A Modern Renaissance

Photography: Shannon Dupre / DDReps (Instagram @shannondupre) | Home Styling: Staged to Sell Home www.stagedtosellhome.com (Instagram @stagedtosellhome)

Nestled in the heart of Park Slope, Brook- lyn stands a Neo-Italian Renaissance masterpiece that has recently undergone a stunning transformation. Originally designed by the renowned architect Montrose Morris in 1898, this 9,000-square-foot limestone townhouse has been reimagined by Jason Saft, the visionary founder of Staged to Sell Home. Through a masterful blend of preservation and modern innovation, Saft has breathed new life into this historic gem, infusing it with contemporary flair while honoring its storied past.
The townhouse, located across from the verdant expanse of Prospect Park, boasts a rich architectural heritage. With its mansion-scaled proportions, intricate wood paneling, and ornate moldings, the house exemplifies the grandeur of the Neo-Italian Renaissance style. "When I was told the address, I was in," recalls Saft. "I've walked past this historic edifice for well over two decades and had always wanted to see the inside of this monumental house."

The challenge for Saft was to modernize the space while accentuating its original details. "The biggest challenge when designing the home was respecting and accentuating the original details while also modernizing, lightening the space (many rooms have dark wood paneling), and making it feel livable and less like a museum," he explains. Saft's approach to modernizing the townhouse involved a delicate balance of old and new, blending pieces by some of today's most celebrated contemporary design- ers-Giancarlo Valle, Sarah Sherman Samuel, Jake Arnold, and Simone Bodmer-Turner-with the home's original architectural features. His inspiration drew from a diverse array of sources, from the elegant styling of Colin King to the eclectic influences of Billy Baldwin, Mario Buatta, and Nate Berkus. "I have historical design books that I've sourced at flea markets and auctions and spent the week leading up to the installation going through such a wide cross-section of images as the house spans so many time periods," Saft notes.

A key element of Saft's vision was to create an inviting and modern atmosphere while preserving the home's historic character. The color palette he selected plays a crucial role in achieving this balance. Drawing inspiration from the lush greenery of Prospect Park, Saft incorporated varying shades of green throughout the house. To counterbalance the heaviness of the dark wood paneling, he introduced lighter hues of cream, beige, and white, with subtle pops of pinks and purples in floral arrangements. This thoughtful selection of colors helps to create a sense of continuity between the interior and the natural surroundings outside.

In addition to the balanced color palette, Saft utilized a mix of textured materials to add depth and warmth to the home's interiors. "I scoured my inventory for a cross-section of more traditional pieces to play with the modern materials brought in," says Saft. The juxtaposition of rich woods with creamy linens, bright white boucles, and brass accents creates a dynamic interplay of textures that elevates the space. The parlor floor features three different wool rugs that not only add a luxurious feel but also bounce light around the room, enhancing the overall brightness of the space.

Saft's approach to styling the townhouse was to embrace its grandeur while ensuring it felt welcoming and lived- in. "The house has many historical details, which can overwhelm some and create the perception of living in a museum," he notes. To counter this, he chose pieces that combine softness and modernity, resulting in a harmonious home that feels thoughtfully curated and collected.

Remarkably, Saft's transformation of the townhouse was executed with incredible efficiency. "I had just one 30-min- ute site visit prior to the tenant leaving the house and then installing 3 days later," he recalls. "I worked off memory and one late-night final visit to prepare for the installation, which lasted for a day and a half. I find some of my best work comes from little to no planning time."