DesignersTouch

Designers ■Touch

By MOLLY GOLUBCOW

KNOWN AS “THE HOUSE OF SEVEN GABLES” AND BUILT ALMOST 80 YEARS AGO, IT WAS ORIGINALLY DESIGNED AS AN ENGLISH TUDOR. THERE ARE BREATHTAKING OCEAN VIEWS FROM EVERY ROOM. IT HAS BEEN RECONFIGURED TO FEATURE A GREAT ROOM WITH A VAULTED BREAKFAST ROOM AND A LIBRARY. THE STYLISH EXTERIOR IS HIGHLIGHTED BY THE ORIGINAL GRANITE AND BRICK. THERE ARE THREE EN SUITES WITH MARBLE BATHROOMS AND A FULL BATH OFF 1ST FLOOR BEDROOM. BEAUTIFULLY DECORATED

BY JIM LOGUE FROM FINISHING TOUCH THIS HOUSE IS TRULY A REMARKABLE RENOVATION WITH TREMENDOUS WARMTH, CHARACTER AND LIVABILITY.

Interior designer Jim Logue and home renovator Debra Buchalski

Accent colors and wooden finials and fabric swatches, oh my!

When decorating your home, there are so many directions to take it can make your head spin. Rather than get frustrated, or even worse, select color uncoordinated pillows, seeking help from experienced professionals is an option worth looking into. In the Atlantic City area, Finishing Touch in Northfield and the East End Gallery in Margate can help you decorate your home. Whether you have a cozy condo or spacious split-level, experts from both of these shops are ready to share their design ideas with you.

Although some may feel that using a designer may be too expensive, the end result may be worth the price. According to Finishing Touch owner and designer, Carrie Becker, “There is a perception that when you work with a designer it will be outrageously expensive. At Finishing Touch, we focus on design and affordability and have our finger on the pulse of upcoming trends in the design industry.”

Many Finishing Touch clients seek advice when decorating their homes at the shore. Jim Logue, member of the Finishing Touch design team says, “Gone are the days of peach and sea foam. I see clients who want a more sophisticated design as opposed to just nautical décor.” In addition to style, Logue notices that clients are turning to a greener and more organic

look and feel. Products made from natural materials such as sea grass and rush are in demand and, coincidentally, compliment the surrounding shore area.

Another plus offered by Finishing Touch is the fact that their designers pride themselves by never imposing their tastes on clients. Logue, whose comes with an extensive background in retail fashion for Gucci and Saks, tries to understand his clients and their sense of style. Logue explains, “Sometimes I look at clients and study what they wear – the hand bag they carry, colors, accessories, and put it together to get a sense of their style. After all, interior design is like clothing for your house.”

In addition to Finishing Touch, the East End Gallery is another avenue available for decorating ideas. The small but mighty shop in Margate is a treasure trove of fine art and crafts. Whether you are looking for a seascape painting for the living room, a funky, life-size wooden-slat sculpture of a mermaid, or a whimsical glass fish for your coffee table, the East End Gallery offers a wonderful selection of one of a kind and limited edition art pieces.

Gallery owner, Janet Cooper, selects not only works by established artists,

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but emerging artists as well. In addition, she is committed to showing the works of local artists who have ties to the South Jersey/Philadelphia area. By being selective in what she brings to the gallery, Cooper creates a special relationship between the artists and her customers — like a matchmaker using her skills to know what art piece will suit and please her customer. According to Cooper, “This is a small, but close community that expects unique art whether they come in just to look and enjoy or to buy.”

In addition to individuals looking for help when decorating their homes, realtors and builders may seek the expert eyes of interior design specialist as well. Remarkable Renovations is a perfect example of design and designers intersecting in the business world.

Guided by the vision and determination of Debra Buchalski, Remarkable Renovations takes outdated houses (what some see as “teardowns”) and transforms them into elegant and modern beach getaways. In many cases, Remarkable Renovations decorates homes to the last detail — window treatments, accessories, art, and even the sheets and towels. Buchalski knows that some clients are not interested in the minutia of design.

They want to move right in and start enjoying their new home without the hassles of decorating it themselves.

According to Buchalski, “We let the houses talk to us and develop them into the best possible new homes with old world charm. “When a house “speaks” to Buchalski, she immediately builds a tiger team of experts to help her perform renovating and decorating magic. Currently, Finishing Touch and Remarkable Renovations are working together on their fourth house at the shore. “I was fortunate to work with Finishing Touch on my first project and we’ve enjoyed a great relationship ever since.

Their designers are excellent and respond to the unique character of each house with creativity, specific timing, and attention to detail.” By teaming up with experienced and talented people in design and renovation, Buchalski strives to “...preserve the historic splendor of the Jersey Shore... one house at a time.”

Wall paper or paint? Abstract painting or traditional seascape? Interior design questions can be never ending, but you are not alone on this journey. Remember, a design SWAT team (or more accurately SWATCH Team) is always on call at Finishing Touch and East End Gallery. Armed with color wheels and measuring tape, designers stand ready at all times to help you answer your every design question. ■

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Finally... Spring!

OFF THE WALL WITH JANE GOLDEN

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MR. ATLANTIC CITY

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