Modern Family: Redefining the Traditional Rowhome in Queen Village

Designer Mona Ross Berman creates a hip, yet highly functional home to suit the needs of a growing family.

By James Jennings· 10/30/2015, 6:14 a.m.

The living room is open to the first floor but still feels cozy and private near the fireplace. Chairs: Bryn St. Clair by Horchow.

Photography by Courtney Apple

As young couples decide to make the jump from renting a place to owning a home in which they’ll raise a family, they might ask themselves: How does a young family live in the city, and what do we need to make it work?

Those queries were top-of-mind for interior designer Mona Ross Berman when she set out to design a hip yet functional home with plenty of space for a family of five wanting to lay down roots in Queen Village.

A down-to-the-studs renovation saw the traditional floor plan opened up into an airy space packed with urban sophistication. Berman designed a new entryway with French doors and built-in storage to give the living area some breathing room from all of the kids’ gear. A deep closet near the staircase handles the stroller, while an original fireplace with a redesigned surround and wainscoting with hidden cabinets define the adjacent parlor.

The first floor culminates in a breathtaking kitchen featuring a wall of windows for natural light, high ceilings topped with crown molding, and a large island with plenty of elbow room so everyone can gather.

Even more information is available in the beautiful gallery below:

Habitat: Modern Family

Berman collaborated with Joanne Hudson to design the spacious kitchen. Chairs: Pike counter stools by Room & Board; lights:Bluff City by Roll & Hill.

A durable settee from West Elm is nestled in the nook of the kitchen, which is designed to be a space for the kids to hang out.

The living room is open to the first floor but still feels cozy and private near the fireplace. Chairs: Bryn St. Clair by Horchow.

The new entryway was designed to be a little grand and elegant. “We made sure it still felt special and pretty, not completely utilitarian,” said Berman.