This fall, we wrapped up our project *Dream in Fort Greene*, a stunning four-story home located on a historic street in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. Our clients aimed to restore the charm of their older home while incorporating modern and functional design elements throughout. The challenge was all about balance—creating bright, open spaces that honored the original character of the house.
That’s why we chose Shelfology units for the entire home. Their classic, timeless, and versatile designs fit perfectly with the blend of old and new that we were going for.
*Shelf Spaces: Blending Storage, Display, and Utility at Dream in Fort Greene (15 minute read)*
*A warm kitchen with open shelving emerges from the old floor plan. Photo Credit: @christiantorresphoto*
While many associate open shelving with modern trends, it actually has a long history, especially in kitchens! Before the 1930s, open shelves were commonly used to display cooking supplies, spices, and even laundry items. So, bringing back open shelves in *Dream in Fort Greene* was a way to honor its past!
“When working with historic homes, it's essential to respect the space’s history while planning for its future. That’s why we do extensive research before choosing fixtures, finishes, and small details,†says Barry.
**The Primary Suite:**
*This light airy space needed similar storage. Photo Credit: @christiantorresphoto*
In the primary bedroom, we had a unique challenge: hiding a large HVAC unit while making it feel like part of the sanctuary-like room. We found a beautiful cover from local artisan The Build With Ethan, but we needed to make it blend seamlessly into the wall. That’s when we decided to add three Shelfology Aksel shelves above the unit.
*Aksel RADius Floating Shelf courtesy of Shelfology. Photo Credit: @christiantorresphoto*
The wood grain of these Aksel White Oak shelves adds a beautiful visual element, and now the homeowners have a perfect spot to display mementos and photos. We’re thrilled with how cohesive the look is. What was once an eyesore is now one of the most admired areas of the home.
**The Bathroom Niche:**
*Niche storage is a breeze using finished hardwood slabs or Aksel shelves. Photo Credit: @christiantorresphoto*
In the third-floor bathroom, we needed to create storage without taking up valuable space. Fortunately, when we expanded the vanity wall to fit a new bathtub, we had extra room to work with. It was too small for traditional shelves, but perfect for open ones.
We added three more white oak shelves from Shelfology to store toiletries and towels. The result looks custom and sits flush with the vanity. Now, new parents Anna and Will can easily access baby Noah’s essentials in a clean, organized area.
“One of the most interesting parts of designing *Dream in Fort Greene* was creating a unified and cohesive space across all four floors. The homeowners wanted variety in each area—a peaceful bedroom, a grand kitchen, and bold bathrooms—but everything had to feel connected. Having continuous elements like the white oak shelves helps tie the whole house together,†says Jordan.
**The Kitchen:**
*A favorite room in the house, light from the windows and warm tones create a space to feel good in. Photo Credit: @christiantorresphoto*
Bright, sunny, and open, the kitchen in *Dream in Fort Greene* brings together English countryside vibes with clean lines. Through this process, we learned a lot about styling in historical kitchens. We were inspired by materials like brass, natural wood, marble, and clay.
Together with the homeowners, we chose longer Aksel shelves, separated by the hood above the stove. This gives the illusion of more space and provides plenty of room for kitchen essentials. We loved styling them with some of the homeowners’ favorite everyday items and special touches like their heirloom cake stand.
As designers, we always think about versatility and longevity. Open shelving is a stylish and accessible addition to any home. It’s truly timeless and will serve you—and your home—well for years to come.
**GET THE LOOK:**
- Copper Sauce Pan
- Vintage Metal Flower Vase
- Concrete Fruit Bowl
- Folkulture Wooden Fruit Bowl
- Black Flower Vase
- Wicker Storage Basket
- Aksel White Oak Shelves
**Certified Rad: About the Brownstone Boys**
We’re Jordan and Barry, the Brownstone Boys. We are life and business partners who love restoring historic homes in Brooklyn, NY. As designers and renovation project managers, we work alongside our clients from the moment they buy a property through the design and build phases until the home is move-in ready. Our work has been featured in HGTV, Architectural Digest, Domino Magazine, Lonny Magazine, New York Magazine, Rue, Good Morning America, and recently on Magnolia Network.
*Certified Rad: The Brownstone Boys. Photo Credit: @christiantorresphoto*
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