NJ Home April/May 2024

SHORE TO PLEASE SEASIDE LIVING INSPIRES LBI DESIGN FOR LOVE OF OLD THINGS YOUNG MONTCLAIR FAMILY EMBRACES TIMELESS STYLE

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CONTENTS

FEATURES

SAND, SEA AND SKY | 42

Outdoor pleasures are built into the design of a waterfront home on Long Beach Island.

FOR LOVE OF OLD THINGS | 54

An antiques dealer’s daughter married a Scot, and together they’re teaching their kids to venerate tradition. The timeless feel of their Montclair colonial helps.

RUMSON RETREAT | 66

A family achieves the perfect relaxing second home down by the Navasink River.

MODERN BUT HISTORIC

In her own West Caldwell home, a designer strikes a balance between the modern aesthetic she loves and the details that make an older house distinctive. pg. 60

CONTENTS

DEPARTMENTS

GUIDE | 19

What’s up, what’s new and what to do.

ASK THE EXPERTS | 26

Three local pros offer guidance about sturdy sofas, coastal colors and pendant lights.

MATERIAL WORLD | 28

Add a pop of color and get high grades with one of these brilliant accents.

HOT STUFF | 30

Bouclé furnishings feature plush, cozy and visually stunning fabric.

TREND REPORT | 32

Handmade furnishings can be true masterpieces—they bring texture and style to any room.

ART | 34

One medium is fine. But multiple materials can really make a piece stand out.

ANTIQUES | 36

Standing guard or welcoming visitors, a timeless statue offers character and charm.

TOP CHOICES | 76

These entertaining essentials will keep your party going... and going... and going.

FINISHING TOUCH | 80

Three cheers for you when you dine on your own garden’s produce—from your taste buds, your health and the planet.

54

42

66

36

SCORE

ONE FOR THE SCOTS. THOSE BAGPIPES-LOVING FOLKS FAR north of London have long been stereotyped for their frugality. But now environmental consciousness has us all thinking of what we can keep and repurpose rather than buying anew—how we can live sustainably instead of being rapacious in our use of resources. These days, in a sense, we’re all a wee bit Scottish.

Designer Kate Mazza caught the spirit with the Montclair colonial she was redesigning (see page 54). Her clients? He was a transplanted Scotsman, she the daughter of “an antiques dealer with extraordinary taste.” They wanted their home to marry their traditions and inspire their four children to respect the past. “In this disposable society, living amongst vintage and antique pieces teaches our kids not to be wasteful,” the wife says. “It also instills in them the value and beauty of old things—books, furniture, William Morris prints—or new things produced in traditional ways, such as new Scottish wool made in the same method used for hundreds of years.”

Of course, reverence for the past can be a wise aesthetic choice whether or not one’s home is intended to teach the kids. (And all we might all reflect on what visual lessons our homes are conveying, intentionally or not!) Thus Jessica Fischer used family heirlooms and tastefully arranged family photos in making a vacation-and-weekend home in Rumson feel just right for its owners (page 66).

Preserving her own 1940s West Caldwell home’s “historical charm and details” was high on designer Olma Fuentes’s priority list in a recent renovation (page 60). That meant not only honoring the house’s structure (while updating a “dark and dated” look with new, room-brightening double-hung windows), but also adding traditional-style millwork. In her double role as professional and client, Fuentes filled a welcoming family room with “things that are meaningful to us,” including artwork, books and vases the family had collected over the years.

For a waterfront home on Long Beach Island, it wasn’t so much using treasures from the past as treasuring every inch of space that was designer Karen Wolf’s goal (page 42). With half of the home’s area given over to outdoor features it was imperative to achieve dual or multiple functionality for almost every inch, with a thriftiness that would do a Scot proud.

This NJ HOME tells these instructive stories and more—all about bar carts (page 76), choosing a sofa, placing kitchen pendant lights and painting exterior trim on the Jersey Shore (page 26). And, while we haven’t yet ventured into cuisine, on page 80 we honor vegetable gardens, which promise at once nutritious freshness at the table and an aesthetic delight in the yard.

In the spirit of both sustainability and Scotland, it’s a good idea not to waste anything—not even a good idea.

Enjoy this issue!

WHAT’S THAT ACCENT?

Where should your eye be drawn when you enter a room? The go-to answer used to be the accent wall, traditionally painted a different color than the rest of the room, but trends are shifting. “I find that we are doing more wall-applied moldings as accents as opposed to painted accent walls,” notes Laurie DiGiacomo of Laurie DiGiacomo Interiors in Ridgewood.

Indeed, applied moldings and painting techniques such as Venetian plaster and Roman clay are drawing attention to accent walls through texture, as opposed to color. This creates a more subtle point of interest and draws the eye in a different way than a painted accent wall does, and often keeps a space looking cohesive.

Where are people adding that pop of color? Well, just look up. More and more, the ceiling is being treated as the “fifth wall” of a space, and that includes adding paint. “People typically default to white for a ceiling, but adding a color can change the entire feeling of a room and add a lot of interest,” says Jodi Kelly of Kelly Home Designs, also in Ridgewood. “A lighter color can make a room feel more spacious and airy, while a darker color can create a cozier and more intimate atmosphere. My favorite spaces to add a pop of color are dining rooms, powder rooms and bedrooms.”

RAISING THE (COFFEE) BAR

THE GUIDE

What’s up, what’s new and what to do.

A CATCHALL FOR ALL

Whether it’s a vintage watch, timeless jewelry or even a great-tasting cigar, your everyday items deserve to be stashed properly.

Protetta catchall trays not only securely hold things like timepieces, earrings and key fobs, but also serve as beautiful tabletop décor and an elevated alternative to an old-fashioned ashtray. That’s because

Protetta uses Italian-inspired art and design to reflect the owner’s personal experiences and travels.

