In the Gothic-style former Parish House of Saint Bernard’s Church on Claremont Road in Bernardsville, 12 nationally- and regionally-known designers were invited by aspire design and home, to create the interiors of a 100-year-old historic building. The property—which contains 20 residences—includes the original historic structure designed by Henry Janeway Hardenbergh in 1912.
Steve Mandel, aspire’s founder and CEO points out that Heritage at Claremont is the caliber of showhouse that is usually reserved for a major city, but the architectural importance of the original building made it a perfect choice for a designer showhouse.
Sandy Cabelis designed the den in Residence 201 to be a soothing getaway space. Away from the large, bright, open spaces of the kitchen and dining area, this room is perfect for sneaking away to read a book or relax. The floral wallcovering in bright greens and neutrals brings the soothing qualities of nature into the room, while the dark ceiling adds warmth and coziness.
In our recently released aspire design and home Showhouse Issue, we sat down with Sandy to learn more about her creative process in designing this space.
aspire design and home: How much time did you have to complete this room, start to finish?
Sandy Cabelis: The initial timeline was only a few months so the majority of the planning and sourcing was compressed into this timeline. Then we hit a pause while there were construction delays. Finally, several months later there was a green light when finishing the project went into high speed where we had to quickly bring in furnishings and finishing touches.
aspire: What was your biggest challenge? Did you have a Eureka moment during the process?
Sandy: The biggest challenge for the den was to take a small room with no natural light and make it an inviting space. Ultimately it was the characteristics that made the room unique and special and drove the overall vision of the space—to be a cozy zen garden retreat.
aspire: What did you and your team accomplish that you thought would not happen in time?
Sandy: We had more time than expected to complete the design but as we got close to the end it became a challenge to complete the finishing details as construction on the building was still underway and we were all working towards finishing in time for the reveal Gala.
aspire: What was your inspiration for the den?
Sandy: The fact that the room was small and didn’t have natural light it felt it was the perfect place for a zen garden room that could be enjoyed when you need a quiet retreat. I let the idea of a garden within guide the purpose and the aesthetic choices. The gorgeous floral white and green, soft textiles and warm light all contributed to creating the cozy nook.
aspire: Did you step out of your comfort zone for this project, and if so, why?
Sandy: Each space has its own voice. When I enter a space I can imagine it completed. I let that vision guide the process.
aspire: Despite the fact that there were so many designers involved, there is an inherent cohesiveness to the home. Did you all converse/collaborate? Or was this a completely individual process?
Sandy: We collaborated on some of the architectural details that were to run throughout the entire unit. After that, we had to let our individual talents and expressions shine.
aspire: Is your preference for a showhouse a small space or large space?
Sandy: I love small spaces and I tend to gravitate towards them. The small spaces are the ones that people find most cozy and inviting.
aspire: Describe the town of Bernardsville in one sentence.
Sandy: Quaint and lovely—small-town charm.
This or That?
aspire: Paint or wallpaper?
Sandy: Wallpaper!
aspire: Hardwood or rug?
Sandy: Hardwood and rug
aspire: Beach or Mountains?
Sandy: Mountains
aspire: Saturated Color or Black and White?
Sandy: Color
aspire: Brunch or Dinner?
Sandy: Brunch
aspire: Midcentury or 18th Century?
Sandy: 18th Century—many of the designs today are revivals of classic designs
aspire: Draperies, shades, or nothing?
Sandy: Drapery—you need that warmth!
aspire: 2001: A Space Odyssey or The English Patient?
Sandy: Sci-fi always
aspire: Week at the spa or Week of Broadway shows?
Sandy: Broadway. Then a day at the spa
Photography by Lisa Russman.
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