Homeowners Christine and Stephan and their daughters fell in love with the area around Chester, New Jersey after they Jumped from Germany for Stephan’s work. They made a decision to buy this 1980s center-hall blossom as it was a fixer-upper they can make their very own. “I loved the big wooded lot and being so near Chester,” Christine says. The house is tucked in at the end of a long driveway off the back of a small, private cul-de-sac and is fantastic for a family that loves being outdoors.
at a Glance
Who lives here: Christine and Stephan, along with brothers Valerie, 12, and Elisabeth, two
Location: Hunterdon County, New Jersey
Size: 4 bedrooms, two1/2 bathrooms and in-law package with kitchenette
Audrey Kerchner
Christine’s artwork sets the decorating tone in all the chambers. The entire residence, for example this dining area, has a European modern feel which is very minimal and clean.
Living Room Table: imported from Italy-Casa
Audrey Kerchner
The exterior illustrates classic American country style with its clapboard siding and shutters.
Audrey Kerchner
Christine used light colors on the walls to produce a sense of space, subsequently added vibrant accents.
Sofas: Home Depot EXPO Design Center
Audrey Kerchner
It took Christine and the builder she worked with two years to design the master bathroom of her dreams. She had the closets moved to create a bigger space.
Tiles: Best Tile & Wood, Flemington, NJ
Fixtures: Imported from Italy
Bathtub: Home Depot EXPO Design Center
Audrey Kerchner
Christine designed the kitchen to meet her every need, right down to the details of the drawer positioning — and how easily they close with a bulge of her hip.
Kitchen Cabinets: Kitchen Expo Center, Bontempi
Audrey Kerchner
The kitchen cabinets are imported from Italy and are virtually indestructible. They’re designed with interchangeable doorways in the event the owners want to remodel.
Audrey Kerchner
Christine’s mum’s artwork is also featured throughout the house. “I chose the wall colors and furnishings to underline the artwork,” Christine says.
Furnishings: Home Depot EXPO Design Center
Paint: Benjamin Moore
Audrey Kerchner
Entrances to a playroom flank both sides of the living room fireplace.
Audrey Kerchner
The playroom is a gorgeous spot for little Elizabeth to spend some time in. The skylight provides lots of natural lighting. A doorway contributes to the garden.
Audrey Kerchner
At the entryway, stained glass doors welcome guests and give a hint of what to expect when you walk indoors.
Audrey Kerchner
Curtains close off the distances off the main entryway. Even though the walls are white, the hardwood floors and the artwork make the room inviting and warm.
Chandelier: Home Depot EXPO Design Center
Audrey Kerchner
Upstairs, the in-law package is a mother-daughter space that’s been converted to a recreation room where Valerie can spend some time with friends. Toys are neatly tucked away in the edges of the room.
Audrey Kerchner
The space includes a kitchenette and a location for your own Valerie to do her homework.
Audrey Kerchner
Elizabeth’s area is a perfectly pink handbag for a little lady.
Pink Mesh Storage: Ikea
Wall Area: Ikea
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