Photo: Lafayette Interior Fashions
Design: House of Funk / Photo: Mark Weinberg
CONTENTS
DECEMBER 2024
FEATURES
A HOUSE THAT TELLS STORIES |
24
With surprising color choices, a speakeasystyle bar and a sense of fun throughout, a center-hall colonial in Morristown eloquently bespeaks the artist who lives there.
MADISON MARVEL | 34
The adroit use of colors and patterns helps give a young family’s 1970s colonial a vibrancy it never knew it had.
GOING BOLD |
42
Owners of a six-bedroom colonial in Chatham take the plunge into a new life of color.
LIGHTEN UP | 52
With COVID as the catalyst, a dark family library in Basking Ridge became a bright home office perfect for Zooms.
BRING ON THE CATS
In Summit, a designer faced a question: Could a white couch work in a home with three young boys and two frolic some felines? pg. 48
ON THE COVER
A Madison home gets a vibrant redo thanks to Dana Hunkele of Plume Interiors. Photo by Kyle Caldwell.
DEPARTMENTS
GUIDE | 9
What’s up, what’s new and what to do.
ASK THE EXPERTS | 14
Designers hold forth on a ceiling with feeling, a dining-room rug that isn’t too snug— and when you should indulge that urge to splurge.
STYLE WATCH | 15
Preserving the planet has never been this chic.
MATERIAL WORLD | 16
These transparent pieces blend well in any room of the house.
HOT
STUFF | 18
Add a pop of color to your home with furnishings and accents in these rich hues.
TREND REPORT | 20
Bring the great outdoors inside with nature-inspired pieces.
TOP CHOICES | 62
Brighten any space with a versatile floor lamp.
FINISHING TOUCH | 64
Lend your entertaining a touch of distinction with a beautiful home bar.
24 34 42 20
THE JOY OF IMPATIENCE
RITA GUARNA
EDITOR IN CHIEF
RITA.GUARNA@WAINSCOTMEDIA.COM
WHENTHEY SAY ALL THINGS COME TO THOSE WHO WAIT, THEY’RE only telling you half the story. Actually, pure passivity rarely does the trick. If you’re waiting in a crowded gourmet coffee shop for the love of your life to randomly appear, you may be in for a long wait. In home design as in romance, there’s something to be said for readiness. Want the home of your dreams? Some waiting may be required— but so is giving thought to what you’d like and making plans. Patience is a virtue, but so—in its way—is a little constructive impatience.
I’m not saying, mind you, that the couple on page 34 were wrong to let a decade go by before transforming their 1970s colonial in Madison. It makes sense not to tackle a job until you can do it right. Even when they called in designer Dana Hunkele, at first they sought only advice on selecting hardware for a kitchen remodel. But when Hunkele “proactively offered many creative ideas,” as the wife recalls, the pair was receptive to a vibrant home reflecting what the designer calls “today’s traditional with a twist.”
Decorator and “life stylist” Edelweiss Fromm and her husband Alex Brescia didn’t wait a decade (page 24). Purchasing a Morristown home, these impatient folks plunged right into reimagining their 1964-built, center-hall colonial. (And not without a quirky touch or two. “I always knew I wanted a black dining room,” says Fromm.) But if they had the yin of urgency down, they also hadn’t neglected the yang of patience. In an earlier stint living in Mexico, they’d bought a wonderfully oversized mirror hoping someday to have a dining room big enough to accommodate it. Now they do.
For a home office redo in Basking Ridge, the pandemic brought the moment to pull the trigger (page 52). For a six-bedroom Chatham house (page 42) the client needed the designer to “kind of pull her out of her shell.” And it was in the buying of their Summit home that Solange and Steve Burgermeister got their lesson in the “hurry up or wait” dilemma (page 48). They were among 21 parties who made bids, and they were determined not to lose out as they had in bidding wars for several previous houses. (Envy can be almost as intense as love— we all know how perfect an option becomes in our minds once that option is snatched away.) “When we went in with our offer, we went in hard,” says Solange. Today she revels in their victory, though the home needed to trade its old red dining room and heavy floral window treatments for an airier, lighter look.
The work it will take to make your home everything you’d love it to be may take a while. It may not even begin for a while. But be impatient. You can start planning—and dreaming—today.
Editor In Chief RITA GUARNA
Creative Director STEPHEN M. VITARBO
Senior Associate Editor DARIUS AMOS
Assistant Editor KIRSTEN MEEHAN
Contributing Editors
LESLIE GARISTO PFAFF, DONNA ROLANDO, NAYDA RONDON, MARISA SANDORA
Contributing Photographers
MEGHAN BALCOM, KYLE CALDWELL, YULIA SMILYANETS, VIC WAHBY
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 PENNY GLASS BOAG
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 7 Issue 6 Dec 2024/Jan 2025) (USPS#PP 13) is published bimonthly (Feb/ Mar, 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.
Copyright© 2024 by Wainscot Media, LLC. All rights reserved.
Editorial Contributions: Write to Editor, NJ HOME, 1 Maynard Drive, Park Ridge, NJ 07656; telephone 201.782.5730; email rita.guarna@wainscotmedia.com. The magazine is not responsible for the return or loss of unsolicited submissions.
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Advertising Inquiries: Contact Thomas Flannery at 201.571.2252 or thomas.flannery@wainscotmedia.com.
COOL COLLABS
Popular design bloggers Chris and Julia Marcum are bringing their ideas to life, teaming up with Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and Pottery Barn Teen on a new home furnishings collection. The pieces were released in time for the holidays and reflect the aesthetic of the Marcums’s home and lifestyle blog: bedroom sets, decorative accent trees and baskets as well as ornaments, advent calendars and stockings. See the collection at potterybarn.com/chrislovesjulia, potterybarnkids.com/ chrislovesjulia and pbteen.com/chrislovesjulia.
Seating that’s super cool and cozy—that’s what comes from the teamwork of Lovesac and fashion brand KidSuper. The two have partnered once again, releasing the limited edition “Get Comfy with KidSuper” collection. The special Lovesac accent chairs, ottomans, blankets and pillows feature KidSuper’s signature kissing print, truly a stylish mashup of home comfort and artful street style. Pick out your favorite piece at lovesac.com.
Actress Diane Keaton, pictured above, charms with her chic, all-black-and-white style, from classic sweaters to sophisticated glasses to funky hats. Now she’s bringing that aesthetic to her new line of housewares and décor, a collaboration with home goods company Hudson Grace. The pieces are inspired by the Academy Award winner’s down-to-earth yet playful flair. Think serving sets with a pop-art design or dinnerware splashed with a classic grade-school composition notebook pattern. See the collection at hudsongracesf.com.
THE SCENT OF MIDNIGHT
THE GUIDE
What’s up, what’s new and what to do.
LET EVERY ROOM SHINE
Luxury furniture maker Stickley has opened its latest showroom at the Paramus Design Center in Bergen County. The new store is filled with the latest pieces for nearly every room in the house, from living room and bedroom to home office and media center. In addition, the location’s team of interior designers is available for full-service consultations—a complimentary service offered to all customers. The Stickley Factory Outlet, also in Paramus, will remain open, with products from the previous season. Stickley, 772 Rte. 17, Paramus, 201.845.4649; shopstickley.com
You’re an NJ HOME reader, so you’ve seen the upscale homes signed by Stivale Graffam. But did you know that the New firm also creates wonderful scented candles? Midnight Amber, latest one, is handcrafted in France with the essence of amber, wood and vetiver. Smooth and fragrant, the candle gives off warm scent that creates a relaxed vibe in any space. The vegan has a burn time of roughly 50 hours, so you or your friends a great gift!) can appreciate the fragrance all season long. more about the Midnight Amber candle at stivalegraffamhome.com.
