State Street ( of )

Our downstairs neighbors informed me that they were leaving the building to move to a new townhouse in Brooklyn. I was upset by the news, because they are among our best friends, but we had a great time designing their new home together.

Dad is a French equity strategist. Mom is an executive who does HR for a global company. They have a teenage boy and girl. The house is open and airy with very high ceilings. The challenge was to create spaces for an active family. On the entry level, the double-height dining room flows from the kitchen, and is open to the living spaces above.

In the heart of the house, the living room, we placed the game table in front of the focal fireplace. That’s where most of the communal activities games, homework, and meals take place. Custom-designed cabinetry of oak and walnut encompasses and coordinates with their oak piano, which is a family heirloom.

Upstairs are the two kids room and the master suite. There is an outdoor room that was painted a vivid blue to remind the family of their favorite vacation spots in Europe. It’s a wonderful contrast to the urbanscape beyond.