Houzz Tours
My Houzz: Contemporary Colonial in New Jersey
A family of four makes a home their own with plenty of room for art and play
Homeowners Christine and Stephan and their daughters fell in love with the area around Chester, New Jersey after they relocated from Germany for Stephan’s work. They decided to buy this 1980s center-hall colonial because it was a fixer-upper they could make their own. “I loved the large wooded lot and being so close to Chester,” Christine says. The house is tucked in at the end of a long driveway off the back of a small, private cul-de-sac and is perfect for a family that enjoys being outdoors.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Christine and Stephan, and daughters Valerie, 12, and Elisabeth, 2
Location: Hunterdon County, New Jersey
Size: 4 bedrooms, 2½ bathrooms and in-law suite with kitchenette
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Christine and Stephan, and daughters Valerie, 12, and Elisabeth, 2
Location: Hunterdon County, New Jersey
Size: 4 bedrooms, 2½ bathrooms and in-law suite with kitchenette
The exterior exemplifies classic American country style with its clapboard siding and shutters.
Christine used light colors on the walls to create a sense of space, then added colorful accents.
Sofas: Home Depot EXPO Design Center
Sofas: Home Depot EXPO Design Center
It took Christine and the contractor she worked with two years to design the master bathroom of her dreams. She had the closets moved to create a larger space.
Tiles: Best Tile & Wood, Flemington, NJ
Fixtures: Imported from Italy
Bathtub: Home Depot EXPO Design Center
Tiles: Best Tile & Wood, Flemington, NJ
Fixtures: Imported from Italy
Bathtub: Home Depot EXPO Design Center
Christine designed the kitchen to meet her every need, right down to the details of the drawer placement — and how easily they close with a bump of her hip.
Kitchen Cabinets: Kitchen Expo Center, Bontempi
Kitchen Cabinets: Kitchen Expo Center, Bontempi
The kitchen cabinets are imported from Italy and are virtually indestructible. They're designed with interchangeable doors in case the owners want to remodel.
Christine's mother's artwork is also featured throughout the house. "I picked the wall colors and furnishings to highlight the artwork," Christine says.
Furnishings: Home Depot EXPO Design Center
Paint: Benjamin Moore
Furnishings: Home Depot EXPO Design Center
Paint: Benjamin Moore
Entrances to a playroom flank both sides of the living room fireplace.
The playroom is a beautiful spot for little Elizabeth to spend time in. The skylight provides plenty of natural light. A door leads to the backyard.
At the entryway, stained glass doors welcome guests and give a hint of what to expect when you walk inside.
Curtains close off the spaces off the main entryway. Even though the walls are white, the hardwood floors and the artwork make the space warm and inviting.
Chandelier: Home Depot EXPO Design Center
Chandelier: Home Depot EXPO Design Center
Upstairs, the in-law suite is a mother-daughter space that's been converted to a recreation room where Valerie can spend time with friends. Toys are neatly tucked away in the edges of the room.
The space includes a kitchenette and a place for the Valerie to do her homework.
Elizabeth's room is a perfectly pink nursery for a little lady.
Pink Mesh Storage: Ikea
Wall shelf: Ikea
Next: See more Houzz Tours
Pink Mesh Storage: Ikea
Wall shelf: Ikea
Next: See more Houzz Tours
Dining Room Table: imported from Italy-Casa