An Avalon summer haunt breaks free from “spec”-house design with originality and a bright, cheerful vibe.
FEATURES
THE
HOUSE THAT LOVE BUILT | 20
An engaged couple sought a clean break from their individual styles with a Florham Park home they would create together—with a designer’s help, of course.
REVOLUTION IN RIDGEWOOD | 26
A few years ago, this Tudor-style home’s traditional design was good enough to be shown on TV. That was then—this is now.
TUDOR REFRESH | 32
An old Millburn home needed a new look, but it also demanded respect for its classic architectural features.
An Avalon home gets a cheerful vibe thanks to designer Karen B. Wolf. Photo by Jacob Snavely.
DEPARTMENTS
GUIDE | 9
What’s up, what’s new and what to do.
ASK THE EXPERTS | 12
Interior designers answer your questions about matching kitchen cabinets, decorating around headboards and mixing patterns.
STYLE WATCH | 14
The only thing cooler than the slopes is the après-ski style.
HOT STUFF | 16
Win or lose won’t matter with these stylish sets.
FINISHING
TOUCH | 56
The space beneath your stairs can be transformed into storage, décor or a cozy oasis with the right built-in.
20 26 32 16
IT HELPS TO ACT EARLY
WHEN A HOME DOWN IN AVALON WHISPERS THE SAME LESSON you’re hearing from a house up in Florham Park, it pays to listen. As you’ll read on page 20, the owners of a new property in the latter town made the “brilliant” decision to bring in their designer, Jean Herron, before their home was even built. That early-bird approach allowed them to visit the showroom and model homes in their new “55+” community and identify which design choices they wanted to emulate—and which to deviate from. One payoff? A kitchen backsplash in dazzling periwinkle blue. That six-bedroom coastal colonial in Avalon (page 38) was to be the second home of a Maryland couple who wanted a place on the Jersey Shore—and hoped to avoid predictable sameness. (I’ll admit that a mischievous part of me keeps waiting to read about the family that says, “We’d like a cookie-cutter home, please.”) The goal here was to give a tip of the bathing cap to the nearby ocean without being flooded by a tsunami of coastal clichés. That’s why the owners brought in designer Karen Wolf “to basically work with them from the ground up.” Again foresight in the partnership worked—they love the feeling of “sunshine and mimosa” Wolf achieved.
We also feature two Tudor homes, and here the lesson wasn’t so much to act early as to combine respect for what’s old with a bold (yet simpatico) approach to what’s new. In a four-bedroom 1930s Millburn home (page 32), designer Liz Curry wisely took cues from a freshly repaired and refinished leaded window in the living room and the “high contrast” of the original wooden beams. “Many of our decisions,” says Curry, “were based on their dark tones.” In a four-bedroom Ridgewood Tudor (page 26), “what’s old” included a design once stellar enough to be featured on a TV design show—but now reaching its sell-by date. Designer Linda Granert honored her clients’ wish for a gray-and-white kitchen, and a skylight was another highlight—along with Shaker-style cabinets and grass cloth flanking the fireplace.
As with every NJ Home, this issue abounds in ideas that may trigger your own thinking. A design feature that sounds good enough to eat? That’s Mocha Mousse, Pantone’s “Color of the Year” (page 7). And speaking of eating, what’s hot for the kitchen? (Page 10.) In “Ask the Experts” on page 12, designers tackle the age-old questions of how to mix and when to match. (When you see the phrase “matchy-matchy,” it’s a safe bet you’ve entered the pejorative zone. It’s like “cookie-cutter.”) On page 14, experience the look—and comfy feel—of ski-lodge life. Finally, in Finishing Touch (56), see that that odd-shaped space below the stairs and its accompanying wall are actually an invitation to creativity. Is that the warming of spring we begin to feel, in our hearts and in the Jersey air? Or are we, perhaps, a tad early?
Editor In Chief RITA GUARNA
Creative Director STEPHEN M. VITARBO
Senior Associate Editor DARIUS AMOS
Assistant Editor KIRSTEN MEEHAN
Contributing Editors
DONNA ROLANDO, NAYDA RONDON, MICHELLE SYLVESTER
Contributing Photographers
VICTORIA ALFONZO, RAQUEL LANGWORTHY, AIMEE RYAN, JACOB SNAVELY
Publishing Staff
Publisher THOMAS FLANNERY
Advertising Account Executives
PENNY BOAG, JODI BRUKER, CHRISTIE COLVILLE, KIM FIO RIO, MARY LIMA, PEARL LISS
Marketing, Digital & Operations
Director Of Marketing & Digital Media
NIGEL EDELSHAIN
Director of Operations
CATHERINE ROSARIO
Advertising Services Director
JACQUELYNN FISCHER
Circulation Manager
KATHLEEN WENZLER
Production Artist CHRIS FERRANTE
Accounting
KASIE CARLETON, URSZULA JANECZKO, BRUCE LIBERMAN, STEVEN RESNICK
Office Manager MARIA MARTUCCI
Published by
Chairman CARROLL V. DOWDEN
President & CEO MARK DOWDEN
Senior Vice Presidents
LIZETTE CHIN, RITA GUARNA
Vice Presidents
NIGEL EDELSHAIN, THOMAS FLANNERY, NOELLE HEFFERNAN, MARIA REGAN, STEVEN RESNICK
NJ Home (Volume 8 Issue 1 Feb/March 2025) (USPS#PP 13) is published bimonthly (Feb/ March, April/May, June/July, Sept, Oct/Nov, Dec/ Jan) by Wainscot Media, One Maynard Dr., Ste 2104, Park Ridge, NJ 07656. Periodicals postage pending at Mahwah, NJ, and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Wainscot Media, One Maynard Dr., Ste 2104, Park Ridge, NJ 07656.
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PHOTO BY HEATHER SWARTZ
WATCH YOUR STEP
What’s underfoot can make as much of a design impact as the paint on the walls and the furnishings in the room. That’s one reason why many of us spend hours flipping through rug samples at big-box furniture stores. But doesn’t shopping off-the-rack rugs sometimes feel like a shell game?
