Design New Jersey

From the February/March 2009 Issue:

Twin Maples Show House

The Union County town of Summit was a center of design in October as designers worked their magic on Twin Maples, a century-old neoclassic home that houses The Fortnightly Club and the Summit Junior Fortnightly Club. The clubs joined with the Overlook Hospital Auxiliary to conduct the Twin Maples Centennial Show House to raise funds for the hospital’s Simon Cancer Center at Overlook Hospital in Summit and the Twin Maples Historic Preservation Fund. We showcase the designers’ work here. For details on the home itself, visit historictwinmaples.org. The “green” carriage house on the show house grounds will be featured in our April/May issue. Lead architects: Mark Alan Hewitt Architects in Bernardsville (historic preservation); The Rosen Group in Summit and Madison (accessibility and planning); and Highland Hall Turner Architects in Bernardsville (carriage house). Carriage house general contracting: Polo Master Builders in Morristown.

The Grand Foyer: First impressions are everything. Designer Mary Lou Sweeney chose blue, cream, and crimson tones to create a warm, welcoming feeling in the foyer. The woodwork couldn’t be altered, so Sweeney added gold satin ribbon on the crown molding as an accent and goldleafed the bead detailing and corbels on the fireplace. The chandelier is amber Venetian glass. At the front door, she placed cobalt blue potted topiaries and installed antique bronze lanterns over custom silk blocked panels to hide hinges from the original doors.

Sources: design, Mary Lou Sweeney Interior Design in Summit. Furniture and accessories, Kravet in New York City; Century Furniture in Hickory, North Carolina, Sherrill Furniture in Hickory, North Carolina; Decorative Crafts in Greenwich, Connecticut; and Creative Mirror & Art in Thomasville, North Carolina. Fabrics, Lee Jofa and Kravet in New York City. Rugs, J&S Designer Flooring in Morristown and Shehadi Flooring in Chatham and Fairfield.


Le Bain Secret Des Dames: The name says it all: “The ladies’ secret bath,” designer Joan Picone says. It’s a small under-stairs hideaway where a lady can powder her nose and apply her lipstick. “My intent was to create something appropriate to the style and architecture of Twin Maples,” Picone says. The glass in the cabinet (reflected in the mirror) is copied from the front door. The floor is honed black granite and calacatta marble. The trim at the buff-tiled wall and floor adds detail along with the black stone border. The light fixture is an old picture light, while the sink and faucet are original to the house.

Sources: design Joan Picone in Green Village; tile, Meredith Art through Virtue Tile in Summit; floor and trim, Statewide Granite and Marble in Jersey City; tile and stone installation, Ed Bland of E.B.H.I. LLC in Scotch Plains; mirror and leaded glass, The Glassmith Shop in Summit; cabinetry and installation, Clint Woolery through Joan Picone; lighting fixture, Heritage Lighting in Lambertville; painting, CertaPro Painters.


Salon D’Hiver: Designer Elaine Griffin took inspiration from the elegant, sophisticated residences of French-style icons Madeleine Castaing and Coco Chanel in what had been a ballroom in Twin Maples. She warmed the room with Ralph Lauren Paint’s Steeplechase and divided the 32-by-35-foot space into three distinct zones: dining/working, seating for a larger group, and intimate seating, all with furnishings scaled to the plus-sized room. Griffin chose a two-layered treatment at the windows using Ralph Lauren’s Kinross Tarten in sage as curtains and Sanden Sheer in cream for stationary flat-panel sheers within the window frame to filter light and provide some privacy.

Sources: design, Elaine Griffin Interior Design in New York City; furniture, fabrics, lighting, paint, drapery hardware, and selected accessories, Ralph Lauren Home Collection in New York City; antiques and accessories, Newel LLC and Amy Perlin Antiques, both in New York City; rugs, F.J. Hakimian in New York City; upholstery and throw pillows, Martin Albert Interiors in New York City; window treatments, Stessl & Neugebauer in Summit; painting, TaylorMade Contractors in Brooklyn, New York.


