An Architect-Guided Art Deco Renovation for a Queens Townhome

Soft hues and arching pass-throughs inject light in an Art Deco renovation

Image of an interior arched entryway

“After” photos by Miao Jiaxin for Sweeten

  • Architect: Can Vu Bui and Lane Rick, principal architects at the Office of Things, and in collaboration with architect Matthew Storrie, led this renovation in a 1920s rowhouse and found a general contractor by posting the project on Sweeten.
  • Where: Glendale neighborhood in Queens, New York
  • Primary renovation: A front-to-back, Art Deco renovation to reenvision the home’s 600-square-foot ground-floor, bringing in space and light and solving storage problems throughout.
  • Sweeten general contractor
  • Sweeten’s role: Sweeten matches home renovation projects with vetted general contractors, offering advice, support, and up to $50,000 in renovation financial protection—for free.

Written in partnership with architect Can Vu Bui

Opening up a claustrophobic layout

“Be patient and be bold,” Can Vu Bui, a Brooklyn principal at Office of Things, a collaborative architecture and design studio, likes to tell his clients. This was his mantra going into the main-floor gut renovation of an Art Deco–era rowhouse in Glendale, Queens. Bui’s slow, steady approach led to a striking result.

The homeowners had been living in the home when they hired Bui, and were ready for dramatic change on the brick building’s ground floor. They planned on revising the existing layout to bring air and light to a chronically dreary space.

After coming up with a concept reflecting light modernism, Bui created a project plan and posted the job on Sweeten. They worked with the homeowner to review bids and portfolios before hiring a Sweeten general contractor.

Image of the exterior of a Queens townhouse

Image of a newly-renovated foyer entry with archway

Image of the seating area in a foyer entry

Starting out, the team had their work cut out for them. “The house’s primary problem was a direct product of its 1920s design,” the architect said. The brick-and-mortar building, surrounded by townhomes, had a narrow, chopped-up floor plan.

The challenges of opening the 600-foot main floor space, according to Bui, were abundant. A load-bearing masonry wall blocked light from reaching the living and dining rooms. Walls that separated the stair, kitchen, and dining area inhibited flow, creating “small, claustrophobic” spaces, he said.

As architects, we spend a lot of time designing custom details—our relationships with the contractors who can make them are critical.

Image of the family room with black couch and arched entry to dining room

Image of a renovated dining room with view of stairway and built in storage

Art Deco-approved arches

The light and space problems at the top of Bui’s task list were only the beginning. “This project presented an opportunity to fix those pragmatic issues,” he said, but also to pull together and “artfully unify” the divided ground floor.

Door frames and wall openings were inconsistent, but the building held some inspiring original details. Fortunately, a few with gently rounded upper corners caught the architect’s eye.

Bui envisioned sloping designs to link the spaces together. “We replaced existing walls with elegant structural arches,” the architect said. “The rooms open generously into each other, allowing light to pour into the home’s interior.”

Stairs open up with storage

Despite the desire for openness and light, maximum storage space was still needed for functionality and day-to-day life, particularly in New York City homes, according to Bui. 

According to his plan, the general contractor opened the wall between the existing stair and dining room, removing a large, square center section. Next, the contracting team revised the staircase, adding a landing a few steps from the base and then introducing a turn, so that the last few steps led into the dining room. The changes helped the narrow stairs and small dining room feel instantly less claustrophobic.

Image of cut-through view to a staircase

Image of an open stairway with custom storage

Image of built-in storage with drawers and cabinets

However, the breaking through of the wall eliminated key storage space. Bui found a fix. “We designed custom millwork” surrounding the new wall opening, he says, “that provided a pantry, cabinets, and a low bench,” as well as custom handrails. In the end, a partially exposed stairway brings light and drama to the home.

Paint colors and bright finishes

The walls and the interior planes of the arches are painted in muted shades—green, ochre, and blue. Curved millwork is also seen on a full wall of open storage in the dining room. The brushed oak is stained with a hint of gold. Brass accents bring warmth to the rooms.

Image of a newly renovated kitchen with checkerboard floor and green walls

Image of a renovated galley kitchen with black and white floor

“Many homeowners and designers fear color,” he said. “It makes sense—you don’t want to be stuck with the wrong one.” The architectural team worked closely with the homeowner throughout the process, providing renderings, tests, and mockups to prevent surprises. For instance, the shade of gold on the walls in the foyer and dining room carefully bookends the space without overwhelming or darkening the area.

“The pale green in the kitchen and reading nook plays homage to classical French country homes,” Bui said. The effect is an inviting color path leading one through the house. “Our goal,” Bui said, “is to let color boldly elevate the feeling of a space.”

Architect + Sweeten general contractor = Teamwork heaven

Throughout the process, the architect and Sweeten general contractor worked together closely, executing Bui’s vision. “As architects, we spend a lot of time designing custom details—our relationships with the contractors who can make them are critical. It’s great to work with craftspeople who bring insight and expertise to the project.”

Image of a newly renovated kitchen with green walls and farmhouse sink

Image of a custom reading book with black and white kitchen floor

In the end, Bui explained, the renovation made over the once spiritless space—it feels bright and modern, but not harsh or humorless. Furthermore, color and flow now have a direct impact on the comfort one feels in their surroundings. “This is a home, after all,” Bui said. “It should feel special.”

Thanks for sharing your Glendale, Queens rowhouse renovation story with us, Can Vu Bui.

Materials Guide

LIVING AREA RESOURCE: Paint in Cedar Grove, Heirloom Gold, and White Dove: Benjamin Moore. Light fixtures throughout: LF Illumination.

KITCHEN RESOURCES: Anchorage floor tiles: Daltile. Kitchen cabinets and hardware: Custom. Milk Glass Spectra solid surface countertops and backsplash: Wilsonart. Fireclay apron sink: Franke. Refrigerator/dishwasher/stove: Existing.

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ADUs or accessory dwelling units can transform into home offices, living space for family or as a rental, or a retreat.

Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project’s location, budget, scope, and style. Follow the blog, Sweeten Stories, for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you’re ready to renovate, start your renovation with Sweeten.

The post An Architect-Guided Art Deco Renovation for a Queens Townhome appeared first on Sweeten.



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