Home & Style

Exterior of Jardin de Buis in Califon

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

Enjoy rare access into some of the state's most enchanting Edens this June, thanks to the Garden Conservancy's Open Days program.
By | September 24, 2014
Kathleen Gagan in her Peony’s Envy display garden in Bernardsville

Meet New Jersey’s Peony Queen

Kathleen Gagan's bucolic Bernardsville farm, Peony's Envy, is home to one of the most extensive peony collections in the country.
Boho dressed mannequins at Lola's boutique

Point Pleasant Beach Shop Features Boho-Chic Style

Lola’s Boutique in downtown Point Pleasant Beach offers favorite brands and a relaxed vibe.
Two images of a dining room an Essex County home feature bold chartreuse millwork, a light-gray wall covering and a dazzling chandelier

This Essex County Home Is Keen on Green

The designer weaved verdant hues into nearly every room.

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Vibrant Hues & Repurposed Furniture Fill This Hawthorne Home

By Lauren Payne | January 30, 2019
A designer transforms her Hawthorne home with consignment-store and online finds. ...
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Catherine Mathis and Bob Burchell’s Parsippany house was built by Gustav Stickley in 1912. Dubbed the Mystery House, its original purpose is unknown. Now, it’s the couple’s weekend retreat.

A Craftsman Christmas in Parsippany

By Lauren Payne | December 10, 2018
An historic home in Parsippany is the perfect setting for the holidays. ...
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Jeff Walter’s family home sits on the east bank of peaceful Kittatinny Lake. The home arrived by train in hundreds of boxes in 1928, and was built in about three days.

When Kit Homes Made a Splash

By Lauren Payne | November 19, 2018
In the 1920s, homes were delivered in boxes. We found one of the originals—lovingly restored on Kittatinny Lake. ...
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The Ngs’ renovated Jersey City kitchen functions perfectly for the entire family all at once. All major appliances line the back wall. The reclaimed-wood beam is structural, supporting the third floor, but looks decorative.

Modern Family in Jersey City

By Lauren Payne | October 18, 2018
A Jersey City family renovates its cookie-cutter townhouse kitchen with a focus on functionality. ...
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The Levys’ den is a family-friendly space. Mixed materials include porcelain, stone, laminate and reclaimed wood. Jon’s home office is on the far wall.

A Place for Everything in Monmouth County

By Lauren Payne | September 13, 2018
Careful planning pays off for this Monmouth County renovation....
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Kathy and Luis Pereira’s daughter, Sara, and the family’s rescue dog Reis (queen in Portuguese) enjoy the light and airy living room in their Tewksbury home.

Total Transformation in Tewksbury

By Lauren Payne | August 24, 2018
A design expert and her husband revamp their Tewksbury split-level ranch into a stunning showcase. ...
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The main living area features a wall of windows looking out toward the beach.

Reaching New Heights in Sea Bright

By Lauren Payne | June 12, 2018
A Manhattan couple builds a sun-filled beach retreat in Sea Bright with a 360-degree view....
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Metz believes her Airbnb—located in Cape May Courthouse, close to the Cape May beaches— is “a real benefit to the community. We thrive on tourism in this area, and there’s enough to go around.”

Thanks to Airbnb, Many NJ Homeowners are Saying, “Be Our Guest”

By Lauren Payne | May 15, 2018
Many Jersey homeowners are enjoying success as Airbnb hosts. Here’s how to turn your home or apartment into a cash cow....
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The space sleeps four comfortably, but he keeps an air mattress handy for extra guests.

This Airbnb is Chic in Hudson County

By Lauren Payne |
The North Bergen loft, a two-story, light-filled condo with its own parking, is convenient to shopping, a gym, and most importantly, a shuttle bus to Manhattan....
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Metz believes her Airbnb—located in Cape May Courthouse, close to the Cape May beaches— is “a real benefit to the community. We thrive on tourism in this area, and there’s enough to go around.”

A Rustic Airbnb in Cape May Promises Simple Pleasures

By Lauren Payne | April 19, 2018
After three successful years listing her garage apartment on Airbnb, Robin Salasin Metz built a cozy, 140-square-foot cabin on the edge of her private lake, about 40 yards from the main house. It wasn’t long before Airbnb hosting became her full-time job....
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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

By Lauren Payne | April 10, 2018
Monmouth County dedicates Deep Cut Gardens to year-round flora and education for the home gardener....
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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

By Lauren Payne | 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. ...
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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

By Lauren Payne | March 6, 2018
A house-flipping pro and his wife, a designer, put their skills to work on a place to call their own. ...
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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?

By Lauren Payne | February 20, 2018
Certified master kitchen and bath designer Anthony Passanante offers a few tricks of the trade on planning your bathroom budget....
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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

By Lauren Payne | February 6, 2018
Here’s what happens when a certified bath designer takes on his own project....
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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

By Lauren Payne | January 30, 2018
Top tips for styling your home office....
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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

By Lauren Payne | January 23, 2018
A home office can promote happiness and productivity. Here’s how to make it practical and personal. ...
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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

By Lauren Payne | 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....
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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

By Lauren Payne | November 27, 2017
New owners transform a rustic barn into a sleek showcase home....
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10 Renovation Tips to Keep in Mind for Your Next Home Makeover

By Lauren Payne | October 31, 2017

Do your research. “Use websites like Pinterest to search different kitchen styles,” suggests Jennifer Watty, an interior designer in Mountainside.… Read the rest