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The path to growth is being uncomfortable
Nureed Saeed of Nu Interiors speaking at KBIS 2023 about “being uncomfortable”. Video courtesy of https://www.thecabinetnerd.com/
I have spent much of my life as the “other” in spaces. Whether it’s being the first or the only one, I have been uniquely positioned as the person who is not like the others. Otherness can feel like a burden. It can feel lonely. It can feel like you are wondering “Am I the only one who sees what’s wrong here?” It is a feeling and a way of living that more often than not will leave you always feeling uncomfortable.
Accepting my otherness helps me accept that the rules were never written for me to succeed. I am being evaluated, like everyone, based on a societal standard of driven by whiteness. So I do not wake up wondering how I can win the game that has been set, I wake up playing my own game. One where the only standards to which I hold myself are my own.
Most do not choose to live in or with their discomfort. I think it’s human nature to look for comfort and ease. But when you are living as the other your entire life, uncomfortable can become your super power. What if I told you that every success I have experienced started with me being uncomfortable? The old saying “to learn from our mistakes” comes to mind. But the idea of a mistake comes with feelings of shame or regret. Those feelings do not help us grow. Instead my way to describe my success is that “I learned what I could do differently when I leaned into being uncomfortable.”
About two years ago, I enlisted the help of a business coach to help me write goals for my business. Like most people, I expected this to be a few months of working together and then I would move on. After about two months and me very much feeling like this is therapy not business coaching, my coach, Sasza, asked me if I wanted to do a thought exercise that required me to give myself accolades. At first, I cringed at the idea of telling myself how great I am. I honestly could not think of anything worse. And I told Sasza as much. And then I said “I hate this idea. I am incredibly uncomfortable, but maybe that’s the reason to do it. After all, the way I’ve been going clearly isn’t working. So f*ck it let’s try this.”
What came after that was a different me, a different life, and a different business. I was able to build goals and give myself credit for my achievements. I grew my business by 79% from 2020 to 2021 and by 43% from 2021 to 2022. But most importantly, I was working smarter, not harder. I was more efficient. I was using different, out-of-the box ideas to grow and I did this all while living in California, and servicing clients in California and in my previous home state of New Jersey. And I did this all because I allowed myself to be uncomfortable.
I could list the many ways I have grown and evolved my business over the last eight and a half years, but the number one way to grow is to challenge yourself to think differently about everything you see and think. Challenge the status quo. Challenge the norms. Challenge the idea that the “successful people work this much” or “a design business works like this.” The only rules that matter are the one’s you set for yourself (with the help of someone amazing like Sasza because everyone needs an editor).
So I would give this one piece of advice to every person; Lean into being uncomfortable because that is where the real growth happens.
Nureed Saeed is an award winning interior designer and a thought leader / advocate for creating true inclusion and equity in the design industry. She speaks about today’s ongoing inequalities in the design industry, housing, the workplace, and education. Most recently, Nureed spoke on the above subject at KBIS, the leading Kitchen and Bath Industry show in America, where she shared her thoughts on growth and leaning into being uncomfortable. Nureed is a successful entrepreneur and owner of Nu Interiors, a full service interior design firm, servicing California and New Jersey. She is also a regular volunteer, serving as the President of the National Kitchen and Bath Association, Northern California Chapter. She formerly served as a Steering Committee member of the National Committee to Redress Residential Segregation, now called “The Redress Movement.” Nureed holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising from Philadelphia University and a Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University.
In the past, Nureed has run for elected office three times, having served as a Democratic Leader in her previous district in New Jersey and as the Chair of the School Site Council for Oxford Elementary in the Berkeley (California) Unified School District. Previously she ran for town council in the Township of South Orange, NJ, running as the only independent candidate and the first South Asian, Muslim woman to run for that position. Nureed also served as the Immigrants Rights Chairperson for SOMA Action, a local non-profit activism group, a Board of Director for the South Orange Public Library, a Board of Director for the South Orange Village Downtown Alliance, Vice-Chair of the Master Planning Committee for South Orange, and Secretary and Committee member of the South Orange Development Committee, where she was the only female and one of two people of color to serve.
DIY Diaries: Tiling the Floor of My Guest Bathroom
I love tile. Obsessed with it actually. If you follow me instagram, I post a fair amount of tile photos. I visit tile factories like they are a museum. It’s art in another form to me. Jewels of a different substance. So when I had the chance, I wanted to learn how to install this art form myself. The first time I tiled, it was the walls of my powder room in NJ. I chose an arabesque pattern tile. My partner in crime in NJ, aka my contractor Carlos, did all of the tiling himself for our projects. I always handed him a challenge as he liked to say. So when I showed him what I wanted to do, he laughed and said “Why couldn’t you pick subway tile for your first time? Do you know hard hard it to cut that shape?” So with a few tips from Carlos, I went ahead and tiled my powder room.
