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After documenting the transformation of their own historic Brooklyn brownstone on Instagram, Jordan Slocum and Barry Bordelon received tons of renovation inquiries.

When lifestyle influencer Cynthia Andrew reached out, the aptly-named Brownstone Boys noticed her coveted Instagram blue check mark and vibrant aesthetic immediately. “We were struck by how bold and colorful her feed was,” Slocum remembers, so signing on to manage the rehaul of Andrew’s early-1900s Bushwick brownstone was a no-brainer for the couple.

The Brownstone Boys completely gutted the rundown building, which was plagued with crooked floors, nasty carpet, and an overwhelming number of dividing walls. They then installed new plumbing and electrical as they reinforced joists and introduced steel supports to create Andrew’s desired open plan filled with natural light.

Once the duo had updated the structure, they were surprised by Andrew’s request for white paint and neutral finishes. “She really wanted the space to be photo-worthy,” Slocum explains. “She wanted that cohesive backdrop so she could add color through decor.” Of course, he and Bordelon totally delivered.

Design by The Brownstone Boys; Photography by Nick Glimenakis

Feeling Neutral

In the kitchen, Semihandmade Supermatte White Shaker cupboard doors give Andrew the sleek, simple look she was seeking. They’re paired with a dramatic, counter-to-ceiling milky veined quartz backsplash and edgy brass pulls from Buster + Punch. “We love saving a little on the cabinetry and doing something upgraded on the hardware,” Bordelon shares onthe high-low strategy.

Custom white oak floating shelves bring organic warmth to the culinary quarters as they display Andrew’s extensive collection of rainbow cookware. Nearby, sculptural pendants in baby blue, light pink, and golden yellow illuminate the massive central island and continue the subtle pops of color.

Adding Pizzazz

Andrew’s bright, pattern-filled style is more obvious in ancillary spaces. The entry vestibule boasts energetic, ikat-inspired wallpaper and clay mosaic flooring, while the patio is an ode to her travels in Morocco with blue star and cross Walker Zanger tiles, and a geometric black, white, and gold motif evokes the jubilant essence of New Years Eve in the powder room.

Oceanic turquoise and herringbone white tile make a splash in the main bathroom, where a spa-like vanity was custom crafted by furniture maker Ethan Abramson for the perfect social media vignette. “She wanted her shower to always feel like she was on vacation,” Slocum describes.

Honoring History

Though most of the house’s original features had been stripped out over the years, the Brownstone Boys restored the ornate marble fireplaces and charming window trim that remained. To further honor the era of construction, they incorporated new picture molding, a traditional banister, and recessed arches. “We wanted to add some character back in,” Bordelon illustrates. Through architectural elements, graphic prints, and select colorful moments, the home has no shortage of personality.

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