DECEMBER HOME SALES
Wondering what 2025 has in store for New Jersey real estate? It’s a seller’s market, as low inventory and high demand will continue to be “major factors driving price increases,” says Nancy Kowalik of Mullica Hill-based Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty. Whatever you decide for the new year, December 2023’s New Jersey real estate statistics may guide you:
11,567
Number of single-family homes for sale, down 24.2 percent from 2022.
4,441
Number of single-family homes closed, down 12.3 percent from the previous year.
3,006
New listings for single-family homes, down 5.3 percent from the same month in 2022.
$662,771
Average sales price of a singlefamily home, up 16.2 percent from December 2022.
36
Average number of days on the market, down 10.5 percent from the year before.
Source: New Jersey Association of Realtors
MUST-READS
The best artists create masterpieces for the world to admire, and now we have a chance to see how imaginative they are at home. In Inside the Home of Artists (Rizzoli New York, $95) author Tiqui Atencio Demirdjian takes readers into the residences of top international artists. Through text as well as interviews with the visual artists, this book showcases surprising interiors filled with exclusive artworks.
Before you organize your next get-together, flip through How They Entertain: At Home with the Tastemakers (Flammarion, $75) for inspiration. Author Pierre Sauvage offers an exclusive glimpse into 20 vibrant celebrations featuring innovative tablescapes, lush floral arrangements and delicious recipes.
You love to vacation in your expansive beach home, but doesn’t an escape to a cozy house in the middle of nature also have its allure? Houses Natural/Natural Houses (Rizzoli New York, $65) by Philip Jodidio spotlights 51 small-scale homes from around the globe, each incorporating the natural setting into their design. A residence in the treetops, a house floating on the water, an abode surrounded by desert—living in nature has endless possibilities!
ETHAN ALLEN’S EIGHTH
Fans of Ethan Allen have another location to shop the 90+-year-old company’s upscale furnishings. The retailer opened its latest design center at Tice’s Corner in Woodcliff Lake, a North Jersey destination for home goods as well as fashion, technology and restaurants. Ethan Allen’s new 4,700-square-foot space features classic and contemporary furniture and accessories—as well as free interior-design advice from in-house pros— for every room of the house. Ethan Allen now has eight design centers in New Jersey and more than 170 across the country.
Ethan Allen, 403 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Woodcliff Lake, 201.301.7491; ethanallen.com
KITCHEN KUDOS
Congratulations to designer Kerrie Hubener of Dayson’s Kitchen and Bath in Upper Saddle River, who was one of 13 global winners in the Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove Kitchen Design Contest. Hubener won third place in the transitional category for her “Timeless Transitional” design. There were more than 1,600 entries from 44 states and 11 countries. Forty-three finalists received $2,000, and global winners—who were honored at the Winners’ Summit and Gala this fall—were awarded additional cash prizes, totaling $215,000.
The Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove Kitchen Design Contest, founded in 1993, recognizes kitchen designers, architects, residential designers, interior designers, builders, remodelers, landscape designers, landscape architects and students for advancing outstanding kitchen design. Visit subzero-wolf.com/contest to view all the global winners.
A YEAR OF MANY COLORS
We can’t offer a crystal ball to see into the new year, but every year the design world forecasts trending paint colors. Some of the most trusted companies already have unveiled their 2025 colors of the year (Carlstadt-based Pantone was set to release its choice after press deadline). Here’s a look at some of the hot hues for your home.
• Deep and dramatic: With Valspar’s pick of the deep blue Encore and Minwax’s selection of rich, saturated Violet, it seems that deep and dramatic colors may be on everyone’s mind in 2025. These shades suggest the upward-trending maximalist aesthetic, which is encouraging homeowners to be bolder with their colors. Glidden’s pick, Purple Basil, and Montvale-based Benjamin Moore’s choice of Cinnamon Slate invoke images of velvet, wine and old-world smoking rooms. Designer Andrea Leone of Manalapan’s I&I Designs agrees.
“I see myself sampling shades of aubergine, like Velvet Cloak by Benjamin Moore, CSP-480, or Caponata, AF-650,” she says.
• Jewel tones. Why not make color the crown jewel of your home? Both Behr’s ruby-toned Rumors and Mapped Blue, the pick of Dutch Boy Paints, are bright, high impact and enduring. Both also put a new twist on classic shades. How can you use them? Says Leone: “I believe we may gravitate toward incorporating jewel tones for a pop.” They can make the perfect trim or accent wall,
• Warm neutrals. Leone anticipates a slow shift to neutral preferences. “I think we are still on the downswing from all of the grays we have been seeing,” she says, “so I predict people will still be drawn to warmer tones in 2025. We are even seeing this trend in the fashion world.” And the colors of the year are trending that way too. Try Stainmaster’s Truffle or Little Greene’s Mochi, both of which soothe and add an instant sense of history to a space, or Graham & Brown’s Elderton, which conjures a connection to nature. Caramelized by Dunn-Edwards, hailed as “the new neutral,” will add warmth to any space in your house. Are you looking for something even deeper? Raku by C2 is rich with red undertones, calling to mind centuriesold pottery.
GET-IT-TOGETHER SHOPPING
While the consortium of stores at the Paramus Design Center is a destination for upscale home design and décor, the new Goffle Road Design Solutions (GRDS) presents a North Jersey go-to for top local merchants. Based in Hawthorne, GRDS comprises 16 home-related businesses along Goffle Road, a main thoroughfare spanning Hawthorne, Midland Park, Ridgewood and Wyckoff. The group’s members include AJ Marble and Granite, kitchen remodeler Peter Salerno and furniture store Wostbrock Home. With the businesses grouped together, says Jeff Thaci of Hawthorne’s Lighting Studio, homeowners can easily find and access the experts they need—and speak with them in person. “We can help consumers quickly find what they’re looking for without stress and time spent searching, and do so with better customer service and price—and by making shopping a more pleasant experience,” he says.
HOME SHOWS TO SEE
You’re not alone if you’re thinking about a renovation, big or small, in 2025. The average New Jerseyan spent roughly $5,725 on home improvements last year—the second most in the U.S., and the number is expected to rise, according to home warranty company Cinch Home Services. To get a jump start on your plans, check out
one of these area home shows to find the latest ideas, products and pros:
• Greater Philadelphia Home Show, Jan. 3–5, King of Prussia, Pa. Take a trip across the border to Valley Forge Casino Resort, where a wide selection of home-improvement experts can introduce you to the latest products, provide inspiration and advice and help you plan. Info: greaterphillyhomeshows-vf.com
• Jersey Shore Spring Home Show, Jan. 18–19, Lincroft. Head to Brookdale Community College to find the experts and inspiration needed for your next home improvement project. Info: njhomeshow-br.com
• New Jersey Home Show, Jan. 25–26, Secaucus. Now in its 21st year, this show at the Meadowlands Expo Center gives new and longtime homeowners the chance to scout the latest products and talk to a variety of experts and professionals. Info: njhomeshow-me.com
• New Jersey Home & Garden Show, Feb. 28–March 2, Edison. This annual event at the New Jersey Convention & Exposition Center includes more than 175 vendors as well as interior designers and kitchen, bath and garden professionals. Info: newjerseyhomeshow.com
NJ Designer named Finalist in “Sub-Zero,
Wolf, and Cove’s Kitchen Design Contest”
Hubener was named the Third Place winner in the Transitional category for their kitchen design called “Timeless Transitional.”
“Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove’s Kitchen Design Contest recognizes the absolute best of the best, and we could not be more thrilled to have two global winners represent New York and New Jersey,” said Bob Fava, Sub-Zero Group East President. “The talent pool runs especially deep in our market, and we are very proud to have not one, but two top tier designers counted among the global contest winners.”
The contest’s esteemed panel of seven judges evaluated more than 1,600 entries from 11 countries and 44 states to determine 43 Finalists and one Student Winner, from which the Global Winners were selected. Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove Kitchen Design Contest Finalists received an exclusive trip for two to the Winners’ Summit and Gala, including an awards dinner, judges roundtable discussion, local excursions, and opportunities to network and celebrate their achievements.
“The Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove Kitchen Design Contest is a testament to the boundless creativity and vision of design professionals worldwide. The Global Winners are true innovators who have redefined what’s possible in kitchen design,” said Jim Bakke, President and CEO of Sub-Zero Group, Inc. “We are grateful to this talented group for incorporating our products into their remarkable projects, and we look forward to shaping the future of the kitchen together.”
Each Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove Kitchen Design Contest Finalist received $2,000 for achieving Finalist status. The Global Winners were awarded additional cash prizes, totaling $215,000. Visit www.subzero-wolf.com/contest to view all the Global Winners.
MEET THE DESIGN
Kerrie Hubener DAYSON’S KITCHEN AND BATH Upper Saddle River, NJ, USA
Winning Kitchen: Kosher Kitchen Serves Timeless Ambience
The homeowners envisioned a space where tradition meets modern minimalism, while accommodating the needs of their family’s kosher lifestyle. Hubener’s design superbly incorporated the nuances of their daily life and culinary rituals—like dual appliances with helpful features and elegant storage solutions—resulting in a sophisticated and efficient kitchen.
WHAT DO THE PROS ADVISE?
Designers hold forth on a ceiling with feeling, a dining-room rug that isn’t too snug—and when you should indulge that urge to splurge.
WHAT ITEMS SHOULD I SPLURGE ON WHEN REDESIGNING A ROOM—THE THING OR THINGS THAT WILL REALLY MAKE A STATEMENT?
What typically elevates a buildergrade home or a somewhat outdated home is lighting. It is often referred to as the “jewelry” of a home because of its ability to transform spaces. Juxtaposing modern lighting with traditional architecture is just the tension that elevates a space. Focus first on key areas and don’t forget that using dimmers, multiple levels of lighting and statement fixtures will give a bespoke feel to your space.
—Miriam Silver Verga, Associate ASID, Mimi & Hill Design, Westfield; mimiandhill.com
WHAT’S THE BEST TYPE OF RUG FOR UNDER A DINING TABLE, AND HOW BIG SHOULD IT BE?
WHEN IS IT A GOOD IDEA TO PAINT A CEILING A COLOR OTHER THAN WHITE?
Such a ceiling can be a great way to make a bold design statement. Often overlooked, the ceiling is considered “the fifth wall” and can play a significant role in the overall aesthetic of a room. By using a bold color, you can make the ceiling a focal point, drawing attention and adding depth to the space. In rooms with tall ceilings, darker shades can create a cozier, more intimate atmosphere by visually lowering the height of the space. Make sure to take into consideration the size and function of the room when choosing a ceiling color, as this can influence the desired look and feel of the space. If the room is small, a non-white ceiling might not be ideal, as it can make the space feel even smaller. Similarly, in a room with insufficient lighting, a non-white ceiling can also create a sense of reduced space.
—Marina V. Umali, ASID, CID, past resident, ASID NJ 2023–24, Marina V. Design Studio, Ridgewood; marinavdesignstudio.com
A rug can enhance the look of your dining room, define the dining space and pull the room together. You can choose from many styles that complement the colors and style of your dining set and the surrounding décor. Some suggestions are solids, textures, patterns and medallions. The rug can also become the major focus of your dining space.
It is important to select a material for your rug that has a relatively smooth surface, enabling chairs to be moved easily. Also choose a durable, easy-to-maintain material. Woolen materials are the most costly, but are easy to clean and the most durable.
Measure the length and width of your dining table and add 38 to 48 inches to each side of the table. When chairs are being pushed back, they should remain on the rug. If there are leaves, make sure you include them in your rug size.
Low to thicker rugs pair well with padding that is one-fourth to one-half inch, and thin or flat rugs pair well with one-eighth to one-fourth inch pads. Padding prevents your carpet from slipping and protects your floors from scratches.
—Ivee Fromkin, Allied ASID, CAPS, I. Fromkin Interiors, Monmouth Beach; ifromkininteriors.com
PORTRAIT: ERICA MOFFITT, NAKI STUDIOS
PORTRAIT: STACY LYLE PHOTOGRAPHY
PORTRAIT: OMAR GONZALEZ
GOING GREEN
Preserving the planet has never been this chic.
You design your space so it can take care of you—it’s a soothing sanctuary from world. But if we’ve learned one thing that our true home is a planet we to neglect. Why, then, shouldn’t take care of the world around you? sustainable design is to embed this every curve and material, and the as healing for you as it is for the goes beyond installing solar panels your smart thermostat to regulate energy. Often with recycled, ethically sourced materials, sustainable design adds natural shapes and a biophilic twist to the spaces and accessories you already love. So take a deep breath of that fresh air and let it soothe you as it heals the planet.
From top, left to right: Zin Home dining set, zinhome.com; Speidel Eco Color Pop watch, speidel.com; Andrea Air natural air purifier, andreaair.com; accommodations at Keemala Eco Resort in Thailand, keemala.com; Stella McCartney fashions, stellamccartney.com; Vivaia Florence ankle boot, vivaia.com; Soko dash coil ring, shopsoko.com; Tesla Model S Plaid.
WADE LOGAN OVAL SHAPED STACKING SIDE CHAIR
Available at wayfair.com
IN THE CLEAR
These transparent pieces blend well in any room of the house.
ACCESS LIGHTING BOULDER 7” WIDE LED MINI PENDANT
Available at Good Friend Electric, Toms River, 732.349.4100
UNIQUE SHAPE SIDE END SNACK TABLE Available at litfad.com
GHOST BUSTER SIDE TABLE Available at dlaguna.com
POLSPOTTEN SMALL COLLISION VASE
Available at luisaviaroma.com
TABLE LAMP Available at lightology.com MODERN CLEAR LEG SIDE CHAIR WITH SOLID BACK Available at litfad.com
GHOST
Available at Raymour & Flanigan, multiple locations
BRANCH OUT
Bring the great outdoors inside with nature-inspired pieces.
Available at Capitol Lighting, Paramus, 201.843.5353
Available at amazon.com
at Bright Light Design Center, Cape May Court House, 609-465-4478
and
DEC 2024/JAN 2025
“Never underestimate the power of sitting quietly.”
Josh McDermitt
A HOUSE THAT TELLS STORIES
With surprising color choices, a speakeasy-style bar and a sense of fun throughout, a center-hall colonial in Morristown eloquently bespeaks the artist who lives there.
