By MOLLY GOLUBCOW

Designers�Touch

KNOWN AS “THE HOUSE OF SEVENGABLES”AND BUILT ALMOST 80YEARS AGO, IT WAS ORIGINALLYDESIGNED AS AN ENGLISH TUDOR.THERE ARE BREATHTAKING OCEANVIEWS FROM EVERY ROOM. IT HASBEEN RECONFIGURED TO FEATUREA GREAT ROOM WITH A VAULTEDBREAKFAST ROOM AND A LIBRARY.THE STYLISH EXTERIOR IS HIGH-LIGHTED BY THE ORIGINAL GRANITEAND BRICK. THERE ARE THREE ENSUITES WITH MARBLE BATHROOMSAND A FULL BATH OFF 1ST FLOORBEDROOM. BEAUTIFULLY DECORATEDBY JIM LOGUE FROM FINISHINGTOUCH THIS HOUSE IS TRULY AREMARKABLE RENOVATION WITHTREMENDOUS WARMTH, CHARACTERAND LIVABILITY.

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When decorating your home, there are so many directions to take itcan make your head spin. Rather than get frustrated, or even worse, selectcolor uncoordinated pillows, seeking help from experienced professionalsis an option worth looking into. In the Atlantic City area, Finishing Touchin Northfield and the East End Gallery in Margate can help you decorateyour home. Whether you have a cozy condo or spacious split-level, expertsfrom both of these shops are ready to share their design ideas with you.

Although some may feel that using a designer may be too expensive,the end result may be worth the price. According to Finishing Touchowner and designer, Carrie Becker, “There is a perception that when youwork with a designer it will be outrageously expensive. At FinishingTouch, we focus on design and affordability and have our finger on thepulse of upcoming trends in the design industry.”

Many Finishing Touch clients seek advice when decorating their homesat the shore. Jim Logue, member of the Finishing Touch design team says,“Gone are the days of peach and sea foam. I see clients who want a moresophisticated design as opposed to just nautical décor.” In addition tostyle, Logue notices that clients are turning to a greener and more organic

look and feel. Products made from natural materials such as sea grassand rush are in demand and, coincidentally, compliment the surroundingshore area.

Another plus offered by Finishing Touch is the fact that their designerspride themselves by never imposing their tastes on clients. Logue, whosecomes with an extensive background in retail fashion for Gucci and Saks,tries to understand his clients and their sense of style. Logue explains,“Sometimes I look at clients and study what they wear – the hand bagthey carry, colors, accessories, and put it together to get a sense of theirstyle. After all, interior design is like clothing for your house.”

In addition to Finishing Touch, the East End Gallery is another avenueavailable for decorating ideas. The small but mighty shop in Margate is atreasure trove of fine art and crafts. Whether you are looking for a seascapepainting for the living room, a funky, life-size wooden-slat sculpture ofa mermaid, or a whimsical glass fish for your coffee table, the East EndGallery offers a wonderful selection of one of a kind and limited editionart pieces.

Gallery owner, Janet Cooper, selects not only works by established artists,

Interior designer Jim Logue and home renovator Debra Buchalski

Accent colors and wooden finials and fabric swatches, oh my!

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but emerging artists as well. In addition, she iscommitted to showing the works of local artistswho have ties to the South Jersey/Philadelphiaarea. By being selective in what she brings to thegallery, Cooper creates a special relationshipbetween the artists and her customers—like amatchmaker using her skills to know what artpiece will suit and please her customer. Accordingto Cooper, “This is a small, but close communitythat expects unique art whether they come in justto look and enjoy or to buy.”

In addition to individuals looking for help whendecorating their homes, realtors and builders mayseek the expert eyes of interior design specialistas well. Remarkable Renovations is a perfectexample of design and designers intersecting inthe business world.

Guided by the vision and determination ofDebra Buchalski, Remarkable Renovations takesoutdated houses (what some see as “teardowns”)and transforms them into elegant and modernbeach getaways. In many cases, RemarkableRenovations decorates homes to the last detail —window treatments, accessories, art, and even thesheets and towels. Buchalski knows that someclients are not interested in the minutia of design.They want to move right in and start enjoyingtheir new home without the hassles of decoratingit themselves.

According to Buchalski, “We let the houses talkto us and develop them into the best possible newhomeswitholdworldcharm. “Whenahouse “speaks”to Buchalski, she immediately builds a tiger teamof experts to help her perform renovating anddecorating magic. Currently, Finishing Touch andRemarkable Renovations are working together ontheir fourth house at the shore. “I was fortunateto work with Finishing Touch on my first projectand we’ve enjoyed a great relationship ever since.Their designers are excellent and respond to theunique character of each house with creativity,specific timing, and attention to detail.” By teamingup with experienced and talented people in designand renovation, Buchalski strives to “...preservethe historic splendor of the Jersey Shore... onehouse at a time.”

Wall paper or paint? Abstract painting ortraditional seascape? Interior design questions canbe never ending, but you are not alone on thisjourney. Remember, a design SWAT team (or moreaccurately SWATCH Team) is always on call atFinishing Touch and East End Gallery. Armedwith color wheels and measuring tape, designersstand ready at all times to help you answer yourevery design question. �

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