Introducing one of our newest members, Lex & Hudson, and their warm modern sanctuary in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn for an International family of four.

Lex & Hudson, please tell us a bit about the project.

Lex & Hudson was hired to provide a comprehensive palette and feel for the new four story townhouse that included a full painting scope, furnishings for public spaces and two bedrooms, and lighting throughout. The newly built home sits on a charming historical block lined with mature trees and flower gardens. Unlike the older homes on the block this home had more angular features and less quirks that give homes flavor. We sought to evoke an effortless sophistication by layering soft materials and textures to bring out the impressive tall ceilings and abundance of natural light.

Where is the project located?

Clinton Hill - Brooklyn, New York

Tell us a bit about the homeowners.

A husband and wife duo live in the home with their two children. The family has strong international roots and travels often all over the globe.

What convinced Lex & Hudson to work on this project?

This project was interesting to me because it was such a blank canvas. Our clients were the first owners and the house is in a row of about five identical new-build townhouses. The home had high-end finishes but an institutional feel. We wanted to find a way to make the interior distinguishing from the rest of the row and create a space that felt lived-in yet clean, welcoming, and warm.

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

Because our busy professional clients travel so frequently and value time at their beach home in the summer, we sought to create a respite for them in the city. We knew we wanted to use nature-inspired hues to create a welcoming zen-like atmosphere.

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

We used limewash on the walls on the first floor to create texture, movement and interest. We also used walnut, leather, velvet, wool, linen, marble, oak, brass, and a touch of rattan in the console. We value bringing in natural materials to spaces. In addition, these materials and especially the interplay between them brought life and textured depth to an otherwise austere environment.

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

We evoked a relaxed serenity with the nature-inspired cool tones of hunter green, aqua, and blue-grey. We paired these tones with warm wall finishes and accessories for balance.

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

We love and think the walnut sculptural dining table is so special. We sourced it from a Brooklyn based furniture designer, Ottra, and were awed when we saw it in their workshop. The light fixture in the living room was also a focal point. With such tall ceilings, the home could really take a striking fixture, this one being from Arteriors. The wall finishes were also very intentional. The limewash on the entire first floor was meant to envelop and soften the space. The wallpapers in the bedrooms and asymmetric paint shapes in the teen bedroom added dimension and interest to otherwise white boxes. Lastly the drapery, which is present on every window in the entire home softened and balanced the simple casings and heavy boxy window frames.

What was the biggest challenge you faced to design this home? How long did it take?
The townhouse is very narrow. While using a banquette in the dining room saved us space the living room was a bit more challenging. On the first floor the living room has a back glass wall on one side and is open to the kitchen on the other side. The door of the back glass wall is in the center, so the flow in the space was important to get right. We settled on two matching boucle swivel chairs flanking the back door that can easily be moved closer or further apart depending on the season and how often the clients would use the back patio. Not crowding the space with tall or chunky seating there was intentional as this decision contributed to an airy feeling that felt comfortable with a modern edge.

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

A warm family sanctuary with modern lines.

Lex & Hudson is an interior design firm based in Brooklyn, New York. The firm is known for its laid-back, effortless but sophisticated style. We believe a home should reflect you and your family's values and needs. Lex & Hudson collaboratively guides clients through the design process, providing them with all the tools necessary to make the most informed decisions along the way. Above all else, clients are meant to enjoy the design process and the experience that concludes with a truly custom design and implementation.

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