DANAH, A SPARTA HOMEOWNER, COMPLETELY redid her baby’s nursery four times before getting it just right. When she bought a new-construction home and faced a more extensive design challenge, her mother stepped in, offering the right designer for the job: Daniella Sacco of White House Luxe in Fairfield.
The results fit the family of four to a tee because Sacco was able to reflect their interests. Danah loves Lake Hopatcong (where they also have a cabin), while husband Ed takes to hiking, hunting and the outdoors. Sacco celebrates these passions in a natural yet transitional décor.
At the heart of the family room is a fieldstone fireplace with a hand-hewn beam mantel, which Sacco styled with pillar candles, a mirrored starburst sculpture by John Richard and color-burst abstract art. The spa-blue sectional by Century is oversized for the whole family to share, with a fun pop from accent pillows in raspberry, teal and brown. Blue tones spread serenity with the Taylor King swivel glider and Vanguard cocktail ottoman, while 2-inch-thick glass end tables add a “unique” touch.
“We were definitely making it more current and modern with the art and the accessories,” Sacco says. And she did that while still bringing in nature with the rough-cut oak entertainment console and woven wood blinds.
For Danah, who loves the lake, the textured carpet creates a water effect. Even the woodsy view outside contributes to the theme.
The dining room also reflects nature with its grass-cloth walls and Monet-watercolor-like floral draperies, both Thibaut, along with a 54-inch-wide canvas of cows—yes, that’s right, cows. A conversation starter over the mica-finish buffet, they’re beloved by the children, ages 7 and 3. Danah says that though she was initially hesitant, “the cows always stuck with me.”
A three-tiered crystal chandelier “gives it a little bit of glam over this cherry farm-style” dining table with oatmeal-colored modified wing chairs and a Persian rug, says Sacco.
Danah says she couldn’t be happier with Sacco’s intuitive design. “Every time we come home it feels like home,” she says. In this case, Mother really did know best.
TEXT by DONNA ROLANDO
DESIGN by DANIELLA SACCO
PHOTOGRAPHY by CHRIS MARKSBURY