DESIGN by EDELWEISS FROMM PHOTOGRAPHY by YULIA SMILYANETS
TEXT by LESLIE GARISTO PFAFF
When they moved here from Monterrey, Mexico, the owners of this Morristown colonial brought their living-room furniture with them—all custom made in Monterrey—with the exception of the Privilege mirrored chest from Century 21. The challenge was finding a configuration that worked. Though the main color scheme consists of neutral shades of white and blue, it derives its intense feeling of bright color from the art, collected on the homeowners’ world travels.
EDELWEISS FROMM HAS LIVED A COLORFUL life. Born in Honduras, the stylist was living in Barcelona when she met her husband, Alex Brescia, in 2009. Soon thereafter she moved with him to Monterrey, Mexico. The two share a love of art, food and travel, passions reflected throughout the Morristown home they bought in 2015, which Fromm has been joyfully decorating ever since. Unsurprisingly, the house—a center-hall colonial built in 1964—is as vibrant and colorful as its designer.
“I think of decorating as a kind of storytelling—nearly everything in the house has a story behind it,” she says. That could be the gloriously over-
sized mirror she bought in Mexico for a future dining room large enough to accommodate it, or the dramatic window treatments in that same room made from the aisle runner that covered the church floor during her 2010 wedding, or any one of the many artworks collected during her travels. In the home’s formal living room, decorated mostly in neutral shades of white, gray and blue, the brightly hued art adds not just a pop of color but a virtual explosion. And color defines the dining room, with its black wallpaper, dark-stained wood floors and astonishing pink ceiling. “I always knew I wanted a black dining room,” says Fromm. She faced
This page: The mirror above the fireplace was repurposed from an upstairs bathroom. Opposite: Beige linen upholstery gets a pop from deep blue throw pillows. Like the art on the walls, the handcarved horse sculpture is a memento of the homeowners’ travels, in this case to Mexico. “Other people bring home keychains,” says Edelweiss Fromm. “We bring home art.”
some pushback from the gentleman who stained her floors, who was convinced that she was making a terrible mistake, especially given the black walls. But Fromm had a strong vision, and no one could talk her out of it. The result is a striking black-andwhite room, the white deriving from the dining table and chairs. (“I always say black-and-white is my favorite color,” quips Fromm.) Then, a few years later, she got the idea that the ceiling should be pink, and what resulted is a space that seems to enclose diners in a warm, slightly moody and slightly playful embrace. Like the rest of the house, it’s a very grownup space
(the couple don’t have children) for grownups who haven’t ditched their youthful sense of fun.
Fromm has a passion for combining and layering color and pattern. In the kitchen, cabinets, countertops and trim are white, but the walls are painted a deep jade green; the floor tiles are dark gray; the front of the island is adorned with black-and-white patterned floor tiles; and chairs tucked around a small café table are upholstered in large black-and-white stripes. Fromm uses that small table as a desk during the work day, and she loves working in a room whose additional layer of color and texture derives from exterior plant-
This page: Entryway tiles, from Chester Tile in Morristown, are in what Fromm calls “my favorite color”: black and white. The dining-room window treatment was created from the aisle runner used during the couple’s wedding. Opposite: Like the furniture in the living room, the table and chairs were custom made in Mexico. The black damask wallpaper and bright pink ceiling offer diners the feeling of a warm hug.
ings visible through the many windows and the large, sliding-glass door.
But perhaps the most striking room, in a house full of striking rooms, is the basement-level bar, which could just as easily be a speakeasy tucked away in a New York City brownstone or an intimate hotel bar in Barcelona or Paris. The space, completed this year, is a favorite not just of the homeowners but also of their guests. “People love hanging out at our house,” says Fromm, “especially since we finished our basement.” Previously, she says, any time the couple entertained, guests just ended up sitting around the kitchen island. But Fromm wanted a place that
was built specifically for congregating with friends. And given her husband’s extensive wine collection and the couple’s fondness for mixology, a bar seemed like the ideal space.
Fromm was gathering ideas for the bar long before the couple started remodeling the basement. (They added a home gym and a large storage area as well.) “The inspiration for the bar,” she says, “is really a collection of all the bars, restaurants and hotel lobbies we’ve been in.” The black walls and floors and the cowhide rug were inspired by a bar they were taken to by friends on a visit to Monterrey. The overall dark, moody feel of the place
This page: Though the kitchen is mostly white, with brass accents such as the orbed Hicks pendants from Visual Comfort, there’s color and pattern too, as in the Jade Green wall paint by Benjamin Moore and the black-and-white Moroccan motif tiles from Home Depot. Opposite: The homeowners enjoy morning coffees and evening cocktails at the Ethan Allen table, sourced from Home Again Design in Summit. During the day the table becomes Fromm’s work “desk.” Striped chairs are TOV, also sourced from Home Again Design.
found its inspiration in Barcelona’s Paradiso, named the best bar in the world in 2022 by the travel website World’s 50 Best.
As with the dining room, Fromm knew from the start that she wanted to paint the walls and ceiling black and, once again, workers doing the job were dubious. “The painter and the contractor looked at us like we were crazy—‘What do you mean black?’ But when the room was painted, they said, ‘Ooh, we’re starting to see your vision.’”
Black isn’t the dominant note, thanks to inspired touches of color, light and texture: a tufted, pink-velvet chair, a natural-edge wooden coffee table,
tufted-leather barstools, lighted shelves backed with green-patterned wallpaper and—as in the rest of the house—art and collectibles everywhere. Shelves behind the bar are carefully curated with bottles that tell their own set of stories. “Every bottle came from somewhere we went—a trip, a special restaurant—or was a gift from friends,” says Fromm.
“I tell our guests, ‘When you bring a bottle, it could end up on the shelves.’”
One of their friends, she adds, is determined, in his words, “to own one of your shelves.”
If he does, his story—along with so many others in this storied home—will likely be told for years to come.
This page: The basement “speakeasy” has a moody feel, thanks to black wall and ceiling paint, but it’s enlivened by pops of vibrant color in the form of a pink velvet chair, bought in Mexico, burgundy tufted barstools from Bed Bath & Beyond and a raw-edge coffee table from Arteriors. And there are pops of light as well, from the lighted shelving, the sculptural standing lamp from Rachel Zoe and a trio of pendants from Artika. Opposite: Behind the bar, Fromm curates a revolving set of special bottles, bought during her travels or given to the couple by visiting friends.
MADISON MARVEL
The adroit use of colors and patterns helps give a young family’s 1970s colonial a vibrancy it never knew it had.
DESIGN by DANA HUNKELE, PLUME INTERIORS
PHOTOGRAPHY by KYLE CALDWELL
TEXT by NAYDA RONDON
SORORITY SISTERS ALWAYS COME THROUGH FOR ONE another. So when a fellow Sigma Kappa from their Rutgers years together reconnected, asking Dana Hunkele of Caldwell-based Plume Interiors for decorating advice, the designer pledged to give her best.
When they moved into their 1970s Madison colonial in 2008, the couple—expecting the first of the three children they have now—found design considerations taking a back seat to demanding careers and a growing family. “To their credit, they spent almost nothing on their home for over a decade so they could do it ‘right’ just once,” Hunkele says. By 2019, that time had finally come. Confronted with increasingly faulty, outdated spaces cluttered with “stuff,” the homeowners decided to commission construction updates with a little design consultation here and there. Cue Hunkele, who was
The dining room in this transformed Madison colonial hosts a feast of notable pieces, including the round, solid mahogany Chandler table with Santos rosewood veneers and Montreuil lamps. Says designer Dana Hunkele: “I love the sconces’ simple ivory shades in contrast to the chandelier’s huge gold feathers.”
initially invited to help select hardware for a kitchen remodel already underway. But sensing that the homeowners—in the beginning stages of several projects—were a bit overwhelmed, she couldn’t resist contributing additional suggestions.