My 1st piece of advice: Listen to Carlos. For your first time, pick a tile that follows a simple geometric pattern (i.e. a square or a rectangle). It makes it easier to match patterns and easier to cut the tiles. Also if choosing a patterned tile, try to pick one where the matching is easy or where randomness is welcome so if you make a mistake, it won’t matter.
Next I tiled the wall of my mudroom in NJ. This time I would choose a subway tile, beveled for a little difficulty level, but at least it’s a consistent easy shape. I stacked it vs. staggering to make it easier to lay out. Carlos came by and told me I did a pretty good job. I felt triumphant.
So when it came to this guest bathroom, I thought: This is not my first time tiling, I can do this. I psyched myself up. I did not call Carlos in NJ from CA. I said to myself “I’m gonna do this.”
Guest Bathroom BEFORE
I had chosen a 9” hexagon in porcelain in a solid color. Not the most difficult shape, but it still required me to lean in on my high school geometry when cutting.
2nd Piece of advice: Invest in the tools to do this right.
1) Rent or buy a wetsaw: I have an inexpensive wetsaw I bought from the Home Depot for $150 and it does the trick.
2) Buy spare blades for the saw: Blades can wear down fast and you will see your tile chip if you don’t have a sharp blade.
3) Get the safety gear/comfort gear: If laying floor tile or cutting tile on the ground vs. a table, knee pads are a must. Rubber gloves and safety goggles are also important when cutting. (Carlos wears neither of these when tiling but he also appears to be made of steel, so I will ignore his advice on this one.)
4) Pick the right mortar to adhere your tile: They have a powder thin set that you will need to mix to the right consistency. They also have a pre-mixed thin set. Most contractors prefer the kind you mix, not the pre-mix. I am a novice so I have used the pre-mixed kind for wall and floor applications and found as long as it’s a small format tile (under 10”) and you spread it consistently it will work.
5) Trowels – Why so many? U-Notch vs. V-Notch vs. Squared? Different sizes? It can be overwhelming. Basic rule of thumb is you use what the tile recommends. So when you buy your tile, it should say for example “ ¼” square notch trowel recommended”. If it doesn’t, ask the person at the tile store. They should know.
6) Grout – Again there is the kind you mix and the kind that is pre-mixed. Again most contractors prefer the kind you mix. Here I agree with them. I have found the pre-mixed kind to have a lot of shrinkage in it, which means after it dried I had to go back again and fill in.
7) Float – You will need this to apply the grout.
8) Sponge and bucket – You will need this to clean the adhesive off of the floor before you grout and then again to clean the excess grout.
9) Spacers – Absolutely needed. This is your call on how much space you want between each tile. I like less, but again some tiles need more space and specifically say so.
10) Level
11) Pencil
12) Measuring tape
13) If you are good at geometry, cuts won’t be too hard for you to map out. If this feels daunting: I recommend buying a locking profile and contour gauge. It maps out your cuts for you.
Now we are ready to tile! Wait not yet.
3rd piece of advice: Lay out your tiles before you actually make any cuts. Map it all out. Make sure you are comfortable with how it looks and where the cuts will land. Where you start depends on your space. So taking the time to map will create a better end product. On a floor try to make it so cuts end up in places where if they don’t look perfect you can hide them with trim, or a perfectly placed trash can.
4th piece of advice: Take your time. And maybe buy a little extra tile that you can practice some cuts on before you start.
5th piece of advice: Have fun. It’s art. It doesn’t have to be perfect. And if you totally mess up, you can lift it up and do it over (or cover it up with bath mats like me!).
It took me ½ a day to demo my bathroom, 1 day to tile and an hour or so to grout. So far I have had the painter come by and the electrician to help me complete the finishing touches and both of them were very impressed with my tiling skills. My family also is very happy with the transformation. BUT most importantly is how empowered and accomplished I feel. Overall, I will consider this a successful DIY project. On to the next project: tiling my mudroom/hallway.
Guest Bathroom AFTER
If you need help deciding on what tile to choose, or have more questions about how to tile, send me a DM on instagram @nuinteriors or send me an email to nureed@nuinteriors.net
Happy tiling!
