NJ Home Spring 2022

SPRING 2022

WFH STYLE

BROWNSTONE LIVING IN WOODCLIFF LAKE GETTING COZY IN A ROOMY HOLMDEL HOUSE

B AY S I D E L I V I N G

ASK THE EXPERTS 3 DESIGN PROS SOLVE YOUR DILEMMAS

RIDGEWOOD RENO SPRING 2022

A SPARTA HOME OFFICE THAT WORKS

R E T R A C TA B L E Expand Your Outdoor Living Space Spring, Summer and Fall Protection from sun Create a cool, comfortable space Beautify your home

Dozens of custom products available Fully retractable sun & rainproof rooms

Schedule a Free Shop at Home Appointment | 800.505.5860 38 East Northfield Road, Livingston, NJ 07039 www.windowworksnj.com Experience, Expertise, Excellence

WindowWorks_SP_0322_V1.indd Untitled-47 1 2

2/24/22 2/28/22 3:30 2:02 PM PM

FREE Motor With the purchase of any retractable awning

$700 Value Offer expires April 29th, 2022

AW N I N G S

WindowWorks_SP_0322_V1.indd Untitled-47 1 3

2/24/22 2/28/22 3:31 2:06 PM PM

Outdoor Living Done Right!

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM & DESIGN CENTER Explore over 7,000 SQFT of luxury outdoor living options! Let our design team help you create the ideal outdoor living space. Put the comforts of the indoors in your next outdoor space!

3713 Route 46 East | Parsippany, NJ | (973) 828-1288 | DISTINCTIVELYOUTDOORS.COM Distinctively_SP_0322_CVR_REV5.indd 2

3/3/22 8:10 AM

Award Winning Showroom and Design Center

» OUTDOOR KITCHEN SPECIALISTS

Distinctively_SP_0322_CVR_REV5.indd 3

Decking & Hardscape Displays Outdoor Kitchens Outdoor Appliances Fire Pits/Fireplaces Pergolas Shade Solutions Hot Tubs Outdoor Furniture ...and more » LARGEST DECKING & RAILING DISPLAY IN NEW JERSEY »

3/3/22 8:11 AM

PARAMUS 110 E. STATE RT 4 | 201.291.0200 LIVINGSTON 442 W. MT PLEASANT AVE | 973.629.5800 BRIDGEWATER 1213 RT 22 | 908.864.4330 *Cannot be combined with any other offer, not valid on all brands. Offer good on new purchases only.

Untitled-34 1 Untitled-47 2

2/28/22 2/2/22 2:34 1:41 PM

NEW JERSEY’S PREMIER DESTINATION FOR INTERIOR DESIGN SAVE AN ADDITIONAL 20% STOREWIDE* COMPLIMENTARY INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICE HUNDREDS OF STYLES OF FURNITURE AND RUGS AVAILABLE IN STOCK PREMIER WHITE GLOVE DELIVERY

www.safavieh.com | 877.919.1010

Untitled-34 1 Untitled-47 3

2/28/22 2/2/22 2:36 1:41 PM

Untitled-8 21 Untitled-47

2/18/22 2/28/22 2:57 1:40 PM PM

Untitled-8 31 Untitled-47

2/18/22 2/28/22 2:58 1:40 PM PM

Untitled-30 1 Untitled-47 2

2/24/22 2/28/22 4:14 1:41 PM PM

A RETROSPECTIVE REMEMBERING MIRIAM BEERMAN (1923 - 2022)

Untitled-30 1 Untitled-47 3

2/24/22 2/28/22 4:15 1:42 PM PM

Miriam Beerman, Sleep of Reason II, 85in x 123in, 1990, Oil on paper

Untitled-17 1 Untitled-47

2/4/22 2/28/22 12:28 1:42 PM

Join us for a cup of coffee... and a second opinion

When the markets turn as volatile and confusing as they have over the last several years, even the most patient investors may come to question the wisdom of the investment plan they’ve been following.

We’d like to help – starting with a cup of coffee and a second opinion.

By appointment, you’re welcome to come in and sit with us for a while. We’ll have a conversation and talk about your financial goals — what you’d like your investment portfolio to do for you. Then, we’ll review the portfolio and discuss our thoughts with you.

If we think your investments are well-suited to your long-term goals, we’ll gladly tell you so. If, on the other hand, we believe some of your investments may no longer fit with your goals, we’ll explain why, using plain English. We will also recommend some alternative strategies for your consideration.

Either way, the coffee is on us!

For a free consultation, please contact my office at 201-505-0472 and let us know if you like milk or cream. Or, if you prefer, we will bring the coffee to you.

ERIC L. KOHLMEIER Senior Financial Advisor Managing Director – Investments 100 Park Avenue, Park Ridge, NJ 07656 Phone: 201-505-0472 Toll-Free: 888-213-1460 Fax: 908-598-3956 www.erickohlmeier.wfadv.com

Investment and Insurance Products:

u NOT FDIC Insured

u NO Bank Guarantee

u MAY Lose Value

© 2019 Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. 0122-02963

Untitled-17 1 Untitled-47

2/4/22 2/28/22 12:27 1:42 PM

CONTENTS

SPRING 2022

FEATURES A WORK SPACE THAT WORKS | 50 A busy professional’s home office in Sparta is transformed into an efficient room that makes her smile.

BAY WATCH | 54

Water views dominate a bayside beach house, dictating virtually every design choice in the lightwashed interior.

COOKING UP A GOOD TIME | 64

12 NJHome

Thanks to an inspired redo that made it perfect for its owner, a Ridgewood kitchen fulfills a social destiny as well as a culinary one.

NJH.sp22.toc2.indd 12

THE ELOQUENCE OF ART | 74

In the thorough renovation of a 1966 Springfield colonial, creativework packs a punch.

MAKING IT BIG | 80

Four times the size of the owners’ previous home, a newly built Holmdel house cried out for a designer unafraid to go large with custom touches.

‘BROWNSTONE’ BEAUTY

The inspiration for a Woodcliff Lake remodel came from a very different place: Brooklyn. pg.

68

ON THE COVER Interior designer Pamela Cooper created an uplifting space that caters to the Sparta homeowner’s work-from-home lifestyle.

Photo by Vic Wahby

3/3/22 10:44 AM

Michelangelo Designs The Italian Design Center

Modern | Traditional | Transitional Residential| Commercial| Hospitality Untitled-4 11 Untitled-47

2 Main Avenue, Passaic NJ 07055 www.michelangelodesigns.com info@michelangelodesigns.com (973)779-3200

By Appointment Only The Designers’ Source Since 1985

5/18/21 2/28/22 9:33 1:43 AM PM

CONTENTS

SPRING 2022

54

80 64

DEPARTMENTS GUIDE | 21

HOT STUFF | 38

ASK THE EXPERTS | 26

ART | 40

What’s up, what’s new and what to do.

Three local designers offer guidance on painting accent walls, outfitting a bar cart and reupholstering a sofa.

Q&A | 30

Longtime Ciot CEO Joe Panzera remains passionately open to change, though much of his company’s notable story has been written in stone.

MATERIAL WORLD | 34

14 NJHome

No question about it: This decorative inlay technique, which originated in India, is a simple way to refresh your space.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY | 36

Whether furnishing a bachelor pad or a family home, studded décor adds a touch of glamour to any room.

NJH.sp22.toc2.indd 14

Scalloped details add sweeping, dramatic lines to furniture, whether traditional or modern.

The artists behind these works draw the line (or paint it...or sculpt it) to create linear masterpieces that are subtle yet stunning.

ANTIQUES | 42

Reminiscent of the era of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, this French-inspired furniture will let you have your cake and eat it too.

TOP CHOICES | 110

40

Sideboard, credenza or buffet? These pieces intended for storing dishes and servingware have as many uses as they do titles.

FINISHING TOUCH | 112

A custom shelving unit built right into your walls fits your space neatly, minimizes clutter and works beautifully in homes of all sizes.

3/3/22 10:29 AM

Celebrating 140 years designed and crafted in Italy by the Bertazzoni family. us.bertazzoni.com

Untitled-47 1 1 Untitled-6

2/28/22 2/17/22 1:44 2:46 PM PM

MEMO

THE FINE ART OF COLLABORATION W

16 NJHome

RITA GUARNA EDITOR IN CHIEF EDITOR@WAINSCOTMEDIA.COM

NJH.sp22.memo.indd 16

HAT MAKES FOR A GOOD HOMEOWNER–DESIGNER RELATIONSHIP?

It’s a question I have a chance to ponder while putting together each issue of NJ Home. I think the recipe calls for lots of talent and understanding—and a pinch of sweetness.

Sure, you want your interior designer to be friendly and a good listener, of course. You’d like her or him to implement your vision—to choose colors, objects, materials and arrangements of space that fulfill your hopes and meet your family’s needs. After all, it’s your home. Choosing someone who “gets” you—who can work with you harmoniously—can save a world of heartache.

But understanding your vision can take you only so far. A designer is a pro, and you’re not getting your money’s worth if he or she isn’t ready on occasion to hear your ideas and tell you—very politely—that something a little different might work better. The job takes more than talent, training, vision and good will. It takes confidence and a touch of gumption too.

Take the gut renovation of a Springfield colonial, described on page 74. The husband-and-wife homeowners’ vision for their home needed the input of designer Barbara Hendrzak, who was not only full of ideas but also bold enough to press them. “She showed us things we never would have picked on our own, and those are the pieces that we ended up absolutely loving,” recalls the wife. And (talk about agreeable!) the husband agrees: “She knows when to push us.”

When a family moved from an 1,800-square-foot townhouse to a 7,500-square-foot house in Holmdel (page 80), it was time to think big.

Designer Yelena Gerts had the requisite big ideas—and big confidence to match. “I’m so glad we listened to her,” says the homeowner. “She would veto some of my choices, saying, ‘No, I promise you, you will love this—’” as she suggested an alternative. “And she was right every single time.”

Right every time? Creative Director Stephen M. Vitarbo has almost that batting average here at NJ Home. You see, we editors know a thing or two about collaborating with designers—we do it every day. For this issue, Steve’s team has helped us develop a new look for this magazine—with cleaner, sans-serif headlines and body type that is both elegant and easy on the eye. Graphic designers aren’t interior designers, but they’re kindred spirits. We hope you’ll feel that space on these printed pages is deployed as adroitly here as 3-D space is in the inspired interiors we write about.

Of course, we editors handle the prose—and the pros. In the latter category you’ll find two new departments also making their debut in this issue of NJ Home: “Q&A” (on page 30, where we chat with Ciot CEO Joe Panzera); and “Ask the Experts” (on page 26, where three top designers answer New Jerseyans’ how-to questions).

It takes the work of many talented individuals to bring you each issue of NJ Home, with its exploration of home design in our richly varied state.

It’s a collaborative effort. For homeowners who retain designers to help them fashion the home of their dreams, that should have a familiar ring.

Editor In Chief RITA GUARNA Creative Director STEPHEN M. VITARBO Senior Associate Editor DARIUS AMOS Lifestyle Editor HALEY LONGMAN Contributing Editors

MARISA SANDORA CARR, LESLIE GARISTO PFAFF, DONNA ROLANDO, NAYDA RONDON

Contributing Photographers

LINDA PORDON PHOTOGRAPHY, MARCO RICCA, TORI SIKKEMA, MIKE VAN TASSELL, VIC WAHBY

Contributing Designer MICHAEL FORTE

Publishing Staff Publisher THOMAS FLANNERY Advertising Account Executives

JODI BRUKER, CHRISTIE COLVILLE, BRIDGET JULIANO, MARY LIMA, PEARL LISS, MARY MASCIALE

Marketing, Digital & Operations Director Of Marketing & Digital Media NIGEL EDELSHAIN

Advertising Services Director JACQUELYNN FISCHER

Circulation Manager

KATHLEEN WENZLER

Production Artist CHRIS FERRANTE Accounting

KASIE CARLETON, URSZULA JANECZKO, STEVEN RESNICK

Communications Manager CATHERINE ROSARIO

Office Manager PENNY GLASS BOAG

Published by Chairman CARROLL V. DOWDEN President & CEO MARK DOWDEN Senior Vice Presidents

RITA GUARNA, CARL OLSEN

Vice Presidents

LIZETTE CHIN, NIGEL EDELSHAIN, THOMAS FLANNERY, MARIA REGAN, STEVEN RESNICK, DIANE VOJCANIN

NJ HOME magazine is published by Wainscot Media, 1 Maynard Drive, Park Ridge, NJ 07656.

Copyright© 2022 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.

Subscription Services: To inquire about a subscription, to change an address or to purchase a back issue or a reprint of an article, please write to NJ HOME, Circulation Department, 1 Maynard Drive, Park Ridge, NJ 07656; telephone 201.573.5541; email kathy.wenzler@wainscotmedia.com.

Advertising Inquiries: Contact Thomas Flannery at 201.571.2252 or thomas.flannery@wainscotmedia.com.

3/3/22 11:25 AM

// IT’S TIME TO GET ORGANIZED sh e lving & racks • c a bin et s • ove rh ea d storage • f lo oring

CALL/TEXT V I S IT

908-377-3325

www.GarageStorageNorthJersey.com

CO N TAC T U S TO DAY FO R A FR E E CO N S U LTATI O N & E S TI M AT E

Untitled-14 1 Untitled-47 1

8/27/21 2/28/22 9:49 1:44 AM PM

FINDING A HOME IS HARD. WE KNOW SOMEONE WHO CAN HELP. Buying, selling or renting isn’t easy. For one of the largest purchases you can make in your lifetime, you’re going to need help. You need a trusted professional, a neighborhood expert, a real estate aficionado—you need a New Jersey Realtor®.

FIND YOUR REALTOR® at NJ.REALESTATE/FIND Untitled-25 1 Untitled-47

1/31/22 2/28/22 9:50 1:45 AM PM

Untitled-47 1

2/28/22 1:45 PM

DianeDurocher_fullPg.qxp_Full pg template 12/9/21 1:21 PM Page 1

DianeDurocherInteriors.com 201.825.3832

Untitled-7 11 Untitled-47

2/18/22 2/28/22 2:12 1:45 PM PM

THE GUIDE

What’s up, what’s new and what to do.

STACKABLE OAK FROM THE LEGO FOLK

Finally, a doable decorative compromise that you can make with your Legoloving big kid (aka your spouse). In collaboration with Danish design brand Room Copenhagen, the Lego Group has launched its first-ever line of home accessories.