Each catchall is made of porcelain and zinc alloy, ensuring elegance, style and durability. Check out Protetta’s newest styles at protetta.com.

The perfect cup of coffee starts your morning right, whatever that means to you—with a few minutes of peace, an extra bit of productivity or a moment to connect with family and loved ones. A built-in coffee bar provides a haven to make that happen, offering as it does that all-important dose of caffeine. Here are some tips to make your coffee bar just as perfect as your cup of joe:

• Don’t skimp on hardware. Like any appliance, your coffee maker itself should be a part of the design. Pick one that fits with the aesthetic of the room, be that sleek and modern or old-school and cozy, and don’t be afraid of bells and whistles. You can go beyond just choosing single-cup or large-pot coffee makers. From milk frothers for the perfect latte to espresso machines that turn you into a world-class barista to a simple and elegant French press, make sure your coffee bar is stocked with all the gadgets you need.

• Customize your china. If you’ve been looking for a place to display your second china set, here it is. Using mugs, cups and other pieces of china can pull the bar’s design together. Try mixing and matching different kinds of mugs to create visual interest, or keep one design throughout for a sense of cohesiveness and peace.

• Tuck away supplies. We love coffee, but we don’t need to see the bags of beans. Situate your coffee bar somewhere with convenient cabinets to store coffee beans, tea bags and other more mundane parts of the drink-making process. No more counter space? No problem! Bar carts can just as easily be coffee carts—they often have built-in shelves handy for just this purpose.

• Serve on a tray. Small trays, trivets and coasters not only add flair, but also protect your countertops and make cleanup a breeze. Experiment with a variety of styles and materials. Both tile and glassware offer great storage options, and vintage tea trays are a great way to draw the eye.

MAY HOME SALES

History shows that real estate heats up in spring, and May is one of the busiest months for Realtors and real estate lawyers. Though the ebbs and flows of the market are notoriously fickle, past statistics can help us understand the present. If you’re considering your next property or listing your home for a big move, let these numbers from May 2023 be a guide:

13,034

Number of single-family homes for sale, down 28.1 percent from 2022.

4,999

Number of single-family homes closed, down 23.4 percent from the previous year.

7,371 New listings for single-family homes, down 28.6 percent from the same month in 2022.

$500,000

Average sales price of a singlefamily home, up 2 percent from May 2022.

36

Average days properties stayed on the market, up 24.1 percent from the previous year.

Source: New Jersey Association of Realtors

MUST-READS

If you’ve ever wondered about structures that never were, be sure to read The Atlas of Never Built Architecture by Sam Lubell and Greg Goldin (Phaidon, $150, pre-order), which chronicles 300 extraordinary pieces of unbuilt architectural plans from all around the world. It’s a treasure trove of sketches and renderings from some of the greatest design minds of the modern age.

Experience Paris as you’ve never experienced it before with Mathilde Favier and Frédérique Dedet’s Living Beautifully in Paris (Rizzoli, $75). Favier, the charismatic public relations director at Dior Couture, takes the reader through the private spaces, shops, studios and residences of some of Paris’s leading creative personalities. Intimate and joyful, this text will take you into the soul of the City of Love.

Immerse yourself in a modern approach to classic elegance through a designer’s own words with Alyssa Kapito Interiors (Rizzoli, $75). Kapito’s eponymous design firm, founded in 2012, embodies her unique design philosophy and has wowed with every design she’s created. This tome guides you through her most outstanding projects all over New York City and beyond, demonstrating why Kapito is one of the most exciting design voices working today.

STATE OF THE ARTS

The work of two women artists who called New Jersey home is on display at James Yarosh Associates Fine Art Gallery in Holmdel, and proprietor Yarosh is excited about them:

Miriam Beerman (1923–2022): Renowned for humanist expressionism, former Montclair resident Beerman was a trailblazer in more ways than one. In 1971 she became one of the first women to be given a one-person show at the Brooklyn Museum, and her work is still shown in more than 60 museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the National Gallery of Art. Yarosh says her deeply emotional pieces dig into feelings of devastation and chaos.

Sheba Sharrow (1926–2006): Often considered part of the Chicago School of imagist painters, Sharrow produced work (pictured) that was surreal and impressionistic. She was a child of the Great Depression and World War II, participated in social justice movements throughout the 1960s and ’70s and called Cherry Hill home. Her work is in the permanent collection of the Zimmerli Art Museum in New Brunswick as well as many private collections. Sharrow’s art is said to express indignation at the cruelties of the world and compassion for those who live in it.

“The fact that the work of two artists born in the 1920s still resonates today and feels so timely speaks to their vision and acumen,” says Yarosh. “I am always pleased when clients collect their work, because it expands their understanding of what great art looks like.”

The work of Beerman and Sharrow will be seen until September in a special “Her Story” exhibit.

GARDEN STATE OF MIND

Many New Jersey garden owners graciously open their outdoor spaces for everyone to enjoy at this time of year. Such tours allow the general public to walk through perfectly manicured yards while enjoying lush growth and gathering ideas for their own homes. Some upcoming tours:

• Bird Haven Farm, Pottersville. (Pictured) This approximately 20-acre private farm will be open for tours 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 16. The site includes large mature trees, a hay meadow, a vegetable and herb garden, fruit trees, ponds and a maze garden. Schedule and tickets: gardenconservancy.org

• Gardens of Cape May, Cape May. Cape May Museum, Arts, Culture (MAC) is holding its annual self-guided garden tour June 15 from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. The program takes visitors to several public and private locations along the seashore. Schedule and tickets: capemaymac.org

• Laurelwood Arboretum, Wayne. Guided walking tours of the gardens are offered Saturday mornings in April, May, June, September and October. Times vary. Schedule and tickets: laurelwoodarboretum.org

• The Mountsier Garden, Nutley. This 2-acre private garden will be open for free tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 13, May 4, June 1 and Sept. 7. Tickets and information: gardenconservancy.org

• New Jersey Botanical Garden, Ringwood. Free guided tours of the botanical garden are available at 2 p.m. every Sunday from May to October. Information: njbg.org

• Reeves-Reed Arboretum, Summit. Guided tours are offered at no cost most Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., May to October. Information: reeves-reedarboretum.org

DESIGN DREAM TEAMS

Angelica Hicks and Jonathan Adler. The home décor and furnishings giant combines with the social media-famous illustrator to create a line of luxurious coasters, dishes and trays. The match made in modern design heaven combines the designer’s iconic style with the artist’s fashionable and comedic touches, which have attracted millions of views on TikTok and Instagram. Pieces include a catchall with a satirical Sistine Chapel scene and plates picturing cigarette-holding hands. Items ranging from $95 to $175 are available at Jonathan Adler stores.

