THE SPACE: Talk about a multi-purpose room: The homeowners wanted to transform this tiny 10.5×10-foot space into one that could serve as a ladies’ lounge area, complete with space to read, relax and watch TV—oh, and it also had to serve as a storage area for extra clothes. Above all, the edict was to make the room “fun and happy.”
THE DESIGN ANALYSIS: We placed a call to designer Eric J. Schmidt of North Caldwell-based Eric J. Schmidt Interiors, who had a very specific vision for the space: “Go bold” (or go home!). A “transitional” style was employed to keep the room, part of a 1926 home, from being too modern or too traditional. To that end, Schmidt started with a palette of black, white and hot pink, then added a geometric-patterned wallcovering. Meanwhile, a black and white deco floral fabric softens the windows, and the pink carpet and pillows give a dash of excitement à la Elsa Schiaparelli. (After all, “shocking pink” was the legendary Italian designer’s signature color.) To visually soften the angles and corners in such a small space, Schmidt employed the subtle use of circular shapes, found in the wallcovering, armoire, custom radiator cover and light fixtures. But how about all those functional must-haves? A day bed offers the perfect spot to read, snooze or watch TV (there’s a flat-screen television above the glass-topped table, which is also the ideal place to pull up a chair and check your laptop), while an antique wardrobe cabinet supplies that much-needed clothing storage.
Interior designer Eric J. Schmidt says he used circular shapes—like the one on this E.F. Chapman ceiling light—to soften the room’s angles.
Just relax—this Julia side chair by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams offers complete comfort plus simple style with its long center waterfall skirt and petite pleats at the corners.
Another E.F. Chapman offering, this table lamp continues Schmidt’s circular theme while adding a modern, Art Deco feel.
The Lubi Daybed, available at CB2, offers the perfect spot for an afternoon siesta, as the stacked double mattress serves as a comfortable twin. At night, you can unfold the topper, put it on the floor and enjoy a restful slumber on a queen-sized bed.
The purpose of Gastón y Daniela’s Galliano wallcovering was two-fold: Schmidt says that in addition to supplying a “wow” factor, it visually expands the space. The Fleur de Deauville drapery by Ralph Lauren, meanwhile, softens the windows and adds a touch of drama.
The perfect place to park your laptop, Parsons’ glass and steel table boasts a refined, industrial aesthetic and hand-welded steel ground at every corner, making each piece unique.
The inspiration to use pink—seen in the room’s Lee Jofa pillows—came from designer Elsa Schiaparelli, whose signature color was “shocking pink.” The color is echoed in a rug by Kravet.
A Colette armoire isn’t just ideal for storing summer clothes as you make room for your winter-wear: With its curved bow fronts and saber legs in a dark espresso stain, this Blake Tovin of Tovin Design piece, available at Crate & Barrel, adds the elegance of a 1940sera design. (The antique Asian-inspired wardrobe is from 1st Dibs.)