- Interior
In the heart of Brooklyn lurks an oasis of serenity - a pre-war flat that is home to a family of three. Located in a historic Art Deco building, this architectural masterpiece tells a story of warmth, style and thoughtful integration of mid-century furnishings. At just 92 square metres, the home exudes functionality, infused with personality in every square inch.
Located in St George Tower, an architectural gem by architect Emery Roth, the flat oozes history and grandeur. Once a late 19th-century hotel, it is now a cooperative housing community with pre-war allure. ‘The space was filled with robust structural beams, so I minimised the visual impact of the beams through the interior design,’ says interior designer Claire Hung. 
Together with interior designer, the family transformed the flat from cold white to a contemporary, warm space with a touch of modernism. Warm tones flood the rooms, with honey-coloured floors and natural oak doors and finishes.The kitchen, a showpiece with Italian marble and custom dark chocolate oak cabinets, demonstrates thoughtful design. ‘The homeowners like to joke that one of the first things I did with them was to take them to my favourite women's stone warehouse - BAS Stone - and make them fall in love with two beautiful and expensive stone slabs - Macchia Vecchia (back wall) and Paonazzo (countertop),’ laughs Claire Hung. ‘If they didn't like the stone look or the cost, then I would have to be creative in other ways to keep this space from falling flat. Fortunately, they fell in love and we created one of my most appreciated kitchens to date.’ The homeowners admired Nordiska Kok's kitchens, but after the pandemic, they opted for an American approach. So they designed their bespoke kitchen and had it made entirely by the main contractor's router. In the living room, the aim was to create a seamless extension of the newly opened kitchen. A shared photo and a good conversation about storage needs led to the design of a similar shelving system.
The kitchen is a timeless showpiece that is both functionally and aesthetically stunning
Every detail in the home contributes to the harmony of the space.The guest bathroom, with its lime wash walls, exudes contemporary lightness. The bedroom, a Japandi-style retreat, exudes tranquillity with a smart bidet toilet and a floor of Breccia Romana.Even the daughter's room comes alive with colourful sheets that blend perfectly with the existing mid-century furniture. A highlight of the project is the kitchen, where the family fell for the beautiful Macchia Vecchia and Paonazzo marble slabs. Claire Hung designed a bespoke kitchen inspired by Nordiska Kok and the result is a timeless showpiece that is both functionally and aesthetically stunning.
With an eye for sustainability and timelessness, Claire Hung embraced the challenges of the past - the robust beams were subtly minimised in the design, and the ceilings were given a new focus through millwork and raised heights in the bathrooms. The project, which took two years to complete, is not just a renovation but an evolution, a story of a family embracing history and modernity to create a home that speaks to the heart and soul. 
Interior design by Claire Hung Design
Photography by Seth Caplan