But unlike the primary-colored plastic for which the company is famous, these minimalistic pieces are made of certified red oak so they’ll fit right in aesthetically in more than just a playroom. The collection consists of desk drawers, picture frames, book racks and a wall hanger set—all of which, in true Lego style, are stackable and buildable. Start your collection at lego.com.

SERENITY WITH SWAN LAKE

Sian Zeng, a London-based wallcovering studio, has debuted a whimsical line of wallpaper murals named Swan Lake after—and inspired by—the beloved ballet by Tchaikovsky. But you need not be a dancer to appreciate its beauty: The fitting motif features tranquil imagery of swans and lily pads in a soft color palette of beige and green, or the more muted “terracotta.” You can “add to cart” at sianzeng.com.

IDEAS THAT MAKE SCENTS

NJHome

Pleasing colors and textures have their merits, but making a good first impression isn’t just about what you see and feel.

A wonderful fragrance has the power to lift the mood of any room. “A certain smell alone can evoke a memory from our past or create a new unforgettable memory,” says Marina V. Umali, interior designer and certified feng shui practitioner at Marina V Design Studio in Ridgewood. “The mood of our home can instantly change based on the essence of a smell.” To use aroma to create an extra sensory experience in your home, here are a few tips: • Open doors and windows: Circulating air is not only good for one’s health, it also welcomes the outdoors in— spring rain, garden flowers, fresh grass.

• Introduce a signature scent: Consider doing what many hotels and retailers do—using a signature fragrance with candles, soaps and more. Umali recommends essential oil diffusers.

“Diffusers are a great way to bring aromatherapy into a home and can be beneficial whether it’s to cheer us up or bring tranquility into the home,” she says. If you’d rather spray the scent, simply fill a spray bottle with water and a few drops of your favorite oil, Umali says.

• Create different moods: If you can’t pick just one scent for your home, a variety of smells can work just as well. Lavender, for instance, promotes relaxation while orange blossom instills calmness—but Umali suggests using what works for you. “I think scents are very individual, and we all react differently to various scents,” she says, “so it’s important to see which ones give you the feeling you are looking for.”

• Plant an herb garden: Cooking is easier when you have basil, mint, rosemary and more growing on your windowsill, and the aroma from the fresh herbs will let your guests know they’re in for a treat when they enter your kitchen.

21

NJH.sp22.guide.indd 21

2/28/22 9:19 AM

THE GUIDE

MARCH HOME SALES

After a robust year and a half of buying and selling, New Jersey’s real estate market has cooled off some—but it’s still going strong.

Are you ready to test it out this season? While you’re scoping out the market, consider New Jersey Realtors’ real estate stats for singlefamily homes from March 2021:

MUST-READS

Celebrated photographer Leslie Williamson gives us a peek inside the homes of other creative people in her latest book, Still Lives: In the Homes of Artists, Great and Unsung (Rizzoli, $50). It’s a collection of images taken in and around the homes of 15 noted artists, including painter Georgia O’Keeffe, sculptor Isamu Noguchi and visual artist Andrew Wyeth.

If the colors inside those homes captivate you, the pages of Color Scheme: An Irreverent History of Art and Pop Culture in Color Palettes (Princeton Architectural Press, $22) will mesmerize as well. Author Edith Young breaks down the color concepts found in art history and visual culture, from Madame de Pompadour’s rosy cheeks to Prince’s plum and periwinkle costumes.

Those interested in the shape of all things will find Curved: Bending Architecture (Lannoo Publishers, $45) right up their alley. In this book, Agata Toromanoff discusses more than 60 contemporary buildings that were designed with rounded corners and sensational wave-like features.

14,780

The number of single-family homes for sale, down 50.8 percent from March 2020.

6,934

The number of single-family homes that closed, up 20.9 percent from the previous year.

10,269

New listings of single-family homes, up 8.5 percent from the year before.

$505K

Average sales price of a single-family home, an increase of 24.7 percent over 2019.

47

Average days properties had been on the market, down 33.8 percent from the previous year.

22 NJHome

Source: New Jersey Realtors

NJH.sp22.guide.indd 22

THE PUZZLE OF KIDS’ FURNITURE, SOLVED

Your big kid (and littler ones too) will get a kick out of the new Palipeli line of furniture, a collection of pieces

by Finnish furniture designer Mikko Halonen that grow with your child.

Legs on the pastel-colored wooden tables and chairs are extendable to grow in height and last for years, and each piece can be taken apart and put back together, much like a puzzle.

Depending on age and ability, your child may require some assistance in assembling the pieces, but the end product is one you can both be proud of—a handsome piece of furniture that you completed as a family and will have for years to come. Get yours at muku-store.com.

GREAT LANDSCAPE STARTS WITH A VISION

Spring has sprung, and it’s time to get started on the landscaping projects you thought about all winter. You know what you want, but visualizing your property with the new plants, landscape and hardscape feature can be a challenge—especially if you’re not blessed with a green thumb. Before you make an appointment with a landscape architect, try downloading and using one of many landscape design apps.

Here are three that might come in handy: • PRO Landscape Home. Upload a photo of your space and then fill the areas with your choice of plants, hardscape features, lighting, color schemes and more.

• iScape. Before any digging begins, use this app to see how plants will appear in the intended space. Upload an image of your yard and begin layering over it. It’s a useful tool to visualize a design in 3D if you’re uncertain what drawings will look like in real life, says Scott Parker, founder and head of Parker Landscape Design in Basking Ridge.

• 1,000+ Fences Design Ideas. Many apps allow you to “plant” trees and “install” fountains, but few provide ample options for fencing. This one offers thousands of inspirational photos and designs for you to envision fences around your swimming pool or in front of the neighbor’s dog run.

2/28/22 1:36 PM

This dinner started here.

Join us for the grand reopening of the newly renovated Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove Showroom in Pine Brook, New Jersey. In a space more inspiring than ever, our helpful product experts and onsite chefs will tailor your experience and help you discover the possibilities of your future kitchen.

SCH E DUL E A S H O W R O O M APPOI NTM ENT Manhattan • 150 East 58th St, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10155 • 800-691-6122 • subzero-wolf.com/manhattan Pine Brook • 25 Riverside Dr, Pine Brook, NJ 07058 • 888-671-9376 • subzero-wolf.com/pinebrook Roslyn Heights • Currently closed for renovation • 888-859-9376 • subzero-wolf.com/roslynheights

220004 SZG SZG-EAST Start Here.indd 1 Untitled-17 1 Untitled-47

2/10/22 1:53 PM 2/11/22 2/28/22 9:39 1:47 AM PM

THE GUIDE

PRETTY IN PERI(WINKLE)

You’re forgiven if you think of the past couple of years as a bland gray.

But things are looking up for 2022 both literally and visually, at least according to Pantone. The color authority has revealed Very Peri, a vibrant periwinkle, as its official color of the new year. It’s a bold, violet-toned hue that can be used from accent walls to accent furniture. Here are a few of our prettiest periwinkle picks (clockwise from left): n Scully & Scully maze tissue box, available at scullyandscully.com. n 24-Light lavender periwinkle Murano glass nickel chandelier, available at 1stdibs.com. n Ceramic Designs mini ceramic globe lamp, available at Macy’s, multiple locations. n Archive New York color-blocked periwinkle Antigua pillow, available at Anthropologie, multiple locations.

24 NJHome

LOSE YOUR MARBLES…

…over this fashion-forward trend in décor. There’s a good chance you have actual marble stone somewhere in your kitchen and/or bathrooms, but a trend for 2022 features marbleized décor, a maximalist, manmade style that’s not for the timid. According to Chairish, an online store for high-end furniture and décor, marble inventory was up 16 percent from November 2020 to November 2021, and marble is one of the top décor trends for 2022. The complementary, contrasting colors of marble décor bring a sense of playfulness to your home, and also add texture. Try incorporating marble via accessories, as a faux wall finishing or by integrating the look via textiles.

“Mixing marble patterns on fabric adds a classic element to an interior,” says architect Anastasia Harrison, owner and creative director of AHD&Co in Garwood. “This classic pattern adds warmth and organic movement to the most modern of spaces.”

NJH.sp22.guide.indd 24

GET INSPIRED AT HOME EVENTS

Spring’s a time to spruce up your home—inside and out. If you’re searching for new ideas to bring to the patio table this season, there’s no better way to start than having a face-to-face with professionals and experts. You can find many of them at home and garden shows happening throughout the region. These three will help get your creative juices flowing: • Philly Home Show, March 18–20, 25–27, Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia; phillyhomeshow.com • New Jersey Home Show, March 26–27, RWJBarnabas Health Arena, Toms River; njhomeshow-pb.com • South Jersey Home Show, April 22–24, Flyers Training Center, Voorhees; njhomeshow-vc.com

INDOOR GREENERY: IT’S MORE THAN SCENERY

One easy, quick and inexpensive way to liven up your living space is by introducing houseplants.

They’re an attractive touch of the outdoors, of course, but research has shown that they have physiological benefits too—for example, they reduce stress levels and improve performance and focus (which you’ll need if you’re still working from home).

“Whether it’s a delicate orchid blooming on the kitchen sill or a towering Massangeana Cane in the great room, there’s always a plant to enhance a space,” says Andrew Vlahakos-Darcy, head of Greenhouse & Houseplants at Glenwild Garden Center in Bloomingdale. Below are his expert tips: • Choose what’s in season. Early spring is when forsythias bloom in New Jersey, in addition to pansies and violas, and these bright hues add sunshine to just about any room. “When the flower buds are still green on the stems, cut a dozen and place them in your favorite vase,” Vlahakos-Darcy says of the yellow forsythias. He also recommends putting pansies and/or violas in a gray planter with moss surrounding it, to make their pastel purples pop.

• Plan according to your space. If you have a tall room that could use some greenery up top, try the Adonidia palm. “Also known as the Christmas palm, this elegant palm does well in bright spaces and is easy to care for,” Vlahakos-Darcy says. The weeping fig is a low-maintenance, attractive alternative, or a large specimen cactus in a terracotta clay planter would give the room a Tuscan vibe. If your space is more wide than tall, try the jungle vibes of the Monstera deliciosa, the woodsy Kimberly Queen fern or a colorful Croton.

• Pick for the lighting. Of course, how much lighting each room gets will dictate which plants will thrive there. For bright lighting, opt for cacti and succulents, palms, rubber trees, ficus, yuccas, dracaenas, pepperomias and cordylines. Medium and indirect lighting is perfect for philodendrons, pothos, neanthe bella palms, Norfolk Island pines, arboricolas, bromeliads and anthuriums. And add nature to the dimmest spots in your home with aglaonemas, peace lilies, ferns, snake plants, ZZ plants, dieffenbachias or prayer plants, VlahakosDarcy says.

Have no idea what any of these are? That’s what the experts are there for! “Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your favorite nursery or garden center,” he concludes. “The people who work there are all plant people and have a wealth of knowledge to help steer you in the right direction.”

2/28/22 9:20 AM

Available direct, nationwide

Handcrafted in New Hampshire Custom cabinetry for every room in your home

Untitled-47 1

800-999-4994 • www.crown-point.com

Work with one of our in-house design professionals

2/28/22 1:48 PM

ASK THE EXPERTS

YOUR DESIGN DILEMMAS SOLVED

Jo Ann Stephens Alston, Sharon Draznin and Sara Chwatt offer guidance on painting accent walls, outfitting a bar cart and reupholstering a sofa.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON PAINTED ACCENT WALLS IN A ROOM? CAN YOU SUGGEST COLORS THAT WOULD REALLY ENHANCE A SPACE?

I really do like painted accent walls; they work in any type of interior, be it modern or traditional and in most any room in the home. They’re a perfect backdrop for art or mirrors, and they can make a cavernous room appear more inviting.

The technique is used to draw your eye into the room and, in general, makes the room look cozier and more inviting.

Colored paint can be used either as a solid or as a strié, block horizontal striping and ombré—just a few examples of techniques used to create an accent wall. There’s really no optimum list of colors that enhance a room.

You can achieve a multitude of looks from a Zen-like look, a masculine or feminine look or dramatic look depending on the colors you choose and the contrast level with the paint on the surrounding walls.

—Jo Ann Stephens Alston, Allied ASID, NJCID, J. Stephens Interiors jstephensinteriors.com

HOW CAN I BEST “OUTFIT” MY NEW BAR CART SO IT’S

WITH SUPPLY CHAIN DISRUPTIONS, I CAN’T FIND A NEW SOFA I LOVE, AND MY OLD

For a great-looking and not too cluttered bar cart, aim for a mix of tall and short bottles—but not too many. Look for wines or spirits that you like with interesting labels, if possible. Add a few glasses and a couple of lemons or limes in a pretty dish. The fruit could be faux so that you don’t need to replace it regularly. Add a pop of color in the ice bucket or a little bling in either a shaker or vase, and definitely have a tall leaf or a few floral stems to add height.”

—Sara Chwatt, Allied ASID, SBC Interiors sbcinteriordesign.com

REUPHOLSTER, AND IF SO, WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST FOR A FAMILY ROOM THAT GETS

ONE HAS GREAT BONES AND IS VERY WELL MADE. DOES IT MAKE SENSE TO

LOTS OF LOVE (READ KIDS AND PETS) IN TERMS OF FABRIC AND COLOR?

It’s great that you have a good quality sofa to reupholster. Nowadays, there are many fabrics to select from that are durable and attractive for a family room. These have stain-resistant qualities from brands like Crypton and Sunbrella and are called “performance” fabrics. I like to use a chenille fabric because it’s luxurious, soft and durable. It has a very nubby, plush pile made of little loops, which is great for hiding dirt. Plus it resists piling and wrinkling and is available in many colors. I prefer a gray shade, navy or charcoal for my main piece of upholstery. I feel you won’t tire of the color, and you can accent the sofa with colorful, patterned throw pillows that can be changed over the years.

—Sharon Draznin, ASID, NJCID, Sharon Draznin Interiors sharondraznininteriors.com

26 NJHome

FUNCTIONAL BUT ALSO VISUALLY APPEALING?

NJH.sp22.ask the experts.indd 26

3/3/22 11:33 AM

In these tumultuous days of supply and trucking issues, our almost 50,000 square foot combined showroom space can still deliver many in-stock pieces from our inventory—as well as fabulous, special order custom pieces—in a timely fashion!

Come check us out for the best selection of upper-end home furnishings and work with our talented design staff to help you put your rooms together.

