5 min read
When Jennifer Hunter first stepped into her client’s brownstone in Brooklyn in 2022, she knew it wouldn’t be a quick or easy transformation—and that was exactly the point. The 21-foot-wide, 5,000-square-foot home, originally built in 1899, was rich with original architectural details that begged for a discerning touch; moments meant to be preserved, celebrated, and thoughtfully reimagined, not ripped out under the guise of a fast flip.
From the start, Hunter’s vision wasn’t to modernize the home into something unrecognizable. Instead, she strived to create a layered, traditionally inspired interior that honored its historic bones while supporting the rhythms of modern life for the young family of six. What followed was a gut renovation, complete with a six-foot rear addition to expand the kitchen—an undertaking that required navigating city approvals, neighborhood hearings, and no shortage of surprises hidden behind century-old walls.
“Nothing came easily,” Hunter says, “but that’s what made it so rewarding.” Each phase of the project revealed new challenges, from updating electrical and plumbing systems to making thoughtful decisions about which elements to save and how to integrate modern necessities without compromising the home’s old soul.
Throughout the home, color and pattern—a hallmark of Hunter’s style—set the tone. The interiors are richly layered with custom murals, wallpapers, tailored upholstery, and curated antiques, all grounded by the home’s ornate moldings, original doors, and timeworn hardware. Each room is vibrant yet refined, balancing polish and a reverence for history with family-friendly approachability. It’s a home meant to be lived in, not tiptoed through.
The result is a warm, welcoming interior where every room tells a story, exuding depth, character, and an effortlessly lived-in charm.
In the end, what set this historic residence apart for Hunter wasn’t just its inherent beauty—it was the meaningful collaboration that brought it back to life. “This home was truly a labor of love and a close partnership with the client,” she adds. “It was a monumental undertaking as nothing came easily, and surprises awaited around every corner, but the client’s patience and generosity never wavered. In the end, the result was well worth the wait: a house that is not only beautiful and artful, but also inviting, comfortable, and designed for everyday living.”
FAST FACTS
Designer: Jennifer Hunter of Jennifer Hunter Design
Location: Brooklyn, NY
The Space: A six-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bathroom brownstone across 5,000 square feet.
LIVING ROOMA custom mural unites the many zones at the front of the home. 
Kirsten Francis
Ceiling/trim paint: Simply White by Benjamin Moore. Mural: custom, Iksel. Couch: Serena and Lily. Side table: Wisteria. Floor lamps: Visual Comfort. Rug: Temple Studio.
Kirsten Francis
Chair: Kravet, in Fabricut fabric. Pendant light: Visual Comfort. Coffee table: English Georgian America.
Spanning the front of the house, the living room highlights some of the most notable historic elements of the home, like ornate mahogany molding and restored parquet floors. “This space is my favorite room in the home,” Hunter adds. “We reworked the bones to better suit modern living, opening it up to the staircase to create a lighter, more connected feel while preserving much of the original structure. The original mahogany moldings and the custom mural give the room a sense of grandeur, but the fresh palette and comfortable, family-friendly furnishings keep it feeling relaxed and approachable.”
DINING ROOMAn expansive table sets the scene for dinner parties.
Kirsten Francis
Dining table: Bucks County Estate Traders. Chairs: Wisteria, in Schumacher fabric. Pendant: Visual Comfort. Buffet: Modern History. Lamps: Visual Comfort, with custom shades in Namay Samay fabric.
In the dining room, the custom mural fosters synergy between the neighboring living room, while storied antiques nod to the home’s history.
KITCHENNew cabinetry combines with restored details, like historic moldings and a pier mirror. 
Kirsten Francis
Cabinet paint: Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore. Countertop: European Granite and Marble. Cabinet hardware: Modern Matter. Stools: Serena and Lily. Pendant lights: Visual Comfort.
The footprint of the kitchen got larger thanks to a 6-foot bump-out, granting the space better flow and the opportunity for a breakfast nook. “What was once dark and disconnected is now flooded with light and truly serves as the heart of the home,” says Hunter. “With the space opened up and brightened up, all of the special details were able to shine.”
Kirsten Francis
Backsplash: Fireclay Tile. Sink: Kohler.
Kirsten Francis
Table: OKA. Chairs: CB2, with laminated Jasper Fabric seats. Plates: client’s own
The intimate breakfast nook was designed as a casual place for everyday living, where the kids can eat, do homework, or hang out while meals are being prepped. A plate wall and the original pier mirror and fireplace create a charming and character-rich backdrop.
UPSTAIRS DENAn adults-only retreat fosters connection and relaxation. 
Kirsten Francis
Wallpaper: Jasper. Rug: Sisal Rugs Direct. Sectional: custom, in Fabricut and Clark and Clark fabric. Ottoman: custom, in Fabricut leather. Chandelier: Dekorfine.
Designed as a spot for Mom and Dad to retreat once the kids are tucked in, this cozy den feels like a warm hug, with a wall-to-wall sectional and botanical wallpaper that tames the high ceilings. Original beams, uncovered during the renovation, tie back to the home’s historic DNA.
FAMILY ROOMA dynamic lower-level zone that fulfills every family member’s needs—and then some. 
