This Kitchen Has the Most Unique Floor
We're seeing a pattern! An eye-catching painted floor is the star of this Glen Ridge, NJ, kitchen.
Alison Gootee
Alison Gootee
The Story
When longtime New York City-dwellers Alex and Pam Bernstein moved their family to the 'burbs, they landed in a soulful 1892 home in northern New Jersey. While the house had character in spades, it lacked a hosting-friendly kitchen. A renovation gave them the spacious cookspace they craved, but the trick was making the room feel connected to the rest of their historic home. Enter designer Diana Weinstein. With her guidance, Pam and Alex created a spot that's fun and functional — while keeping in step with their home's history.
Alison Gootee
The Details
Two-Tone Cabinets
“When we met Diana, she told us she doesn’t do white kitchens, and we loved that about her,” says Pam. The designer suggested pale gray for the upper cabinets (Modern Gray by Sherwin-Williams) and green for the lowers (Rosemary by Sherwin-Williams), a color they repeated on the floor.
Shimmery Backsplash
As a nod to the house’s age, the family chose ceramic tiles in a custom metallic glaze that reminds them of tin. “They connect the kitchen, which is new, to the rest of our older home,” says Pam.
Alison Gootee
Painted Wood Floor
The family couldn’t decide on flooring, so Diana suggested painting a tile-inspired design on wood. If Pam and Alex tire of the look in the future, they can sand it off — but for now, they adore it. “As soon as you step in, you think, Oh this is fun!” says Pam. Floor paint colors: Mauve Mist, White, Dorset Gold, Black, Fresco Urbain (all by Benjamin Moore) and Rosemary (by Sherwin-Williams)
Oversize Lights
Pam chose these spherical pendants, from Visual Comfort & Co., for their size. “They’re simple, but the large scale makes them feel special,” she says.
Alison Gootee
Room to Entertain
Alison Gootee
With plenty of space to gather around the island, the Bernsteins often host Hanukkah celebrations here. Dad Alex is the expert latke maker in the family, and dog Romeo is always close by!
Alison Gootee
Mercury Glass
Another tie-in to the home's 19th century roots: gorgeous mercury glass panels on the pantry doors. This murky, mirrored effect cleverly hides the contents inside. (No pretty dishes needed here!) Plus, the reflections make the room appear larger. Now that's a kitchen design win-win.