From Fixer-Upper to Family Dream: GLAM Studio’s Transformative Brooklyn Row House Renovation
In the vibrant, historic heart of Brooklyn, the dream of homeownership often comes intertwined with the challenge of renovation. For many, this journey is a formidable undertaking, but for Will Glaser and Aubrey Ament, the entrepreneurial minds behind GLAM Studio, it became the crucible for their burgeoning interior design and renovation project management business. Their story begins a couple of summers ago, with the purchase of a three-story row house – a property that, to put it mildly, was in urgent need of tender loving care. Yet, where others might have seen insurmountable obstacles, Will and Aubrey envisioned a dual-purpose haven: a rentable garden apartment and a dream home for their growing family.
Their ambition was as clear as it was challenging. Like many young couples navigating the competitive New York City real estate market, they devised a strategic plan. The garden level would undergo a complete transformation, designed specifically for rental income, providing the financial foundation to afford their new home. Meanwhile, the top two floors would become their sanctuary, a beautifully appointed living space for themselves and their soon-to-be-born first child. This ambitious project wasn’t just a personal endeavor; it was meticulously planned to serve as the pilot project for GLAM Studio, showcasing their extensive design-build skills and unwavering commitment to exceptional craftsmanship.
The Vision Takes Shape: A Dual-Purpose Home
Aubrey Ament, co-founder of GLAM Studio, articulates the initial drive with striking clarity: “That was always the plan, in order to afford the house.” This statement underscores a common reality for urban dwellers and highlights the ingenuity required to make homeownership feasible in bustling cities like Brooklyn. The decision to prioritize the renovation of the garden floor for rental income was not merely a pragmatic one; it was a testament to their strategic thinking and business acumen. This would not only offset mortgage costs but also establish GLAM Studio’s ability to create highly desirable and functional spaces for diverse needs.
The timeline they set for themselves was nothing short of audacious. With only four months to renovate the garden floor into a rentable unit and make the remaining two floors livable for their family, the pressure was immense. Aubrey, at the time of closing on the house, was not only mid-pregnancy but also simultaneously completing her MFA in interior design at Pratt Institute. This period was a whirlwind of academic deadlines, physical demands, and the constant hum of construction. Yet, with characteristic determination, she found time to meticulously document their progress on Instagram, transforming their personal renovation journey into a compelling public narrative and a real-time portfolio for GLAM Studio.
Unveiling the Fixer-Upper: Beyond the Surface
The term “urgent need of TLC” often masks a multitude of hidden challenges in historic Brooklyn properties. This particular row house was no exception. It presented a classic tableau of neglected urban architecture: crumbling plaster, outdated electrical and plumbing systems, and decades of accumulated wear and tear. Original architectural details, though present, were obscured by layers of insensitive renovations and a general state of disrepair. The garden, an often-overlooked asset in city homes, was overgrown and uninviting, lacking the charm and functionality typical of a Brooklyn oasis.
Will and Aubrey, however, possessed the unique blend of vision and practical skills to look beyond the immediate decay. They saw the bones of a magnificent home, rich with history and potential. Their extensive background in design and construction – encompassing everything from structural engineering principles to intricate interior detailing – equipped them to tackle the project head-on. This wasn’t just about cosmetic upgrades; it was a comprehensive restoration that demanded a deep understanding of historic preservation blended with modern living requirements. They approached the project with a reverence for the house’s past, aiming to restore its inherent beauty while infusing it with contemporary comfort and efficiency.
GLAM Studio: Forging a Business Through Hands-On Experience
The renovation of their own home was more than a personal milestone; it was the foundational project for GLAM Studio. This venture was born out of Will and Aubrey’s shared passion for transforming spaces and their belief that good design should be both beautiful and practical. GLAM Studio specializes in interior design and renovation project management, offering clients a seamless experience from concept to completion. Their philosophy centers on creating spaces that reflect individuality, enhance functionality, and stand the test of time, all while managing the complexities of construction with precision and transparency.