Leave it @ the Door: Life is nothing but a collection of coming-ins, going-outs, and staying-puts. What better room than the mudroom to house the modern tempest of those transitions. This one was designed by European Country Kitchens Inc. Muddy boots, wet dogs, soccer socks, and palm pilots — the trappings of a life in motion — need their places, as do the picnic quilt, umbrella, leash, and walking stick. Lockers and closets with mirrored doors offer storage, a desk provides a landing place for bags and mail, and an advanced home automation system (left wall) allows for control of the home’s systems and communication with family members.

Sources: design, European Country Kitchens with a showroom in Millburn, custom woodshop in Bloomsbury, and extension showrooms at Sandra John Interiors in Basking Ridge, Alpine by Design in Somerville, and Architectural Accents in Long Branch; area rug, J&S Designer Flooring in Morristown; light fixture, Heritage Lighting in Lambertville; locker hardware, Whitechapel Ltd. in Jackson, Wyoming; decorative accessories, Pierre Deux in Millburn.


Timeless Kitchen for a Historic Home: A beautiful neoclassic home deserves a classic and timeless kitchen. Christopher Peacock, using his own Signature Collection, combined elegant, handmade cabinetry with modern amenities and eco-friendly materials, including his own brand of paint and his own polished nickel hardware. “This kitchen is going to get quite a lot of use due to the many functions it must support,” he says. “So while classic, it has many modern amenities.” The countertops and walls are CaesarStone for easy clean-up. Two dishwashers and a large stainless steel refrigerator are useful for crowds. “All in all, this heirloom-quality kitchen is a sophisticated, elegant, and well-organized space for a modern historically significant home,” he says.

Sources: design, cabinetry, hardware, installation, finishing, and paint, Christopher Peacock Cabinetry in Greenwich, Connecticut; flooring, Paris Ceramics in Greenwich and New York City; countertop and backsplash, CaesarStone fabricated by New England Stone in Milford, Connecticut; wood-look limestone floor tiles, from a Parisian firm; pendant lighting, Chameleon Fine Lighting in New York City; Julian sinks and Dornbracht faucets, Hardware Designs Inc. in Fairfield; Sub-Zero, Wolf, Miele, and Bosch appliances, Karl’s Appliance in Fairfield; audio/video equipment, Woodbridge Stereo in Woodbridge.


Butler’s Pantry: The sophisticated design elements of the butler’s pantry take their cues from Twin Maples’ neoclassical architecture, resulting in an elegant space that’s sensitive to the home’s heritage. The layout by Jim Dove of Canterbury Design provides efficient working space while creating an airy furniture feel.

Sources: design and Wood-Mode Inc. cabinetry, Jim Dove of Canterbury Design in Morristown; hardware, L.B. Brass in Long Island City, New York; marble backsplash, Mediterranean Tile & Marble in Fairfield and Bernardsville; marble countertops, Stone Surfaces of Central New Jersey in New Brunswick; light fixtures, Remains Lighting in New York City; cabinetry lighting, West Essex Electric in West Caldwell; flooring, Shehadi Flooring in Chatham and Fairfield; Rohl faucet and sink
Reno’s Appliance in Fairfield; decorative painting, Alternative Interiors in Basking Ridge.


Neoclassic Dining Room: Designer Marshall Watson introduced his Lake Como furniture collection for Lewis Mittman in the neoclassic dining room. Rooted in tradition, the collection reflects his love of clean, refined lines, beautiful proportions, and comfortable scale. The “Noblie” dining chairs with ebonized diamond backs lend architectural presence, while the “Dolcetto Bergeres” by the window feature a reeded diamond back. Watson juxtaposed luxurious fabrics over richly Prussian stenciled plaster Veniziano walls by decorative artist Judy Mulligan, who applied a recycled marble dust compound and polished it to a high-luster. Sparkle comes from a Georgian chandelier (whose twin hangs in the White House), blue willow china, and accents of pewter, silver, polished iron, and retro mercury glass.

