Living Room Remodel in Ridgewood, NJ
Project Overview
Living room remodel in a 1960s split-level home. The room had dark wood paneling, worn carpet, and a dated brick fireplace. We refaced the fireplace, installed hardwood flooring, and updated the walls and lighting.
Analysis
Wood paneling covered all four walls and made the room feel dark and small. The carpet was original and had pet stains in the corner near the fireplace. The brick fireplace had a heavy, oversized mantel and no hearth extension. A single overhead light provided all illumination.
Process
Demolition of paneling and carpet took one day. Drywall repairs and priming took two days. Hardwood installation took three days, followed by sanding and finishing over two days. Fireplace refacing took two days. Lighting, trim, and paint completed in three days.
Outcome
The room is dramatically brighter with white walls and recessed lighting. The oak hardwood adds warmth and durability. The refaced fireplace with stone veneer and a simpler mantel serves as a clean focal point. New trim throughout gives a finished, cohesive look.
Project Details
Materials Used
Red oak 3/4-inch solid hardwood flooring (site-finished with 3 coats of Bona water-based poly), stone veneer (ledgestone in gray tones) for fireplace refacing, new oak mantel, Sherwin Williams Pure White wall paint, six 4-inch LED recessed lights, new window casing and baseboard trim.
Methods & Techniques
Paneling removed and drywall inspected. Existing drywall underneath was in fair condition with minor repairs needed. Flooring: old carpet and pad removed, subfloor inspected and prepped. Hardwood nailed down with a flooring nailer, sanded, and finished on-site. Fireplace: mantel removed, stone veneer applied with thin-set and grouted.
Key Highlights
Wood paneling removed, oak hardwood site-finished, fireplace refaced with stone veneer, six recessed lights, new trim and casing.