By Jessica Ganga and Victoria Zielinski
Unique Homes Magazine had the opportunity to visit the Princeton Aspire Show House, where designers showcased their elegant and creative designs for each room and area of the home. Located just minutes away from downtown Princeton, this home seamlessly blends modern design with art, creating the perfect balance of the two.
Foyer
Foyer of the home that leads to the offices.
Walking into the home, the first thing you can’t help but notice is the accent wall that travels from the bottom to the top of the staircase. It’s designed by Joe Berkowitz of JAB Design Group. Inspired by a black and white photo he saw, the basis of the foyer is a mix of “edgy” and “traditional contemporary.”
It’s warm and inviting despite the accent color being black and white. The textured wallpaper is a subtle twist, which adds an eclectic focal point. An added touch: Walk up the steps to find the exact image Berkowitz admired for his design.
Library
From the foyer, to the right, is the library, a “dark, mesmerizing, and thought-provoking room,” as described by the designer, Amy Manor of Red Bank Design Center. Manor drew from a childhood memory to create a space that welcomes diversity and is a space without judgement. Continuing with the theme of the home, Manor incorporated art from artists featured in Parlor Gallery in Asbury Park, N.J.
The home’s library featuring art from Parlor Gallery.
His & Hers Offices:
Gentleman’s Office: When designers Vivian Hung and Joe Giamarese approached the design of the masculine office space, they took into account the pandemic of 2020. What was important to them when creating the space was keeping in mind how this place will function as a work-from-home space. According to Hung, the design duo loves texture, but didn’t want to be bold with it. They incorporated pattern and texture with the carpet and the drapery that created a calming energy throughout. The main centerpiece of the office? The desk that played with the mix of materials, contrasted well with the carpet and fit perfectly into the space.
Lady’s Office: A true creative escape. This space is one that evokes fun, creativity and a place to genuinely retire for work. Designed by Vicki Kelly Gindy and Tram-Anh Poprik of Red Bank Design Center, the use of color and art combine to make this escape for the “mind, body and spirit.” At the center of the office sits a piece by artist Ray Geary that brings the whole look and feel of the office together. The flow of the colors can’t help but make anyone entering the office stop and say “wow.”
Kitchen + Mudroom
“Overall Asian styling with a cool California modern flare” sets the tone of the home for designer Ginny Padula of Town & Country Kitchen and Bath, providing the cabinetry and permanent fixtures for the kitchen, butler’s pantry, mudroom, bathrooms, and more. The kitchen, showcasing design elements that are sleek, earthy and natural, creates a modern, yet comfortable and warm space for cooking, dining, and entertaining. Unique touches, such as the cozy breakfast area, matching countertops and backsplash, and large island, add to the cohesive flow of the space, making it the perfect space for gathering with family and friends.
The lady’s office featuring art from the Parlor Gallery in Asbury Park, NJ.
The kitchen and breakfast nook look out to the backyard featuring a small pond.
Moving toward the mudroom, designer Tamu Rasheba Green of Lux Pad Interiors sought to create a transition space offering a calming atmosphere from the outside world to inside the home. The mudroom, featuring custom built-ins, closets, and an enclosed powder room, allows for the homeowners to “remove physical baggage” and “release tension of the day” by providing a personalized space to decompress before entering the home’s main quarters.
Designed by Anna Maria Mannarino from Mannarino. The great room flows seamlessly from the kitchen and features a floating stand-alone fireplace that is the centerpiece of the room. For more photos and for Anna Maria’s contact information, click here!
The floating fireplace is the great room’s focal point.
Dining Room
Designer Sam Ciardi of Samuel Robert Signature Spaces was tasked with incorporating the homeowner’s 12 antique wooden panels that depict the Chinese New Year zodiac signs. The result: an earthy room filled with plants, earth tones and “the ultimate expression of minimalist design.”
Drawing Room
Celebrating the atypical and unexpected, the drawing room, the work of designer Alirio Pirela of Pirela Atelier, creates an inviting space with a medley of different styles that blend together seamlessly. From American Art Deco to European Mid-Century masters and modern emerging artists, the result is a multifaceted space perfect for a serene retreat from the day-to-day.
