From White Box to Warmth: The Interior Journey of a Brooklyn Townhouse
When interior designer Marc Houston first stepped into the newly constructed Brooklyn townhouse, he immediately recognized its potential. Tucked away in Boerum Hill, the six-story home boasted soaring ceilings and a flood of natural light. Still, its pristine, all-white interior lacks the character and warmth that make a house feel at home.
While the blank slate might have daunted some, Houston embraced it. The minimalist shell was the perfect foundation for creative transformation.
A Distinctive Take on a Brooklyn Townhouse
Faced with a fast-paced timeline, Houston was given just one month to turn the 4,200-square-foot space into a fully furnished, livable family home. Rather than altering the layout, he focused on layering texture, introducing rich materials, and designing custom built-ins that gave each space a sense of purpose and personality.
Every detail, from fabric choices to finishes, was selected to build an environment that felt both intentional and emotionally resonant.
Inside the Brooklyn Townhouse: Room by Room
Living Room: Art Meets Architecture
At the heart of the Brooklyn townhouse is a striking living room anchored by a fireplace clad in gold-veined spider marble. It took weeks for Houston to source enough usable slabs, but the result is breathtaking.
Complementing the marble are sculptural furnishings: a curved Tacchini sofa, Atelier Purcell lounge chairs, and a circular Marc Phillips rug. A dramatic graphite artwork by Kaari Upson shares space with a plaster bust of poet Rabindranath Tagore by Goshka Macuga.
Dining Room: Elevated Rituals
In the dining room of the Brooklyn townhouse, drama and craftsmanship come together under a high ceiling. A captivating handmade light fixture commands attention from above—a sculptural piece created with carefully assembled reclaimed materials, giving it a sense of both movement and meaning. Beneath it, the custom dining table, crafted to resemble a monolithic altar, anchors the room with its raw, stone-like texture.
The flooring, a wide-plank natural oak, adds warmth and quiet contrast, allowing the surrounding design elements to stand out. Layers of rich texture—from the cane and wood dining chairs to the subtle sheen of bronze hardware—create an inviting space that celebrates natural materials and intentional living.
Primary Bedroom: Textural Drama
The primary bedroom in this Brooklyn townhouse is a masterclass in moody sophistication and tactile richness. A plush, neutral-toned carpet grounds the space, adding softness underfoot and contrasting beautifully with the deeper tones throughout the room. Natural materials take center stage—from the slubbed linen wallcovering to the woodgrain floating nightstand and velvet-upholstered bed frame. The palette leans into earthy, smoky hues—charcoal, taupe, bronze, and muted gold—creating a cozy, cocoon-like atmosphere.
The dark espresso walls and chocolate-toned curtains heighten the sense of intimacy, while the tonal rug adds quiet elegance and depth. A sculptural black fireplace, wrapped in a hexagonal, textured surround, becomes a focal point, pairing drama with warmth. Overhead, a playful yet refined chandelier softens the ceiling, tying together the room’s curated layers and tactile storytelling.
Kids’ Bedroom: Kaleidoscopic Fun
For the older children, Houston went bold. The wallpaper—geometric and almost psychedelic—sets the tone, paired with vintage George Nakashima headboards and mustard-toned bedding. An Atelier Areti light fixture mirrors the shapes of the wallpaper, adding to the room’s visual rhythm.
Nursery: Calm and Imaginative
Designed with a focus on softness, the nursery is a serene retreat featuring gentle curves, warm tones, and natural materials. A palette of blush, sand, and terracotta sets a calming tone, with sunlight filtering through sheer drapery to enhance the tranquil atmosphere. The oversized velvet armchair in a soft rust hue anchors the space, inviting long, quiet moments. A sculptural crib in pale wood echoes the room’s organic sensibility, while the rounded mirror and pendant light add playful sophistication.
Underfoot, a plush ivory rug adds texture and warmth, softening every step. Each element—from the curved child’s chair to the leafy potted plant—works in harmony to create a nurturing environment that feels both grounded and imaginative.
Indoor Play Area: A Whimsical Escape
In this Brooklyn townhouse, a simple stairwell landing is transformed into a magical indoor play area that sparks imagination. Grass-like carpet brings the feeling of the outdoors inside, while cloud-shaped light fixtures float gently above, creating a dreamy sky effect. Foam “boulders” by French designer S. Marin serve as both pillows, offering a playful yet comfortable spot to lounge or read. The use of natural materials and textures adds warmth and creativity to space. It’s a charming corner where kids and adults alike can unwind, explore, and let their imaginations run wild.
Rec Room: Cozy and Functional
In this Brooklyn townhouse, the rec room turns a windowless challenge into a moody design triumph. The black walls and matching upholstered sofas create an enveloping, cocoon-like atmosphere, while soft, neutral textiles add depth and comfort. A sculptural rug in muted tones grounds the space, subtly contrasting with the rich hues above.
Layered textures—from wool throws to sleek millwork—are balanced, cozy, and refined. The poured concrete coffee table from local maker Opiary anchors the room with an artisan touch, tying together a mix of accessible finds and elevated design. Ideal for movie nights, cocktails, or overnight guests, this multifunctional space is both stylish and practical.
Home Office: Light, Shadow, and Style
Perched on the top floor of this Brooklyn townhouse, the home office blends sculptural elegance with smart functionality. Dark ebonized oak shelving and a built-in desk introduce dramatic contrast, accentuated by a bronze-tinted mirror that reflects light from the rooftop terraces on either end.
The space balances sleek, modern lines with warm, tactile materials—such as the cognac-toned Bassam Fellows leather chaise and a finely woven paper-yarn rug from Finland. A striped palette underfoot softens the darker tones, grounding the room with a subtle texture. Thoughtfully curated objects and integrated lighting elevate the atmosphere, making this office both stylish and productive.
A Brooklyn Townhouse that Reflects the Family Within
Every corner of this Brooklyn townhouse has been transformed with intention. Whether it’s a cloud-themed playroom or a marble-framed fireplace, Marc Houston’s approach is deeply personal, focused on emotion, and rooted in design expertise.
In Marc Houston‘s Brooklyn townhouse, rugs are more than accents—they’re foundational elements that bring warmth, texture, and quiet sophistication. From the plush neutrals in the bedroom to the soft layering in the nursery, each piece enhances the home’s natural materials and a muted palette. Explore the TAPIS Studio collection to discover how a thoughtfully crafted rug can anchor a space with elegance and intention.
Source: 1STDIBS