Luxury carpet and rug manufacturer Stark has unveiled a new Custom-Sized Rugs program so that consumers can get exactly what they want; 27 exclusive designs in varied colors, materials and styles can be tailored down to the exact measurement needed to fit one’s space. Not sure which to choose? Try a sample for a small fee before you order! See the selection at starkcarpet.com.
THE GUIDE
What’s up, what’s new and what to do.
COOL + CLASSIC COLLAB
Interior designer, author and entertaining guru Athena Calderone has once again joined forces with Crate & Barrel on a line of furniture that showcases her classic yet modern aesthetic. The collection draws inspiration from Calderone’s New York City home, which features timeless silhouettes and rich color palettes of the 1930s. There are more than 90 new pieces of furniture, décor and textiles, each meant to elevate any space. For instance, there’s the Onirique metal and alabaster lamp with its intricate geometry, a characteristic of ’30s Art Deco, and the Rodin dining side chair in timeless velvet upholstery. View the complete collection at crateandbarrel.com.
SOUNDS TASTY
The millennial-focused (but appealing to everyone) company Joybird is teaming up with Carlstadt-based color authority Pantone on an exclusive furniture collection featuring Pantone’s Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse. The Joybird x Pantone line spotlights the brand’s top-selling performance fabric, Royale, in the soft, brown hue. Mocha Mousse, Pantone says, “nurtures with its suggestion of the delectable quality of cacao, chocolate and coffee, appealing to our desire for comfort.” The pieces—there are around 300—include sleeper sofas, sectionals, modulars and chairs decked out in Pantone’s neutral tone. The collection’s at joybird.com.
MARCH HOME SALES
After a long stretch of uncertainty, real estate experts expect the market to enter a period of stabilization in 2025, both nationally and in state. “New Jersey should see more inventory than in the last few years,” says Lisa Motisi, real estate agent at Re/Max Neighborhood Properties in Montville. “This will lead to a better balance of supply and demand. Therefore, the number of home sales will likely increase compared to last year.” Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, check these stats from 2024 to guide you:
12,371
Number of single-family homes for sale, down 13 percent from 2023.
3,189
Number of single-family homes closed, down 19.56 percent from the previous year.
6,191
New listings for single-family homes, down 11.1 percent from the same month in 2023.
$645,059
Average sales price of a singlefamily home, up 12.8 percent from March 2023.
43
Average number of days on the market, down 10.4 percent from the year before.
Source: New Jersey Association of Realtors
MUST-READS
• Clean lines, sweeping angles and lots of glass—you know mid-century modern architecture when you see it, and it’s iconic for a reason. Atlas of Mid-Century Modern Masterpieces (Phaidon, $150) provides a comprehensive tour of these marvels. Author Dominic Bradbury surveys 450 buildings and structures, including North American skyscrapers, modest African churches and iconic Australian swimming pools.
• Globetrotting designer Rodman Primack’s words come to life in the pages of Love How You Live: Adventures in Interior Design (Phaidon, $65). Primack takes readers through 13 international projects (including both of his own homes), each filled with the textures, patterns and bold colors that make his style so distinctive. This immersive volume appeared on many “Best of the Year” lists.
• Parenthood changes the way we live, as Jeffrey Alan Marks knows. In his newest book, This Is Home (Rizzoli, $55), the designer, star of TV’s Million Dollar Decorators and new dad spotlights 10 homes (including his East and West coast dwellings) that truly reflect the way their owners live. Each space combines his California roots with his English training, resulting in homes that are dramatic but always comfortable.
YOUR NEXT PROJECT STARTS HERE
Are you itching to begin a home reno project? Ready to give your yard a breath of new life? Or maybe you’re just looking to browse what’s new. Whatever is driving you, you’ll find the latest and greatest of all things home and garden, plus exclusive access to designers and professionals, at these upcoming home shows:
• Feb. 22–23, Long Island Home Show, Brentwood, N.Y. A drive to Long Island will take you to this show, which features a special outdoor living showcase with landscaping, pergolas and outdoor kitchens.
•Feb. 28-March 2, Jersey Home & Garden Show, Edison. In Middlesex County, you can enjoy a weekend of unique shopping opportunities, over 100 vendors, access of dozens of kitchen and bath professionals and beautiful feature gardens.
• March 15–16, Westchester County Spring Home Show, White Plains, N.Y. This show always draws a crowd, with more than 100 exhibitors and experts in everything from window treatments to shelf organization.
• April 5–6, Long Island Spring Home Show, Uniondale, N.Y. In case you missed the first one, this show makes a springtime return with the same great spread of experts, plus more.
DESIGN TO THE RESCUE
A good interior designer can totally change a space, true—but a changed space also can totally change a life. George Oliphant of NBC’s George to the Rescue teamed up with Chatham-based interior designer Megan Pisano to create a safe, healthy environment for Hailey Fruhschein, a 4-year-old with a rare neurological disorder called Jordan’s syndrome, and her entire family.
In the skilled hands of Oliphant and Pisano, with help from contractor Jeff Silverberg, the Fruhscheins’ basement was transformed into a space tailored for Hailey’s therapy and developmental needs, while environmental concerns were addressed by removing and mitigating possible asthma triggers. Pisano’s design balances function and joy—the soothing neutral colors of the walls and sectional stop anything from becoming overwhelming, while whimsical touches such as a leopard motif maintain a youthful feeling. The basement also includes a built-in playhouse for Hailey, filled with bright colors and soft pillows. Says Michelle Fruhschein, Hailey’s mom: “We couldn’t have pictured a better space for our family to grow.”
This episode can be found on George to the Rescue’s YouTube page.
PLAYING FAVORITES
What’s a home-design expert’s most treasured piece of home décor for her own home?
