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 wanted to breathe new life into their old house while adding modern, functional elements throughout. This project was all about balance—creating open, bright spaces while honoring the original character of the home.
That’s why we chose Shelfology units throughout the house. Their designs are classic, timeless, and versatile, making them the perfect fit for this historic renovation.
*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 people associate open shelving with modern trends, it actually has a long history, especially in kitchens! Before the 1930s, open shelves were common in homes for displaying cooking supplies, sauces, spices, and even laundry items. So, bringing back open shelves to *Dream in Fort Greene* was a subtle nod to its past!
“When working in historic spaces, you have to respect the home’s history while planning for its future. That’s why we do a lot of 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 faced an interesting challenge: hiding a large HVAC unit while keeping the room feeling like a peaceful sanctuary. We found a beautiful cover from a local artisan, The Build With Ethan, but needed to make it blend seamlessly with the wall. That’s when we decided to add three Shelfology Aksel shelves above the HVAC unit.
*Aksel RADius Floating Shelf courtesy of Shelfology. Photo Credit: @christiantorresphoto*
The wood grain of the Aksel White Oak shelves added a warm, natural touch that elevated the entire space. Now, the homeowners have a beautiful place to display mementos and photos. We’re thrilled with how cohesive the look is—what used to be an eyesore is now one of the standout features 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 away from the already compact space. When we expanded the vanity wall to fit a new bathtub, we had extra space to work with. It wasn’t big enough for a traditional shelf, but perfect for open shelves.
We added three more white oak shelves from Shelfology to give the space room for toiletries and towels. The final result looks custom and sits flush with the vanity. Now, new parents Anna and Will can easily store baby Noah’s essentials in an organized, clutter-free area.
“One of the most interesting parts of designing *Dream in Fort Greene* was creating a space that felt unified across all four floors. The homeowners wanted variety in each area—a peaceful bedroom, a grand kitchen, and bold bathrooms—but it 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* blends English countryside vibes with clean, modern 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 helped elongate the space and gave plenty of room for everyday kitchen essentials. We loved styling these shelves with some of the homeowners’ favorite items, including their heirloom cake stand.
As designers, we always think about versatility and longevity. No matter which room you're in, open shelving can be a stylish and accessible addition to your 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’re life and business partners with a passion for restoring historic homes in Brooklyn, NY. As designers and renovation project managers, we work alongside clients from the purchase of a property through design and build, all the way to 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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