Building a new home was never part of their plan,” says Andrea Pietragallo of her clients. Of course, even the best-laid plans often fall to the wayside. “The family had already fallen in love with Summit, New Jersey. But as their family grew, so did the need for more space,” explains Pietragallo, who is chief creative officer and principal designer at Ridgewood-based Britt Design Studio. “When a rare lot became available, the opportunity felt too special to pass up.”
The result is just as special: a Georgian-style residence that blends beautifully with the older homes in the neighborhood. “It was designed to look like a classic Summit home that’s always been there,” the designer says.
Pietragallo created an interior aesthetic that’s just as classic, while deftly integrating contemporary touches.
“I would call this the epitome of new-trad style,” she notes. “While the exterior embraces historical materials like brick and the interior floor plan is traditional, we incorporated modern elements to ensure a seamless integration with contemporary living.”
The foundation of the design is classic, featuring interesting millwork, time-honored materials, and an inviting mix of texture and pattern, all in understated tones of blue and gray.
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“We layered rich textures like grass cloth and silk with furnishings that have a soft palette and lasting materials, but which are rooted in traditional shapes,” Pietragallo says.
A prime example is the family room’s hand-carved limestone fireplace surround. “The shape is on the traditional side, while using the stone as a single entity with no traditional wood around it is a modern take,” Pietragallo says. She used a similar tactic in the living room. “The fireplace surround is carved from Calacatta Viola marble. The lean lines of that Calacatta bring a modern element into the space.”’
The barroom features the accoutrements of a classic lounge, such as leather furnishings and deep-navy millwork. In addition, the designer notes, “the mesh-front upper cabinetry reads rather traditional. The backsplash tile behind the bar is made to look like fabric. That is a fresh, modern element, which I think is really unique.”
Traditional elements continue in the powder room, which includes a timeless, carved-marble vanity on brass legs against crisp, white wainscotting. Sconces infuse a contemporary touch. “The light fixtures feature a frosted-glass accent on a modern-shaped cylinder backdrop.” Completing the space is floral Susan Connor wallpaper created specifically for this project. (“It’s a custom color; they call it Britt Blue,” Pietragallo says.)
In the kitchen, contemporary elements have a stronger influence, with clean-lined lanterns above the island and a custom hood made out of metal. The modern components are tempered by classic additions, such as Shaker-style cabinetry and marble countertops and backsplash. “It’s the hub of the home,” Pietragallo says.
The designer and her clients are thrilled with the completed project. “Nothing will compare to the text I received from our clients: ‘We can’t believe we get to live here!’” she shares. “We are always trying to achieve what we call redefining timeless—adding to the neighborhood and our clients’ lives!”