Here’s what three Garden State designers can’t live without:
“I love the décor that has meaning to me, like a silver tray with six bold, gemstonecolored Baccarat glasses on it, a wedding gift from my husband. I also can’t get enough of the antiques, art and paintings collected during my five years in Europe. I describe my personal favorite style as ‘eclectic.’ I always try to encourage my young clients to buy things that catch their eye and move their hearts in their travels.”
—Jennifer Watty, Jennifer Watty Interior Design, Mountainside
“The open layout and natural light are by far the standout features of my home. I particularly appreciate how the kitchen flows seamlessly into the family room, creating a sense of connection between the spaces. This design is perfect for hosting, as it allows everyone to be part of the action, whether we’re entertaining guests or simply spending time as a family. The open layout fosters interaction and creates an inviting atmosphere, letting us effortlessly welcome loved ones into our home and enjoy quality time together.”
—Maryan Ibrahim, J Vera
HOT IN THE KITCHEN
Thinking about redoing your kitchen in 2025? Before you start knocking down walls and pulling down cabinets, look at what’s trending for this busiest room of the house. Here are three themes from fall’s High Point Market, the twice-a-year home-furnishings industry trade show in North Carolina:
• Mix old and new. Today’s kitchen needs modern bells and whistles, but a few vintage pieces always add character. At High Point, vendors showed how vintage-inspired items blend seamlessly with modern kitchen styles. Your space may have clean lines and sleek surfaces, but vintage décor (either practical or decorative) can break things up nicely. Think antique copper pots, old butcher’s block and vintage stools.
• Light it up. Lighting illuminates, of course—and also sets a mood. Big, bold statement lights are popular, and these oversized fixtures will give your kitchen the spotlight it deserves. Large pendant lights come in a variety of finishes and styles, so there’s something for anyone who wants to upgrade their fixtures. At High Point, Sharon Sherman of Wyckoff’s Thyme & Place Design noted in her online blog that Beacon Lighting had “stunning new options,” and Hubbardton Forge’s flexible lighting system was a standout, using modular lighted disks that can be arranged in countless ways.
• Spice up the space. Earthy cinnamon was the star shade of High Point. Not quite Benjamin Moore’s 2025 Color of the Year, Cinnamon Slate, or Pantone’s choice of Mocha Mousse, cinnamon is a warm hue that adds quiet luxury and sophistication to a kitchen—or any room. “Add a hint of gold or bronze to bring out its warmth and depth,” says Sherman. “From fabrics to accessories, this color’s appeal will carry it well into the new year, making it a go-to choice for stylish, transformative spaces.”
“My husband and I purchased our first home in 2018, and I have been gradually updating it from all builder-grade finishes to my own aesthetic. The one area that I am very happy with is my living room. I updated the millwork, paint and fireplace, refinished the floors and sourced warm furnishings and window treatments, and I love them. They make the room feel relaxed and inviting, which is needed after a hard day of being a mom of one (with another on the way!) and a full-time business owner.”
why not focus on the outside walls? To give your house a fresh look this spring, try a new color—or better yet, a combination of hues—that’s not only subtle and elegant, but also reflects your personality. Paint pro Benjamin Moore, based in Montvale, suggests these color combos:
—This light neutral for the home has a green undertone and pairs well with deep blue: Body—Carrington Beige HC93; Trim—China White OC-141; Accent—Lucerne AF-530
—Offer a warm welcome to visitors with this main color, which has a rosy undertone: Body—Morrel AF-125; Trim— Stonington Gray HC-170; Accent—Kendall Charcoal HC-166
—This color has subtle blue undertones for an inviting exterior, especially when paired with bold hues: Body—Horizon OC-53; Trim—Ashwood Moss 1484; Accent—Wasabi AF-430
—For a natural look, this earthy hue is a great alternative to charcoal gray. Body—Hampshire Gray HC-101; Trim— November Rain OC-50; Accent—Boreal Forest AF-480
WISDOM SHARED
To match kitchen cabinets, or not to match? Can patterns be mixed without chaos? And what’s suitable company for that imposing headboard? Designers opine.
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO DECORATE THE WALL SPACE ABOVE A TALL HEADBOARD?
Focus on enhancing the headboard’s presence with artwork or mirrors that complement its height and design. Hanging a large, dramatic piece of artwork or a series of framed prints above the headboard creates a balanced, cohesive look that draws the eye upward and emphasizes the headboard as a focal point in the room. Choose pieces that reflect the room’s style, whether it’s bold, abstract art for a contemporary feel or classic landscapes for a more traditional look. For a more minimalist or modern touch, a single large mirror centered above the headboard can create the illusion of space while reflecting light and adding depth.
To further enhance the headboard’s visual impact, consider the placement and size of the artwork. Oversized art pieces or mirrors can help to maintain proportion and scale in the room, especially if the headboard itself is very tall. A set of smaller, framed prints or a symmetrical arrangement can also be visually appealing, creating a gallery-like effect that complements the headboard without overwhelming it. Lighting can also play a role—consider adding sconces or pendant lights beside the headboard to highlight the art and create a warm, inviting ambiance. This approach brings both style and function to the space while drawing attention to the headboard in an elegant way.
SHOULD THE KITCHEN ISLAND MATCH THE OTHER CABINETRY?
There is no rule—it’s all up to personal preference, tolerance for multiple colors, and what colors and materials work best in the space. Each project is different. In fact, the base cabinets do not have to match the upper wall cabinets either. Mix it up! But, if you prefer a matched look, that’s OK too.
Some scenarios where the island does not match the rest of the kitchen:
• The main cabinets are painted and the island is stained. Stained wood is more durable and easier to touch up, especially if there are seats at the island where the back might be kicked. Once, in a painted kitchen, we installed the wood flooring material up the back of a peninsula for protection.
• Use the island to introduce a pop of color in an otherwise neutral kitchen, especially when you worry that that color would be too much in the entire room.
• You fall in love with two cabinet colors and can’t decide—use both!