Sources: room design, antique iron urns, knife urns, vases, accessories, Marshall Watson Interiors in New York City; dining chairs and bergeres, Marshall Watson Lake Como Collection for Lewis Mittman in New York City; decorative wall finishes and floor stencil, Judy Mulligan in Chester; wall and ceiling painting, Michael O’Brien of PaintTek through Marshall Watson Interiors; window treatments and table skirt, Gary Ruesch of Gordon Fergusson in Maplewood; fabrics, F. Schumacher in New York City; chandelier and sconces, Gemini Cut Glass Inc. in Englewood; carpet, Cove Carpet One Floor & Home in Summit; glass lamps, John Salibello Antiques in New York City; fireplace tile, Wayne Tile Co. in Ramsey, Rockaway, Sussex, and Wayne, with installation by Artistic Tile in Paramus and Shrewsbury.


Sunny Side of the Street: Designer Rachel Kapner of Creative Wallcoverings & Interiors in New Providence transformed a dreary spot into this cheery, colorful sunroom. For details on this room, see pages 84-85 of the October/November 2008 issue.

Sources: design, Rachel Kapner, Lois Darling, Kirsten Jensen, and Mary La Vecchia of Creative Wallcoverings & Interiors in New Providence; millwork, Gary Foltz of Foltz Construction in New Providence; painting, restoration, and wall covering installation, Michael O’Brien of PaintTek Quality Painting through Creative Wallcoverings & Interiors; faux finishing, Aliya Riaz of Port•Faux•Lio Inc. in Chatham; wall covering, Walfab in North Miami, Florida; window treatment, Clarence House panels, Lee Jofa sheer, Samuel & Sons trims; sisal rug, Stark Carpet in New York City; Chinese sideboard, Red Egg in High Point, North Carolina; settee, Lee Jofa Furniture in New York City; chaise, Kravet in New York City with fabric by Duralee in Bay Shore, New York; coffee table and bamboo chairs, Bailey Street in Arlington, Texas, with chair fabric by Bailey and Griffen in Macedonia, Ohio.


The W.C.: Small spaces can be exciting and fun. Alice Shanahan Interiors mixed a pretty pattern with a splash of color and new fixtures for a fresh look in an Old World setting. This red and cream Zebrine pattern is just right for the wheel-chair-accessible powder room.

Sources: design, Alice Shanahan Interiors in Berkeley Heights; flooring, Shehadi Flooring in Chatham and Fairfield; tilework, Waterworks in Ridgewood; window treatment, Plumquin Too in Berkeley Heights; cheetah floor cloth, decorative painter Craig Johnston through Alice Shanahan; fabrics and trims, Clarence House in New York City; wall covering, Rose Cummings in New York City with installation by Dilly Bros. Painting in Berkeley Heights, which also did the general painting; cabinetry and millwork, Minzner & Co. in Easton, Pennsylvania; marble countertop and sink, Stone & Tile Design in Short Hills.


The Bride’s Room: A day bed floats in front of two walls of windows covered in billowing sheers, offering a comfortable spot to prepare for the bride’s big day. Katja Van Der Loo of Papyrus Home Design LLC designed the room around an existing gold-framed mirror and added extra seating for the bride’s attendants. A television is incorporated into a mirror above the desk at far left (not shown in photo).

Sources: design, furnishings, lighting, and accessories, Katja Van Der Loo of Papyrus Home Design LLC in Boonton; decorative painter, Ana Espinal in Chester; television in mirror, Professional Audio Consultants in Millburn; wallpaper, fabrics, and trim, Romo and Osborne and Little, both in New York City; wallpaper installation, David Jerguson Inc. in Millburn; window treatments and pillows, Ella’s Window Fashions in Flanders; rug, J&S Designer Flooring in Morristown; accessories, The Tyndale Collection in Boonton and Bonny Neiman Antiques & Interiors in Summit; photograph, Katrina Mojzesz of Top Kat Photo in South Royalton, Vermont; framing, Art & Framing Depot in Denville; upholstery, Longbridge Upholstery and Window Treatments in Morris Plains.


