Photos by Lyndsay Hannah Photography
Alison Piepmeyer resides in Brooklyn with her spouse, Zach, and their two kids, Linus and Georgie. In 2022, they acquired a 19th-century house that was “in rough shape” and have dedicated the last four years to renovating it and decorating it with treasures accumulated over 15 years of marriage. “I recall viewing Love Actually as a young couple — a film I don’t recommend,” she chuckles. “But one detail that resonated with me was how one character’s home had art covering every wall. I thought that was awesome.” Take a look around…
ENTRYWAY
Wall paint: Benjamin Moore. Wallpaper: House of Hackney. Mirror: Target. Umbrella stand: Vintage, similar.
On a cross-country dream: Growing up in Portland, Oregon, and living across California, I always dreamed of moving east. Going through my childhood journals shows notes like, ‘I’m gonna go to New York and become a FASHION designer!’ Ha! Six years ago, I got a job offer here. My husband and I were based in San Francisco then, so it was a major choice, but we went for it. It turned out to be the best decision ever.
Hat: Inside Joke. Hooks: West Elm, similar.
On finding home: We did extensive research before the move, exploring multiple neighborhoods. We considered the Upper West Side (You’ve Got Mail is my favorite film) and scoured Brooklyn until discovering Boerum Hill, a charming area nestled between Cobble Hill and Park Slope. It wasn’t ‘perfect’ but felt like a perfect fit.
LIVING ROOM
Wall paint: Benjamin Moore. Wall sconces: Rejuvenation. String lights: Brightown. Couch: Vintage, reupholstered in Sunbrella outdoor fabric (“Very kid-friendly!”). Striped chair: Vintage, reupholstered in Sunbrella. Pharmacy lamp: Vintage, similar.
On finding the house: Built in the 1850s, this house represented a significant leap. It remained on the market due to its dire condition. My husband was apprehensive, but I envisioned its potential, and he trusted me.
On a work-in-progress: After moving in, it took four years to achieve the current state — lead paint had to be removed, crumbling bricks repaired, heaps of dead bugs cleared — and much remains to be done. We consider the house a long-term project, tackling tasks as time and finances permit!
Ceiling fixture: Schoolhouse, similar. Curtains: Pottery Barn. Rug: Custom, from AfriKesh on Etsy. Throw pillow: Lulu and Georgia. Coffee table: Etsy. White chair: Target. Checked throw: Amazon.
On a beloved, impractical couch: The fainting couch was found on a secondhand site and beautifully reupholstered in blue velvet. Our children adore it, often leaping on it or drawing with markers while seated. Guests also favor it, despite its size. It becomes a cozy gathering spot during parties!
On book piles: We are avid readers and encourage our children to read freely. We keep various books scattered around the house, accessible for idle reading. Having a surplus of books means if they’re bored, perhaps they’ll browse through one.
TV stand: Target.
On history: The house has myriad flaws and future renovation needs. Visits to friends’ modern homes might evoke envy, but my home boasts 150 years of incremental updates, like a bathroom pipe straight through the foyer. Nevertheless, this provides a connection to prior inhabitants.
Needlepoint pillow: Furbish.
On a rough-and-tumble sofa: Both the sofa and chair are vintage but reupholstered with outdoor fabric, making them resilient against kids’ spills and stains — easily erased with a Magic Eraser.
DINING ROOM
Wall paint: Benjamin Moore. Dining table: ABC Home, similar. Chairs: Vintage, similar. Cabinet: West Elm, similar.
On going dark: Some are daunted by black paint, but — as my husband and I jest — it masks many faults. It obscures wear and quirky cords that characterize an old house. My mom frequently recolored rooms, so bold hues don’t faze me.
On compromise: We aim to dine at the table, but our little ones prefer dancing around. We’re about half-and-half — part eat-at-the-table, part I’ll-serve-you-wherever-because-I-can’t-make-you-sit.
KITCHEN
Rug: Etsy.
On squeezing in: Zach and I tackled the kitchen, so don’t scrutinize closely! It’s suitable for now, though eventually needing more work, being very compact. We navigate by dividing cooking equally. The kids wish to assist, but they currently hinder more than help!
On framed photos of friends: Displaying photos of friends and family helps my kids recognize significant people in their lives. Joanna and Georgie share a special bond, so I hung a beach photo of them.
BATHROOM
Wall tile: Clé. Shower curtain: Amazon. Stool: Amazon.