• You feel that a one-color kitchen might be boring.
MIXING PATTERNS IS AN ART FORM. ANY TIPS OR IDEAS?
Combining different patterns creates a layered look and adds texture and warmth for a comfortable, welcoming space. On my last showhouse room, a large family room off the kitchen, I used 14 different patterns and one solid! The patterns have to relate, but don’t have to be “matchy-matchy.” Between custom lampshades, throw pillows, upholstery, drapery fabric and trim (which isn’t just for draperies, but can go on pillows and skirts on club chairs, for example), there are many ways to use pattern.
Patterns add depth and dimension. They can be a way to pull in a color from another room, say, on a small chair.
I recommend that the patterns have one color in common to relate to one another for a thread that pulls it all together. The patterns don’t all have to have the same scale—you can play with that, depending on where it is going. Large patterns can work on drapery panels or a club chair. Plaid, stripes and a floral pattern can mix well together. A tone-on-tone pattern can also create texture on an upholstered sofa. A tone-on-tone chevron pattern in a chenille or velvet on an ottoman is also enticing.
Even in small space such as a dining area, you can use five patterns: one on the wallpaper, one on the drapery, one the chair covers, one on the placemats and one on the napkins. The possibilities are endless!
—Susan
Farcy, Associate ASID, Susan Farcy Interior Design, Wyckoff; susanfarcy.com
THE LODGE LIFE
The only thing cooler than the slopes is the après-ski style.
Shredding the trails of the French or Swiss Alps is a treat, but let’s face it: The real fun starts when you’re cozied up in the lodge, spritzer in one hand and your significant other clutching the other. That’s the après-ski life, the dreamy style associated with slopes and socializing, and it’s one that’s been embraced by Hollywood A-listers, business moguls and global jet-setters alike. Visualize fireplaces and heartwarming cocktails, designer sportswear and sporty jewelry. The color palette is bright orange, blue and white—hues one would find on the slopes—while a cherished wood-grain pattern is always present too. Everything about this style exudes pleasure, yet it’s smart and sophisticated. So, remember to have a little fun and don’t always take things so seriously.
From top, left to right: Breeo X Series smokeless firepit, The Home Depot, multiple locations; Koala 2.0 Super-Grip smartphone harness, hangtimegear. com; Breitling Endurance Pro 44 watch, breitling. com; the Champagnerhütte at Schlosshotel, Ischgl, Austria; Moncler apparel, Saks Fifth Avenue, East Rutherford, 201.559.7780; Rosemont L’Après-Ski Spiced Rum, distilleriedemontreal.com; Messika My Move orange tangerine leather bracelet, LaViano Jewelers, Westwood, 201.664.0616; 1991 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, buy.motorious.com.
ARBOR ARTISAN HANDCRAFTED WOODEN DARTS
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2025
“Color transmits and translates emotion.”
—Wassily Kandinsky
THE HOUSE THAT LOVE BUILT
An engaged couple sought a clean break from their individual styles with a Florham Park home they would create together—with a designer’s help, of course.
DESIGN by JEAN
HERRON DESIGN PHOTOGRAPHY
by
VICTORIA ALFONZO
TEXT by MICHELLE SYLVESTER
COVID DERAILED A COUPLE’S WEDDING BUT NOT their love story, which their new-construction Florham Park home reflects with a fresh look indicative of new beginnings.
Instead of a “mishmash” of their former styles, the man of the house says, “we wanted to get all new furnishings for the home and make it our place.” His wife—they have since tied the knot—recalls: “I was more French country, older French country, and he was more modern.”
Their new home is transitional and focused on the couple’s vision of bringing the outside in with greens and blues reminiscent of nature. There’s also a command performance by periwinkle blue, a precise hue their designer went to great lengths to obtain.
“It was important for both of us to have a place that we
Great for a couple that loves to entertain, this open layout reflects their newfound styles and a commitment to shades of blue and green that evoke nature. In the kitchen, periwinkle blue tiles played a pivotal role in the home’s color story.
This page: This marble fireplace with its white wood surround and watercolor art is the great room’s showstopper. Opposite: The garden room is a favorite refuge that boasts a connection with nature, starting with its pale green Bermuda Hemp wallcovering.
could call home and that resonated with both of us,” the husband says, drawing his wife’s affirmation: “It was nice to build it together.” That’s why their designer, Jean Herron of the eponymous Morristown firm, views their collaboration as “a labor of love.”
But dualing décors weren’t the only pitfall this couple hoped to avoid. They wanted their love story to reflect their tastes, and not a builder’s. Toward that end, Herron calls it “brilliant” that they brought her onboard well in advance of construction in 2021. This allowed her to visit the showroom and model homes, playing an integral part in design selections the builder would feature in this three-bedroom house, part of the Del Webb Florham Park 55+ active adult community.
The striking introduction of periwinkle blue subway tiles for the kitchen backsplash showed the extent of their willingness to depart
from developer’s showroom choices, which Herron described as neutral. At first it seemed that sourcing this tile would be easy. Herron spotted it in Architectural Digest with Martyn Lawrence Bullard’s design for TV host Melissa Rivers, and within 24 hours of contacting his staff, she had “all the details.” Yet when they found the tile, it looked nothing like they imagined. This led Herron on a months-long search that ended at Nemo Tile with a periwinkle they were proud to bring home.
To further contrast the kitchen’s white modified-Shaker cabinets, Herron chose that classic black-and-white combo in the industrial-themed pendants by Hinkley, Roman shades and island stools.
Yet periwinkle was the real punch for both the kitchen and the rest of the open-format living area. “Everything revolved
around the periwinkle blue,” Herron recalls. Other common threads are performance fabric and oak flooring.
In the dining area, blue-and-green striped chairs covered in Thibaut fabric stay true to the color palette, while a handmade chandelier by Fredrick Ramond adds a touch of the ornate over a taupe round table.
