June 19, 2018 — By Design NJ  

Celebrating Life-Enhancing Design

Last week, Design NJ had the pleasure of celebrating the work of a designer we have long admired.  Clodagh, founder of Clodagh Design International and philanthropist extraordinaire, recently published her third book, Life-Enhancing Design. In this gorgeously illustrated volume, Clodagh explains her design philosophy (“My job is to create a space where wellness takes over and people can rest.”) and provides a look at some of her extraordinary projects.

All photos: Jennifer Lavelle

Clodagh’s work takes her all over the world—and also close to home. Her project for Donald and Debbie Aronson in Englewood graced the cover of Design NJ’s April/May issue; which is why we were so pleased to cohost the event at the Aronson residence. (Images of the Aronson home appear on pages 124-125 of Clodagh’s book also.) New Jersey’s design community came out in full force to see Clodagh’s awe-inspiring style in person.

Design NJ Editor in Chief Ren Miller, homeowners Debbie and Donald Aronson and Clodagh

“Designers are in the business of bringing joy, vitality, peace and wellness to their clients and to the wider world. It is our job to create experiences that reinforce positive feelings. In my opinion, we are more like tour guides, leading and introducing our clients to unfamiliar and life-enhancing places.”—Clodagh

  • Ellen Sweeney, part of the marketing team at Clodagh Design International and Design NJ Publisher Tammy Keck

     

  • Homeowner Donald Aronson gives a tour of his home. From left are Ren Miller; Clodagh; Jose Achi, director of design development for Clodagh Design International; Donald Aronson; and designer Gretchen Reinheimer.

     

  • There was lots of delicious food, artfully presented to coordinate with the decor, of course.

     

  • Ellen Sweeney, Clodagh and Emily Cones-Brown, communications director for Clodagh Design International.

     

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  • Ren Miller moderated a Q&A with Clodagh and the homeowners, who wowed the crowd.

     

  • That soaring wall of windows inspired some “wows” as well.

     

  • Ren Miller and designer Tess Giuliani

     

  • Designers Marina V. Umali and Sandra Funk

     

  • Design NJ Editors Meg Fox (left) and Marirose Krall (right) chat with designer Marina Case

     

  • Meg Fox, Tammy Keck, Ren Miller and Marirose Krall.