Explore a new build that makes a neutral scheme interesting by utilizing the power of patina, texture, and subtle tonal shifts

Before she founded her eponymous practice, Allison Handler spent 20 years in the fashion industry, working in merchandising for luxury labels such as Calvin Klein and Donna Karan.

For Allison, the interiors and fashion worlds are intrinsically linked: ‘There is something about how I approach a scheme that resembles the way I like to put together an outfit,’ she notes, adding, ‘I love to bring in something a bit bold.’

The interiors of this new-build home in New Jersey blend quiet sophistication with unexpected touches that elevate the spaces: bench seating clad in softly shimmering zellige tiles in the kitchen, for example, or the main bedroom’s arresting gold leaf and onyx chandelier, which resembles an exquisite cabochon-style bracelet. ‘I love sourcing lighting; I do treat it as the jewelry of the ensemble,’ Allison comments.

The homeowners, a young professional couple who were moving from New York to New Jersey to be closer to their respective families, came to Allison via the builder of the house. ‘At that point, the structure was still a shell, and none of the finishes had been selected; we were able to specify everything, from the flooring to the bathrooms,’ Allison explains.

For a property that is nowhere near the sea, the couple’s brief to Allison came as something of a surprise: ‘They wanted a beachy, coastal decor vibe,’ she recollects. ‘The husband had grown up near Cape Cod, and this was an aesthetic that resonated with him and his wife. I interpreted this with lots of textures and touches of greens and blues; the idea was to give the interiors an organic, tactile quality.’

Allison has introduced a palette of natural materials that helps soften the edges of the clean-lined architecture. Pale oak flooring is a unifying feature that runs throughout the open-plan living spaces as well as the five bedrooms, and the same timber was used for the cupboard fronts of the kitchen island and drinks cabinet. Reclaimed oak beams were introduced to bring character to the dining room, while the coffered ceiling in the main bedroom was clad with reclaimed oak shiplap.

Natural stones, including limestone, marble, and travertine, add to the selection of beautiful materials: in the dining room, the chimney breast was clad in limestone to bring a rugged quality to the scheme, while worktops and splashbacks in Chantilly quartzite lend subtle pattern to the kitchen.

Joinery in other areas of the house was also treated to natural stone tops, as well as pleasing hardware: ‘I like to add that extra zhuzh, even if it’s storage in the mudroom,’ Allison remarks.

The kitchen and sitting room are one large space, so Allison helped define the two areas with a vast corner sofa in pale slipcovers. ‘Because the owners don’t have children, we felt able to select quite light pieces,’ says Allison, pointing out an armchair in an off-white bouclé and a bespoke striped rug in cream and oatmeal tones.

The fireplace and flanking window seats were clad in fluted plaster, while the wall lights are alabaster: ‘They give a lovely muted glow at night,’ she approves. In contrast to the pale tones of the living space, the walls of the adjoining dining room are a near-black bronze hue – a lovely foil to more statement lighting – while the office was painted a deep green and teamed with dark wallpaper in a highly textural finish.

‘I like using wallpaper to add another layer of texture,’ recounts Alison, who selected a grasscloth for the main bedroom in an abstract print. ‘We went for lots of textures in this room to bring in that sense of a coastal landscape.’

The interiors may be complete, but Allison is already busying herself with the exterior spaces. ‘The house has quite a generous plot and so phase two of this project entails an outdoor kitchen and patio as well as a pool and a pool house,’ she explains, adding, ‘We want the outside spaces to feel just as considered as the interiors.’

Meet the designer

Allison Handler shares her style inspiration

What was the biggest indulgence?

The main bathroom, with its beautiful Calacatta Gold marble, bespoke vanity, and high-end sanitaryware.

The greatest success?

Stepping out of our comfort zone to achieve this organic coastal vibe.

What one small change had a huge impact?

Opting to tile the bench area in the kitchen. It turned it into such a beautiful seating space.

What's inspiring you currently?

Warm neutral colors, texture, and modern clean lines.

Describe your style in three words.

Modern, organic, bold.

An object you'd never part with?

My vintage Pierre Jeanneret chairs. I love the character they bring to any room I put them in.

Whose your design hero?

Ali Budd’s unique style is a constant source of inspiration.

Do you have a favorite building?

Grand Central Terminal – the celestial ceiling is awe-inspiring.