Three NJ designers share their pro tips for challenging projects in these home makeovers we love. Use their creative solutions to bring new life to your home.
Laurie DiGiacomo, Laurie DiGiacomo Interiors, Ridgewood
Photographer: Tori Sikkema
Challenge: The designer’s Ho Ho Kus clients—busy professionals juggling the demands of parenting two toddlers while still maintaining an active social life—wanted to convert their cramped living room into a chic entertaining enclave. Tight on space and budget, they nevertheless dreamed of living large. Instead of a small, ho-hum living room cluttered with kids’ stuff, they envisioned a streamlined look of elegant simplicity that nevertheless wasn’t “so precious” it would be totally off limits to their boys.
Keeping budget and practicality in mind, DiGiacomo placed the homeowners’ existing mid-century leather swivel chairs in a circular configuration. Enhancing flow, this positioning created a sophisticated spot ideal for intimate co*cktail parties as well as spillover space when hosting larger holiday gatherings.
Accentuating the cozy appeal, DiGiacomo made the fireplaceafocal point by installing a marble herringbone weaved tile on the surround then painting it—and all the trims in the room—in charcoal gray. Opening the room by drawing the eyes upward, she installed gorgeous Fabricut linen wallpaper on the ceiling. When light from the oversized pendant shines on it, the metallic-painted pattern glows, imbuing the space with luminous airiness.
Another star attraction, the luxe shagreen freestanding bar offers equal measures of style and function—open the double-door panels to reveal multi-tiered shelving for co*cktail fixings; close them, and presto, the unit artfully camouflages as an elegant stand-alone.
To evoke a sense of moody refinement, DiGiacomo opted for warm neutrals in a cohesive mix of taupe, beige and gray hues. To amplify the party vibe while keeping things uncluttered, she had wall speakers installed behind the sheet rock to create an immersive experience with no messy cords that kids can pull or trip over.
Result: A tiny treasure that makes a big design statement!
Pro tip: Use large-scale elements like oversized lighting and art to make a room feel grander and more dramatic. Mirrors also amp up the glam factor and sense of spaciousness.
Susan Barbieri, ASID, Susan Barbieri Interior Design, Hawthorne
Photographer: David Nelson
Challenge: A family of eight wanted to modernize the dark, disjointed and dated kitchen of their large colonial home in Sparta into an airy open-concept family/entertainment hub. Disconnected from the rest of the first floor by a long corridor, the narrow kitchen had an awkward layout, which included a backyard door centered along a kitchen wall, resulting in the loss of counter space and organizational flow.
So, using a design strategy that called for reconfiguring rather than adding space, Barbieri opened up the kitchen space and moved the back door out of direct traffic movement. A pantry and new counter surface were incorporated into the back entry for landing groceries and prepping for outdoor gatherings.
To showcase the beautiful backyard and welcome light in, she added large windows and wide, easy-access French doors. An adjoining powder room was re-located so the office beyond it became an uninterrupted part of the expanded kitchen. The long corridor was eliminated and the once closed-off dining room now flowed freely into the kitchen.
For a light, contemporary feel, Barbieri went with a white-and-blue color story with bright pops of berry accents. Taking a transitional approach, she harmoniously blended the home’s traditional architectural details—crown molding, wood floors and paneled doors, for example—with sleek stainless steel appliances, modern lighting fixtures and easy-maintenance quartz countertops.
Result: A sunny space where cheer is always cooking!
Pro tip: Repeating colors, textures and materials throughout will impart a clean, cohesive look with modern sensibility.
Jennifer Pacca, ASID, Jennifer Pacca Interiors, Wyckoff
Photography: Marco Ricca
Challenge: The designer was called on to create an all-purpose, multi-seasonal outdoor haven where a family of four—as well as their extended family and friends—could enjoy a resort-like experience in the comfort and convenience of their Upper Saddle River backyard.
Guided by her clients’ love of neutrals, Pacca based her design concept on a palette of black, white and tan to establish an ultra-sophisticated counterpoint to the greenery of the landscaping and the raw materials of the outdoor kitchen.
She sectioned the patio into different zones—a seating area; a covered heated pavilion featuring an outdoor fireplace and TV, and a prepping/grilling/cleaning/eating area.
The furnishings, made of reclaimed teak wood and stone, harmoniously blended with the natural landscape. Their organic and architectural shapes added interest and defined the spaces; their large scale filled the oversized patio without overcrowding. The stone co*cktail tables and chunky woven lounge chairs added texture. The cozy fabric woven chairs softened the large concrete dining table while the teak wood elements added just the right amount of warmth to the black-and-white scheme.
Pretty and practical, the large pivoting outdoor umbrellas provided chic coverage from glaring rays so the patio could be enjoyed even on the hottest days.
Result: An escape from indoor life with a five-star resort vibe
Pro tip: Prior to building, design a detailed schematic that includes precise measurements for all planned features and furnishings.
—Nayda Rondon is a lifestyle, wellness and parenting writer, a children’s book author and a Hillsdale mom.
Get the latest on thebest things to do with your family in and around New Jersey bysigning up for our newsletterand following us onFacebookandInstagram!
