Plywood Wainscoting Transforms Brooklyn Home with Vintage Character
Designer Alan Eckstein blends eras and materials for a warm, lived-in aesthetic
1From furniture to full redesign
What began as a furniture browsing appointment at Somerset House evolved into a complete home redesign when the Brooklyn couple connected with Alan Eckstein. His background in music and fashion resonated with their creative professions, leading to an organic collaboration. The homeowners appreciated Eckstein's approachable expertise, describing him as bringing a 'wonderful nerd' quality to the process. Their relationship grew so comfortable that they spent Father's Day together installing initial pieces.
2Rejecting minimalism
The 3,600-square-foot home had high ceilings and open spaces but lacked character after a gut renovation. Eckstein explicitly avoided creating a 'minimalist playground,' instead prioritizing warmth and life throughout. He proposed an unconventional material choice: oak plywood wainscoting inspired by 1920s Jean-Michel Frank interiors. The designer had to convince skeptical homeowners to cover significant wall space with this humble material, promising it would become the home's defining feature.
3Plywood perfection challenge
Achieving the right plywood stain proved unexpectedly complex, with initial attempts producing tones that were too red, yellow, or golden. The wife admitted losing sleep over the six-month process to perfect the wainscoting with Studio BAD. Rounded bullnose trim softened the edges, while the staircase received matching plywood cladding. The most technically difficult element was bending plywood around a structural steel column without cracking - it took five attempts to match the surrounding treatment.
4Vintage meets custom
About 80% of the home's furnishings are vintage, with half sourced from Somerset House's inventory. Notable pieces include 1950s Ico Parisi dining tables, Dutch oak chairs upholstered in mohair, and 1930s Poul Henningsen PH3 pendants that had hung elsewhere for 90 years. Custom elements like an arched frame for a floral painting and iron-footed teak stools balanced the vintage finds. The mix creates what Eckstein calls 'different worlds coming together' in each space.
5Color as character
Bold color choices punctuate the neutral foundation. The kitchen cabinets sport Farrow Ball's Minster Green, which Eckstein never tires of. The dressing room evolved from pink and green proposals to a serene Benjamin Moore Bluebelle scheme with Murano glass lighting. A guest room/office became a 'hilarious red room' that guests find surprisingly elevated. Each color decision was carefully considered - the wife reviewed over a dozen blue shades before selection.
6Lived-in luxury
Eckstein prioritized durability alongside aesthetics, ensuring pieces could withstand family life. A custom credenza with vinyl pockets anchors the living room, while Guillerme et Chambron armchairs add value without preciousness. The designer wanted every inch to facilitate connection, creating 'one big conversation' space. The homeowners particularly appreciate how the home remains full of life even in winter, feeling simultaneously gorgeous and approachable.
7Personalized spaces
The primary bedroom features custom limewash walls by Lucas Willing Studios contrasted with a vintage kilim. A 1950s Italian games table provides workspace with green leather top, paired with a Deco barrel chair in jacquard leopard print. The smallest but most substantial piece is a black Georges Jouve mirror between windows. These carefully curated elements fulfill the couple's wish for a home that reflects their personalities rather than following trends.
8Material storytelling
This project demonstrates how humble materials like plywood can transform spaces when executed with vision and craftsmanship. Eckstein's obscure reference to 1920s wainscoting became the home's defining character, proving that design integrity matters more than prestige materials. The successful blend of vintage finds, custom pieces, and bold color choices creates a warm, personal environment that exceeds typical renovation results.