Bride’s Powder Room: To facilitate preparation for one of the most memorable experiences in a woman’s life, her wedding day, Jonathan G. Hress set the mood in this powder room in a soft color palette with bold black accents, silver accessories, sheer fabrics, crystal decorative lighting, and a handpainted mural.

Sources: design, Jonathan G. Hress in Bedminster; bath fixtures, Imaginative Design Center in Bedminster; rug, Cove Carpet One Floor & Home in Summit; window treatment, Curtain Call in Bedminster; custom vanity and cornice, Jack Ryan, Cabinetmaker in Midland Park; accessories, Schwartz Design Showroom in Metuchen; fabrics, Robert Allen Fabrics and Kravet, both in New York CIty.


Adams Sitting Room: Inspired by the work of eighteenth-century architect Robert Adams, Minion-Gutierrez furnished the sitting room with an eclectic mix ranging from a modern version of Adams’ trademark ceilings with stenciled Venetian plaster and gold trim to streamlined moldings and subdued colors that convey a warm, soothing, elegant ambience. Minion-Gutierrez designed the furniture in English and French styles and also commissioned the art. Antiques and accessories were selected from dealers and Minion-Gutierrez’s personal inventory to suggest world travel.

Sources: room and furniture design, Minion-Gutierrez in New York City; fabrics and trim, Christopher Hyland Inc. in New York City; curtain trim, Samuel & Sons in New York City; Niermann Weeks chandelier, West Essex Lighting in West Caldwell; onyx lamp, Lee Calicchio Ltd. In New York City; dried flowers, Lexington Gardens in New York City; sea grass rug, Shehadi Flooring in Fairfield; acrylic abstract painting, Gerardo Caro in Bogotá, Columbia; Venetian plaster ceiling and stried walls, Fauxtastic Wall Finishes in Jackson; painting and prep work, Jecc-Painting in Union; ceiling and trim moldings, installation by NY Tirex LLC in Bloomfield.


Landing Spot: Comfortable furniture upholstered in velvet with fringed trim makes this second-floor landing an area to enjoy and relax in. Sandra Carter of Sandra Carter Interior Design also refinished an oval wood table from the permanent collection of Twin Maples. The nineteenth century French chandelier was on loan from the prestigious Nesle Inc.

Sources: design, Sandra Carter Interior Design in Montclair; furniture, Edward Ferrell in New York City and Garden Cottage in Fairfield and Morristown; antiques, through Sanda Carter Interior Design; chandelier, Nesle Inc. in Long Island City; artwork, Carol Fortunato in Montclair; painting, Elphick Painting in Cedar Grove; floral arrangements, Seasons Floral in Summit; carpeting, Shehadi Flooring in Chatham and Fairfield; sound system, Professional Audio Consultants in Millburn.


Multi-Purpose Master Bedroom: The indulgent mixes with the practical in the master bedroom by Linda Kitson-Pacilio of MarketPlace Designs in Summit. The writing desk drawer opens for a laptop, and a bedside file provides a home for bills and paperwork. Lustrous gold-cast walls and carved carpet provide a backdrop for the trimmed draperies, flirty window strings, and layers of fabrics. The palette of neutrals, aquas, and browns is updated with mango accents. Not shown, a walnut wall chest with beveled mirrors hides a plasma television.

Sources: design and antiques, Linda Kitson-Pacilio of MarketPlace Designs in Summit; wall coverings, Maya Romanoff in Skokie, Illinois, and Wolf-Gordon in New York City; Tuva Looms carpet, Bloomsburg Carpet Industries in New York City; fabrics, Donghia in Mount Vernon, New York, and B. Berger in Macedonia, Ohio.


