Creating a quiet retreat for the ladies of the manor

With her extensive background in antiques and the restoration of antique homes, interior designer Maria Bevill was a natural choice to take part in restoring Peapack-Gladstones iconic Blairsden to its former glory.

And Bevill, who owns Maria K. Bevill Interior Design in Chester, said she was thrilled to be among the designers chosen for this years Mansion in May Designer Showcase at Blairsden. Bevill has participated in the past three Mansions in May, the signature fundraiser for the Womens Association of Morristown Medical Center.

I loved the room I chose. It is big, yet intimate, at the same time, said Bevill, whose work has appeared in Design NJ and New Jersey Monthly magazines. Additionally, the Chester Historical Society awarded her the Community Appreciation Award for her sensitive expansion of a historically registered home.

The space is a second-story bedroom that will be transformed into a retreat for the ladies of the home to leisurely enjoy a respite from all the stress of the day, Bevill explained.

She said she pictured graceful ladies of the past relaxing in this room enjoying the afternoon with wine and chocolate.

The magnificent fireplace was Bevills inspiration for the room with its beautiful amber tones, she said. Bevill continued the use of those same tones throughout her design of the space.

One of the details that Bevill wanted to highlight in her space is the stenciling of the ceiling using a certain technique that mimics the details in the plaster ceiling work on the first floor of the mansion, she said.

Another important feature of the room is its many windows. Bevill said she loves designing window treatments and couldnt wait to start on these.

The windows will have statuesque draperies with a border of raspberry tassels and chocolate flat pleats. The window treatments will emphasize the height of the room and frame the views, she said.

I wanted to keep the architectural integrity of the space, but not make it old-fashioned, Bevill said. I wanted to update the space for modern living but maintain its architectural elements.

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Creating a quiet retreat for the ladies of the manor