Your twice-weekly deep dive into what’s fresh on our radar.

The temperatures have dipped into the 50s in the mornings here in New Jersey, which always makes me ache for New York City. It’s about time I introduce my baby to the Best Saturday Ever^TM: a stroll through Central Park, poking around some shops downtown, and peering into the glowing windows of all the dreamy brownstones along the way. (Back in suburbia, we’ll be rethinking our bar cart, the topic of Home Front this week.)

There’s a chance one of those brownstones was remodeled by Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum. The design duo, who aptly go by The Brownstone Boys, has more than 25 gut renovations under their belt in the city, and as of this summer, a new book that digs into their hard-earned know-how. We’ve featured their projects quite a few times in Domino over the years, and I’ve come to expect that restored original woodwork will make an appearance. Their love for the material runs deep, as you’ll see below. Happy reading! —Lindsey Mather, digital director

Today’s Guest Editors: The Brownstone Boys

What we’re loving right now: Dark wood tones. They’re that perfect blend of old-world charm and modern confidence, effortlessly standing their ground in both minimalist and maximalist environments. There’s something timeless about dark wood, an earthy connection to craftsmanship that instantly adds a layer of sophistication. When you introduce it into a space, it’s not just a visual statement; it evokes a feeling of groundedness and maturity that speaks volumes about design choices made with intent.

We’d recommend it to someone who also likes…eclectic decor with a vintage slant. Dark wood is a beautiful canvas for layering textures, adding contrast, and incorporating bolder colors.

Photography by Winnie Au

Where we’ve spotted it in the wild:

The usual suspects in historic NYC brownstones (like the staircase in photographer Winnie Au’s Brooklyn home, above).
The paneling at the Center for Brooklyn History’s Othmer Library—it carries such weight and presence.

Three real-life ways we’d try it:

Refinishing a vintage chair or console table. Stripping away old varnish to reveal its authentic beauty beneath is a transformative process.
For staircases or built-ins (like in this foyer reimagined by Hollie Velten, below). These are unexpected areas that can handle the drama of dark wood while still feeling approachable.
Swap out a trendy light bathroom vanity for a dark wood one—it instantly creates a sense of luxury and tradition.

Photography by Belle Morizio

It looks great with…intricate wallpaper and deep colors. Emerald green and rust shades, for instance, bring out the wood’s warmth and depth, making a space feel enveloping and rich in character. On the flip side, pairing dark wood with simpler fabrics like velvet or linen introduces a quiet, understated elegance.

Things to consider:

Don’t hesitate to strip back old layers of paint or stain to uncover the raw beauty of your material. And always check if the wood is stain-grade—some vintage woods were originally meant to be painted, so working with the grain is key.
Don’t be afraid to combine different stains to find that perfect tone. Just make sure you write your formula down in case you need more.
Balance contrast and texture. Mixing dark wood with lighter, softer elements ensures that the room feels welcoming and thoughtfully curated, rather than overwhelming or overly formal.

If money, time, and space were no object, we’d…transform a houseboat in Amsterdam (Jordan) or restore a stone farmhouse in Italy (Barry). Okay, fine, if money weren’t an object, we’d do BOTH! These projects would be the perfect balance of heritage and adventure, where dark wood and age-old craftsmanship are celebrated.

What’s the next…

Paint color you want to use: Deep, muted plum is on our radar. It has a surprising elegance that feels moody without being overpowering. We’re also really happy that brown is having a moment.
Decor item you’re on the hunt for: Unique vintage lighting, such as this 1960s wall light. We’re drawn to sculptural fixtures that feel like art installations.
Vintage score of your dreams: An original mid-century credenza in pristine condition.
Design destination on your bucket list: Mexico City. It’s a treasure trove of vibrant design, where modernity intersects seamlessly with history and tradition. Its dynamic art scene, handcrafted artisan pieces, and bold colors and textures mirror the soul of the city.
Home project you’d like to tackle: Transforming an outdoor space into an indoor-outdoor living area with retractable walls that let nature into the home and a focus on materials like stone, dark wood, and soft linen.
DIY you might actually do: Refinishing vintage chairs. There’s something therapeutic about restoring an old, well-made piece and giving it new life.
Trend you hope makes a comeback: More personalized, maximalist spaces—designs that aren’t afraid to mix and match styles, eras, and materials. We’ve seen enough of minimalism for a while.
Design risk you’re taking: Incorporating statement tile in unexpected places, like a ceiling or on a central column. When done right, it turns a surface into a work of art.
Collection you’re working on: The Boroughs, a lighting collaboration with Blueprint Lighting that’s inspired by the distinct character and energy of New York City’s five boroughs.

Courtesy of Brownstone Boys

What’s the last…

Thing you bought for your home: Bath towels from Hawkins New York.
Post you saved: A space by French designer Albane Macé de Lépinay. It masterfully contrasts old and new elements, a combination that resonates with us deeply.
Account you started following: Jordan Ferney and her sister Gabrielle Stanley Blair. Their trips with their families to India and Paris for the Olympics were truly inspiring, and we’re glued to Gabrielle’s home in Normandy. Adopt us!
Photo you snapped: An old, worn staircase with intricate wood carvings and peeling varnish (above). There’s so much beauty in its imperfections and history.

I thought I had found the sofa, a diamond in the rough from a giant suburban chain, but not even a year later, the fabric is pilling beyond repair and the cushions are lumpy and misshapen. Even seasoned editors need to learn things the hard way sometimes. For our next couch, I want quality. Newcomer Retroloop’s modular design is upholstered in velvet made from recycled plastic bottles and filled with a mix of coconut fiber, responsibly harvested wool, and low-VOC foam. I’m eyeing the olive colorway. Get 15% off all furniture this month with the code DOMINO15. —Lindsey