Home Tours: Nureed of Nu Interiors’ California Kitchen
Many of you have been asking for a tour of some of my latest projects, so I recently took to IGTV to give everyone a tour of my kitchen. There are so many details that go into planning a kitchen renovation, more than I could share in a short video tour. Here are some more thoughts on my kitchen and what to think about when planning your kitchen renovation.
(You can see the video on my instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nuinteriors/ )
Know your home:
Not just from a design or style perspective (I.e. maybe your home is a classic colonial, so you are dreaming of a classic shaker kitchen), but know how your house works. Where does the light come in? How do you truly operate in your kitchen? I use a multi point questionnaire with my clients to truly understand the likes, dislikes, needs, wants and uses for their spaces.
Some basics about my home, its a 1950’s mid century home. It faces east-west, with the light coming into the kitchen in the morning and through the front of the house in the afternoon. In the late afternoon and early evening, the kitchen is dark and that is when I do most of my family cooking during the week, so lighting was a big consideration when I designed this area. The kitchen was ORIGINAL. Original cabinets, floors, lack of lighting, windows, two doors to the backyard within 15’ of each other, a weird flow point to the downstairs apartment unit and more. It did not function efficiently and the space was not maximized. I love some original details and I love to mix old with new, so I tried to update this kitchen for maximum functionality, which it lacked, but also honor some details that were worthy of keeping.
Original Kitchen
My favorite keep from the original space: the wood beams and ceiling. I painted the beams black to give it a little bit of modern touch but I think the spirit of the original architecture still shines in this space.
My focal point inspiration for the kitchen was my favorite part of the entire house when we bought it; the lemon tree in the backyard. It was a little hidden in the back originally. For the new design, I wanted it to be the focal point for the kitchen while also adding some much needed additional counter and cabinet space. So we closed off the second door to the backyard and added an eight foot picture window. Now the lemon tree is the star from most of the kitchen view but also the east facing light has a lot more space to enter from. This also created a 20’ run of cabinets. Lots of space!
Asbestos wrapped vent pipe
My big discovery: An asbestos lined vent pipe for the HVAC unit in the wall I wanted to remove for more cabinet space. Almost every renovation has this moment when your plans are put in a state of pause/ “OH CRAP! Now what?” Removing this vent pipe also meant upgrading the heating system to a newer, more high efficiency system. The asbestos abatement and removal cost about $800. The new system cost about $9,000. All things considered this was a safer choice for my family and the addition allowed me to keep my design plans as is, while also increasing the heating efficiency and lowering the heating costs of the home. But this meant I had to rethink other costs to save elsewhere.
3D Rendering of Kitchen Plan
Everyone has a wish list for their kitchen. I was no different. But the balance between wish list and your must haves always comes to a head. Making choices is hard, but my rule of thumb is if you can make choices that won’t sacrifice the overall look, functionality and quality, then its easy to make another selection.
Some wish list items that went away:
1) Artistic Tile marble mosaic tile for my backsplash – cost $4,000
Opted for porcelain tile from Tilebar – cost $1,000
2) Mod Cabinetry – cost $35,000
Opted for walnut cabinets from Conestoga Cabinets - cost $13,500
3) 3cm Quartz Countertops – cost $9,000
Opted for porcelain countertops – cost $7,650 (includes install for the pricing)
My must haves when planning this space were:
1) Lighting – I added recessed lighting and under mount lighting to ensure there is plenty of light at all time but also plenty of work light when prepping and cooking.
2) More Storage and Better Function – I added 3 pantry units and an appliance garage. Plus all of the cabinets have pull out trays for easy access. All of the drawers have utensil organizers, there is even a spice rack and baking tray pullout.
3) 42” Fridge – For a family of 5 I knew what I needed to store and feed this family. I had planned the entire kitchen, the cabinets were ordered. And then the extra costs from the new HVAC as well as the unplanned meltdown of the hot water heater, requiring us to put in a new high efficiency hot water heater all came into play. I went from having a budget for an $11,000 fridge to having only $4,500 to spend. 42” fridges are hard to come by and usually expensive. So I scoured every appliance sale and outlet center around, and found the one I wanted at the Sears Outlet for $3800. The only damage is a dent on the door panel. The panel itself costs only $800 so I decided I could get the fridge I want and change the panel for less than a brand new one. And that’s what I try to encourage everyone to do when renovating: Be resourceful and be creative.
Other ways to be creative when renovating:
1) Make some of the original lay out work - my sink, dishwasher and stove are in the exact same spot as the original kitchen. That saves me money and work.
