DesignNJ-Dec23Jan24-Digital Issue

In the kitchen, a piece from the homeowners’ Santa collection acts as a centerpiece on the table. “In our house, the atmosphere has always been ‘the more the merrier,’” Fox says. “We
wanted to create spaces that would be cozy and comfortable for us as a family and that would have great spaces for entertaining.”
were, however, complicating factors; renovations — including expanding
the first and second floors and redesigning the living spaces — would
take months, bringing them very close to the December 24 target date.
Fox was confident the schedule could be managed. “We told everybody a
year in advance, ‘Get ready — we’re hosting Christmas Eve.’”
For the design revamp, Fox sought the help of Danielle Palmadessa
of Franklin Lakes-based DRP Interiors. Palmadessa describes the home’s
aesthetic: “The style is transitional. The clients wanted their home to
feel glamorous yet comfortable. They have elegant taste, but they’re not
afraid to be bold with color and pattern. Our goal was to marry form and
function while meeting the transitional ‘organic glam’ design aesthetic.”
The designer adds, “The lines of the furniture and fixtures are simple
and sophisticated, which is representative of transitional furnishings.
Boldly patterned wall covering — as seen in the family room and dining
room — creates dramatic yet intimate spaces.”
In the midst of Palmadessa’s work, Fox began making plans for holiday
décor with the help of stylist Diana Andriotis of Theodora’s Gracious Gift
& Design in Allendale. Andriotis describes the process of customizing
each of her projects. “We always make sure the holiday décor works with
the home design, so we do a home inspection before we begin a project.
But in this case, we began the project before she moved in.”
Even without a finished house, Fox knew she wanted holiday décor that
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