Manasquan

After an initial attempt to design a new home elsewhere, our clients realized that neither the neighborhood nor the collaborative experience felt right. Instead of building from the ground up, they chose to purchase an existing home in a setting they truly loved — and entrusted us to reimagine it entirely.

From the outset, our focus was to bring architectural order, proportion, and clarity to a house that lacked cohesion. The façade was rebalanced with the introduction of a traditionally scaled portico, transforming a recessed and understated entry into a dignified focal point. New architecturally correct double-hung windows further refined the elevation, restoring proper rhythm and proportion.

Inside, the home was reconfigured to better support modern family life. A once-awkward two-story kitchen was thoughtfully reshaped into a generous, light-filled space, anchored by two substantial islands and framed by views to the rear garden. The excessive vertical volume was reallocated to create well-proportioned spaces above, including expansive primary closets. The plan was carefully edited throughout: a formal dining room was scaled for intimacy, one garage bay was repurposed to create a substantial mudroom and pantry, and the rear deck was expanded into a covered outdoor living room complete with cedar ceilings, skylights, and a full outdoor kitchen.

Upstairs, the primary suite was reimagined to introduce balance, privacy, and architectural character. A vestibule entry, separate custom closets, and a symmetrically composed bath centered on a large window elevate the suite into a serene retreat. A new paneled stair wall brings continuity and elegance to the two-story foyer.

The result is a complete transformation — a home that now feels grounded, proportionate, and intentional, reflecting both the architectural language of its neighborhood and the lifestyle of the family within it.