Picture this: you and your family of four need a bigger place and you want to build the custom home you’ve always dreamed of. The first step is to find a property to make your own. But competition is fierce, and every vacant property you’ve bid on has slipped through your fingers. Finally, you come across a promising house with good bones in a great neighborhood in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. Nice size. Great price! Everything seems perfect. You can't believe your luck... until you discover something very alarming in the basement. The problem with this home, which is why other buyers passed it up, is an enormous crack in the foundation!
Turning the Problem into an Opportunity
This was the exact nightmare our clients found themselves facing. The original construction from 1941 had been done poorly, leading it to warp over time and eventually causing a horizontal crack to form. Fortunately, the buyers had engaged Kanstrukt Group early on in the preconstruction phase to help them evaluate potential sites and ensure that their plans stayed within budget. Find out more about our preconstruction services. And we were confident in our ability to repair this issue and recuperate the stability of the foundation. We knew how to address this issue safely and cost-effectively. As a result, our clients were able to secure the property for a steal, ultimately saving thousands on their custom home build.
PRO TIP: A horizontal crack in the foundation always indicates a poorly-built foundation. However, a vertical crack may be less concerning. You should always consult an experienced contractor to recommend the best course of action to protect your home’s structural integrity.
With the property secured and a plan in place to restore the foundation, we began working on the interior and exterior design. Since the client also wanted large, open spaces, we created an open floor plan, raised the first-floor ceiling, and incorporated large windows to maximize the natural light. The goal was to create a modern space, featuring rustic design elements like natural wood & textures, with pops of bold black and rich gold accents. This overall design created a luxurious yet relaxed feel to the home. The balance between bold accents and neutral tones brings a sense of energy into any room and directs your attention to the highlights of the space. These highlights work to connect the home, while allowing for each room to have its own distinctive feel.
Virtual Tour
As you enter this elegant home, you immediately get a sense of the open space concept and the home's overall aesthetic. The entrance sets the tone for the entire space. The black front door is not just an entryway but a statement piece that sets the tone for the home’s modern design. Its bold color contrasts sharply with the lighter tones inside, creating an eye-catching focal point the moment you arrive. The sleek, matte finish adds an air of sophistication. Once inside, your eye is drawn upward by the modern staircase to a striking chandelier hanging beautifully from the vaulted ceilings. To their left, guests are welcomed into a formal seating area with bold black walls. This space, although contrasting in perfect balance with the white open entryway. The cozy room feels like the home is giving you a welcoming hug.
The kitchen and dining area really showcase the striking combination of bold gold and black accents, beautifully balanced with the lighter natural tones. The accents catch the eye, elevating what would otherwise be a simple and very monochromatic design. This area is not only stunning but also highly practical, offering ample countertop space and a sleek, extended island that serves as a hub for meal prep, additional storage, and a perfect spot for dining, socializing, and more. French doors to the back patio are placed perfectly for entertaining. And the space is filled with natural light, thanks to the generous windows that also offer parents a clear view of their kids while cooking or hosting guests.
The true highlight of the open-concept design is the family room’s cathedral ceiling, where the dramatic angles are beautifully framed by reclaimed wood beams. Without the reclaimed wood beams, we would still have a great addition to the open concept, but the beams added both visual interest and a sense of warmth and comfort to the room. The room feels open and airy, and the focus on earthy textures makes it feel like a cozy space to relax, unwind, and create memories as a family.
Learn more about the town of Scotch Plains, New Jersey here.
The renovation of this home also resulted in three beautifully updated bathrooms, each featuring a walk-in shower. The designs are clean and minimalist. The focal point is the stunning tile work, expertly laid by our master tiler to enhance the restful, clean lines of the spaces. Each bathroom is also fitted with black and gold, seamlessly tying in with the rest of the home’s interior.
The Dream Home that Came True
What started as a home that seemed almost too good to be true—has now become a dream home. We’re so grateful that our clients entrusted Kanstrukt Group not only to restore the foundation but also to transform the entire home into something truly special. We meticulously executed against the design objectives we outlined at the outset, which centered around creating spacious, open areas that would allow for seamless flow throughout the home. We also emphasized the use of bold, modern accents like black and gold hardware, which brought a sense of sophistication and contrast to the lighter natural tones. Our goal was to craft a space that felt both luxurious and welcoming, combining clean, minimalist lines with rich textures and standout features. As for the foundation, it’s now stronger than ever. We’re proud to have played a role in building a home where our clients can live, create memories, and enjoy for years to come.
Ready to start your project? Contact us today and let us bring your dream home to life.