Diane von Furstenberg and Target. The Belgian fashion icon brings her signature wrap dress and other apparel to Target stores this spring, but it’s her new collection of more than 200 home products that excites us most. Von Furstenberg’s prints and patterns will be used in home décor pieces, textiles and made-to-order furniture, all sold exclusively by the department store chain. Expect the designer’s famous florals to appear on pillows and blankets as well as lampshades and towels, all priced between $4 and $50.

FRESHEN UP YOUR SPACE

’Tis the season to open windows and let fresh air circulate in the home, but there are other ways to boost your well-being this season. Joanne English-Rollieson of Englewood-based English Realty Associates suggests wellness tips to improve your space:

• Get organized. Bringing summer items to the front of closets—clothing, shoes, decorations and accessories—is easier when you keep everything organized. “Too much clutter can make it harder to find things,” Rollieson says, “and adds stress to your life.” Companies like Alcove Closets (pictured), Closet Factory and California Closets can organize any space in your home, whether you’re rearranging a kitchen pantry or consolidating items in a nursery. Professionals from these companies can work with you to customize a closet based on your lifestyle and needs and how you use the space.

• Add air purifiers. You may have stored your cold-weather attire, but it’s still susceptible to dust. As you move boxes and storage bins, you’ll probably kick up allergens. “Having a couple of air purifiers in your home can help reduce allergens, promote better sleep and stave off bacteria and viruses,” our expert says. “How many you need and where they’re placed will depend on your house’s layout and square footage.”

Monique

Lhuiller and Pottery Barn. Spring florals may sound trite, but the luxury fashion house and the home furnishings company are offering a fresh take on the pattern this season. The two brands combine for a collection, to be sold by Pottery Barn, that features airy prints of lavender to deliver a serene, ultrafeminine vibe. Pieces include fluffy duvets and embroidered table napkins and dinnerware; they range between $12 and $189.

GUIDANCE, PLEASE

Sofa without a sit? Shoring up colors? Placing pendants? Designers offer tips.

I LIVE AT THE JERSEY SHORE.

WHAT ARE GOOD COLORS FOR THE DOORS AND OTHER ACCENTS ON A HOME’S EXTERIOR? WHAT ABOUT THE TRIM?

My go-to exterior accent color palette for coastal homes: Benjamin Moore’s smoky blue Hale Navy or Palladian Blue, evoking the sea and providing a timeless, sophisticated look. Other good accent colors are muted greens and sandy beiges, such as Beach Glass or Wythe Blue from Benjamin Moore, which seamlessly integrate the beach house. (I choose Benjamin Moore 90 percent of the time because of its true-to-color pigment.)

For the trim, classic whites are a must—for example, Benjamin Moore’s Simply White. They offer a clean and fresh aesthetic, enhancing curb appeal. The goal is to create a connection between architecture and nature, while reflecting the homeowner’s unique style and lifestyle.

—Faye

Roeber, Allied ASID, Faye Roeber Interiors; fayeroeberinteriors.com

I SEE SO MANY GREAT SOFAS ONLINE, BUT I CAN’T IMAGINE BUYING ONE WITHOUT ACTUALLY TRYING IT. WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR STURDY SOFAS?

Ultimately, the best sofa or sectional is the one that meets your specific tastes and needs. Here are some key elements to look for when assessing the comfort of a sofa:

Seat depth: Some people prefer deeper seats for a more relaxed feel, while others prefer shallower seats for better support.

Back height: If you like to rest your head while sitting, a sofa with a higher back may be more suitable and it may provide better support for your lower back.

Cushion firmness and fill material: Some prefer a soft, plush feel while others want a firmer, more supportive cushion. Assess whether the cushions provide the right balance for support and comfort for your liking.

Seat height: Ensure that the seat is comfortable for both sitting and standing. Standard is 18 to 20 inches.

Upholstery material: Consider the texture and feel of the material. Some people prefer the softness of fabric, while others prefer the durability of leather.

Remember, it’s about finding a piece that fits your lifestyle, complements your décor and meets your comfort preferences and unique requirements. Brands I recommend include Vanguard, Century and Lexington.

—Sheila Rich, Allied ASID, CID, Sheila Rich Interiors; sheilarichinteriors.com

WHERE SHOULD YOU HANG PENDANT LIGHTS IN THE KITCHEN?

Pendant lights, the fine jewelry of kitchen designs, typically hang over the kitchen island to create a focal point and to adequately light the dining surface. Yet I advise clients to expand their design imagination and consider placing pendants in unexpected areas to underscore the aesthetic message of the space. Here are three alternative placements I suggest:

Above the sink: Installing pendant lights above the sink delivers the most efficient task lighting for food prep and dishwashing. You can elevate design impact by selecting pendants that complement the style of your kitchen design. Try a schoolhouse glass globe to go with a Shaker-style kitchen or install a warehouse look to accentuate an industrial design aesthetic.

Over a desk or workstation: A built-in desk or workstation will benefit greatly from pendant lighting. I advise clients to consider how much more serviceable this space will be with downward-facing pendants over the work surface.

