A Minimalist Art Deco Kitchen Designed
for a Chef in Park Slope
This Brooklyn kitchen makeover blends clean lines with Art Deco details—tailored to the needs of a professional chef.
Not every renovation starts from scratch—some start by undoing a minimalist’s dream. That was the case with this Park Slope kitchen, originally designed with an ultra-minimal layout that sacrificed function for form. The previous owner had stripped it down to the bare bones: no full-size fridge, no upper cabinets, and just a compact dishwasher tucked beneath the counter. It looked sleek—but it wasn’t built for someone who actually cooked.
Enter our client: a professional chef with a deep love for food, form, and function. She needed a kitchen that worked as hard as she did, while still honoring the architectural history of the building—constructed in 1922 and full of original Art Deco details
The Before:
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Merging Minimalism with Meaningful Design
Rather than swinging the pendulum all the way back to traditional, we took a curated approach—blending minimalist sensibilities with thoughtful Art Deco flourishes that reflected both the client's personal style and the home’s roots.
The centerpiece of the renovation? Custom arched cabinetry—a nod to the 1920s, interpreted with a modern lens. Designed in-house and constructed by a local millworker, these cabinets introduce a soft rhythm to the space, gently breaking up the straight lines of a typical white flat panel kitchen.
Making Room for Real Cooking
Functionality was non-negotiable. The first order of business was expanding the left wall to accommodate a full-size refrigerator. We reconfigured the base cabinets to allow for a standard dishwasher and increased lower cabinet storage across the board.
On the opposite wall, we introduced a custom appliance garage to tuck away smaller tools. A full-height pantry cabinet now flanks the built-in banquette, maximizing storage without overwhelming the layout.
Elevating the Details
Small design moments carried the vision home:
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Ribbed glass inserts softened the visual weight of the upper cabinetry while adding a refined, vintage feel.
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Brass inlay lines the open shelves—a subtle detail that adds depth and catches the light.
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The backsplash was done in a water-resistant limewash paint, offering texture and tonal warmth without distracting from the arched cabinet forms.
Every finish was selected to support the aesthetic without overpowering it: soft, natural, and elegant with a touch of character.
Designed for Storage, Styled for Life
Storage was key—and we found it in every possible corner. Upper cabinets now wrap the room, while the pantry and appliance garage handle overflow. Even with the added elements, the space feels open and airy, thanks to the curved lines, light finishes, and tonal cohesion.
This kitchen isn’t just beautiful—it works. Which, for a chef, is the ultimate compliment.
Final Thoughts
Good design should always reflect the way you live. For this Park Slope client, that meant designing a space where she could cook, host, and feel rooted in both the history of her home and her personal taste. The result is a warm, functional, story-driven kitchen—where Art Deco detailing meets everyday performance.