House for Book Lovers and Cats in Brooklyn

A house designed by BFDO Architects in Brooklyn, New York, USA, is tailored for a creative couple: one is an artist, poet, and teacher, while the other is a poet and administrator. Besides wanting to find effective ways to display their extensive collections of art and books, the clients also desired dedicated spaces for their shy but curious cats.

A bookshelf stretches along the length of one wall, housing both the literary and artistic collections of the homeowners. The shelves are designed to create steps for cats to climb up to a continuous open shelf above, where they can calmly observe the activity below. Hidden nooks built into the walls provide access to upper rooms for the cats.

Half of the second floor is dedicated to a studio. In one corner, the client wanted to create a special 'nest'—a hidden elevated space where she could write and think in solitude. This level also contains the owners' bedroom.

On the ground floor, in the basement, is a 'cat-free zone' designed for guests. A ribbon window and glass doors open onto the backyard. Light, cheerful colors used in the interior design connect the space with the rest of the home and make the lower level bright and inviting.

Photos: Francis Dzikowski