How Julia Baum Balanced Personality and Purpose in Her Brooklyn Home

Renovating a pre-war Brooklyn apartment into a functional family home doesn’t come without its challenges, but New York-based designer Julia Baum was undeterred. Drawing on an extensive residential design portfolio spanning projects from coast to coast, Julia and her husband knew the 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom apartment with unobstructed views of Prospect Park was an opportunity they couldn’t pass up. Instead, they approached the project with great care, modernizing the home while respecting its architectural context.

Design: Julia Baum Interiors | Photography: Elliot Furneiss

Embracing the Pre-War Building’s Footprint

Rather than fight the limitations of the home’s existing layout, Julia chose to lean in. The 2,141-square-foot corner unit provided the space their family needed, with ample windows creating a clear connection to the surrounding city. Built at the height of the 1920s Golden Era, the building marries Classic Revival architecture with crafted luxury—a principle that shaped the design narrative throughout.

The home seamlessly blends mid-century modern sophistication with custom craftsmanship. In the entryway, Julia procured one-of-a-kind pieces including a custom console inspired by Gio Ponti and a mid-century Italian mirror for a strong first impression.

Entertaining with Elegance and Practicality

As avid hosts, Julia and her husband required plenty of seating and child-friendly features. In the living room, nearly every piece boasts curved edges—a stylistic choice that nods back to the project’s ‘practical yet purposeful’ brief. Similarly, the kitchen was designed to be a natural gathering space that welcomes adults and children alike. Jean Royère-inspired “YoYo” bar stools inject a French modernist perspective while the island’s bold veining creates a dramatic focal point.

Old-World European Influences

Mid-century Italian design is the clear red thread throughout the home. From the dining area’s vintage Italian table to the 1950s wall unit from Milan, Julia was intentional in sourcing era-appropriate pieces while allowing room for visual tension through varied design genres. Custom elements like the Stilnovo-style chandelier and the Jean-Michel Frank-inspired parchment coffee table reinforce that balance, showcasing Julia’s masterful blend of old and new.

A Nature-Driven Color Palette & Wall Mural

Despite the home’s urban setting, Julia wanted the home’s color palette to hint at the natural world. In the main living space, shades of blue and green reflect the views of Prospect Park, while layered wood tones add grounded warmth. The nursery brings a more whimsical perspective with a custom wall mural inspired by Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle Hotel. Julia wanted to capture the mural’s nostalgic charm, translating its hand-painted aesthetic into a playful nursery design.

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