Author: Lauren Payne

Deep Cut Garden’s lovely rose garden is a popular draw. It was designed in the early 1930s, commissioned by crime boss Vito Genovese, and features Mount Vesuvius rockery, reminiscent of his native Italy.

Deep Cut Gardens in Middletown is Where Knowledge Grows

April 10, 2018

Monmouth County dedicates Deep Cut Gardens to year-round flora and education for the home gardener.

Seen in: Home & Style

Off-Season at the Shore: Where to Stay, Eat

April 2, 2018

Crowds are non-existent, and bargains abound.

Seen in: Jersey Shore, Just For the Web

Marisa selects all new materials in the couple’s flips, adhering to Scott’s strict budget. “It’s all about the numbers,” says Scott.

Flip, Don’t Flop

March 20, 2018

As a professional house flipper, Scott Friedmann gives new life to neglected homes. The money is good—but, Friedmann warns, flipping is not as easy as it looks.

Seen in: Home & Style

Marisa and Scott Friedmann overhauled one of their flips and made it their own home. The Madison colonial now has an open floor plan, a luxurious custom kitchen and a neutral palette throughout.

The Revivalists

March 6, 2018

A house-flipping pro and his wife, a designer, put their skills to work on a place to call their own.

Seen in: Home & Style

Passanante chose stainless fixtures and hardware to add a touch of sparkle to the room. The custom mirror reflects the entire space, making the room appear larger than it is.

Splurge or Skimp?

February 20, 2018

Certified master kitchen and bath designer Anthony Passanante offers a few tricks of the trade on planning your bathroom budget.

Seen in: Home & Style

Designer Anthony Passanante conceived his new master bathroom to take advantage of the lake views, leaving the windows unadorned. Accessories are nautical, including the sconces and porthole mirror.

Master Design for Master Bath

February 6, 2018

Here’s what happens when a certified bath designer takes on his own project.

Seen in: Home & Style

Author Desha Peacock works and writes in several locations in her Vermont home but her favorite is a space she carved out in her master bedroom. Other than a single wall of wallpaper, the room is painted white. “It’s great for clarity,” Peacock says.

Clean, Bright & Expressive

January 30, 2018

Top tips for styling your home office.

Seen in: Home & Style

Designers and homeowners are becoming more creative with their home-office spaces. Case in point, designer Katja van der Loo, of Papyrus Home Design in Boonton, created this handsome office at the Mansions in May Showhouse in Bernardsville using an antique farmhouse table as a desk.

Creating a Working Space in the Home

January 23, 2018

A home office can promote happiness and productivity. Here’s how to make it practical and personal.

Seen in: Home & Style

The cozy family room of Jackie Holt’s Spring Lake home is an addition to the 125-year-old seashore colonial.

In Spring Lake, It’s Christmas by Design

December 19, 2017

After a thorough, top-down renovation of a 125-year-old seashore colonial, this Spring Lake homeowner goes all out for the holidays.

Seen in: Home & Style

Obie and Indy, the couple’s King Charles Spaniels, find a sunny corner in the master bedroom.

A Traditional Farmhouse Goes Modern in South Jersey

November 27, 2017

New owners transform a rustic barn into a sleek showcase home.

Seen in: Home & Style