Luxurious Master Bath: The chartreuse hue of the botanical wallpaper contrasted with the traditional fixtures lends elegance to the master bathroom. The classic marble floor with contemporary iridescent glass tile and time-honored fittings in the shower create an inviting timeless look in a room designed by Joanne Adams and Donna Kelly of The Square Yard and Steve Weinberg and Judy Rakow of The Glassmith Shop with construction by Lauchland Builders. For more information, see pages 86-87 of the October/November issue.

Sources: design, The Square Yard and The Glassmith Shop, both in Summit; construction, Lauchland Builders in Franklin Lakes; tile installation, Juan Carlos Guerra of Guerra Construction in West New York.


Chambre de Serenite: Chambre de Serenite (A Quite Place) is a woman’s retreat from a hectic day. Designer Donna Donaldson envisioned the space as a place to steal a few moments alone to kick off your shoes, read, nap, or just listen to some calming music. While French-inspired, the room has an updated fresh, feminine quality.

Sources: design Donna Donaldson Interior Design in Summit; fabrics, Brunschwig & Fils and Cowtan & Tout, both in New York City; flooring, J&S Flooring in Morristown; painting, M&M Painting in Far Hills.


Gentleman’s Powder Room: A very narrow, very small powder room got special attention from designer Shannon Hall and Waterworks. The design was inspired by a low-country grass-cloth wallpaper that provides a foil for the polished nickel elements, such as Waterworks’ Normandy lavatory. Tilework includes elements from Waterworks’ Cottage line and mini-brick calacatta gold flooring to match the countertop. Artwork is by Ukrainian artist Vachagan Narazyan.

Sources: design, Shannon Hall Designs in Charleston, South Carolina; fixtures, Waterworks in Ridgewood; tile and stone, Stone Surfaces in New Brunswick; wall covering, Fabulous Wallcoverings in West Orange; artwork and framing, James Yarosh Associates in Holmdel; fabric, Coraggio Textiles in New York City; trim, Samuel & Sons in New York City; painting, Dionizio’s Painting in Elizabeth; tile installation, Juan Carlos Guerra in West New York.


Stairways to Everywhere: The staircase from the kitchen to the second floor features a carpet runner with an updated sisal rib and simple Asian etched design selected by Cove Carpet One Floor & Home.

Sources: design, Cove Carpet One Floor & Home in Summit; artwork, Danielle Ann Millican Inc. in Florham Park.


Gallery: Great collections don’t just happen; they are built, each piece a block — some a cornerstone of a concept. This collection by Danielle Ann Millican Inc. includes antique maps and prints in museum-quality archival framing.

Sources: Danielle Ann Millican Inc. in Florham Park; decorative painting, Pat McWhorter in Oakridge; lighting fixtures, Bonny Neiman Antiques & Interiors in Summit; painting, Phase II Maintenance Coatings in Scotch Plaints; carpet, Cove Carpet One Floor & Home in Summit.


Trompe L’Oeil Panel: Architectural panels on the third-floor stairway landing are trompe l’oeil, a technique of using highlights and shadows to create depth. Trompe l’oeil, which dates to pre-Renaissance times, is updated here by Tim Murphy Decorative Painting with contemporary colors and techniques for a stylish, transitional look.

Sources: design, Tim Murphy Decorative Painting in Milford; painting, Andrew Picone in Gillette; frames, Poplar Mountain Woodworks in Flemington; carpeting, Cove Carpet One Floor & Home in Summit.


A Hall of Mirrors: Framed mirrors of all shapes and sizes add sparkle to an otherwise nondescript attic hallway. From demure, gem-like accent pieces to stately, opulent treasures, Frames & Framers supplied and arranged the mirrors to transform and illuminate the space.

Sources: design and mirrors, Frames & Framers in Short Hills; carpet, Cove Carpet One Floor & Home in Summit; wall finishes, Tim Murphy Decorative Painting in Milford.


