Susan Taylor
project files

A new look in Avalon


Who would have thought that a lightweight turtleneck and leather vest would be the perfect wear for a day at the beautiful Jersey shoreline of Avalon in mid April?!! The highway was snow-covered much of the way. Good grief!

Cold winds and blustery weather did not deter the delivery of two rooms of furniture for the complete makeover of our longtime clients, Pat and Kathy Beach. Both Pat and Kathy were excellent assistants, and my Black-eyed Susan retail manager was my right hand today. The day was rewarding and the end result delightful!

The project began months ago with a new plan that included an entire change of palette for the main floor. We selected the wall colors, new fabrics and patterns–an entire new look! Walt got busy transforming the rooms with deep navy and orange walls and ceilings last fall. Since then, the rooms have been waiting this day of delivery and we were not disappointed at the end of the day!

Avalon, New Jersey shore house interior design

Cutest rug ever! Global Views is a wow vendor with plenty of style. We repurposed the coffee table and smaller accent tables with a favorite paint color. Chevron patterned chairs and this #ohsoSusan chevron navy and white vessel just make me smile!



recliner for Avalon, New Jersey shore house interior design

Now this is what I call a stylish recliner. Orange. Oh. Yes. Comfort. Oh. Yes.



centerpiece for Avalon, New Jersey shore house interior design

Coffee table magic. Succulents, tiny wood cuts, moss…what more could one want?!

And take a close look at these coolest ever chairs! Delish. And they are super comfortable too!

chevron seating for Avalon, New Jersey shore house interior design
kitchen for Avalon, New Jersey shore house interior design

The plan all along was to replace this navy Corian countertop, but after the addition of pure joy (orange vases!) and these framed navy sea beauties, we are all on the fence. It all seems to make sense now!



paint color techniques for Avalon, New Jersey shore house interior design

Those of you who are followers know that I always admonish painted ceilings. Here is proof positive of painted walls and ceilings — in semigloss, no less! Again, that rug is just fabulous! (Take note of the pillows with fish motif.) Orange pillow accents to come…



living room for Avalon, New Jersey shore house interior design

A broad view of our cute room! Can I just say that recliner is the perfect union of style and comfort?! It’s a keeper.

Now let’s turn to Pat’s office. Reverse the colors for the family room … now, orange walls, navy rug! This graphic flat weave grounds the room with punctuated pattern. And look at this art! Oh. My. This room would draw anyone in to sit down to pay a few bills!

office for Avalon, New Jersey shore house interior design

office seating for Avalon, New Jersey shore house interior design

In case you are ready for a comfortable place to read or a long chat with a friend, here are a pair of delightful zebra linen chairs! Warm Stone from Sherwin Williams on the remaining walls adds that bit of warmth to the room, and just look at the perfectly colored wall clock! (Although I was a bit surprised at the time of day!)



desk for office Avalon, New Jersey shore house interior design

Definitely a room to love. Who wouldn’t want to go to work here every day?!



display cabinet in office for Avalon, New Jersey shore house interior design

We took this existing display cabinet and painted it our impact color with the warm stone interior. I had this manzanita branches delivered yesterday from my wholesale florist and Patti (queen of the Black-eyed Susan stockroom) cheerfully painted them white for me! I had the vision of mostly white objects to fill the interior. The manzanita branches really made for the perfect look! White vases, succulents and miniature frames complete the look. A great repurpose! I recommend it!



top of cabinet decor display for Avalon, New Jersey shore house interior design

This is the top of the display cabinet. I really didn’t relish selling this favorite mirror … somehow, I always imagined it at my house! Our covered books, more white vessels and Kathy’s shore bird, and a small white globe make an interesting vignette. I. Love. This.

Finally, step into the house in this foyer. Kathy had the tennis rack vessel painted orange (!) and I suggested painting the treads and banister in a high gloss black! So perfect.This collection of tennis rackets are Kathy’s since she was a young girl! How perfect. The homeowner, Pat, stepped in to be my painter’s assistant and he did this himself! As long as I have known Pat, he can’t resist getting his hands in the work. He is a man of industry and don’t try to hold him back!

foyer for Avalon, New Jersey shore house interior design

The day was a complete success. Color, pattern, style. New look. Good friends. Good help. What more could a designer ask for? Perfect day. Perfect client. Thanks, Kathy and Pat.