Ridgewood Colonial Revival Renovation: A Thoughtful Modern Update

Introducing the Ridgewood Colonial Revival Project House

Peter Field and Kay Bhothinard discovered their ideal home when they purchased a modest three-bedroom, two-bathroom Colonial Revival house in Ridgewood, New Jersey in 2019. The property immediately appealed to them for multiple reasons: the desirable location in a neighborhood they loved, proximity to excellent schools just a short walk away for Peter’s teenage daughter, and perhaps most importantly, a larger-than-average backyard featuring beautiful dogwood and cherry trees. What initially seemed like the perfect family home, however, soon revealed its limitations after several years of daily living.

The Challenge: A Home Ready for Transformation

While the 1930s colonial structure possessed good bones and solid fundamentals, the homeowners quickly identified several significant issues that demanded attention. The kitchen felt cramped, dark, and inefficient—far from the welcoming culinary space that Kay envisioned for cooking and entertaining. The first-floor layout didn’t flow well for their lifestyle, making entertaining guests awkward and disconnecting the living spaces from the outdoor areas. Additionally, the home’s mechanical systems had become outdated and unreliable, struggling to maintain comfort throughout the seasons. The original windows, though charming, were single-pane double-hung models that provided poor energy efficiency and obstructed the spectacular views of the backyard that the couple wanted to showcase.

Despite these challenges, Peter and Kay were committed to their home and neighborhood. They knew that with the right plan and partners, their Colonial Revival could evolve to meet their needs while maintaining its architectural integrity and fitting seamlessly within their residential street.

Strategic Goals and Vision for Renovation

Understanding the importance of establishing clear priorities, Peter and Kay developed a focused renovation strategy. They recognized that with a tight budget, every dollar needed to work strategically to achieve their desired outcome. Rather than attempting a complete overhaul, they identified three core objectives that would have the greatest impact on their daily living experience.

Maximizing Outdoor Connection

The couple’s primary goal centered on creating a stronger visual and physical connection to their beloved backyard. They wanted the outdoor space to become the focal point of the home, with views extending into nearly every room. This required reimagining how windows were positioned and sized throughout the house, particularly in key living areas.

Creating a Functional Kitchen

Kay’s vision for a brighter, more spacious kitchen ranked as a top priority. Rather than settling for a dark, cramped cooking area, she dreamed of a hospitable, modern kitchen that would serve as the heart of their home for both daily cooking and entertaining. The new kitchen needed better lighting, improved layout, and a more inviting atmosphere.

Updating Mechanical Systems

Beyond aesthetics, the homeowners recognized the critical importance of bringing their home’s infrastructure into the twenty-first century. The existing plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems required complete replacement to ensure comfort, reliability, and energy efficiency for years to come.

The Design Solution: Balancing Old and New

Working with architect Jeff Jordan and builder Zack Dettmore, Peter and Kay developed a renovation plan that honored the home’s colonial heritage while introducing contemporary design elements. The strategy focused on making substantial improvements to the rear of the home while maintaining the modest, neighborhood-appropriate street presence.

The Two-Story Rear Addition

The centerpiece of the renovation is a thoughtfully designed two-story addition measuring approximately 500 square feet. This strategic expansion adds much-needed living space without overwhelming the original home’s proportions or visibility from the street. The addition remains completely hidden from the front elevation, preserving the Colonial Revival character that neighbors see every day.

The first floor of the addition houses a completely reimagined kitchen that opens to a new dining area, while the second floor provides a luxurious primary bedroom suite. This configuration directly addresses the homeowners’ most pressing needs: a modern, light-filled kitchen and a spacious master bedroom with backyard views.

Signature Window Features

The addition’s defining characteristic is an impressive series of five-foot-high wraparound windows on both floors, strategically positioned to frame the backyard views and flood the interiors with natural light. The kitchen and primary bedroom each feature four of these oversized windows, with two corner windows creating a seamless wraparound effect. This design maximizes southern exposure and establishes the backyard as the visual and psychological heart of the home.

Architectural Details and Material Selections

To achieve the modern aesthetic Peter and Kay desired while respecting the home’s historical character, architect Jeff Jordan specified new casement-style windows throughout the entire house. Unlike traditional double-hung windows, casement windows feature a hinged design that tilts outward, creating a more contemporary appearance while also providing superior energy performance through their tight-sealing mechanisms.

The material palette supports this blend of old and new. The main house will feature gray fiber cement clapboards, while the addition receives fiber cement shake siding in complementary tones. This combination creates visual interest and clearly distinguishes the addition as a modern addition without jarring architectural conflict. New side and rear entryways will be defined by accent walls constructed from natural-look composite oak, adding warmth and sophistication to the transitional spaces.

