When I told my staff we were publishing a new real estate and home design magazine, one of them asked, “Aren’t scads of those magazines already out there?” Another boldly queried: “Are we crazy?” Well, yes—and I hope not!
Certainly many real estate/design magazines exist, but none are dedicated solely to showcasing the very best of New Jersey real estate, home design and entertaining. And none reflects the range of style and taste of those of us who are fortunate enough to call the Garden State home.
That, in a nutshell, is the mission of Gallery. We exist to celebrate noteworthy New Jersey real estate in all its glorious variety. Within our covers you’ll tour homes of every stripe—from historic to ultra-hip, from urban to country. You’ll also be introduced to the people behind the designs—the architects and artisans, interior designers and landscape designers, antiques dealers and others who are helping New Jersey homeowners transform their living spaces.
In our premiere issue you’ll find the handiwork of celebrated interior designers Eric Schmidt (page 54) and Robert Passal (page 82). We also shine a spotlight on artisan Anthony Michael Salerno, who recently began designing high-end kitchen knives with the help of a team of Jersey craftsmen (page 120). What else will you find in this issue of Gallery? Pick up some tips on decorating in black and white (page 68). Get inspired to create a Zen garden in your own backyard (page 102). Take an architectural tour of Shanghai (page 94). Read about celeb event designer Juan DeStroud’s fabulous Moroccan-themed dinner party (page 74)…and much more.
We plan to cover many other interesting topics—and homes—in issues to come. Maybe we’ll even visit your home someday soon. Meanwhile, we hope you enjoy reading this inaugural issue of Gallery as much as we enjoyed putting it together for you.
Rita Guarna
Editor in chief