Historic Montclair Home Transformed with Modern, Bold Design Elements

November 27, 2024

In 2022, designer Beth Diana Smith embarked on an ambitious project to collaborate with a couple on the complete redesign of their 100-year-old Montclair, New Jersey home. Initially conceived as a modest kitchen renovation, the project quickly expanded to encompass the entire two-story, two-bedroom house. Smith, who is set to receive the Rising Star award from the New York School of Interior Design next spring, aimed to harmonize the old with the new in her design approach. Her vision was to create a cohesive blend of historical charm and contemporary style, ensuring the home retained its character while catering to modern needs.

The living room became a perfect example of this balance. Smith retained the original brick fireplace, adding her own touch with a marble mantel and a cubed tile surround to create a modern twist. The room’s walls, painted in walnut brown by Benjamin Moore, provided a warm and inviting backdrop, complemented by a striking navy wallcovering adorned with red and gold roses from Divine Savages. This design choice, though influenced by the client’s preferences, marked a departure from Smith’s childhood aversion to florals. The overall effect was a sophisticated and bold living space that embodied both the house’s historical roots and the clients’ contemporary tastes.

Living and Dining Room Transformation

The transformation of the dining room was equally striking. Smith replaced an existing window with double doors, facilitating easier access and future plans for a deck. This structural change brought in more natural light, enhancing the room’s spacious feel. She introduced a modern touch through a Currey & Co. chandelier that harmonized with the ceiling wallpaper’s flowing patterns, creating a unified and dynamic aesthetic. As with the living room, the choice of light fixtures and wallpapers underscored Smith’s ability to blend classic elements with modern design sensibilities effectively.

Smith’s redesign paid meticulous attention to detail and consistency in her theme. The dining room’s new look integrated seamlessly with the rest of the house, creating a flow that felt organic and intentional. The removal of the window and installation of double doors were not just practical upgrades; they transformed the room into a functional and visually appealing space. This attention to form and function was a hallmark of Smith’s approach throughout the project.

Kitchen and Primary Bedroom Design

The centerpiece of the renovation was undoubtedly the kitchen. Smith transformed it into an open layout that connected seamlessly with the dining room, promoting a sense of space and fluidity. The kitchen featured shaker-style cabinets painted in Sherwin Williams’s Dockside Blue, adding a vibrant yet classic feel. A dark-blue butcher-block island became the focal point of the room, offering both style and functionality. The addition of a new window, adorned with Stroheim floral roman shades, allowed ample natural light to fill the space, highlighting the black and white patterned tile floors from The Tile Shop.

The primary bedroom’s design carried forward the bold and beautiful aesthetic seen in other parts of the house. A mineral green bed provided a stunning centerpiece, flanked by nightstands from West Elm and lamps from Circa Lighting. The room’s atmosphere was further elevated by Stroheim curtain fabric and a sumptuous gold wallcovering that added depth and luxury. Smith’s choice of colors and textures created a harmonious and sophisticated environment, showcasing her talent for integrating disparate elements into a cohesive whole.

Upper Floor and Thoughtful Touches

The attic space was transformed into a multi-functional area, serving both as an office and a guest room. Smith incorporated custom-built shelving and storage units, maximizing the use of space while maintaining a clean and modern look. The design of the attic featured neutral tones and minimalistic furniture, ensuring that it could easily adapt to different uses.

Finally, throughout the house, Smith added thoughtful touches that personalized the space for the homeowners. From selecting unique art pieces to incorporating family heirlooms, she ensured that every room felt both stylish and meaningful. Her careful balance of historical preservation and contemporary updates culminated in a home that was not only beautiful but also deeply personal to its inhabitants.

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