The dining room was designed around the antique, Chinese wooden panels.
The drawing room features stunning art and sculptures.
Master Bedroom + Bathroom
A truly opulent and sophisticated space, the master bedroom, designed by Judy King of Judy King Interiors, embraces comfort and style. A soft mural wall blends with a striking full-wall fireplace and unique accent pieces drawing attention to the room’s distinct decor, and an impressive walk-in closet and master bath highlighting the experience of getting ready for and ending the day.
Boy’s Bedroom
A 9-year-old’s imagination and curiosity about the world, travel, and life inspired designer Diane Durocher of Diane Durocher Interiors to create a timeless bedroom that will grow with him. A walk-in closet and bathroom provide plenty of space, and the decor, such as a large canvas map hanging from the ceiling above the bed, create infinite possibilities for discovery.
The master bedroom features a warm and inviting sitting area with a fireplace.
Carefully curated pieces add some fun to the home’s guest bedroom.
Guest Bedroom
Designed by Gail Davis of Gail Davis Designs, the guest bedroom of the home is a warm and inviting, en suite space for guests. The warm space is accented by the statement bed that features the soft and comfortable linens by Deborah Sharp Linens. For lighting, the room utilizes the natural light that floods in through the large windows, but also uses shorter, standing lights, creating a cool-toned atmosphere. For more photos and Gail’s contact info, click here.
Lower Level — Wet Bar and Gallery Space
The lower level of the home is a large, open space with plenty of amenities. Designed by Ginny Padula of Town & Country Kitchen and Bath, the area was envisioned as “an entertaining space that was both cool and modern yet comfortable and soothing.” Features of this level include a yoga studio, simulation golf room and a theater. The main space, where people would gather, is relaxed with soft-toned fabrics, which perfectly contrasts the main staple of the floor: the bar.
The downstairs bar is the perfect spot for family and friends to gather around.
Acting as an art gallery, the lower level features a painting by American pop artist Roy Lichtenstein.
For the Showhouse, though, the lower level was transformed into a pop-up art gallery featuring work provided by Chelsea Art Group, which is based in New York City. There were so many interesting and beautiful pieces in the space, featuring a painting hung up near the bar area by famous pop artist Roy Lichtenstein.
The 2020 Princeton Designer Showhouse was sponsored by the following: Benjamin Moore, Cosentino, Kallista, Kohler, Florense, Signature Kitchen Suite, and LG Signature.
Featured photo: A perfect entertaining space, the lower level features a nice sitting area, golf simulation room, and home theater.
Photography by Mike Van Tassell Architectural Photography
Photo courtesy of Sofas & Stuff
From dusty lilac to vibrant mango, 2020 is the year of experimenting with color.
With spring in full bloom, flowers of every color are popping up in every corner. From pastel tulips to vibrant primrose, who doesn’t love the season’s natural beauty? It’s the perfect time of the year to take advantage of the sense of renewal spring has to offer, and bring the outdoors inside by freshening up your bedroom with this year’s color trends.
Red Pepper
What better way to make a statement than by incorporating elements of red pepper into your bedroom? If you’re feeling adventurous, contrast red with cool tones such as navy blue, dark green and white. You can also pair the color with warmer tones of beige, light pink and pale yellow to make any space more inviting.
Photo courtesy of Mineheart
Dusty Lilac
Whether you’re looking to soften your bedroom or add a bit more femininity to an otherwise dull space, dusty lilac is a color you can count on at any time of the year. Found in flowers like tulips and hyacinth, lilac captures everything that spring is about. Because it’s an easygoing color, you can add as many elements of lilac as you want without overwhelming your space. Want to spruce up a white room but don’t want to add too much color? Try painting a dusty lilac accent wall!
Bluebird
There are countless shades of blue, but which is the best for a home in the springtime? Bluebird! Light and modern, bluebird is a color that matches perfectly with warmer tones, such as mango and red, and looks gorgeous in any style room. Decorate your bedroom with hints of bluebird by adding bedding, wall art and pillows.
