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Life with an OCEAN VIEW
04/26/2010 - By A.J. PERNA
Photography by: AK Photo / Al Kruper
The Chiarellas Enjoy Life…
Four Stories Above the Beach
For many nights over the course of a few weeks back in 1996, David and Peggy Chiarella found themselves completely alone, roaming a then-unoccupied Long Branch apartment building. Thanks to an agreeable and friendly listing agent, The Chiarellas were given the keys to their future fourth-floor oceanfront condominium unit long before ever signing the papers. David and Peggy loved the 1,800 square foot apartment that was designated as the model for the entire building, but wanted to be able to experience the space at different times of the day, to just walk around, sit and listen, and smell the ocean.
Over the next four years, a large amount of work went into setting up this new space to fit the Chiarella’s tastes and lifestyle, but Peggy knew that her husband was up to the challenge. Born and raised in Long Branch, David met Peggy at the University of South Carolina, where he was majoring in music theory and composition. Upon returning to New Jersey, David eventually joined his father in the family business of designing and creating custom kitchens. He applied much of his creative talent to this new venture.
Peggy’s trust in David’s vision - with her guidance and input - was the catalyst for putting the plan for their home in place. A starting point for the Chiarella’s was the existing Carrera marble floor tiles that flow from the lobby outside their door and into the foyer. David and Peggy loved the look so much they decided to expand upon that theme and add similar tile work in the kitchen and dining area, as well as the baths. Along with the tile, they proceeded to unify the look and feel of the apartment with a lot of similar paint finishes, custom built-ins and moldings. They combined an eclectic, modern feel with touches of grasscloth and white panel wall coverings as an homage to Jersey Shore living.
As would be expected, the Chiarella’s concentrated largely on their kitchen. Here, Peggy was very patient with David in allowing him to follow through on his vision. Originally, there was only a small, galley-style kitchen that was only nine feet wide. David broke through walls, tore out cabinets and moldings and essentially started from scratch. The result is an amazingly efficient working space with many different colors and textures that all still work very well together.
Peggy always knew that David’s background in music would translate well in the design of their home. Just like any good composition, this space seems to have a long, cohesive flow, with a lot of “movement.” David says, “Music theory breaks things apart and compositions puts them back together… That’s exactly what I’ve done here.”
Peggy hand painted the stylized tree pattern in the foyer as well as the night sky design in the lighted dome above.
The stunning views from the living room and 200 square foot terrace overlook the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Long Branch’s Seven Presidents Park directly to the south.
The design of the kitchen started with the black and white checkered-pattern tile floor and worked its way up. David’s “broken-up” effect is achieved with hand painted, white cabinets above and soapstone counters on mahogany cabinets below. The clever additions of a drop-in porcelain sink, integrated butcher-block, professional grade appliances and a built-in work/desk area show that this is a man who knows his kitchens!
David’s upright bass and Steinway® grand piano are tucked away in the music area, surrounded by built-in shelves filled with books of sheet music.
Four leather club chairs form a sitting area - a perfect place for guests to sit with a glass of wine and enjoy a little impromptu performance.
Peggy and David started their first subscription to the New Yorker when they were married in 1976, and have saved every cover since. Frames lining the hallway display some of their favorites and are changed seasonally.
Black, pub-style library chairs surround a zebra-patterned throw on the dining table. On the wall across from the table hangs a garden gate, rescued from a Bucks County, Pa. salvage yard. The Chiarella’s and dinner guests usually end up discussing whether the gates are hung correctly or are upside-down!
The living room entertainment center is actually an antique bedroom wardrobe, built in 1890 in Barcelona, Spain that has been restored and fitted with pocket doors.
The master bath is a masterpiece in black and white. A basketweave Carrera tile floor and a stylish, aqueduct-inspired flourish cap off a classic, sleek design in a small area that still boasts a walk in shower with simple, polished nickel hardware, double sinks and a deep, jetted tub.
David’s life-long love of trains is satisfied with a display of a restored, original tin Lionel® models, high above the commode in the second bath.
The front lavatory is a cacophony of color and texture, from the harlequin paint treatment to the custom, under-mount tile sink. Displayed on the wall is a collection of “retired” Sid Dickens® memory block tiles.
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