Vanessa Deleon brings drama and sophistication to a Saddle River home

Legendary lyrics are transformed into art

Designer Vanessa Deleon says of the song passage on the music room wall, “Incorporating it into the room felt like a natural way to weave their personality and story into the design. It’s a reminder that this space isn’t only about aesthetics; it’s about celebrating the clients’ love for music and their connection to a song that holds special meaning in their life.”

“Eclectic, modern, ‘glamalistic.’” That’s how Vanessa Deleon describes her design approach, coining a word to describe her distinctive aesthetic. “It’s a blend of sleek, contemporary lines with bold, statement-making elements and a touch of luxury,” says Deleon, who heads Edgewater-based Vanessa Deleon Associates and is a frequent television personality, appearing most recently on NBC’s “American Dream Builders.”

The owners of this Saddle River home, drawn to Deleon’s unique style, asked her to help them create spaces that reflect their family-oriented lifestyle as well as their appreciation for music and art. “I carefully curated furnishings and fixtures that balanced bold statement pieces with clean, contemporary lines,” the designer says. “Every selection had to deliver both visual impact and a sense of luxury while still feeling livable for the family.”

Black and Gold
Deleon began with a bold combination that she used in varying measures in each space. “The overarching black-and-gold palette became a unifying thread throughout the home, lending a sense of cohesion while allowing each space to have its own personality.” The blend of the two elements creates a pleasing balance. “Black brings depth, drama and modernity, while gold accents add warmth, glamour and refinement.”

The bold black-and-white kitchen is topped off with a coffered ceiling. Floral upholstery on the table’s head chairs adds bold color. “The black floral head chairs were a direct nod to the client’s love for butterflies. We wanted to incorporate that passion in a way that felt elevated and cohesive with the kitchen’s bold black-and-gold palette. The chair fabric introduces a touch of whimsy and personal meaning without disrupting the room’s sophisticated aesthetic.”

Depth and Drama
Depth and drama are hallmarks of the music room, which features deep green walls, one of which is adorned with verses from the homeowners’ favorite song, “New York State of Mind.” “The lyrics aren’t just decorative,” Deleon says. “They anchor the room with sentiment and nostalgia, transforming the wall into both an art piece and a conversation starter.” The pop of the gold script against the dark background brings sophistication and allure to the space. “It’s elegant and adds warmth and a sense of intimacy,” Deleon shares.

“While no one in the family plays the piano,” Deleon says, “this room serves as both a striking visual centerpiece and a nod to their appreciation for music and art. With its moody palette and personal touches like the song lyrics, it becomes a conversation spot during get-togethers, adding to the home’s atmosphere of warmth, style and hospitality.”

Adding to the intrigue is the background — a roiling cloud pattern. “The deep green tones are absolutely central to the overall mood and personality of the space. The smoky green-blue cloud effect on the wallpaper, envelops the room in a rich, atmospheric palette that feels both moody and sensual, exactly as the clients envisioned.”

Luxurious and Practical
The kitchen, generally one of the more practical spaces in a home, has its own dramatic touches, all of which Deleon ensured were user friendly. “Because the kitchen is such a central hub for this large family, every furnishing and fixture had to balance functionality with the bold, luxurious aesthetic the client sought.” Richly veined black-and-white marble elements create a harmonious transition between the black island, range hood and chairs and the white perimeter cabinetry. “The hood and backsplash make a dramatic statement, yet every detail — from the durable finishes to the ample storage — supports the rhythm of an active household. This is a kitchen meant to be lived in, where the family can cook, connect, and celebrate together.”

The glitzy powder room features glossy black walls, crystal lighting and a marble vanity and flooring. “We embraced the idea of a true ‘jewel box’ space — a room designed to surprise and delight guests the moment they step inside,” Deleon shares. “It’s an intimate space, but it’s packed with bold personality — a perfect example of how a powder room can be both functional and a showpiece.”

Art and Accents
Family gatherings also take place in the dining room, where a long black table contrasts with walls embellished with a striking metallic design. A chandelier with tiered rows of glass adds an elegant touch. Presiding over it all is an art piece depicting a portion of a woman’s face topped with gold that coordinates with the wallpaper.

In the dining room, wall covering with a gold metallic stylized tree design coordinates with the artwork above the console.

Interesting art pieces add personality to many of the spaces. Artwork above the fireplace in the great room also features a woman — this time a classical statue with a gold background. In the den, colorful graphic representations of automobiles add verve to the black backdrop. The designer explains, “It was inspired by the client’s lifelong passion for cars. Automotive culture is a big part of his identity, and we wanted to celebrate that in a way that felt personal and visually dynamic.”

The owners’ Shih Tzu, Lilly, sits on the sofa in the great room. Deleon describes the room’s millwork: “The wall paneling introduces a subtle rhythm and texture to the expansive walls, breaking up the verticality without competing with the large windows or statement chandelier.”

Personal preferences, practical furnishings and dynamic design merge effortlessly in this exceptional residence. “Every element is crafted to blend elegance and comfort seamlessly,” Deleon says. “The result is a home that feels sophisticated yet vibrant, polished yet personal — a true reflection of the clients’ style.”

Left: A zebra-patterned rug lays the foundation in the den, which features an abundance of black accents. |  Right: The den features depictions of the homeowner’s first car. Deleon says, “Incorporating it into a bold, graphic cityscape and garage scene not only honors his personal history but also injects energy and personality into the space. The vivid colors and stylized design contrast beautifully with the den’s darker, moodier palette, making the piece a true focal point and conversation starter.”

A custom headboard reaches the ceiling in the primary bedroom. Deleon says, “Upholstered in a soft, plush fabric, the panels add visual warmth and tactile comfort, while the slim metallic accents introduce just the right touch of glamour. The effect is a statement piece that elevates the entire room, making the bed not just a place to sleep, but the focal point of a truly refined retreat.”

Left: Heavily veined tile makes a dramatic backdrop for the freestanding tub in the primary bathroom. | Right: The primary bathroom features a long double shower.

A subtle pink tone on the vanities and walls in the primary bathroom adds softness to the space.

Black and gold tones figure prominently in a daughter’s bedroom.

“The black-and-white floral tile was an existing feature in the daughter’s bathroom, and the clients didn’t want to remove it,” Deleon says. “Rather than treating it as a limitation, I used it as the foundation for the design. To make the space feel intentional and cohesive, I introduced the oversized floral mirror — its petal-like silhouette directly echoes the motif in the tile.”

Abstract wallpaper behind the bed makes a bold statement in a daughter’s bedroom.