A Playful, Layered Brooklyn Townhouse Designed for Modern Family Living
Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn
Historic homes have a way of telling stories — and this Carroll Gardens townhouse is no exception. Carefully restored and thoughtfully layered, this Italianate row house was designed to support modern family life while honoring the charm and character of its original architecture.
After completing the architectural restoration of their four-story Brooklyn townhouse, these young homeowners partnered with Nina Isabella Interior Design to bring warmth, personality, and a sense of ease to the first floor of their home. Our role focused on furnishing, custom details, and the finishing layers that transform a beautiful space into one that truly feels lived in.
Light-filled parlor of a restored Italianate townhouse in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, featuring custom window seating, layered textiles, colorful upholstered chairs, and original architectural details.
Project Overview
Located in the heart of Carroll Gardens, this Italianate row house was restored as a single-family home for a growing family with young children. With the architectural framework in place, our work centered on the Parlor and Kitchen — two spaces that anchor daily life and gathering in a Brooklyn townhouse.
The goal was to create interiors that felt playful yet elegant, layered yet unfussy — spaces that could handle real life while still feeling intentional and refined.
Our Design Approach
Rather than overpower the home’s historic details, we leaned into contrast and softness. Color, pattern, and texture were thoughtfully layered to add warmth and liveliness, while custom millwork and furnishings ensured each space functioned beautifully within the home’s narrow footprint.
Throughout the project, we focused on creating rooms that feel collected and comfortable — spaces designed to grow with the family and invite both everyday moments and meaningful gatherings.
The Parlor: Cozy, Collected, and Full of Character
In the Parlor, space planning was key. With a narrow townhouse layout, furniture scale and flow were carefully considered to create a room that feels inviting rather than tight.
A custom window bench anchors the front of the space, complete with integrated storage, tailored window treatments, wallpaper, and a pendant light that creates a cozy nook for reading and lingering. Existing club chairs were reupholstered in contrasting fabrics, introducing color and a relaxed, slightly bohemian spirit. A curated gallery wall adds personality and depth, giving the room a layered, lived-in feel.
Art placement and material samples styled on the parlor fireplace during the design process of a Brooklyn townhouse.
The Kitchen: Designed for Gathering
Light-filled kitchen with custom banquette seating, round dining table, and black-framed windows in a Carroll Gardens Brooklyn townhouse.
In the Kitchen, we designed a custom banquette to encourage casual family meals and easy entertaining. New dining furniture and lighting ground the space, balancing function with warmth and visual interest.
Every detail — from fabric selections to proportions — was chosen with durability, comfort, and timelessness in mind, ensuring the space feels just as welcoming on a quiet weekday morning as it does when filled with friends.
This Brooklyn townhouse is a reminder that the final layers matter. Thoughtful furnishings, textiles, and custom details have the power to soften historic architecture and create spaces that feel calm, personal, and deeply livable.
Designed for a young family and rooted in intention, this home reflects our belief that the best interiors are not only beautiful — they’re meant to be lived in.
Architect: Drew Lang of Lang Architecture / Photography: Ty Cole