To brighten a dark corner: Use pendants to amplify functionality in a dark corner or nook. By adding light, you can create a reading corner, accentuate a beverage station or illuminate a small prep area. You can create big design impact by re-imagining pendants in small spaces.

Before installing your pendants, consider ceiling height, scale and the overall design aesthetic of your space. Explore options that emphasize the color, design motifs and silhouettes presented in other elements of the kitchen. Pendants are jewelry; make it sparkle!

—Marilyn LaVergne, Associate ASID, Marilyn LaVergne Interiors; marilynlavergne.com

PHOTO BY LAUREN HAGERSTROM

PHOTOS BY JOHN MARTINELLI

PORTRAIT

HUDSON VALLEY LIGHTING

SINGLE LIGHT MINI PENDANT

Available at build.com

ZINGZ & THINGZ ORCHID

ABSTRACT OVAL

GLASS VASE

Available at bedbathandbeyond.com

GLASS CLASS

Add a pop of color and get high grades with one of these brilliant accents.

EICHHOLTZ BOWL ACE IN YELLOW

Available at unlimited furnituregroup.com

MID-CENTURY SOFT COLOR

GLASS CANDLESTICKS

Available at clearhome design.com

FUSED GLASS IRIDESCENT PLATTER

Available at glassorchard.com

Available at 1stdibs.com

SAFAVIEH OREGON

2 LIGHT ARMED

SCONCE

Available at perigold.com

POMFRET

ALESSANDRO ZAMBELLI LUNAPARK COLORED MURANO GLASS COFFEE TABLE

COTTON VELVET & BOUCLÉ PENDANT LIGHT

Available at theluckyrabbit.com

STAY IN THE LOOP

Bouclé furnishings feature plush, cozy and visually stunning fabric.

CLAM CHAIR IN WHITE LONG HAIR SHERPA

Available at interioricons.com

QAZQA MODERN ARC LAMP BLACK WITH BOUCLÉ SHADE

Available at lampandlight.eu

RONJA UPHOLSTERED OTTOMAN

Available at allmodern.com

HOMMOO MID-CENTURY MODERN COUCH

Available at amazon.com

HANDMADE LAMP

SHADE IN BOUCLÉ

Available at udform.com

MERIDIAN FURNITURE LIAM

COLLECTION BOUCLÉ CHAIR

Available at Raymour & Flanigan, multiple locations

BVM HOME COTTON LINEN

HANDMADE PENDANT LIGHT

DECORATIVE LIGHTING

Available at bvm-home.com

WILD DESIGN AFRICAN

CORK STOOL

Available at sarzastore.com

BIRCH LANE GENO

COFFEE TABLE

THE ART OF CRAFTS

Handmade furnishings can be true masterpieces they bring texture and style to any room.

TROY LIGHTING

CALABRIA HIGH

SIENNA CERAMIC

ACCENT TABLE LAMP

Available at Capitol Lighting, Paramus, 201.843.5353

TRIPOD

LEATHER CHAIR

Available at kardiel.com

JAMIE YOUNG CO. RIVER ORGANIC MIRROR

Available at Bloomingdale’s, multiple locations

Available at wayfair.com

JOSS & MAIN FONDA SOLID WOOD PEDESTAL END TABLE

Available at wayfair.com

Available at kanjuinteriors.com

WIID TAPERED DOUGLAS FIR BENCH

“MARILYN MONROE” MIXED MEDIA ON WOOD PANEL, 2022, DANE SHUE

Available at 1stdibs.com

MIXING IT UP

One medium is fine. But multiple materials can really make a piece stand out.

“BRANCHES & ROOTS” PHILOSOPHICAL ART IN BOXES, 2023, VOLKER KÜHN

Available at 1stdibs.com

“GARDEN OF SECRETS” MIXED MEDIA WALL ART, 2015, RALUCA ARNĂUTU

Available at 1stdibs.com

“REFLECTIONS OF THE INNER COSMOS” WALL SCULPTURE, 2023, SHAWN KOLODNY

Available at 1stdibs.com

DESIGN PATTERN

II FRAMED

FABRIC, ARTIST

UNKNOWN

Available at 1stdibs.com

INDOOR LAMP

“GLOBE” CONTEMPORARY SCULPTURE, 2021, STEFAN TRALOC

Available at 1stdibs.com

PAIR OF 19TH CENTURY TERRACOTTA PUTTI

Available at antiquesboutique.com

WHAT A FIGURE!

Standing guard or welcoming visitors, a timeless statue offers character and charm.

20TH CENTURY MARBLE FOO DOG, SET OF TWO

Available at 1stdibs.com

LARGE 17/18TH

CENTURY ITALIAN

CARVED CARRARA

MARBLE BAROQUE

ANGEL FRAGMENT

Available at 1stdibs.com

ENGLISH CAST IRON HORSE HEAD GARDEN STATUE

Available at 1stdibs.com

VICTORIAN TERRACOTTA DACHSHUND

Available at antiquesboutique.com

20TH CENTURY VINTAGE PAIR OF FRENCH

DOG POODLE GARDEN STATUES

Available at 1stdibs.com

ANTIQUE LIFE SIZE STATUE OF MINERVA

Available at 1stdibs.com

APRIL/MAY 2024

“Kitchens should be designed around what’s truly important—fun, food and life.”

—Daniel Boulud

SAND, SEA AND SKY

Outdoor pleasures are built into the design of a waterfront home on Long Beach Island.

DESIGN by KAREN WOLF INTERIORS PHOTOGRAPHY by RAQUEL LANGWORTHY TEXT by LESLIE GARISTO PFAFF

This waterfront house on Long Beach Island was designed as much for outdoor living as in, and the expansive master deck is a perfect illustration. The table seats 12 to 14 with room to spare, and there’s plenty of space for lounging, snacking and gathering around the firepit. The pergola is equipped with screening to protect diners from wind, sun and bugs.

