Diane Durocher Interiors had a ‘Spring Awakening’ even though fall is upon us. In true 2020 style, this year’s prestigious ‘Mansion in May’ showhouse became ‘Splendor in September’. The highly anticipated fundraising event, coordinated by the Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center, was held this past month at Tyvan Hill, New Vernon, NJ. This gracious country estate, built in the 1920’s and filled with historical architectural details, was the perfect setting for the area's finest designers to showcase their talents.

Photo provided by @masioninmay (instagram)

Back in December, we were thrilled to have been awarded the coveted master bedroom as our space to design. At the time, thinking the event would take place as usual in May, our inspiration was the freshness of a spring morning - a ‘Spring Awakening’. We were drawn to hues of ivory, sage, sand and pale blue. This serene, soft palette is elegant and romantically youthful; a reminder that spring does awaken after the long cold winter months. Our window treatments, a Lee Jofa archival print, became the jumping off point for this master bedroom.

A Room with a View

It's all about ‘making an entrance’, and we accomplished this by drawing special attention to the details of the long hallway leading to the master bedroom. We added a tea station with a commissioned Patty Davis Ganek painting. The flanking closets remained as per original.

Upon entry to the bedroom, we added a window seat, as well as portiere’s to create a cozy reading nook. We lined the panels with a trellis pattern trim, creating a cohesiveness between the trim, ceiling design and the secretary doors.

Numerous enticing focal points filled the room; from the fireplace to the bay windows that overlooked the lush garden to the four- poster bed with romantic drapery panels. However, it’s the faux painted architectural trellis design on the expansive ceiling that beckoned visitors to look up. It allowed the eye to travel throughout the space and take in the splendor of the room’s details. The painted finishes and refreshed upholstery in transitional lush fabrics added interest and a modern twist to the traditional furnishings. Contemporary accents enhanced these pieces and reflected my signature style.

After all the months of hard work and preparation, September flew by in a whirlwind. We were thrilled to see so many visitors and even more pleased with how our designs were received. It was exhausting and exhilarating at the same time and we could not be more proud of all that we accomplished. Our ‘Spring Awakening’ may have happened in the fall, but we know that its warmth will uplift us through the colder winter months ahead.