Joan Geiger Norkus, ASID
School: Rosemont Colleg, Douglass College, Rutgers U., The new York School of Interior Design
Company: Boxwood LLC, Interior Design
29 North Point Drive
Colts Neck, NJ 07722-1511 map
Phone: (732) 578-8382
Email: boxwoodllc@optonline.net
Designer Profile
I am the principle of Boxwood LLC, an Interior Designer specializing in Residential Design and small commercial spaces, with clients predominantly located in the Jersey Shore communities,and other parts of Monmouth County.
During these challenging economic times, it is important more than ever to take care of our homes and update them, not just for resale but also to insure against larger expenses in the future. Caring for mechanical systems, appliances, landscaping and pools is important, and so is maintaining our furniture, rugs and walls, window treatments, bedding and all that goes into making a house...a home.
Most important for me is to help my clients "love the home they come home to" at the end of each work day.
Proper space planning is most important, so I begin by discussing with clients how they will be using their spaces, where they will read, work, watch tv, dine and entertain. Once we have had that discussion we talk about a budget and timing: how much have they set aside to spend and how long will the project take?
Then, we talk about what will be purchased new, what will be reconditioned, reupholstered, or given away.
With new construction, additions and renovations, I prefer to be included in meetings with the architect and general contractor. I often know my client better than does the architect, and pick up on spaces in plans that might be better allocated. To look through a hallway to another space, and through a window and beyond, is the best feeling; knowing that the people living there will have views in unexpected places, glimpses of gardens, a pond or other attractive vistas is importaant To have a graceful flow from one space to the next, room for private moments and room for welcoming guests, are all key to a wonderful home. Architects do an amazing job at finding these opportunities. But sometimes designers see other chances to improve the way the home will function, so a good relationship among all parties will result in the best possible outcome.
Coat closets that are ample and covenient but not visible upon entry, just feel right; bathroom doors out of view, unimpeded circulation, unobstructed views - all make for a comfortable home that is easy to live in. Early in the planning stage these things can be improved.
The finished product should be a home or office that is the best expression of my clients' likes and interests rather than an expression of mine. I try to bring good classic taste, proper proportion and scale, and unique ideas collected from many years of interior design practice, a background in art, and former ownership of an art gallery, plus varied travel experiences to my work.
Educating my clients about color, quality of workmanship, and choosing unique and personal approaches to their interior design rather than falling into the humdrum of the "expected" is my goal.
Services Offered
Full service interior design including working with architects from the inception of a new project or renovation, floor and furniture plans, lighting plans, elevations and renderings. Furniture, fabric and artwork selections, and accessorizing as well.
I have abundant energy and do not shrink from a good challenge, and I will happily travel to remote locations for an exciting project.
