A Brooklyn Apartment Gets Accents Inspired By Jewelry

Some people bring their work home, but few bring their work into their home's design. For the Brooklyn apartment of a jewelry designer, her husband, and young son, General Assembly founder Sarah Zames took inspiration from her client's occupation, incorporating brass and jewel tones throughout the space. The client already had a robust collection of interesting furniture and lighting, so Zames worked to highlight her style and add storage that would showcase her collections. "We wanted the space to feel like it had been evolving over many years instead of one designer's idea of what the space should be."

The stars of the renovation are the new built-ins in the main living area and the bedroom. "Throughout the living and dining room the new millwork provides radiator covers, closed storage, open storage, a built-in planter near the dining room, and a bench by the door to the terrace," says Zames. In the bedroom, a wall is lined with storage, including a custom brass jewelry cabinet. Because the brass accents in both of the built-ins are un-lacquered, they will develop a patina over time and the finished space will continue to evolve for years to come.

1. Entry

The entry and library was fittingly painted in Farrow & Ball's Book Room Red. "The majority of the walls stayed in their existing locations so we used color and material to define spaces and use," says Zames.

2. Living Room

Chris Mottalini

The living area is accented with a mix of textures and colors. The Ligne Roset Togo sofa is paired with Anna Karlin chess piece side tables and the artwork is a mural by Calico Wallpaper.

3. Dining Room

Chris Mottalini

Flos string lights hang over the vintage dining table and chairs.

4. Dining Rooms

Chris Mottalini

The dining area's custom cabinetry includes a pull-out desk. The upper shelves are made of white oak and the table lamp is by Egg Collective.

5. Dining Room

Chris Mottalini

The living and dining room's custom cabinetry is topped with un-lacquered brass and painted in Farrow & Ball's Studio Green. The built-in bench is upholstered in a velvet by Raf Simmons.

6. Bedroom

Chris Mottalini

The master bedroom is outfitted with a custom maple platform bed and a high-gloss lacquered headboard and drawers. The pendant light is Discus 3 from Matter and an antiqued mirror was installed above the brass jewelry cabinet.

7. Bathroom

Chris Mottalini

A concrete sink sits atop a custom white oak vanity in a bathroom.

8. Bathroom

Chris Mottalini

The master bathroom shower is lined with Fireclay elongated diamond tile.