Almost surrounded by windows, the garden room, aka the sunroom, with its pale green Bermuda Hemp wallpaper by Phillip Jeffries, is a cozy breakfast haunt with textured chairs and faux leather ottomans. Herron exploits the connection with the outdoors with natural elements from Kravet: watercolor-effect shades and sky-blue pillows resembling a field of flowers. “I spend a lot of time in the sunroom,” says the husband. “I can sit inside in nature with the greenery, and the room also affords a great view of outside.”
In the great room, periwinkle blue emerges in Stanton’s Belladonna rug as well as a woven chair beside the star of the scene: the marble fireplace, topped with a serene waterscape on a wall covered in softblue vintage weave.
Fuchsia is the feminine touch that distinguishes the guest bedroom, from the bright flowerpots on gray nightstands to the artwork, including framed floral wallpaper from Phillip Jeffries. Yet it’s not a departure from this home’s blue hallmark, which remains in the glass lamps, Roman shades and textured bedding.
The silver-framed flowers on the master bathroom walls again show wallpaper-inspired art. The Schumacher pattern was too large to fit the space without costly waste, so it became art complementing Phillip Jeffries’s Solstice Silk in Violet Aura on the walls. The marbletopped vanity features polished chrome handles, because Herron believes “it’s the details that elevate the space.”
Today the couple has an enduring design for which their love hasn’t cooled. “We still comment to one another that we love our house,” the husband says. “It’s just a very cozy and comfy place to come to, and everybody who’s visited us has given us lots of compliments.”
Accomplishing all their goals, from entertainment ease to comfortable guest spaces, Herron gets their seal of approval. Says the wife: “She had some nice ideas for making it unique to us.”
This page: The master bathroom creates art from a Schumacher print, which harmonizes with the Violet Aura wallpaper. Opposite: Fuchsia is the surprise accent hue that the artwork proudly celebrates in the guest bedroom.
REVOLUTION IN RIDGEWOOD
A few years ago, this Tudor-style home’s traditional design was good enough to be shown on TV. That was then—this is now.
DESIGN by LINDA GRANERT, LINDA GRANERT
INTERIOR DESIGN
PHOTOGRAPHY by RAQUEL LANGWORTHY
TEXT by DONNA ROLANDO
With an upholstered accent chair for quiet moments, the revamped fireplace and bookshelves stand out as the living room’s focal point in this four-bedroom, Tudor-style home in Ridgewood. They fit the transitional style favored by the owner.
This page: Chosen for its rich gray tone and handy shelf, the Lexington Furniture coffee table pairs nicely with the living room’s custom sectional. Opposite: A Lucite table adorned with a metal tray and candlesticks elevates the back of the sectional.
ATUDOR-STYLE RIDGEWOOD
home’s moment of fame—on a television design show—had faded with time. That left a style quandary for the four-bedroom home’s “new” owner. After six years of living at odds with his home’s style, he called upon Linda Granert of the eponymous Midland Park design firm to transform the home with a look he preferred, consigning TV fame to history.
Granert quickly realized that the living room was Ground Zero in a style war between the owner’s transitional and the show’s traditional elements— floral wallpaper, mirrored tile and bright turquoise walls, for example.
A focal point in the living room is the fireplace, so Granert treated its flanking built-ins to Thibaut grass cloth. The grass cloth, which she calls a welcome alternative to floral wallpaper, delivers dimension to shelving niches. Because antique mirror tiles above the fireplace contributed neither warmth nor dimension, she worked with an art curator to procure the landscape painting that now ties in the warm brown of hardwood floors. Not a strong pattern, but a ribbed texture with sheen enhances the monochromatic Jaipur rug, she says.
Even varying shades of gray—from the walls to the Lexington coffee table —can use a good pop, and Granert delivered with navy and black pillows atop a Charles Stewart sectional and black-and-white graphic art. While the sectional is relaxed down to its performance fabric, its wood base adds sophistication. So does the Lucite table with woven-leather and metal stools, which provides eye candy as opposed to the back of a sectional.
In choosing all new furniture, Granert prioritized comfort. Because there’s no family room, the living room needed to serve special occasions but also kick back for everyday life. Though the entire first floor needed a rescue, she says, the kitchen was in “dire need,”
This page: Bountiful windows that bathe the breakfast nook in sunlight are adorned with a decorative arch for beauty inside and out. Opposite: Once creamy yellow, but now white and bright, the kitchen prompted the homeowner to pick up a paintbrush before he eventually reached out to designer Linda Granert.
not functioning well and showing its age with warped cabinet drawers. The homeowner had even attempted to paint it himself.
The client got the redesign rolling by seeking a gray-and-white kitchen. As per the wish list, the island features a dark gray base, which teams up with richly veined Shadow Storm quartzite—on the perimeter counters as well. “My preference is natural stone because of the movement and interest,” the designer says of the quartzite. To further catch the eye, white marble subway tiles say “oh-la-la” under the white custom hood, where Granert deviated with a picket pattern.
Keeping it light, the Shaker-style cabinets are white with contrast from black metal hardware. Marrying black metal and white glass, twin pendants by Visual Comfort over the island are “almost like hanging pieces of art.” Ditto for the sink-area singular pendant.
Granert fancied bluestone concrete for flooring, but didn’t want its upkeep hassles, so she chose porcelain for the best of both worlds. Function also gets a boost with closet space transformed into a generous pantry and added island storage. Design hack: The woven-rope Palecek stools connect with the wood tones of adjacent rooms for texture and visual interest, says the designer.
Bountiful windows and a skylight in a bright alcove set the stage for the breakfast nook, where the round table by Lexington Furniture says cozy with its warm rich brown. “It’s a really sunny room,” says Granert—so she ensured longevity with fade-proof fabric chairs. With black again as an accent, she introduced a two-tier metal chandelier. With attention to details such as easy maintenance, Granert’s goal was a timeless design. “Investing in your home is expensive,” she says. “You want to make sure that the things you’re recommending are going to have longevity so the client can appreciate and enjoy the space for many years.”
