Suburban Swank

As Spring is officially here – I am starting to think about refreshing and redoing (honestly when am I not thinking about redoing?). I wanted to share the transformation photos from the first phase of a recently designed Summit, NJ home.

For this dynamic couple who own SwellShark, an award-winning media agency in NYC, we wanted their home to reflect their creative and fashionable personalities and lifestyle – think Mad Men meets suburban comfort. For the initial phase of this project we went for contrast and drama – which are evident from the sleek graphite hued den to the vibrant, colorful dining room. You can see the transformation of this beautiful home in the before and after photos below.

Entry

The entrance foyer is where the design aesthetic begins in the home. With a mix of modern, tribal and mid-century elements, the tone is set. The combination of the custom quill mirror and art grouping above the sculptural metal bench and the two-tone round table accented by the tiered antique brass ceiling fixture creates an eclectic blend of pieces that feel like they have been collected over time.

Dining Room

This room is a great example of how you can keep the bones of an older home and create a completely updated aesthetic by changing the furnishings, fixtures and finishes. The classic lines of the paneling and molding ground the beautiful graphic wallcovering and updated furnishings. The glass chandelier over the table adds a dramatic element to the space and is complemented by the modern sconces and updated design of the server and mirror.

Den & Wet Bar

The den is probably the most dramatic transformation in this home. What was once a traditional cherry wood office became a swanky den. To modernize the space, we pared down the molding detail around the fireplace and added a new Negro Marquina stone surround, removed the built-in cabinetry, added a sleek wet bar, and selected new modern furnishings. The walls are covered in Phillip Jeffries flint linen and the feature wall is Fretwork in commanding charcoal. The fireplace and wood paneling were painted in Benjamin Moore’s Graphite to unify the textures and patterns.

Next to the fireplace, we created a wet bar area so when the clock strikes 5pm cocktails are easily accessible! We removed the french doors, added custom cabinetry with a sink, beverage refrigerator and ice maker accented by open brass and glass shelving and dramatic pendant lights. The brass and glass ceiling fixture adds mood lighting to this cool entertaining space.

Family Room

The family room is a much used, multi-functional space. We wanted a clean, bright canvas to begin the transformation. Neutral toned walls are accented with clean white moldings to give this spacious room an airy feel. We replaced the heavy drapery with an open, light weave fabric. The sectional allows for plenty of comfortable seating to watch TV or read by the fire. We added a custom game table as an additional seating area which also functions as an extra homework space. The neutral palette sets off the colors and textures of the pillows and accessories in the space. We replaced the ceiling fan with a smokey glass and brass light fixture that adds a sculptural element and adds more light to the room.

At the entrance to the kitchen, we removed the columns for a more modern aesthetic. In the doorway leading into the living room, we removed the doors for a more open flow and created an area of visual interest with the light reflecting mirror and console table featuring a collection of objects and zebra patterned stools for extra seating. The fireplace was updated by removing the wood mantel and replacing with a sleek custom Anthracite Suede Quartzite beveled surround.

We had such an amazing time elevating the design of this classic home. I look forward to the next phase of this transformation and will be sure to share it with you.

Happy spring!

 

 

 

Design: Valerie Grant Interiors

Photography: Antoine Bootz

Styling: Rebecca Omweg