LUXE

DESIGN GALLERY

LIVING

973.575.8317

201.809.3012

973.831.8300

131 Route 46 West | Fairfield, NJ •••

160 NJ-17 | Paramus, NJ

867 Black Oak Ridge Rd | Wayne, NJ •••

The finest designer traditional & transitional furnishings

Untitled-28 1 Untitled-47 1

HUNTER DOUGLAS

WHDESIGNSFORLIFE.COM

Relaxed comfortable furnishings for every room in your home

2/24/22 2/28/22 2:55 1:49 PM PM

Countertops

•

Fireplace Surrounds

•

Vanities

•

Bars

•

Outdoor Kitchens

The Tri-State Area’s Stone Destination Proudly serving the public and trade for over 30 years!

803 SHREWSBURY AVENUE, SHREWSBURY, NJ • 732.741.0010 • BEDROCKGRANITE.COM

BedrockGranite_FP_0322_V1.indd Untitled-47 1 1

2/10/22 2/28/22 2:57 1:49 PM PM

ai16456247697_NJHOME-SPRING2022.pdf 1 2/23/2022 8:59:34 AM

“ C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

“Supporting local business is very important to us as a company. The Lighting Design Center at Warshauer Electric provides a small business feel while providing a large variety of lighting options. They were able to put the lighting design into a CAD drawing, so we could easily visualize the lighting plan. I enjoyed working with their design team. They are very talented designers, who listen and have a tremendous amount of knowledge and patience.”

Beth Robinson McLoone CEO, McLoone’s Restaurants

Untitled-14 1 Untitled-47 1

2/23/22 2/28/22 10:31 1:49 PM AM

Q&A

CIOT’S HARDY PIONEER

Joe Panzera, longtime CEO of building materials retailer Ciot, at company headquarters in Montreal, Quebec

Longtime CEO Joe Panzera remains passionately open to change, though much of his company’s notable story has been written in stone. TEXT by RITA GUARNA OU’D HAVE TO SAY JOE PANZERA IS PRETTY WELL SETTLED INTO HIS JOB AS CEO OF

30 NJHome

next, as a recent chat with NJ HOME revealed.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT CIOT’S HERITAGE

HOW DID YOU GET INTO THE BUSINESS?

AND YOUR PRODUCTS.

I immigrated to Canada from a small town in southern Italy in 1956. The construction industry was booming at the time, and I became a tile installer, eventually starting my own business.

I was a customer of Ciot at the time, and that is where I met my future wife. She worked in the family business, and after we were married I took the reins in 1967. It has been quite an adventure ever since!

The company was founded in 1950 as a terrazzo shop. After I took over, through the years I brought in different stones, ceramic tiles and other products. I have been working closely with the quarry owners and dealers in the Carrara area for more than 50 years and have close relationships with them. Even when it is difficult for other importers to find beautiful blocks of white marbles that are popular now, my contacts always come through. We have the same type of relationships with quarries and producers around the world in both the stone and ceramic industries. We are still a family-owned business, and relationships are important to us.

NJH.sp22.interview.indd 30

TELL US ABOUT YOUR HOME’S STYLE. WHERE WILL WE FIND YOUR PRODUCTS USED?

I would say our style is modern transitional.

We have a German stone tile on most of the ground floor, with a light quartzite kitchen countertop and stone mosaic backsplash from our exclusive Mud line. Our fireplace, although mostly wood, has a Canadian Eramosa marble

accent to highlight the hearth. Of course, all our bathrooms are stone; ours is in Crema Delicato marble, whereas the guest one is dressed in Azul Macaubas granite.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE ROOM IN YOUR HOME?

My cold rooms. They are certainly not stylish, but it is my personal space. In one, I have my homemade wine, as well as all the bottles I’ve collected over the years; in the other, the vegetables and roots I picked from my gardens and cured meats. My homemade prosciutto has even earned a great reputation in Italy!

GRANITE OR QUARTZ FOR KITCHEN COUNTERS?

I am a man of stone, so definitely, anything naturally quarried for my taste! Of course, if you want a low-maintenance countertop, granite and quartzite are the better choices because their high concentration of quartz makes them extremely resistant to stains and scratches.

Many quartzites are available in light colors, which has increased their popularity. If you don’t mind a more worn feel, marbles tend to develop a patina with time that gives them that

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JOE PANZERA

Ythe Montreal-based building materials retailer Ciot—after 55 years. But although he shows the wisdom of his long tenure, he combines it with a fierce focus on what’s

3/3/22 10:27 AM

TOWN & COUNTRY D E S I G N

S T U D I O

Boutique Design Studio specializing in bespoke cabinetry and hard finishes for the home.

RED BANK, NJ | 732.345.1441 | TOWNANDCOUNTRYDESIGNSTUDIO.COM Design by appointment | Visit website for Mercantile Shop hours

Untitled-47 1

2/28/22 1:50 PM

Q&A

Panzera gets creative with stone and other building materials for a living, but when it comes to having fun, cooking is at the top of his list. Preparing and cooking meals for friends and family, especially his grandchildren, “makes me happy” and provides a sense of relaxation, he says.

serves to be showcased in a respectful way that will enhance its uniqueness. The New York showroom is not as large as our other locations, so we decided to showcase our most curated collection in a unique space designed by BxSM, a local design firm that fully understands the local sophisticated clientele. old-world look. I like to say it records memories.

WHAT DO YOU COLLECT—AND WHY?

I’m not a typical consumer and lack the patience to start collections. My family actually teases me and says that since I didn’t play Monopoly growing up I collect real estate!

HOW HAVE CONSUMERS’ TASTES CHANGED

32 NJHome

WHEN IT COMES TO STONE?

Thanks to social media and the entire digital world, trends spread much more rapidly than they did in the past. Homeowners, however, want to ensure that the materials they choose will withstand the test of time. I see a move away from the cold grays and more toward warmer, more comforting tones. Greige is very popular at the moment. Quartzite countertops are increasingly popular because they offer the resistance of granite but in a variety of lighter shades. The white marbles from the Carrara area such as Statuario and Calacatta are still in very high demand.

YOU CHOSE TO MAKE YOUR NEWEST

SHOWROOM LOOK LIKE AN ART GALLERY. WHY?

Natural stone represents life and, as such, de-

NJH.sp22.interview.indd 32

WHAT MAKES CIOT STAND OUT FROM COMPETITORS?

I think it’s our passion—and not only because we are of Italian origin! We have an extremely zealous team of buyers who search high and low for the latest trends and most beautiful materials, and sales consultants who have years of experience and eagerly want to help their customers find the most suitable product for their projects. The breadth and the depth of our product line also set us apart; when we decide to do something we jump in with two feet.

DO YOU HAVE A PLAN TO LURE YOUNGER CUSTOMERS?

and your lifestyle. You may love the look of a beautiful, shiny white marble countertop, but if you can’t live with scratches and little stains, then do yourself a favor and steer towards another product. Busy families will probably want to opt for a granite or quartzite countertop, whereas a more mature couple who eat out most of the time will want to pick a semi-precious stone or marble for the look. Stones that will be the most resistant to stains, heat and scratches are granite and quartzite, but they typically offer less large veining. Marble, on the other hand, is more delicate but offers beautiful movement with its veins and infinite shades. Those who love the look of marble but don’t want to worry about maintenance can easily opt to apply it on a vertical wall surface like a fireplace, foyer or bathroom walls. And for those who love the look but don’t want to use natural stone at all, porcelain slabs offer the perfect solution, with the look of many different marbles, but with the extreme resistance of porcelain. Again, it’s important to look at your lifestyle and what you are ready to deal with.

WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER BEEN GIVEN?

Actually, I wasn’t lucky enough to have anyone around to give me good advice when I could have used it. I immigrated without my family at a very young age, and when I was building my business in the early days not many people could have given me advice except for my competitors, and I couldn’t very well have gone to them. I wish I had had the chance of some guidance—I would have avoided some mistakes. But I guess that is part of the learning process.

ANY REGRETS?

The only regret is that I don’t have another 40 years ahead of me.

WHOM DO YOU ADMIRE MOST?

Right now, anyone who is great with technology. It is ever-changing at such a fast pace and so central to anything that touches our lives that being able to master it is a true advantage and gift.

As pioneers, we bring the newest trends to the market, and I think that our products are very appealing to younger customers. Our marketing team works hard at letting them know we are here, mostly through social media and lately in collaborating on many well-known home renovation television series.

TELL US WHAT YOU DO FOR FUN.

COULD YOU EXPLAIN A BIT ABOUT THE

TO LEARN ABOUT YOU?

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TYPES OF STONE?

The two most important things to keep in mind when choosing stone are the application

I cook, for my friends and family. I enjoy giving to others, and cooking for people makes me happy. I often gather a group of friends for dinners and cook for the family every Sunday. It relaxes me.

WHAT ARE PEOPLE MOST SURPRISED

That at my age, instead of thinking of slowing down, my mind is still busy with expansion plans!

3/3/22 10:27 AM

Untitled-21 1 Untitled-47 1

2/24/22 2/28/22 8:30 1:50 AM PM

MATERIAL WORLD

Indian artisans handcrafted the floral mosaic on the Pia bone inlay chair. Bonus: The seat is upholstered with performance fabric.

Available at Arhaus, Short Hills, 862.772.7790

Perfect as a desk or vanity, the optical design two-drawer console table with bone inlaid features stroked brass and copper finish hardware for added sheen.

Available at etsy.com.

She sells seashells by the seashore, some of which were probably laid by hand into the Global Archive accent table.

Available at Raymour & Flanigan, Paramus, 551.228.7200.

The Westerly bone inlay table lamp, with its bone inlaid in a chevron pattern and a linen shade, will brighten up any space. Available at serenaandlily.com.

BARE BONES

The nesting tray duo from India made of resin, mosaic and bone inlay pulls double duty as a serving piece and a decorative accent.

Available at sankh.com.

No question about it: This decorative inlay technique, which originated in India, is a simple way to refresh your space.

You’ll get 50 shades of gray (give or take) with the scallop gray bone inlay nightstand, featuring a pattern of scallops in varying hues.

Available at Crate & Barrel, multiple locations.

34 NJHome

Black and white and chic all over is how we’d describe the Interlude Beacon Global Bazaar natural bone black stripe resin console table. Place it in a hallway, entryway or dining room for instant personality. Available at kathykuohome.com.

NJH.sp22.material world.indd 34

3/3/22 12:45 PM

home is where the heart is.

GPS something for everyone

KitchenS & cabinetry

bathroomS

lighting

utility roomS

1.800.CALL GPS | shopgps.com Schedule your design consultation online or by phone For a list of locations visit our website

Kohler Untitled-11 Untitled-47 NJ Home 1 9x10.875.indd 1

2/28/22 2/4/22 2/8/22 1:46 1:11 1:51 PM

NEW & NOTEWORTHY

Rest your feet, your drink or your reading material on the custom olive nailhead studded leather coffee table.

Available at thelocalvault.com.

Have a ball with the Robert Abbey Dolly polished nickel table lamp. The metallic balls add texture and distinct character to a bedroom or living room. Available at lampsplus.com.

This is the good kind of Karen: The Karen white studded accent chair, with its tufted back and sophisticated single- and doublestudded trim. Available at At Home, Princeton, 609.806.2668.

HANDSOME STUDS

This studded ottoman is a descendant of the Savonarola chair, noted for its X-shaped frame.

Available at chairish.com.

Whether furnishing a bachelor pad or a family home, studded décor adds a touch of glamor to any room.

Fun meets function with the Sheridan cast iron side table

by Moti, with studded details and gold finish.

Available at Walmart, multiple locations.

36 NJHome

The Vitali studded chaise with silver nailhead trim is a contemporary version of the Victorian fainting couch. Available at Safavieh, Livingston, 973.629.5800.

NJH.sp22.studded.indd 36

Eyecatching details like a hard-carved open back and nailheads border make the Dauphin geometric upholstered dining arm chair pretty and practical. Available at jennifertaylorhome.com.

3/3/22 10:27 AM

WWW.MANNINOCABINETRY.COM

Mannio_Fp_Final.indd 1

2/25/22 9:58 AM

HOT STUFF

The Boheme collection from Hooker Furniture, including this Flanders square cocktail table, pays homage to the Belgian design aesthetic, characterized by a neutral palette and antique finishes. Available at Michael Anthony Furniture, Union, 908.964.3900.

A glossy base and a taupe gray linen shade mean the white scalloped ceramic table lamp will fit in just about anywhere. Available at rcwilley.com.

This country-inspired Louis mahogany side table isn’t just any mahogany side table—its scalloped underside and curved legs make it special. Available at charlotteandivy.com.

The versatile 6-Light Regan chandelier would look just as good in a children’s bedroom as it would over a dining room table. Available at fireflykidslighting.com.

THE RIPPLE EFFECT

Add whimsy to a little girl’s room with the Pillowfort scallop accent table with a brass base, perfect as a nightstand or for a tea party setup. Available at Target, multiple locations.

Scalloped detailing adds sweeping, dramatic lines to furniture, whether traditional or modern.

38 NJHome

The Van Cleef Scalloped Apron silver leaf console table from Artistica Home has it all—a mahogany base with scalloped trim, a brushed silver leaf finish and an antiqued mirrored glass surface. Available at hOMe, Hawthorne, 973.304.1080.

NJH.sp22.scalloped1.indd 38

Old Hollywood glam is easy to achieve with the Margery upholstered chair featuring luxe velvet fabric and tapered wood legs. Available at World Market, Woodland Park, 973.435.9026.

3/3/22 10:24 AM

Untitled-47 11 Untitled-35

2/28/22 2/25/22 2:07 9:24 PM AM

ART

This one-of-a-kind charcoal drawing

by Polish artist Bartosz Wojdyga is untitled, so purveyors can use their imagination.

Available at saatchiart.com.

Minimalist, contemporary and abstract describe this work by Ralph Stout, one within a series of black, white and gray patterned drawings with clean and dynamic lines. Available at 1stdibs.com.

A FINE LINE

Richard Fox sculpted the Moebius in Bronze VIII out of sycamore and white earth pigment.

Available at 1stdibs.com.

The artists behind these works draw the line (or paint it...or sculpt it) to create linear masterpieces that are subtle yet stunning.

40 NJHome

Various women are depicted at work in this mid-century sketch from French artist Paul Garin. Available at artsper.com.

NJH.sp22.art.indd 40

Katrena Griggs’ 2019 wire sculpture of a woman’s shoulders and head would add visual interest to a console table or mantel. Available at 1stdibs.com.

“The Breeze Through The Curtains,” a piece

by Katherine Filice, is both serene and chaotic. Available at 1stdibs.com.

3/3/22 10:23 AM

85

YEARS IN BUSINESS!

