If anyone knows about creating an oasis at home, it’s Montclair-based interior designer Andrew Suvalsky. He recently transformed a 1952 Upper Montclair cottage into a bright and modern five-bedroom home, where he now lives with his husband and their two young children.
During the pandemic, many New Jerseyans created amazing retreats in their homes—in outdoor and indoor spaces. Suvalsky shares his tips on carving out pockets of sanctuary at home, no matter its size.
LET THE SUNSHINE IN
“Find the sunniest room in your house and make a cozy sitting area,” says Suvalsky. His sunroom, seen above, features vintage pieces; he says the style of furniture in a sunroom should “invite you to luxuriate in an indoor, but otherwise mood-lifting, light-filled room.”
BE PARTY READY
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“A little party-central space can go a long way,” says Suvalsky. “An intimate and curated bar makes staying at home that much more fun.” Stock it with great barware and beverages.
MAKE YOUR BATHROOM SPA-LIKE
“Your bathroom should be the ultimate sanctuary,” says Suvalsky. He notes that fresh towels, accessories, flowers and window treatments can all be impactful. “You can keep it simple, but make sure you love all the elements so that your time in the bath feels spa-like,” he says.
MAKE A WORK SPACE WORK FOR YOU
Make your work-from-home setup a place you want to spend time. “Carve out a corner space in any room for a warm and inviting desk area,” says Suvalsky. “Populate the surrounding surfaces with favorite objects and books, both for function and aesthetics.”
EMBRACE TV TIME
“Let yourself enjoy the home-theater experience,” says Suvalsky. “Don’t be afraid to replace art with a big TV, even in a prominent location, like over the fireplace.” Then, when the set is off, “it can double as a screensaver for beautiful images and art.”
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