An Old New Jersey Home Styled for Living and Laughter

For Tanya Meda, living in New York City played such an integral part in shaping who she became. Living there meant taking some of her first leaps of faith, forging her own path in the big city, working in fashion and immersing herself in all New York had to offer. Living in New York meant learning to believe in herself. It meant finding the love of her life, Carlos, and knowing immediately he was the man for her. The couple married, and after years of living in the city, the idea of a family home began to take root.

Tanya recalls their early thought process for house hunting, “We were both still working in NYC, so we knew we wanted to be in commuting distance. I’ll be honest, when Carlos suggested New Jersey, I was wary… as is most everyone when they hear ‘New Jersey.’ But all of that changed the moment we got off the train in Maplewood. It was a cold day in February, and it had just snowed. All of the dads and their children were sledding down the hill behind the train station. It was like a scene from a Norman Rockwell painting. In that moment, we both looked at each other and knew this was the place we wanted to be.”

A similar feeling of certainty struck Tanya when she walked into their future home. Coming from the city, their main goal was more space and room to start a family. They thought they were investing in a starter home, but the minute she walked through the front door of the largest home on their list, a 1906 Craftsman, she felt an overwhelming warmth and coziness that merited a longterm commitment. “Looking back, we are so happy we did not go with a starter home. We filled the rooms quickly and happily. It was certainly the home that was meant for us.”

Since that initial walkthrough, Tanya and Carlos have filled their home with a family and a mix of Bohemian and Scandinavian styles that still feels livable. Tanya says, “We are a laid-back family. Life can be serious, and at times, it should be, but boy, life is also FUN! And we try to celebrate that fun, not just outside the home, but inside as well. We have three indoor swings, and a few chalkboard walls for the kids to get creative whenever they want. There is nothing I like more than to make a house inviting, stylish, beautiful and livable.” —Quelcy

Photography by Jaime Meier

Image Above: Tanya’s dining room showcases her love of whites, bohemian layers and livable accents for her children.

from Design*Sponge http://www.designsponge.com/2017/11/a-old-new-jersey-home-styled-for-living-and-laughter.html

from Home Improvment http://notelocreesnitu.tumblr.com/post/167738274994