aspire design and home proudly presents The Art of the Home, a transformational designer showhouse set within a breathtaking 13,000-square-foot estate in Upper Saddle River, New Jersey. This curated exhibition of world-class design, architecture, and fine art will run from September 19 through October 19, with an Opening Night Event to benefit the Tunnel to Towers Foundation on September 17.
Each Tuesday and Thursday, we’re spotlighting a different designer whose creative vision is shaping this bold, curated home. From behind-the-scenes peeks to personal stories, you’ll get an inside look at the minds reimagining what a home can be. Today, we take a peek at the powder room by Cynthia Peralta-Brito.
Cynthia Peralta-Brito devotes herself to transforming ordinary spaces into dream homes at CPB Interiors + Design. From traditional to contemporary design, Cynthia combines 15+ years of interior design and architecture experience to curate uniquely beautiful spaces. She attended Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, diving into the world of art, she dabbled in pottery, photography, painting, fashion design and architecture before finally landing on interior design. Cynthia spent a decade working in New York and New Jersey designing residential spaces from Park Avenue apartments and Hamptons summer homes to remodels and additions in the suburbs of the Garden State, harnessing the expertise needed to launch her business in 2019. Cynthia is an NCIDQ certificate holder, a member of ASID, and holds a New Jersey State license as a Certified Interior Designer.
Tell us about your concept for The Art of the Home — what inspired your approach to the room?
Cynthia Peralta-Brito: The powder room design was influenced by a recent visit to Granada, Spain, where the harmonious integration of Spanish and Moorish cultures is reflected in the architecture and interior design seen throughout the city.
How did you begin the process? Was there a single material, color, or image that set everything in motion?
CPB: I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and decided to work with a color I do not work with often: green! Designing with this hue tested my skills and sparked my creativity. Pairing the green hues within the space with the brass finishes and touches of blushy pinks created a warm and jewel-like palette that I consider to be rich and unexpected.
What can you share about your palette, textures, or material choices? Are there any unexpected combinations we can look forward to?
CPB: I am using a beautiful grass cloth wallcovering on wall surfaces from Innovations in a green hue that has a pattern which reflects arches and has a wonderful, subtle texture. Then paired it with a wallcovering which has a woven texture-like effect in mostly pink tones for the fourth wall of the room – the ceiling!
Designing for a showhouse comes with a unique kind of freedom. How has that influenced your process so far?
CPB: Designing a space without a specific client and focusing solely on my creative expression presented a unique opportunity. To have a little more fun in mixing patterns and textures and designing with a more colorful palette.
Even without seeing the final room yet, what detail or element are you most looking forward to bringing to life?
CPB: I am eager to see how the use of the different patterns and textures comes together, and of course, how the green color palette envelops the space. I also can’t wait to see the custom metal shade for the window. It’s an unexpected way to dress a window, in my opinion.
Do you have a particular person, place, or memory that informed your concept?
CPB: The design draws inspiration from a love story between two people from different worlds, reflecting my parents’ relationship — my Muslim dad (stepdad) and Hispanic mom. Their cultural blend mirrors Granada’s design, and this work honors their love. It also pays homage to my dad, who passed away in 2021 due to complications from COVID.
What does “design lives here” mean to you — and how do you hope your room reflects that?
CPB: To me, the phrase “design lives here” means spaces that are intentionally designed to tell a story, elicit a special feeling, and engage the senses. I hope the powder room leaves the attendees feeling inspired to create spaces in their homes that do just that!
Purchase tickets to tour The Art of the Home here.
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