Mint
Timeless, fresh and bright, mint is the go-to color for every time of the year. Need a place to put your butter yellow daffodils? Grab a mint vase, throw in a bouquet and place it near a windowsill to spruce up your space. If your bedroom doesn’t get a lot of sunlight, brighten it up by painting the walls mint.
Photo courtesy of Sweetpea & Willow
Mango
Looking to add a pop of color to any corner of your home? Mango is the shade for you! Play it safe with hints of mango, such as pillows on your bed and vases to hold fresh flowers from your garden, or go bold with a mango chair or rug that just sings “spring!”
What better way to welcome the new year with a positive start than decluttering your space. Reorganize the rooms in your home and take advantage of stylish furniture pieces that can help neaten up different areas. From modern coat hooks to rustic desks, the design possibilities are endless.
Photos courtesy of WOODENDOT.
Spruce up the Entryway
To ensure that coats, keys, and purses aren’t strewn all over the kitchen table or living space, consider installing coat hooks. Choose options that also double as a cabinet or shelf. These contemporary coat hooks by Woodendot have the hooks hidden and provide extra space for other items to be stored or decorative space.
Need a place to keep shoes? A shoe nook is a great way to avoid the mountain of shoes that can pile up as guests (or kids) come into the home. Try and find one that doubles as a storage unit and a place to sit.
Photo courtesy of Bombay Duck.
Photo courtesy of Oak Furnitureland.
Office Organization
Arguably, a home’s office has the most clutter. Between unfiled papers and jumbles of wires, this space can induce a lot of stress. Start by going through old papers and getting rid of documents that are no longer needed. It’s recommended to shred any important documents.
When it comes to furniture, the main focal point will be the desk. Desks don’t have to be clunky and boring. A nicely finished or painted desk brightens up the space, creating a peaceful mood.
Photo courtesy of Oak Furnitureland.
Choose a desk that has plenty of storage for filing and office supplies. Keep the top of the desk clear, only allowing a computer, calendar, keyboard, and small organizers to remain on it.
To expand organization space, find a bookshelf with a lot of shelving and room for filing. Like the desk, a bookshelf does not have to keep to a classic style. A modern one updates the room. For all those wires on the floor, use twist ties to keep them separate and attempt to hide them from view.
Photo courtesy of SONGMICS.
Love Your Living Room
Continue the organizing flow into your living or family room. Recycle any old magazines or newspapers and keep the ones you want in a magazine rack for easy access. A stylish modern magazine rack enhances the look of your living room. Make clearing out the rack part of your daily routine to keep everything organized.
Photo courtesy of Melody Maison.
Toss out any broken or unused items in the room. Take the opportunity to reorganize the furniture and take the opportunity to clean under the couch or other pieces of furniture. Invest in feng shui books to further change the feel and energy of the room.
Just like the shoe nook in the foyer, purchase new furniture that can act as extra storage to reduce the amount of space used. An ottoman acts as a place to keep blankets or extra pillows. Some couches also have a place under the cushions to keep extra items. A coffee table or side table can hide remote controls, books or other small objects that can be tucked away. Adding a bookshelf in the living room is always a nice touch. If there is enough wall space, go for a bookshelf that can be hung up on a wall, allowing the chance to keep the floor clean and dust-free.
Photos courtesy of WOODENDOT.
Photo courtesy of Chaplins Furniture.
A Peaceful Bedroom
The first place to start: The closet. Donate any lightly used clothing and keep the closet as neat as possible. Beds with drawers underneath create more space to store clothing as well. On a tight budget? If the current bed doesn’t have drawers, baskets are a fun and appealing way to store any extra items in your room.
Photo courtesy of Sweetpea & Willow.
Photo courtesy of Garden Trading.
For women, jewelry wall organizers take the place of a bulky jewelry box. Men can utilize organizers for watches, rings or other jewelry they may own. Chargers for phones, laptops or tablets can be kept neatly on an organizer as well.
Take off any unnecessary items from a dresser or nightstand and go for something that allows for smaller items to have their own place without the worry of something getting lost. A practical addition to a bed is a bedside pocket for easy access to books, remotes or a laptop.
Photo courtesy of Woodyoubuy.
Photo courtesy of Einrichten Design.
Photo courtesy of Woodyoubuy.
