Cover The exterior view of a home in New Jersey, which features interiors by Marguerite Rodgers Interior Design. Photography: Halkin Mason

Marguerite Rodgers Interior Design crafts a stylish house in New Jersey that's a dreamy getaway for its owners and perfect for entertaining guests

Nestled among the high dunes of the New Jersey shoreline in the US is a house that effortlessly blends modern and classical design elements, and celebrates its owners’ love of the ocean.

This striking property is the brainchild of Marguerite Rodgers Interior Design, which collaborated with architects and consultants to build a new summer home for the clients that boasts gorgeous sea views and a wealth of spaces tailor-made for gatherings with friends. 

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Above The open-plan living and dining areas were placed on the top floor so that these look out to the best views of the sea
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Above The main living area of the house in New Jersey, which features a TV that can be concealed behind a painting when it's not in use

The owners, a couple, had originally sought only to update the tired interiors of their previous home, but eventually decided to tear down the entire structure in favour of erecting a more modern abode. They contacted the firm with their request for a new house; one that would function as a rejuvenating retreat and also a place where they could host their family and friends. 

“Although (the clients’ old summer home) sat on the perfect location for them, it had become dated and no longer met their needs,” says Marco Angelucci, design director of Marguerite Rodgers Interior Design.

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Photo 1 of 3 Red accents make the living room pop
Photo 2 of 3 Another view of the living room, which features black trimmings that add a graphic edge to the living area
Photo 3 of 3 Turquoise accents add a restful touch to this lounge area's neutral scheme

The couple has differing style preferences; the wife is fond of a modern aesthetic with Asian influences, while the husband likes classical Western architecture and design. Angelucci worked with the contractors and craftspeople to create an abode that melded these seemingly disparate influences, resulting in the use of rich materials and mindful details as well as a classic exterior aligned with the husband’s preferences, and interiors that embrace a more modern slant. 

Angelucci and the team decided to design the new three-level beachside home “upside-down” so that the communal areas and main bedroom sit on the highest level and look out to the best views of the sea. 

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Photo 1 of 3 The curved stairway adds a graceful touch to the home
Photo 2 of 3 A Fernando Botero painting takes pride of place by the staircase
Photo 3 of 3 Dark wood cabinetry was selected to match the handsome wooden flooring

A curved walnut staircase leads to the second-floor great room; the living room, dining area and kitchen flow seamlessly, creating an openness ideal for entertaining. The living and dining rooms are connected by a neutral colour scheme, shot through with accents of orange and red for vibrancy.

Sheer drapery and low furniture draw attention to the seascape outside, while the pool is surrounded by areas to lounge or dine in, with an outdoor kitchen, changing room, and bathroom offering extra convenience. An outdoor fireplace lends warmth and extra light in the lounge areas at night.

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Photo 1 of 3 The outdoor dining area is a fabulous space to take in the marvellous outdoor views
Photo 2 of 3 A purple chair adds a pop of colour to this lounge area
Photo 3 of 3 Red and tangerine orange accents enliven the look of this guest room

Thoughtful design elements pepper the 12,500sqft property. Three guest bedroom suites sport different colour palettes, giving each a distinct personality. The first-floor family room features expansive sliding glass doors that bring the shoreline inside the home, with the high dunes acting as a natural shield against prying eyes in the resort-like backyard.


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Photo 1 of 3 The double island layout of the kitchen celebrates the owners' culinary passions
Photo 2 of 3 A secondary dining area is where the owners can enjoy a more intimate meal
Photo 3 of 3 The formal dining area that's adjacent to the open-plan living room

The neutral palette extends to the kitchen. Here, tall cabinets ensure adequate storage, while double islands ensure the owners can host guests and cook at the same time. Acknowledging the owners’ fondness for entertaining, sitting and dining arrangements seat 12 people. All three rooms have ceiling-high glass sliding doors that open to a covered deck, visually expanding the space. 

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Photo 1 of 3 The master suite looks out to remarkable views
Photo 2 of 3 Another view of the light-filled master bedroom, which features a four-poster bed
Photo 3 of 3 A cosy lounge area handsomely clad in dark wood

A dramatic ocean-facing, glass-enclosed staircase leads to the home’s most private sanctuary: the main suite, which also features his-and-hers offices, dressing rooms, and bathrooms. Here, too, neutral hues work to unite the various zones, accented by muted blue tones that pay homage to the home’s seaside location. The bed faces the ocean, with sliding glass doors leading onto a private deck for unrivalled views of the horizon. 

 

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Photo 1 of 2 The restful master bathroom is a tranquil space to enjoy a leisurely soak in the bathtub
Photo 2 of 2 The use of natural stone contributes to the calming ambience of this bathroom, while the paintings allude to the abode's Asian influences

The three-year project ticked all the right boxes for the homeowners, with Marguerite Rodgers Interior Design still involved in the minutiae following the home’s completion. “Even after we finished this project, we continued consulting with the owners on small updates like art and styling,” smiles Angelucci. 

Credits

Photography  

Halkin Mason