19 minute read
DESIGNER’S DREAM
An Upper Saddle River home serves as its designer-owner’s canvas for an evolving exploration in style.
TEXT by NAYDA RONDON DESIGN by BROOKE HILLS SPERLING PHOTOGRAPHY by BRITTANY AMBRIDGE
In the music room of an Upper Saddle River home, the Yamaha Disklavier piano resonates with classic elegance while the Kelly Wearstler brass chandelier, Stark carpet and eclectic art add harmonious notes.
When Brooke Hills Sperling, president of Columbia Brooke Hills Design, moved into her Upper Saddle River home with her husband, Mark, and their toddler, she found herself in designer heaven; the 6,000+-square-foot colonial with six bedrooms, eight bathrooms, pool, guest house, tennis court and soccer field presented the perfect design test lab.
“The home is always evolving,” she explains with a laugh. “As a decorator, I’m constantly shopping for clients and seeing new materials to bring home—a job hazard.”
At first, the home had a French country feel. “The dining room was red and there was a rooster chandelier in the kitchen,” Sperling says. “My initial goal was to quiet the space.”
While staying true to the home’s architecture, she stripped all the floral wallpapers, tore out the green carpeting, stained every inch of hardwood, brought the wall colors to neutrals and custom-designed all the window treatments. Most pieces were new, bought for each room’s specifications.
Sperling selected neutral textural wallpaper for most of the first floor. For the formal “grown-up” dining room, the challenge was to find wallpaper that echoed the rest of the main floor’s color scheme while also inserting a “fun” surprise. When she found the Scalamandré zebra-patterned wallpaper, she knew she’d hit her target. “The zebras add a lot of action; the space comes alive.” (But alive, of course, means ever-changing: such is Sperling’s passion for continuing evolution that the zebras, fitting though they’ve been, will soon give way to Phillip Jeffries black grass-cloth.) To further amp up the room’s impact, Sperling had the ceiling painted in Benjamin Moore Decorator White and trimmed with
Opposite page: The burlwood coffee and console tables by Williams-Sonoma Home convey a relaxed style. This page, bottom: The informal eating room’s Restoration Hardware table and chairs, Ryan Pillows banquette cushions and Hicks Pendants lights play to the home’s color scheme.
Farrow & Ball Pitch Black. The RH round table and Molteni&C chairs add to the conversation with bold statements.
“I let the architecture—and the inhabitants and how they live—dictate the design,” Sperling says. In this spirit, she transformed a sitting room into a space that now sees much more action as her husband’s music room.
The space now strikes all the right chords—the Yamaha Disklavier piano is a star attraction. Sperling added the built-in wall feature to showcase her husband’s sheet music. “They’re an eclectic mix, frequently changing as he often picks up new music during our trips,” she says.
Built-in nooks framing the fireplace display items rich in memories—maracas, a bongo and ceramics collected in Mexico. Hanging above the fireplace, a sketch of a jazz musician is a gift from Sperling’s father-in-law, while a poster from Bayou Maharajah, a documentary that Sperling’s husband produced, adorns a nearby wall.
Sperling underscored the melody of neutral colors and design notes with JF Fabrics window treatments she designed herself, Stark camel carpet and Molteni&C black sofas accented with black and cream pillows in Kelly Wearstler fabric. Natural elements such as the wood furniture and greenery are in tune with the room’s welcoming composition.
Inviting comfort is also the mood of the informal eating room. “We eat breakfast, lunch and dinner here,” she says of the charming space decorated with Restoration Hardware table and chairs, orb-shaped Hicks Pendants by Visual Comfort and comfy banquette cushions and pillows by Ryan Studio Pillows. “When my daughter has friends over, they can slide on to one side of the banquette. It works equally well for more formal gatherings.” “For all of our first floor’s ‘public spaces’ I’ve tried to create a style that’s sophisticated, open, classic yet contemporary and evolving,” says Sperling. “I think I’ve succeeded.”
This page, top: The designer/homeowner keeps things fresh by pairing vintage pieces (tortoise water glasses) with contemporary-style ones (gold flatware from Bloomingdale’s). Other new additions: Marimekko top plates she personally carried home from Finland and linens bought during a trip to Ireland. Opposite: The Aerin chandelier sheds beautiful light on the Scalamandré wallpaper. At first, the zebra wallpaper was a non-negotiable must-have, but now the designer/homeowner says, “The zebras had their day; it’s time for something new.” She’s now selected a “stunning” Phillip Jeffries black grass-cloth wallpaper, which she’ll soon have installed to revitalize the room’s energy.
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MEET THE DESIGN PROFESSIONAL Is it worth the investment to reupholster/refinish furniture I already own?
If you purchased well originally, then absolutely! Furniture with good bones should last for many years, sometimes for multiple generations. Regardless if a room’s color palette or décor changes, classic pieces are timeless.