TUDOR REFRESH
An old Millburn home needed a new look, but it also demanded respect for its classic architectural features.
DESIGN by LIZ CURRY, LIZ CURRY STUDIO
PHOTOGRAPHY by AIMEE RYAN
TEXT by NAYDA RONDON
CREATING A BRIDGE BETWEEN TRADITIONAL
and modern was the aim when Liz Curry, of South Orange-based Liz Curry Studio, was tapped to design the living and dining rooms of a 1930s Tudor in Millburn. The clients, young professionals with a toddler, two dogs and a cat, wished to respect the home’s character while imprinting it with their own contemporary sensibilities.
Moving into the four-bedroom, three-bathroom home, the homeowners were starting with no furniture and no must-haves when it came to style. With the hope of dipping into design mode gradually, they asked Curry, whom they’d found online, to concentrate on the main floor’s two most visible formal gathering spaces.
“The clients were looking for casual elegance; spaces that felt mature but still soft and kid- and petfriendly,” Curry says. “They came with no preconceived notions and were very open to suggestions.”
Curry set about transforming the “tired, dated and drab” rooms into youthful visions of contemporary charm. “We wanted to bring the home into the present. We kept beautiful original features, but updated the color palette and chose bright, modern furniture and art that reflected the clients’ aesthetics.”
Going for a fresh feel, Curry selected light colors,
In a four-bedroom Tudor in Millburn, the Vanguard Form buffet’s natural raffia front adds textural warmth. The chandelier, a distinctive design of ceramic ginkgo leaves with waterfall edges, and the Jamie Young Co. mirror, crafted to reflect the wood’s natural grains and imperfections, contribute to the layered look.
not only to contrast the woodwork but to keep the rooms—both with north-facing windows—as bright as possible. To create balance, the hardwood floors were refinished from their original orangey-looking stain to a cooler tone.
The living room’s leaded window became a central focus. Newly repaired and refinished, its intricate detailing features sparkled with renewed vibrancy. Adding softness and privacy, Shade Store linen drapery was installed as an extra dress-up effect. Walls, baseboard and door casings were uplifted with Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace paint; doors were stained dark and original hardware was maintained. To refresh the wood-burning fireplace, an old mantel clock recess niche was covered up and a new marble hearth—flush with the floor for safety—was installed.
“The vaulted ceiling and beams are absolutely spectacular, and restoring the original woodwork was very important,” Curry says. “We love the high contrast of the original beams, and many of our decisions were based on their dark tones. The new stain on doors, the dark coffee table and the dark dining table are all in response to bringing down the ceiling’s dark tones to the lower level of the spaces to provide balance.”
All fabrics and rugs were comfortable, ultra-durable and easy to clean. (“This was super-important given all the white chairs,” says the designer. “Just because it needs to be pet and kid friendly doesn’t mean it can’t be white.”) Side tables—such as the concrete Kenmore piece by the fireplace— are heavy and hard to tip, important child safeguards.
The Ethan Allen Emerson sofa—a “surprise” buy by the owner that Curry was quick to incorporate—injected an infusion
This page: “Watching the electrician, who was on a very tall ladder, attach 107 glass globes was terrifying,” says designer Liz Curry of the installation of the living room’s Visual Comfort Talia Grande Entry chandelier. But it was worth it. “Not only is it amazing-looking, but its soft, beautiful light casts a stunning display of shadows on the ceiling and walls.” Opposite: Choice accents—such as white-framed abstracts by Cynthia Pareja Dubin and a Copenhagen centerpiece vase from Global Views—keep things stylishly sparse.
of color. “Its rich blue tone helped ground the room, so we embraced it. Because it was in a more traditional style, it created a nice balance of old and new with the rest of the selections,” Curry explains.
Opposite the sofa, the lightertoned Bernhardt Astoria fabric swivel chairs provide a pleasing juxtaposition and a welcoming hominess. “The chairs feel like a hug,” says Curry. “I love that they can swivel to face the fireplace.”
Between the armchairs, the Jayson Home wood-stump table pays homage to the ceiling’s beams while the dark-toned Artistica Home Rousseau coffee table helps ground the seating group. The Bernhardt Pisa ottomans, customupholstered in Rebecca Atwood fabric featuring a white stitch over navy background, supplement the other seating pieces. Decorative touches such as the Toral Patel painting from J. Nunez Gallery, the Lily’s Living marble disk sculptures atop the mantel and the Scala hand-forged floor lamp, enhance the room’s appeal.
In the dining room, the vibe is moodier, thanks to the warm, gray hue of Farrow & Ball’s Dove Tale paint. The Restoration Hardware Bre ton extension dining table offers ample seating and legroom to entertain in chic comfort.
Arhaus Jagger side chairs with metal detailing and Pottery Barn Baldwin barrel back swivel head chairs complement without being matchy-matchy.
As requested, Curry completed the six-month 2023 project in time for her clients to host their first Thanksgiving in their new home in style. Thanks to the designer’s abundant creativity, the homeowners were able to gather with loved ones in newly welcoming spaces that equally celebrate honored traditions and the casual elegance they’d been seeking.
This page: The metal and stone construction of Vanguard Furniture’s Hancock table proclaims sleek sophistication. The Jesús Núñez abstract imparts modernity, while the Surya driftwood lamp brings a natural element. Opposite: “The original architectural features were quite extraordinary but so very tired,” the designer says. “We wanted to let the ceiling beams and expansive windows shine and add character to the updated spaces.”
HERE COMES THE SUN
An Avalon summer haunt breaks free from “spec”-house design with originality and a bright, cheerful vibe.
DESIGN by K+CO LIVING – INTERIORS BY KAREN B WOLF
PHOTOGRAPHY by JACOB SNAVELY
TEXT by DONNA ROLANDO
Because even a summer retreat deserves freedom from the mundane, Avalon homeowners worked with Karen B. Wolf on a design uniquely their own.
