Tour a 100-Year-Old Home With an Eclectic Twist

Kerri Pilchik isn’t afraid to mix things up — in the rooms of her home or in life. After 14 years working as a lawyer, she decided to go all in with her passion for interior design and started juggling classes while caring for her two kids. One of her very first projects: a four-bedroom, 2,400-square-foot Colonial in Ridgewood, New Jersey, that she and her husband, James, bought. Here, James and Kerri sit with Maya, 12; Jake, 10; and beagle Minnie Bagel, 3.

Built in 1920, it had excellent period details, including high baseboard moldings and built-in cabinetry. “I wanted to bring that charm into the 21st century,” says Kerri. A blend of bold colors, a lot of pattern play and fun flourishes made it happen. Statement fabrics were also a thing: “If there’s a window, nine times out of ten I’m using fabric around it,” she says. While holding true to the house’s original design, this bright and welcoming space is living proof that sometimes, the road not taken turns out to be the one that leads you home. Although the house celebrated its 100th birthday this year, hanging out on the deep front porch never gets old.

Classic meets cool! The walls are covered in grass cloth by Phillip Jeffries; the ottoman has an eye-catching Peter Dunham fabric. (Fun fact: The piece was made to measure so the family of four could all rest their feet there.) Old built-ins get modern flair with a display of accessories in various sizes and finishes. Oomphing up the traditional tan sectional from Lee Industries: a sprinkling of punchy pillows. Kind of traditional: beadboard-back shelves. Not so traditional: ottoman with an abstract pattern.

It’s filled with family traditions, past and present. “We’re Jewish, and we have Friday night dinner here,” says Kerri. “On Sunday afternoons, we do a happy hour with crackers, cheese, wine and juice.” The marble-top table is a Craigslist score; the chairs (with backs featuring a John Robshaw print that Kerri added) and the credenza were gifts from her parents. The chandelier is by Foscarini. Not so traditional: sleek acrylic chandelier. Kind of traditional: mid-century chairs.