In a Fair Haven, New Jersey ranch, color dominates every corner, from the buttery‑yellow kitchen to the cornflower‑blue office, creating a home that feels both playful and lived‑in.
From Mid‑Century Bones to a Lively Palette
The 3,400‑square‑foot ranch was once a dated mid‑century structure, its original finishes masking the potential inside. When a family of five left a cramped Hoboken apartment, they sought more space and a fresh start near the shore. Designers Robin Heller and Jen Levy, co‑principals of Surrounded by Color, began by stripping back the interior: ornate trim was removed, interior columns were taken down, and the flooring was replaced. A new glass front door let natural light flood the rooms, establishing a neutral canvas for the color work that would follow.
Related: New furniture line simplifies curated home style
“The homeowners wanted it to feel modern and colorful, with clean lines and less fuss,” they said. After the structural simplification, whimsical details define each area. In the kitchen, a scalloped tile backsplash wraps the space, while the buttery‑yellow paint makes the room glow from within. Hidden hardware on the cabinets aims for a quieter, more traditional feel despite the bold hue.
Rooms Defined by Hue and Texture
The dining room showcases layered blues on walls and ceiling, anchored by a striking ruby‑red chandelier. Multiple chair colors and a patterned fabric on the window wall add visual interest without overwhelming the space.
In the home’s dedicated office, cornflower blue walls create a focused environment, while the children’s bedrooms employ neon trims that contrast with softer base colors, delivering a sense of wonder without chaos. The primary bedroom uses sleek furniture and diminutive nightstands to maximize storage after years of cramped apartment living.
Related: Quan Thai on Defining a Queer-Friendly Home
“It’s 100 percent their taste and their personalities, full of surprises and unexpected combinations. It’s casual with fine touches, and it carries that juxtaposition with grace,” the designers noted.
Compared with other recent suburban renovations, this project stands out for its deliberate restraint before the color explosion. Many remodels jump straight to adding bold hues, often resulting in disjointed rooms. Here, the initial removal of visual clutter allowed each color to sit on a clean background, making the later layers feel intentional rather than forced. This approach mirrors a broader trend where designers prioritize a neutral base before introducing statement tones.
Related: AZURE releases summer 2026 edition
Designers Reflect on Their First Full‑House Renovation
For Heller and Levy, the undertaking marked their first full‑house renovation. “The project came with the weight of, ‘This is our chance,’” they recalled, noting that the pressure spurred thoughtful decisions throughout. Their goal was to create a home that feels “wonderfully lived‑in,” a sentiment echoed by the family’s reaction to the final result. The house now serves as a backdrop for everyday activities—from family movie nights to quiet mornings in the blue office—while maintaining a cohesive visual story.
Overall, the renovation demonstrates how strategic simplification can set the stage for bold color use without overwhelming occupants. By focusing on clean lines, hidden hardware, and a consistent tonal language, they achieved a balance that feels both lively and comfortable. The Fair Haven ranch now stands as an example of the power of color when applied thoughtfully, offering a lively yet functional environment for a growing family.
