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Kicking Off Style

Writer Meg Fox  |  Photographer Donna Dotan  |  Designer Abby Gruman  |  Location Demarest, NJ

A bedroom retreat makes room for growth and a young teen’s passions and personality

Interior designer Abby Gruman, principal of Tenafly-based Abby Leigh Designs, aimed to create a versatile space for a young teen — one that he could grow with, that would be a comfortable place to hang out with friends and that could accommodate sleepovers.

The room’s unique shapes and angled ceilings fostered distinct zones for sleeping, studying and lounging. The wallpapered ceiling, inspired by the colors of soccer balls, reflects the young teen’s passion for the sport. Star-themed Roman shades add a playful element, designer Abby Gruman says.

Timeless furnishings laid the groundwork for the design of his room in the Demarest home, while his talent and passion for soccer served as inspiration. “We used two different wallpapers to make the space unique,” says Gruman: a vinyl faux travertine pattern on the walls from Phillip Jeffries and a sleek black and white design on the ceiling from Kelly Wearstler that represents the colors of a soccer ball. Two soccer-shaped ottomans reinforce the theme, while gray linen Roman shades in a star-and-dot motif bring a “playful element to the space.”

The cozy sofa transforms into a bed for spontaneous sleepovers. Faux travertine wallpaper covers the walls while quirky skateboard art and throw pillows introduce a playful splash of color and personality.

Adds Gruman: “We made sure to use colors that he likes too,” including pink and other fun colors in the throw pillows along with whimsical pop-art and skateboard-themed wall art.

The room’s distinctive shapes and sloped ceilings posed a design challenge that Gruman transformed into an opportunity, skillfully creating separate areas for sleeping, studying and relaxing. Among these is a cozy lounge area with a pull-out sleeper sofa for overnight stays, ensuring every inch of the space is optimized for both comfort and style.