This Rumson, New Jersey renovation was spurred by a yearning for timeless design. “The house is located towards the end of a beautiful street in Rumson,” says Kiera Gannon, Design Director at Salt Design Co. “Many of the houses, including this one, back the canal that juts out into the Shrewsbury River. We aimed to bottle the secluded and serene nature of the neighborhood and reflect that in the designs of the interior. While the house has a larger footprint, our goal was to create a warm and cozy flow with plenty of corners to curl up and read.”
She describes the clients as incredibly down-to-earth. “The husband and wife live in the home with their young son along with their cockapoo sidekick, Yogi. They are avid readers, and they are always escaping to the beach for a surf. Their main priority for the home was ample book storage along with a more informal dining space for entertaining long dinners.”
To bring their goals—both in form and function—to life, they steered clear of anything too trendy. “Our scope included nearly the entire first floor, plus the primary bedroom, primary bathroom, and office on the second floor,” Kiera explains. “While renovation projects can pose their own set of challenges, some of the most unique and beautiful homes come from them because they offer a truly one-of-a-kind design.”
For example, the lower ceilings in the kitchen (just eight feet high) added to the overall ‘homey’ feel. “We created more of a focal point by installing a mosaic tumbled stone backsplash for the entire length of the main kitchen wall,” Kiera explains. “The clients loved the idea of a built-in dining banquette, and it ended up serving as a great transition from the kitchen into the great room. And perhaps one of my personal favorites in the house is the dining room. The space is anchored by a custom 12-foot white oak dining table and a statement fireplace. The streamlined design lends to elegance yet still informal enough to enjoy glasses of wine with friends. The dining bar tucked away in the corner of the room offers an unexpected surprise and fun element while hosting. The not-so-formal living room is another highly used space for the clients.”
Creating highly personal spaces is a specialty of the design firm, which is celebrating ten years in business this month. “I truly love the entire design process, start to finish,” says Sarah Brady, Founder and Principal Designer. “The organization, meticulous planning, and project management, all of it. However, what I cherish most is the moment when a project is completed, and I can see the final result. There’s a profound sense of fulfillment in knowing that a family will live, create memories, and find joy in the spaces I’ve designed.”
She credits the firm’s success to the importance of having proper systems in place. “It’s essential to invest time in thinking through your processes and understanding what information is necessary to run the business efficiently,” Sarah explains. “By working backward when setting up your back-end systems, you can ensure that everything is aligned with your goals and needs. We are constantly adjusting and improving our operations, but having a solid framework from the beginning is vital. Taking the time to focus intently on establishing these systems can make a significant difference in your business’s success. It allows you to manage projects more effectively, streamline communication, and ultimately deliver a better experience for your clients. This foundational work, though time-consuming, pays off immensely in the long run by providing structure and clarity in your operations.”
As for what’s Salt Design Co. has planned next? “Looking to the future, I see Salt continuing to expand our reach and influence in the interior design industry. Our goals include growing our team with talented designers who share our passion for creating timeless, functional spaces. We aim to take on more diverse and large-scale projects, both residential and potentially commercial, that challenge us creatively and allow us to showcase our distinctive style,” she shares. “Ultimately, our goal is to remain at the forefront of the industry, continually pushing the boundaries of design while staying true to our core values of intentionality, functionality, and beauty. By focusing on these principles, we hope to inspire and influence the world of interior design for years to come.”
And, with Sarah at the helm, this approach will continue to benefit their clients. “Each project is more than just a job; it’s a chance to enhance lives and create environments that offer comfort, beauty, and functionality. Seeing clients’ happiness and knowing that my work positively impacts their daily lives is incredibly rewarding and motivating.”