2) Find a deal - Like my fridge
3) Maximize function and storage - Use spaces that would otherwise be dead - like my appliance garage.
4) Go Green and reduce waste by keeping some of the original space. In this renovation not only did I keep the ceiling, but I also kept the dishwasher, which was the only item that had been upgraded in the space. Why buy a new one? This one works great.
Finally have fun and find a way to add in your personality:
I had to change out the backsplash tile to an alternate for cost cutting measures, but in the end I LOVE it. I couldn’t be happier with the statement it brings to the space (and the ease to which I can clean the porcelain vs. marble). I love my slate floors. This was my nod to the era of the house. And I LOVE the eat in area and vintage chandelier. I brought that chandelier with me from my other mid-century modern home in NJ. I am so glad I did! It belongs in this space. I love my vintage yellow mesh chairs. I bought those on my wedding anniversary excursion in Asbury Park, NJ and my husband said “where are you putting these chairs?” I said, “I have no idea, but I need them anyway.” 4 years later they indeed have a perfect home here in California.
Open shelving and backsplash detail in newly renovated kitchen
My family of 5 spends a lot of time in this kitchen. In our 6 short months in the new home, I have had the pleasure of hosting Thanksgiving with our families and friends and now it has become our central camp for gathering daily. All of the planning was worth it, my kitchen is our favorite space in the house.
Eat-in Area with vintage dining chairs and chandelier
If you need some help with your creative kitchen plans or tips, send me a message and I would love to chat.
15 EASY WAYS TO BEAUTIFY YOUR BATHROOM WITHOUT A RENOVATION
We’d all love to come home to a spa after a long day.
Here are some easy and inexpensive ways to make your bath feel like a retreat.
The Vanity
1. Keep daily use items accessible and looking lovely by placing them in different small glasses or vases and arranging them on your vanity.
2. Use a small tray to organize all of your items and keep them looking neat.
3. Use a napkin ring to keep your hand towel styled.
4. Use a jar lid or a tea strainer as a soap dish for an eclectic look.
5. Add a decorative hook on the wall next to the sink instead of a towel bar for hand and face towels.
6. Use remnants from your last wallpaper project by lining your vanity drawers with them.
7. Flowers! Treat yourself with a small floral arrangement on the vanity mixed in with your everyday items.
The Shower
8. For much less than the cost of a shower remodel, you can add a rain shower head to replace your regular shower head and feel like your shower is a spa.
9. Shower pressure – Check your shower pressure valve to ensure you are getting the experience you want. Often times it is set low to save water.
10. Use soap or lotion dispensers or jars with a pump added on the lid for your toiletries.
The Bathtub
11. Candles add an element of luxury to any bath.
12. Keep bath salts in a decorative bowl with a spoon by the bath. You can also use an oil/vinegar cruet for bath salts or bubbles.
13. Add a waterfall faucet to your tub a luxurious touch.
The Toilet
14. Keep spare rolls of toilet paper handy, organized and out of sight by keeping them in a tall hurricane vase.
15. Fold the end of the toilet paper after each use. It sounds crazy, but a little fold will make you feel like you are using a 5 star hotel bathroom each time.
Want some help? Post a photo of your bathroom design dilemma to my Instagram or Facebook page @nuinteriors and I would love to give you some advice.
HAPPY DECORATING!
Demystifying the Perfectly Decorated Bookshelf
I can’t tell you how many times people have asked me the trick to decorating their bookshelves. I’ve heard, “I don’t have enough books to make it look right.” “I have too many books to display.” “I don’t know what to place and where.” Ever see those magazine or catalog photos of an amazingly decorated bookshelf and think, “How do I get my shelves to look like that?!”
Well I am here to help you take the mystery out of that decorating process with a few easy to follow rules:
1) Color coding is key – Remember ROY G BIV? It’s your friend when decorating a bookshelf. Organizing books, frames, art and knick knacks by color story is a fast and easy way to make any bookshelf look decorated.
2) Size Matters – Now that your items are broken down by color, organize by size. Scale is very important when placing your color groupings together. Taller books go on the bottom of a horizontal stack and then smaller from there. Taller books start your groupings from one bookend to the next. With objects, use a similar principle to group multiple objects together to create a variation in heights.
3) Being Odd Helps – When creating groups of objects or stacks of horizontal books, try to use odd numbers. For example, 5 books stacked horizontally from largest to smallest, bottom to top. Then to top off the stack only 1 frame that is in a vertical orientation to give the total stack height.