FOR THEIR NEW JERSEY SHORE RETREAT, A Maryland family wanted a distinctive touch, and that meant engaging their designer early on to breathe a fresh air of individuality into their builder’s speculative home.
Typically, “spec” houses depict the developer’s view of what will attract most buyers. But Amanda Gallagher Whetzel and her husband Ben wanted to steer far from cookie-cutter. Just two blocks from the beach and bay in Avalon, their six-bedroom coastal colonial had all the makings of the ideal getaway
for the couple and their three school-age boys. But a designer’s touch was critical for this home away from home, so they wasted no time in hiring Karen B. Wolf of Beach Haven-based k+co Living.
For the new-construction home that Harbaugh Custom Homes began in 2022, Wolf explains: “We were brought in to basically work with them from the ground up.”
“I actually found Karen on Instagram,” says Amanda, who especially admires Wolf’s skill at combining textures, wallpaper and art in a one-of-a-
This Avalon kitchen set in motion the pops of blue that brighten the home’s neutral palette. This page: A coco-shell chandelier in the eating area draws from nature for a light of delight. Opposite: Far from the eyesore designer Karen Wolf feared, the hood became a style hero after conquering exposed venting.
kind setting. “I saw the photos that she was posting of her beach home on Long Beach Island, and I was really attracted to her design.”
While giving a nod to coastal—this is the beach, after all—Wolf wanted a design not anchored to the shore but more universal in appeal. The designer pursued what she calls a “sunshine and mimosa” style— bright, happy and cozy. Throughout the home, she explains, wide-plank oak floors lend character and varied tones of blue “weave through each space with a slightly different spin to each room.”
Towering ceilings with strategically placed beams dramatize the open format, which unites kitchen, eating area and great room. Though big on beauty, the 22-foot-tall ceilings challenged her design chops in the great room, where she worked to avoid a visual disconnect at the fireplace. Her decision to bump out the fireplace and raise it to the ceiling with a sandy herringbone tile created a focal point of grand proportions. She kept the surround a simple, concrete-like material so as not to compete.
Regarding a further challenge, she confides that finding center base for another hit— the driftwood-style Arteriors chandelier—“was not easy.” Yet none of that tension is evident in the neutral, calming design of the great room, where pops of island blue serenade taupe couches beside a whitewashwood cocktail table. A yarn area rug offers another “hint of blue,” as does the Carol Benson-Cobb abstract atop the stairs. Embracing the unique,
The entry foyer was designed to herald what’s to come, especially in terms of artwork, wallpaper and textures—a combination homeowner Amanda Gallagher Whetzel applauds.
rope ottomans by Palecek are supersized and the carved end tables multi-dimensional.
The blues actually got their start at the kitchen island with the cool sophistication of Benjamin Moore’s Santorini Blue, which Wolf says serves as anchor. Ripple glass pendants deliver impact, she explains, while both woven stools and sink-area sconces resonate coastal. Wolf chose to avoid the “waning” white kitchen trend by featuring Shaker cabinets in a soft beige.
For counters and backsplash, the latest technol-
ogy helped her one-up nature by imprinting porcelain with Calacatta-gold-style veining more realistic than stone. While today the sweeping drama of the customized wooden hood is a highlight, “we thought it was going to be a huge eyesore,” Wolf recalls. By boxing unsightly venting, she says, “we were able to make it work.”
The designer’s effort to achieve impact with lighting extends to the eating area, where Palecek’s coco-shell chandelier derives its beauty from coconut shells. A Hickory White ash table can
The great room lives up to its name with a fireplace of immense scale, which Wolf created by running herringbone tile to the ceiling—quite a height at 22 feet.
be supersized for guests, its rope and mahogany chairs clad in performance fabric.
“We wanted to immediately establish a design sensibility upon entry into the home and create that sunshine-and-mimosa feel,” Wolf says of an entry foyer that impresses with Christopher Farr floral cork wallpaper and an RH whitewashed, beaded chandelier. The home’s connection with nature is also revealed here with soft organic sconces and a rattan looped mirror.
For homeowner Amanda, the primary bedroom
inspires the sweetest design dreams. In this thirdfloor perch with amazing views, she says, “It’s just very soft and very serene, and when the sun is setting the whole room lights up and it feels cozy.”
For the beauty Amanda so admires, Wolf wrapped the room in blush-colored ombre wallpaper by York and added Schumacher’s cherryblossom wallpaper at the desk area. Threedimensional butterflies by Trudy Elliott are a joyful touch alongside the Bramble headboard in rattan caning like the nightstands.
This page: The designer dazzled the wall above the builder’s vanity with a custom arch of fan-shaped tile. Opposite: The third-floor master bedroom makes for sweet dreams with its ombre wallpaper in blush tones and cherry-blossom prints.
This page: The cabana area, in furniture colors matching the coastal colonial’s exterior, is made for family fun, with oversized floor pillows for the kids to play games. Opposite: The threedimensional tile in the outdoor kitchen follows the home’s lead in boosting interest with blue.
Rope-embellished chairs inspire relaxation either in the bedroom or on the deck just outside.
In room after room, Wolf demonstrated ways to elevate. In a guest bathroom, for instance, she used a custom arch of glass tile in a fan shape for a “really spectacular wall” above the builder’s vanity. She also derived warmth from brass hardware and elegance from statuary marble tile flooring.
Comfortable living isn’t just for indoors. Wolf ensured that family fun could easily transition from
the great room to the cabana area with outdoor floor pillows so that the kids could plop down and play games. “We wanted our outside furniture to coordinate with the exterior,” she adds, hence the color scheme. Tying in with the star of this yard— the in-ground pool—the outdoor kitchen is bright and blue with its three-dimensional tile.
“Our family loves the outcome,” Amanda says of the design. “She was able to take this home and make it very personal and cozy for our family. We can just go there and relax. It’s our retreat.”