“From day one, Dana proactively offered many creative ideas and new perspectives,” the wife says.
Soon the homeowners were green-lighting Hunkele’s vision of “today’s traditional with a twist: fresh, fun, bold, fanciful in some cases—classic and sophisticated in others. Mixing patterns, colors and shapes along with pieces with meaning gave us the look we were going for,” she says.
Hunkele was entrusted with designing every room of the 3,400-square-foot home. Most were refreshes with all new furnishings, layouts, fixtures, etc. The primary bedroom
and bathroom were complete renovations. There was also a 450-square-foot addition: a full bath, a multifunctional space and the wife’s office.
“Working on something of this magnitude was a joy!” says Hunkele. “We were on a roll, and it was super rewarding seeing things taking shape.”
Then COVID hit in 2020, complicating progress. Adding to the challenges, the wife, a Pfizer executive, was laser-focused on rolling out a lifesaving vaccine, not on decorating concerns. Luckily, she had Hunkele on her side. “Dana somehow brought it all to life,” she says.
Undaunted, Hunkele and her team kept to the prime directive: creating timeless spaces where design and function could live happily together. “We discussed how each room would
This page: The Julien game table and Suzanne Kasler chairs delineate the two sections of the communal family/living area. Opposite: Although it reads sophisticated, the family room lives super cozy.
work for the family’s living/ entertaining needs,” says the designer. “This was most important for them. With three kids and two dogs, performance fabrics were a must.”
The homeowners, who live on a kid-filled cul-de-sac where families frequently socialize, requested an open-concept living/family space for hosting multigenerational groups of 15+ neighbors in practical style. They wanted two distinct zones—one with an adult, lounge-like vibe, the other for more family- and kid-friendly interactions—that could function independently or together. So Hunkele chose an Austin two-piece sectional in JF Fabrics Silken high-performance fabric, a Vanguard Donya bench and two velvet-upholstered Century accent chairs. The weathered leather coffee table and Camille side table are great for holding cocktails or TV-night snacks, while the custom, built-in window bench provides seating and out-ofsight storage. The Four Hands Sirius table in antique brass, one of several throughout the home, easily moves as needed for entertaining. For cohesiveness, Hunkele embraced both areas with wall moldings. She used Benjamin Moore’s Coastal Fog but switched things up by using matte on walls, shiny on trims; Camille wall sconces were repeated throughout.
As for the living/family space, Hunkele designed the dining room’s cabinetry. Commanding one wall, the built-in encompasses glass-fronted storage towers on both ends, while the buffet section’s paneling conceals an icemaker, a wine
This page: Striking yet practical, the loveseat—upholstered in stain-and-soil-resistant Fabricut Mezzanine—provides a rest spot. Opposite: The elegant Theodore Alexander Venetta console table features mahogany/eucalyptus inlays and dainty, curved legs.
This page: “There’s pattern everywhere but it’s neutral in tone so it doesn’t feel busy or overwhelming,” the designer says. Opposite: “The stress melts away as soon I enter,” the wife says. “The colors, patterns, lighting and couch all come together to give us a great space.”
fridge, a fridge/freezer and serveware drawers. The white quartz backsplash functions as a built-in serving table. The Corbett Lighting Featherette chandelier “adds fun and unexpected drama to the formal space.” And Benjamin Moore’s Notting Hill Blue packs the pièce de résistance wow.
In the primary bedroom, ivory Lee Jofa wallpaper pampers the walls as a neutral Phillip Jeffries grass cloth on the 13-foot ceiling imparts coziness. The solid maple king poster bed is upholstered in a sumptuous Villa Nova Koji reversible weave. The Window Works treatments feature custom jutewoven Roman shades topped with decorative relaxed Romans in Gaston Y Daniela’s Tarsila Verde fabric. On either side of the bed, matching custom dressers feature antique bronze metal legs, Amate drawer faces and tops/sides painted with
Benjamin Moore Cushing Green. The antique brass wall sconces sport customized shades using the same Gaston Y Daniela fabric. The headboard’s geometric quilting provides rich texturing on a buttery chenille surface while the bolster’s bold graffiti print creates tension in an otherwise traditional design. At the foot of the bed, the CR Laine bench beckons in Agave Boxwood fabric.
Whether in intimate areas such as the home’s four bedrooms or in social hotspots like the family/living section and dining room, the spaces—completed in December 2022—now perfectly reflect the fun-loving, hard-working young family.
“The whole process was a lot, but it was so worth it!” the wife says. “We love our house even more post Dana’s work.”
GOING BOLD
Owners of a six-bedroom colonial in Chatham take the plunge into a new life of color.
DESIGN by EMILY GERNE AND GENEVIEVE BOTTONI, EGB INTERIORS
PHOTOGRAPHY by VIC WAHBY
TEXT by DONNA ROLANDO
In a Chatham colonial, the living room’s custom Evening Dove walls showcase Rob Delamater prints at the window, where Rebecca Atwood cloud-blue drapes lighten a space further defined by an antique mirrored coffee table, shagreen side tables and glass lamps.
INTRODUCING BOLD AFTER YEARS OF NEUTRAL CAN BE A TEST OF courage, but with encouragement from their designers, a Chatham family welcomed striking colors in their newly purchased colonial.
With rich hues like blue, her favorite, and a neutral balance, “I feel like I got the best of both worlds,” says one of the homeowners, a mom of two.
Emily Gerne of Chatham’s EGB Interiors recalls how she and co-founder Genevieve Bottoni worked to build the wife’s confidence. “She came to us, honestly, to kind of pull her out of her shell,” says Gerne, describing the sixbedroom colonial’s new vibe as East Coast organic modern, a color-centric style. The key to gaining her trust, says the homeowner, was how the team embraced her vision from
the get-go with their swatches and paint chips—and never hurried her.
Already residing in Chatham, the husband and wife—with children in high school and college—moved to this more spacious house in 2022. The project wrapped up the next year, with only the powder room needing to be gutted.
The living room is “where we really went for it,” says Gerne. A custom shade of Benjamin Moore’s Evening Dove was used for trim, molding and baseboards. A mohair velvet couch anchors the space, while Annie Selke’s Moroccan Berber-style rug lends softness and texture. As for the chairs, says Gerne, “We just loved the caning detail.”
As Bottoni explains, the homeowner also needed a little coaxing in the formal dining room, where the “big wow
This page: The office is masculine, with touches of leather and Benjamin Moore’s Boothbay Gray from the walls to the shelves. Opposite: The team commissioned a Kate Roebuck botanical watercolor to complement, not overshadow, the dining room’s Lotus wallpaper.
factor” is Galbraith & Paul wallpaper. “We used the color story in the wallpaper as a road map for the rest of the room,” says Gerne, noting the rich indigo seats and watercolor art. Here, softness comes from the sisal rug, the designers say, while the linear lantern offers clean lines and airiness.
