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Sarah Jacoby Renovates Brooklyn Townhouse with Red as Guiding Motif

architecture-design · 2026-05-14

Architect Sarah Jacoby has renovated the upper two floors of a historic Red House in Brooklyn, New York, using a single red bathroom as the catalyst for the entire design. The project, centered on a bold red palette, begins with custom red-framed windows that organize the interior. Original doors were retained and refinished, with hardware restored by a professional jeweler to a mirror finish. A salvaged fireplace from a previous project anchors the living room, introducing material circularity. The kitchen, created in collaboration with Still Ark, balances minimalist cabinetry with the evolving color story. A library uses a custom Backdrop paint hue to complement the client's book collection. Repurposed furniture from storage was integrated throughout. The renovation rejects modernist austerity for a layered, autobiographical home.

Key facts

  • Sarah Jacoby renovated the upper two floors of a historic Red House in Brooklyn, New York.
  • The design was inspired by a single reference image of a red bathroom.
  • Custom red-framed windows serve as the primary organizational element.
  • Original doors were retained and refinished; hardware was restored by a professional jeweler.
  • A salvaged fireplace from a previous project was transplanted into the living room.
  • The kitchen was designed in collaboration with Still Ark.
  • A library uses a specific Backdrop paint hue selected to complement the client's book collection.
  • Repurposed furniture from storage was integrated into the refreshed rooms.

Entities

Artists

  • Sarah Jacoby

Institutions

  • Still Ark
  • Backdrop

Locations

  • Brooklyn
  • New York

Sources