Courtney Rombough Architecture

One of our goals as a company this year has been to do a better job sharing the messy process of a remodel. The sketches, framing, structural changes, cabinet installation, and the hundreds of decisions that happen between the first idea and the finished photos.

This project is a great example of what’s possible in an older house.

The original kitchen was small and tucked away from the rest of the home. By reworking the layout, opening up the structure, adding a vaulted ceiling, and bringing in more natural light, we were able to create a kitchen, pantry, and mudroom that feel like they’ve always belonged here.

The homeowners had a clear vision, and the builder, cabinetmaker, and design team all brought their expertise to the table. Together, we transformed the heart of the house into a space that works beautifully for the way this family lives today.

Swipe through to see some of the behind-the-scenes moments that made these final photos possible.

Builder:

Cabinetry + Design:

Finish Selections:

Photography: .veith

Architecture:

This garage transformation completely changed the way these homeowners use their property.

The original garage was so small that it couldn’t fit a modern-day car, making it more of a storage shed than a functional garage. Working with the local Historic Preservation Commission, we received approval to rebuild it with a larger footprint while maintaining a design that feels appropriate for the historic character of the property.

The new structure comfortably fits two cars, provides space for workouts and hobbies, and opens directly to the backyard, creating a connection between indoor and outdoor living.

Sometimes the most impactful additions aren’t attached to the house at all. By reimagining this underutilized garage, these homeowners gained what feels like an entirely new room and a much more functional property.

Builder:

HomeAddition ResidentialArchitecture BeforeAndAfter RomboughArchitecture

A few years ago, during the pandemic, I helped a family remodel their attic in Montclair. I was sad when they decided to move, so it felt very full circle when the new homeowners reached out about remodeling the second floor and kitchen.

Attics are always one of the trickiest parts of a house to design because you’re constantly dealing with ceiling slopes and head height at every turn. It’s one of those projects where the 3D model really becomes invaluable because you can actually understand how the spaces will feel before construction starts. in this project, we removed the small dormer on the back of the house and added a bigger one so we could get a larger bag with a tub in front of windows looking into the backyard.

Swipe to see how the house is evolving over time.

RomboughArchitecture BeforeAndAfter

Just wrapped up a really fun remodel + mudroom addition collaboration with

Zack and I worked together a lot when our businesses were just getting started about a decade ago, but it’s been a while. It felt so good to be back working together with him and Camille again.

Such a fun project. Love how this one came together.
Swipe to see a bit of the process.

Contractor:
Architect:
Interior Designer:
Cabinets:
Appliances:
Photos: .veith

Before & after of a first floor renovation we recently wrapped up with Elemental Interiors and Gary Stoddart’s team 🤍

This one was less about adding square footage and more about rethinking how everything connects. We opened up the kitchen, brought in more light, added a pantry + work zone, and created better flow to the backyard with a new deck and doors.

A lot of small moves that really add up:
• relocating windows to work better with the kitchen
• carving out a coffee bar that can be closed away behind retractable cabinet doors
• adding a mudroom + powder room
• turning leftover space into a little workstation nook

The goal was to make the house feel calmer, brighter, and easier to live in day to day.

Grateful for great clients who trusted the process and an awesome team who brought it to life 🤍

Interiors: Elemental Interiors
Builder:
Architecture:
Photography: Michael Marmora
Appliances: Designer Appliances | NJ & NY’s Appliance Experts

It was a pleasure working with Lucas from on this one.

Reimagining unused attic space is one of my favorite things to do. What was once just volume is now a bright, functional room for kids, work, or guests, with a new egress window bringing in southern light.

I’m always in favor of making the most of the space you already have before building out.

@ #
atticremodel
📸: .romans.firth

Behind the scenes peek at this kitchen and family room addition.

The original kitchen was small and tucked into the dark north corner of the house. That space is now a mudroom, powder room, and hallway leading to the new kitchen and family room.

The new space is open, lighter, and brighter. Designed for gathering, cooking, and making memories together.

Team:

Interior Design: .co

Photography:

Builder:

Architect:

Structural Engineering:

Styling help: .romans.firth

Appliances:


RomboughArchitecture ArchiMom MontclairArchitect GlenRidgeNJ LocalArchitect NJArchitect ArchDaily LifeOfAnArchitect MontclairNJ ResidentialArchitecture KitchenDesign HomeAddition HistoricHomes NJHomes DesignBuild BeforeAndAfter

Another behind-the-scenes post about a Montclair kitchen remodel. The existing kitchen was small and chopped up, and the floors needed to be leveled. The homeowners wanted to absorb the back den into the kitchen and vault the ceiling to create a space their family could actually live in.

Mid-construction we made the call to add high triangular windows to bring in even more light, and it completely changed the feel of the room.

The homeowner absolutely nailed the finishes. And as always, such a pleasure working with RJ and cabinets to bring it all together.

ArchitectLife

Got to do something very cool today.

There’s a warehouse in Hackensack where they project your floor plans on the floor at full scale so you can literally walk through your remodel before it’s built.

We tested it with one of our current projects and stood in the powder room talking through where the sconces should actually land with the interior designer. Seeing it at full scale changes / clsrifies the conversation completely. I love what we’re able to show our clients with virtual 3-D models, but I feel like this could also help homeowners before they commit to spending a lot of money to big decisions.

I’m thinking this might become a standard step in my process.

Also just really fun to connect with other local architects, designers and contractors who care this much about getting the details right.

Very cool stuff.
.romans.firth

FullScale

One small upside of this arctic blast is skating on Edgemont Pond with the kids

I used to skate here every winter when I was little. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen it open like this.

We lasted just long enough to make a lap and take a photo. That was about it.

Still pretty special.