4 Carol Court, Demarest 8 Orchard Drive, Upper Saddle River
Sonie Skogerson is a seasoned design professional with over 12 years of experience, particularly known for her expertise in window treatments. Recognized with prestigious awards such as the Million Dollar Club (20192024) and the Lutron Silver Award (2023), Sonie has built a successful career by transforming windows from simple to sophisticated. She operates an independent Budget Blinds franchise primarily serving Bergen County, where her team provides bespoke design, measuring, and installation services.
Sonie’s passion for design is evident in her work; a notable project in 2024 involved collaborating with designer Ryan Day to create a stunning bar room equipped with custom arched roman shades and drapery. This project underscored her skill in handling challenging installations and her love for exploring new fabrics and hardware.
Actively engaging with a broader audience, Sonie uses Instagram to promote her business, sharing insights and showcasing her work via @budgetblindsnj. Her commitment to delivering a ‘Style for Every Budget’ is evident in her ability to design windows within a range of budgets, catering to diverse client preferences.
With 30 years of experience in interior design, Diane Durocher is a highly respected professional known for her timeless, curated interiors. As the founder of Diane Durocher Interiors in Ramsey, NJ, she has earned multiple honors, including numerous ASID Design of Excellence Awards, an ASID Chapter Medalist Award, and recognition as Best in Bergen Interior Design. Diane’s work is a blend of modern design sensibilities and classic style, creating spaces that feel both personal and enduring.
Diane’s greatest accomplishments go beyond her professional achievements. "Aside from my beautiful family, I’m proud of the recognition I’ve received in my career," she says. She is also deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of interior designers, offering internships and guidance at her firm to help young talent grow.
While Diane finds it hard to select just one favorite project, she highlights her redesigns of family rooms, full homes, and a mid-century modern kitchen for a young couple in 2024. Each project is a labor of love, with Diane infusing her passion into every space she creates.
The unique approach of Diane Durocher Interiors lies in its dedication to sustainability. The firm’s mantra— “repurpose, refinish, and reupholster whenever possible”—reflects Diane’s belief in creating curated homes that feel collected and full of history.
Jennifer Pacca Interiors
Jennifer Pacca, ASID allied member 392 Main St. Wyckoff NJ 07481 | 201.722.8540 jenniferpaccainteriors@gmail.com | www.jenniferpaccainteriors.com
Jennifer Pacca, principal designer and founder of Jennifer Pacca Interiors, has been a prominent figure in the interior design industry for 25 years. Her firm, located in Wyckoff, NJ, has earned numerous accolades, including silver, bronze, and gold ASID Design Excellence Awards from 2016 to 2024. These awards recognize her expertise in creating sophisticated, functional spaces for both residential and commercial projects.
In 2024, one of her standout projects was the interior design of One Five on Washington, a luxury apartment building. The project allowed Jennifer and her team to tackle every aspect of design, from initial concepts to material selection, with remarkable results. The transformation of the space into a beautiful, functional environment was deeply rewarding.
One of Jennifer’s greatest accomplishments is the growth of her business. Over the years, she has expanded her firm into a thriving operation, yet she has always prioritized maintaining a boutique, client-focused approach. Jennifer’s design philosophy emphasizes a personal, hands-on approach that ensures each project is as unique as the clients she serves. Whether tackling large-scale developments or smaller projects, Jennifer Pacca Interiors delivers exceptional design with care, creativity, and a commitment to excellence.
CMR Design
Cipi Rosenberg, Owner and Principal Designer
762 Albert Ave. Lakewood NJ, 08701 848.400.8161 | www.cmr-design.com
My passion for interior design began in my childhood, spending countless hours in my mom’s design studio. What seemed like an ordinary workspace to others was my creative playground, where I soaked in a world of sketches, fabric swatches, and paint palettes. Design quickly became second nature.
Driven by a desire to build something of my own, I launched CMR Design, a firm rooted in professionalism, attention to detail, and a commitment to understanding our client’s needs. While the journey has raised challenges—delays, installation hurdles, and unexpected surprises—it’s also been filled with immense rewards. Hearing a client say, “This feels like home,” is a joy that never fades. I am so proud of the talented team I’ve built, whose dedication continues to inspire me every day.
As I look to 2025, I’m excited to push creative boundaries, explore innovative styles, and take on ambitious projects. This journey started with big dreams, and I’m thrilled to see where it will lead next.
BUILT-IN STYLE
Make the most of that odd space beneath the stairs. (Yes, odd can be very good.)
“F
ORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION,” ARCHITECT LOUIS SULLIVAN famously said, and he might have added that style comes right on its heels. The wall attached to a staircase is usually small and strangely shaped. It has to be, for its function; triangle shapes, sloping lines and the silhouette of the stairs themselves command the feature. Sure, you could mask that strangeness and let it blend seamlessly into the design around it. (A beautiful accent table or some treasured family pictures do wonders here.) But why not lean into that form instead? Adding a built-in to a staircase turns that oddly shaped wall into an eye-catching, functional and stylish accent.
“The space beneath a staircase is often an underutilized gem,” says designer Anastasia Harrison of AHD & Co in Westfield. “I love transforming it into something both functional and beautiful. For instance, turning it into a cozy sitting nook adds charm and practicality, especially when it’s paired with thoughtful lighting and plush
cushions. It’s also an excellent spot for a curated display of collectibles, creating a unique focal point that tells a story.”
You can, in fact, tell many stories with that focal point. A favorite piece of art from your travels, a treasured family antique, an elegant stack of books tailored to your interests—all can be presented perfectly to the casual observer here instead of being packed away. Because of the wall’s natural shape, the shelves are often at interesting levels and interesting sizes, making the tale you’re telling even more visually intriguing. As Harrison says, “Custom storage solutions tailored to the client’s needs remain a timeless favorite for optimizing this space.” You can think outside the box too. Why not embed a wine cellar into the wall?
A touch of innovation and design expertise can turn even the most oddly shaped walls into something chic, stylish—and, yes, functional.
