A creative kitchen renovation in Brooklyn's Park Slope neighborhood has captured attention for its innovative approach to traditional design elements. Designer Ethan Pomerance of Ethan Pomerance Architecture transformed a childhood bedroom into a stunning modern kitchen, featuring a unique backsplash created from Delft tile collages that blend historical craftsmanship with contemporary artistry.

The project presented unique challenges as the client, a filmmaker, wanted to renovate the top two floors of her childhood home while preserving its Romanesque Revival architectural character. The space needed to accommodate both her artistic sensibilities and practical family needs, as she planned to live above her mother, a Renaissance art historian who occupies the lower three floors of the townhouse.

Pomerance drew inspiration from the home's rich architectural history, explaining that Romanesque Revival style "often features harmonious asymmetry of geometric forms." He wanted to weave echoes of the home's exterior and traditionally designed downstairs areas with fresh interpretations while keeping the space airy and modern. The designer faced the challenge of converting a bedroom dominated by an original chimney stack and high ceilings into a functional kitchen that also accommodated dining space.

The most striking feature of the renovation is undoubtedly the Delft tile backsplash. These traditional Dutch tiles, recognizable by their signature blue and white intricate designs, have been popular since the 1600s. However, Pomerance gave them a contemporary twist by creating a collage from Delft murals rather than using them in their traditional pattern. "I came up with the idea of making a collage from the Delft murals. In this way, we made a modern or surreal twist on what is usually a very charming and evocative but still traditional tile," the designer explained.

The kitchen's design philosophy centers on balancing preservation with innovation. Pomerance decided to let the existing chimney breast inform the placement of the cooktop and sink, preserving its original form while making it functional. The upper kitchen cabinets were reconceived as horizontal, shorter, and wider than typical designs, hanging on the chimney stack "like a tree trunk" to maintain the room's impressive vertical volume.

Color and geometry play crucial roles throughout the space. Blue geometric forms serve dual purposes as both sculptural elements and functional kitchen components, featuring sliding doors that can be left open to display items or closed to create artistic forms. The designer incorporated playful elements like squiggle-shaped cabinet handles from Lo & Co, explaining that "seemingly banal activities that happen every day take on an added meaning and mystery."

Material choices further enhance the space's artistic character. A soft, multi-colored terrazzo countertop from Concrete Collaborative contains all the kitchen's colors within its aggregate of stone and marble, creating cohesion between the warm wood parquet flooring, plaster walls, and the cabinet palette. The half-ellipse vent hood was specifically chosen over a semi-circle for its geometric intention, as "ellipses revolve around both a center and two foci, representing a balance of power."

The renovation successfully maintains the townhouse's historical integrity while creating a vibrant, functional space for a new generation. Exposed ductwork eliminates the need for soffits while providing opportunities for playful shapes and movement. The design demonstrates how traditional elements like Delft tiles can be reimagined for contemporary spaces without losing their cultural significance or visual impact.

This Park Slope renovation exemplifies how thoughtful design can honor architectural history while meeting modern family needs. The project shows that creative approaches to traditional materials and forms can result in spaces that feel both timeless and thoroughly contemporary, proving that good design transcends simple style categories.