modular sofa and slatted wall along the stairs.

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