MID-CENTURY MODERN REVISITED

Remodeled sometime in the 90s, a classic mid-century modern home in Cherry Hill had great bones but needed updating to work for the young family who acquired it. Apart from an oversized and poorly placed deck, the exterior of the home was spectacular, while the interior required extensive reorganization to improve circulation and support a contemporary lifestyle. J Reinert Architecture reimagined the interior spaces, clearly establishing a distinction between private and public spaces. The dining room was converted into a much-used mudroom and pantry, while off the kitchen, an open stairway leads to a basement kids’ hangout and fitness area. The center of the home, a large space with a sunken living room and assorted seating areas, required a level floor; existing architectural elements, including a freestanding fireplace and massive brick walls, along with new vertical wood screens, were employed to clearly delineate the entry foyer, living room and dining room. The wood screens, repeated throughout the home, create a sense of intrigue while also clarifying circulation patterns. Bedrooms and bathrooms, along with a private guest suite, were organized along one side of the home, providing private family quarters and a separate space for grandparents and/or guests to reside in proximity. The rear of the home was refreshed with larger windows designed to open the rooms and provide natural light; the mid-century home renovation includes modern amenities such as tankless water heaters and updated finishes and furnishings throughout. Due to budget constraints, minimal changes were made to the kitchen.