A completely gutted townhouse in Brooklyn's Boerum Hill neighborhood has been transformed into an elegant residence that seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern luxury. The ambitious renovation project was spearheaded by White Arrow, a New York City-based architectural design firm founded by husband-and-wife team Keren Richter and Thomas Richter. The firm took over Phase II of the extensive gut renovation after the young couple who purchased the property found themselves overwhelmed by the scope of the project.
When White Arrow entered the picture, the townhouse was essentially a construction site with significant work already underway. An architecture firm had previously drawn plans and obtained necessary permits, while major structural changes were in progress. The cellar was being excavated, and the back of the house had been demolished on the two lower levels and extended outward by 10 feet. New mechanicals and HVAC systems were being installed, along with a new rooftop bulkhead and decking.
Despite the ongoing construction, the property remained largely a blank canvas from a design perspective. "They were jackhammering in the cellar and doing brickwork when we arrived," Keren Richter explained. "The windows weren't there. The walls were down to studs, and they needed to redo the stairs." The White Arrow team ultimately took on project management responsibilities, orchestrating all new details, finishes, custom millwork, and developing a comprehensive decorating plan.
The designers focused extensively on creating authentic-looking historic details throughout the home. "Everything that looks historic – crown molding, baseboard, doors, flooring, arches, stair rails, niches, borders – that's all us," Richter noted. Among the few salvageable original elements were marble mantels and some vintage shutters. The building's windows were completely replaced with new units sourced from Historical Windows of New York, while White Arrow designed new stair railings and newel posts based on 19th-century designs.
The interior design philosophy emphasized sophistication and elegance across different eras. "When it came to furnishings, we wanted it to be chic and elevated, a mix of different eras, with a harmonious materials palette of walnut, black, and navy," Richter explained. "It's not casual per se, but not overly glam either." White Arrow also curated artwork throughout the house, with particular emphasis on 20th-century vintage paintings.
The front parlor and living room showcase this design approach with a blue velvet sofa of White Arrow's own design, inspired by the work of Jean-Michel Frank. The space features vintage armchairs, walnut coffee and side tables sourced from British brand Pinch, and a contemporary Pierre Chapo daybed. A 1917 Wiener Werkstätte chandelier designed by Josef Hoffmann provides elegant lighting. From the entry, visitors enjoy a straight visual line to the back of the house through new flat arched openings, with all colors on the parlor level carefully coordinated.
The central kitchen exemplifies timeless appeal through carefully selected materials and fixtures. Handmade ceramic tiles from Pratt & Larson, a Lacanche stove, and custom cabinetry painted in Benjamin Moore's Newburg Green create a sophisticated atmosphere. The custom stove hood and distinctive pendant lights sourced from Apparatus add contemporary touches. White Arrow selected Breccia Capraia marble with dramatic purple veining for both the backsplash and countertops, while chamfered edges on the wide island prevent it from feeling too monolithic.
The dining room, located in the new rear extension on the parlor floor, features a glass wall overlooking the garden. A green leather credenza and rich walnut tones in the furnishings continue what Richter describes as the "jewel tone color story." White Arrow's custom-designed walnut dining table is surrounded by 1970s Italian leather chairs by Tobia Scarpa, while a Sketch Light pendant by New York-based designer Anna Karlin provides both modern drama and warm illumination.
The second floor houses a library and sitting room with custom built-ins designed by White Arrow, opening to a deck positioned on the roof of the new rear extension. The space features a Pinch sofa alongside vintage furnishings, including a coffee table that is a reissue of a Jacques Adnet design. A bedroom used part-time by twin boys showcases vintage cherry wood beds by Ole Wanscher, maintaining the home's commitment to quality vintage and contemporary pieces.
Bathroom spaces throughout the home reflect the same attention to luxury and detail found in the main living areas. The primary bathroom features a custom oak and marble vanity by White Arrow with gold-tone details that create a luxurious atmosphere. A bathroom adjacent to a nursery displays more playful elements, including striped wall tile treatment, a yellow pendant light from Coleen & Company, and vintage-style fixtures that enliven the space.
The renovation extended to outdoor spaces, with White Arrow designing hardscaping for the backyard using vernacular materials like bluestone and cobblestones. Brooklyn-based Verru Design handled the landscaping and plantings, completing the comprehensive transformation of the property. The project represents White Arrow's ability to manage complex renovations while maintaining a cohesive design vision that honors both historic character and contemporary living needs.