When it’s time for a refresh, instead of adding to the landfill, upcycling is a creative, sustainable solution. Give your treasured old pieces new life by transforming them. Reupholster your favorite sofa with a bold new fabric or refinish a desk with paint and glaze. It’s an opportunity to make your antique pieces feel fresh and youthful.
DIANE DUROCHER, ASID, IIDA, CAPS, C.I.D.
Diane Durocher Interiors, INC. 375 S. Central Ave., Ramsey, NJ 07446 201.825.3832 | www.dianedurocherinteriors.com
We all have visions of our perfect room. But with so many choices, a room makeover seems daunting. What are your actual first steps when working on a new project?
Firstly, we are a TRUE team. We balance each other and rely on one another’s experience, knowledge and keen eye to create a home that is beautiful.
One of the most important qualities of our job is listening. And we’ve mastered the art. After all, the project we are about to embark on is not about our personal style choices, but about the varied tastes and sensibilities of our trusted clients. Mid-century modern, Old World, bohemian, minimalistic or on-trend – we know it all, appreciate all styles and are experts at creating a home that reflects your passion and infuses your distinctive style. We also consider the overall style of the house, so while the room has its own personality, it blends and maintains the integrity of the rest of the home to ensure a seamless look.
After the listening process, we ask a lot of questions. How will the room be utilized – kid and pet friendly or off limits to tots and furry friends. Will the room have dual functionality? For example, an office/sitting room or a family/playroom? These are important details that help direct our selections in terms of fabrics, trims, color choices, window treatments, lighting as well as furniture placement.
Remaking your home should be a fun and exciting journey. Helping you uncover your individual style and bringing your dream room to reality, is why we put our hearts into every project and love what we do!
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Muted earth tones combined with natural textures, earthy wallpaper and copper accents creates a living room space that is inspired by nature and portrays a feeling of inner peace and tranquility. A simple, but elegant lighting pendant enhances the mood and adds a touch of romance.
MICHAEL FELICE & CECILIA GUZZO, CO-OWNERS
Michael Felice Interiors 318 Franklin Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ 07481 201.710.5796 | michaelfeliceinteriors.com
What makes MIF Design different from other design firms? Can you explain how you work and when a client would engage your services?
MIF Design aims to be your one stop shop for home design and build. By consolidating these two services we are able to streamline the entire construction process. As a full-service design and construction firm, clients engage us at the onset of a project. From finding the right property for a remodel, to building homes from the ground up, or renovating and reimaging your existing space; we then bring it all together!
Before we put pen to paper, prepare blueprint plans or start demolition, we spend time getting to know our clients and asking the right questions to truly understand how they live and use their space. We excel at seamlessly translating these conversations to achieve the best possible aesthetics within our client’s budget.
As a husband and wife team who are equally resourceful, creative and totally passionate about every aspect of the build and design process, there is nothing that together we can’t make truly spectacular and unique. Working hand in hand with talented and trusted contractors and craftsmen, we are the singular point of contact for our clients. By managing every project phase efficiently, we attain function and artistry - delivering timeless and beautiful results that are perfect for the way your family lives. No project is complete without a sprinkling of fun along the way! Visit our Instagram @mif_design and see how our projects transpire for yourself.
MEET THE DESIGN PROFESSIONALS
Kitchens have always been our absolute favorite spaces to design. Every kitchen is an opportunity to create a harmonious blend of beauty and function. We offer full kitchen design and installation within Bergen County, NJ and virtual kitchen design and material sourcing across the U.S. We will work closely with you from out-of-the-box layout concepts to the overall design of cabinetry, counters, knobs and every single hinge. Our goal is to make sure each design and finish complements the final vision for a custom kitchen you will love.
MIF Design
closets | garages | home offices |entertainment centers wall units | wall beds | pantries | craft rooms laundry rooms | mud rooms | wine rooms
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BY DESIGN LANDSCAPES
BEAUTIFUL Landscapes DON’T just happen. They’re created BY DESIGN. At the end of a long day, there is no better feeling than coming home to a space where you feel completely at ease and can unwind from the stress of everyday life, a space that completely captures the essence of you and your family from the design to the colors and décor.
The outdoor areas of your property offer a wonderful opportunity to craft a uniquely personal oasis that amplifies your sense of relaxation. Outdoor spaces come in many different sizes and shapes to fulfill various needs. Identifying and incorporating elements that bring out your inner joy are crucial to creating your ideal outdoor living space. Working with the natural contours and assets of your property and incorporating new elements that connect your outdoor living needs to the natural landscape will provide a smooth transition from interior to exterior spaces. The choices you make will help to shape a unique vision that you and your family can enjoy for years to come. By Design Landscapes, Inc. strives to create unique outdoor living spaces that express the personality and desires of each of our clients. Our professional full-service design and build team has been creating beautiful landscapes throughout New Jersey since 2005. We pride ourselves in being a one-stop premier service provider driven by integrity and consistently exceeding customers’ expectations.
