It's not often that we get the opportunity to renovate the same home twice, especially for two different homeowners. But that's exactly what happened with this home in Skillman, New Jersey.
What originally started as a kitchen remodel grew into an extensive interior and exterior renovation. When the home eventually changed hands, we had the opportunity to return and make additional improvements for a young family with very different needs.
It was especially interesting to see how the same home could be adapted for two different lifestyles, and how some fairly simple changes could make a tremendous difference.
Transforming a Dated 1990s Home
When we first arrived, the house had a very typical 1990s appearance, with dated stonework, circle-top windows, and architectural details that made it look like many of the other homes in the development.
The homeowners wanted something different. They didn't want their house to look like an average development home, so we began looking at ways to give it a cleaner, more updated appearance.
A Complete Exterior Remodel
We replaced the original windows, reframed the openings to eliminate the circle-top designs, and removed the dated stone facade, including portions that extended onto the foundation.
For the siding, we chose painted cypress installed over a rainscreen system. The boards were back-primed and painted, with an air gap behind the siding to help manage moisture and minimize future maintenance.
Modern Porticos and Better Proportions
One challenge was designing a cover over the front entrance without blocking the window above or reducing the natural light coming into the home.
After considering several options, we settled on a modern portico made from powder-coated aluminum with glass on top. It provides protection from the weather while maintaining the open appearance of the entrance.
On the garage side, we replaced the garage doors and installed matching porticos above the entrances. We also replaced the exterior doors with taller eight-foot doors.
It's a subtle detail, but eliminating that awkward blank space above the original doors made the entire facade look much better proportionally.
Updating the Interior While Preserving What Worked
Inside, the home had many of the same dated features you'd expect from a house built in the 1990s. But we didn't need to completely change the layout to make a significant difference.
Opening Up the Main Living Areas
We removed a half wall that separated the entry from the adjoining space, updated the flooring, replaced unnecessary glass doors, and installed sleeker railings.
We also introduced custom-milled oak flooring with five-inch-wide boards, some measuring 16 feet long. Other details included updated trim, a taller door leading into the primary suite, and wallpaper on the ceiling.
A Kitchen Transformed
The kitchen was actually the reason we first came to this house. Originally, it had dark oak cabinetry, a smaller window, and a large refrigerator that projected into the room.
That refrigerator was a major obstacle because it left very little room for an island.
The First Renovation: Brighten Up the Room
The original homeowner traveled frequently, her children were grown, and she didn't do a tremendous amount of cooking. Having a large traditional refrigerator wasn't particularly important to her.
So we took a different approach. We removed the full-size refrigerator and installed refrigerator drawers directly into the new island.
That freed up the space we needed to create a much more functional kitchen.
"When you're doing a job, you do what works for you."
Roy, Bryhn Design/Build
We also created a bar and entertaining area with cabinetry, a warming drawer, and additional counter space for serving food when guests came over.
The Second Renovation: Adapting the Kitchen for a Young Family
When the next homeowners moved in, they had young children, and suddenly the original kitchen design wasn't quite as practical.
They needed more refrigerator space, additional cabinetry, and convenient storage for everyday items.
We removed the refrigerator drawers from the island and replaced them with storage. We also exchanged decorative open shelving for enclosed cabinets near the dishwasher, making it easier to put away children's cups and dishes.
Finding Space for a Full-Size Refrigerator
The biggest change was installing a large Sub-Zero refrigerator and freezer along the kitchen wall.
Interestingly, this was something Roy had considered during the first renovation. Returning to the home gave us the opportunity to revisit that idea and make it work for the new family.
Much of the original kitchen remained intact. We simply adapted the areas that no longer suited the homeowners' needs.
Complete Re-Imagining of the Back of the House
Another area we reworked was the rear of the home and the rear entrance near the kitchen.
Originally, there were two exterior doorways in close proximity, one of which had a small deck, stairs, and railings. Inside, the arrangement of steps, a closet, and the doorways made the space feel cramped and unnecessarily busy.
We eliminated the redundant doorway and opened up the area, installing new windows, cabinetry, and additional counter space.
For the remaining exterior entrance, we installed a Dutch door. It's a fun detail because you can open the top half for fresh air while keeping the dog inside.
Outside, updated stone steps and a stone patio created a much cleaner entrance.
"It's simple, it's sleek, but it looks very nice."
Roy, Bryhn Design/Build
Bringing More Natural Light Into the Home
One of the recurring themes throughout this renovation was finding ways to bring more natural light into spaces that previously felt dark.
Adding Skylights Upstairs
While replacing the roof during the original renovation, we added skylights to an upstairs room that had been used as a hangout space for teenagers.
Previously, it was a dark room that wasn't particularly inviting. The skylights made an enormous difference, filling the space with daylight.
Whenever we're working on a roof, it's worth considering whether there are rooms below that could benefit from skylights or even a sun tunnel. Sometimes that's all it takes to completely change how a room feels.
Turning a Dark Basement Into an Inviting Living Space
Of all the improvements completed during the second renovation, the basement was one of the most exciting.
It was already finished and had plenty of usable space, including a kitchenette, bathroom, office, exercise area, and family room. The problem was that it was very dark.
"What's the problem with basements? Not enough natural light."
Roy, Bryhn Design/Build
Making the Basement Feel Less Like a Basement
We started by adding a window along the staircase. This was a relatively straightforward improvement that brought daylight into what had previously been a dark, cavernous stairwell.
The more dramatic change was installing a large window in the main basement living area.
This required more extensive work outside, including creating the below-grade opening, installing a protective railing, and properly managing drainage to prevent water problems.
But the difference inside was remarkable.
"Now it just really no longer feels like a basement."
Roy, Bryhn Design/Build
We also removed a column that had interrupted the main living space, helping the room feel more open and connected.
Improving Comfort and Functionality
Beyond the additional windows, we updated the kitchenette with newer cabinetry, refreshed the flooring and finishes, and made improvements to the bathroom while preserving much of its existing layout to control costs.
We installed glass doors to help separate the exercise area from the adjacent living space, allowing someone to work out without disturbing everyone else.
Built-in bookcases and a desk area provided additional storage and workspace.
Keeping the Basement Comfortable Year-Round
One important consideration when adding large windows is temperature. Even high-quality windows aren't insulated quite like a wall.
To address this, we installed a slim supplemental heater that can provide additional warmth during the colder months.
For Roy, the most satisfying part of the basement renovation was seeing the space become somewhere the family would actually want to spend time.
After all, if you have a beautifully finished basement that nobody uses because it's too dark or too cold, what's the point?
One Home, Two Renovations, and a Completely New Feel
What made this project especially rewarding was getting to return to a home we'd already spent so much time designing and renovating.
Usually, we work through the design process, build the project, and move on. We don't often get the chance to revisit those decisions and adapt the home for an entirely different family.
From the modernized exterior and redesigned kitchen to the brighter living spaces and transformed basement, this project shows how thoughtful changes can make an existing home feel completely different.
And sometimes it's not about adding more space or replacing everything. It's about making the space you already have work better for the people who live there.