THE DECKS WERE NOT AN afterthought. When Valerie and Rich Falcone were working with designer Karen Wolf to create a waterfront house on Long Beach Island, they didn’t just want to bring the outdoors in; they wanted to draw the inhabitants out.

“We planned to spend as much time outside as in,” Valerie says, referring to her immediate family (two daughters, 10 and 13, and a black Lab) and the many friends and extended-family members who’d be visiting throughout the summer. So the decks comprise the same square footage as the actual house, providing ample opportunities for sunbathing, al fresco dining and taking in unobstructed vistas of sand, sea, sky and bay.

There are three decks in this reverse-living house: the family’s private deck off their bedrooms on the ground floor, a rooftop deck for watching sunsets over the bay and the main deck off the second-story great room, designed for family and guests and just right for all manner of vacation living. “We really wanted the outside to feel comfortable,” says Valerie. So Wolf provided cushiony chaise longues, a daybed swing, a firepit surrounded by outsized, comfortable chairs and a dining table that expansively seats 14. There’s also a pergola that affords shade during the hottest parts of the day and a counter that connects directly to the kitchen through transom-style windows.

This page and opposite: In the kitchen, the custom range hood, which extends all the way up to the 12-foot ceilings, was color-matched to the striking Lacanche range. Pale blue quartzite countertops echo the hood and range colors, as well as the island’s base, painted in Sherwin Williams’s Windy Blue.

Dedicating so much space to outdoor living meant that the indoor spaces required a highly creative use of space. “Literally every inch was used for dual or multiple functionality,” says Wolf. “In that way, it was almost like a cruise ship or a yacht.” There’s a bunk room, for instance, that sleeps 12, with three bunk beds, some of which contain storage drawers, running alongside each of two walls. A round table in the great room provides extra seating, with storage underneath; it’s where the

girls do their crafting and the family works on puzzles, and the top can be removed, revealing a space for poker or bumper pool beneath.

Like the exterior spaces, the interior takes full advantage of the extraordinary views. In the primary bedroom, for example, the bed is sited to offer ocean vistas. Portholes in the bunk room serve a similar purpose. And in the great room, 12-foot-high windows open out onto the deck and the sea view beyond. “There’s no separation between the inside of

This page: The house is filled with subtle nods to the ocean, such as the custom pen-shell chandelier from Glow Lighting over the dining room table. Opposite page: In the great room, a coastal palette of blue, white and sand predominates. Because so much of the home’s square footage is devoted to outdoor living, furnishings indoors often do double duty: The circular game table from Darafeev, for example, has a removable top, revealing space for poker and bumper pool underneath.

This page: In the primary bedroom, the custom mother of pearl fireplace surround evokes the ocean, as does the soothing palette of oyster and periwinkle. Opposite page: Though the bedroom was designed to cosset and soothe, the designer added a touch of drama in the form of a sparkling ceiling fixture from Made Goods.

This page and opposite: The primary bathroom derives its own drama from the use of custom ombre tile from Artistic Tile around the tub and vanity. The white Thassos marble flooring provides a striking contrast. the house and the deck space and the ocean,” says Valerie.

The colors and textures used throughout the house also erase the distinction between outside and in. “Everything in our color palette and our textures brings in the sand and the ocean and the sky,” Valeries notes, “so everything is blue or driftwood or white.” The sandy tone of the decking, for example, matches the pale wood flooring that is used in every room but the bathrooms. On the deck, white furniture offers a backdrop for cool gray-blue cushions and pillows. Those same tones predominate in the great room: In the kitchen area, a striking blue-andgold range hood echoes the blue of the stove below it and the pale-blue quartzite of the countertops. In the living/dining area, where most of the furniture is white, blue makes an appearance in cushions, throw pillows and a gray-blue area rug.

The most striking use of blue is in the primary bathroom and the bathroom adjacent to the bunk room. In the former, deep-blue ombre tile surrounds the tub and the vanity; in the latter, a deep gray-blue is repeated in the vanity, the subway tiles surrounding the tub, and the dramatic starburst-patterned tile on the floor and tub surround inset.

The interior seascape is enhanced by the use of shell and mother of pearl, the latter particularly arresting in the dramatic chandelier over the dinner table and the

fireplace surround in the primary bedroom. Though the designer and the homeowners steered clear of overtly nautical décor, they chose to display white coral statuary in the open shelving above the kitchen cabinets and thread thick, nautical-style rope through the upperbunk guards in the bunk room. Asked to describe the décor, Wolf tries out “classic coastal,” then “elevated nautical” and finally “timeless nautical.”

The décor, especially on the decks, is also distinctly resort-style—something the homeowners, who entertain all summer long, specifically requested. Wolf achieved that by choosing most of the furniture from only two different lines, as a hotel or resort might. “Consistency of décor on the exterior is what gives you that hotel feel,” she says.

But if guests sometimes forget that they’re not staying at a five-star hostelry, the house is happy to remind them. “We were looking to build a home that felt really calm and comfortable for the four of us, a place where we could spend our summers and create lifelong memories,” says Valerie. “But we also wanted it to feel that way when we hosted extended family and friends.” Thanks to a careful, twoyear collaboration between creative homeowners and an inspired designer, the house is a thing of beauty that celebrates its setting and never feels less than welcoming.

This page: Starburst-patterned tiles add pop and playfulness to the bunk room’s adjoining bath. Opposite page: The bunk room comfortably sleeps 12. To ensure that it didn’t feel crowded, the designer kept the bedding consistent throughout.

FOR LOVE OF OLD THINGS

An antiques dealer’s daughter married a Scot, and together they’re teaching their kids to venerate tradition. The timeless feel of their Montclair colonial helps.

