Kate Spiro walks us through her design of a gorgeous old-world Brooklyn Heights apartment, that is just teeming with understated elegance.

Kate, please tell us a bit about the project.

The one bedroom apartment was built in the 1900s and features high ornamental ceilings, a stunning central fireplace, and elegant molding. The scope included a kitchen renovation, space planning, and overall interior decorating for the residence.

Where is the project located?

Brooklyn Heights, New York

What convinced you to work on this project?

The space needed someone to breathe new life into it. I did not want it to feel too modern or cold but wanted to embrace the apartment’s old-world spirit.

What were your sources of inspiration to design and decorate this home?

I drew inspiration from the existing architecture to guide my design decisions, creating a home that feels both authentic and timeless.

What type of atmosphere did you want to create and how did you achieve it?

In all of my projects, my goal is to design spaces that are thoughtfully curated, yet feel lived-in and approachable. For this particular project, I envisioned a home that exuded old-world elegance, while remaining deeply personal - a beautiful, welcoming, and cozy retreat tailored perfectly for my client.

What type of colors and materials did you decide to use in this home and why?

The colors, furnishings and materials were thoughtfully selected that felt vintage and handmade to add character. Tonal patterns, earthy materials and texture were introduced throughout to add dimension and visual interest. I used a soft and feminine color palette of cashew, white, and beige throughout the entry and living room to create an inviting and calming home.

The kitchen needed to be completely redone, and my client wanted to make sure this could be a comfortable place for her friends to gather. I wanted to create a joyful mood that embodied those special moments with friends. I was able to accomplish this with custom millwork in a beautiful blue shade on the shaker-style cabinets, and handcrafted tile was selected for the backsplash for a relaxed feel. I reserved the corner of the kitchen space for a built-in dining banquette and brought the cabinets all the way up to the ceiling to bring the eye up. Glass added to the top of the cabinets ensured these did not feel too heavy in this otherwise small space.

What key Furniture, Fixtures or Finishes were instrumental to creating the space?

I used Clé Tile was used for the backsplash; Caesarstone for the Kitchen countertops; Kitchen hardware was sourced from Rejuvenation; Perennials banquette fabric was used for durability; and Scalamandre wallpaper was used in the Entryway.

If you had to describe this home in one sentence, what would it be?

Each area of the home works together to create an old-world European feel, with an aura of understated elegance.

Kate Spiro operates a Miami-based residential design studio focused on crafting interiors that exude luxury, effortlessness, and a refined sense of editing. Embracing the philosophy that each project should be a reflection of its owner, Kate dedicates herself to gaining a comprehensive understanding of her clients' overall objectives. She skillfully embraces architectural nuances and the unique characteristics of the surrounding environment, using these elements as a source of inspiration to shape each project. 

Kate's design approach is marked by the integration of textured layers, bespoke pieces, and carefully selected vintage finds, ensuring that every space she designs is distinct and resonates with the individuality of each client. Catering to a wide range of projects and budgets, she guides her clients from the initial concept through to the final execution, ensuring a seamless and personalized design experience.

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