Landscaping: The manicured thirteen-and-a-half-acre landscape was designed to mimic a traditional English- style garden. The plantings are simple and green, accented by white flowering plants. A walled vegetable garden and multicolored cutting garden are in back

The Salutation, a grand estate in Kent, England designed by Edwin Lutyens, served as the inspiration for designer Suzy Moran’s New Vernon home. The sprawling thirteen-and-a-half acre manse, designed by architect Alexander A. Bol of Berkeley Heights, took two years to complete. Moran, principal designer of Greenfield Grange in Morristown, put her professional acumen to good use. “I planned the decorating as the building progressed. When it was complete, everything was in storage and we were ready to move right in,” she explains. Along with the nine-room main house, there is a five-room carriage house and a three-bedroom guest house, “modeled after our first home, which was built in 1720,” Moran says. Personal elements are the foundation of Moran’s aesthetic. “Anyone can decorate a house. People’s lives have to be portrayed in their homes. It’s not just about furniture, there should be a personal connection.”

Library: “This is my husband’s favorite room,” says Moran. “It is filled with antique civil war swords, muskets, and other collectibles.” The mahogany-paneled walls and built-in recessed wooden shutters are reminiscent of the 18th-century style the house is modeled after. The coffered ceiling is decorated with canvases hand painted by artist Brian O’Gara. One favorite has an elaborate Celtic cross with the phrase “Deo Juvante,” Latin for “With God’s Help.”


Kitchen: The kitchen features antique pine cabinets and commercial-grade appliances. Moran's collection of copper cookware and gingham-shaded pendants lend a country feel. Antique limestone was used for the counter top and the floor. “Each floor square weighs 45 pounds. When they were installing it, I worried we were going to end up in the basement,” Moran jokes.

Dining room: Elegant details such as 17th-century French gilt-wood mirrors, an 18th-century marble-topped console, and a sparkling antique chandelier come together in this warm, formal room. “The walls are hand painted with birds, and the favorite flower of each female member of the family is represented,” says Moran, adding “Lily of the Valley is my mother’s favorite.” The elaborate mural took six months to complete.


Master bedroom: A generous sitting area opposite the bed makes this master suite a comfortable place to read or relax. Classic fabric patterns from textile manufacturer Brunschwig & Fils, overstuffed chairs, and a fireplace set a cozy mood. An English coal fire basket and antique black chinoise screen are in keeping with the home's old world theme.

THE MORAN FILE

“I love silk taffeta. I use it for drapes, to skirt a table, or for pillows in almost every room. You could say it is my signature fabric.”

“It’s important to incorporate
personal items into your decor.”

“Find a designer who is on the same wavelength as you. That’s very important. Designers have entree to people's whole lives—we’re even in your closets! Work with someone who identifies with who you are.”

“My style is elegant, traditional, comfortable family homes.




Medals

Moran’s husband, Brian, collects a variety of war memorabilia, including these authentic medals and an antique powder horn on display in the library.


Horseplay
Antique riding equipment lends an equestrian feel to the barn.

Office/barn: Set back behind the main residence, this structure houses offices and serves as a garage for this spiffy 1930 two-door Model A Ford. The vehicle is operable and is used for family weddings. The cobblestone floor hails from Jersey City, where Moran grew up. “I like to think my grandparents walked on these stones,” she says.