4) Less is more – Don’t feel like you have to jam every one of your belongings onto that shelf. Peeling the groupings down to what you truly love not only helps the overall feel of the space, but could also help you declutter some items that you have been holding on to for too long. (We all have them, even me.)
These easy rules will help take the fuss and stress out of decorating your bookshelves. Want some help? Post a photo of your design dilemma to my Facebook page @nuinteriors and I would love to give you some advice.
HAPPY DECORATING!
Commuting Hacks
For many who are living in the Suburbs for the first time, commuting in and out of NYC is a new adventure, or burden, depending on how you look at it. As with anything new, it needs to be investigated, understood and ultimately, once you get a handle on it, pretty effortless so that it becomes another part of your day.
I only live 22 miles from Midtown Manhattan. When the stars are in alignment and the Turnpike is clear, my commute is a brisk 30 minutes. On days when I travel at rush hour(s) or my luck doesn’t hold out those 30 carefree minutes turn into a two hour, expletive filled grind. (I have hacks for commuting, I never said I’m wasn't human.)
Since moving out here from Brooklyn, I’ve made it a point to explore my options. I love a challenge and I love discovering creative solutions to the most common life problems. So why not pass on what I have discovered on my journey out here to you? Of all the suburb worries I hear from my city kin, commuting fears are among the most common barriers to moving out here to NJ. After traveling the back roads and less traveled streets between my home and NYC, I have discovered the following:
Before we begin
I think it goes without saying, but WAZE and the Google Maps are your friends. Check the traffic reports, either before you leave the house or just as you jump in the car. A lot can happen in those 22 miles and these “hacks” won’t be of any use if you’re stuck in a 10 mile back-up on your way to the Lincoln Tunnel. (Unless you are right at the Secaucus Junction exit (see number 6 on the list) and then in that case, my list is already helping you…)
Let’s start with the usual, most direct routes into Manhattan:
- The Turnpike to the George Washington Bridge to Upper Manhattan
- The Turnpike to the Lincoln Tunnel to Midtown
- Take I-78 East to the Holland Tunnel to Lower Manhattan
- New Jersey Transit to Penn Station
On the days the transit gods are feeling playful, I would try the following:
- Pick Your Spots —If possible, travel during one of those pockets of time when the traffic is unusually light , roughly before 7:30AM, 10AM to 3PM, then after 7PM.
- Secaucus Junction — Drive to the Secaucus Station. There’s plenty of parking and every train from and to NYC and NJ stop here, so there’s no waiting — you can always jump on the next train.
- The PATH Train – The closest thing NJ has to a subway, has several stops in Manhattan, the last one being at Herald Square, 34th Street and Broadway. You have several options:
- Harrison — Drive to the Harrison stop and take the PATH Train
- Jersey City— Drive to Jersey City and take the PATH to any of the stops in Manhattan.
- Hoboken — You can also drive to Hoboken and take either the PATH or The Ferry, but parking in Hoboken is not great so I only mention it because it’s available as an option.
- The Ferry — NY Waterway offers service from 6 locations in NJ to Midtown and the World Financial Center, including Port Liberte in Jersey City, which will take you straight to the Financial District.
Who knew there were so many ways to get in and out of the city? Wishing all of you a smooth ride home tonight and when you are ready to try the ride out to NJ, let me know. (Email me at nureed@nuinteriors.net) I am sure I can help. Got a great commuter hack, I would love to hear it. Share it with me in the comments below:
Photo by warrengoldswain/iStock / Getty Images
Moving from the City to the Suburbs: ParT 2
According to the NY Times, South Orange and Maplewood NJ, not to mention parts of Lower Westchester, are experiencing an influx of young families from New York City. Maplewood and South Orange (Or SOMa as its’ residents lovingly call it), in particular, has earned the nick name “Brooklyn West”. Young families and those needing more space who are finding themselves priced out of the City, are crossing bridges and traveling through tunnels to rediscover the American Dream.
For many of these urban dwellers, this migration is not without a certain degree of culture shock. Compared to purchasing a house, buying a condo or a co-op apartment is “home buying light”. There are so many other things to keep in mind: commuting, shopping, home repairs, local events, local culture. If you have children add things like schools, play dates, activities — maybe even pets, since there’s now room for one.
Before you getting caught up in the romance of it all, I have found there are certain things to be kept top of mind:
Location
Not just the specific town you are moving to, but also consider where in town do you want to live. Many people from the city place a premium on being close to “where the action is” and want to be walking distance from shopping or the train station — (This is actually a new development, properties near high traffic areas were traditionally undesirable, and so less expensive.)