Decidedly masculine with a brass- and leather-detailed desk, the husband’s office comes to life with Boothbay Gray’s blue and green undertones from ceiling to shelves, Gerne says. Perched at the window, an equally masculine, leather-trimmed chair sits on a Stark plaid rug.
The family room with its bevy of blues reads more neutral than bold, says the homeowner. A contrast-color bar—in blue, of course—keeps cocktails ready for relaxing on RH linen-
weave sofas, paired with a performance linen ottoman and indigo lamps. A custom rug unites the palette, while a brass mirror and sconces add warmth beyond the preexisting fireplace.
The powder room may be the smallest of these rooms, but it played a big role in the decision making. Its Pimpernel print by Morris & Company was the homeowner’s first love during this redesign, Gerne says. The team worked to elevate the space—it’s right off the dining room—with a hexagon marble floor and a Carrara vanity, joining a brass mirror and sconces for further elegance.
With what she deems an ideal balance between neutral and bold, the homeowner says, “I love being home.” Thanks to designers who never made her feel rushed, she can proudly attest: “The end result was perfection.”
This page: A gut-job reno elevated the powder room with its Pimpernel wallpaper and marble. Opposite page: The family room speaks to the homeowner’s heart with its bounty of blue, from the furniture to the onceblack bar.
BRING ON THE CATS
In Summit, a designer faced a question: Could a white couch work in a home with three young boys and two frolicsome felines?
DESIGN by KRISTIN REGEN, KR INTERIOR DESIGN PHOTOGRAPHY by MEGHAN BALCOM
TEXT by MARISA SANDORA CARR
WHEN SOLANGE AND STEVE BURGERMEISTER
first saw their classic center-hall colonial in Summit, they immediately fell in love. The problem was, everybody else who was house hunting in Summit did too—the property got 21 offers. The Burgermeisters, who were looking to move within town for more space, had already lost out in bidding wars on a few other houses; they were determined not to let that happen again. “When we went in with our offer, we went in hard, and I’m so grateful it worked out,” says Solange.
The house had great bones and was across the street from a park, so the location was ideal for a family with three young children. But the prior owner had lived there for 30 years and most of the interior was dated, save the kitchen, which had been redone. Solange turned to her friend Kristin Regen of KR Interior Design in Summit and Bay Head for help. “She wanted to start with the living room and dining room, what people see when they first come into the house,” Regen says. Originally, the living room was yellow, the dining room was red, and the foyer that connects them featured country-looking wallpaper. Plus, there were heavy, floral window treatments everywhere. The goal was to lighten things up, says Regen, who says of her client: “She wanted it airy and bright, a little
In the dining room of this center-hall colonial in Summit, soft, sheer curtains maximize the abundant natural light in the daytime, while a dazzling chandelier from Visual Comfort shines at night. “When you first walk into the house, you look to the left and see that incredible chandelier,” says designer Kristin Regen. “It’s my favorite thing about the new design.”
Regen updated the 1932 home with modern touches such as the Kichler chandelier and the Frame TV in the living room (Steve’s favorite new addition), while enhancing classic elements by adding trim to the archways and wainscoting to the dining room. With buckets of white paint and easy-to-replace fabrics, the house was made light and bright, despite the challenges young children and pets present.
coastal, though not extremely, since Summit is obviously not on the coast.”
Walls were painted Simply White by Benjamin Moore, and the yellowish floors on the first floor were stained a darker shade to provide contrast. In the living room, Solange was determined to have a white couch, despite people telling her she was crazy, having three little boys. Regen suggested a sectional from Lovesac, which features washable covers that can easily be replaced if stained or damaged.
“We have two cats, which we’ve had since before we had kids, and they love to tear up our furniture,” says Solange. “So Kristin had to keep that in mind for all of the materials—three boys and two destructive cats. Thankfully, she’s a cat owner herself, so she understood where I was coming from. Are the cats scratching at the couch? Definitely—but in my head, I have new covers ready.”
The blue, hand-tufted, wool rug is from Pottery Barn and is “also pretty good about hiding stuff,” says Solange. The classic slipper chair from Crate & Barrel features performance linen and is flanked by a rattan side table from Article. “They had a pretty tight budget, so we bought a lot of retail things,” says Regen. Light wood tones on the Crate & Barrel coffee table and West Elm console table behind the sofa keep the look light and bright.
In the dining room, Regen removed a chair rail and added wainscoting and a neutral taupe grass cloth wallpaper for texture, plus a beachy, two-toned jute rug from Surya. The dining table was the Burgermeisters’s from their previous home, and Regen surrounded it with gold-tone chairs from West Elm that featured dark-green, distressedvelvet cushions.
But the showstopper is the chandelier from Visual Comfort, made of clear, swirled glass balls. “It was double or triple the original budget,” Solange says, “but we know this is going to be in this house forever, so we said, ‘Let’s go for it.’ We loved her choice so much. I could stare at that all day.”
LIGHTEN UP!
With COVID as the catalyst, a dark family library in Basking Ridge became a bright home office perfect for Zooms.
DESIGN by PAM COOPER, COOPER INTERIORS PHOTOGRAPHY by VIC WAHBY
TEXT
by
DONNA ROLANDO
CREDIT
THE PANDEMIC—AND THE GROWING EMPHASIS ON “work from home” that it ushered in. When two Basking Ridge empty nesters decided it was time to transform their home’s old library into a practical, Zoom-worthy home office, they called on Watchung-based designer Pam Cooper. The former West Coast residents made the right choice.
To begin with, the dark paneling had to go. “It was that cherrywood that was popular in the ’90s, and I had always wanted to update it,” says homeowner Charlene McGee. A lighter, brighter look would better serve the room’s new function as a home office for her husband Tom’s commercial real-estate work, and “he was starting to use it more because of COVID.”
Now “it’s better than I could have imagined,” says Charlene of the 2023 redesign, which has invited compliments, not teasing, from Zoom attendees.
The couple had confidence in Cooper, who several years earlier had tackled their six-bedroom colonial’s family room. They specifically appreciated her knack for creating what Tom calls “the wow factor.”
Cooper says she almost hated to paint over the library’s natural wood millwork. But she also saw the need to modernize and brighten with Benjamin Moore’s Elmira White, a creamy parchment color. “So many people would die for all that naturalcolor wood, but in this case it just sucked the light right out of the room,” says the designer. Yet she preserved the wood beams for
In this COVID-necessitated home-office redesign in Basking Ridge, Pam Cooper carefully curated shelves for a Zoom-worthy background and created a window break area before a masculine executive desk.
the ceiling’s classic vibe.
To highlight the backyard, Cooper stripped lattice from a Frenchstyle window, Charlene says, and “brought the outside in.” It was only fitting, then, that while the window inspired a comfy sitting area where blue plaid chairs meet leather pillows, Tom’s Malone executive desk would face nature, with carefully curated bookshelves making a Zoom impact behind him.
Creating one of Charlene’s favorite scenes, Cooper elevated the back of the shelving with natural grass cloth by Cowtan & Tout and spaced the shelves to showcase Tom’s various achievements.
For the bit of testosterone this office needed, Cooper says, the desk features leather-front drawers— complementing a metal frame and brass hardware—while the leather swivel desk chair elevates with brass nail heads. Even the Arhaus Hastings chandelier is styled in leather and brass, joining recessed fixtures to address the lighting on Tom’s wish list. Underneath it all, a handknotted rug lends soft contrast to hardwood floors.
