The Digest | New Jersey Magazine
Issue link: https://magazines.vuenj.com/i/1242540
e heart of their home was the main entertainment hub. Jaloudi says, "our focus was building an open floor plan that allowed friends and family to stay connected when they were over." She explains that the kitchen, family room, and eat-in area all open up to the outdoor pavilion. A 16-foot sliding glass door allows ample light in the space and provides a seamless transition from the indoor to the outdoor spaces. Jaloudi describes a party they hosted where they had both TVs in the living room and the pavilion viewing the same sports event. ey laid the furniture in the family room and the pavilion in a continuous way so that guests could go from indoor to outdoor without missing a beat. "e people who were sitting on the swivel chairs were able to connect with those on the pavilion and in the living room." For Elayan and Jaloudi, having an open floor plan came with the pressure of constantly keeping the kitchen clean while her family and friends were over. eir solution was to hide a butler's pantry with a sink and dishwasher behind sliding solid doors. is allowed them to section off the mess in the pantry so they didn't have to worry about the cleanup. Many of the spaces in their home are compartmentalized based on function: pantries allow them to stock food and snack for their families, mudrooms are a secondary entryway used for the storage of footwear and coats before entering the main house, and the covered outdoor pavilions are the main entertainment space. When it comes to custom-built homes for clients, the families need to conceptualize themselves living in the home. Elayan and Jaloudi express how they are enthralled by the modern elements of hotel design. Elayan adds, "when you're away and traveling, you're most disarmed at that moment and usually captivated by your experience at a luxury hotel. To get that feeling in your house is critical." ey drive this point home in all of their custom designs. One of the most interesting features they try to incorporate is concealed spaces that are hidden behind secret doors and passageways. V U E N J . C O M 67