On a shared bathroom: Our sole bathroom is upstairs, so friends head there when visiting. The kitchen aside, it’s the only room we’ve revamped, and I relish its lively design. Green, my favorite hue, brings joy. We manage bathing and bedtime routines effectively, barring simultaneous restroom needs.
Painting: Etsy.
On a parenting style: Music captivates my husband. He curates playlists for waking and winding down routines. During bath time, he entertains with a portable speaker. Not my natural approach, but it fantastically suits him!
KIDS’ BEDROOM
Bed: Ikea. Rug: Ruggable. Ceiling light shade: HAY. Curtains: Havenly. Canopy: Ferm Living. Bed curtain: DKNY.
On sharing: My children, eight and four, happily share a room. They partake in organizing, like book placement and art displays. Georgie, my youngest, chose a curtain for her bunk, dubbing it her bear cave. Character-themed bedding, like Linus’s Minecraft sheets, greatly delights them.
Duvet cover: HAY.
On bedtime books: Linus, now eight, reads proficiently. Bedtime is 8 p.m., yet he may read in bed until sleep overtakes him around 9. His bedside book variety charms me, mixing David Shrigley art and cookbooks.
On kids’ art: I source child-friendly art from Etsy, and if a book’s illustration resonates, I explore prints from the illustrator, like our prized Last Stop on Market Street print. Our washable rug conveniently fits laundromat machines nearby.
PRIMARY BEDROOM
Mirror: Zara Home, similar. Sconces: Etsy. Bedding: Piglet in Bed.
On priorities: Our compact bedroom accommodates a king bed since we sleep differently — Zach prefers space, while I crave closeness. Thus, for optimal rest, we make room for a spacious bed, consuming most of the space.
Rug: Amazon.
On overhead storage: Lacking storage initially, we added wardrobes and cabinets. The bedroom’s limited space posed a challenge until an inspiration struck at an event — overhead units! I adored and commissioned a woodworker to craft one, packing impressive storage capacity.
OFFICE
Curtains: Ikea, similar. Desk: Blu Dot, similar.
On clutter: While my husband occasionally uses the office, it’s predominantly mine, hence the perpetual accumulation of supplies and decorations. I cherish the artistic atmosphere that clutter creates — the more, the merrier!
Peg board: Kreisdesign.
On mess vs. memento: My home brims with items saturated in nostalgia and memories. They encapsulate various life phases and special moments, like a flea market find from Paris or a memento from San Francisco.
Wall planner: Etsy.
On nostalgia: Despite some perceiving clutter as disorderly, each piece is tied to personal and shared experiences.
Thank you so much, Alison! We love your cozy home!
P.S. Many more home tours, including an empty-nester’s apartment in Copenhagen and a very colorful Connecticut house. Also, Alison’s week of outfits, and Alison’s Big Salad issue with her wallpaper before-and-after photos (gift link).
(Photos by Lyndsay Hannah Photography for Cup of Jo.)
Title: A Literary Haven: Alison Piepmeyer’s Home Showcases an Extensive Book Collection and Bold Paint Choices
Tucked in a serene area, Alison Piepmeyer’s home is a testament to her love for books and daring style. An avid reader with a flair for interior design, Piepmeyer has turned her space into a vibrant haven mirroring her personality and passions.
Upon arrival, guests immediately notice an impressive floor-to-ceiling bookshelf commanding the living room. Meticulously organized by genre and author, this collection reflects Piepmeyer’s diverse literary taste. From classics to modern works, it’s a book lover’s dream. To Piepmeyer, books inspire conversation and creativity.
Bold paint accents further underscore the home’s distinct character. Each room boasts vivid hues complementing the aesthetic. The living room, for instance, is enveloped in a deep teal contrasting the bookshelves, with the kitchen sunlit in a warm yellow. The lavender-painted bedroom invites relaxation and calm.
Her interior design approach is both daring and deliberate. She selects colors to evoke specific atmospheres, ensuring every room serves its intended purpose. These bold choices manifest her philosophy that a home should express one’s individuality.
Besides the vast book collection and daring colors, Piepmeyer’s home features unique art and vintage furnishings enhancing its charm. Curated pieces create a seamless, inviting ambiance. The synergy of literature, color, and art paints a portrait of her creative essence.
Alison Piepmeyer’s home isn’t merely a dwelling; it’s a tribute to her book passion and fearless design approach. It stands as a beacon for those aspiring to craft a personal, expressive living space. Her home proves that with creativity and passion, a space can be transformed into a unique haven reflecting one’s personality.
