Brownstone Renovation In Brooklyn | Bed-Stuy

Brownstone Renovation In Brooklyn In Bed-Stuy — Gallery KBNY
Gallery KBNY's nine-month design-build gut renovation of a 2,400-square-foot pre-war brownstone in Brooklyn's Bed-Stuy

About This Renovation

This Brooklyn brownstone renovation was a full gut project in every sense of the word. On top of installing new floors, a kitchen and bath renovation, and all the typical restoration and refinishing involved in a brownstone built in 1899, we also completely updated the exterior, constructed a balcony that was not originally there, and converted the space from a single-family home into an an owner’s triplex. A newly separated studio rental on the garden level offers the opportunity for supplemental income, an uncommon and welcome addition to a New York brownstone.

Project at a glace

Job Type
Full Gut Brownstone Renovation
Ownership Type
Townhouse
Building
AddresS
N/A
Neighborhood
Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn
Year Built
1899
Square Footage
2,400 sq ft
Duration
9 Months
SCOPE
Gut Renovation
SERVICES
Design-Build (Interior Design, Architectural, DOB Filings & Approvals, Construction Management)
DESIGN STYLE
Period-appropriate restoration
DESIGNER
Design By Gallery

A Transitional Gem

The result is a two-family brownstone that perfectly combines classic townhouse living with today’s modern needs, including SmartHome technology that we installed to control Bluetooth speakers, Nest thermostats, and the security system. 

The overall aesthetic goal of this brownstone renovation was to pay homage to the historical periods the building has lived through in a cohesive way that is the hallmark of modern transitional style in New York City brownstone interiors.

In the kitchen, white Shaker-style cabinetry, a subway tile backsplash, and marble rather than quartz countertops bring a classically upscale sensibility. To modernize the space further, we opened up the back wall to create floor-to-ceiling windows that are also doors, opening up into the newly built balcony.



Timely Touches

This brownstone renovation included many quintessential elements, such as millwork like the ceiling medallions. We restored some and custom built others, perfectly recreating their original appearance.

The heated master bathroom is now serene, with a walk-in shower featuring a subtly modern linear drain. A herringbone Carrera marble tiled floor and marble slab sink complete the scene.  In the powder room, we embraced a contemporary look by pairing dark hexagonal floors with light chevron tiles, accented with dramatic navy blue wallpaper. With its clear-cut 1920s-style, we selected the wall sconce to reference one of the brownstone’s earlier eras.


Design Details

Natural oak herringbone floors we installed throughout the entire home bring a modern yet warm touch. We restored the wood-burning marble fireplace, which is fully functioning. An elegant staircase with a custom-crafted black wooden banister and white balusters winds up and down alongside a real brick interior wall that we restored and refinished. 

In this brownstone renovation, we were also able to create ceiling height, an unexpected yet aesthetically pleasing side benefit. When working on the joists and beams to level out the floors (a common issue in pre-war renovations) we added ceiling height in the main parlor floor by taking the second floor and raising the ceiling an entire foot. The end result is a main floor with stunning 9-foot ceilings.

Fun Fact: This Bed-Stuy home is a true brownstone, meaning it was constructed from actual brownstone, which we also completely redid for this project.

Some Highlights

  • Solid natural oak herringbone floors throughout
  • A fully restored, refinished, and functioning wood burning fireplace with a marble mantle
  • Complete exterior renovation of the facade, cornices, windows, mouldings, and even the ironwork, including the railings leading up to the stoop and those facing the street
  • A brand new central air and heating system with uniquely modern vents – look above the couch in the living room with the fuzzy rug and large painting

Considering a brownstone or townhouse renovation in NYC? View our full portfolio of brownstone and townhouse renovation before and afters, learn more about Gallery KBNY, or simply contact us today.

We are a New York Times-featured design-build firm in New York City with a full-service approach to residential renovations in Manhattan and Brooklyn that includes everything from interior design and architectural services to facilitating building management and board approval, to construction and construction management. We’re experts in renovating pre-war homes, kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, sourcing custom pieces, building entirely new rooms (or even balconies), millwork, and all that falls in between. Let us bring your dream home to life.

NYC RENOVATION FAQS

How Long Does A Full Apartment Renovation Take?

For a full apartment of about 1,700 square feet, construction typically runs five to six months. Design, board approval, and permitting come first and usually take four to six months, so most full renovations move from first consultation to move-in in 10 to 12 months. Scope, building rules, and how much infrastructure is being replaced set where a project falls in that range.

Read More: How Long To Renovate An Apartment In NYC?

How Long Does A Kitchen Renovation Take?

The construction portion of a full kitchen renovation typically takes 7 to 11 weeks. Door to door, the timeline depends mostly on the building: about 10 to 14 weeks in a private townhouse, 14 to 20 weeks in a condo, 16 to 24 weeks in a post-war co-op, and 20 to 30 weeks in a pre-war co-op, where board and engineering review take longer. Gallery KBNY orders custom cabinetry, stone, and long-lead appliances during design and approvals, so materials arrive ready for the build.

Read More: How Long Does a Kitchen Renovation in NYC Take? A 2026 Timeline Breakdown

How Long Does A Bathroom Renovation Take?

The construction portion of a bathroom renovation typically takes three to four weeks. Gallery KBNY renovates bathrooms as part of larger interior renovations, so bathroom work is sequenced alongside the rest of the apartment within the overall project schedule.

