They wanted their dream house,” designer Jody Fierz says about the owners of this Westfield residence. Fierz, of Jody Fierz Interior Design, which has offices in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Florida, says, “The client confided that her dream home was a California-modern farmhouse-style residence—an airy, light-laden sanctuary where clean architectural lines meet the warmth of natural materials. She envisioned subtle sophistication—a home that felt effortlessly elevated, yet deeply livable.”
Large windows flood the home with natural light, creating an airiness that is underscored by a neutral palette of white and wood tones. That combination is quiet, composed and serene, giving the spaces a cozy feel.
In the family room, a large, white sectional sofa beckons; its cushions, accented with pillows and throws in shades of taupe, offer relaxation and comfort. The primary bedroom conveys understated luxury, with white and gray bedding that allows the wood of the built-in shelving to stand out.
The primary bedroom is a peaceful haven, with soothing tones, whitewashed ceiling paneling and softly arched shelving for display and storage. Photo: Tim Williams; styled by Anna Molvik
Elements of texture add depth to the rooms without disrupting the peaceful atmosphere. In the kitchen, island stools with woven backs contrast pleasingly with the smooth surfaces of the countertops and cabinetry. Rattan light fixtures in the triple-height stairwell fill out the vertical space. Fierz describes the thought process behind that decision: “In the stairwell, we wanted to create a moment that felt intentional and sculptural.
The architecture includes a beautiful curved corner that introduces an organic flow, softening the verticality of the stairwell and giving it a more fluid feel. We wanted the lighting to echo that sense of movement.”
A trio of light fixtures, hung at varying heights, fills up the vertical space in the three-story stairwell. Photo: Tim Williams; styled by Anna Molvik
An arched colonnade in an upstairs hallway offers a view of the staircase. Photo: Tim Williams; styled by Anna Molvik
Fierz took great care with vertical sight lines in many spaces, employing unique ceiling treatments that draw the eye upward. The kitchen and the family room both feature ceilings clad in wood planks in varying proportions, which create a connection while distinguishing between the spaces. “When you’re working with a generous, open floor plan, the artistry lies in creating subtle distinctions that allow each area to feel intentional while still maintaining a unified flow,” Fierz notes.
“In the family room, the ceiling height is soaring, which can make a space feel cavernous. By introducing a wood-clad ceiling, we brought down the scale to create warmth and intimacy. In the kitchen, wood detail was carried through—not as a duplicate, but as a complementary gesture. The wood treatment above the island subtly frames the workspace, giving the kitchen its own identity within the open plan. It provides just enough contrast to distinguish the kitchen from the family room, yet the shared materiality maintains cohesion. The interplay of these ceilings creates a rhythm that guides the flow from one space to the next.”
Black pendant lights above the kitchen island coordinate with the veining in the countertops and backsplash. Photo: Tim Williams; styled by Anna Molvik
Other spaces feature more restrained ceiling accents. In the entry, for example, the ceiling is gently tiered, creating a delicate outline above the foyer. “I was immediately drawn to the ceiling detail Stonewater Architecture incorporated,” Fierz shares. “It’s one of those quiet gestures that you might not notice at first glance, but you feel it the moment you walk in. The trim creates a subtle frame overhead, giving the entry a sense of proportion and intention. It tempers the vertical lines of the space, adding structure without weight—almost like a soft architectural breath.” The ceiling detail also acts as a counterpoint to the circular chandelier and round table in the entry. That deft juxtaposition is a common element in the design and architecture of this home, where curved niches and arches abound.
Subtle tiers define the boundaries of the ceiling space. “What makes it so compelling is its restraint,” Fierz says. “It brings a calm, balanced geometry that’s quintessentially California modern.” Photo: Tim Williams; styled by Anna Molvik
As a former resident of California, Fierz was particularly pleased to bring this aesthetic to her New Jersey clients. “There’s a relaxed sophistication woven through every detail. The soft, sun-washed palette, the organic textures, the gentle curvature in the architecture—all of it brings ease and refinement that’s emblematic of West Coast design. Translating that California modern sensibility to the East Coast felt incredibly special.”
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