For the Love of Renovating: How the Brownstone Boys Built a Brand Rooted in Authenticity and a Creative Life from the Ground Up

Margo sits down with Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum—better known as The Brownstone Boys—a Brooklyn-based couple, award-winning interior designers, and renovation experts known for their ability to breathe new life into historic homes while keeping design fresh, livable, and true to their roots.

What began as a shared passion project to restore their first brownstone quickly became a creative business built on authenticity, approachability, and an unshakable belief in learning by doing. Without formal design training, Barry and Jordan leaned on curiosity, community, and sheer persistence to grow their brand into one of the most trusted names in renovation. Along the way, they've worked with clients like Kerry Washington and Peloton's Anna Greenberg, launched collaborations with brands like Blueprint Lighting, and released their debut book For the Love of Renovating.

Together, they share what it means to build a business (and a life) together, how to stay grounded in your values, and why the most beautiful spaces often come from imperfect beginnings.

Margo, Barry and Jordan discuss:

• How a bike ride through Brooklyn led to a shared dream of restoring a brownstone—and building a creative business from the ground up.
• The early days of The Brownstone Boys and how posting their real-life renovation journey online unexpectedly launched a design career.
• Learning by doing—why neither formal training nor perfectionism are prerequisites for success.
• The power of authenticity on social media and how showing the real moments built their loyal community.
• Finding balance and clarity in a creative partnership—how Barry and Jordan divide roles, communicate, and keep their vision aligned.
• Their signature design philosophy: honoring history while adding a clean, modern touch.
• How playlists and personal stories inspire their design process and make every project feel soulful and lived-in.
• The importance of humility, collaboration, and staying curious in creative work.

Connect with Barry + Jordan: https://thebrownstoneboys.com/ https://www.instagram.com/brownstoneboys/ https://www.tiktok.com/@brownstoneboys https://www.pinterest.com/BrownstoneBoys/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5OJXUbPjR8JqoE099QwUOw

Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.comwww.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill https://www.yourtantaustudio.com/thefoundry