Expertise: Roofing

New Jersey presents an interesting landscape for home design. Centered between New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., the area is hungry for the latest and greatest—feeding off of the innovation and modernization within the state and its surrounding communities. Yet, New Jersey has a history dating all the way back to the founding of this country, promoting a housing market filled with historical homes, especially in Southern New Jersey.

This dichotomy leads many homeowners to seek traditional elements with a modern flair, combining the best of both worlds to create a timeless home design.

With a unique skillset and plenty of experience working with historic homes right here in South Jersey, the folks at Daniel Robert Remodeling are experts in adding modern takes on traditional home elements from fireplaces to freestanding tubs and more.

House & Home spoke to Ken Huffman, lead carpenter at Daniel Robert Remodeling, to learn more about how to combine modern and traditional elements together to create a cohesive design.

Can modern and traditional elements coexist?
Modern and traditional elements can coexist and lend themselves to creating a beautiful aesthetic. We try to make sure that with each design our work reflects the character of a home and its homeowners. First and foremost, when working on historic homes, we are dedicated to protecting the artisanship and craftsmanship of those who helped give these homes their own unique 'personalities.' I've personally worked with historical societies and commissions to educate not only myself, but also the homeowners, on the best practices in terms of restoration and preservation.

When preparing to renovate a historic or older home, how can modern elements be incorporated without losing that historical feel?
At Daniel Robert Remodeling, it's very important we tackle our renovations with proper, modern and efficient products. Although I love finding old newspapers in walls and seeing how much a Buick cost in 1968, shortcuts and outdated techniques are not doing anyone any good these days. We use innovative products behind and in front of walls to ensure your home is a timeless work of art. One of the biggest ways we do this is through the use of new products—like faucets and light fixtures that have vintage décor looks to them but are also energy efficient.

With lifestyles changing over the generations, how do living habits influence home design?
As we have seen over the last few decades, technology innovations can make our home—and lives—more efficient. For example, many houses were built without laundry rooms or only had space for laundry in a cold, dark basement. As lives take on a busier pace and convenience is more sought after, we are finding and creating solutions for that, adapting our home design plans to better fit the needs and wants of homeowners. Among the most requested options are larger showers and well-organized spaces that make it easy to get ready for the day. Functionality, ease of use and aesthetics are at the forefront of most homeowners' dream spaces, so we work to incorporate those elements into each design we work on.

How can traditional elements be modernized to fit a more present day look and use?
Color and functionality are helpful tools in making the traditional look more modern. We recently completed a project on a fireplace that serves as a great example of this. Adding in a black palette, contrasting against the white walls of the home and installing a modern, gas fireplace into the wall brought a classy, contemporary look into the home. These alterations helped to complete our customer's modern aesthetic, and still provide warmth and a focal point to the room.
This modernization isn't isolated to the living room as a more modern freestanding tub can actually look vintage with the use of surrounding vintage tile.

Why should homeowners choose Daniel Robert Remodeling for their home improvement projects?
I can honestly and wholeheartedly say that when I decided to join Daniel Robert a few years ago, it was the best decision I could have made. Having been in the trades for over 25 years, it's rare to find a company as friendly and family oriented as Daniel Robert.

Daniel Robert Remodeling
(833) 326-4350 | DanielRobertRemodeling.com

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 25, Issue 3 (Spring 2025)
For more info on House & Home magazine, click here.
To subscribe to House & Home magazine, click here.
To advertise in House & Home magazine, call 610-272-3120.