John and his wife Jennifer purchased a "vintage" 1960s era rambler in New Jersey with the goal of taking it down to the studs and remaking it. "We have built from the ground up before," he says, "but this time we were looking for the challenge of a total renovation."
How did they decide on a property? The couple knew they wanted to stay in the North Jersey area, and wanted a home that had enough land and yard for the kids. "When I walked through this home," says John, "I could tell immediately that it was rock solid and had a layout that was easily changeable. You have to look beyond the over-grown trees, bushes, wall to wall carpet, pink tile, and grandmas kitchen. With a little vision and design you can transform a home into something that you never thought possible."
As John says, "I have done hundreds of renovations and believe me they are never as easy as they seem on TV!" Follow along as he transforms his home...see the highs and lows of the renovation process, check out some of his favorite trends and styles, and take away some of his ideas and concepts as inspiration for your own ideas.
<span style="font-style: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Follow along with John's renovation of a 1960’s rambler. When he first walked through the home, it was filled with wall-to-wall carpet, outdated fixtures, and small rooms. But as soon as he walked down in the basement saw 2x12 joists and not a crack in the foundation, he knew this house was built well and was a diamond in the rough. </span> Two striking choices are the dramatic bay window and the use of patio doors as window walls.
"Natural light and combining the indoors and outdoors is essential," he says. "The doors can blur that line from the inside to outside and create a space that feels larger and is much more inviting."
The big bay also extends the room size and brings in light. The black of his windows "allows them to be a focal point" and the color enhances their appeal. By playing with the black color, and using farmhouse grilles, John is able to combine both the mid-century modern feel with the rustic-contemporary aesthetic.
Learn more about what a bay or bow window can do for your space and see why black is the new black in our blog!
Bay windows are a great way to enhance a home’s functionality, curb appeal, energy efficiency, and beauty—all while adding style, character, and extra room space. When is a door not a door? When it is a window wall! Bring the outdoors in with sets of patio doors.
Whether building a home from scratch, doing a complete reno, or simply refreshing a room or two, you can take your project to the next level with some design inspiration. John Colaneri, one half of HGTV’s “The Cousins”, shares insights and ideas to help you create a unique space in your own home where all the elements blend together.
Offer ends 12/02/2024
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