Project Squaw Brook: Renovation Rooted in Family and Function

North Haledon, NJ

THE STARTING POINT

With two growing daughters who were quickly outgrowing their shared space — and with no true home office for me to work from each day — it finally felt like the right time to take on the renovation we had been dreaming about since the day we moved in.

Part One of this project focused on the upstairs: creating more functional square footage in an underused spare bedroom, enlarging the upstairs bathroom so it could actually serve two girls for years to come, and transforming an awkward hall closet into a super-functional laundry closet (a life-changing upgrade!).

After collaborating with my favorite local architect, Albert, we landed on the perfect new floor plan and construction strategy for opening up the space. Once the architectural plans were in place, I got to do what I love most — design. And because this was my own home, I allowed myself to be fully creative and imaginative, dreaming up the girls’ bedroom long before construction began.

The challenge was making limited space feel generous, organized, and personal — and the solution was one of my favorite design ideas yet: built-in bed nooks. These gave each daughter her own little sanctuary within their shared room. Under the front windows, I designed a full wall-to-wall double desk area with tons of storage and plenty of counter space for crafting, schoolwork, and creativity to unfold.

Another huge win was finding the perfect use for the tricky sloped-ceiling area: two identical step-in closets, one for each girl, tucked neatly across from one another.

And of course, the bathroom received a full gut and makeover — borrowing a bit of space from the attic so we could fit a double vanity that these soon-to-be teenagers will absolutely grow into.

Small blue-tiled shower stall with glass door and silver frame, located in a bathroom with tiled floor and white walls.
Empty attic room with sloped ceilings, a skylight window, and a small built-in cabinet. Contains a ceiling light and some tools in a toolbox on the floor.

THE TRANSFORMATION

For a construction project of this scale, I knew exactly who I wanted leading the charge: my favorite contractor — and dear friend — Brian of Groenewal Construction. Brian and I worked hand-in-hand throughout the renovation to make sure every detail was executed correctly, and together we navigated any little snags that naturally come with a project of this size.

Because every design decision and selection had been made upfront, the process moved forward smoothly — no change orders, no delays, just steady progress toward the home I had envisioned.

Once the upstairs was complete, we shifted our attention to the main floor, where two outdated bathrooms (one large bath and one powder room) were reimagined into two full bathrooms: a beautiful primary ensuite for my husband and I, and a refreshed hallway/guest bathroom for our family and visitors.

And then came the moment I had been dreaming about since first starting my business — turning the girls’ old bedroom into my very own home office for KRI. Designing this space for myself was a total joy. I thought through everything: from where each outlet needed to go for a hidden printer drawer, to maximizing storage for samples and supplies with the perfect mix of open shelving and concealed cabinetry.

But the most meaningful part of this space is the art wall. After my mom passed, I brought home several of her paintings but never knew exactly where they belonged. When I realized I was gaining a dedicated office, I knew instantly that this would be the place to honor her — a daily reminder of her love, creativity, and presence.

It felt like the perfect, heartfelt way to complete this renovation.

Modern bathroom with a glass shower enclosure, gold fixtures, and two pink checkered towels on gold hooks.
White bathroom vanity with two sinks and gold fixtures, including faucets and towel rings, set against a white wall with two arched mirrors and pink checkered towels. A plant and small decorative items are on the countertop, with beige and brown patt
A spacious attic bedroom with white walls and ceiling, beige carpeting, built-in pink beds with pillows on the left, a full-length mirror and small window with blinds in the center, and a long white desk with pink and green chairs on the right.
A cozy attic bedroom with two built-in beds under skylight windows, decorated with pink bedding, pillows, and a small shelf with a plant and picture frame.
Modern bathroom with a wooden vanity, white marble countertop, and brass fixtures, including a faucet and showerhead, with a potted plant on the counter and a large mirror above the vanity. The walk-in shower has a glass partition and beige tile wall
Bathroom vanity with a marble countertop, gold faucet, a potted green plant, and a large mirror reflecting a shower with a gold showerhead.
A modern bathroom with a glass-enclosed shower, a white toilet, a small wooden side table with a potted plant, a ceramic vase, and a framed landscape painting on the wall.
A cozy living room with a beige sofa, pink throw pillows, a wooden coffee table with a plant and books, a wall with framed artwork, a window with white shades, a desk with a computer, a beige armchair, and wooden shelves with decorative items and boo

THE REVEAL

The completion of this project was incredibly meaningful for me and my family. Our daughters now have a bedroom that is completely unique to them — thoughtfully designed, deeply customized, and ready to grow with them for years and years to come.

My husband and I finally gained our own primary ensuite, complete with a spacious shower, a double vanity, and even a perfectly designed makeup vanity just for me. Our son and guests also now have a fresh, functional bathroom that feels bright, updated, and welcoming.

And of course, seeing my fully realized KRI home office come together was truly a dream come true — a space designed with intention, purpose, and so much heart.

This home has meant so much to my husband’s family for generations. To be able to breathe new life into it — to honor its history while creating spaces that serve our family today — means the world to us.

Project Squaw Brook became a powerful reminder of what thoughtful design, well-planned construction, and a trusted collaborative team can accomplish. It was a joy, a challenge, and ultimately a gift to reimagine our home in a way that supports the life we’re building inside it.

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