A 19th-century Brooklyn townhouse has been transformed into a whimsical wonderland that defies conventional design expectations, featuring an eclectic mix of vintage advertising signs, carnival memorabilia, and playful elements that create what the owners describe as a "Tim Burton meets Pee-wee meets Fred Astaire" aesthetic. The home, owned by creative couple Melia Marden and Frank Sisti Jr., showcases their bold vision with help from architects Elizabeth Roberts and Elliot Meier.
The first hint of the home's unconventional character appears at the front entrance, where visitors encounter a custom bronze door handle that bears a striking resemblance to Globey from the beloved children's show "Pee-wee's Playhouse." This unique hardware serves as a preview of the delightful surprises that await inside the residence shared by Marden, Sisti, and their two children, Alfred and Daphne.
Upon entering the home, guests are greeted not by the typical Victorian hall tree or pier mirror found in most Brooklyn townhouses, but by an extraordinary collection that includes a polychromatic panel salvaged from an antique carousel. The entryway also features a kaleidoscopic arrangement of vintage advertising signs and ephemera, along with a cutout of Mr. ZIP, the cartoon mascot introduced by the U.S. Post Office Department during the 1960s to encourage Americans to adopt the new zip code system.
The home's most striking space is undoubtedly the multicolored kitchen, which draws inspiration from Claude Monet's famous kitchen and dining room at his home in Giverny, France. This vibrant culinary space features a stunning terrazzo tile floor enhanced with brass inlays, creating a rich foundation for the room's bold color palette. A wall of windows provides breathtaking views of a spectacular cherry tree in the rear yard, bringing natural beauty into the whimsical interior.
The kitchen's high-end appliances and fixtures complement its artistic design, including a professional Lacanche range for serious cooking, a convenient Chicago Faucets pot filler for easy meal preparation, and an elegant Perrin & Rowe faucet that adds both functionality and style. These practical elements are seamlessly integrated into the overall design scheme without compromising the room's playful character.
The collaboration between the homeowners and their architectural team has resulted in a residence that challenges traditional notions of home design while maintaining livability for a growing family. Roberts and Meier's expertise helped bring the couple's fantastical vision to life, creating spaces that feel both magical and functional for everyday living.
This Brooklyn townhouse represents a growing trend among creative professionals who are choosing to express their artistic sensibilities through bold residential design choices. Rather than following conventional Pinterest-inspired aesthetics, Marden and Sisti have created a truly unique living environment that reflects their personalities and provides an inspiring backdrop for their family life.