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OUTER FURNITURE
93% of your life is spent indoors, but so many of our favorite moments are spent outdoors. The fresh air. The feeling of peace. Sitting in the sunshine listening to the birds and the bees. Since warmer weather is almost here, we want to make the most of it. At Outer we’re an outdoor furniture company designing furniture to get you outside more.
Outer creates durable and eco-conscious outdoor furniture designed to help people have better lives, outside. Our collections are crafted from the highest-quality materials, and built to withstand all that nature (and life!) has to throw at them. We have the ONLY outdoor furniture with patented, built-in covers to make protecting it, effortless. With our OuterShell® cushion covers, memory foam cushions, eco-friendly performance fabrics, and several stylish all-weather frames to choose from, every detail of the Outer Sofa was thoughtfully designed to deliver superior durability, comfort, and style. We are constantly innovating, looking to solve more solutions to make your backyard your new favorite room in the house! We recently launched our Firepit Table, an outdoor fire pit built to cook on, and our dining table, and foldable dining chairs, with an attachable OuterShell—eliminating dirty elbows from the dinner table! Outer products are sustainably-made, include industry-leading warranties, and ship free! Not convinced yet? Check out a Neighborhood Showroom near you, where you can experience Outer products in the backyards of real Outer customers in your own neighborhood. Intrigued? Learn more at liveouter.com or give us a call at 855.277.7744 for a free design consultation.
855.277.7744 www.liveouter.com
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DISTINCTIVELY OUTDOORS
Distinctively Outdoors showcases over 7,000 square feet of outdoor living options featuring full displays of decking and hardscapes, outdoor kitchens with top name grills and accessories, fire pits, pergolas, hot tubs, patio furniture and more! Let our design team help you create an outdoor living space that fits your lifestyle and entertaining needs by showing you choices in deck and patio materials, outdoor kitchens that offer true functionality, loungeworthy furnishings, and custom spaces all on display in our showroom.
There is no substitution for face-to-face interactions with our knowledgeable staff and design experts who can show you the limitless options available and help you start creating your outdoor oasis. Let us help you put the comforts of the indoors in your next outdoor space!
3713 Route 46 East, Parsippany, NJ 973.828.1288 www.distinctivelyoutdoors.com
MERCURY DECKS
Mercury Decks is a design and build company focusing on the creation of custom outdoor living spaces designed to meet our clients’ needs and lifestyles. Mercury Decks specializes in safe, secure projects that are custom in design and high-end in quality and value for your dollar. Over 25 years of experience and knowledge allow us to work with our customers vision, needs and space to create an ideal outdoor living environment that is not only beautiful, but can stand the test of time.
Our main product offerings include new decks, primarily made with composite materials, custom railing, lighting options, outdoor kitchens, fire elements and shade structures that fit how a family wants to live and spend time outdoors.
Parsippany, NJ 973.828.1277 www.mercurydecks.com
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B&B POOL AND SPA CENTER
The team at B&B has been satisfying customers for 47 years. The pools they build— including all those from their early days—continue to be beautiful and inviting. Virtually every year since B&B started building pools, they’ve won awards. With their attention focused on providing ease, convenience and efficiency, B&B created the IntelliPool® and IntelliSpa® bringing the best of technology together with the simple pleasure of crystal-clear water.
787 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Chestnut Ridge, NY | 845.356.0778 www.bbpoolandspa.com
PELICAN SHOPS
Everyone loves enjoying time together around a fire pit! Pelican on Route 10 in Morris Plains has the largest selection of outdoor furniture and fire pits in NJ! You’ll choose from an endless, unique selection of different fire pit styles and sizes… as well as all the most comfortable seating and dining to create the most relaxing outdoor space! You have to see it to believe it. Visit Pelican today and get your delivery and installation dates booked ASAP to make this the best summer possible. Visit Pelican on the web at www.pelicanshops.com or in person seven days a week. Call 973.267.0964 for additional information.
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CLC LANDSCAPE DESIGN
We founded CLC Landscape Design with the idea that “great landscapes begin with great design ideas.” Within one company we combined the vision of the landscape architect and the craftsmanship of the landscape contractor. This concept of design/build landscaping produces superior landscapes because the designer’s vision is implemented by a team of craftsmen trained in installing his landscapes. We’ve been a family-owned business and leader in design/build landscaping since 1973.
973.839.6026 www.CLCdesign.com
DANILO BONAZZA ART & MOSAICS
Born in Ravenna, Italy, Danilo Bonazza is one of the leading Mosaic art installers in the world. He is a renowned expert in the installation of mosaic tile and has worked on highend artistic concepts worldwide. His firm, Art & Mosaics, specializes in luxury custom pool interiors, mosaic murals, and mosaic tile installations for some of the most discerning commercial and residential clients.
