When decorating their newly built Demarest home, Jodi and Neil Piekny were looking for a style that would stand the test of time. “We wanted something timeless, warm and homey,” Neil Piekny says.
They worked with Javier Fernandez, of Transitional Designs, based in Piermont, NY, to create chic, welcoming spaces that represent an amalgamation of aesthetics. “The home’s interior style is best described as transitional with modern and Art Deco influences,” Fernandez says. “Transitional design purposefully blends traditional and contemporary elements so that it feels timeless and can’t be pinned down to one era.”
Black accents on the home’s classic facade offer a crisp contrast to the white siding. Photo: Gross & Daley
That balance is beautifully represented with millwork that adds a classic touch, alongside modern elements that bring contemporary panache. The designer notes, “Throughout the home, classic architectural detailing such as paneled walls, wainscoting and beamed ceilings provides a timeless foundation creating a sophisticated backdrop, while the furniture and lighting introduce a modern slant.”
“The kitchen lighting was conceived as both functional illumination and sculptural focal point,” designer Javier Fernandez says of the fixtures above the island. Photo: Gross & Daley
The dining room, for example, features faux-wooden beams on the ceiling. Those rustic accents are juxtaposed with contemporary silver lighting and mirrors above the console to create a space that is sophisticated, yet inviting. Similarly, contemporary geometric light fixtures above the kitchen island create a wow factor against the more understated Shaker-style cabinets in a custom grey color.
Ceiling treatments, such as the beams in the dining room, “were designed to add depth, rhythm and architectural warmth without overwhelming the spaces,” according to Fernandez. Photo: Gross & Daley
The home’s palette is also understated, all the better to merge classic with contemporary. Fernandez explains, “The color scheme relies on a neutral foundation of soft whites, greys and taupe, which designers recommend as an easy backdrop when mixing styles.” Fernandez infused that subdued framework with pops of color to add interest. “Bold accents, such as the malachite-green wallcovering in the butler’s pantry, an orange ottoman in the family room, and rose-pink art in the living room add energy without overwhelming each room, echoing the idea that bolder colors are welcome as accents that don’t dominate.”
In the living room, “wall covering applied to the ceiling introduces a subtle sense of Old Hollywood glamour, adding softness, texture, and a touch of drama that elevates the room while still feeling timeless,” Fernandez notes. Photo: Gross & Daley
Patterns and textures add subtle energy to the rooms, softly catching the eye while maintaining the overall harmony. “Grasscloth wall coverings, plush rugs and patterned upholstery create depth, while the clean-lined furniture, metallic hardware and minimal clutter reflect the transitional emphasis on appropriate scale, contrast and understated elegance,” Fernandez says.
That’s apparent in the family room, which is swathed in grasscloth wall covering that frames the large windows. The fireplace stands out, surrounded with a heavily structured microfiber fabric. Textiles in a range of patterns and textures combine elegantly, thanks to a similar muted palette.
Deft combinations of motifs and tactile elements appear elsewhere, such as a powder room, which is comprised of wallpaper with a slightly raised geometric pattern against linear floor tile in an arrow-like arrangement.
Piekny is thrilled with the success of the project, which he ascribes to Fernandez’s vision. “I take zero credit for anything,” he says. “I don’t have an eye for any of that. That’s why we hired Javier. We gave him full creative control. We never said no to anything. He’s easy to work with, and he has a fantastic eye.”
The understated textured wall covering in a powder room adds warmth and interest. Photo: Gross & Daley
Fernandez acknowledges the homeowners’ confidence. “At the outset of the project, the homeowners generously turned over the reins, trusting us to guide the design of their dream home.” But, he says, the clients became more adept at defining their vision. “As time passed and as they lived through the process, they began to understand and articulate their own sense of style. What started as a clear designer-led vision naturally evolved into a true collaboration.”
The partnership between designer and client resulted in stunning spaces ideally suited to this family. Fernandez says, “Overall, the interior feels sophisticated, yet comfortable. It marries the warmth of traditional millwork and proportions with the sleekness of contemporary lighting, furniture and art, achieving the harmonious and flexible aesthetic that defines Transitional Designs.” Piekny adds, “We get a lot of compliments when people walk into the house. It’s a great feeling.”
