Opulence, Elegance and Hospitality in an Ocean County Home

A bar and a ballroom welcome guests

It’s not every client who wants a ballroom in their home; and it’s not every designer who could make that dream a reality. These Ocean County, New Jersey, homeowners knew what they were doing when they enlisted Tonya Almallah of West Palm Beach-based AIDT Designs to help with their renovation. The designer, who has made a career designing for the hospitality industry, understood exactly how to proceed. “If I wasn’t in that wheelhouse, it would have been more challenging,” she says. For this, her first residential project, Almallah brought the homeowners’ vision to life. “They favored rich interior palettes with darker wood tones and moodier, more luxurious elements.”

Black cabinets and gold accents create drama in the kitchen.

The kitchen’s moody attitude is evident with high-lacquer black patent leather cabinets. “That required a special paint technique and several weeks of painting to achieve,” Almallah notes. The backsplash and countertops are crafted from dramatically veined granite with gold striations that mimic the metal of the range hood. It’s a glam space, but it’s also practical. “The wife’s love for cooking meant the kitchen needed to be high function despite its luxurious aesthetic,” the designer explains. “We put a tough skin on the granite so that acid from lemon juice or red wine wouldn’t stain.”

Built-in cabinetry in the dining area features a Turkish tea bar, a nod to the homeowners’ heritage. “It captures the spirit of Istanbul with authentic details and personal touches,” designer Tonya Almallah says. “The cozy nook designed for the clients’ daily tea rituals is adorned with delicate teacups and saucers sourced directly from Istanbul. Each piece tells a story, blending Turkish tradition with elegant design.”

The powder room also features black cabinetry, this time surrounded by lustrous black walls. The glossy effect is created with patent leather wallpaper topped by picture-frame molding painted with a high gloss. A gold vessel sink adds a metallic glint, while geometric floor tile brings pattern into play. Black and gold elements are also on display in the living room, where a graphic Kelly Wearstler wallpaper swathes the space. “The clients love that it sort of looks like bamboo shoots,” the designer shares.

The sunroom takes advantage of the home’s waterside locale.

Almallah put her background to good use in the bar area, which radiates sophistication and elegance. The bar itself is clad in bold yellow vinyl. “It’s highly durable and looks like real leather,” Almallah says. Behind the bar, silver shelves display spirits against a mirrored wall. Many of the bottles were brought by guests to the homeowners’ frequent parties. “That bar has to function to support 100 to 150 people. Not many people are hosting at that level. That’s where my hospitality experience helped.” Six bar stools as well as seating areas on each side of the bar accommodate guests. “It’s the same number of seats we do in most hotel lobby bars,” the designer notes.

Large windows bring natural light to the living room, where a painting adds a pop of color to the space. The side tables are family heirloom antiques from Turkey.

The bar overlooks the ballroom, where the homeowners often dance for their guests. “The couple are former North American Ballroom Dance Champions with a history of international competition,” Almallah says. “Their passion for ballroom dancing directly influenced the design choices.” One showstopping choice is the ceiling, a brightly colored, stained-glass work of art. “The clients had specific requirements for the ceiling, as well as detailed specifications for the dance floor’s finish, size and scale, making precise space planning crucial.”

The glamorous powder room features glossy walls and a gold sink.

The owners were also selective about the tech aspects of the ballroom. Almallah incorporated lighting and sound systems worthy of the most sophisticated AV team. “They can set a tone with lighting and music. There are moving strobe lights. The system can also superimpose any color palette or logo or pattern. It’s like being at a hotel or event space.”

Adjacent to the ballroom is a fully stocked bar with seating areas on either side.

A banquette next to the bar helps maximize seating during parties. The coffee table is an antique family heirloom from Turkey.

It’s clear these homeowners take hospitality — and dancing — to a whole new level. Fortunate guests are treated to exceptional performances, striking special effects and outstanding food and drink in an opulent setting. As Almallah says, “It’s glam, edgy and luxe.”

“The clients desired a ‘wow’ factor,” Almallah says of the ballroom, with its striking stained-glass ceiling.