Westfield Home Transformation: From Cramped Colonial to Family-Friendly

How do you transform a 1925 colonial home with limited space into a modern, family-friendly retreat? In a beautiful Westfield, NJ neighborhood, we captured the timeless charm and injected it with modern functionality to create a home that feels both elevated and inviting.

Originally 1,900 sqft, this charming but compact colonial was full of character but lacked the space and flow needed for a family with three young boys. Our goal was to expand it to nearly 3,000 sqft, creating an open, welcoming layout that meets the needs of modern family life.

Westfield Home Transformation: From Cramped to Spacious

The original kitchen was just 180 sqft—tight, inefficient, and disconnected from the rest of the home. We more than doubled it to almost 400 sqft, transforming it into a bright, open space that connects seamlessly to the dining and living areas.

Key Upgrades That Changed Everything:

• Expanded square footage for better flow and functionality

• Open-concept design to connect living, dining, and kitchen spaces

• New structural elements that enabled the completely open layout

Structural Ingenuity: Turning Challenges Into Design Features

We had to install a 2,500-lb structural metal I-beam using a hydraulic lift to achieve this open-concept layout. While functional, this major structural upgrade could have disrupted the home's aesthetic.

Pro Tip: Instead of leaving the structural framework exposed, we introduced an elegant arched stairway entry—a clever solution that seamlessly conceals reinforcements and adds a refined architectural feature.

Other thoughtfully designed custom features we added just for this family:

• Custom Dining Banquette: A built-in design to maximize seating and storage.

• Tailor-Made Mudroom: Designed with built-in cubbies for each family member and made durable to handle the daily wear and tear of an active family with three boys!

• Primary Bedroom Suite: Maximized the compact space to provide a private retreat featuring his & hers walk-in closets and an en-suite bathroom with brass fixtures and a serene design.

• Boys' Bathroom: Featuring deep blue vertical subway tile—a modern design choice to enhance height perception.

A Westfield Kitchen Renovation That Balances Beauty and Functionality

This Westfield open-concept kitchen became the heart of the home, designed with bold yet cohesive choices that elevated the space.

Key Kitchen Expansion Features:

• Triple-Tone Cabinetry: Combining white, warm wood, and sage green for depth and character.

• Leathered Quartzite Countertops: A softer, textured finish enhances the warmth and organic beauty of the stone.

• Brass Accents: Unifying touches on the cabinet hardware, faucets, and oven detailing create a refined yet inviting aesthetic.

A Patio That Feels Like an Outdoor Living Room

To extend the home's outdoor livability, we designed a covered patio complete with a statement-making natural stone fireplace and thoughtful features inviting relaxation year-round.

Outdoor Features That Stand Out:

• Natural Stone Fireplace: The textured stone creates a rustic yet refined look that ties into the home's organic design aesthetic.

• Built-in Entertainment: An integrated TV mount transforms this patio into the ultimate outdoor entertaining space.

• Recessed Lighting: Strategically placed lights add ambiance and make the space inviting well into the evening.

The End Result: A Timeless Yet Modern Home

By expanding the home, optimizing the layout, and incorporating thoughtful design details, this once-cramped colonial is now a warm and functional retreat — thoughtfully designed for this family.

Stay Tuned: We'll be capturing final exterior photos soon once the weather improves — the home's curb appeal is just as stunning as its interiors.

Are you thinking about transforming your home? Let's bring your vision to life! Contact us today to start your renovation journey.

Q&A: Home Renovation Insights

Q: What are the benefits of a leathered quartzite countertop? 

A: A leathered finish enhances the natural texture of quartzite, giving it a soft, matte appearance. It’s durable, hides fingerprints, and adds a cozy, organic feel — perfect for a warm and inviting kitchen.

Q: Is vertically stacked tile better than more laying them horizontally in a bathroom design? 

Q: Is a covered patio worth the money to improve outdoor living? 

Q: Is it ok to combine more than one or two cabinet colors in the kitchen?