The office has no shortage of focal points. One vignette features an antique-store, gold-bamboo mirror above the mango wood console (handy for hiding a printer), topped by blue-and-brass lamps. Another is the fireplace done in Calacatta slab marble, which Cooper calls “a big change” from its black-tile past.
Describing this redesign in their home of 17 years as both masculine and elegant, Charlene says: “I think anybody would love it and feel comfortable, but it is kind of a man cave for him.”
Does Tom approve? Let actions speak. His wife reports that he starts his days with coffee in that homey sitting area, where Cooper’s brass sailboat table topper is ready to inspire the occasional bit of California dreaming. And the Zooms go on.
Lightening up this former library also meant treating the fireplace to Calacatta marble and bidding adieu to its previous black tile.
BUSINESSES TO WATCH IN 2025
HAMILTON HOME
Hamilton Home features an array of home décor items and gifts, from the latest seasonal collections and design trends to pieces from heritage brands including Baccarat, Christofle, Ginori 1735, Simon Pearce, William Yeoward, Juliska, and John Derian. The curated collection honors Hamilton’s commitment to excellence in craftsmanship and design and visitors can expect the same exceptional customer service for which the company is known. The store is organized by a range of items including luxury gifts – antiques, crystal, china, silver and wedding gifts, housewarming gifts, baby gifts, entertaining items, home décor, a bar shop, stationery, linens as well as a seasonal shop.
Says Anne Russell, Executive Vice President of Hamilton Jewelers, “Hamilton Home has been several decades in the making. Giftware has always been an important part of our business and we are thrilled to be able to dedicate a full retail space to the category.”
to learn more.
BUSINESSES TO WATCH IN 2025
RENO’S APPLIANCE
Shopping for an appliance can be an overwhelming experience. What makes the journey stress-free is knowing you are in the hands of the “family” team at Reno’s Appliance, made up of knowledgeable sales professionals familiar with all brands and manufacturers. Always dedicated to offering new and improved services, Reno’s Appliance also has an on-site Corporate Chef available to demonstrate a variety of appliances. What began in 1951 as Reno’s Radio and TV Repair Shop has grown into a 16,000-square-foot designer showroom serving the tri-state area and offering a full range of appliances. More than just an appliance company, Reno’s is committed to the growth and welfare of Paterson and is proud to be bestowed the “Faith in Paterson Award” honored by the Greater Paterson Chamber of Commerce for its exceptional investments and initiatives in the local economy.
Reno’s three sons continue the tradition, highlighting customer satisfaction and creating a unique shopping experience at every visit.
235 McLean Boulevard, Paterson, NJ 07504 973.247.1860 | www.renosappliance.com
CORCORAN INFINITY PROPERTIES
Powered by one of the most revered luxury real estate brands in the world, Corcoran Infinity Properties is turning heads with their skyrocketing growth throughout Northern New Jersey. Bringing an elite level of service to clients in residential, commercial and new development real estate, the firm is known for illustrious property marketing tactics that garner global audiences through its accomplished team of top producing agents. “Real estate is ultimately about finding connections and our agents bring an approachable, personal touch that strikingly resounds with the unique needs of each client,” stated David Arabia, Broker/Owner of Corcoran Infinity Properties. Turning those connections into sales has been lucrative for the company, with sales volume up 253% from 2023. Expansion is also in their trajectory as the company recently launched a New Development Division, spearheaded by industry expert Taryn Byron, as well as a Sports & Entertainment Division tailored to clients in those categories. Based out of Alpine, NJ, Corcoran Infinity Properties has offices strategically located throughout Bergen County, including a newly opened office in Edgewater, NJ, and in 2025 more doors will certainly be opening under the brand.
1018 Closter Dock Rd., Alpine NJ 07620 201.768.6868 I www.corcoraninfinity.com
IG: @corcoraninfinityproperties
BUSINESSES TO WATCH IN 2025
WINDOW WORKS
Window Works stands out as North Jersey’s go-to source for stylish and functional window treatments and awnings. Serving both residential and commercial clients for over thirty-five years, they bring design expertise right to the client’s door—beginning with a complimentary on-site consultation and thoughtful, tailored recommendations.
For businesses, Window Works offers a range of commercial solutions—from awnings to vestibule enclosures—boosting curb appeal and providing essential sun and weather protection. For homeowners, they provide personalized options such as motorized window treatments, custom drapes, and sophisticated louvered roofs. Design professionals can rely on Window Works as a trusted partner, with access to a full-time expert staff, a well-equipped showroom, and a selection of curated, well-made products.
Known for their meticulous craftsmanship, Window Works backs all installations with a 3-year guarantee, well above industry standards. Simply put, the Window Works team is known for experience, expertise, and excellence.
973.535.5860 www.windowworks-nj.com | info@windowworksnj.com
ORNARE
Ornare, the globally renowned Brazilian cabinetry brand, is making its mark in New Jersey, bringing its signature blend of luxury, functionality, and cutting-edge design to discerning homeowners in the region. Known for its impeccable craftsmanship and bespoke solutions, Ornare has been a leader in creating innovative, high-end cabinetry that transforms interiors into works of art.
Spearheading this expansion are two dynamic young directors from New York City, whose vision is to elevate luxury cabinetry to unparalleled heights. With their deep appreciation for design and a commitment to excellence, they are set to reimagine how New Jersey homeowners experience custom interiors. Their approach blends Ornare’s globally celebrated artistry with a modern, locally inspired aesthetic that caters to the region’s sophisticated tastes.
As Ornare establishes its presence in New Jersey, industry insiders are calling it the business to watch. With its focus on personalization, sustainability, and cutting-edge innovation, Ornare is poised to set a new standard in luxury cabinetry and redefine the possibilities of interior design in the area.
Paramus Design Center
776 NJ-17, Unit C1, Paramus, NJ 07652
www.ornare.com | Taloise@ornareparamus.com
BUSINESSES TO WATCH IN 2025
CROWN POINT CABINETRY
Family owned and operated, Crown Point Cabinetry handcrafts the finest quality custom cabinetry for your entire home. We are the only custom cabinetmaker in the country that sells direct to homeowners, custom builders, remodelers and designers nationally and internationally. Contrary to the process of a dealer network, where there is always a middleman between the client and cabinetmaker, Crown Point has an in-house staff of almost 20 designers. Each designer works one-on-one with their client. It’s this ability that allows Crown Point to listen, understand, and deliver the cabinetry designs that are a perfect fit for every home.
And now we have raised the bar, as every cabinet is built with American black walnut interiors and drawers. Every base cabinet, every wall cabinet and every tall cabinet. Our new standard. All of our cabinetry is built by our artisans right in New Hampshire, and backed by our unprecedented 10-year warranty. We are proud to be celebrating 44 years in business!
800.999.4994 www.crown-point.com
UPSTYLE CHIQUE
With a decade of expertise in brick and stone staining, Cecelia Mullen’s journey is rooted in her experience as a stay-at-home mom, seeking flexibility while raising three children. What began her journey springs from her days as a dedicated stay-at-home mom, seeking flexibility while raising three children. What started as a personal endeavor to revamp her home bloomed into a thriving business, launched from a simple Facebook page. Her breakthrough moment arrived when she breathed new life into her sister’s tired fireplace, igniting her passion for the industry. Inspired by her father’s legacy as a antique dealer, she infuses each project with a unique blend of artistry, craftsmanship, and unwavering dedication.
