This English Cottage style home in Montclair, New Jersey was built in 1927 and fully renovated by RHG Architecture + Design. The homeowners were leaving their colonial filled with antiques behind and in this home, they wanted a dramatic change–a contemporary, handcrafted interior with an open floor plan. They also wanted to retain some of the home’s vintage charm, like the asymmetry, stucco exterior and front gable. RHG focused on environmental sustainability throughout the 8,100 square foot home, reinventing the interiors and the rear façade to connect with the outdoors.
The house includes four bedrooms and five and a half baths with the second floor organized around a master suite retreat. The wall of Hope’s Windows in the family room and above in the master bath are part of the back addition. The kitchen, now flooded with light from the minimalist window above the cooktop, includes marble countertops and custom cabinetry designed by RHG A+D. A “bunk room” for grandchildren is part of the third floor, while the basement with a bar and theater was designed for entertaining.
When this English Cottage style home was gutted, natural wool insulation was used in the walls instead of conventional fiberglass. Locally sourced custom materials enliven the interior, from the handmade steel rail and posts of the staircase to the metal detailing of the kitchen table and bar (both by a local artisan).
The new cantilevered staircase continues all the way up to the third floor and ends in a skylight, creating an “Escher”-like effect from the bottom. In the front hall, bleached maple millwork with built-in niches match custom millwork in the family room; in the basement, a reclaimed window was turned into a barn door. From architecture to accessories, every corner and detail and how they relate to one another was considered.
Front Hall Sources: Wall color, Benjamin Moore “White Dove”; carpet, Stepevi; ottoman, CF Modern (pictured below); custom bannister, fabricated by Charlie Spademan at Spademan Fabrication in Montclair; shelving units, Beech Woodworks, Inc.
What We Love: This beautiful English Cottage style home was given a refreshing new look on the interiors that is inviting and stylish. We are loving the harmonious flow through the living spaces and how luminous the interiors are thanks to the expansive windows. The outdoor living spaces are equally as exquisite, with plenty of areas to enjoy family gathering and entertaining.
Tell Us: What do you think of what the architects have done to refresh this home? What details caught your eye and why in the Comments below, we love reading your feedback!
Note: Have a look at another home tour that we have featured here on One Kindesign from the portfolio of the architects of this project, RHG Architecture + Design: Renovated modern home in New Jersey boasting impressive transparency.
Dining Room Sources: Table (clients’ own – the only piece of furniture they brought with them); chandelier, Dennis Miller Associates in NYC.
Kitchen Sources: Fior Di Bosco marble countertops, fabricated by Peter Brooks Stone Works; custom cabinetry, designed by RHG A+D and fabricated by Beech Woodworks, Inc; wall color, Benjamin Moore “White Dove”; windows, Hope’s Windows Inc.; bar stools, Blu Dot; “Strive” collection faucets, Kohler Co.; pendant lighting, ABC Home Fashion in NYC.
Family Room Sources: Windows, Hope’s Windows Inc.; sofa, Holly Hunt; custom throw pillows, designed by RHG A+D with fabric from Scalamandré; armchairs and ottomans, A. Rudin; carpet, Stepevi; custom shelving, RHG A+D; coffee table, Asher Israelow in Brooklyn; side tables next to armchairs, Holly Hunt.
Master Bathroom Sources: Wall color, Benjamin Moore, “White Dove”; mirrors, Glass Crafters; pendant lights, Tech Lighting in Skokie, IL; cabinetry, Beech Woodworks Inc.; cabinet hardware, Alice Tacheny; sink and bathtub faucets, Dornbract; bathtub, DaVinci Spas & Metals; chair at vanity, A. Rudin. ; carpet, Earth Weave Natural Carpet in Dalton, Georgia (all natural carpet free of dye); bedding, The Company Store; custom built-ins, Gothic Furniture.
Kids’ Loft Sources: Wall and ceiling colors, Benjamin Moore “Bermuda Turquoise,” “indigo,” “Blue Toile” and “Bayville Blue”.
Photos: Mark Jaworski Photography / This project was submitted to us courtesy of RHG Architecture + Design. If you have a project you would like to share with One Kindesign, please contact us here: Submit Your Work.
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