Often houses closer to town have less land and are smaller. A slightly longer walk to town, or a short ride to the train station, can result in a more house for your money. It can also result in a more "neighborly" feel that is less likely when close to town. My husband and I wanted to be as close to the train as possible, but we instead chose a home that was 1.5 miles from the station that a was larger, on more land. The local “jitney” or commuter shuttle turns out to be very convenient and in exchange for not being right in the middle of town, our children have a huge, beautiful tree lined neighborhood. They can walk, ride bikes and play in the street with the other kids on the block with very little fear of accidents.
Budget Correctly
Since money is a key reason why many are moving in the first place, it makes sense to plan this move accordingly. The cost of relocating only STARTS with the purchase price of the house you’re interested in. There are several other factors to consider:
- Have you sufficiently researched local taxes and fees? Every town is different, for instance there are property tax, water tax, and so on.
- Now that you’re commuting, what about gas and tolls, bus and or train fare?
- What about utilities? Basic utilities are something I think are a given, i.e. gas, water, cable, internet, but what about trash and recycling pick up? I always thought this was part of my property taxes, but in some towns this is not the case.
- Monthly maintenance? Think of this like you think of common charges for a condo. Depending on your property and location, landscapers are common place in Essex County.
- Are you planning to renovate? Would you be saving money buying a more expensive home that did not need much renovation vs a “fixer - upper”? I have often seen clients purchase a “fixer-upper” believing that the equity will compensate for the work. This is true in many cases. However depending on how much work you need to do and if you are handy to complete some of the work yourself, I advise people that the idea of a partially finished home is often times more money than expected. So take your budget and add 15-20%.
Which brings us to Renovation Considerations
Many people over estimate their own DYI capabilities, finding that the job is bigger than anticipated and end up having to hire help anyway.
Whatever the size of your renovation budget, be prepared to increase it — and budget monies to stay at a hotel, an air bnb, or with a friend or family for at least part of the renovation, especially if they are extensive. The quality of life when living through a renovation is very close to the drama of your favorite reality home DIY shows.
Don’t forget about furniture. If you are moving to a larger space, your old furniture may not work in your new home. The scale or color may not work in your new space. So when budgeting for your renovation, save some for furniture.
Consult a designer
A lot of home issues can be solved through creative furniture or small renovation solutions. That is where I come in. An Interior Designer can help you envision not just a beautiful space, but can help you allocate your total budget to what really needs to be done and where creative solutions are possible. So leave some money in the budget for help solutions.
The Urban Suburban: I’m moving to NJ?
I remember when I was pregnant and still living in Brooklyn, with no idea of my NJ future, a very angry man yelled at me for walking slow and told me to waddle back to NJ. I remember as any real New Yorker would, yelling back, “I don’t live in NJ! I live in Brooklyn!” The dream of more is something most city people struggle with, I was no exception.
I moved to the South Orange because my young family was growing and it became obvious that a 950 square foot apartment in Brooklyn wasn’t going to cut it when number 3 was to arrive. I was glad to be able to give my kids a better quality of life, and my husband immediately took to our new surroundings, but in all honesty, I wasn’t emotionally ready to make the move.
My home sits on top of a hill with a view of the lights of New York City in the distance and on a clear night you can even pick out individual buildings. For the first few months I would have what I called “Great Gatsby” syndrome. I would look longly in the direction of the city lights, going so far as to reach out with my hand, lamenting the loss of my former life-style.
I was making the mistake a lot of people make when they move out of the city, I tried to recreate the life I once knew. But the truth is that I had learned to accept a lower standard of living at a higher cost—less space, over-crowding, some garbage in the streets, the dollar van drivers urinating frequently on the same sidewalk I walked my newborn twins, the difficulties of parking a car, finding schools—you get the drift. Why could I see all of that, but not see my new town?
Once I started to integrate more into the community,I began to see that the new environment has its’ own perks. It may not be the city — you left there for a reason, remember—but there are advantages to your new surroundings:
- COMMUNITY: I have found more of a sense of community in the suburbs. There are more opportunities to see and interact with my neighbors. I regularly run into my children’s nursery schoolteachers, neighbors, clients, and even friends who made the move as we did.I remember loving when I would occasionally run into someone in the city. That feeling that the city is so big and yet so small. I run into someone everyday now and the feeling I have is this is my home and my community.
