Gatsby Would Have Loved This House

I'm up to my old tricks again and playing one of my favorite games -- yes, decorating the dream home. Of course, the second I spotted this insanely gorgeous (and at $15,995,000, even more insanely expensive!) six bedroom, eight bathroom mansion in New Jersey, I thought, "There's no way I could even dream to afford this." So naturally, I'll call it an investment. If I bought this sprawling space, I'd say turn it into a glamorous boutique hotel. Since it's right on the ocean, Jersey shore lovers will have to fight to spend a night. Come along!


The entryway of this home screams Kelly Wearstler, so I thought I'd channel her love for classic colors and quirky accents in my makeover. And just in case you aren't aware, a Wearstler isn't a Wearstler without a few greyhound statues. I'd welcome my virtual guests to their hideaway in style with a pair of porcelain pups...minus the barking, of course.

As far as the lobby goes, I'd decorate the space with a few plush Jacob sofas and Auto throw pillows (in Kelly's signature mustard yellow color!) to bring some clean lines into the massive environment. A few white nesting tables would maximize surface area while still keeping the furnishings minimal so the space can breathe. Overhead will be a floating suspension chandelier with a hefty price tag and even heftier impact. After all, we're boutiquing, remember?

And because every lobby needs a fabulous piece of artwork, I'd commission for a Justin Richel original: the perfect touch to a historic building such as this one.

It's gorgeous, right? Alas, a boutique you'd never want to leave, whether or not it exists only in our dreams...

Want to check out more luxe homes? See how I decorated this Nashville beauty or this Los Angeles mansion.