Window Specifications and Technical Considerations

The extensive glazing planned for the addition presents unique structural challenges. The quantity of large windows significantly reduces the racking resistance—the building’s ability to resist lateral forces—requiring careful engineering and reinforcement strategies. Builder Zack Dettmore and his team paid meticulous attention to proper installation techniques to ensure the structure maintains adequate strength despite the large glass expanses.

Interior Layout and Spatial Reconfiguration

The renovation extends beyond the addition itself. Architect Jordan’s design reconfigures portions of the existing first floor to create superior flow and connectivity. A new hallway connects the dining room directly to the kitchen, eliminating the awkward circulation that previously plagued the space. Along this new corridor, the design incorporates a full bathroom and pantry—functional additions that enhance the kitchen’s utility and the home’s overall convenience.

This strategic reconfiguration respects the existing spaces while improving their relationship to one another. The living room, dining room, and office spaces on the front half of the first floor remain largely undisturbed, preserving their original character and proportions. Upstairs, the three existing secondary bedrooms continue essentially unchanged, while the addition’s square footage partially funds an expansion of the existing secondary bathroom.

Building Envelope Improvements and Energy Efficiency

Peter and Kay’s commitment to updating mechanical systems extends to the building envelope itself. The existing original siding will be removed to allow for installation of a modern air-sealing membrane—a critical component that prevents air infiltration and heat loss. The new exterior will combine fiber cement lap siding and shingles, creating both an upgraded appearance and superior weather resistance compared to aged original materials.

The window replacement throughout the home represents perhaps the most visible energy efficiency improvement. The new casement windows feature superior thermal performance through multiple glazing, warm-edge spacers, and tight-sealing frames. This upgrade alone will dramatically reduce heating and cooling losses compared to the original single-pane windows.

Mechanical System Modernization

Replacing the home’s plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems ensures that Peter and Kay’s home functions reliably for modern family life. New, energy-efficient equipment will provide precise climate control, abundant hot water, and safe, current-code-compliant electrical distribution throughout the house.

Respecting Historical Elements

Despite their enthusiasm for modern updates, Peter and Kay demonstrated genuine respect for their home’s architectural heritage. The renovation plan specifically preserves several original details that contribute to the home’s character and charm. The beautiful oak flooring throughout much of the house will be maintained and refinished rather than replaced. The living room’s original fireplace—a focal point of that gracious room—will remain as a reminder of the home’s past.

Particularly thoughtful is the homeowners’ decision to carefully remove an original stained-glass window from the dining room and store it safely during renovation. Rather than discarding this architectural gem, they plan to reuse it in the renovated space, perhaps creating a beautiful accent in a new location or repurposing it in a transitional area between old and new construction.

The Vision Realized: Creating the Perfect Family Home

By carefully balancing their aspirations with fiscal responsibility, Peter and Kay have developed a renovation plan that respects their 1930s Colonial Revival’s inherent character while transforming it into a home that reflects their contemporary lifestyle. The two-story rear addition provides the expanded living space and enhanced outdoor connectivity they craved. New large casement windows throughout the house, combined with the wraparound windows in the addition, will flood interiors with natural light and frame views of their beloved backyard.

The reconfigured first-floor layout, anchored by a bright new kitchen and improved traffic flow, will facilitate both daily living and entertaining. Updated mechanical systems will provide reliable comfort and energy efficiency. And perhaps most importantly, the renovation accomplishes all this while maintaining the home’s modest street presence and neighborhood compatibility—a testament to the homeowners’ thoughtful approach and their design partners’ architectural skill.

Project Overview: Key Renovation Elements

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is a Colonial Revival architectural style?

A: Colonial Revival architecture emerged in the late 1800s and early 1900s as designers reinterpreted earlier American colonial design elements, creating homes that evoke historical character while incorporating contemporary construction methods and materials.

Q: Why did the homeowners choose to build a rear addition rather than renovating in place?

A: A rear addition allowed Peter and Kay to gain the additional square footage they needed for a proper kitchen and primary bedroom without expanding the home’s street-facing footprint, preserving neighborhood character and maintaining their tight renovation budget.

Q: How do casement windows differ from double-hung windows?

A: Casement windows are hinged on the side and swing outward, providing a more contemporary appearance and superior energy efficiency through tight-sealing mechanisms. Double-hung windows slide vertically and are more common in older homes.

Q: What is an air-sealing membrane?

A: An air-sealing membrane is a vapor-permeable barrier installed on the exterior of a house that prevents air infiltration while allowing moisture to escape, significantly improving energy efficiency and comfort.

Q: How can homeowners balance preservation and modernization?

A: By carefully assessing which original elements contribute meaningfully to the home’s character, making strategic updates to systems and layouts that enhance livability, and consulting with preservation-minded architects and contractors.

Q: What budget constraints did Peter and Kay work within?

A: While specific budget figures weren’t disclosed, the homeowners maintained a tight budget throughout the project, using strategic planning and prioritization to maximize their renovation’s impact and return.