From ancient times through the middle ages, a personal seal or stamp was used to authenticate documents and carry out decisions and orders. In modern life, a signature has replaced the personal stamp – but it still says, Yes. I agree to this. I’m choosing this. I’m consenting to this. Your signature is, in other words, a powerful tool that you use to shape your life (where you live, whom you marry, to whom you leave your possessions and assets).
Putting your personal stamp on your living space is just as important, we believe, as reading a legal document you’re going to sign. It says, I’m not just passing through here. This is where my family will eat, sleep, and spend time together, and I’m going to create it to fit our needs and tastes.
Years ago, Niall met with a local family about a kitchen remodel for their apartment in Fort Lee. They loved our personal, customized approach to design and renovation – but because they knew their apartment wasn’t their forever home, they decided not to invest with us for that project.
Ultimately, they designed that kitchen themselves and worked with a contractor, purely with an eye toward renovating for resale.
Fast forward a few years: having bought their first house in nearby Ridgewood, this family remembered Houseplay’s client-centered approach. Ready to invest in a more personal touch for what they know will be a longer-term home, they hired us to update the kitchen and bathroom.
Because this project is about putting their unique stamp on their home, our clients wanted design support to really make the space their own. They’re also planning for higher quality finishes than they used in their apartment kitchen remodel, since they’ll be around to enjoy them for many years to come.
In the kitchen, we’re opening up the far wall and replacing it with a peninsula to create a stronger connection to the dining room. Since the rest of the kitchen layout works well already, we’re doing a direct-replace gut and updating the cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring and lighting.
Ridgewood kitchen before remodel
Mood board for kitchen remodel
In the bathroom, we’re removing the closet to create room for a double vanity. The teak wall-hung vanity, recessed medicine cabinet and white tile lend a minimalist, spa-like atmosphere.
Ridgewood bathroom before remodel
Ridgewood bathroom before remodel
Mood board for bathroom remodel
If you watched our recent series A Home You Love, you may remember one of our interviews with Annie & Jordan Obermann, a husband-and-wife design/build firm based in Colorado. Like Houseplay, they work with a lot of families, and they shared their #1 tip for surviving a home renovation with kiddos…
Move out!
We love that this family made their own lives easier – they’re still living in their Fort Lee apartment during the renovation. Once the remodel is complete, they’ll move into their new home knowing that it bears their own personal stamp.
Are YOU ready to renovate your space? Renovation can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first big project. That’s why we offer our customized Vision & Planning Session – to help you dream big and then plan smart.