The Meditation Garden: Douglas Alfano and Eileen Sievers transformed this space, originally a non-functioning bathroom, into a peaceful retreat inspired by nature. In keeping with the show house’s green theme, the decorative artists put forward the concept of reusing, recycling, and repurposing. Faux finishing adds rich colors and organic textures, while a mix of trickling water, natural fibers, and outdoor décor contribute to the meditative atmosphere of the indoor space.

Sources: design, Douglas Alfano and Eileen Sievers of Spotlight Studio Designs in Roselle Park; window treatment, Beautiful Windows by Sal Anderson in Staten Island; accessories, Bonny Neiman Antiques & Interiors in Summit and Trueform Concrete in Flanders.


The Nap Room: Once a cedar closet, the Nap Room is now a refined escape, an oasis of comfort and luxury. Caitlin Rutkay of C.R. Interior Designs incorporated reclaimed elements such as the antique bed juxtaposed with contemporary photography (not shown in photo).

Sources: design, antique bed, antique plant stand, aged iron sconce, antique window planters, floor baskets, and lamp, Caitlin Rutkay of C.R. Interior Designs in Short Hills; rug, J&S Designer Flooring in Morristown; chair, Karges & Carson with fabric by Kravet and Robert Allen, both in New York City; Pinecone Hill Bedding, Philosophy in Chester; decorative pillow fabric, Clarence House with trim by Samuel & Sons, both in New York City; cafe curtains, Taffard Sheer fabric and Robert Allen hardware; painting and glazing, Sintha Domerski in Elmwood Park; accessories, Charlotte Moss in New York City.


The Closet: These Advanced Closet System components are constructed of Summerflame Melamine. The left wall starts with a double-hanging section for two rows of shirts. Rollout drawers include a jewelry insert and divided interiors, and cubbies provide a place for folded clothes. The opposite wall (not shown) includes storage for shoes, long clothing such as gowns, and more cubbies and shelves.

Sources: design, Ellen Paytas of Advanced Closet Systems in Berkeley Heights; installation, Mike Gilligan and the Advanced Closet Systems crew; painting, Paytas Contractors in Summit.


The Study: Eye-popping yellow and white wallpaper and a Palladian window make this attic room anything but dark and musty. As designer Jennifer Dengel of J. Decorat explains, it’s dedicated to the pursuit of one’s interests and the things that bring joy.

Sources: design, Jennifer Dengel of J. Decorat in Cranford; wallpaper, Clarence House in New York City; wallpaper installation and painting, Paul’s Walls in Verona; window treatments and upholstery, Stessl & Neugebauer in Summit; fabrics, Cowtan & Tout, F. Schumacher & Co., Hinson and Co., and Romo, all in New York City; trim, Samuel & Sons in New York City; window seats, Modern Cabinets Inc. in Poughkeepsie, New York; framing, Swain Galleries in Plainfield; floor refinishing, Shehadi Flooring in Chatham and Fairfield.


Her Room: This cozy, feminine space offers solace among beautiful possessions thanks to a sophisticated collection of antiques, including a nineteenth-century daybed, Italian gilt sconces, and luxurious silks, velvets, chintzes, Egyptian cotton bed linens, and a cashmere throw. Ashley Moos designed the space to be a dream escape with classical elements infused with a clean, youthful elegance.

Sources: design, antique meridienne (lounging sofa), vintage mirrored screen, Christopher Spitzmiller lamps, mirrored side table, custom velvet slipper chairs, vanity stool, and antique marble console, Ashley Moos Interiors in Summit; draperies, bed canopy, vanity table, bolsters, upholstery, Stessl & Neugebauer in Summit with Clarence House fabrics; painting, Kurt Becker in Basking Ridge; wallpaper installation, Dwight Dixon of Exquisite Wallcoverings in Madison; Matouk bedding and monogramming and Moroccan garden stool, A. Home at Plumquin in Summit; oil painting and bisque plaques, marble bust, gilt prints, ginger jars, Bonny Neiman Antiques & Interiors in Summit; gilt sconces, mercury vases, gilt vanity mirror, McErlain Antiques in Summit; carpeting, The Square Yard in Summit; graphic design, Abbie Moore in Summit; decorative painting, Katie Keller in Summit.


