Maplewood Home Renovation

An architectural and interior renovation of this Maplewood, New Jersey home transformed its ground floor into a bigger, brighter setting that’s more conducive to spending time together as a family. In the home’s original 1920s configuration, the tiny kitchen was sequestered from the rooms where people gather and eat. Windows were small, and the rear entrance was awkwardly positioned. This primary floor’s layout, function, and finishes were reimagined to create family-friendly spaces better designed for dining, relaxing, and playing.

Removing select walls helped to open up the flow, while the larger windows and relocated door create a link between indoors and outdoors. The reconfigured kitchen features custom cabinetry, and was combined with the dining area and family room to create one big, social space where meals can be prepared and shared together. Banquette seating with built-in storage maximizes organization and offers a window perch for supervising play in the rear yard. A new family room in the basement provides an additional place to hang out. Throughout, the unfussy finishes are both elegant and easy to maintain.

The simplified layout better integrates the ground-floor spaces, facilitating interaction between family members and allowing for the supervision of small children from any location.

Photography by Devon Banks