Designer: Toledo Geller
Location: Weehawken
Photographer: Jacob Snavely
For some empty nesters, it makes more sense to downsize than turn their space into a fully functional house for two. In the case of a New Jersey couple, they chose to trade their suburban home in Alpine for a penthouse apartment on the Weehawken waterfront to live out the next chapter of their lives.
To ensure a smooth transition, the couple sought out Englewood design firm Toledo Geller who knows a thing or two about creating turn-key, custom residences for their clients. The design duo’s primary goal, aside from helping the couple settle into a more compact living space, was to establish an artful balance between his and her needs—the husband being partial to jewel tones and the wife, a native California girl looking for something reminiscent of the sea and sand.
The décor aesthetic was built around a palette that has beachy undertones like shades of aquamarine and chartreuse and the overarching hues of blue and gray proved to be a point of connection throughout the home. The designers intended for the color-heavy nature of the space to serve as a “…coastal backdrop for the breathtaking city view.”
The glass-enclosed living area quickly became a meeting place for both pattern and color. A vibrant statement rug serves as the apartment’s anchor and is balanced by subtle neutrals such as the beige, multidirectional sectional sofa and additional seating. For contrast, a custom track-light chandelier was installed spanning the entire length of the room, studded with precious hand-blown glass spheres that act as a burst of character and brilliance.
Both the bedroom and study take on a more masculine, serious tone and the cheery ocean blues fade to a moodier, hazy gray. Pulling from a wider palette of colors and textures, each room layers a range of handsome furnishings, rich accessories and creative artwork.
The cozy, man cave-inspired study features custom millwork—a Toledo Geller trademark—with cerused chocolate-colored cabinetry. The warm, earthy tones give the room a more liveable feel that suits the husband’s style and are enhanced by sculptural chairs, a luxe recliner and low slung sofa by Ferrell Mittman.
In the bedroom there’s a rugged mix of materials including a leather-covered headboard and chocolate wood paneling matched by floating end tables. To tie-in the breezy, oceanic vibe accents of sea-glass green and odes to water are embedded throughout.
About the Author/s
Abby is The Digest's Managing Editor. She spends her time looking at dogs on Instagram and eating her way around Jersey City.
