When the owners of a 1950s ranch-style East Hampton home wanted to transition from a traditional beach-inspired, weathered design to a modern haute habitat, they foresaw it would require extensive interior and exterior renovations. They believed leveling the original house was the only way to achieve the contemporary home of their dreams. But Mark Stumer, principal designer at Mojo Stumer Associates in Greenvale, was quick to recognize the structure’s solid bones. “The client was very skeptical and was moving into the direction of tearing it down. We thought just the opposite and convinced them to give us a shot to renovate it,” he said.

Related Content: The Necessary Art

The complete redesign started from the outside in. Dated shingles were removed, paving the way for a modern exterior that was enhanced by the addition of a zinc roof and zinc panels along the façade. Stumer balanced the metal with warm woods elements: a cedar trellis screen wall that hides the garage entrance, a tongue-and-groove jointed cedar clapboard and a wood deck.

Down the hallway is a staircase to the home’s second floor bedrooms and a balcony that overlooks the open plan below. image: mark stumer

As the exterior work commenced, Stumer remained mindful of the interior. “The concept behind this design was to frame the interior as if it was an old barn contrasting it with modern interior finishes to match its contemporary exterior.” To make the most of the modest-sized footprint, existing interior walls were demoed. The renovated double-height entry, living room, dining room and kitchen flow seamlessly, evoking an airy yet welcoming ambience reminiscent of a loft. The master bedroom on the first floor was aligned with an in-ground pool. And the three additional bedrooms on the second floor, as well as a balcony, were incorporated into the design overlooking the open plan below.

“Our goal for this [space] was to have an open plan to hold activity for the kitchen, dining room and living room. By removing the walls, we were able to accomplish the overall concept of a large loft-like style. With this, it creates a well-balanced visual circulation throughout the interior.” The open plan also called for plenty of natural sunlight. Stumer took full advantage by installing numerous floor-to-ceiling windows.

A mixture of exposed reclaimed wood beams and metal marries natural and industrial elements. The hard metallic surface of the brushed stainless steel tabletop contrasts the warmth of the hardwood floors, beams and kitchen design. image: mark stumer

Keeping the interior design restrained similarly added to the illusion of more space. “Minimalist design goes a long way because it provides for a spacious inviting feeling without distracting from the beautiful furnishings.”

The exposed reclaimed wood beams and metal serve to melt natural and industrial elements throughout the inside of the home. The kitchen table speaks true to this concept. The brushed stainless steel tabletop’s hard metallic surface contrasts the warmth of the hardwood floors, beams and kitchen. Stumer chose an oak wood as the base of the dining room table, matching the beams as closely as possible in order to create an aesthetically pleasing flow throughout the space. Its tapered legs also make the table more visually appealing and less predictable.

The frosted glass partition creates separation to the dining room and entryway without losing the open concept feel. The partition was designed to be wall height to match the kitchen cabinetry allowing the architectural details to be viewed throughout the entire space. image: mark stumer

The result of this year-long renovation? “A contemporary and detail-oriented design,” Stumer said. “It is a great example of how modern state-of-the-art architecture can be realized, but still have a warm inviting interior.”