Classic Coastal Colonial Renovation - the Anti McMansion

The functionality of the mudroom is great. The door, painted a cheery shade called “Castaway,” brings a smile to your face every time you leave. It's affectionately referred to by the homeowners as the "Smile Door." Photo by Mike Mroz of Michael Robert Construction

The desk area in the kitchen serves as a perfect spot to leave messages and important information. Magnetic primer and chalkboard paint make a great backsplash and the built-in cabinetry blend seamlessly with the rest of the kitchen. Photo by Mike Mroz of Michael Robert Construction

Although it looks custom, the salvaged wood media unit comes from Restoration Hardware. The contractor used shoe moulding to give it a built-in look. The perfect sizing doesn't hurt either!

The custom half-circle window in the eating area is a unique focal point that drowns the kitchen in morning light and gives uninterrupted views of the backyard. The wall in front of the window was doubled, so that the surrounding sheetrock could be returned into the window with a rounded corner bead. This, combined with the arched entry and barreled ceiling, gives the area a ... more »

Michael Robert Construction

Michael Robert Construction

An area off to the side of this great room was set aside for the kids' play space. Brightly colored foam tiles delineate the space, and serve as a soft landing spot, without competing with the room's decor. A vaulted bead board ceiling, left with a natural finish, further isolates the two spaces, giving it a cozy separate feel. Photo by Mike Mroz of Michael Robert Constructi... more »

The house is filled with small touches that differentiate it from other new homes – the beadboard pattern on the ceiling adds a very casual, beachy vibe that suits the homeowners perfectly. The lived-in, casual furnishings really fit their lifestyle.

A gallery wall of the family's favorite photos brings personality into the space. Light from the foyer beyond floods the room.

Michael Robert Construction

An area off to the side of this great room was set aside for the kids' play space. Brightly colored foam tiles delineate the space, and serve as a soft landing spot, without competing with the room's decor. A vaulted bead board ceiling, left with a natural finish, further isolates the two spaces, giving it a cozy separate feel. Photo by Mike Mroz of Michael Robert Constructio... more »

The desk area in the kitchen serves as a perfect spot to leave messages and important information. Magnetic primer and chalkboard paint make a great backsplash and the built-in cabinetry blend seamlessly with the rest of the kitchen. Photo by Mike Mroz of Michael Robert Construction

The narrow windows flanking the range allow extra light to shine into the kitchen.

From the homeowner: "I love standing at the center island in the kitchen, taking in what is happening in the entire house. From there I can see out the big windows in the front of the house to the street, out the custom window in the eating area to the backyard, into the mudroom in case someone comes in, what’s happening on the tv, and with the kids in the playroom. It is lik... more »

Michael Robert Construction

The nearly 10’ island is an ideal place for food prep, a quick bite, buffet set-up, or sharing a glass of wine with friends. 2.5” thick marble countertop on the island gives substance and a professional feel.

The formal living room is one of the only rooms left from the original structure. Gray Thibaut wallpaper graces the walls. Though it looks like raw silk, it is actually vinyl. Scrubbable, washable, and bleachable, the wallpaper is perfect for a home with young children. Photo by Mike Mroz of Michael Robert Construction

The butler's pantry is in a perfect location to serve the dinner guests in the dining room, or the guys gathered for the games in the great room. It features plenty of storage for glassware and a sink to rinse glasses or hold ice. Photo by Mike Mroz of Michael Robert Construction

This bright, white, classic “Nantucket” style kitchen was part of the home's 1200 square foot expansion. Built around the needs of a chef and their family, this is a cook’s kitchen built for entertaining. The workspace and flow makes the kitchen as much of a joy to work in as it is to relax with friends in. The bright white cabinets and the cool grey island are complemented by ... more »

This bright, white, classic “Nantucket” style kitchen was part of the home's 1200 square foot expansion. Built around the needs of a chef and their family, this is a cook’s kitchen built for entertaining. The workspace and flow makes the kitchen as much of a joy to work in as it is to relax with friends in. The bright white cabinets and the cool grey island are complemented... more »

The first floor powder room continues the home's nautical color scheme of navy and white. Thibaut's St. Barth's wallpaper is a standout against the traditional pedestal sink, Restoration Hardware fixtures, and classic Carrara Marble hexagon tiled floor. Photo by Mike Mroz of Michael Robert Construction

Another view of the beautiful foyer, looking towards the home's great room. Photo by Mike Mroz of Michael Robert Construction

This foyer was updated with the addition of white paneling and new herringbone hardwood floors with a walnut border. The walls are covered in a navy blue grasscloth wallpaper from Thibaut. A navy and white geometric patterned stair-runner, held in place with stair rods capped with pineapple finials, further contributes to the home's coastal feel. Photo by Mike Mroz of Michael... more »

This dining room was the original home's living room. Notice the fire place? It's original - a new coat of paint has it looking brand new. It is one of the only rooms left from the original structure. The homeowners have their extended families nearby and often host large, informal dinners. They felt the large room was much better suited as their dining room, and opted to ... more »

The exterior of this home, originally built in 1939, was only enhanced. The goal was to leave as much of the facade as unchanged as possible, to blend seamlessly with the rest of the beautiful suburban NJ neighborhood. An addition was added on the right side. The existing garage was leveled and reconstructed without demoing the original structure. Copper flashing and new tri... more »