Before & After: Their Job Is Discovering Hidden Gems. Their Brooklyn Townhouse Is One of Them

Melissa Dalton
·2 min read

Charmed by a historic home’s ornate details—but wary of its run-down state—the couple behind Untapped New York save what they can and refresh the rest.

In the dining room, Guillerme et Chambron armchairs from Maison Gerard surround a CB2 table. The ceiling light is by Lambert & Fils. In the kitchen, rich blue cabinetry with wood details from GD Arredamenti is topped with a Caesarstone
In the dining room, Guillerme et Chambron armchairs from Maison Gerard surround a CB2 table. The ceiling light is by Lambert & Fils. In the kitchen, rich blue cabinetry with wood details from GD Arredamenti is topped with a Caesarstone

In 2008, Michelle Young left her job in the fashion industry, where she had worked since college—first as a merchandiser at Abercrombie & Fitch, and later at J.Crew and Calvin Klein. "I had a summer off and I wandered around New York, which is a place where I grew up," says Michelle. "I discovered all these things about the city when I wasn’t going from my apartment to work and back, always taking the same route."

During those walks, Michelle got the idea to start Untapped New York, an online magazine and tour company that highlights New York City’s secrets and hidden places. Part publication, part experience company, Untapped New York aims to surprise and intrigue even native New Yorkers.

Before: Exterior

Before: Michelle Young and Augustin Pasquet bought this townhouse in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn with the goal to modernize it without losing key historical features, like the main floor layout and decorative woodwork in the entry.
Before: Michelle Young and Augustin Pasquet bought this townhouse in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn with the goal to modernize it without losing key historical features, like the main floor layout and decorative woodwork in the entry.

After: Exterior

The front door is painted a blue color that’s repeated on the kitchen cabinets for
The front door is painted a blue color that’s repeated on the kitchen cabinets for

Fast forward several years, and Michelle and her husband, Augustin Pasquet, were both running Untapped and living in the Crown Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn. They were looking for more space for their growing family, and a new project to work on, when they discovered a run-down townhouse for sale two blocks away from their apartment. "It was in terrible shape," recalls Augustin. "I was like, ‘Great, this will scare people away.’"

For Michelle, it was the home’s intact historical details—like the scrollwork in the entry foyer and ornate fireplace surrounds—that sealed the deal. "This is it," she said at the time. "We can do something with all of the historic bones."

Before: Staircase

Before: The stairs were warped and had to be rebuilt. The contractor removed key historic pieces, like the
Before: The stairs were warped and had to be rebuilt. The contractor removed key historic pieces, like the

See the full story on Dwell.com: Before & After: Their Job Is Discovering Hidden Gems. Their Brooklyn Townhouse Is One of Them
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