Designer Allison Handler says this New Jersey home is in a gorgeous area. “Basking Ridge is only about 45 minutes away from New York City, but it feels like the most secluded and beautiful country escape,” she explains. “Tons of greenery, land, and peaceful vibes.”
Her clients are newlyweds who are pregnant with their first child, and their new-to-them home was in good shape but very outdated, so Allison embarked on a multi-phase renovation project. “During Phase 1, we completely gutted the primary suite and turned it into a modern oasis filled with warmth, texture, and character,” she explains. “For Phase 2, we tackled the first floor, which originally had two full bathrooms and three bedrooms, including an office.” They brought on an architect and turned the same square footage into three full baths, three bedrooms and an office. “And then, in my opinion, we tackled the shining star of the house, which is the kitchen, dining area, and bar. We knocked down a wall that was originally in between the kitchen and dining, which happened to be structural, added in reclaimed wood beams, and expanded the bar so it flowed across both spaces.”
The interior style is modern organic, with rustic vibes and a hint of bold glamour. “All in all, the project took about a year and change,” Allison says. “The client cried when they saw the finished space, so it was pretty safe to say they loved it!”