Cecelia Mullen, Owner 917.705.1736 www.upstylechique.com | FB/IG@upstylechique
BUSINESSES TO WATCH IN 2025
JAEGER LUMBER
Jaeger Lumber is proudly serving New Jersey’s finest contractors and home owners since 1937 for all of their construction and remodeling needs. We are a full-service provider of lumber and building products with an exceptionally knowledgeable and professional team of sales representatives ready to serve you at any one of 8 our locations throughout New Jersey. If you’re serious about improving your home, Jaeger Lumber is the place to start. Visit our showrooms in Union, Verona, Madison, Stirling, Middlesex, Point Pleasant, or Belmar to view displays of top of the line Andersen products.
Our talented teams are passionate about what they do, and provide responsive, personalized service so you’ll never get lost in the shuffle. Jaeger’s sales professionals and installers are committed to helping you make your home an attractive, functional, and relaxing environment for everyone to enjoy.
Whether your installation is done by your contractor or the Jaeger team of master craftsmen, our team of experienced professionals are here to help from start to finish on any project big or small.
DOWN TO BASICS
Welcome to a world where your wellness is a priority and luxury never felt this good!
Since 1991, Down to Basics has been providing the best in down comforters, pillows, linens and gifts to customers around the world. In a world where we often prioritize convenience and affordability, the value of investing in high-quality bedding can be overlooked and we believe a good night’s sleep is a BASIC necessity to one’s health and well-being. Down to Basics patented design comforter offers that lofty inviting look into your bed. The diagon® design is constructed for optimal loft while evenly dispersing the down allowing it to adjust to your body temperature. Let your 5-star luxury experience begin at home. Rest Well, in Luxury!
17 W. River Road, Rumson, NJ, 07760 732.741.6800 | www.downtobasics.com
BUSINESSES TO WATCH IN 2025
Wainscot Media publishes several special sections throughout the year in our regional magazines.
Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation Publication Title: NJ Home (PP 13). Published 6 times/year by Wainscot Media, 1 Maynard Drive, Suite 2104, Park Ridge, NJ 07656. Publisher; Thomas Flannery, Wainscot Media, 1 Maynard Drive, Suite 2104, Park Ridge, NJ 07656, Editor; Rita Guarna, Wainscot Media, 1 Maynard Drive, Suite 2104, Park Ridge, NJ 07656. Subscription Price: $49.00 US. Filing Date: 11/21/2024; Owner(s): Carroll V. Dowden, 13 Cameron Road, Saddle River, NJ 07458; Mark Dowden, 180 Washington Valley Rd., Morristown, NJ 07960; Lebhar Friedman, Inc., 241 Central Park West, New York, NY, 10024. Known Bondholders, Mortgages, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: None. Issue Date for Circulation Data: Oct/Nov 2024. No. Copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: Total # of copies: 18,301; Outside County paid/requested mail subscriptions: 9,642; In-County paid/ requested mail subscriptions: 0; Sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales, and other paid or requested distribution outside USPS: 0; Requested copies distributed by other mail classes through the USPS: 0; Total paid and/ or requested circulation: 9,642; Outside County nonrequested copies: 8,358; In-County nonrequested copies: 0; Nonrequested copies distributed through the USPS by other classes of mail: 0; Nonrequested copies distributed outside the mail: 90. Total nonrequested distribution: 8,448; Total distribution: 18,090; Copies not distributed: 211 Total: 18,301; Percent paid and/or requested circulation: 53.3%. I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions and/or civil sanctions. Mark V. Dowden, Owner, 11/21/2024.
To learn more about freelance opportunities, contact Jacquelynn Fischer: Jacquelynn.Fischer@wainscotmedia.com
DIANE DUROCHER, ASID, IIDA, CAPS, C.I.D.
A well-respected designer for over 25 years, Diane Durocher believes that the foundation of successful design is trust and confidence. Connecting on a deeply personal level enables Diane to design inspired spaces that reflect her clients’ unique personalities and lifestyles. With a keen eye for color, outstanding space planning skills, and the ability to design customized pieces, she rises to the challenge of transforming a blank slate into a stunning reality and brings her clients’ visions to life. Her ultimate goal is to exceed her clients’ expectations.
Diane is an award-winning designer whose talent has been recognized throughout her career. She has received numerous “Design of Excellence” awards from the NJ Chapter of ASID, has been selected to showcase her work in many prominent designer showhouses in NJ and NY, and is often featured in prestigious design publications. She believes that a well-designed home is not just a lovely backdrop, it influences how we live our lives.
Ramsey, NJ 07446 | 201.825.3832
www.Dianedurocherinteriors.com
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL SERVICES
Certified Financial Services’ (CFS) community impact reflects its commitment to social responsibility and sustainable development. By working with local charities such as Make a Wish, NJ, Tunnels to Towers, Salvation Army Angel Tree, Center for Food Action, the Jewish Federation and countless more CFS is constantly working towards a better tomorrow. Through their volunteer initiatives, charitable donations, and partnerships with non-profits, CFS fosters positive change throughout the community. Ultimately, a strong community impact strengthens their relationships with local charities and organizations.
www.cfsllc.com Instagram @certifiedfinancialservices
Available at West Elm, Red Bank, 732.268.8537
Available at mitzi.com
Available at worldmarket.com
Available at World Market, Shrewsbury, 732.530.2863
Available at lostine.com
Available at The Home Depot, multiple locations
Available at Anthropologie, Hoboken, 201.963.4221
Available at West Elm, multiple locations
WENTWORTH FLOOR LAMP
MOWILL NATURAL WOOD THREE RING FLOOR LAMP
LAUREN FLOOR LAMP
YARRA FAUX WOOD AND JUTE TAPERED FLOOR LAMP
HUGO BARBELL FLOOR LAMP— NATURAL
NOVA OF CALIFORNIA ESCALIER 61” FLOOR LAMP
LULU JUDARN FLOOR LAMP
BRYNN TERRACOTTA FLOOR LAMP
HIGH SPIRITS
Lend your entertaining a touch of distinction with a beautiful home bar.
YOU PUT TIME AND THOUGHT INTO PICKING THE PERFECT WINE
TO pair with a meal, and into curating the ideal cocktail to mark an occasion. But what about the space in which you display and enjoy your collection of libations? A home bar can bring the good times of an on-the-town evening into the comfort of your own home and allow you to up your entertaining game. And it can be as beautiful as it is handy.
Just as you display your art, your collection of wines and spirits deserves displaying as well. The dark amber glow of sunlight through aged whiskey, the antique glass of wine bottles and the intricate designs of the labels all create rich color schemes and dreamy visuals. “Home bars are a great place to get moody, get personal and really highlight some of a client’s treasures,” says Melissa Selvaggio of Upper Saddle River-based Melissa’s Designs & Co.
“I love to use warm, rich colors, lots of natural wood and unique details when designing a bar.”
Other than those bottles, what details bring this space to life?
Let your imagination run wild. Evoke a sports bar with keepsake jerseys in frames. Add mirrors and brass to deepen that moody feeling, and keep the lights low. Use an antique glass backsplash to make it feel as if you’re in your favorite upscale restaurant, or a smoky speakeasy of old. Says Selvaggio: “Unique glassware can be used as décor as well. Beer steins, for instance, make a great statement on a bar shelf.” And don’t skimp on the hardware. A wine refrigerator is a must, to keep the drinks on-hand and the perfect temperature.
So why go out? Gather your friends, reach into your own collection and exhale. Everything you want to enjoy is right here.