Learn More: Our NYC Bathroom Renovations

How Long Does Co-Op Board Approval Take?

Board review and execution of the alteration agreement typically take 6 to 10 weeks in a post-war co-op and 8 to 14 weeks in a pre-war co-op, where asbestos filings, electrical load letters, and engineering review add steps. DOB permits usually run at the same time. A complete package with full technical drawings and specifications tends to clear the building's reviewing architect in one or two rounds, which keeps the approval phase on schedule.

Get Into The Specifics: In-Depth Co-Op Board Approval Process For Complex NYC Renovations: What to Expect

Our success stories

Forget about any horror story you have heard about contractors. Stop right here. This is the design-build contractor you want to HIRE. It was a breeze working with Gallery on our apartment combination project. We looked at quiet a few design-build companies and chose Gallery because of the great communication and the fact that they were able to manage material purchasing and product selection for us. They were honest, took responsibility and pride in their work.”
Zoe C
Upper West Side, Manhattan, NY.
Gallery KBNY has been absolutely amazing with my renovation. As a complete newbie, I was expecting a stressful process, but they made everything incredibly smooth—and I learned so much along the way. They’re truly a concierge-level service that genuinely cares about both their clients and the quality of their work. I know I couldn’t have chosen a better team. Colin, Morgan, and Leo were fantastic with logistics; Kate is a brilliant designer; and Alex was, hands down, one of the most responsive and professional contacts I’ve ever worked with. The entire experience was marked by ease, efficiency, quality, and grace. 10/10 recommend!
Irene G.
Manhattan, NY.
We used Gallery KBNY to re-design our kitchen and other rooms. Avi Zikry's design was amazing. His vision enabled us to create a whole new look and a better functioning space. That was a year ago, and we are very happy with the results. I highly recommend him. View full renovation: https://www.gallerykbny.com/our-work/manhattan-apartment-renovation-91-central-park-west
Shivraj B.
Upper East Side, Manhattan, NY.
We loved working with Avi and the whole team at Gallery Kitchen and Bath. From our very first meeting, we felt like we were in great hands. Avi is so responsive—always available, quick to come up with solutions, and he and his team helped us pivot whenever needed without losing momentum. Renovating in NYC is complicated, but they handled all the logistics seamlessly and made the process so much less stressful. They do everything—design, architectural work, and managing every detail and skilled trade needed for a full gut renovation of our loft apartment —so we never had to worry. They are in full control of their workers, which allows them to stay on track and adapt quickly. They were creative and helpful when we needed to pivot on design unexpectedly. We felt like we had true partners that genuinely cared about our project and our well being! The finished space truly exceeds our expectations—we are so proud of our beautiful new home. It’s hard to put into words how positive our experience was overall. We would not hesitate for a moment to recommend Avi and the entire team at Gallery. They will be our very first call if we ever need to renovate again in the future… and you should call right now if you’re considering a renovation! View The Renovation: https://www.gallerykbny.com/our-work/chelsea-co-op-renovation-107-w-25th-st
Jason C
Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, NY.
I enthusiastically recommend Gallery, who did a superb job renovating our once decrepit 2-bedroom apartment in Brooklyn Heights. The project involved a full kitchen and bathroom renovation, as well as new electrical, refinished floors, new doors, new baseboards, and some rearranged bedroom closets. What is more, when I have them the wrong paint color for my daughter’s bedroom, and the team started to paint that color, they got the paint I wanted and corrected the “mistake” (which has actually been my mistake) and didn’t charge me for that either. I’d choose them again 100 times over and definitely recommend them to anyone considering a similar project.
Jane M
Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn, NY.
We interviewed about 8 different companies before hiring a contractor for our apartment renovations. Although Gallery was not the cheapest option, we chose them based on their upfront billing format, high client reviews, and depth of knowledge. We loved how it was a “one stop shop” and were paying one bill, up front. Everything was very transparent and we could not be happier with the results! Our apartment looks exactly how we imagined. Thank you!!
Fiki K.
Gramercy Park, Manhattan, NY.
View all reviews
About Gallery KBNY

Gallery KBNY is a full-service design-build firm featured in The New York Times, specializing in the architecture, interior design, and renovation of apartments, co-ops, condominiums, townhomes, and lofts across Manhattan and Brooklyn. Our integrated team of architects, designers, contractors, and project managers manages every phase from board approvals and DOB permitting through design and construction. A founding partner is involved in every project, start to finish. Because architecture, design, permitting, and construction are coordinated under one roof, the process remains streamlined, accountable, and transparent from start to finish. Our work has also appeared in Forbes, Architectural Digest, and Inc., and is backed by 100+ five-star client reviews.

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Managing Partner/CEO

Avi Zikry

Avi Zikry is the CEO and managing partner of Gallery KBNY, a full service design-build firm specializing in the design and interior renovation of apartments, townhomes, and lofts in NYC. Under his leadership, Gallery KBNY has earned the reputation for delivering exceptional service and beautiful homes to our select group of clients. Avi's strategic positioning extends beyond the brand. He has strategically cultivated a network of industry partners and suppliers, forging strong alliances that allow Gallery KBNY to access cutting-edge technologies and materials. By staying abreast of industry trends and technological advancements, Avi ensures the firm remains at the forefront of innovation, consistently offering clients the latest design solutions and construction methodologies.