How a Toy Factory Became a Stylish Family Home Without Walls
Joe McGuier and his wife Kelly, co-founders of the Brooklyn-based design studio JAM, faced an urgent need for more space. Their growing family required a larger home in Vinegar Hill, a quiet corner of the borough. What they found was a converted toy factory—spacious in character but lacking proper bedrooms.
The apartment, just under 1,000 square feet, boasted towering columns, high ceilings, and vast windows. Yet its open layout presented a challenge: no traditional rooms, just an expansive shell waiting to be shaped into a functional family home.
The couple transformed the industrial space with custom solutions, avoiding conventional bedroom doors. Instead, they divided areas using materials and design. Floor-to-ceiling Belgian linen curtains and a built-in wardrobe now separate the bedroom from the living area. Oversized artworks complement the room's grand scale, while Art Deco lighting and Ohrid nightstands add warmth. A bespoke headboard, wrapped in Schumacher's 'Tutsi' jacquard fabric, spans the entire wall, anchoring the space.
Near the entrance, their son Jay's room occupies a generous nook. Filled with electronics experiments, Snap Circuits, and Lego projects, the area stays bright with natural light from interior windows. The design keeps his workspace open yet distinct.
In the main living area, a sleek Danish palisander shelf acts as a subtle divider. It displays the family's treasures: a 1960s aluminium-cast sculpture, an Icelandic wool throw, and original Frank Lloyd Wright sketches. Each piece tells a story, blending function with personal history.
The result is a home without traditional walls but rich in character. Every corner reflects careful planning, turning an open factory shell into a space that fits the family's needs—without sacrificing style or flexibility.
The apartment now balances openness with privacy, using curtains, custom furniture, and strategic lighting. Jay's creative space, the parents' bedroom, and the communal areas coexist without rigid barriers. The design proves that even unconventional layouts can become practical—and stylish—family homes.