DESIGN by KATE MAZZA

PHOTOGRAPHY by JACOB SNAVELY

TEXT by NAYDA RONDON

WITH

THREE YOUNG CHILDREN AND another on the way, the owners of a newly purchased colonial in Montclair needed “a great project manager to help handle all the moving parts.”

Based on a friend’s recommendation, they contacted Kate Mazza of the Montclair-based Mazza Collective, and it was instant connection. “From the start, we moved in unison toward a timeless bucolic country look,” the wife says of the 18-month collaboration that sought to redesign the home’s foyer, stairway, formal living and dining rooms, family room and primary bedroom.

This family wasn’t seeking “do-not-touch” museum-quality perfection or the newest and latest. “I wanted a lived-in look that reflected my husband’s roots and our mutual love for things with a history,” the wife says.

“The husband is from Scotland and the wife is from Manhattan, so it was important to blend a traditional, cozy, Scottish vibe with cool New York style and create a family home for the couple and their children,” Mazza explains.

To marry the couple’s aesthetics, Mazza paired charming plaid and floral patterns with bold,

To achieve the layered, lived-in look the homeowners wanted, designer Kate Mazza incorporated lots of rich textures, fabrics and patterns. Morris & Co. wallpaper, Benjamin Moore White Dove on trims and ceiling, and custom-stained wood floors contribute to the dining room’s serenity; elegant custom linen drapes, a Visual Comfort chandelier and a vintage 1950s Empire-style rosewood credenza add refined touches of substance and style.

This page: The designer wrapped the home’s cathedral-ceiling stairway and foyer in Farrow & Ball’s Jasmine wallpaper. Handcrafted using age-old methods, the wallpaper imparts depth and character.

Opposite page: Mazza added millwork arches between the dining room and the family room to give the 18-year-old colonial the older character the homeowners favored. unexpected choices. She blended mid-century silhouettes and modern artwork with old-style pieces such as crystal-and-aged-brass light fixtures. Knowing that life with four kids—now ages 8, 6, 3 and 11 months—could get messy and hectic, she selected familyfriendly materials and features. “We used lots of custom upholstery in durable, quality fabrics for pieces like the family room sofa and primary bedroom daybed; we made everything super cozy with additions such as plush area rugs,” Mazza says.

“It was so rewarding to incorporate [the wife’s] existing pieces inherited from her father, an antiques dealer with extraordinary taste,” the designer adds. “Dovetailing these pieces, like a vintage game table and Lucite bar cart, with new-to-us vintage pieces was both fun and challenging in the best way.”

To ensure that things weren’t ho-hum conventional, Mazza delighted in making maverick design moves. For instance, a Sally King Benedict art piece adds vibrant surprise to the family room. “I love the bold red and blue colors so much,” the wife says. “Some might consider placing the work of younger artists alongside traditional pieces a daring choice, but I love the effect.”

Mazza kept things interesting in the dining room by combining new purchases such as the Visual Comfort chandelier with treasured heirlooms like the antique mirror on the wall, and new-to-them vintage finds with a custom twist, such as 1960s Jules Heumann chairs. (The designer found the chairs on 1stDibs and had them reupholstered in Holland & Sherry plaid wool as a nod to the husband’s heritage.)

In the primary bedroom,

Mazza’s flair for creative reinvention transformed an eyesore into a star attraction. The original plan called for ripping out an “ugly, oversized chimney” and replacing it with a potbelly stove. But after going back and forth with contractors over code issues, the designer found that nothing seemed to be working—until she reimagined the space as a custom daybed and bookshelf enclave.

“I think it’s the ‘crown jewel’ of the home,” Mazza says. “Mazza Collective designed the custom millwork for the daybed, seat bench and bookcase; we upholstered the daybed in green and goldenrod linen with custom pillows made to match the custom commission painting by Mary Nelson Sinclair above it.” Hand-painted linen drapes from Lake August and a custom wool area rug also complement the color story, while Farrow & Ball’s Borrowed Light on the interiors of the bookshelves and underneath the bench subtly offsets the custom millwork.

Full of charm and character, the home celebrates family, culture and the beauty of enduring continuity. “In this disposable society, living amongst vintage and antique pieces teaches our kids not to be wasteful,” the wife says. “It also instills in them the value and beauty of old things—books, furniture, William Morris prints—or new things produced in traditional ways, such as new Scottish wool made in the same method used for hundreds of years. We want them to honor things with a rich history, a reminder of what came before them and how it ties in not just with our own family’s personal history, but with a larger story that connects us to others who came before and will come after us.”

This page: The custom daybed/book nook in the primary bedroom is now a go-to spot for family cuddle huddles and story times. “I love it,” the wife says. “Cozier and more practical, it grounds the room and gets much more use than if we’d opted for another fireplace.” Opposite page: The rolltop desk from 1stDibs lives in harmony with an original Caleb Mahoney painting framed in burl wood.

MODERN BUT HISTORIC

In her own West Caldwell home, a designer strikes a balance between the modern aesthetic she loves and the details that make an older house distinctive.

DESIGN by OLMA FUENTES, DENI + DOVE INTERIORS

PHOTOGRAPHY by RAQUEL LANGWORTHY

TEXT by LESLIE GARISTO PFAFF

The living room in designer Olma Fuentes’s West Caldwell home has a clean and modern aesthetic that’s warmed by super-soft furnishings— the velvet dove-gray sofa from Restoration Hardware, for instance—and pieces that incorporate dark wood, like the vintage console table sourced from 1stDibs.

CAN A PAIR OF MODERN MINIMALISTS AND A TRADITIONAL 1940s colonial happily coexist? Yes, apparently, if one of those minimalists is an ingenious professional designer with a knack for seamlessly blending old and new. Olma Fuentes, founder and principal designer of Deni + Dove Interiors, and her husband, Dan McElligott, loved their West Caldwell house when they bought it in 2014 but knew it would need work to bring it in line with their aesthetic sensibilities.

