This space evokes seasonal cheer in Essex Fells WRITTEN BY CINDY SCHWEICH HANDLER PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL KARAS home
CHEERFUL FAMILYHUB
TMAS HERE
This space evokes seasonal cheer in Essex Fells WRITTEN BY CINDY SCHWEICH HANDLER PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL KARAS home
When you ’ re decorating for the holidays , it helps having ahome that already projects awarm , home-for-Christmas vibe . Such is the case with this English Tudor estate in Essex Fells , whose built-in cabinetry and wooden beams drew its current occupants ’ interest afew years ago . “ The homeowner likes aRalph Lauren aesthetic , and the groundwork was already there ,” says Virginia Toledo , who , along with business partner Jessica Geller at Toledo Geller Interiors inFranklin Lakes , was hired to design the dining and family rooms , and in asecond phase , to renovate the kitchen .
CHEERFUL FAMILYHUB
“ When ( the homeowner ) hired us , the holidays weren ’ t part of the conversation , but the home ’ s aesthetics lend themselves to the holidays ,” says Toledo . This is best experienced in the family room , a converted garage that the homeowner dubbed “ the Christmas room ” due to its rich reds and hunter greens . A chocolate and cream-patterned broadloom grounds the large space , and is covered partially by a more “ globally-inspired ” rug . “ We like to throw awrench in designs , and make them a little funkier ,” says Toledo — for example , with a leopard throw rug ( seen at bottom right in abag , ready to be deployed ). The green grass cloth wallpaper is strong enough visually to stand up to the oak grain of the wood , which the leatherbound mirror complements .
The family enters the home through this room , Toledo says , so the plaid halfmoon bench is used for balance when they take their shoes off . The tufted ottomans use the same color scheme as the broadloom rug and are custom-made , as is the blue chair with the leopard trim ; the leather sofa is from Restoration Hardware . The designers filled the nook ( part of it is shown at right ) with a sofa perfect for reading or snoozing under the window .
Even the tree decorations support the “ classic Ralph Lauren American feel ,” says Toledo . This is accomplished with “ chunky ” red and white ornaments , felt balls and tinsel , and natural wooden beads .
@ montclairmagazine MONTCLAIR MAGAZINE HOLIDAY 2023
7