It had been stripped of all its original interior character over the years, so the design replaced and added to what was there originally. We re-designed the home’s layout, reconfiguring the kitchen, moving the lower staircase, adding a staircase to the loft room, and rebuilding the widows walk roof deck. All doorways were raised to 9 feet to add to the sense of space.

A dark and moody gray and black palette transitions from dark to light as you flow through the property keeping the sun-filled rooms light, bright, and airy. All windows were removed and replaced and new windows were added to maximize light and efficiencies. Externally we rebuilt the wraparound deck, improved the landscaping, and painted the entire house black. Embracing Victorian design principles we combined traditional features with a contemporary open-plan concept. We removed the existing corner fireplace and rebuilt it using a locally sourced period piece. We created a library with everyone’s favorite “secret door” into a small office/panic room. A master suite of epic indulgence was designed with a hidden door that enters a full-sized master bath with a claw foot tub with a ceiling filler and surprising copper fixtures.

Throughout the home, we used an eclectic mix of vintage and contemporary furniture, including pieces by renowned designers Maarten Baas, Jamie Hayon, and Tom Dixon—all sitting alongside pieces from our own archive vintage archive—some signature custom upholstery by our good friends Timorous Beasties. We designed a lighting plan that created flexible moods from everyday to dinner party using stunning architectural lighting fixtures. All was topped off with artworks by Kaws, Murakami, and popla1000.

Finally, we splurged on a selection of incredible wallpapers to add drama and romance to this stunning showpiece of a home.

The Penny Black House is featured in Gray Magazine #39, April 2018.