Nestled in a Nature Preserve, a New Jersey Couple’s Customized Retreat

It’s not often that one can live both the metropolitan and rural life simultaneously. Typically one is sacrificed for the other. There are those lucky few, though, that have stumbled upon a gem that lets them have both. Furniture/lighting manufacturers and interior designers Roger and Chris Stout-Hazard, founders of Roger + Chris, are one such lucky duo. Their home is nestled right in between New York City and the mountains, meaning the best of both city and country living is right at their fingertips.

Their 60s-era rental is situated in Montclair, NJ on a picturesque nature preserve where “foxes, deer and chipmunks” scurry about. Most mornings, the guys drink their coffee on one of the home’s many balconies. High above the treetops, they can even take in an unobstructed view of Manhattan as they sip their cups of Joe. But the views aren’t limited to the patios. Nearly every room of the house features larger-than-life windows that frame the forest beyond so perfectly you’d think you were looking at a painting.

Initially those windows, while gorgeous, were the space’s most challenging design element. They’re so large and take up so much wall space that arranging furniture around them proved to be a tough puzzle to solve. Roger and Chris like to settle into a place quickly though, so they wasted no time in taking a crack at the layout. They rearranged and rearranged until they found the perfect configuration for each room. And when it didn’t work, like in the dining room’s reading nook, they simply had a piece custom made to fit just right.

While it sounds lavish, having furniture totally customized is no big deal for this pair. Most of their home’s pieces they’ve designed themselves. It is their job after all, and they’re quite fabulous at it. Chesterfield sofas and period lighting of their own making pay homage to the home’s mid-century roots, and they’ve peppered in vintage accessories to add depth to the decor. A collection of pottery from local artisans here, a set of oil paintings depicting the changing seasons there — everything in the home has been well curated, and boy, are the results stunning. I can’t stop looking at it! Click through to ogle over this mountaintop retreat just outside Manhattan for yourself. Enjoy! —Garrett

Photography by Chris Stout-Hazard

from Design*Sponge http://www.designsponge.com/2016/09/nestled-in-a-nature-preserve-a-new-jersey-couples-customized-retreat.html

from Home Improvment http://notelocreesnitu.tumblr.com/post/150968070269