1661 Hwy 34 South, Wall, NJ 07719 732.938.5252 njgravelsand.com Fulfilling all your landscape, hardscape and natural stone needs!

Custom Stone Fabrication/ Bulk Materials / Building & Landscape Stone / Pavers / Crushed Sea Shells

NJGravelSand_FPNB_WIN21_final_Rev1..indd 1

3/3/22 3:06 PM

ANTI QUES

This 19th century 10-light chandelier is a grand example of Louis XV French opulence.

Available at rauantiques.com.

Take a seat on the French antique painted bench, featuring a tufted cushion and hand-painted floral designs.

Available at 1stdibs.com.

Round out your foyer, bedroom or guest bathroom with the gold leafed French antique mirror.

Available at 1stdibs.com.

VIVA LA FRANCE

Make like a seamstress or just have her look pretty?

With the French antique mannequin constructed out of pear wood, the choice is yours.

Available at 1stdibs.com.

Reminiscent of the era of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, this Frenchinspired furniture will let you have your cake and eat it too.

42 NJHome

Masks of the 19th century weren’t quite like the ones we have today, eh? Two smiling faces adorn the patinated Venetian wall brackets. Comes in a set of two. Available at cedricdupontantiques.com.

NJH.sp22.antiques.indd 42

The antique French painted round tole tray circa 1900 can serve drinks or serve as a decorative piece. Available at chairish.com.

Gilt brass hardware and flamed mahogany make this Empire style French antique chest a true standout piece. Available at 1stdibs.com.

3/3/22 10:22 AM

THE EXPERTISE YOU WANT. THE CUSTOMER SERVICE YOU NEED.

Photography by John Martinelli

CABINETRY CLOSETS FLOORING WINDOWS DOORS LAKEWOOD | MANAHAWKIN | POINT PLEASANT BEACH | SHREWSBURY* *Kitchen & Closet Design Center only

800-213-3330 WOODHAVENLUMBER.COM 732-795-6200 INSTALLATION AND FINANCING* AVAILABLE. *SUBJECT TO APPROVAL. ASK FOR DETAILS. CONDITIONS MAY APPLY.

Untitled-62 1

3/1/22 12:58 PM

SPRING A/C

MAINTENANCE Make a March Appointment and Get More!

Priority Scheduling

No Diagnostic Fees Thru June

Be Ready Before Anyone Else

SCHEDULE TODAY! 973.929.2080 AIRGROUPLLC.COM Untitled-18 1 Untitled-47 1

2/11/22 2/28/22 3:38 2:09 PM PM

Untitled-33 1 Untitled-47 1

2/24/22 2/28/22 5:13 2:10 PM PM

3 ACRE SHOWROOM

OVER 50 FURNITURE BRANDS, OVER 50 FLOORING BRANDS, OVER 100 CLOTHING BRANDS

FURNITURE MATTRESSES FLOORING DESIGNER APPAREL DESIGNER FOOTWEAR APPLIANCES

RogersAppliances.com 151 STATE ROUTE 31 FLEMINGTON, NJ 08822

908.782.7662 FLEMINGTONDEPARTMENTSTORE.COM

IT’S WORTH THE TRIP. Flemington_Fp_0322_Final.indd Untitled-47 1 1

2/25/22 2/28/22 8:41 2:12 AM PM

Creators of

Outdoor Living Spaces

Complete Landscape Site Design · 3D Renderings Walkways, Patios, Retaining Walls, 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 info@natureviewdesigngroup.com | www.natureviewdesigngroup.com | 201.224.2050

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @ natureview_design_group Westchester Home Improvement Contractor #: WC-33769-H21 | Bergen County Home Improvement Contractor #13vh11474400

Natureview_FP_Final.indd Untitled-47 1 1

2/14/22 2/28/22 10:52 2:12 PM AM

Untitled-18 1 Untitled-47 1

2/23/22 2/28/22 12:34 2:13 PM PM

SPRING 2022

“For a house to be successful, the objects in it must communicate with one another, respond to and balance one another.”

—Andrée Putman

NJH.sp22.well opener_REV2.indd 49

3/3/22 5:35 PM

A WORK SPACE THAT WORKS

A busy professional’s home office in Sparta is transformed into an efficient room that makes her smile.

TEXT by NAYDA RONDON

DESIGN by PAMELA COOPER

PHOTOGRAPHY by VIC WAHBY

Sspends her days helping clients make the most of their practices. Yet when it came to her own work environment— ARAH DAU, A HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT,

50 NJHome

a makeshift home office on the main floor of her family’s 4,500-square-foot Tudor home in Sparta—she was neglecting to give herself the same attention.

Dau had taken a career break to raise three sons, but when her youngest started kindergarten, she decided it was time to go back full time. Luckily, she could work from home, so she gathered some extra furniture from her husband’s own home office and other pieces from around the house and got down to business.

“The room wasn’t very fun or inspiring, and I did think about redoing it,” she admits. “But I just kept thinking about it and doing nothing.”

Ironically it was COVID-19 that served as the positive catalyst. “When COVID hit, I found myself working very long hours and out of my home office,” Dau notes.

Having an uplifting space took on a new priority, motivating Dau to turn to Pamela Cooper of Cooper Interiors in Watchung. The pair had already collaborated on other rooms of Dau’s home, so Cooper was the natural choice.

“The attention to detail in this sumptuous home office is rewarding for me,” says designer Pamela Cooper. “I love the color scheme, blue painted molding detail on the ceiling, lighting with crystals and the comfortable chair for [the homeowner’s] relaxing moments.” Cooper’s favorite element: the Thibaut Sakura blue-and-white wallpaper, which served as the inspiration for the entire space.

NJH.sp22.cooper/sparta.2.indd 50

2/28/22 9:35 AM

NJHome

51

NJH.sp22.cooper/sparta.2.indd 51

2/24/22 9:04 AM

52 NJHome

This page, bottom: The framed print of a tulip adds a fresh, feminine touch. Window treatments were custommade by Fabric Collection using Samuel & Sons velvet trim, while the desk and cabinets were custom-made

by Ingrained Handcrafted Cabinetry & Furniture. Opposite page: “The room is a constant reminder to take a break and be grateful for all I have,” the homeowner says. “I’ll look up from my work, take a few short breaths and look at my accent wall, and everything seems a little brighter.”

NJH.sp22.cooper/sparta.2.indd 52

2/28/22 9:36 AM

53

NJH.sp22.cooper/sparta.2.indd 53

cabinets to house the printer, files and supplies. And for a look that’s as airy and stylish as it is practical and streamlined, the custom desk—also by Ingrained—is fastened to the wall on one end and braced by clear glass legs on the other. Drawing the eyes upward, the custom crown molding and ceiling details painted in soft white and blue also help convey a sense of spaciousness.

Furniture and decorative pieces—a Fairfield desk chair, a Braxton Culler upholstered chair, a John Richard desk lamp, a Crystorama chandelier and a vintage mirror framed by clear acrylic bars and nickel-forged iron—were chosen to enhance rather than overwhelm the setting.

“The room is now fresh, invigorating and warm,” says the homeowner. “I love what I do as a profession, so I’m very grateful that now I’m able to do what I love in a space that I love.”

NJHome

“Having worked with other designers before, I can say Pam’s attention to detail and her gift for customization are really special,” says Dau. “Pam is a lovely person, and she has the amazing ability to take what’s in my head and push me out of my comfort zone to create something fabulous. In fact, that’s my nickname for her: fabulous.”

The project, which took six months, went relatively smoothly.

Dau was able to work in the room while Cooper and her crew did their design thing—overseeing the electrical installation, the painting and wallpapering, and the three-day installation of the custom desk and cabinets, which were brought in piece by piece.

To deal with the room’s relatively small size (10 feet by 12 feet) and lack of storage space, Cooper had Freehold-based Ingrained Handcrafted Cabinetry & Furniture custom-build a wall of lower

2/24/22 9:04 AM

54 NJHome

In the great room, a custom sectional sofa from Vanguard sets the color palette and the presiding aesthetic of coastal chic. Accordion doors open the room to expansive views of Barnegat Bay. Designer Joanne Marino chose the glass-topped coffee table, also from Vanguard, for its reflectivity—making the most of an already light-filled space—and the ease of walking around it to the balcony. A pair of Legend of Asia ginger jar lamps add visual interest and a pop of accent color, while the modern wooden fan softens the dramatically coffered ceiling.

NJH.sp22.sikkema joseph st.indd 54

2/28/22 1:46 PM

BAY WATCH

Water views dominate a bayside beach house, dictating virtually every design choice in the light-washed interior.

TEXT by LESLIE GARISTO PFAFF DESIGN by JOANNE MARINO PHOTOGRAPHY by TORI SIKKEMA

NJHome

55

NJH.sp22.sikkema joseph st.indd 55

2/24/22 8:56 AM

56 NJHome

This page: Designer Joanne Marino lowers the motorized light-blocking window shades, which disappear into the window frames when not in use. Opposite page: Flanking the fireplace, a pair of swivel chairs, upholstered in gray-blue tweed, face the sectional sofa and a spectacular view of the bay, beyond. The white “Amber” drink tables from Vanguard invite a solitary sip or provide a perch for cocktail party fare. The wood ceiling fan echoes the color and texture of the repurposed railroad-tie mantel.

NJH.sp22.sikkema joseph st.indd 56

2/28/22 9:48 AM

Twasn’t large, but what it lacked in size it made up for in sun-dappled water views and

HE PROPERTY ON JOSEPH STREET IN LAVALLETTE

NJHome

spectacular sunsets. Its new owners, Hank and Jeannette Hirsch, had admired its bayfront setting for years, envisioning a traditional two-story home that conjured vistas of New England.

But their first conversation with Manahawkin architect Craig Brearley effectively quashed those visions. “He told me that we had limited space and suggested we use a design that would help us utilize the space most efficiently, which I understood,” says Hank. Those lovely traditional

houses, it turns out, were designed with all manner of angles that essentially wasted horizontal space. What rose on the property was a sleek, modern two-and-a-half story dwelling, with clapboard-type siding and a pitched roof that offers a nod to New England and an abundance of large windows that maximizes those spectacular water views.

When the build was complete, they faced the challenge of furnishing the house with pieces that were beautiful but durable enough to withstand their active family of five and—most important—didn’t compete with the bay that glittered

57

NJH.sp22.sikkema joseph st.indd 57

2/24/22 8:56 AM

58 NJHome NJH.sp22.sikkema joseph st.indd 58

from virtually every window. For that, they enlisted the skills of Lavallette designer Joanne Marino, whose shop, The Beach Home, was filled with furnishings she describes as “coastal chic.” “They wanted comfort in a sophisticated manner,” Marino says. “First and foremost, because this was a beach house, it needed to be comfortable for family and guests. And because they have a swimming pool, we took it a step further and made sure we used performance fabrics

throughout to protect the furnishings from sun and water.”

They started with a white sectional sofa that would be the largest piece in the openconcept great room, situated on the second floor to take advantage of water views.

While the choice of color was Jeannette’s, the custom piece was carefully designed to hit the back of Hank’s neck in the sweet spot, for maximum comfort. One part of the sectional faces the TV and fireplace,

2/24/22 8:56 AM

This page: The homeowners found the beachy blue-and-white tiles at Downtown Tile in Belmar.

Opposite page: Above the bright quartz island, modern rattan pendants from Jeffan International— along with wood (and wood-trimmed) counter stools sourced from the designer’s own Lavallette shop, The Beach Home—help soften an area of hard surfaces.

NJHome

59

NJH.sp22.sikkema joseph st.indd 59

2/24/22 8:56 AM

NJH.sp22.sikkema joseph st.indd 60

2/24/22 8:56 AM

while the other looks directly out on the bay through a set of floor-to-ceiling, accordion-style doors. When those doors are completely open, they connect the great room with an expansive terrace, effectively blurring indoors and out. In front of the sofa is a large, round coffee table, whose glass top reflects the light that pours into the room even on the grayest day.

In fact, besides the bay itself, light is the home’s dominant design element.

There are no fussy window treatments to block or detract from either light or view—just motorized shades that are hidden in the window frames until needed. Marino and the homeowners chose blue as the predominant accent color, in a variety of hues that calls to mind the ever-changing water of the bay. Two gray-blue upholstered swivel chairs flank the fireplace, and the pale hardwood floor is softened by a large blue-and-white Annie Selke rug. The room’s most dramatic accents are a pair of sculptural blue-and-white ginger jar lamps that sit atop a console behind the sofa in front of a south-facing window.

NJHome

The outdoor patio offers both covered and open-air seating, along with a plunge pool for lazy days when even the beach is too far to venture and a jaunt on the boat (seen in the background) is out of the question.

61

NJH.sp22.sikkema joseph st.indd 61

2/28/22 9:49 AM

62 NJHome

“I really look at those as pieces of art,” Marino says. Rather than detract from the view, though, they actually draw the eye toward it.

The one item in the living area that Marino didn’t choose was the mantel, a rustic repurposed railroad tie that Hank fell in love with. To echo both its color and its farmhouse feel, Marino installed a natural-wood ceiling fan and rattan pendants over the kitchen island, and chose two sets of counter stools, one pair with wooden legs and the other solid acacia wood. Initially, the homeowners wanted a set of five identical stools, but Marino realized that traditional stools on the side of the island closest to the refrigerator, laundry room and bathroom would impede the flow, so she chose a pair of backless stools that can be pushed completely under the countertop.

Of course, this is a beach house, and so the outside is at least as important as the interior—in fact, it’s Hank’s favorite part of the design. Ultracomfortable rattan lounge and club chairs offer the family and guests a choice of escaping the sun in a covered section of the patio, gathering around the firepit, watching the outdoor TV, waiting comfortably on the dock for the boat to come in, or—hands down, the most popular option—kicking back in expectation of yet another perfect sunset over the bay.

This page: The house’s many windows take advantage of spectacular bay views, also accessible from the outdoor patio. Opposite page: Building codes allow for no more than two-and-a-half stories, so the homeowners situated most of the bedrooms on the ground floor, the main living area on the second story and the master bedroom, complete with its own terrace, at the top of the house. Its verticality allows for additional square footage on a lot that’s small but stunning, and the exterior design deftly blends modern lines with traditional touches such as clapboard siding and a pitched roof.

NJH.sp22.sikkema joseph st.indd 62

2/28/22 9:50 AM

NJHome

63

NJH.sp22.sikkema joseph st.indd 63

2/24/22 8:57 AM

COOKING UP A GOOD TIME

Thanks to an inspired redo that made it perfect for its owner, a Ridgewood kitchen fulfills a social destiny as well as a culinary one.

