Karpf

The house was a traditional Foursquare. The heavy Mission-style roof parapet, oppressive dark porch and interior trim along with an unfortunate addition did not foster a cheerful lifestyle. Upon entry, the immediate focus of the Entry Hall was an enclosed staircase which arrested the flow and energy of the home. As you circulated through the rooms of the house it was apparent that there were numerous dead ends. The previous addition did not compliment the house, in function, scale or massing.

Before

The homeowners purchased the house despite its architectural shortcomings because of its location within Ridgewood’s Historic District, its proximity to the town, and commuter train, and the potential to breathe new life into this house.

As a corner lot, there were concerns for privacy by the client. Clawson Architects coordinated with the Landscape Architect and Client to create sceneographic views to and from the house while enhancing the privacy of the occupants. Terracing the property, by filling in the grade, leveled the site around the house and maximized the connection of the house to the site.

Based on their knowledge and passion of historical period homes, the client selected Clawson Architects to re-envision the house using historical precedence from surrounding houses in the area and their expert knowledge of period detailing. The exterior and interior, as well as the landscaping of this 100-plus year old house were alterated and renovated, and a small addition was made, to update the house to modern-day living standards. All of this was done to create what is the inherent beauty of Traditional Old House Living.

Before

The lighter, more open, railing and column details give an elegant, grand look to the porch, and a more gracious relationship between the house, the yard, and the surrounding neighborhood.

After

Before

Clawson Architects designed the Main Entry/Stair Hall, flooding the space with natural light on both the first and second floors while enhancing views and circulation with more thoughtful space allocations and period details.

After

The view from the Kitchen Island towards the Kitchen Table now offers the homeowner commanding visual access to the Entry Hall, Dining Room, and Family Room as well as the side Mud Room entrance. The new eat-in area with a custom designed fireplace was the former location of the Kitchen workspace.

Enlarging the existing opening to flood the space with more natural light while increasing storage with the design of a custom built in window seat and bookcases has made this space a lovely place to read or just hang out.

The new eat-in Kitchen area offers a cozy setting in front of the fire. One can transition through a wet bar area to the Library and Study or Family Room. The new Kitchen work area was created with a small five foot addition to allow more natural light into the room, provide greater visual access to the patio and play yards on the left, and the arrival of visitors via the Mud Room entry on the right. New red oak hardwood floors with custom stain color were installed throughout the house as well as custom moldings, wainscoting, fireplace mantels, built-in book cases, and window seats.

The material selections included a seven-foot wide plank mahogany island, Calcutta gold marble countertops, custom full inset, face frame cabinets with glass doors, and a custom antiqued zinc hood.

The mud room, a must-have space to keep this family of six organized, also has a gracious powder room, two large storage closets for off season coats and boots as well as a desk for all those important school papers.

The Master Bathroom is quite a retreat for the owners and part of an elegant Master Suite. The spacious marble shower and beautiful soaking tub offer an escape for relaxation.

The Master Bed Room Suite features a custom designed fireplace with flat screen television and a balcony that offers sweeping views of the gracious landscaping.