Montreal-based design studio Bureau Tempo creates spaces that blend modern sensibilities with a deep appreciation for character. For this gentle update of a 120-year-old industrial loft in Brooklyn Heights, founder Adam Robinson focused on elegant functionality and effortless versatility, amplifying the ambience of the 1,600-square-foot home with calm-inducing materials and finishes.

Photography by Alex Lesage

What inspirations were on your mood board for this project?

We honed in on work that used colour well, projects that demonstrated a sense of restraint and spaces that felt balanced. This took many forms but a few standouts include the interiors of Casa Gomis (La Ricarda) by Castellana, bold contemporary work by YSG Studio and even the casually sophisticated interior of Cervo’s on Canal Street.

The residence has a 120-year history. What heritage elements did you seek to preserve, and where did you find opportunity to modernise?

We felt that the presence and the rhythm created by the wood structure in the ceiling was not only worth keeping but that it should be celebrated. The existing wood floor finish was lightened significantly to draw more attention to the beams above. We also choose to keep and paint exposed radiators and steam pipes that ran through the space rather than to encase or hide them.

By selectively removing upper cabinets and using wall panelling to create a new datum, we streamlined the kitchen/den and gave it a more intimate sense of scale. Relocating the sink from the back wall into the island allowed us to refocus the kitchen and to make it more amenable to flow. There are other more subtle, modern additions including smart home systems for lighting, audio and automated blinds.

Atlantic Avenue is such a busy thoroughfare – how did you make the home feel so tranquil?

It was important to preserve the quality of the daylight that floods the space from the Atlantic Avenue side, but also from the serene terrace behind the kitchen/den that serves as another room, a true extension of the home. The ever-changing nature of the light gently tints the space with calm tones throughout the day.

When we began making decisions related to materials, finishes and furnishings, a few initial selections set the tone. Lime plaster as the primary wall finish provides a particularly tranquil backdrop for all other selections to be made from.

How did you optimise the loft layout to enhance its sense of spaciousness?

Primarily by preserving the loft qualities that we inherited. We added an operable divider of wood and textured glass that introduced an entire new room in the home without disrupting the openness of the space; in fact, it enhances it.

One small gesture that has a subtle but important impact on the feeling of spaciousness in the loft is that we offset the main bedroom entry. Originally, a set of French doors connected the bedroom to the main space but offered little in the form of privacy or retreat. I feel we created a better sense of both without diminishing the loft.

"I feel the best wardrobes are built gradually, over many years. Our homes could benefit from a similar approach.”

One of your client’s non-negotiables was incorporating more utility to better suit a contemporary lifestyle. How did you address this?

I live in Montréal and the typical home here suffers from a lack of storage in much the same way. We were able to introduce a good bit of storage/closet space without feeling its impact spatially. The addition of an entry coat closet includes a sneaky bit of long-term storage within it and full height storage in the office/guest bedroom fit nicely between windows without sacrificing the quality of natural light in the space. We removed upper cabinets in the kitchen but made up for it by providing closed storage elsewhere.

The colour scheme throughout was inspired by your client’s wardrobe. Do you have any advice for referencing our personal style when it comes to updating an interior?

A glimpse into the client’s wardrobe during an initial visit helped me to focus the approach to design for the home. We would be aiming for a vibrant and casual elegance, would be comfortable with colour and maybe a bit of nostalgia. It was evident that the client had an appreciation for quality.I feel the best wardrobes are built gradually, over many years; our homes could benefit from a similar approach.

Tell us a bit about the lovely mural of Prospect Park by artist Melody Lockerman in the den.

While sharing inspiration images early in the process, we were looking at a particular image featuring a mural in the background. We were initially looking at the image for other reasons, but the client got really excited about the idea of a mural. So she reached out to Melody, a family friend, to commission a custom piece. Her depiction of Prospect Park, which the client frequents with her dog Rhubarb, adds a nice dose of whimsy to the space and really ties the room together.

We love the ease with which the home office transforms into a guest bedroom. What are some of the design details that lend versatility to the space?

The functionality of this room provides a lot of benefits for the home. The doors themselves have the right feel in terms of weight and scale. We worked hard to ensure that these were not overbuilt for their purpose but also invested in quality hardware that makes them a joy to operate. When closed, the textured glass provides comfortable privacy for guests. When used as a workspace, the doors serve as a beautiful backdrop, but also fosters quiet and focus.

The same can be said for the wall bed; we chose a hardware that makes it effortless to use. For the furniture in this room, we put the plants on rollers and made use of a spare dining chair. We chose a table that was easy to move and a rug that works equally as well in both setups. The space transforms in mere minutes with minimal effort which is great.

We were delighted to spot some of our rugs in this project. What considerations are front of mind when you are choosing a rug for a room

Quality and foot feel are paramount, but also the well curated range of colours Armadillo offers make choosing a rug that compliments the design of any room quite easy. We love that Armadillo is a Certified B Corporation; these standards and values are something we really enjoy supporting.

Finally, what have you got planned for the year ahead?

So far, we have a project in progress in the West Village, NYC – a small studio unit with a pre-war vibe that we are really excited about. There is an interior renovation of an untouched 1920’s Georgian style home in the Baby Point neighbourhood of Toronto with beautiful character in the works, as well as a three-storey new build home for an artist and her partner in the Canadian prairies.