Serenity Now: A series of garden experiences unfolds as you look out from the Twin Maples porch across the driveway and out to the lawn in a project by Cross River Design. The brick entry detail extending across the driveway draws from the terra-cotta tile on the front porch and introduces a more intimate view of new garden spaces in the front lawn. In addition to the design, Cross River built and installed the hardscape and softscape. The firm removed an asphalt driveway and installed a brick driveway apron and Belgian block curb as well as a bluestone walk, coping, patio/terrace, and water feature. The project also involved grading, trenching for lighting, and amending and planting the beds.

Source: design and installation, Cross River Design in Annandale and Red Bank; concrete and stucco steps, John Cortese Masons in Morris Plains; tree service for entire show house grounds, Bartlett Tree Experts in Piscataway; irrigation system, RR Irrigation Co. in Middlesex.


Terrace: Unwind with the Sunday Times on the last warm days of Indian summer. That was Kathryn Tafaro Platt’s goal in designing the terraces fronting Twin Maples. The essence of the design is updated and earthy, yet sophisticated. The terrace complements, but differs from, another one the designer created on the opposite side of the front (not shown). That space is punctuated by organic, graphic hues, traditional botanical prints, and vintage wrought iron furnishings.

Sources: design, Kathryn Tafaro Platt of KP Interiors in Mendham; Skagerak of Denmark teak seating and David Sutherland teak tables; Clarence House and Perennials outdoor fabrics; accessories, KP Interiors; cushions, J&L Upholsterers in Leonia; pillows, drape, L&G Workroom in Netcong; rug, Safevieh in Livingston and Paramus.


Garden Beneath the Maples: Situated along the main home lies an elegant garden designed and installed by Cording Landscape Design. Featuring simple garden elements, the timeless quality of the design enhances the century-old style of the estate. The combination of a natural bluestone patio, freestanding bluestone seatwall, and lush plantings creates an intimate outdoor space.

Source: Cording Landscape Design in Towaco.


Harvest Time: Autumn colors grace the rear yard, creating an inviting spot to stop and enjoy the season. Jill Parker of Parker Gardens designed the vignette with accessories from her nursery.

Source: Parker Gardens in Scotch Plains.


Tranquil Path and Grounds: A bench provides a place from which to enjoy the bluestone paths, rhododendrons, lush trees, and foliage native to New Jersey in a landscape setting designed by Steve Simonfay of Simonfay Landscape Services Inc.

Source: Simonfay Landscape Services Inc. in Chatham.


Lights, Camera, Popcorn: Imagine the comfort of your own home theater complete with state-of-the-art technology that controls everything from lighting to sound. Classic columns and crown molding end in an architecturally stepped ceiling. Sheer fabric overlays, acoustic panels, and tasseled sconces add elegance as well as function. Shades of eggplant play out in silky sheers, leather, wool, and velvet drapery, all anchored to an animal print carpet for a dramatic display.

Sources: design concept for the theater and lobby, Karla Trincanello, allied member of the American Society of Interior Designers, CID, and owner of Interior Decisions in Florham Park; theater technology, seating, acoustic panels, and lighting system, Woodbridge Stereo/Video in Woodbridge; framing construction and general contractor for the entire house, Craig Rose of Summit Bathworks & Renovation in Summit; ceiling and millwork construction, Beacon Hill Construction in Summit; custom bar cabinet, designed by Interior Decisions and fabricated by R&G Construction Cabinet and Millwork in North Plainfield; carpet, Cove Carpet One Floor & Home in Summit; drapery fabrics and tassels, Robert Allen in New York City; painting, Audra Frank Painting in Plainfield; decorative painting, Scenic Surfacing LLC in Hoboken.


