DESIGN by MARISSA SAUER
PHOTOGRAPHY by JUSTIN COLE
TEXT by NAYDA RONDON
Newlyweds starting married life were grateful to the husband’s parents for inviting them to live with them. But after three years—with a toddler and a baby on the way—the couple were eager to establish their own home. Finding only older houses in areas they were interested in and not wanting to settle, they bought property in Westfield and commissioned a new construction—a 5,800-square-foot home boasting seven bedrooms, 7.5 bathrooms, and a finished basement and attic.
With high expectations, the couple—he’s a sales manager and she’s a child physiatrist—engaged Marissa Sauer of Franklin Lakes-based Design MACS to help realize their forever home. “We talked to other interior designers but felt most comfortable with Marissa and her team,” the husband says. “They seemed to have the right experience, and we loved their past work. We wanted something modern that fit our lifestyle, but we wanted her to take the lead.
“We signed a contract with Marissa when we were in the hospital with our newborn son,” he adds. “Knowing we weren’t going to be able to devote the time required, we took a huge risk trusting her with our future home.”
Taking their cause to heart, Sauer’s vision called for “a home that felt welcoming yet refined, where clean lines and thoughtful design create serene backdrops for daily living. Comfort, durability and practicality guided every decision, from choosing easy-to-clean surfaces to creating smart layouts for flow and functionality.”
Starting in December 2022 and continuing until the family’s March 2024 move-in, Sauer and her team—particularly Lauren Collette, her co-designer on this project—were there every step of the way. At the architectural drawing phase, they helped refine floor plans; throughout the build process, they were instrumental in selecting products and finishes; and during the final furnishing and styling they curated every room.
Cohesive, custom craftsmanship was at the core of the design strategy. Spanning the entire first floor, coffered ceilings were custom-stained to match the white oak floors throughout. “The finish and how we applied it to other elements—like the kitchen island—not only unifies, but also adds warmth and elegance to enhance the home’s overall atmosphere,” Sauer explains.
Color also played a vibrant role. The dining room, for example, is mesmerizing, thanks to an accent wall and molding boxes painted in Sherwin-Williams Black Magic. Another mood-setter: an Arhaus mirror with a hand-applied antique gold finish. “While the home’s design leans towards a modern aesthetic, this piece brings a sense of history and depth,” Sauer says. “It feels as though the room has evolved over time and through travels. Of course, that’s not how it came together, but this detail adds character, making the space feel personal and timeless.”
In the kitchen, the vibe is lighter but no less eye-catching. Custom cabinetry by Paterson-based A. E. Ezmat combines classic charm with contemporary appeal. The island—featuring custom diamond end panels, a quartz countertop and color that complements the floor and ceiling— accentuates both the room’s special character and harmonious flow.
Whenever possible, the design team sought to actively engage the homeowners in the process. For instance, when it came time to choose the couple’s tub, the designers invited them on a Goldilocks-type adventure to try out different options. At one point, “it turned into a playful moment when both climbed into a large soaking tub along with their baby son,” Sauer recalls. “They laughed and imagined future bath times together. We couldn’t resist snapping a photo. It was clear they’d found their tub, one that wasn’t just about style, but about creating a space where their family could truly unwind.”
On another excursion—this time in search of appliances—the clients took their 3-year-old daughter. While Sauer walked the floor with the adults, Col lette found herself in the kids’ area, happily playing “pretend” with the little one. In between the imaginary meals she was concocting, the tot shared her bedroom wish list, declaring pink and ballet as faves. “That sweet moment inspired us to use soft pinks, a ballet barre and mirror, and other fun features to create her own special world within the home,” Sauer says.
In the parents’ bedroom, relaxed elegance rules. The king-sized bed, crowned with a headboard clad in Arhaus Tania Cashmere, commands the room. On either side, Prosser drawer chests from Vanguard’s Make It Yours bedroom collection stand smartly at attention, while Currey & Company pendants and a Rowen chandelier impart illuminating ambience.
In the ensuite bathroom, opulence and convenience abound with features like the Carrara marble-topped, double-sink vanity and built-in side cabinets, custom-built by Newburgh, N.Y.-based M&D Creations. In the shower, polished nickel fixtures from Invari’s Brizo collection contrast nicely with marble wall and mosaic floor tiles. And for stress-banishing luxe, nothing beats the Victoria + Albert Pembroke freestanding, soaking bathtub in soothing gray and white tones.
Whatever the room or detail, Sauer’s approach was purposeful. “By blending timeless materials in contemporary fashion, we captured the overall vision for the home,” she says. “The carefully crafted elements throughout are what set the home apart, turning it into something truly special and one of a kind.”