Tudor Home by Studio DB

Manhattan-based architecture and interiors firm Studio DB has reimagined a historic Tudor-style mansion for Hollywood producer Ruben Fleischer and his wife, Holly Shakoor Fleischer. Nestled in the leafy township of Montclair in New Jersey, Tudor Home is a masterclass in balancing heritage and modernity.

Designed in 1909 by the well-regarded Van Vleck and Goldsmith, the 23-room home is set on large sprawling grounds befitting of a project aiming to blend history, art and contemporary family life. Fleischer worked closely with Studio DB’s principals Britt and Damian Zunino to transform the home within a tight timeline.

A process of rediscovery informed Studio DB’s design approach to preserve the historical mansion’s character while adding whimsical and unexpected moments.

The collaboration between Fleischer and Studio DB hinged on honouring the house’s original charm while creating a functional and playful space for Fleischer’s two young daughters. A process of rediscovery informed Studio DB’s approach to preserving the historical mansion’s character while adding whimsical and unexpected moments. Before any note of modernity could be added, the home’s dated elements needed to be stripped back. For example, garish wallpaper was removed to reveal original plasterwork and rich wood panelling. And once the mansion was restored to a blank canvas state, the interiors were then conceived to reflect Fleischer’s vibrant art collection and eclectic tastes. A converted telephone room was repurposed into a photo booth, while a garden room was transformed into a pink-walled retreat for Fleischer’s extensive record collection. Playful patterns repeat themselves throughout Tudor Home, yet sculptural furniture demands attention against a backdrop of more subdued tones seen in common spaces such as the kitchen and living areas. Key pieces, such as the striped Gaetano Pesce chair, complement striking artworks by Kehinde Wiley and DabsMyla and bring the family’s personality to the fore.

The design, though novel, maintains an equal level of practicality. Tudor Home has dedicated zones of play for the couple’s daughters – including a video game arcade – as well as ample seating for entertaining, hidden brass bars and a generous indoor-outdoor dining area that caters to lively social gatherings.

The collaboration between Fleischer and Studio DB hinged on honouring the house’s original charm while creating a functional and playful space for Fleischer’s two young daughters.

Spearheaded by the expertise of principals Britt and Damian Zunino, Studio DB’s storied approach sees Tudor Home become a translation of the owners’ lifestyle. The design is as much imaginative as it is personal, celebrating not only the home’s historic architecture but also embracing Fleischer’s creative spirit.

Interior design by Studio DB.