From the outside, this 1895 landmarked house in Brooklyn, New York, blends with the row of classic brownstones in which it resides. But the richly hued interior—the result of a renovation by architect Michael K. Chen and his firm, MKCA—distinguishes this residence from the others on the block. The four-story house had been abandoned for more than 20 years, and its existing dilapidated walls, plaster ornamentation, and woodwork bore peeling lead paint that hinted of bold shades from turquoise to raspberry. Intriguing both client and architect, this extant palette provided the inspiration for a richly varied scheme that uses color to delineate the kitchen and bath spaces, as well as all the communal zones.

An oxblood-hued shell near the entrance houses a sleek black bathroom. Photo © Alan Tansey, click to enlarge.