TEXT by MARISA SANDORA CARR

DESIGN by SHARON SHERMAN

PHOTOGRAPHY by MIKE VAN TASSELL

A for 15 years, but you know how it is with older homes: First they had to put in air conditioning, then replace the

NEW KITCHEN HAD BEEN ON RACHEL SCHAPIRO’S TO DO LIST

64 NJHome

windows, then paint and do a few other small projects.

Finally, in 2021, it was time, and Schapiro was ready with a vision. “I wanted the kitchen to be more open to the rest of the house,” she remembers. “I wanted a big island, so that when I was cooking I could still be with people. And I wanted really good appliances because I love to cook.”

Schapiro also knew what she didn’t want—an all-white kitchen, a design choice she felt was overdone.

Enter Sharon Sherman of Thyme & Place Design in Wyckoff, who suggested Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore for the cabinets, which Schapiro thought would perfectly complement the eclectic style of the rest of the house, a Ridgewood colonial built in 1904. Schapiro didn’t want the typical subway tile backsplash either, so she chose an iridescent octagon ceramic tile that, depending on the light, changes color from silver to bluish. “I like how it is soothing and calm but a little bit different,” she says. Natural maple Designer Sharon Sherman opened up this Ridgewood kitchen by removing the wall that separated it from the living room, removing the drop ceiling and adding a large window to bring in more natural light. “Sharon is great about figuring out how to maximize space,” says homeowner Rachel Schapiro. “The footprint didn’t change, but it feels so much bigger now.”

NJH.sp22.sherman ridgewood.indd 64

2/28/22 9:51 AM

NJHome

65

NJH.sp22.sherman ridgewood.indd 65

2/24/22 9:02 AM

66 NJHome

accents inside the wall cabinets, on the hood trim, in the floating shelves and on the recessed appliance cabinet were chosen to add warmth and contrast.

The kitchen’s perimeter counters are natural quartzite, while a leathered black granite tops the much-desired island. Schapiro found industrial-looking barstools from Industry West that play well with the stainless-steel KitchenAid double oven. A mix of metals adds to the kitchen’s unique vibe. The Mitzi pendants over the island are gold-toned, the hardware on the blue cabinets is honey bronze, and the hardware on the island is black.

One of Schapiro’s favorite things about the new kitchen is her upgraded appliances—a five-burner Wolf cooktop and a Sub-Zero refrigerator. “I love that when I open the

NJH.sp22.sherman ridgewood.indd 66

refrigerator, I can see everything inside,” she says. “Some [refrigerators] are very deep and very high, and that doesn’t work for me—I’m 5 feet tall.”

Sherman was able to create an innovative recessed cabinet that keeps small appliances within easy reach for her petite client. The space was found in the wall next to a fireplace that backed up to the kitchen from the living room. The designer was also able to create a pantry for the new kitchen by closing off a closet in the living room and opening it up to the kitchen instead.

The new kitchen was a long time coming, but it was worth the wait, says Schapiro. “I love to have friends over and cook while we are hanging out,” she says. “It’s so much more fun to cook in this kitchen.”

2/28/22 9:51 AM

This page: Schapiro selected lavender for one wall of the kitchen and yellow for the pantry. “The original kitchen was not very inspiring,” says Sherman. “But now it has a distinct design style that reflects the client’s love of color, her art collection and more of her personality.” Opposite page: Red knobs on the Wolf cooktop add a pop of color, and glass-fronted upper cabinets allow Schapiro’s colorful dishes to be seen.

NJHome

67

NJH.sp22.sherman ridgewood.indd 67

2/24/22 9:02 AM

‘BROWNSTONE’ BEAUTY The inspiration for a Woodcliff Lake remodel came from a very different place: Brooklyn.

TEXT by DONNA ROLANDO

DESIGN by YANA BOUCHKANETS

PHOTOGRAPHY by LINDA PORDON PHOTOGRAPHY

A natives grew up admiring the borough’s iconic brownCOUPLE OF BROOKLYN

68 NJHome

stones with their strong sense of character. Ironically, they realized their vision of a brownstone-style home only after crossing state lines and eventually remodeling in Bergen County’s Woodcliff Lake.

NJH.sp22.flider woodcliff lake.indd 68

2/28/22 1:47 PM

NJHome

69

NJH.sp22.flider woodcliff lake.indd 69

2/24/22 8:42 AM

70 NJHome

Previous page: As seen in the family room, designer Yana Bouchkanets balanced moody tones and a neutral palette for a brownstone vibe that fits suburbia. This page: Peeking into the dining room from the family room’s sheepskin-adorned sectional. Opposite page: The moody-gray dining room dazzles with a brass chandelier over a Kalle Sculptural Oak table in charcoal.

NJH.sp22.flider woodcliff lake.indd 70

The big question: Would brownstone elegance feel out of place in a five-bedroom suburban colonial? The answer was no with the balanced approach taken by Yana Bouchkanets, principal designer at Ridgewood’s MIF Design, who’d been the owner’s childhood friend.

True, the colonial lacks a brownstone’s signature brick facade. But step inside, and the moody feel captures the brownstone’s ambience—and the hearts of visitors.

“The theme for this renovation was a New York City townhouse vibe while maintaining the traditional East Coast style,” Bouchkanets explains. “Throughout the house, we added townhouse elements by incorporating a moody paint aesthetic, multi-tone handmade tile and brass finishes.” The engaging contrast of black and neutral is also interwoven through the space Bouchkanets describes as “light, cozy and stylish.” The result is a home with a fusion of brownstone elements and individual style—a dramatic change completed in November without the need to knock down a single wall.

“I walk into my house, and it has so much character,” says homeowner Maria, mother of two school-age children. “A lot of new homes are cookie-cutter, and everything is so bland. That’s not our house!”

Before launching the redesign in June, Bouchkanets was guiding Maria and husband Jonathan in finding the right house to replace a Hillsdale split-level they outgrew after three years. The problem?

Open houses drew such a crowd “they were giving out numbers,” recalls Maria. The designer’s suggested solution was to avoid the popular turnkey homes and focus on good bones, which is how they landed “the house with a thousand doors,” says Bouchkanets. The team removed lots of doors and created walkways for an airy floor plan and abundant natural light.

The kitchen, a favorite room for

2/24/22 8:42 AM

NJHome

71

NJH.sp22.flider woodcliff lake.indd 71

2/24/22 8:42 AM

72 NJHome

This page: A sun-infused way to start the day is the breakfast nook with a tulip oval table by Homethreads, wood-and-woven chairs and a custom storage bench.

Opposite page: The rich green island with its carved-wood seats looks out on the room’s focus feature: a custom hood tiled in Bedrosians Cloe squares.

NJH.sp22.flider woodcliff lake.indd 72

chef Maria, offered a generous footprint that Bouchkanets divided into two sections: a breakfast nook with a custom banquette and a centerpiece island in Benjamin Moore’s Dark Olive topped with honed quartz. The island was a first for the family, and Bouchkanets sought to give it the feel of furniture, paired with carved-wood stools by West Elm. A highlight is Bedrosians Cloe glazed tiles that wow both the backsplash and the Thermador range hood.

Bouchkanets preserved the room’s spacious look with white-oak open shelving instead of cabinets; two pantries anchor the stainless-steel Bosch fridge for ample storage. Completing the look are Katie Globe pendants, white perimeter cabinets with Calacatta marble-look counters by MSI and mixed metals in a brass-and-black Brizo faucet.

Another favorite—and another family first—is the formal dining room, which reflects that townhouse feel with moody gray shades and a custom brass chandelier by Illuminate Vintage. “I love my dining room,” says Maria. “I feel that when we sit there, I could stare at the walls all day long, they’re so pretty.” A charcoal finish gives the dining table from Anthropologie its own star quality, while oak-and-woven chairs are a softer tie-in with white oak floors and a Serena & Lily rug in neutral ivory.

Satisfying the couple’s wish list also meant creating a light-infused family room where Maria could connect with her kids, ages 9 and 11, even while cooking. Rather than tumble walls, Bouchkanets repurposed a sitting room with double doors that separated it from the kitchen. The Visual Comfort globe lights are the room’s focal point, and the combination of different textures makes it feel inviting.

Family-friendly design includes a soft gray leather sectional by Safavieh Couture over a transitional rug. For more style sizzle, Bouchkanets introduced brass elements—Pottery Barn lamps and a CB2 coffee table—topped with organic-shaped vases. A mirror and console create “a special moment” near the bounteous windows.

To achieve fully her dream of brownstone décor exceeded the owner’s expectations. Says Maria of her friend the designer: “She really, honestly, knocked this one out of the park.”

2/24/22 8:42 AM

NJHome

73

NJH.sp22.flider woodcliff lake.indd 73

2/24/22 8:42 AM

THE ELOQUENCE OF ART In the thorough renovation of a 1966 Springfield colonial, creative work packs a punch.

TEXT by DONNA ROLANDO

DESIGN by BARBARA HENDRZAK PHOTOGRAPHY by VIC WAHBY

Aevokes emotions from raw energy, color and texture born of genius on canvas. But for one Springfield

74 NJHome

BSTRACT ART ISN’T PRIZED FOR TELLING A STORY; IT

couple, the abstract art that runs as a theme through their move-up colonial has a lot to say—about designer Barbara Hendrzak of the Mountainside-based eponymous firm.

“She showed us things that we never would have picked on our own, and those are the pieces that we ended up absolutely loving,” says homeowner Michelle.

Abstracts were among the welcome twists in a 2020–21 redesign that proved just right for the couple and their kindergarten-age son.

“She knows when to push us,” adds husband Dan, also thrilled with the gut-job renovation by SCS Contracting in Springfield that gave this 1966 colonial an open floor plan and the kitchen of Michelle’s dreams.

A Springfield family wanted a clean, fresh, somewhat modern look for their move-up home and got it with the design of this living room, which wows with chevron pattern tiles over a black cabinetry bar.

NJH.sp22.hendrzak/springfield.indd 74

2/28/22 9:52 AM

NJHome

75

NJH.sp22.hendrzak/springfield.indd 75

2/28/22 9:53 AM

76 NJHome

As Hendrzak set about giving their forever home a “classic timeless look,” she knew the art needed center stage.

“A room without art in it is kind of an unfinished room,” declares the designer. “Part of the reason we did such a neutral backdrop (gray, white, black and blue) was to have the art stand out.”

Upon stepping into the entry foyer, guests get the first taste of art’s influence with an original Cecil K. acrylic and unique details such as a brass-legged, faux shagreen console accented with wooden jars and ceramic-on-marble sculptures. For further effect, the banister’s iron and dark-stained wood are juxtaposed with a geometric stair runner in gray and white.

Perhaps nowhere is the power of art more evident than in

NJH.sp22.hendrzak/springfield.indd 76

the dining room, where Callie Campbell’s original abstract oil on canvas drew an “immediate reaction” from the homeowners. “It’s such a wow piece, and it looks like we commissioned that for the room, and we did not,” says Hendrzak.

The painting’s gold leaf complements the golden band around the vertical-glass-rod chandelier, another statement piece that expanded the couple’s horizons. Though striking with their modern lines, the oak-veneer table and chenille upholstered chairs are meant to pay second fiddle to the art and the lighting that glistens around the room.

Not only paintings but also abstract rugs (namely by Stanton) over walnut-stained wood are a unifying theme and help define the open plan’s common spaces.

The living room highlights dual abstract originals by

2/28/22 9:53 AM

This page: A Cecil K. original reflected in this entry foyer mirror hints of a home artfully designed. Opposite page: The family room shares the glow of its marble-look fireplace with nearby rooms and is equipped with Crypton fabric to safeguard the sectional.

NJHome

77

NJH.sp22.hendrzak/springfield.indd 77

2/28/22 9:53 AM

78 NJHome

This page: With a linear chandelier and marble-look backsplash, this kitchen combines good looks and a cheffriendly layout. Opposite page: The homeowners credit designer Barbara Hendrzak with introducing them to the dining room’s abstract canvas and chandelier, both with gold tones.

NJH.sp22.hendrzak/springfield.indd 78

3/3/22 10:28 AM

79

NJH.sp22.hendrzak/springfield.indd 79

sectional in Crypton “takes abuse very well,” she says.

The room that kicked off this redesign—the kitchen for Michelle, who likes to entertain—pairs white shaker-style top cabinetry with a gray island base and light-gray-veined quartz countertops. The brick-pattern backsplash imitates marble and packs a punch with an accent over the Wolf stove with stainless-steel hood. Hudson Valley’s linear chandelier and a mock Roman shade by Anna Elisabeth complete the space.

Bonus: The island seats in faux gray leather with silver nailheads are practically kiddo-proof.

Michelle’s favorite part is the layout’s “together” feel.

“Now with the open floor plan, I get to be with everyone else while I’m preparing, which is really nice,” she says.

NJHome

Peruvian Jose Ccala as “conversation starters,” she says, while the black cabinetry by Kitchen Expressions gets a pop from the bar area tile’s bold chevron pattern. For style more formal than the adjacent family room, Hendrzak introduced an Ethan Allen couch with a Greek key pattern and gold tones in the tables by British Home Emporium and blue leather chairs.

Visible from all four rooms—as per open-floor-plan magic—is a cream, marble-look fireplace in the family room, where a large-screen TV is built into black cabinetry. Continuity stems from whisper satin drapes with a Scalamandré cut-velvet band, a hint of gold in a diamond-pattern console and the blue of a mock Roman shade (embroidered by Anna Elisabeth). Always ready for young’uns, the stark-gray chenille

2/28/22 9:54 AM

MAKING IT BIG Four times the size of the owners’ previous home, a newly built Holmdel house cried out for a designer unafraid to go large with custom touches.

TEXT by NAYDA RONDON

DESIGN by YELENA GERTS

80 NJHome

PHOTOGRAPHY by MARCO RICCA

NJH.sp22.gerts holmdel.indd 80

2/28/22 9:55 AM

NJHome

81

NJH.sp22.gerts holmdel.indd 81

2/24/22 8:49 AM

82 NJHome

This page, bottom: In the family room, designer Yelena Gerts transformed the huge wall into mini focal points of interest by using beautiful materials such as marble, granite, exotic woods and textured wallpaper to carve out separate living sections. Opposite page: “This house model came with a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows, which I absolutely loved,” says Gerts. “It inspired us to create this fireplace wall to match the scale of those windows.”

