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Elegance in Style and Substance
06/27/2008 - By Michael Berman & Photography by Al Kruper
The Pallittos’ Home Expresses a Family’s Joy for Living.
Richard and Linda Pallitto of Colts Neck moved from Holmdel about 12 years ago, and they couldn’t be happier with their 11,000-square-foot home that sits on four pastoral acres of land. Linda likes Colts Neck because of its open feel; she continues to enjoy the private space their property provided her 3 boys, who grew up here. Linda and Richard had originally planned to build their dream home in Holmdel, and even started the process, but things just didn’t work out. They found a practically new home in Colts Neck that met their expectations.
Linda grew up in Port Elizabeth as one of 12 children; there were 6 boys and 6 girls, and just two bedrooms and one shared bath! Her home in Colts Neck is a far cry from those tight quarters, but what has remained constant is Linda’s continued stress on family values; she has always made sure the entire family has dinner together, to touch base and share the day’s adventures.
Linda enjoyed the challenges of decorating, and feels her home now reflects her personal style for comfortable elegance. She remembers how dark and dreary the house was when they purchased it – the color choices were just not her style. She went through many quarts of paint to test out which would look best, but it was difficult, as paint is affected by natural and interior lighting, which often changes the hue. She is quite happy now, but remembers the paint challenge with a sigh.
The Pallittos live life to the fullest and enjoy dining out in the area. They are also avid “boat people,” enjoying their boat in Florida and in Mantoloking during the spring, summer, and early fall boating seasons.
Linda says her design style is eclectic, but “she knows what she likes” when she sees it. The computer is a great tool, but she much prefers to see the item in the space; she has even had some furniture stores bring the items to her house for that purpose. The Woods made this service available to her, and she couldn’t be happier with the salmon-colored twin sofas she purchased from them.
The great room is plush and elegant. The large mirror above the hearth is one of the few things left from the original owner. The sideboard and swan, gilded arm chairs add a splash of timelessness to the interior design.
The curvaceous staircase is elegant, and includes a carpet runner that accentuates the subtle curve of the staircase architecture. The foyer features limestone tiles with tumble marble insets. The high-gloss ebony piano, tucked under the stair, is often played by Jon, 18, who is a musician and vocalist. Jon’s twin, Chris, is a fine artist whose work can be seen throughout the Pallitto home. Rich Jr., 29, works in the food industry, like his dad, Richard Sr.
Richard’s office space is elegant and richly appointed, featuring a hand-tooled, leather top, oval desk and twin wingback chairs, that flank the neoclassical fireplace surround. The wood medallion is an inlaid design, centered under a gasolier-inspired light fixture.
The master bedroom showcases a number of design pieces that the Pallittos brought along from their Holmdel house. The painted four-poster bed, armoire, and side tables all have the look and feel of fine antique-inspired modern creations, and were designed by Marge Carson of California; the overall approach was soft, sensual, and classic.
The master bath has dual sinks with gilded mirrors and a marble floor, adding a checkerboard pattern to this luxurious space.
The beautiful sitting area features an oriental screen behind the sofa for a bit of Asian flavor – another of Linda’s favorite styles.
Photo Gallery
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