“It had a beautiful presence and aura and came with great bones,” Fuentes says, “but it was very dark and dated.” She could simply have demo’d it to the bare studs and given it a slickly modern makeover, but that would have wasted an opportunity to honor the house’s historic roots. She opted, instead, to keep what she calls “the best of the home’s historical charm and details” in some of the spaces and, in others, to add the kind of traditional millwork that imbues an older house with character. And she used light, color and an inspired selection of furnishings to create a genuinely modern home that’s nonetheless, in Fuentes’s words, “timeless, elegant and calming.”

The house was darkened not just by dated décor but also by its architecture and orientation. “It’s north-facing, with the low ceilings typical of 1940s houses, and both factors impeded the amount of natural light that filtered into it,” Fuentes says. To fill the house with light, both natural and electric, she added three new double-hung windows to the back of the living room, eschewed treatments altogether on many of the downstairs windows and installed an abundance of light fixtures, including picture lights in the family room and alabaster sconces and a white plaster chandelier in the living room.

She also chose a light, neutral color palette to create a bright, airy feel throughout. In the living room, for instance, one or another variety of white adorns walls, coffee table, fireplace surround and mantel and upholstered chairs. White also makes a strong statement in the family room, in the form of Benjamin Moore’s Simply White on the walls and built-ins and an all-white coffee table.

All-white interiors can feel chilly and sterile, but not here, thanks to small but dramatic touches of black throughout. In the living room, they

This page and opposite: Touches like the Aerin pendant lamp, the scalloped mirror from Pottery Barn and a travertine-topped occasional table give the living room a Parisian feel, as does the incorporation of the decorative chest from Safavieh.

include a black chain on the white pendant light, black curtain rods and a pair of black candlesticks on the fireplace hearth. “A bit of black,” Fuentes says, “always gives your room a little edge and sexiness.”

She also chose pieces that incorporate dark wood—occasional tables, a living-room chest, a console in the family room—to add warmth and make the whites around them pop. The wood floors are stained dark, as is the wood trim on the windows without treatments. “Wood tones,” says Fuentes, “are reminiscent of nature, and that makes you feel at home and puts you at ease.”

“Ease” is the perfect descriptor for the feeling that prevails in both the family and living rooms, both of which were designed with family living in mind. While the living room is slightly more formal, it’s never off limits to the couple’s daughters, Denise, 6, and 3-year-old Paloma. In fact, says Fuentes, “this is the room where we go when we need to relax and unwind.” Its modern vibe is warmed by new-old details such as dentil crown molding and, on the walls, panel molding, as well as a new wooden fireplace mantel and lime-

stone surround. And it’s softened by a series of curves—in the sofa, the console table, several occasional tables, the sconces and a striking scalloped mirror. There’s a prettiness to the space that evokes a Paris apartment, and in fact, Fuentes notes that “I’m very inspired by European, particularly Parisian, design.”

That prettiness and those curves repeat themselves in the family room, where the family gathers to watch TV. And yes, there’s a large rectangular flat screen on the wall, but there are also round tables, an oval coffee table, a mirror whose curves evoke gentle drapery and a dramatically curved sofa. That last is a modern touch that’s utilitarian too. Says Fuentes: “I find curved seating molds into your body a little bit better.”

The room also showcases what Fuentes calls “things that are meaningful or inspiring to us,” including artwork, vases that the designer has collected over time and books that hold meaning for her and her family. And like the living room, the family room is testament to the fact that, in the hands of the right designer, a space can be very cool and very warm at the same time.

This page: A marble side table from CB2 adds textural interest to the space. Opposite page: The right angles that prevail in the family room are softened by the curves of a Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams sofa and an oval coffee table from Crate & Barrel.

RUMSON RETREAT

A family achieves the perfect relaxing second home down by the Navasink River.

DESIGN by JESSICA FISCHER, JFD CREATIVE

PHOTOGRAPHY by ANDREW FRASZ

TEXT by NAYDA RONDON

NEW YORK CITY IS EXCITING AND FAST-PACED. BUT sometimes you just want to escape and savor life in the slow lane while reconnecting with family in a home-away-from-home setting. That’s what two brand-new empty nesters, a city-dwelling married couple, envisioned when they purchased a Rumson retreat. Sitting on 3.37 acres, the 4,338-square-foot riverfront colonial presented the perfect blank canvas to create their dream vacation/ weekend home.

“They wanted a relaxing home where they could come together and refocus on connecting as a family,” says Rumsonbased JFD Creative’s Jessica Fischer of her clients, parents with two daughters—one attending college out of state, one a recent grad living and working in NYC.

The project—begun right before the start of COVID and

completed about 18 months later after many pandemic-related sourcing delays—essentially involved starting with new pieces. To ensure an ultra-personal stamp, however, Fischer made certain to include existing items meaningful to the family.

“We were able to create personal spaces that spoke to the clients’ aesthetic by sourcing unique elements and incorporating important existing pieces,” says the designer. “My favorites were the vintage console and mirror in the entryway, since they were family heirlooms.”

Another distinctive touch was the wall gallery Fischer created out of a disparate assortment of family photos. “There wasn’t a distinguishable theme, so I opted to have them all scanned, resized and printed in black and white,” she says. She then had them reframed in various sizes and configurations, unifying all

This page: Celebrating her clients’ unique style, designer Jessica Fischer created a theme with subtle nods to coastal elements while keeping the spaces relaxed and refined. Opposite page: She fashioned a clean, airy and streamlined look with white on walls, trims and ceiling, a neutral area rug atop the white oak flooring and comfortable seating in soothing palettes.

with a consistent navy frame. She left photos printed on canvas in color and included a portrait of one of the daughters painted by her paternal grandmother. “Despite introducing an additional medium, the subject matter worked perfectly,” Fischer says. “Now they’re thrilled to have a gorgeous wall of treasured memories.”

