Strategic Subdivisions: How a Prewar Brooklyn Residence Transformed From Nine Rooms to Fourteen

Designer Kevin Greenberg of Space Exploration transforms a prewar Brooklyn home, increasing the room count while adding whimsical hidden features and park views.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 16, 2026, 10:34 AM EDT

Source: AOL Media LLC

Defying the Open Plan Trend in Historic Envelopes

The renovation began in the spring of 2023 for a family of writers who relocated from California. Their primary objective was to establish a home that balanced large communal gathering areas with highly specialized private zones, including a dedicated recording studio. Greenberg’s approach was unconventional; he took the original nine room configuration and subdivided it into fourteen distinct spaces. This strategy preserves the "graceful proportions" typical of the late 1920s while adapting the square footage to meet the complex needs of a modern family that requires both quiet workspaces and social hubs.

Architectural Camouflage and Whimsical Navigation

A central theme of the renovation is the use of "whimsical pathfinding" to manage the increased room count without making the space feel cramped. In the foyer, Greenberg utilized custom millwork and arched passageways to conceal doors leading to the primary suite and children's rooms. This technique effectively hides the private "zones" of the home from guests, allowing the apartment to maintain a clean, uncluttered aesthetic. By integrating doors directly into the cabinetry and wall panels, the designer created a seamless transition between the public sun-drenched living room and the secluded family quarters.

Nature-Inspired Interiors and Hidden Features

The design palette was heavily influenced by the apartment’s proximity to Prospect Park. The homeowners requested that the interior reflect the changing seasons and flora of the park. This is most evident in the library, which Greenberg transformed into a "verdant jewel box." Painted in a deep lacquer green to compensate for a lack of natural light, the room serves as both a library and a guest bedroom. Further surprises are found in the kitchen, where what appears to be a pantry door actually reveals a powder room wrapped in floor-to-ceiling floral murals. Even the family pet was considered, with a miniature custom door designed specifically for cat access to a private utility area.