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Contemporary Style - Living Outside The Box
01/09/2008 - By By Michael Berman • Photography by Kathleen Hennessy The Merantes’ dining room is ablaze in rich, saturated color. Celeste has a special love of purple..
The Merantes’ dining room is ablaze in rich, saturated color. Celeste has a special love of purple and has applied it generously to this warm and inviting space. The warmth and transparency of the natural wood of the furniture in this room offer a welcome
The unique home of Joseph and Celeste Merante is a fine example of thinking outside the box.
The unique home of Joseph and Celeste Merante is a fine example of thinking outside the box. The 7,000-square-foot sprawling structure is set on 1.25 acres of artfully landscaped property and is the canvas onto which a very personal approach to interior design has been vibrantly painted. Celeste remembers passing this property daily on her way to work, and jumping at the chance to purchase it when the house was put on the market. She describes the property in angular terms, and enjoys the careful placement of walls and windows that creates an architectural flow that is anything but typical; one room flows into the next and angles meet at unexpected junctures to create interest without sacrificing warmth and livability. Once purchased, Celeste went to work making a unique space for herself, her husband, and their two children to enjoy. Her approach began with color and light. When asked if her bold design strokes met with any resistance, Celeste’s response was that her family “trusts her choices.” Celeste describes her approach as a “can’t do the expected” challenge. Saturated color, as well as the juxtaposition of traditional elements with contemporary furniture styles, come together to create visual excitement throughout. The Merantes brought along furnishings from their previous home in Holmdel and their vacation home, recently sold, on Long Beach Island. Celeste also enjoys the search for just the right piece of furniture or just the right color fabric or wall color to enhance her overall vision. They have achieved a unique balance in their home; it is playful, inviting, and sparkles with personality.
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The family room illustrates Celeste’s love of color and shape. The bold wall color plays beautifully off the unique green carpeting, which has raised circles woven into the pile, creating an unexpected sculptural element. The furniture is playful and fun,
The kitchen is streamlined and features clean lines, with chrome and stainless accents. Celeste spent months looking for just the right color leather seats for the center island: the chosen seating adds just the right splash of color, bringing the kitchen
The children’s rooms reflect their own design choices. Working with their mother, Renee, 15, wanted a black and white room; an artist herself, she does admit to not liking purple. Alexis, 17, chose bright colors and a pattern that projects her personality
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