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’s Showhouse Spotlight features The Rath Project.
The Rath Project, an interior design firm based in Fairfield, Connecticut, specializes in creating residential spaces that are both functional and aesthetically engaging, characterized by bold colors, eclectic patterns, and a sense of sophisticated whimsy. Founder Diane Rath’s design philosophy emphasizes the importance of making homes that are beautiful yet practical, ensuring that each space reflects the unique personality and lifestyle of its family. Often drawing inspiration from midcentury modern design, The Rath Project incorporates clean lines as foundational elements, layering them with vintage pieces and reimagined antiques to create curated environments that tell a story. They believe in the value of incorporating pre-loved items into modern spaces, adding depth and character to every design.
How did you begin the process — was there a single material, color or image that set everything in motion?
Diane Rath: The starting point for this design was, without a doubt, the Kristy Stafford wallpaper. I’m obsessed with everything Kristy creates, but this particular pattern has been living rent-free in my mind — and on our studio inspiration board — for months. So when we were invited to participate in the showhouse, we knew immediately it had to be part of the space. Once that decision was made, everything else came together naturally. The cabinetry style and color, the floor and backsplash tile, the plumbing fixtures, the lighting — it all just clicked into place, like the room had been waiting for this exact design to come to life.
Designing for a showhouse comes with a unique kind of freedom. How has that influenced your process so far?
DR: Though our clients are truly incredible — and often come to us specifically for bold pattern and color mixing — it’s always a treat when we get to be the clients! Our team loves playing with unexpected palettes and creating spaces that feel both distinctive and thoughtfully edited, and I think we really achieved that here with the materials we selected. We also had the opportunity to partner with vendors and makers we genuinely love and often recommend to our homeowners, so it felt especially meaningful to feature their work in this space and continue championing their designs.
Were there any creative challenges you’ve had to navigate already, or ones you’re anticipating?
DR: Every stone slab we selected for the countertops was out of stock — every single one! I can laugh about it now, but at the time, it was seriously nerve-wracking. One material in particular was a key design element that tied so many of the other finishes together, so realizing it wasn’t available threw a major wrench into our plan. Under normal circumstances, we would’ve waited for it to come back in stock or adjusted the timeline accordingly. But when you’re working on a showhouse, waiting isn’t an option. Deadlines are fixed, the pressure is on, and there’s zero room for delay. Let’s just say there was a lot of scrambling, some late-night Plan B sourcing, and ultimately, a happy ending.
If your room had a soundtrack, what would it sound like?
DR: This room has a certain grooviness to it — it’s playful and full of personality, but still feels sophisticated and elevated. So if I had to create a playlist to match the mood, it would definitely start with some classic jazz by Herbie Hancock — smooth, layered, and effortlessly cool. I’d mix in a bit of Diana Krall for that sultry, polished elegance she brings, and of course, some Earth, Wind & Fire to keep the energy high and the vibe joyful. It’s the kind of space that invites a little shoulder shimmy while sipping something strong — relaxed, stylish, and undeniably fun.
What’s one design “rule” you’re intentionally breaking in this space?
DR: We break design “rules” all the time — it’s kind of our thing. And in this laundry room, we definitely leaned into that rebellious spirit. Conventional wisdom might suggest using light, airy colors in a space without natural light, but we took the opposite approach. Instead of trying to brighten or open up the room, we embraced its smaller footprint and went deep and bold with the palette.
We wanted it to feel like a jewel box — a little hidden gem that surprises you with its richness and warmth, much like you might approach a powder room. By playing with contrast and emphasizing the height of the space, we created a room that feels less like a utilitarian pass-through and more like a moment.
The result is cozy, dramatic, and totally enveloping. And really, who wouldn’t want that when tackling the most dreaded task in the house: laundry? A little mood lift goes a long way when you’re sorting socks!
How do you think visitors will interact with or experience your room once it’s complete?
DR: We hope everyone is pleasantly surprised the moment they step into the space. Our goal was to create a laundry room that doesn’t feel like a laundry room at all — where the design is so thoughtful and immersive, you forget the task-oriented nature of the space entirely. Instead of leaning into utility, we leaned into mood, groove and sophistication. It’s designed to feel just as intentional and elevated as any other room in the home. And with a closer look, the hidden details — those smart, functional elements that make the space work seamlessly — begin to reveal themselves. It’s beauty and practicality, wrapped into one unexpected little gem.
When you look at your rendering now, what excites you most about seeing it all come together?
DR: I’m genuinely so excited to see everything come together — the wallpaper, the backsplash, the paint colors — it all feels like a celebration of creativity. There’s something so joyful about how these elements interact; the combinations are bold and a little unexpected, but they work together in a way that feels fresh and full of personality. It’s the kind of space that makes you smile the moment you walk in. Every surface adds to the story, and seeing it all in place is like watching a vision come to life — layered, vibrant, and unapologetically fun.
Purchase tickets to tour The Art of the Home here.
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