DesignNJ-OctNov2023_Digital issue

The primary bedroom features soothing tones of taupe and gray. The end tables hold
vintage H-734 Assemblage lamps by Richard Barr for Laurel Lamp Co., designed in the
early 1960s. “The sculptor’s Watchung workroom was located just 15 minutes from the
Short Hills area,” Schafer says, “so the lamp design is native to this part of New Jersey.”
Like the fireplace area downstairs, the primary bedroom features a sunken seating
space — a common element in Midcentury design. The artwork above the dresser,
featuring kaleidoscopic shapes in distinct but not overpowering hues, is called “Op-Art”
by Carole-Lee Simmone. It adds hints of color to the room’s otherwise neutral palette.
The sofa in the sunken nook near the fireplace is another remnant from
the previous occupants. “It’s custom for this room. That was a win,” she
says. “There were so many beautiful things from the ’70s that I was just
swooning over.”
Perhaps the most prominent of those beautiful things is the central
atrium, a popular element in Midcentury architecture. “It’s everyone’s
favorite,” Schafer says. “I had a party and hung disco lights in it. It’s the
spirit of the house.”
The Schafers — only the second family to live in this residence — have
maintained that spirit, as well as their relationship with the previous
owners, who still live in the area. “They built this house and they wanted
to make sure it gets the respect it deserves. They knew we were going to
do right by it.” DNJ
SOURCES Overall: design by Malyev Schafer in Short Hills and London. Living Room:
rug, Surya; erin Dover oor lamp, Visual Comfort & Co.; wall color, “Decorators
White” by Benamin Moore & Co. Sunken Sitting Room: coee table, Made oods.
Hallway: bar cabinet, Terrence Woodgate. Dining Room: console, Crate & Barrel.
Kitchen: contractor, Twin Construction LLC in Scotch lains; cabinetry, Lauriermax;
cabinet hardware, R; countertops, Kenney Tile & Marble Inc. in ersey City; range,
Monogram; range hood with drywall surround, ephyr; faucets, ewport Brass
Faucets; wall color, “Moonshine” by Benamin Moore & Co. Primary Bedroom: rug
beneath bed, lena Collection from Loloi; window treatments, ottery Barn; sofa
in sunken sitting area, CB; dresser in sunken sitting area, R; wall color, “Misty
ray” by Benamin Moore & Co. Bunk Room: bed, R; lampshade, Mariska Meiers
msterdam; wool rug, ovogratz.
For contact information, page 64
58 October/November 2023