“An ideal kitchen is comprised of a variety of elements that are not just pleasing in a decorative sense, but also extremely practical. The very best examples seamlessly blend form and function while also instilling a sense of order; and while the layout, palette, and larger components are obviously key factors, the impact that details like hardware, lighting, and tile can have on a space should not be overlooked.”

I love to travel...for work, for pleasure, for inspiration.  And over the past several years it seemed that whether I was on the west coast or the east coast, in the north or south, The Scout Guide kept appearing.  Each one wearing its own distinctive color-themed cover and each book unique to the place of my visit.  It popped up at my favorite inns, shops, galleries, gardens and restaurants. Patty and I started a collection of them ourselves, a keepsake from our places of travel. So last year when the editor of the first edition of the Northern New Jersey Scout Guide approached me to tell us that we had been scouted I was thrilled to be a part of the book.

This summer The Bernards Inn was scouted by the Northern New Jersey Scout Guide as one of NJ's most revered locations for weddings.  In her blog post, Weddings at the Bernards Inn, editor Heather Cundey understands the marriage of elegance and trusted service; beautiful presentation and superb cuisine; and classic ambiance with room for personal expression.  All of these are necessary to create a spectacular wedding or special event.  As the resident in-house designer for the Bernards Inn, Jeffrey's distinctive sense of style is found throughout the Inn...fine fabrics and textures in the guest rooms, unique design details in each of the private rooms for entertaining, and seasonal touches in the lobby and restaurant.  

Many of you already know Jeff quite well, and some of you are new to Jeff and want to understand how he works with his clients or approaches design projects. Jeff recently had the great opportunity to speak with editor of the Northern New Jersey Scout Guide, Heather Cundey. Her article Butler’s of Far Hills, Jeffrey B. Haines: Up Close and Personal is featured on the NNJ Scout Guide Blog. Every time Jeff or I meet with Heather it is an enjoyable and comfortable conversation and we are so excited to be a part of her blog. Click HERE to read the full post and see more images.

The Scout Guide's Tip No. 99 Feel Blue shares some of their favorite shades of blue paint colors.  Achieving subtlety in any color is often the goal and when it is achieved it makes the space feel so natural and unworked.