Kirsten Francis
Millwork paint: Van Deusen Blue by Benjamin Moore. Couch: Maiden Home. Desk chairs: Anthropologie. Sconces: Hudson Valley Lighting. Pillows: custom, in Meredith Ellis and Zak and Fox fabrics.
Acting as the family’s main hangout and homework hub, the family room features sliding glass doors that open to a screened-in porch, extending the fun outdoors. Warm architectural elements, including exposed beams, reclaimed wood floors, a hearth, and a bar, ensure the space is suitable for both homework and extra-curricular activities.
Kirsten Francis
Rug: Sisal Rugs Direct. Pendant: Visual Comfort. Stool: client’s own.
DOWNSTAIRS DENA flex space that doubles as a home-away-from-home.
Kirsten Francis
Trim paint: Pond Green by Farrow and Ball. Rug: Sisal Rugs Direct. Couch: Pottery Barn. Chairs: Ballard, with Alice Sergeant fabric cushions. Ottoman: Anthropologie. Sconces: Hudson Valley Lighting.
Kirsten Francis
Table: RH. Banquette: custom, in Alice Sergeant and Fabricut fabric. Armchair: Anthropologie.
“Designed with versatility in mind, this space easily transitions from a family den into a comfortable guest suite,” Hunter explains. A sofa converts into a bed, while the game table doubles as an en suite breakfast nook (there’s a full bath and kitchenette attached as well). “Because the room sits on the garden level and receives limited natural light, the color palette was intentionally kept bright and cheerful.”
PRIMARY BEDROOMA calm yet vibrant color palette brings serenity and spunk.
Kirsten Francis
Trim paint: Teresa Green by Farrow and Ball. Wallpaper: Schumacher. Rug: Temple Studio. Pendant, sconces: Visual Comfort: Bedframe: Serena and Lily. Bedding: Pepper Home, Serena and Lily, Alice Sergeant. Dresser: Modern History. Art: Cate West Zahl.
“To make the most of the bay windows, we designed a window bench with built-in storage, combining function with a cozy, inviting spot to relax or read a book,” says Hunter. “The mix of colors, patterns, and textures gives the room a layered, thoughtfully curated feel that’s both sophisticated and comfortable.”
BOY’S ROOMBunk beds make the most of a narrow footprint.
Kirsten Francis
Wallpaper: Zina Studios. Rug: client’s own. Roman shade: custom, in Kravet fabric and Samuel and Sons trim. Desk, dresser: custom. Chair: Lulu and Georgia. Bunks: RH. Bedding: Pottern Barn Teen, Etsy.
“Every inch of this rear-facing room was thoughtfully designed to maximize space,” says Hunter. Wall-to-wall carpeting, upholstered bunk beds, built-ins, and cheerful wallpaper come together to create a space that feels both playful and practical.
GIRL’S ROOMGarden-inspired wallpaper echoes the mural on the first floor. 
Kirsten Francis
Wallpaper: Mural Source. Trim paint: Dayroom Yellow by Farrow and Ball. Rug: Sisal Rugs Direct. Beds, dresser: RH. Bedding: Pottery Barn Kids, Garnet Hill, Etsy. Mirror: Etsy. Fireplace tile: Fireclay.
A duo of sisters call this happy bedroom home, where vining florals climb the walls and sunny yellow trim calls to mind a sun-drenched meadow found in full bloom.
BOYS ROOMA pair of twin beds makes slumber parties a cinch. 
Kirsten Francis
Trim paint: Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore. Wallpaper: Peter Dunham. Rug: Hunarkar. Shades: custom, in Kravet fabric with Samuel and Sons trim. Beds: client’s own. Dresser: World’s Away. Lamp: Jana Bek. Art: Leslee Mitchell. Sconce: Dutton Brown.
“The larger of the two boys’ rooms features an original brick wall and hearth, anchored by a vibrant red-and-blue color palette,” says Hunter. “With two twin beds (perfect for when the brothers want to bunk together) and playful world map wallpaper, the space balances functionality with a sense of adventure and travel.”
GARDEN PATIOTrelliage climbs the walls in this sweet indoor-outdoor escape. 
Kirsten Francis
Wall paint: Wimborne White by Farrow and Ball. Ceiling paint: Borrowed Light by Farrow and Ball. Flooring: Real Thin Brick. Table: Serena and Lily. Chairs: Anthropologie. Art: client’s own. Lantern: Visual Comfort.
Part of the home’s extension, the indoor-outdoor space was designed to feel like a private oasis within New York City. Lattice detailing lines the walls, while a brick floor—laid in a classic herringbone pattern—adds texture and timeless appeal. Fully screened in, the space allows kids to play freely in the backyard while the adults relax nearby with a cocktail in hand.
Kirsten Francis
About the Designer
Jennifer Hunter is the founder and principal designer of Jennifer Hunter Design, a New York City-based interior design firm known for its refined yet approachable aesthetic. Jennifer describes her style as traditional with a fresh perspective, where timeless elements are thoughtfully reimagined for today’s living.
Her work is deeply personal and collaborative, ensuring that every space feels like a true reflection of her clients. With a focus on sophistication, comfort, and livability, Jennifer creates interiors that are tailored to each client’s lifestyle and unique personality.