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For the last 50 years, New Jersey and area interior decorators and designers have clamored for a chance to transform a historic home.
In 2022, 44 designers were chosen to put their mark on Mansion in May, the signature fundraiser of the Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center, which returns May 1 to 31.
From January through mid-April, designers spent hours adding color and style to this year’s home: Three Fields in Mendham, which dates to 1929.
Each designer (some are new to the fundraiser) has been allotted a space — or sometimes, multiple spaces. From a butler’s pantry to a library, designers spend their own time and money for their work to be seen by tens of thousands of visitors.
We spoke to designers from Bergen to Hunterdon County about what inspires them, what keeps them coming back to this one-of-a-kind event, and what attendees can expect to see at the 20th Mansion in May. Here’s what they had to say.
Boutique Closets and Cabinetry, High Bridge: Wendy Scott
Ladies’ dressing room, “Sa Boutique Privee“
What will your Mansion in May space look like? The primary closet is no longer just a closet. This and many of our projects are geared to give the homeowner the feel of shopping in their own private boutique; a place where they don’t just store their treasured belongings, but display them. Our space will also be outfitted with clothing from a lady’s boutique (Addicted Chic) and is available to purchase.
What was your inspiration for this design? Our inspiration started with finding a special piece for a special home. We will be showcasing a custom accessory cabinet that will feature leather drawer faces wrapped in gold trim. These drawers and the matching trimmed doors will not be available to the public for at least another year and are being made especially for this project.
What’s your favorite aspect of Mansion in May? … The connections made with the other designers.
How can someone use your Mansion in May design to help them style their own space? It is easier to see what could be when standing in the space, and how they could take elements from the boutique and decide what they like and don’t like for their own personal space. They will be able to see the use of layered colors, as well as ways to handle angles and other obstacles.
Info: 908-975-9381, boutiqueclosetsandcabinetry.com
CWI.Design, New Providence: Rachel Kapner
Dining room and back hall, “Yellow Bird”
What will your Mansion in May space look like? For the dining room and back hall, we used hand block printed wallcovering in green with vines, yellow birds and fuschia butterflies to set the tone for the room. A gray roundtable with gold velvet chairs, and a linen wrap sideboard in cream with gold leaf pulls are just a few of the room details.
What was your inspiration for this design? My inspiration … came from the rolling green grass and trees right outside the French doors. When I saw the green tones of the paper, I knew that the color from outside needed to be drawn inside.
What’s your favorite aspect of Mansion in May? … Knowing I can help to draw attendees, which in turn will help make the goal of the Women’s Association for 2023.
How can someone use your Mansion in May design to help them style their own space? Showhouse rooms are always great inspiration for clients to draw from for their own homes. The goal is to show how wood details and layering of accessories can finish a room. Attendees are encouraged to take pictures, which will help to remind them of the room and can be used to apply to their space.
Info: 908-665-7997, creativewallcoverings.com
Dove Design Studio, Short Hills: Jim Dove
Butler’s pantry
What will your Mansion in May space look like? The space is being designed in the French country manor house style, which is the style of the house. We are adding some modern touches such as brass bistro shelving, and an up-to-date wine and beverage center.
What was your inspiration for this design? It was taken from the style of the house.
What’s your favorite aspect of Mansion in May? It’s an honor to be invited to participate. I love the energy that surrounds the event, getting the space ready, talking with the other designers and seeing a space come to life in a very short timeframe.
How can someone use your Mansion in May design to help them style their own space? It is easy to take some ideas from our space and incorporate them into your own home. We used an antique mirror for a backsplash, used wall coverings to add more interest, and we will hang brass bistro shelving to display objects. Also, the cabinets have glass doors and side panels, so it is easy to see into the cabinets.
Info: 973-376-1080, jimdovedesign.com
Susan Cohan Gardens, Boonton: Alex Holt-Cohan and Ryan Zawojski
Pool cabana, “The Cabana”
What will your Mansion in May space look like? (It was) designed to merge traditional architectural features with contemporary furniture while using container planting to soften the overall space.
What was your inspiration for this design? Since the architecture of the cabana is traditional, we wanted to create a juxtaposition by using contemporary furniture donated by Gloster. Our intent for the furniture was to ensure it did not take away from the classic appeal of the structure.
What’s your favorite aspect of Mansion in May? As a charity event for the Institute of Bioskills Training and Innovation, Mansion in May is one of the best events we participate in. We are overjoyed to have been asked to participate.
How can someone use your Mansion in May design to help them style their own space? Our hope is that attendees draw inspiration from our use of contemporary outdoor furniture.
Info: 201-572-1502, susancohangardens.com
Accents By Design, Bedminster: Sagri Frieber
Sitting room, “Come Spill The Tea”
What will your Mansion in May space look like? … My aim was to pack a big, stylish personality into a small space. I used elegant furniture, perfect lighting and unexpected colors and patterns. It’s the perfect spot to have a conversation with a friend, relax with a book or drink a cup of tea.
What was your inspiration for this design? I was inspired by the challenge of transforming a small space into an inviting, private sitting room.
What’s your favorite aspect of Mansion in May? … Working with the highly talented women of Morristown Memorial Hospital who organized this event.
How can someone use your Mansion in May design to help them style their own space? I’m honored to have participated in Mansion in May in previous years, and there are a few principles that have served me well. The style of the house, the size and the shape of the room will dictate what type of furniture you should use. In order to create a well-balanced room, we need perfect lighting, textures, colors and good design. I like to incorporate real antiques with elegant furniture, unexpected colors and chandeliers to create puddles of lighting to enhance my design.
Info: 908-234-9425.accentsbydesign.net
Susan Farcy Interior Design, Wyckoff: Susan Farcy
Gathering room next to the kitchen, “The Keeping Room”
What will your Mansion in May space look like? It has a comfortable seating area by the fireplace, a small breakfast table by the large window facing the beautiful back garden, and a desk for day-to-day tasks. The room has a mixture of English and French furnishings fitting with the house.
What was your inspiration for this design? … First and foremost, the natural function of the space infused with beautiful fabrics and soft furnishings in an inviting layout.
What’s your favorite aspect of Mansion in May? … It is a celebration of wonderful design both inside the home and out for a great cause. It is an honor to be a part of this wonderful May tradition that is such a successful fundraiser for Morristown Medical Center.
How can someone use your Mansion in May design to help them style their own space? Someone can use the concept of my Mansion in May design in their space in their own home with their own style. I always use classic pieces that are both beautiful and timeless with the comfort of the occupants in mind.
Info: 917-660-2214, susanfarcy.com
Contact: JIntersimone@MyCentralJersey.com
Jenna Intersimone has been a staff member at the USA TODAY NETWORK New Jersey since 2014, after becoming a blogger-turned-reporter following the creation of her award-winning travel blog. To get unlimited access to her stories about food, drink and fun, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
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