Inside Neil Patrick Harris's Home That Has a Secret Magic Office | Architectural Digest

TL;DR

A couple renovates their 1904 townhouse into a family-friendly space that reflects their love for art, magic, and oddities.

Transcript

Harlem's amazing for values sake you can get a lot of space and retain a history and an appreciation of it we found this place we love the fact it had solid bones when it was built in 1904 was a speakeasy for ya Irish mill workers it's a really great place to live what's harder raising two four-year-olds or renovating a home move the hardest is doi... Read More

Key Insights

• 👾 Renovating a historic townhouse requires a balance between preserving the original architecture and creating a modernized living space.
• 🛰️ The design should reflect the homeowners' interests and passions, such as incorporating space for art collections or unique features.
• 🍳 Functionality and aesthetics must both be considered when renovating a kitchen, especially for those with a passion for cooking.
• 👶 Renovations can be challenging when balancing the needs of children and the noise and disruptions caused by construction.
• 🤗 Creating a sense of distinct rooms that flow into each other can maintain the historical integrity of a house while allowing for an open layout.
• 🎨 Collecting art pieces can add character and individuality to a home's design while reflecting the homeowners' tastes and personalities.
• ㊙️ Incorporating unique and secret features, such as a hidden magic office or a secret compartment, can add an element of surprise and intrigue to a home.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the couple ensure that their townhouse still feels like it belongs?

The couple made sure to create a sense of discrete rooms that flow into each other while retaining the historical integrity of the house.

Q: How did the couple incorporate their love for art into the renovation?

Before even planning the blueprints, the couple made sure there were spaces in the house to showcase their art collection, including recessed pieces and art with boxes behind them.

Q: What was the inspiration behind the design of the kitchen?

The husband's love for cooking influenced the design, which focused on a large island for gathering while he works. Functionality and aesthetic appeal were both important considerations.

Q: What unique features did the couple incorporate into their home?

The husband has a magic office that can only be accessed by pressing a button on a poster that reveals a hidden door. Additionally, the front door has a secret apothecary cabinet with compartments for guests to take small items as they leave.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The couple appreciates the historical significance of their 1904 townhouse and creates a sense of discrete rooms that flow into each other.

• They collect mysterious and moody art pieces, ensuring there are spaces in the house to showcase them.

• The kitchen is designed to accommodate the husband, who is a trained chef, and to provide a gathering space for the family.