From ancient times through the middle ages, a personal seal or stamp was used to authenticate documents and carry out decisions and orders. In modern life, a signature has replaced the personal stamp – but it still says, Yes. I agree to this. I’m choosing this. I’m consenting to this. 

Putting your personal stamp on your space is essential. It says, I’m not just passing through here. This is where my family will eat, sleep, and spend time together, and I’m going to create it to fit our needs and tastes.

We first encountered the family for today’s feature project years ago, when Niall met with them about a kitchen remodel for their apartment in Fort Lee. They loved our personal, customized approach to design and renovation – but because they knew their apartment wasn’t their forever home, they decided not to invest with us for that project. 

But as we know, everything comes full circle. When they bought a home in nearby Ridgewood, they called Houseplay to help them make it their own.

We renovated the kitchen and the bathroom. Because they had chosen a home with layouts that already worked for their family, these changes were cosmetic updates to put their own personal stamp on the space. That’s definitely how you get the most bang for your buck. (Check out the before photos of this project here.)

In the kitchen we did a direct-replace gut and updated the cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring and lighting.

In the bathroom we removed the closet to create more room. The teak wall-hung vanity, recessed medicine cabinet and white tile lend a minimalist, spa-like atmosphere.

Our clients made their lives much easier by staying in their apartment in Fort Lee while we completed the renovations. 

And now that they have a brand-new space, they’re settling comfortably into their forever home.

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If you’re ready to take ownership of your space once and for all, apply to work with us here. We are currently taking projects in Jersey City and Hoboken.

Photo Credit: Megan Maloy Photography