Author: Susan Brierly Bush

Susan Brierly Bush, New Jersey Monthly’s style editor, lives to shop, decorate and entertain. Her background in retail fashion, home staging and photo styling gives her a keen eye for scouting what's fun and fabulous. Her Susan on Style blog tips off readers to bargain finds and stylish events in the Garden State. Plus, exclusive tastemaker interviews!
A couple and their dogs stand outside their home, decorated for Christmas, in Hopewell Township, New Jersey

300-Year-Old New Jersey Home Gets Gussied Up for Christmas

December 4, 2025

Step inside the decked-out halls of Harvest Field in Hopewell Township.

Seen in: Home & Style

A collection of board games designed to look like books

30 Holiday Gifts Your Loved Ones Will Actually Love

November 18, 2025

Browse an eclectic selection of presents, including gems from Jersey makers.

Seen in: Style & Shopping

Rafael Contreras at The Beau Ideal in Westfield, New Jersey

How the Man Behind Westfield’s Beau Ideal Built a Haven of Vintage Treasures

October 19, 2025

“If I wouldn’t put it in my own space, it doesn’t make it onto the showroom floor,” says retailer Rafael Contreras, who's always on the hunt for head-turning pieces.

Seen in: Home & Style, Style & Shopping

Serena & Lily rattan side table

Cool, Casual Decor for Laid-Back Living

August 10, 2025

Blues and greens galore, plus earthy rattan, raffia and reeds.

Seen in: Home & Style, Style & Shopping

Woman in colorful floral pants in front of vintage yellow car

Stylish Finds for the Dog Days of Summer

July 13, 2025

Colorful pieces that encourage beach time and play aplenty.

Seen in: Style & Shopping

Mary Kull in her Summit retail shop, MK Linens & Home

Popular Summit Boutique Enters a New Era

June 24, 2025

Mary Kull is putting her own spin on MK Linens & Home (formerly A. HOME), a high-end decor store that also offers fine jewelry, clothing and accessories, and free styling sessions.

Seen in: Home & Style, Style & Shopping

Boho dressed mannequins at Lola's boutique

Point Pleasant Beach Shop Features Boho-Chic Style

May 27, 2025

Lola’s Boutique in downtown Point Pleasant Beach offers favorite brands and a relaxed vibe.

Seen in: Home & Style, Jersey Shore, Style & Shopping

Peonies at Peony's Envy in Bernardsville

10 Tips For Growing Peonies at Home

May 6, 2025

Kathleen Gagan of Peony's Envy shares her expert tips.

Seen in: Home & Style, Home Design

Exterior of Jardin de Buis in Califon

NJ’s Most Beautiful Private Gardens Are Opening Their Gates to the Public

May 2, 2025

Enjoy rare access into some of the state's most enchanting Edens this June, thanks to the Garden Conservancy's Open Days program.

Seen in: Home & Style, News, Things to Do

Kathleen Gagan in her Peony’s Envy display garden in Bernardsville

Meet New Jersey’s Peony Queen

April 23, 2025

Kathleen Gagan's bucolic Bernardsville farm, Peony's Envy, is home to one of the most extensive peony collections in the country.

Seen in: Home & Style, Things to Do