Photo courtesy of Gyrofish.
For some tips on how to furnish and organize a small space like an apartment click here.
Now is the time of year where people’s homes becomes the center for entertainment. Between the holiday get togethers and New Year celebrations, a home must be kept in party-ready shape. One room not to neglect: the guest room. Give this extra space a much-needed upgrade and create a memorable stay for guests, whether it be friends or family. Below are some tips to take a guest room from a drab bonus room to a five-star accommodation.
Photo courtesy of Darlings of Chelsea.
Maximize Space
Guest rooms are typically on the smaller side when it comes to the size and amount of space is available. For that reason, skip the queen-sized bed with minimal to no extra seating and go for a couch that can turn into a bed.
A traditional sofa bed will do or go more modern and purchase a futon that flips to a nice-sized bed.
Provide guests with nice sheets, pillows and blankets to make them feel more at home.
Photos courtesy of KSL LIVING.
Storage, Storage, Storage!
Living out of a suitcase is never fun. Whether people are staying for one night or 10, give guests enough storage space to organize their belongings. A dresser provides a good amount of drawers and the counter space allows people to keep track of smaller belongings.
Limited on space? A trunk at the foot of the bed or along the wall. The trunk allows for some extra seating as well.
Storage baskets are a great space-saver and can be tucked away under the bed or in a closet. Select some that have a pop of color or an interesting pattern.
Photo courtesy of SONGMICS.
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
A mirror is a must when it comes to upgrading the space. Not only do mirrors make smaller spaces appear bigger, but it is a nice feature to have for guests so they can get ready in the comfort of their own space. Sharing bathrooms becomes a hassle, but a full length mirror and a wall mirror give people the opportunity to prepare for the day or night in the room.
Photo courtesy of The French Bedroom Co.
Photo courtesy of Melody Maison.
Light it Up
Don’t skimp on lighting and skip the boring choices. Have fun with the various selections that are out there and pick out some creative pieces that add to the room. Install a lamp that rotates so guests can read or choose lighting with different settings so your guests can determine how much light they want before they go to bed and when they slowly wake up.
Photo courtesy of KSL LIVING.
Photo courtesy of Astro Lighting.
It’s the Little Things
Small details and amenities can give the guest room a Ritz-Carlton feel. Provide them with cozy slippers and magazine to read.
A breakfast tray or cart with some welcome treats, glassware or flowers makes the space welcoming.
Personalize the space with extra items for the people staying in the room, giving the space a warm touch.
Above two images and featured image courtesy of Garden Trading.
When designing a child’s bedroom, the typical idea is to create a space with a bright, happy atmosphere. Finding the line between fun and playful to childish and unfashionable can be a thin one. It’s important to keep this space clean and stylish, without making it too modern or uncomfortable. Here are a few ways to find the perfect balance:
Photo courtesy of Noa and Nani
1. Storage Space
The many toys and games a child has creates the need for just as much storage space to organize it all. To keep the clutter away, choose a bed frame that includes built-in storage underneath. The mess that’s usually found under a child’s bed is now tucked neatly away in drawers, to create a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere.
2. A Colorful Canvas
The key to decorating a child’s bedroom is balancing the tones and color schemes, in order to create a happy childlike atmosphere. Look toward colorful pieces to balance out more subtle tones. This way, the space will look warm and inviting while not feeling cluttered and chaotic. A bright, colorful rug like the one below can add a fun, youthful piece to an otherwise modern room. Shelving is also a great way to add color to a child’s room. While not too overbearing in its appearance, the bright color is a modern and stylish way to keep a kid’s room on trend.
Photo courtesy of Go Modern
Photo courtesy of 111 Leroy
Photo courtesy of The Alyn
3. Balance Between Modern and Warm
Designing a child’s room is also finding a balance between modern and functional while creating a warm and welcoming space. The goal is to avoid scattered and outdated designs. A designer’s trick is to use both warm and colorful tones with function in mind. Deep greens, browns, reds, and blues create a sanctuary that’s both stylish and comfortable. In this bedroom at the Alyn, shown below, a neutral color palette alongside other playful elements to maintain the balance.
Photo courtesy of 100 Barclay