Danilo’s work can be seen in luxury locations like Versace in Miami, the Encore Hotel in Las Vegas, the Crown Hotel in Melbourne, Australia and others throughout Europe and the U.S. Art & Mosaics has had the very good fortune and privilege to work with some amazing clients around the world—perhaps the next one will be you! Craftsmanship and attention to detail are key to Art & Mosaics’ work, and it shows in their truly unique pieces of artwork that can’t be found anywhere else. Please contact Danilo for your next artistic mosaic tile design project.
347.429.0244 danilo@artandmosaics.com www.artandmosaics.com
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SKI BARN
Browse skibarn.com for our extensive collections of furniture, firepits, pizza ovens, patio heaters, grills, umbrellas and accessories available for delivery. See our SHOP tab for smaller shop and ship items. We always offer FREE in-store, at-home or virtual consultations, our own delivery and set-up crew and delivery to the Jersey shore!
To request a FREE in-store, at-home or virtual consultation appointment or view store hours, visit skibarn.com.
Paramus, Wayne, Shrewsbury & Lawrenceville www.skibarn.com
NJ GRAVEL & SAND COMPANY
What started out in 1936 as a sand and gravel business has now grown over the years into New Jersey’s premier supplier of decorative stone, topsoil, mulch and a complete line of landscape supplies. “Our custom stone cutting operation on premises allows us to create that special hearth, mantel or countertop of your dreams,” says Jim Wingard, owner of NJ Gravel & Sand. “And we have a large selection of flagstone, veneer stone, wall stone and boulders.” NJ Gravel & Sand is also an authorized dealer of Unilock and Nicolock Pavers. To see the true beauty of our products and what NJ Gravel & Sand can do to enhance your home or business, visit our state-of-theart displays of everything from limestone, bluestone, marble, granite, sandstone, quartzite, slate, travertine, crushed seashells, and more. We have remained safely open to the public throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Our beautifully remodeled website featuring all of our products and services is also a good place to start. 1661 Hwy. 34 South, Wall, NJ 732.938.5252 www.njgravelsand.com
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SJ POOLS & LANDSCAPING
SJ Pools & Landscaping LLC is your total solutions provider when it comes to the design and build of your new backyard. We are an award-winning pool company in both design and construction. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction is second to none. Be creative, be bold, don’t settle for the same thing your neighbor has. We care about every detail on the project and we make each project unique. Let’s make your dream backyard come to life!
201.265.9555 sjpoolsandlandscaping.com
NATURE VIEW DESIGN GROUP
Our top landscape architects and contractors offer the following services: complete landscape site design; 3D renderings; walkways, patios, retaining walls and pool decks; Belgium block curbs and driveways; ponds and waterfalls; putting greens and sport courts; privacy and foundation plantings; shade and zen gardens; unique trees and shrub planting. 201.224.2050 www.natureviewdesigngroup.com
CHARLESTON TILE AND STONE
Charleston Tile and Stone is a distinctive, boutique retail showroom offering products for both interior and exterior projects while providing personalized consultations for each individual style. We pride ourselves on putting our clients first and welcoming every inquiry with open arms. Each sample in the showroom has been hand-selected and styles range from traditional to the hottest on-trend designs. This is what we love to do, and we certainly hope it shows!
We are happy to announce that Waters Edge Pool and Spa, an established Charleston affiliate, is now under the same roof! Waters Edge offers swimming pool design, building, and servicing. 100 Main St., Chatham, NJ 973.457.2143 | www.charlestontileandstone.com www.watersedgepoolandspa.com
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NICOLOCK
For many homeowners, it’s ALL about the color! And no one offers a more extensive selection of colors than Nicolock. Match your hardscape to your siding, go with natural tones, or maybe add a pop of color as an accent— your color options are limitless.
Plus, only Nicolock offers paver-shield™ technology for a tight, smooth ultradense surface with vibrant color throughout the entire paver—ensuring color, beauty, and strength that will last for generations
612 Muncy Ave., Lindenhurst, NJ 631.669.0700 | www.nicolock.com
BACKYARD STRUCTURES
A family-owned and operated business located in Belford, Backyard Structures builds stunning gazebos, pergolas, and other outdoor structures throughout Monmouth County. Using top grade materials, expert craftsmanship, and generations of expertise, Backyard Structures has enhanced outdoor living spaces for over 30 years. Backyard Structures delivers superior product selection, pricing and overall value to homeowners, with top quality American-made sheds, swing sets, garages, playhouses, pavilions, and other structures. Visit our Belford location to learn more.
515 Route 36, Belford, NJ 732.495.8866 | www.BackyardStructuresNJ.com
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