Black-And-White Tile Gets A Twist In This Colorful New Jersey Abode

The primary bathroom of a New Jersey farmhouse, designed by Michelle Gage, boasts a black-and-white penny tile floor which pairs nicely with the glazed jade wall tiles, both from Daltile. The cast iron tub is from Signature Hardware.

The primary bathroom of a New Jersey farmhouse, designed by Michelle Gage, boasts a black-and-white penny tile floor which pairs nicely with the glazed jade wall tiles, both from Daltile. The cast iron tub is from Signature Hardware.

A closeup of the shower with its glazed jade wall tiles and the black-and-white penny tile floor from Daltile.

A closeup of the shower with its glazed jade wall tiles and the black-and-white penny tile floor from Daltile.

Gage selected classic elements for the kitchen, including a fluted apron-front sink from Signature Hardware and ceramic scalloped pendants by Regina Andrew.

Gage selected classic elements for the kitchen, including a fluted apron-front sink from Signature Hardware and ceramic scalloped pendants by Regina Andrew.

A closeup on the corner of the kitchen. The countertops are Caesarstone’s White Attica.

A closeup on the corner of the kitchen. The countertops are Caesarstone’s White Attica.

“We call it ‘The Gentleman’s Farmhouse,’” shares designer Michelle Gage of the circa-1787 New Jersey abode that she restored top-to-bottom alongside general contractor Chadwick Hunter. To bridge the residence’s early American roots with the eclectic mix she envisioned within, Gage looked to black-and-white tiled floors to compose a timeless base.

In the kitchen, a checkered blend of honed Bianco Carrara and Nero Marquina marbles were chosen for their luxurious look and feel. “This is a very personal, sacred space for him, so we sourced the best of everything—including the floors,” says the designer. “We wanted each detail to feel very intentional and considered. Plus, there needed to be a graphic element to cut the sweetness of the purple cabinetry.” The surprising hue—a custom Sherwin-Williams blend she describes as “hazy lilac”—was chosen to complement the diffuse sunlight the space receives throughout the day, and to feel era-appropriate yet bold and dramatic.

Shockwaves of color similarly distinguish the client’s primary bathroom, where a classic penny mosaic floor with a black subway tile border juxtaposes walls clad in jade tiles arranged in a climbing herringbone pattern that feel a touch unhinged—in the best way possible. Masculine details, including a cast iron soaking tub, mahogany wood vanities and a custom snake-shaped shower door pull lend further intrigue to the period home. “It’s tailored and gentlemanly, yet quirky and fun,” surmises Gage.

All in, the design is as vibrant as the merriment it caters to on a regular basis. Shares Gage, “The client manages a band and has many musician friends. He is often cooking up a storm for these jam sessions, or as bands pass through.”

Photos: Brian Wetzel