Brownstone Romance: Modern Design, Traditional Architecture

The brownstone is an icon of 19th century grandeur and craftsmanship. The stately design, found throughout some of America’s most prominent cities, defined the Romantic Classicism movement of the mid-1800s as city-dwellers longed for elements of nature and emotion amidst their urban landscape. Recognized by their ruddy sandstone façades, brownstone exteriors were traditionally built around towering front stoops and incorporated ornate details. On the interior, large windows and lofty ceilings emphasize the feeling of sophistication punctuated by regal intricacies. Elaborate moldings, decorative corbels, and embellished wrought iron railings preserve the brownstone’s heritage and define its iconic aesthetic.

If you find yourself drawn to the character of period homes but prefer a modern influence, explore the Brownstone Romance design theme to help inspire your vision for a life of beauty.

Balance Light and Dark
Like many heritage homes, the traditional brownstone often features an abundance of dark wood tones and metals. Balancing these elements with light contrast creates modernity without diminishing the historic character. Wood flooring and custom cabinetry in dusky hues play homage to the brownstone color palette. White walls create a fresh foundation to incorporate lighter shades of creamy white and icy grays. For example, finishes such as Wood-Mode Matte Twilight and Vintage Bright White create a calming combination that offers both contemporary and classic appeal.

Subdued Ornamental Details
The Brownstone Romance design theme is rooted in a celebration of ornamental detail. Traditionally, scenes of nature and spirituality were common in the 19th century brownstone design, however even present-day homes can incorporate these details through elements such as coffered ceilings, cornices, and corbels. Custom cabinetry provides a beautiful canvas to enhance the character of your interior design. Door styles can be selected to mimic architectural details that may already be present within the home or used as a focal point of interest on its own.

Soften Traditional Materials
Noble materials of bronze, marble, limestone, and wood were common within brownstone design. Paired with plush fabrics and textiles, the combination provides the less-structured comfort desired in today’s lifestyles. Woven wool floor coverings, space-dyed organic cotton, and muslin draperies balance the enduring foundation.

Finding Inspiration in Tradition 
Tradition has a unique way of inspiring us. Sensibilities passed down from generation to generation retain their foundations while providing an inlet for each cohort to share their own unique interpretation. Originally built as a cost-efficient concept to appeal to the working-class, the Brownstone has shifted over time into a grandiose representation of architectural mastery – only to be reimagined once again with a softer, easygoing appeal.

As you seek the inspiration to shape your home’s design, you may find yourself looking to past influences as well as new ideas. It’s this approach that our celebrated interior designers pull from as they bring your vision for a life of beauty to reality. Explore more Wood-Mode interior design inspiration to continue your journey, or find a showroom near you to start a conversation about your home’s design.