Fun to see my mid-century modern listing (now under contract) in architect Gary Rosard’s newsletter. South Orange has some wonderful architectural gems. This is definitely one of them!
11-13 Maplewood Avenue
Renovated to perfection and a short walk to town and the NY train. If you’re in the market or know anyone thinking of coming out from the city, this is one to consider. Check out details here.
What’s on your coffee table?
Whether you have been in your home for years or weeks, one of the most important features, and the one that says a lot about who you are, is your coffee table. Here are a few ideas to make yours all you. From top left: 1) books – the more the merrier. Stack them in a neat grid. 2) A special something found on a great trip. 3) A Sculptural piece like an antler. 4) A plant. Try an orchid, you’ll have fresh flowers for months. 5) A collection of shells from your summer vacation. 6) A magnifying glass. You’ll use it more than you think. 7) A small piece of art like a John Derian plate or clay creation made by a child. 8) A piece from Mother Nature.
Three days with Cameron Diaz…. and more!
Meet Amy Hughes of Salvage Style
– Where did you grow up?
New Jersey, Northern Virginia, and Kansas City. But my time in Morris County, NJ, was formative. My mom was a serial renovator. She used to buy tumbledown houses, restore them, and resell them. My favorite was a 1736 stone farmhouse in Mendham. It had barns, a springhouse, and lots of land to explore. The original homeowners were buried in a tiny family cemetery a few blocks away in my former art teacher’s backyard!
– When did you open Salvage Style?
I opened in October 2013. Having a vintage furniture shop has always been a dream. After moving to Maplewood from NYC in 2012, I quit my job as a full-time magazine editor to try something new and be more available to my family. I heard that a tiny retail space on Baker Street was for rent, and I jumped.
– What is your affiliation with This Old House?
I’ve been with TOH for 15 years. It’s where I launched the Salvage Style brand, and published my DIY book, Salvage-Style Projects. Since opening the store, I just produce a handful of stories a year, but I’ve got a big one coming up in the June issue about how to design and outfit a killer outdoor room.
– You sell mostly mid-century modern. What is it about this period you like?
The clean lines, and all that gorgeous walnut and teak. It’s also such a versatile style. It plays well with rustic, boho, and cottage.
– What’s the best way to work one of your pieces into a traditional space?
I love to mix and match different styles. Maybe start out with some great Mad Men style barware. Or hang a stunning mid-century abstract painting. You’re supposed to break rules with art.
– You recently swapped stores with your neighbor, Ma/Da (formerly Alchemy Hour). What’s that all about?
I needed more space for larger furniture and art. It worked out well because Julia recently opened a second location in Asbury Park. She wanted to stay in Maplewood, too, but needed a smaller footprint.
– Any other expansion plans? I do interior styling for a few customers. I’d like to do more of it. I help people live better with the things they have, and then just fill in with a few key accents and essentials.
– Three things that would surprise people about you?
I followed the Grateful Dead in my teens. Love ’em. I’m pretty handy with power tools. And I starred in and produced a single episode of a DIY show while at This Old House. It never aired, but I still aspire to create a successful show. This time as a video series that’s local, woman-focused, and way more fun.
– What do you enjoy most about living and working in Maplewood?
It’s my adopted hometown, it’s where my kids go to school, and it’s fiercely independent and entrepreneurial.