The Crush: The wine tasting room, called The Crush, was designed and furnished with custom and eco-friendly specialty pieces and finishes by Nancy L. Mikulich of NLM Design Interiors and Thomas C. Raiser of Raiser Contracting. They restored a brick wall and cement floor in this basement space. The rear and side walls now feature maple cabinetry stained to look like aged mahogany. The cabinets have lighted niches paneled with antiqued glass to store and display wine bottles. A Tiffany stained glass transom graces the entry. Directly ahead, a rear-lighted “window” in the cabinet gives the impression you are on street level and features a faux wrought iron grate made of recycled material. A four-paneled door (not shown) depicts the harvest and crush of grapes. A slab of reclaimed redwood tops a custom wine server, while repurposed hickory bourbon barrels pull up to a cherry tasting table.

Sources: NLM Design Interiors in Bernardsville and Raiser Contracting in Liberty Corner.


Living Green: Bathrooms and laundry rooms have the biggest potential to become eco-friendly because of the amount of water and power they consume. In these examples, interior designer Karla Trincanello, an allied member of ASID, CID, and owner of Interior Decisions Inc., showed that green can be beautiful as well as eco-conscious using natural and renewable materials available locally with minimal transit involved. Concrete tiles cover the floors of both rooms. In the laundry, the washer and dryer are Energy Star-rated and also save space because they are stackable. The maple utility sink cabinet is finished in cherry and topped with a concrete counter. The walls are troweled Tobias Stucco, a non-toxic, odor-free, and mold-resistant mixture with a VOC of 1 and a subtle structural strength. The drapery framing is organic cotton. In the powder room, meanwhile, recycled glass tile rises halfway up the wall and is used also as accents in the floor. A natural onyx sink sits on a forged metal stand with a wall-mounted faucet. A decorative mural of Twin Maples trees (not visible in photo) was painted with non-toxic and organic material by Scenic Surfacing. A low-flow toilet conserves water, while energy-efficient fluorescent lighting — activated by movement — saves energy.

Sources: design, Interior Decisions Inc. in Florham Park; flooring and wall tiles, Artistic Tile Inc. in Paramus, Shrewsbury, and New York City; powder room sink, faucet, toilet, utility sink, and cabinet, The Bath Connection in Millburn; powder room mirror, Reflections Custom Mirror & Glass in Flanders; utility countertop in laundry, Trueform Concrete in Flanders; wall stucco and painting, Audra Frank Painting in Plainfield; construction, framing, and tile installation, Summit Bath Works & Renovation in Summit; drapery in laundry room, Robert Allen fabric fashioned by Workroom Services in Warren (to the trade)


Just Hanging Around: “We brought the outdoors in when we designed this fun, ecologically friendly hangout for kids of all ages,” says Sherrie Wagman Beck of Morning ’til Night LLC. She combined trendy furnishings with rustic woods to create a unique space with a fun, multifunctional atmosphere. The color scheme is contemporary and complements the outdoor theme, providing broad appeal.

Sources: design and accessories, Morning ’til Night LLC in Warren; faux painting and mural, Faux Paints Sake (formerly Ginny Vincz/Art Design) in Edison; flooring, Woven Floors in Colts Neck and Mendham; wallpaper, Donghia; orange chairs made of recycled seat belts, The Phillips Collection in High Point, North Carolina; wood game table, Björling & Grant in St. Louis Park, Minnesota; desk chairs, Modernica in Los Angeles; construction, Tri-Con Remodeling/The Kitchen Place in Warren.


Cafe Venezia: The minimal, modern design of the coffee bar is an example of form following function. The custom solid wood cabinetry featuring water-based finishes was designed by Mobili de Angelis to enhance the renovated basement.

Sources: design and installation, Mobili de Angelis Livingston and Mobili de Angelis N.Y.; framed painting, “Two Apples” by Barbara Dalton.

- DNJ