- IT’S NOT THE BOONIES: You have a new place to explore and while not in the city, it’s actually got lots going on. I was pleased to find that the local towns are heavily invested in the community. Regular events including South Orange’s “Play Day” and Maplewood’s “Maplewoodstock” have ensured that every weekend is full of fun. In addition to the organized events, we have a world class Zoo (The Turtle Back Zoo), not to mention a Minor League baseball team (Montclair), Film Festivals, South Orange performing arts center, some pretty great restaurants, plus the expected hiking trails and nature walks, but the unexpected pleasure of them being right behind my house (South Mountain Reservation is awesome.) Of course, don’t forget that the Jersey Shore is only an hour away and much to my happiness Snooki was no where to be found.
- CHARM & CHARACTER: All too often my city brethren and I would joke about the cookie cutter homes and lack of soul the suburbs meant. WRONG! South Orange is one of only 3 towns in United States that still has gas street lamps. Charming! Maplewood’s downtown was rated NJ’s number one downtown in NJ. Charming! Many of the homes in these 2 towns and the surrounding towns date back over 100 years and in the “newer” sections of town you can find true mid-century modern homes custom built in the 50’s and 60’s. So much Character! The South Orange Train Station just celebrated its 100 year anniversary. The train station is the 4th busiest in the state, but more over boasts an architectural history that is super fascinating to a history/architecture junkie like me. Character!
This list and article may seem like a hard sell to make me feel better now that I am not in the city anymore. I am positive some will read this and feel that way. But I have now helped and met dozens of families who have recently made this move. The feelings I echo have been shared with me and shared by me to them. Change of any kind is a hard thing, but the decision to move to NJ was the best decision I could have ever made for my family.
A Mod Moment
It's the end of another year. Reflecting as we approach anything new is universal. Take pleasure in the process of reflection and searching through the past to create what is “nu” for 2015. Lately, I am seeing new, unique uses of black and white and it feels reminiscent of the mod subculture from the 60’s. On my recent adventures for finding where “old meets nu”, I stumbled across "The Moment" a 1980's UK mod revival band described as "English pop music's greatest ever secret." Imagine black and white imagery and a sound a la "The Clash" and you will have envisioned what these mod men were about.
Like "The Moment" and mod culture, the use of black and white is not a new concept for design or culture, but it is like a little secret that is actually meant for everyone so we forget to share. So on that note let me share some mod little secrets I just found.
These vases are absolutely a secret that needs to be shared. Paster-Corté is a collector of Mid Century West German pottery that was never distributed here in the United States. She now works with local antique dealer, the Montclair Antique Center, to bring these stunning pieces to light. A midst the many treasures, my eyes were delighted by the workmanship, color and quality of these pieces. The black and white collection is perfectly mod and displayed together they are a gallery quality collection for your home.
www.montclairantiquecenter.com
Lily Juliet's line of resin and shell home accessories has a surprise in each piece. These mod inspired resin salad servers feature a marbled effect on the handle that is unique. They make me want to serve salad at my next dinner party.
Black and white are balanced in this lamp by Jana Bek. The hand painted brushstroke lamp is a perfect meeting of "old meets nu" with its mod inspired color options mixed with abstract art.
Serenity & Peace
Whatever your point of view on the state of the world today, I think we can all agree that we are all striving for a little bit of tranquillity and peace in our lives. Busy family lives, hectic work demands, and everything else In between means that though we all want a serene home, it may not fit into our schedules. There are some easy updates you can make to your home, however, a few of which I describe below. These are certainly not tips for world peace or even a less overwhelming life, but they are little ways to give you a moment of quiet from the chaos.
Create a moment when you first walk into your home that evokes calm using flowers and art. I love how orchids give an immediate zen moment to an entry. Many find caring for orchids daunting, but it's much easier than people realize, and they can last from 3-6 months, making them a more economical choice than having fresh flowers every day. Art absolutely brings calm to a person, so display your favorite art books along with the orchid. When you walk in you will immediately be reminded of that special piece that makes you happy and serene. You can also hang your favorite photograph or painting in your foyer so it's the first thing to welcome you home from a long day.
At the end of the day when you enter your bathroom, set the mood for a relaxing, quiet bath or long, hot shower with a few simple and easy ideas.
1) Add dimmers to your lighting to set the light you want. The dimmers from Lutron are economical and easily available.
2) Create a peaceful bath with candles, bath salts and flowers.
3) Change your standard shower head to a rain shower head. Rain showers are available in all price ranges and are generally easy to install. Find one that works with your current hardware and installation should be a breeze.
Finally build a bed you want to sleep in.
