Kitchen Cabinets: in | Walls and Ceiling: in Modern Emulsion
Brooklyn-based design duo Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum — better known as the Brownstone Boys — are known for breathing new life into the borough’s historic homes. Their latest project, affectionately nicknamed Saving Susanna, honours the legacy of Susanna E.C. Russell, Brooklyn’s first female architect and developer.
Restoring the 1890 brownstone meant balancing her graceful, historic details with the homeowner’s modern sensibility — and colour became the bridge between the two.
To make sure every shade felt authentic, the Brownstone Boys partnered with Farrow & Ball Colour Consultant Sophie Wise. Together, they created a scheme that respects the past while feeling beautifully at home in the present.
The Making of a Colour Story
The palette came together through quick yet considered collaboration. “The Brownstone Boys always have a clear direction but also remain incredibly open to suggestions,” says Sophie. “When they asked me to help choose paint colours for Saving Susanna, I knew they wanted to use a variety of beautiful and bold colours.”
Having partnered with Farrow & Ball before, Barry and Jordan knew the value of the Colour Consultancy service. “Many factors must be considered when adding colour to a historic home, including how natural light moves through the space and how finishes will age,” they explain. “Working alongside a Farrow & Ball Colour Consultant is incredibly rewarding. Sophie brings a deep understanding of paint finishes and undertones and often introduces colours we might not have initially considered.”
The collaboration was a true meeting of minds. “In the end, we picked shades for every single space of the four-storey townhouse in under two hours,” says Sophie. “When everyone comes to the table with their own distinct expertise and a willingness to truly collaborate, decisions can be made pretty quickly!”
The result is a home where every room contributes to a coherent story. Let’s take a look at a few of our favourite spaces.
Hallway and Stairwell
Walls & Ceiling: in Dead Flat
Walls & Ceiling: in Dead Flat
The townhouse’s hallways and stairwells hold many of its original treasures — plaster tapestries winding along the walls and ornate woodwork. To highlight these features, Sophie sought a shade that would feel characterful yet unobtrusive.
“We knew it was important to find a warm, understated, and timeless white as an anchor throughout the home,” explains Sophie. became the perfect solution: a light, soft white with a red undertone that allows decorative details to shine.
Walls & Ceiling: in Dead Flat
Parlour Floor
Walls & Ceiling: in Dead Flat
On the parlour floor, restored woodwork — intricate, hand-carved, and richly detailed — became the focus. The Brownstone Boys explain: “Sophie suggested , a soft, warm neutral that quietly enhances the architectural details and lets the craftsmanship take centre stage.”
Walls & Ceiling: in Dead Flat
This subtle hue provides visual balance, complementing the wood while creating a sense of calm. “People often prefer keeping open, shared spaces neutral, and feel more comfortable bringing saturated colours into private spaces, such as an office or bedroom,” says Sophie.
Primary Bedroom
Walls: in Dead Flat
Upstairs, the mood shifts. The primary bedroom offered a chance to explore warmth and softness.
“From the bedroom window, we could see a neighbouring brick building, and that tone sparked the idea for ,” say the Brownstone Boys. “It creates a calm yet grounded atmosphere that connects the interior to its Brooklyn surroundings.”
Sophie agrees: “When a room has a great view of foliage, it can be fun to bring the outside in and choose an earthy green tone. We followed that line of thinking by bringing the warmth all the way in, colour drenching the room in Sulking Room Pink – moody, restful, and perfectly dusty.”
Office
The office offered a change of pace — cooler, lighter, and more reflective. The Brownstone Boys and the homeowner wanted to explore shades of blue and green but couldn’t decide between moody depth or cleaner brightness. Sophie guided the decision. “I’ve personally found to be one of the most nuanced colours in our Signature Palette– it looks entirely different in each space!” she says.
Walls: in Dead Flat
She had used the colour previously in the Brownstone Boys’ own home, where low light made it moody and calm. “When I pulled it out again for the office, they were shocked at how differently it performed in a much brighter room.” The shade proved airy and serene — adaptable and alive to its surroundings.
Vestibule
To complete the colour journey, Sophie chose for the vestibule. As the first colour you see when you enter, it sets a vibrant, welcoming tone.
“Entrances and staircases are full of transitions,” she notes. “Choosing a colour that catches the light and changes throughout the day makes those spaces feel alive. India Yellow carries history and energy — it’s the perfect way to bookend a home’s story.”
Walls & Ceiling: in Dead Flat
The Perfect Finish
To preserve the home’s character, Sophie recommended throughout. “Its low 2% sheen supports the home’s historic charm and generally allows colours to sing in their full breadth without any distraction of bouncing light,” she says.
The ultra-matt finish adds depth and softness to every room, but also provides a durability that will last for many more years to come.
Collaboration in Colour
For the Brownstone Boys, the Colour Consultancy service is now an integral part of how they work, whether it’s a virtual or in-person consultation.
“The process feels collaborative, creative and deeply personal,” they explain. “It gives our clients a sense of confidence and connection to the palette, knowing every choice was made intentionally for their home.”
And there are practical benefits too: “Interior designers have a lot to juggle already,” says Sophie. “As a Colour Consultant for paint and wallpaper, I come in to help take some of this work off their hands while still supporting the overall vision.”
Each project ends with a Paint Schedule – a room-by-room breakdown of colours, finishes, and quantities – ensuring the palette is as practical as it is beautiful.
Walls: and in Dead Flat
Walls: and in Dead Flat | Steps: in Dead Flat
Walls: and in Dead Flat
Walls: in Dead Flat
Walls: and in Dead Flat
Walls: and in Dead Flat
Walls: and in Dead Flat
Walls: and in Dead Flat
Get the Look
A shared passion for artistry and colour has transformed Saving Susanna. If you’d like to recreate the look, take a look at the team’s chosen colours.
