The Ditmas House by Shakespeare Gordon Studio is a transformative project in New York’s historic Ditmas Park neighbourhood. Amy Shakespeare and Mark Gordon, Principals at the studio, embarked on a challenging project when they acquired the property. The large, historic structure had been subdivided into numerous small, dark spaces over the years. Despite this, they chose to start their redesign from the top down, beginning with the attic.
Attics are often neglected in traditional homes, relegated to storage due to their challenging layouts and limited natural light. However, Amy and Mark saw potential in the attic at Ditmas House. They transformed it into a light-filled primary suite, setting a new design tone for the rest of the home. This bold move influenced their playful approach to reimagining the entire property, overturning its conventional layout from the turn of the century.
The attic’s primary bedroom suite exemplifies their design philosophy: a cohesive backdrop enhanced by bursts of colour and functional definition. The space features white shiplap siding under the roof, solar-controlled skylights for natural light, and exposed plywood panels creating custom storage and work areas. Large sliding panels in vivid shades of red mark entrances and define spaces, including the ensuite bathroom where bright yellow tiles under the skylight highlight the shower area.
Throughout Ditmas House, a vibrant colour palette and versatile materials like oak and cedar unify the design. In the kitchen, brightly coloured linoleum panels clad IKEA cabinets, complementing oak elements that extend to terrazzo countertops and built-in features. This aesthetic continues into the second-floor bathroom, where cedar accents and multi-coloured hexagonal tiles create a distinctive atmosphere.