NJH.sp22.gerts holmdel.indd 82

2/24/22 8:50 AM

W

HEN RACHNA AND CHARIK SETHI AND THEIR TWO GIRLS

“We were blown away by what Yelena had done for them,” says Rachna. “It was exactly what we were envisioning for ourselves, and they couldn’t have been more pleased with her work.”

The couple wasted no time in contacting Gerts. “We had her over and she gave us her ideas and we just knew,” says Rachna.

“With her we found that all the pieces of the puzzle came together, and we were all set to seal the deal. We met on a Wednesday. By Friday, I called her to say, ‘Let’s get started.’”

Says Gerts: “When I met my clients, they had already been living in their home. It was empty and pretty challenging to design—especially the 13-foot fireplace wall in the family room—and definitely needed a design expert.” Since Toll Brothers builders had already taken care of all the construction and

NJHome

moved from a 1,800-square-foot Edison townhouse to a 7,500-square-foot new-construction home in Holmdel and looked at the vast space, it’s not surprising they felt as much trepidation as exhilaration at the prospect of decorating it all.

At first, Rachna was game to give it a try. “We tried to envision ourselves in these new surroundings, and how we wanted the place to look and how we wanted to live in it,” she says. “We bought some pieces for the upstairs, but we quickly realized we were in over our heads and couldn’t tackle such a huge undertaking.”

Clearly needing help, Rachna and Charik sent out an SOS to Yelena Gerts of House of Style & Design. Gerts, also based in Holmdel, had done design work for the homeowners’ neighbors.

83

NJH.sp22.gerts holmdel.indd 83

2/28/22 9:56 AM

NJH.sp22.gerts holmdel.indd 84

2/24/22 8:50 AM

interior elements such as hardwood floors, and cabinetry and fixtures for the kitchen and bathrooms, Gerts and her design team focused on the decorative design aspects of the entire first floor—the family room, kitchen and breakfast nook, living room, dining room and foyer area.

“We consider ourselves first-time home buyers since this is our first single-family home,” Rachna says. “It’s also going to be our final home, so we wanted to take time to make it perfectly fit our vision of something that is functional and beautiful. We wanted a space that was glamorous, with lots of shimmer, cool grays and earth tones.”

Gerts obliged, going big and bold by creating an “elegant, contemporary yet classic, sophisticated and luxurious” design.

She brought in the glam with gold, silver and shimmery wallpaper and custom furniture pieces. Considering the open space layout, Gerts used similar shapes and forms throughout the first floor to make everything look and feel as cohesive as possible.

Also serving to unify the space, the area rugs are all custom-made in complementary shades of silk and wool blends, while Sherwin-Williams paint in shades of gray and white also helps to tie things together.

The kitchen and powder room required only minor tweaks, but other spaces needed more extensive treatment. Gerts tackled the most challenging aspects—the 13-foot fireplace wall in the family room and the asymmetrical proportions of the dining room—with elegant aplomb. Adopting a “divide and conquer” strategy, she sectioned the “really tall and super wide” wall into different zones—a TV area delineated by using custom glass-beaded textured wallpaper and wood cabinets made of the same material as the wall beams; a fireplace sitting zone anchored by black granite; and the rest of the living/lounging space

NJHome

In the kitchen, minor finishing touches— sleekly elegant knobs and pulls, shiny pendant lights and custom swivel counter stools made of leather and fabric—serve up a big impact. “I especially love the stools,” says the homeowner. “They make it so easy and comfortable, and bring us all together. My husband will be sitting and chatting with me while I’m cooking and keeping an eye on the girls in the nearby family room.”

85

NJH.sp22.gerts holmdel.indd 85

2/24/22 8:50 AM

86 NJHome NJH.sp22.gerts holmdel.indd 86

wrapped in tall slabs of porcelain shipped straight from Italy. To break up and impart warmth to all the stone components, Gerts added exotic wood beams as an interesting design element.

For the family room, says the designer, “we wanted to create a wow factor, something original, unique and super custom to fit the room’s vibe. Our client requested a super luxury hotellike feel that would be comfortable and cozy at the same time, and that’s exactly what we did.” She adds that all furniture and accessories were curated to accommodate the room’s scale and mood. For instance, the white upholstered sofa was custom-sized to hold its own within the room’s spacious dimensions, while the

fine detailing of the lavish fabric exudes opulence.

“We had to change the dining room completely,” explains Gerts. “We removed the outdated-looking chair rails and added beautiful and contemporary molding boxes throughout most of the first floor. Inside those boxes we installed absolutely gorgeous silvery silk wallpaper to give the dining room a dressy and elegant feel. Our goal was to mix metal colors in the most sophisticated and elegant way. ” Everything in the dining room shimmers with sumptuousness—silk on the walls, pearls on the trim, brilliant crystals on the chandeliers and the finest material on the dining chairs. The

2/28/22 9:56 AM

Opposite page: The designer used two large custom chandeliers over a custom-made lacquered wood dining table to draw attention away from the room’s asymmetrical layout. This page, bottom: Flanked on either side by gold sculptures, the arresting mirror with the painted gold metal stylized “crack” captures all eyes. “When you walk in the house that’s the first thing you see on the left,” the designer says. “Since the house doesn’t have a formal entryway, we made this element as striking as possible to create a wow factor the minute you enter the room.”

NJHome

87

NJH.sp22.gerts holmdel.indd 87

2/24/22 8:50 AM

88 NJHome NJH.sp22.gerts holmdel.indd 88

silvery silk area rug serves as a neutral foundation for the entire room, which is echoed by the mixed metals of the window treatment hardware, minutely detailed right down to the glistening knobs on the rods.

“Since diamonds and pearls are a girl’s best friends,” Gerts explains, “we used this concept for luxury and elegance by bringing pearls as trim on the window treatments, crystal candlesticks on the table and diamonds on the chandeliers.”

Positioned across from the dining area, the formal living room was designed as a congregating space where guests could take in the surrounding splendor in plush comfort. “I talked to my

clients and we decided to make it a lounge area where friends would gather for a cocktail before dinner,” says the designer.

“It really took time—and I don’t blame anyone but the process for this—but it was so worthwhile,” Rachna says of the project, which was begun in September 2019 and completed in the summer 2021.

“There were delays, but now that I look back, I’m glad it went slowly because we took our time, did things right and relied on Yelena to guide our decisions. I’m so glad we listened to her. She would veto some of my choices, saying ‘No, I promise you, you will love this’—and she was right every single time.”

2/24/22 8:50 AM

An eye-catching statement piece in the formal living room, the custom green couch is a favorite of the lady of the house, who loves “big, bold pops of color.” The designer notes: “We chose this unexpected color not only to bring an interesting visual element, but also make it a conversation piece. Everyone loves this green lounger.” This page, bottom: Mother-of-pearl tile, a marble top vanity, elegant lighting fixtures and brass details make the first floor powder room a gleaming vision of sophisticated style.

NJHome

89

NJH.sp22.gerts holmdel.indd 89

2/24/22 8:50 AM

Distinctive materials for the discerning eye

Tile • Stone • Brick 100 Main Street, Chatham, NJ 07928 www.charlestontileandstone.com 973.457.2143

Your personality, our expertise Though fine-art schooled as an artist, Sara Chwatt is deeply embedded in the world of architecture and interior design.

As a result, she designs with the eye of an artist and practices with the skill of an engineer.

Beauty, function, comfort and flow are her goals, artistry and ingenuity, her tools. Every space, large or small, is tailored to the way it will be used.

RESIDENTIAL DESIGN ■ COMMERCIAL DESIGN ■ STAGING ■ E-DESIGN ■ REMOTE CONSULTATION AVAILABLE Sara Chwatt, Allied ASID 973.698.0094 info@sbcinteriordesign.com www.SBCinteriordesign.com

090_NJHOME_SS22.indd 1

3/2/22 2:56 PM

MEET THE REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL Special Advertising Section

MeetTheRealtor_SS_0322_V3_Cf.indd 91

3/2/22 11:12 AM

Special Advertising Section

BERGEN

BERGEN

COUNTY’S TOP REAL ESTATE AGENTS

ELITE

2021

2022

Meet the Real Estate Professional – Taylor Lucyk Meet Taylor Lucyk, one of the most dynamic, top-performing and highly respected real estate brokers in New Jersey. Accredited with numerous industry recognized sales awards and featured in multiple top publications, Taylor is a prominent force in the New Jersey real estate market.

After learning the nuances of real estate as a solo agent, Taylor created The Taylor Lucyk Group - a full-time, multi-service real estate team that is an extension of Christie’s International Real Estate Northern New Jersey. In 2 short years, Taylor and The Taylor Lucyk Group have dominated the real estate industry, breaking numerous records and securing over $120 Million in closed sales last year. Taylor believes in setting the bar high by his tremendous over-achieving mentality and love for his clients. He is sought out for his real estate expertise and guidance from top developers and investors from around the world. His insider’s knowledge of New Jersey’s ever-changing real estate and economic markets, raw energy and affinity for client service have quickly made him an industry recognized name.

Taylor currently ranks in the top 1% of agents in Northern New Jersey and consistently shatters home sale records, truly putting him in a league of his own. His uncompromising professionalism and tenacious drive have yielded his unprecedented rapid rise to success. Contact Taylor and The Taylor Lucyk Group to redefine your real estate experience.

Taylor Lucyk, Broker Associate Christie’s International Real Estate/Northern New Jersey 313 Broadway, Westwood, NJ 07675 Cell: 201.360.1292 | Office: 201.476.0777 TaylorLucyk1@gmail.com | TaylorLucykGroup.com

MeetTheRealtor_SS_0322_V3_Cf.indd 92

•

Closed over $120 Million in Sales in 2021

•

2021, 2020, & 2019 NJ Realtors® Circle of Excellence Award Recipient - Platinum Level

•

Christie’s International Real Estate Masters Circle Member 2021

•

Christie’s Certified Luxury Specialist 2021

3/3/22 11:32 AM

Special Advertising Section

BERGEN

BERGEN

COUNTY’S TOP REAL ESTATE AGENTS

ELITE

2021

2022

Marketing Powerhouse Taking New Jersey Real Estate by Storm Meet Christina Gibbons, industry leading Realtor-Associate®, marketing powerhouse, and CEO of Christina Gibbons Group. Christina formed her team in 2017 and has since risen as one of New Jersey’s top-producing real estate agents. Christina’s team closed out 2021 with approximately $122 million in closed sales across 105 transactions and were named once again the #1 team company-wide at Christie’s International Real Estate Northern NJ for the second year in a row.

What has accounted for your rapid success?

Since forming in 2017, we’ve expanded to new territories throughout New Jersey and our annual sales volume has grown tremendously. We’ve been in business for only four years and have over a quarter billion dollars in lifetime sales volume. I attribute these successes to the power of the Christie’s brand, along with a passion for the industry, 24/7 work ethic, white-glove customer service, investment in technology, highly qualified people, customized marketing and sales strategies, and keen intuition for people’s needs.

What separates the Christina Gibbons Group from other teams?

Our marketing and negotiation expertise sets us apart. The power of our custom marketing strategies and pre-listing platinum services when selling our homes is second to none and has maximized the exposure of our brand name in the process. On the buy-side, Christina Gibbons Group’s buyer specialists negotiate hard and are consistently setting up their clients to be power buyers.

What are your 2022 predictions for New Jersey’s real estate market?

The spring market is expected to be even more competitive than it was in 2021 with many buyers who lost out in bidding wars expected to return to their search despite low inventory and rising prices. Now is the perfect time for sellers to get a head start on the spring market with an experienced listing agent to prep their home and negotiate a strong offer. Contact Christina Gibbons to discuss your real estate needs in this competitive seller’s market.

All information contained herein is from sources deemed reliable but not guaranteed and is subject to errors and omissions. *Data provided by CIRENNJ, ranking all agents per dollar volume. ^As per NJMLS full year 2021, team market share report of all sold property types in all geographic areas and all price ranges. **As per NJMLS team ranking in Ridgewood by dollar volume sales all property types 1/1/2021-12/31/2021.**

•

#1 TEAM COMPANY WIDE Christie’s International Real Estate Northern NJ (2020 & 2021)

•

#1 TEAM IN RIDGEWOOD, NJ Dollar Volume Ranking of Closed Sales(2021)

•

$122 MILLION | 105 TRANSACTIONS Closed NJMLS, GSMLS, HCMLS Sales (2021)

•

NJ REALTOR CIRCLE OF EXCELLENCE Platinum Level Recipient (2019, 2020, 2021)

MeetTheRealtor_SS_0322_V3_Cf.indd 93

Christina Gibbons Christina Gibbons Group Christie’s International Real Estate Northern NJ 40 W Ridgewood Ave., Ridgewood, NJ 07450 Cell: 917.837.8853 | Office: 201.962.9552 info@christinagibbonsgroup.com www.christinagibbonsgroup.com

3/3/22 11:32 AM

Special Advertising Section

BERGEN

BERGEN

COUNTY’S TOP REAL ESTATE AGENTS

ELITE

2021

2022

The Right Agent Makes All The Difference For over 36 years, Attilio Adamo has sold real estate in New Jersey and has built a reputation as the face and voice of Old Tappan where he’s deeply rooted. His real estate advice and exceptional quality of service are called golden, but it’s Attilio’s passion that drives him to continuously surpass his clients’ highest expectations. As a result, The Adamo Group, a full-service team that Attilio leads, ranks in the top 1.4% of agents nationwide and number one in Tappan and other surrounding areas in Bergen County.

Attilio’s accomplishments have launched his team into an exciting direction this year as he announces that The Adamo Group will now be affiliated with Coldwell Banker Realty’s Alpine/Closter office. The team was previously affiliated with Howard Hanna Rand Realty.

The Adamo Group prides itself on serving all price ranges, from first-time buyers to experienced home sellers. Attilio is a leading luxury real estate agent in Bergen County, and as the former president of Prudential Relocation, he understands and anticipates the needs of his clients during the transitioning process. In addition, his multilingual team is fluent in five languages. The depth of experience and skills The Adamo Group brings to the table greatly benefits clients in the complex world of real estate.

Attilio is continuously building his extremely large social media presence which is a priceless benefit to clients, and he is also now licensed to sell real estate in New York. To keep up with Attilio and The Adamo Group, follow them on Instagram at @theadamogroupnj.

