In Newark, New Jersey, just across from Branch Brook Park—home to the East Coast’s largest collection of cherry blossom trees—sits a 1927 Georgian manor that has been exquisitely reimagined by designer Sasha Bikoff. Known for her dynamic use of color and penchant for combining psychedelic interiors with period elegance, Bikoff’s task was to blend the historic charm of the Georgian architecture with lively, nature-inspired motifs that reflect the vibrant views of the park the house overlooks.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Designer: Sasha Bikoff
Location: Newark, New Jersey
House Style: 1927 Georgian Manor
Inspiration: Branch Brook Park Cherry Blossoms
Project Focus: Colorful Interiors and Nature-Inspired Motifs
Stepping into the living room, Bikoff embraced the home’s original features by highlighting its detailed molding and scalloped built-ins with a refreshing palette of mint and pink. This careful pairing infuses the space with a spring-like freshness reminiscent of a well-curated garden party. Botanical-themed wall coverings and playful window treatments soften these bold contrasts, demonstrating Bikoff’s knack for mixing and matching prints. Many of the existing furniture pieces were repurposed, providing new life and comfort through colorful upholstery and trims, which amplify the room’s lively palette.
The kitchen underwent a significant transformation, merging with the former laundry room to create an open, contemporary space while still maintaining its historical roots. Bikoff chose custom lacquered Kelly green cabinets to bring the garden inside, complemented by crisp white quartz countertops and a pristine tile backsplash. This combination not only modernizes the heart of the home but connects it with the lush outdoor scenery. In contrast, the sunroom integrates the cornflower blue theme from the dining room, expertly tying spaces together with gauzy, ripple-fold sheer linen drapes that allow light to filter in without obstruction.
In the bedrooms, Bikoff continued her homage to the home’s natural surroundings. The primary bedroom exudes tranquility with subdued green grasscloth wallpaper, while a toile hunting scene introduces a sense of the leafy outdoors. The daughter’s bathroom, perhaps the most evocative of the cherry blossoms visible from the house, is adorned with lustrous pink mosaic tiles that shimmer in the space, enhanced by gilded details and a floating vanity that maximizes the room’s airy feel despite its lack of windows.
Notably divergent from the rest of the house, the office offers a moody, dramatic ambiance. Here, Bikoff captured the client’s vision for a luxurious retreat utilizing a ’70s inspired vibe that combines dark tones with vibrant tangerine accents for unexpected brightness. This eclectic space is grounded by an antique Chinese rug and existing vintage furnishings that add depth and sophistication.
The mudroom serves as a vibrant transitional space, attempting to encapsulate the home’s diverse color palette in a singular entrance. By blending a multitude of hues, it offers visitors a taste of the vivacious interiors that await. During the renovation, the biggest challenge was modernizing an older home while preserving its character. The extensive remodel, focusing heavily on construction and fabric, successfully created an inviting home with a seamless blend of historic allure and contemporary vivacity.
