When the design practice of Jessica Helgerson was asked to undertake the interior of a very smart brownstone in the Fort Greene area of Brooklyn, the client gave the green light to use colour in whatever way within the design concept. We don’t know if the client was prepared for what was to happen as a result of that! The house had recently been renovated and presented an elegant white facade with black trim, which was in contrast with the explosion of colour which one was confronted with by stepping over the threshold!

Throughout the home, colour has been used in incredibly original ways, never overpowering and balanced a constant background of dark or light monochrome. The family room presents a rainbow of Peruvian blankets which cover the large sectional couch, backed by walls of charcoal grey with dark artwork by Portland artist, Heather Watkins and New York sculptor, Julie Thevenot. A bright master bedroom in white and grey pops in colour through the custom designed headboard and bench and the designer has really gone to town in the playful element of scatter cushions and fabrics in the guest room.

By the simple, low key kitchen space, the walnut dining table stands out with its unexpected turquoise joints, matched by the sprayed Tung chairs. The beauty of the entire interior is the powerfully harmonic balance and continuation through the coordination of colours with contrasting elements of shades and textures. A relaxing symmetry brought about by the strong organic details of wood which present compatibility and prevent the overpowering use of colour, resulting in an urban elegance which one would expect from such an iconic structure!