Attilio Adamo Coldwell Banker Alpine/Closter | The Adamo Group 15 Ver Valen St, Closter, NJ 07624 C: 201.264.8305 | O: 201.767.0550 Attilio@theadamogroupnj.com

MeetTheRealtor_SS_0322_V3_Cf.indd 94

•

Over 85 Million in Sales (2021)

•

Over 35 Million in Sales (Old Tappan 2021)

•

NJ Realtors Circle of Excellence Award Recipient Platinum Level (10+ years)

•

Inducted into the Coldwell Banker Presidents Circle

•

Real Trends Award Recipient (Top 1.4% Agents Nationwide)

3/3/22 11:33 AM

Special Advertising Section

BERGEN

BERGEN

COUNTY’S TOP REAL ESTATE AGENTS

ELITE

2021

2022

Mary Premtaj For more than two decades, Broker Associate Mary Premtaj and The Premtaj Team have delivered impressive real estate success by placing their clients’ needs above all else. By recently joining Compass Real Estate, Mary and her team have further elevated the client experience through this luxury brokerage firm’s cutting-edge technology and seamless access to a network of highly-seasoned Compass agents spanning across the country.

The Premtaj Team has been recognized by the NJ Realtors® Circle of Excellence as a Platinum Level team for several years running. Mary, alongside team member, Michele Gordon, has signed over $60 million in sales in 2021 and over $400 million in career sales. “For us, it is not about the numbers, it’s about our clients and their success in surpassing their real estate goals,” says Mary.

After working as a foreign exchange trader on Wall Street, Mary applied her unique skills to real estate and has never looked back. The fundamental keys to Mary’s success include proprietary technology at her fingertips, 20 years of experience and shrewd negotiating skills under her belt, a stellar team support system, and her passion for the process. She’s been ranked among the top ½% of agents in Bergen County, as well as the top REALTOR® in Franklin Lakes for over a decade.

Clients know Mary and Michele are only a phone call away for all things real estate. “Our clients quickly recognize that they are in great hands, they do not need to worry, we’re going to get to the finish line, and they are going to be happy,” says Mary. “Thus, our motto, The Premtaj Team, Real Estate Unlocked!” See how Ridgewood Compass and The Premtaj Team can assist you with your real estate needs. Contact Mary at mary. premtaj@compass.com or Michele at michele.gordon@compass.com.

• • • • • •

Top 1/2 % in Bergen County since 2009 (statistics from NJMLS) #1 Realtor|Team Franklin Lakes since 2009 (statistics from NJMLS) Circle of Excellence Award since 2010 Platinum Award Winner 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 Over $400,000,000 in Career Sales ($125 mm in 2020-2021) Seen on Living Large and Open House NY

MeetTheRealtor_SS_0322_V3_Cf.indd 95

Mary Premtaj Founding Agent | Broker Associate The Premtaj Team Compass | Northern Bergen County Regional Office 1 Franklin Ave., Suite 2-3, Ridgewood, NJ, 07450 Cell: 201.410.8022 | Office: 551.284.0175 mary.premtaj@compass.com

3/3/22 11:33 AM

Special Advertising Section

Not all Realtors are created equally; Our philosophy is to ensure that no matter what, we work for our clients. This has positively impacted us professionally and personally—strengthening relationships, supporting our community, and encouraging our growth.

The level of attention and care we give to all clients is unwavering: whether they are buying their first condo, or selling their investment portfolio—we draw a line in the sand with this approach and stand firm. We believe that everyone, no matter where they are in their journey, deserves care, professionalism, and detailed attention while they embark on their purchase or sale.

I’m a strong believer in “the way in which you handle a situation, determines the outcome.” My team and I are driven to serve our clients. Understanding and identifying what our clients truly look to accomplish establishes trust and comfort. We know that, “if we have to sell a home to our clients, we are not doing our jobs correctly.” Our team’s motto of “doing the right thing…all the time” has accelerated the impressive growth of our office.

People do business with people. I say this often, and preach it to our office and team; We do two things in Real Estate—build relationships, and market everything, all the time! Since leaping into Real Estate, we’ve been developing the strongest relationships, and with the best people.

The practice of consistently building knowledge and sharing it with everyone we come in contact with—this is why we do what we do.

Chris Coronato Real Estate Sales Associate—Owner Coronato Property Group 339 Fairview Ave., Westwood, NJ 07675 C: 917.854.4265 | O: 201.383.0995 Chris@CoronatoPropertyGroup.com Coronatopropertygroup.com/chris-coronato

MeetTheRealtor_SS_0322_V3_Cf.indd 96

Chris’ approach to real estate is simple: “To Exceed Your Expectations!”

Buyer’s agent | Listing agent | Relocation | Staging Client Testimonials: “…very knowledgeable, honest, and professional.” “…easy to work with.” “…patiently guided us through every step…” “…I can’t speak highly enough of my experience with Chris.” “…Chris is the most thorough, personable agent you can find.” “…meeting Chris was a true breathe of fresh air.”

3/3/22 11:33 AM

Special Advertising Section

BERGEN

BERGEN

COUNTY’S TOP REAL ESTATE AGENTS

ELITE

2021

2022

Jason Pierce When it comes to comprehensive digital marketing for residential Real Estate in & around Bergen County, the New Jersey Proper team at Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International Realty has become the platinum standard for achieving incredible results. Nationally recognized & ranked on Real Trends’ 2021,2020 & 2019 “America’s Best Real Estate Professionals” list, the New Jersey Proper team is now officially the #1 team by sales volume at the #1 Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International Realty office by sales volume (the Tenafly office) for calendar years 2021 & 2020. The leader and founder of this team, Jason Pierce, is an expert photographer, videographer & digital media editor. Their unique style of marketing can be seen at NJProper.com, where every listing is showcased at the highest level. Jason consistently ranks in the top 1% of licensed Real Estate agents in New Jersey for total sales volume, and has achieved the highest level (Platinum) sales award from the New Jersey Association of Realtors for calendar years 2021,2020, 2019, & 2018.

Jason Pierce, Licensed Sales Associate, Realtor® Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International Realty 90 County Rd., Tenafly, NJ 07670 C: 201.397.5888 | O: 201.568.5668

MeetTheRealtor_SS_0322_V3_Cf.indd 97

3/3/22 11:33 AM

Homes of Distinction

164 TRUMAN DRIVE., CRESSKILL PRICE UPON REQUEST

Custom Built French Chateau Estate.

This rare masterpiece will exceed every expectation. Sitting on over 1 acre of meticulously manicured grounds offering full privacy in the exclusive East Hill area. Unparalleled opulence with every amenity imaginable.

497 CEDAR LANE, PARAMUS PRICE UPON REQUEST

New Construction Masterpiece.

Brand new construction by Top Paramus builder. Over 7,200 square feet of pure luxury.

Stunning architectural design and amenities galore in this dream home, located in ideal location.

Christie’s International Real Estate | The Taylor Lucyk Group

201.360.1292 Taylor Lucyk, Broker Associate

$2,400,000 2 GOODHILL COURT, NORTH CALDWELL

Grandview Estates.

A brand new private cul-de-sac in North Caldwell featuring 4 luxury constructed homes. Impressive Custom build with over 6,400 sq ft of finished living space. This beautifully appointed home has 10ft Ceilings on 1st Floor and 9ft ceilings on both 2nd and LL.

Howard Hanna Rand Realty Cell: 973.464.8092 | Office: 973.740.1881 Karen Treacy, Sales Associate

HomesDist_NJHome_0322_V4.indd 86

$1,100,000 21 NORMANDY COURT, HO-HO-KUS

Chic Luxury Townhouse.

All new interior! Chic and spacious 3,500+ sqft townhouse that is updated to perfection with modern interior design features, 3 en suite bedrooms, and 3.5 spa-like renovated bathrooms.

$3,895,000 465 NEXT DAY HILL DRIVE, ENGLEWOOD

East Hill Masterpiece. Custom masterpiece with over 8,000 sqft of upscale elegance featuring bespoke craftsmanship, chic style, smarthome features, and a resort-like backyard featuring a gunite pool, spa, and over-the-top outdoor entertaining options.

Christie’s International Real Estate Northern NJ 917.837.8853 Christina Gibbons, Realtor-Associate®

$749,000 15 SKYLINE DRIVE, NORTH CALDWELL

Opportunity Knocks.

This sun-filled Colonial has great curb appeal and is nestled on a beautiful property on a most desirable street and neighborhood. Bring your vision, customize and make this 4 bedroom CHC your new home this year. This home boasts large elegant rooms and a fabulous floor plan.

Howard Hanna Rand Realty Cell: 973.650.1283 | Office: 973.740.1881 Lori Buck, Broker/Salesperson

3/3/22 11:24 AM

Homes of Distinction

8 ADDISON TERRACE, OLD TAPPAN $1,135,000

Luxury Living in Old Tappan.

Move right in. Impeccable builders home situated on a cul-de-sac. Park like property with complete privacy. Over $400K improvements and renovations.

OLD TAPPAN PRICE UPON REQUEST

Coming soon in Old Tappan! Luxury Living at its finest.

Complete custom-buit home. Offering almost 10,000sq ft. of living space.

Grand 2 story foyer with curved staircase, 6 bedrooms, 5 full baths and two 1/2 baths, 5 fireplaces, an elevator, gourmet kitchen and much much more!

Coldwell Banker Alpine/Closter | The Adamo Group

C: 201.264.8305 Attilio Adamo, Broker Associate

$4, 250,000 21 ANNETT AVENUE, EDGEWATER

Waterfront Masterpiece.

Unobstructed panoramic views of NYC from every room. Amenities include Elevator, indoor pool & spa, terraces.

Private boat dock approved! Prestigious community, adjacent to 2500 acre Palisades Interstate Park.

$12,800,000 105 CHESTNUT RIDGE ROAD, SADDLE RIVER

25,000 sq ft. Mega Mansion. Epic smart castle on 4.3

secluded acres just 20 min from NYC. Indoor pool & spa, basketball/tennis court, elevator, & walkout basement w/13’ ceilings! Completed in 2012.

Nothing compares!

Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International Realty Cell: 201.397.5888 | Office: 201.568.5668 Jason Pierce, Licensed Sales Associate, Realtor®

Join Us for the Next Issue!

SPRING 2020

VERONA REDO

SWEDISH STYLE IN SPRING LAKE WOODCLIFF LAKE’S OUTDOOR OASIS COLOR CODED: VERONA REDO

| OUTDOOR ESCA PE | SWEDISH STYL E

FREE SUBSCRIPTIONS TO NJ RESIDENTS AT NJHOMEMAG.COM.

HomesDist_NJHome_0322_V4.indd 87

SPRING 2020

For advertising information, call Publisher Tom Flannery at 201.571.2252 or email at thomas.flannery@wainscotmedia.com.

ISLAND LIFE ON LBI

3/3/22 11:28 AM

From small renovation projects to new construction homes, we work with our clients, architects and builders to make every detail of a home interior exceptional for the homeowner.

Contact us for an Interior Design appointment so that we may help you create your dream home at the beach.

Interiors designed by The Beach Home Normandy Beach, NJ

The Beach Home|TBH Interiors 1904 Grand Central Avenue, Lavallette, NJ 08735 Tel. 732.793.0232 • thebeachhomelife.com

closets | garages | home offices |entertainment centers wall units | wall beds | pantries | craft rooms laundry rooms | mud rooms | wine rooms

FREE

ONLINE OR

IN-HOME

DESIGN CONSULTATION LIC #13VH10549800

100_NJHOME_SS22.indd 1

3/3/22 1:01 PM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

LUXURY INTERIORS

Commercial Awning by Window Works Livingston, NJ

Gennius Retractable Awning by Window Works

Drapes by Window Works. Design by House of Funk. Photo by Mark Weinberg.

WINDOW WORKS Homeowners and hospitality businesses are expanding their outdoor living spaces and are providing more areas for outdoor entertaining, and Window Works is right there beside them effortlessly meeting the demand with beautiful protective retractable awnings. Celebrating more than 40 years in business, Window Works happens to be in the right place at the right time with the innovative Gennius Retractable Awning complete with a rain management system. However, this family-owned and operated business has also spent decades tirelessly designing the finest interior window coverings for generations of homeowners in the New Jersey and New York area.

“We strive to create relationships, not transactions,” says co-owner LuAnn Nigara, who is proud of the fact that Window Works has a reputation, built over the decades, that delivers on its promise of experience, expertise, and excellence. “We are honored to work with dozens of clients now whose parents were our original clients. We even have some third generation clients, too!”

Another reason for the company’s success is the meticulous customer service it offers clients. “We do not subcontract out business,” says LuAnn. “We have our own installers that take safety protocols very seriously.” Window Works, known as a leading window décor destination in North Jersey, carries Hunter Douglas products, designer fabrics and retractable awnings and will come to a client’s home or do virtual consultations, providing expert design advice. This year, the company launched The 38 East Collection of fabrics designed by in-house designer Kimberly Serafim. The stunning lux line of textiles is available in thoughtfully sized drapery panels, as well as fabric by-the-yard. You can see The 38 East Collection at windowworks-nj.com/38-east. Whatever window challenge you have, the Window Works staff has spent decades honing their craft, sharpening their skills, and broadening their knowledge to benefit every client.

38 East Northfield Rd., Livingston, NJ 973.535.5860 Schedule a Free Shop at Home Appointment | 800.505.5860 www.windowworks-nj.com

InnovativeInteriors_SS_0322_V2.indd 101

3/3/22 9:32 AM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

LUXURY INTERIORS WHITE HOUSE DESIGNS FOR LIFE White House Designs for Life vows to offer not only the finest quality home furnishings and window coverings but also a very talented design staff to guide you through your selections.

Whether looking to cover one window or furnish an entire project, White House Designs for Life can fill your every need.

Hunter Douglas Design Gallery 160 Route 17 | Paramus, NJ 201.809.3012 Luxe 131 Route 46 West | Fairfield, NJ 973.575.8317 Living 867 Black Oak Ridge Rd. | Wayne, NJ 973.831.8300

NEAT GARAGES NJ—EXPERTS IN GARAGE STORAGE AND FLOORING NEAT Garages NJ is a full-service designer and installer of storage and flooring solutions for garages.

For most families the garage is the most used entrance to the home, yet it can tend to be a “chaotic mess.” We work with you to design an optimized solution that meets you budget, style and storage needs.

Our storage solutions include made to order cabinetry, Monkey Bar Storage Systems, and Slat wall. Our flooring solutions include superior strength polyurea-coatings with a large variety of decorative chips options or metallic blends that will transform your garage! We also provide metallic decorative concrete finishes for basements.