Their personal row house project served as the ultimate test kitchen for their business model. By undertaking much of the work themselves, they gained invaluable insights into the intricacies of project execution, budget management, and client communication – lessons they would later apply to their growing client base. This hands-on approach not only saved costs but also ensured an intimate understanding of every detail, from the structural integrity of a wall to the subtle nuances of a chosen paint color. It was a live demonstration of GLAM Studio’s capabilities, proving their expertise not just in theory, but in tangible, transformed spaces.
The Renovation Journey: A Marathon of Dedication
The four-month deadline loomed large, a constant reminder of the intense effort required. The renovation process began with strategic demolition, carefully stripping away layers of neglect to reveal the house’s original structure. Will and Aubrey meticulously planned each phase, balancing the urgent need to complete the rental unit with the desire to create a perfect family home upstairs. The garden apartment, designed for maximum appeal and durability, featured a modern kitchen, a serene bedroom, and a cleverly designed living area, all optimized for natural light and efficient use of space. They selected robust, low-maintenance materials that would withstand tenant use while exuding a welcoming aesthetic.
Upstairs, the transformation of their personal living space focused on creating a nurturing environment for their impending arrival and a stylish, functional home for the couple. This involved designing an open-concept living and dining area, a master suite that offered a tranquil escape, and a nursery that was both playful and practical. They thoughtfully integrated custom millwork, restored original architectural details like cornices and moldings, and selected a palette of colors and textures that evoked both warmth and sophistication. The renovation was a blend of sweat equity and strategic outsourcing, with the couple personally tackling tasks like framing, plaster repair, painting, and tiling, while bringing in skilled tradespeople for specialized work such as plumbing and electrical.
Beyond the physical labor, Aubrey’s journey was particularly remarkable. Juggling an advanced degree in interior design, the physical demands of pregnancy, and the daily challenges of a major renovation required extraordinary resilience. Her academic studies at Pratt undoubtedly informed their design decisions, allowing them to approach the project with a sophisticated understanding of spatial planning, material science, and design aesthetics. Simultaneously, documenting the process on Instagram served as a dual purpose: a personal diary of their journey and a powerful marketing tool for GLAM Studio, allowing followers to witness the transformation firsthand and connect with their authentic story.
Overcoming Obstacles and Celebrating Triumphs
No renovation, especially one as ambitious as this, is without its unforeseen challenges. Will and Aubrey encountered the typical hurdles of historic renovations: discovering hidden structural issues, navigating stringent city permitting processes, and adapting to unexpected delays in material deliveries. Budget management became an ongoing exercise in creative problem-solving and strategic prioritization. Yet, with each obstacle, their resolve only strengthened, fueling their determination to see their vision through. They learned to pivot quickly, find innovative solutions, and lean on their combined expertise and complementary skill sets.
The completion of the garden unit on schedule was a monumental triumph, allowing them to quickly secure a tenant and begin generating the much-needed rental income. This success validated their initial strategy and provided crucial momentum for the ongoing work upstairs. The gradual unveiling of their family home, piece by painstaking piece, brought immense satisfaction. From the perfectly curated kitchen to the serene nursery, every detail reflected their dedication and design philosophy. The house transformed from a dilapidated structure into a vibrant home, brimming with character and poised for a new chapter.
The Legacy of a Pilot Project: GLAM Studio’s Continued Success
The Brooklyn row house renovation stands as a powerful testament to the capabilities of Will Glaser and Aubrey Ament and the foundational principles of GLAM Studio. It showcased their ability to conceptualize, manage, and execute complex design-build projects under immense pressure. More importantly, it demonstrated their commitment to crafting spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also profoundly functional and financially viable. The project cemented their reputation, providing a tangible portfolio piece that resonates deeply with potential clients seeking similar transformations.
Today, GLAM Studio continues to thrive, built on the lessons learned and the successes achieved during this pilot project. They bring a unique blend of personal experience, professional expertise, and a meticulous approach to every client engagement. Their story is an inspiring example of how passion, perseverance, and strategic planning can transform not just a house, but also a career, turning a challenging fixer-upper into both a flourishing family home and the cornerstone of a successful design business. For anyone considering a similar journey, Will and Aubrey’s story offers a compelling blueprint for how to approach renovation with vision, skill, and an unwavering commitment to bringing dreams to life.