1) Layer the bed with pillows and blankets so that you can sink right in.
2) Splurge on higher count cotton sheets.
Dreaming of Warmer Days
We've already seen a white Halloween and Thanksgiving here on the East Coast, so if you are a sun loving creature like me, you are already dreaming of flying South for the winter. I crave the warmth of the Southwest specifically, and the inspiration that places like Santa Fe provide. So if we can't fly to New Mexico, let's bring some of it into our homes.
One of my favorite design ideas right now is finding Southwestern-inspired items and mixing them with modern elements for an eclectic, warm look.
This bird flew south for the winter (Santa Fe rail yard)
This NuLoom ottoman is a great addition to any modern space. It adds character without sacrificing comfort. Layering it with this arrow inspired rug design from Land of Nod creates a uniquely curated look.
NuLoom Lola Ottoman $772
www.burkedecor.com
Land of Nod Gold Bars Rug $299
www.landofnod.com
I love this colorful and playful wallpaper by Kate Zaremba Company! It shows that the Southwestern look can be whimsical, too. The best part of this wallpaper? It's removable and has an easy DIY application.
As always, old meets "nu" is my raison d'etre. This vintage bench was updated with custom upholstery using Southwestern-inspired fabric by Mood. It's a perfect addition to any entry way.
Bench found by and upholstered by Nu Interiors
Fabric by Mood $45/sq foot
http://www.moodfabrics.com/
One of my favorite aspects of Southwestern fabrics are the inspiring color stories they embody. This vintage jacket from Duo is the start of a great neutral story for any room. Many times gray or black can feel stark and cold in a space, but when mixed with a warm cream and rust color, like in this jacket, the palette feels cozy and inviting.
Vintage Jacket $75
Duo
http://www.duonyc.com/
Are you inspired by the Southwest, too? Share your warm weather inspiration in the comments.
A Blog Is Born
Today is Thanksgiving. The day to give thanks for what we have and what is beautiful in life. A day we think about family and comfort, but also the beauty of the home. We cultivate and curate the perfect, delicious meal and environment to appreciate and enjoy with our loved ones. Old meets young and a harmonious, symbiotic relationship is nurtured to create something "nu". So what better day could there be than Thanksgiving to embark on a blogging adventure that is intended to bring all of those wonderful ideas to you any day?
A few days before Thanksgiving, I had the pleasure of taking a quick excursion to Milford, PA and Barryville, NY. Milford, PA is quaint town that is home to great antique shopping and artist galleries. Located in the Delaware River Valley, it is a place of amazing natural beauty and design inspiration, a place where old meets "nu".
First stop: Upriver Home
In town for 10 years, I have enjoyed cultivating from their perfectly curated store for years. These amazing birch veneer ornaments, created by a California designer friend of the store owners, are how I want to decorate my tree this year. And at $60 for a set of 27, your entire tree can feel modern and warm.
Located at 202 Broad Street, Milford, PA
www.upriverhome.com
Second stop: Since Yesterday Antiques & Home Decor
Blink and you might miss the sign for this adorable shop whose entrance is located just off the main drag. Housing a fantastic mix of old and new items, the antiques are unique and in great condition, however it is a new item that caught my attention. This set of four glasses by Usful Glassworks is not only beautiful, but their mission (helping people find jobs through their glass repurposing program) makes you feel good about buying these too. This couldn't sum up old meets "nu" better. The 4 pack 12 oz. gift set is $28.
Located at 322 Broad Street, Milford, PA
Barryville, NY is located in the Catskills right on on the border of PA and NJ. A resort town for hikers, skiers and all around nature enthusiasts, it also so home to a wave of design inspiring places that combine the beauty of what is original to Barryville with fresh perspectives.
The only stop you need for a restful and inspired night away: Hillside Schoolhouse.
Opening its doors to guests about a year ago, proprietor Bronson Bigelow took what was on an old schoolhouse and then a chapel and restored/renovated it with a nod to the beauty of the old, but clearly adding amazing new touches. Utilizing much of the original character elements, like old chalkboards and wide plank hardwood floors, but adding modern necessities like updated and lovely bathrooms, a kitchen and a staircase, it's a perfect blend of old meets "nu". With only two rooms, it was a peaceful break from busy everyday life. But not only is the property an inn, but Bronson also uses the main space as a showroom for his custom made furniture and beautifully restored antiques. I could not resist taking these guys home with me.
Pair of wood block and brass horse bookends $50
Located at 259 Van Tuyl Road, Barryville, NY
www.hillsidechoolhouse.com