908.377.3325 www.NEATGaragesNJ.com

InnovativeInteriors_SS_0322_V2.indd 102

3/3/22 9:32 AM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

LUXURY INTERIORS RENO’S APPLIANCE Shopping for an appliance can be an overwhelming experience, given the enormous amount of online information. The “family” team at Reno’s Appliance helps each customer through this process with knowledgeable sales professionals familiar with all brands and manufacturers. Reno’s Appliance even has as an on-site Corporate Chef who provides tasty treats to sample while shopping and is available to demonstrate a variety of appliances.

Founded 70 years ago by Reno Cioletti, Reno’s has grown to a 15,000 square foot designer showroom, serving the tri-state area, and offering a full range of appliances. Reno’s three sons continue the family tradition, always dedicated to offering new and improved service, highlighting customer satisfaction and creating a unique shopping experience at every visit.

973.247.1860 | www.renosappliance.com

TOWN & COUNTRY At Town & Country, we share a passion for creating beautiful spaces that are timeless, functional, and refined. We value quality products; handcrafted and built to be enjoyed for years to come. Whether you are designing a new home or selecting a few new items to freshen up your space, we are here to help through our Design Studio and Mercantile.

Town & Country Design Studio can assist you through every step of your project. From concept to completion, we offer design, specification, sourcing, and management services.

In addition to our design services, T&C Mercantile offers a curated collection of homewares. Continuing our mission to offer functional beauty, we feature unique, reproduction, and vintage items, allowing clients to further personalize and accessorize their space.

Our clients share this appreciation and benefit from our network of preferred manufacturers. Our goal with each project, is to blend our clients’ design aesthetic, budget, and lifestyle to create a space that exceeds their expectations.

732.345.1441 www.townandcountrydesignstudio.com www.tandcmercantile.com

InnovativeInteriors_SS_0322_V2.indd 103

3/3/22 9:32 AM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

LUXURY INTERIORS MANNINO CABINETRY The Mannino bespoke cabinetry collection offers outstanding craftsmanship ranging from classic to contemporary cabinetry styles, custom millwork, and a wide variety of custom finishes and hardware. Our expert kitchen design team manages every detail of your dream kitchen project, including kitchen design planning, appliance and counter top specifications, budgeting, scheduling, ordering products, and obtaining permits—offering you peace of mind. We provide full-service project management from the initial drawings and concepts, to site visits, installation and project completion.

Let our boutique kitchen studio design your dream kitchen. Our award-winning designs have been recognized nationally by the National Kitchen & Bath Association and have been published in numerous design magazines.

Renowned for quality craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail, Mannino creates transformations that are classically timeless.

Mannino Cabinetry 40 Park Ave., Suite 305, Rutherford, NJ 201.677.3373 | www.manninocabinetry.com

BEDROCK GRANITE Bedrock Granite is a one-stop shop for your most important home design needs. For over 30 years, our family-owned business—now in its third generation—has built long-standing relationships with award-winning designers, dealers and builders, all working together to ensure every detail is considered to create the look you envision. Bedrock Granite sources its natural stone, quartz and porcelain slabs from various wholesalers in the tri-state area. Our expert craftsmen produce elegant, clean and exact results that withstand the test of time.

Visit our showroom to browse our wide selection of granite, marble, quartz and other natural stones for your kitchen, bathroom, fireplace, office or outdoor space.

Our highly skilled staff will provide exceptional customer service and assist you throughout the entire process, from selecting the perfect stone all the way through installation.

As Monmouth County’s most experienced stone specialists, we mastermind the details that turn your dream project into reality.

803 Shrewsbury Ave., Shrewsbury NJ 732.741.0010 | www.bedrockgranite.com

InnovativeInteriors_SS_0322_V2.indd 104

3/3/22 9:32 AM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

LUXURY INTERIORS 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. 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.

Work directly with one of our talented and awardwinning in-house design professionals. Made in New Hampshire and celebrating over 40 years in business.

462 River Rd., Claremont, NH 800.999.4994 | www.crown-point.com

GPS SHOWROOMS GPS Showrooms aren’t just a place to find kitchen and bath innovations—they’re a place to envision your next home design. From faucets and sinks to showers, cabinets, countertops and even lighting, your inspiration is our mission. And because we’re also a major supplier, delivering the details to contractors throughout the East Coast since 1910, our in-house experts can help with even the most challenging projects.

Whether you’re casually browsing or searching for something specific, stop by your local GPS showroom for a truly remarkable experience encompassing thoughtful design, top brands, and impeccable customer service.

Showrooms: Bayonne · Bergenfield · Edison · Flemington · Green Brook · Hawthorne · Lakewood · Matawan · Morris Plains · Orange Kohler Signature Stores: Eatontown · Paramus· Manhasset 1.800.CALLGPS | www.shopgps.com

InnovativeInteriors_SS_0322_V2.indd 105

3/3/22 9:33 AM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

LUXURY INTERIORS WOODHAVEN CUSTOM CLOSETS Let Woodhaven create the custom closet of your dreams.

With a variety of styles, finishes and interior accessories to choose from, we craft personalized storage solutions that fit your family’s unique lifestyle. From pantries, walk-in closets, reach-in closets, and garage storage to basements, playrooms, wall units, and retail space, Woodhaven can help bring your vision to life.

Successful storage design and installation needs to be meticulously planned. Our expert design team listens to your needs and wants and works closely with you to create a storage solution that maximizes your space, and looks gorgeous. We provide precise 3-D renderings to help you clearly visualize your new closet space, so you can move forward with confidence. Once design is approved, all materials are custom-made in New Jersey and installed by our in-house professionals. Now is the perfect time to get organized.

1.844.222.2320 www.woodhavenlumber.com

FLEMINGTON DEPARTMENT STORE Experience New Jersey’s most enjoyable and unique shopping experiences for home furnishings and appliances. Our three-acre showroom features quality furniture, mattresses, flooring and appliances in a fun and low-pressure environment. Our furniture department proudly offers and displays quality brands, many Made in America, for all rooms in your home. If our huge display doesn’t have exactly what you desire, no problem, many of our products are customizable. Our experienced, non-commissioned sales associates will help you design and build your furniture affordably, without the typical anxiety and pressure found at other stores. Sleep better knowing we are the largest independent Sealy and Stearns & Foster Gallery in the Tri-State Area. Our flooring department, one of the area’s largest, has you covered if interested in hardwood, luxury vinyl plank/tile, carpet or area rugs, all at our legendary discounted prices. See why Flemington is “Worth the trip”!

151 Route 31, Flemington, NJ 908.782.7662 www.flemingtondepartmentstore.com

InnovativeInteriors_SS_0322_V2.indd 106

3/3/22 9:33 AM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

LUXURY INTERIORS WL KITCHEN & HOME With over 30 years of experience designing, manufacturing, and installing high-end custom interior woodwork, WL Kitchen & Home offers clients a wide variety of products. Ranging from traditional hand-carved details to clean modern designs with an emphasis and special attention placed on detail. Our team of designers can help renovate or guide you through an entirely new project for any space of your home, including libraries, closets and bathrooms, entertainment spaces, as well as kitchens. From the beginning stages of preliminary design all the way to the final installation headed by our own team of installers, the goal is to help make the process as simple and seamless as possible. A visit to WL Kitchen & Home’s showroom can also help in searching for inspiration for your next project. With multiple displays highlighting our beautiful line of kitchens and other interior woodwork pieces.

973.773.7475 www.wlkitchenandhome.com

MICHELANGELO DESIGNS—THE ITALIAN DESIGN CENTER The first of its kind in the USA market, our Italian Design Center boasts a 40,000 square foot trade showroom displaying modern, traditional, and transitional furniture, from the most exquisite furniture makers in Italy. Offering over 10,000 furniture models, and over 2,000 finishes and upholstery options in our materials library, there is sure to be a product for any residential or commercial project. Bring your designer/client and schedule an appointment with us to help make your dream project or house a reality.

Since our founding in 1985, we have focused solely on bringing Italian made products to the USA market, with the goal of blending unique designs with expert craftsmanship at wholesale pricing for the most sophisticated clients who desire the best for their interior spaces.

2 Main Ave, Passaic, NJ 973.779.3200 | www.MichelangeloDesigns.com

InnovativeInteriors_SS_0322_V2.indd 107

3/3/22 9:33 AM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

LUXURY INTERIORS WARSHAUER “Beautiful showroom!! The staff at Warshauer’s Lighting Design Center were very helpful and knowledgeable about all products. They brought to our attention different elements to take into consideration that one wouldn’t necessarily think of, like bulb type, size of furniture and rooms that our pieces would be going in, among other things. I would highly recommend them for all lighting and electrical needs. We will definitely be back for other fixtures.”

—Alessia E.

The Lighting Design Center 800 Shrewsbury Ave., Tinton Falls, NJ 732.741.6400 | www.warshauerlightingdesign.com

THE BEACH HOME The Beach Home was established in 2010 as a retail home furnishings boutique in the heart of Lavallette, NJ. Today, our business has grown to include a full-service interior design business, TBH Interiors.

We focus on a wide range of projects. From one room renovations to new construction homes, we put our heart into every project as if it were our own home. Our retail boutique offers furniture, lighting, custom window treatments, home accessories and unique gifts.

1904 Grand Central Ave., Lavallette, NJ 732.793.0232 | www.thebeachhomelife.com

InnovativeInteriors_SS_0322_final_Rev1.indd 108

SBC INTERIORS Sara Chwatt, owner and designer of SBC Interiors, helps find the designs, colors, fabrics, furnishings and accessories that will transform your living space into your personally designed home.

Whether you want all the latest from New York furniture market showrooms, or want to learn how you can use what you already have to transform a tired room into an exciting place, Sara is happy to schedule an initial home consultation to discuss the possibilities. With reasonable fees and access to the best the design industry has to offer, SBC Interiors is the right choice for anyone looking for an interior designer.

Sara Chwatt, Allied ASID | SBC Interiors, LLC 973.698.0094 | www.SBCinteriordesign.com

3/24/22 3:28 PM

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

LUXURY INTERIORS

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!

Coming in May NJHome

Ask the Design Professional Special Ad Section

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.

For space reservations, contact Publisher Thomas Flannery at 201.571.2252 or thomas.flannery@wainscotmedia.com

100 Main St., Chatham, NJ 973.457.2143 | www.charlestontileandstone.com www.watersedgepoolandspa.com Untitled-54 1

3/1/22 2:52 PM

New Jersey’s Most Trusted Moving Family RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL STORAGE PACKING

1 Anderson Ave., Moonachie, NJ 07074 201.896.4500 boothmovers.com njmover.com LICENSED • FULLY INSURED NJ 39PC00004315 • US DOT 438165

InnovativeInteriors_SS_0322_V2.indd 109

Doug, Karen Adam & Lindsay Padla

3/3/22 1:06 PM

TOP CHOICES 110 NJHome NJH.sp22.top choice.indd 110

ON THE SIDE

Sideboard, credenza or buffet? These pieces intended for storing dishes and servingware have as many uses as they do titles.

With a modern silhouette and contemporary style, the Alva one-drawer sideboard is the ideal piece to any space.

Available at wayfair.com.

3/3/22 11:35 AM

From top to bottom, left to right Glam up your dining room, foyer or sitting area with the Cornflower Quay credenza, with a distinctive lacquered finish of mixed metals and four drawers for ample storage. Available at baileystreethome.com.

Sustainable, adjustable and easy to clean, the Espresso Voss sideboard is truly a dream item. Best yet, its digitally printed surface features your custom design of choice (shown here in Midnight Gold Deco). Available at insideweather.com.

Three drawers and two doors in Moe’s Corolla sideboard will store your dining accoutrements with ease. The piece is made of ethically sustainable wood, which creates a beautiful cubic pattern.

Available at Churchill Living, Hawthorne, 973.636.9400.

Trendy yet classic is how we’d describe the Enzo sideboard, featuring walnut wood and a quartet of doors adorned with an intricate geometric pattern.

Available at highfashionhome.com.

111

NJH.sp22.top choice.indd 111

The Teak Mosaic sideboard by designer Alain van Havre is influenced by music—look closely to find that the layered wood pieces resemble those of a pipe organ. Available at ethnicraft.com.

NJHome

Whether you use it as a bar cart or a buffet, the three-drawer Harper sideboard is the perfect height for serving. Of course it’s a looker too!

Available at Ballard Designs, King of Prussia, PA, 484.801.5820.

3/3/22 10:29 AM

FINISHING TOUCH

NEED A BOOKSHELF? TRY A BUILT-IN A custom shelving unit built right into your walls fits your space neatly, minimizes clutter and works beautifully in homes of all sizes.

W in Hoboken or a sprawling estate in the Cumberland County countryside, there’s one easy way to

112 NJHome

HETHER YOU LIVE IN A NOT-SO-LARGE APARTMENT

improve your home’s storage situation and add visual interest: built-ins. Built-ins are custom shelving units that are, you guessed it, built into your walls and tailored to your specific space and style. The main appeal of a built-in is that it sits flush against walls, taking up less room while maximizing storage space. Visually, it adds drama and blends right in with your décor, so it’s seamless and almost looks as

NJH.sp22.end page.indd 112

if it was always meant to be there. Because it was.

But built-ins are not only for books and tchotchkes.

Window seats, work desks, linen closets or even a wet bar can be built in to fit your needs, and experts across New Jersey—including Design Line Kitchens in Sea Girt—can work with you to create your ideal style that’s within your budget. Pro tip: Search the hashtag #builtins on Instagram to find inspiration if you’re not sure where to start. Just make sure you choose a classic style you won’t grow sick of, as it can be difficult to get a built-in to be built-out.

2/24/22 8:41 AM

Remodel Reward

Receive up to $2000* rebate with purchase of select Café appliance suite combinations. *See store for details.

Serving Satisfied Customers for Over 70 Years!

APPLIANCES

Untitled-1 11 Untitled-47

DE

D

RE

A

S

2021 RS

W ’ C H OICE A

AR

WESTWOOD - 671 Broadway • 201-664-1300 www.obergandlindquist.com • LIVE CHAT AVAILABLE

VOTED “BEST IN BERGEN” READER’S CHOICE AWARDS. AS SEEN ON ABC EYEWITNESS NEWS. BEST BETS FOR APPLIANCES.

2/14/22 2/28/22 7:45 2:13 AM PM

HIC: #13VH03559900 LLA: #AS00298

RELAX We’ll Do The Rest

CLCDESIGN.COM ( 973 ) 839-6026

DESIGN & BUILD | OUTDOOR LIVING | POOLS | PATIOS | PLANTINGS | LIGHTING

Untitled-5 Untitled-11 1 1

2/22/22 3/3/22 12:59 4:14 PM