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.
Abby is The Digest's Managing Editor. She spends her time looking at dogs on Instagram and eating her way around Jersey City.
