Neo-Italian Renaissance Living Room with Historic Charm and Modern Elegance
Discover the living room of a stunning Neo-Italian Renaissance mansion in Brooklyn’s Park Slope. Designed by the esteemed architect Montrose Morris in 1898, this limestone townhouse exudes historic grandeur. Jason Saft of Staged to Sell Home recently revitalized the front parlor, blending historic charm with contemporary flair. The result is a space that feels both timeless and inviting.
Preserving the Past and Embracing the Present
The front parlor features dark wood paneling and intricate molding, reflecting the home’s rich history. Saft aimed to modernize the space while respecting these original details. “The biggest challenge was to honor and enhance the original features while modernizing the space, making it lighter, more livable, and less like a museum,” Saft explains.
To achieve this, Saft chose a palette inspired by the natural surroundings of Prospect Park, just across the street. Subtle shades of green connect the interior with the lush greenery outside. The focal point is Giancarlo Valle’s Loop rug in forest green, anchoring the space and tying together various elements.
Harmonizing History with Modern Elegance
The front parlor of this Brooklyn mansion, transformed by Saft, beautifully merges historic charm with modern elegance. Dark woodwork contrasts with light materials such as creamy linens, bright white boucles, and brass accents. This combination brightens the space while preserving its original character. Saft’s mix of traditional and contemporary textures adds depth, creating a warm and dynamic atmosphere.
Artful Integration of Tradition and Modernity
Upon entering the front parlor, the art immediately captures attention. Saft masterfully balances traditional pieces with modern works. The centerpiece is Louis Venturelli’s Musée De L’Orangerie, elegantly framed in a traditional style. This contrasts beautifully with Tyler Guinn’s Waymarker, adding a contemporary touch.
A Welcoming Ambiance with Timeless Appeal
The room’s design is further enriched by a rug designed by Giancarlo Valle for Nordic Knots, grounding the space with its subtle patterns. A vintage sofa, skillfully recovered in luxurious Holly Hunt fabric, invites you to sit and enjoy the room’s warmth. In front of the sofa, an Organic Modernism coffee table holds a collection of curated objects, including the Bridge vase by Simone Bodmer-Turner, which adds a sculptural element to the decor.
The styling is completed with vintage books, ceramic vases, and a bowl by Colin King for West Elm, offering a tactile contrast to the sleek lines of the floor lamp by Jake Arnold for Crate & Barrel. Together, these elements create a collected and cohesive atmosphere, where traditional elegance meets modern sophistication.
All Photos by Shannon Dupre / DDReps (Instagram @shannondupre)
Home Staging and Home Styling: Staged to Sell Home (Instagram @stagedtosellhome)