For the relaxed and refined feel the homeowners were seeking, Fischer went with Benjamin Moore Simply White on the walls, ceilings and trims; textile palettes in calming neutrals that reflect the river views; and white oak flooring throughout. For a dash of contrast and modernity, she added striking black elements. To satisfy her clients’ call for comfort and convenience, she opted for pieces such as the great room’s extra-deep Arhaus sofa, clad in performance fabric, and the area rug custommade from durable wool. Combining art and function, the chandelier is large enough to serve as a focal point in the vast space, while its simplicity complements the room’s sophisticated minimalism.

Although smaller in scale, the dining room with its grand design is in no way underwhelming. “With most of the home so bright and airy, we wanted to create a space with a bit of drama,” says the designer. “Since it’s more intimate, the dining room was the perfect space to create a moody atmosphere.” The room is punctuated by Benjamin Moore Hale Navy. In contrast to the adjacent room’s double-floor ceilings, the dining room’s 8-foot ceiling—white oak panels in a perpendicular pattern—encloses the space, enhancing the sense of intimacy. The RH Maslow Spider round dining table encourages cozy conversations; the Wexler chairs represent refined modernity, while special accents—like deco-

This page: To the right of the kitchen island, the breakfast nook features a built-in banquette with a custom-made removable cushion upholstered in performance fabric by Rowe Furniture. Opposite page: The kitchen sparkles with clean and classic appeal. “It is light, bright and airy with a touch of luxury and glam,” the designer says.

rative pottery crafted by one of the daughters—lend homey touches.

Also exuding cozy intimacy, the breakfast nook highlights Fischer’s mastery for mixing moods and styles. The Pottery Barn table’s trestle base gives a slightly rustic feel to promote warmth and charm. As a standout statement, she paired the geometric Thibaut wallpaper with the Lulu and Georgia bistro chairs. Overhead, the Ventila pendant features woven rattan intertwined with tropical palm strands. The full effect: a “mixture of rustic and refinement.”

In the kitchen, the vegan leather Fern NYC stools add interesting texture and natural elements. The simple silhouette of the light pendants blends in seamlessly even as the brass features add lustrous contrast. Popping against the white cabinetry, the brass hardware fixtures contribute to the luxurious feel, while the herringbone pattern of the tiles accentuates the space’s classic design.

Upstairs, the primary bedroom is in harmony with the home’s tranquil, organic feel. The coastalmodern vibe is evident in pieces such as the Four Hands king bed frame made from mango wood and woven cane panels, the RH vegan shagreen-wrapped nightstands and the Regina Andrew accordion table lamps, which incorporate birch and linen elements. On the bed, custom-made accent pillows “create a Boho, modern, organic, relaxed aesthetic,” Fischer notes.

“The clients wanted a home representative of them as a family, so I made it a point to infuse their personality into the furniture, art and fabric pieces,” Fischer explains. “They trusted my vision to design and source pieces that reflected their love of travel and their affinity for craftsmanship and handmade pieces. When the project was completed, the home was the perfect representation of their personal style.”

This page: Reflecting the homeowners’ worldly and eclectic preferences, the full-length mirror—encased in a solid wood frame with bone inlay design—is from India. “We love the global style and how it encompasses time-honored materials with a more modern pattern,” designer Fischer says. The neutral scheme and simple geometric design of the Moroccan shag rug offer an understated complement to the room’s theme.

Opposite page: The custom-built dresser with storage is stylishly utilitarian.

Doug, Karen Adam & Lindsay Padla

OUTDOOR MENIFEE

BROWN BAR CART

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JOLLY TROLLEY

LIGHTED BAR CART

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MELROSE FLORENCE

MIDNIGHT GOLD CAST

ALUMINUM SERVING CART

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DUNE BAR CART

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UMBRA BELLWOOD

BAR/SERVING CART

Available at Target, multiple locations

LOLLYGAGGER

BAR CART

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FRESHER THAN FRESH

Three cheers for you when you dine on your own garden’s produce— from your taste buds, your health and the planet.

THE PHRASE “FARM-TO-TABLE” CONJURES APPEALING VISIONS OF hearty eating and charming countryside views, and such cuisine offers an effective way of making your everyday life healthier and more sustainable. Consuming local produce saves the carbon emissions that would have been created by transporting the food long distances. It also encourages the growing of heirloom and open-pollinated fruits and vegetables, which often have more nutrients than ordinary ones. But here’s a question implied by logic itself: If “farm-to-table” is great, wouldn’t backyard-to-table be even greater?

Growing and harvesting fruits and vegetables in your own garden puts you in complete control of the produce you and your family eat. Worried about the possible long-term effects of chemical pesticides and fertilizer? You can decide which of those to use, if any. And while visualizing your feast, don’t forget another benefit: a feast for your eyes. Many of these plants are beautiful before they become delicious: Strawberry plants sprout delicate white or pink flowers, tomatoes bloom a cheerful yellow before

developing fruit, and greens such as arugula have an interesting leaf shape and a deep color—they also make excellent low ground cover.

“When you integrate home-grown produce into your daily life, you are getting the vegetables, herbs and fruits at their peak flavor, ripeness and nutritional benefits,” says Marcy Ragan, owner of Relish Your Chef, a bespoke personal catering and meal planning service in Rumson. “When produce travels any distance, the quantity of nutrients and the quality of the crop diminish. Growing your own ensures that you can pick at peak flavor. That means less work in the kitchen for more delicious results—the food needs less help with seasoning and can be enjoyed with minimal effort.”

Ragan has suggestions for plants that are nourishing as well as beautiful. “Soft herbs such as basil, cilantro, parsley and chervil are wonderful just picked,” she says. “They’re delicate, and they really benefit from gardento-table eating.” Looking for something heartier? “What is better than a freshly picked ripe tomato, still warm from the sun, with a touch of salt?” Ragan asks. “Everything is better when it’s as fresh as possible.”

Landscape Design