Mansion In May NJ

The “Mansion in May” event has been turning NJ homes into designer show houses since 1974. Local designers put their creative forces together and re-imagine the country homes of NJ. This is the signature fundraiser of the Women’s Association for Morristown Medical Center. This year the event takes place at the beautiful French Manor style home called Three Fields in Mendham, NJ.

For over 40 years the Mansion in May NJ event has been raising funds for the improvement and expansion of NJ’s number 1 hospital, Morristown Medical Center. An impressive $12 million dollars has been raised since the first Mansions In May at Upton Pyne in Bernardsville, NJ. This year’s showhouse proceeds will support the expansion and modernization of the Institute of Bioskills Training and Innovation. This not-to-miss event runs the entire month of May and tickets can be purchase here.

I am so happy that I was given the opportunity to preview this event before its opening. And so happy that I’m able to share with you my combined love for fashion and interior design. Let’s dive in.

Reformation Kastoria floral dress — Dress- **Reformation Kastoria dress** | Bag- Mme Mink (**Doctor Bag**)

Mansion In May NJ Designer Showhouse Event

The 20th Mansion in May event takes place down a quiet country road in the small borough of Mendham, NJ. This is not the NJ you know from tv. This is the lesser known, other side of NJ where homes are set back along long driveways, horses are spotted at local farms, and a true country feeling is all around you. To me, this is what NJ is all about. Away from the highways and congestion of the cities.

Three Fields was designed and built between 1928 and 1930. In fact, a 1930’s Architecture magazine referred to Three Fields as being built “in the French style”. The French influences are evident throughout the home both inside and out. Having been vacant for many years, all 9,000 square feet of Three Fields has been completely renovated and has taken on the vision of the local designers. Each room has been transformed and brought to life by the designers who have worked tirelessly to bring their visions to life. From the landscape gardens, to the entryway, the kitchen, multiple bathrooms and bedrooms, and beyond. Stepping into this home will inspire your imagination and whisk you away into the NJ countryside.

If you are local, make this a must on your list to do this May. In the meantime, I will give you a sneak peek at the interiors where I was able to shoot some really special wardrobe pieces against this amazing back-drop.

Mansion In May: Three Fields Highlights

With over 30 interior rooms, and 15 exterior spaces to explore, I’m sharing a little peek of just a few of my favorite rooms (I’m not sharing the entire room, I don’t want to spoil it for those attending!). If you are local to NJ, you really must come see this gorgeous French country home for yourself. However for all those unable to attend, please enjoy this little peek into life at Three Fields.

Space 1: Birds of Paradise

Three Fields Mansion in May NJ 2023 — Dress- **Cartolina Nantucket** | Bag- **Mme Mink**

Space 1 is the entryway into the Three Fields home. Designed by Megan Pisano Design, this is such a happy first impression of the interiors. Named “Birds of Paradise”, with shades of blue and green complimenting each other in her stunning choice of wallpaper and fabrics, this gives off a travel inspired vibe. I was instantly drawn to this space for my huge love of blue and white. Whether you are coming home or heading out, this is a great space to gather your things and about your day. This design is all about timeless glamor!

I’m wearing the gorgeous Ana Trapeze dress by the small woman-owned brand, Cartolina Nantucket. Cartolina is Italian for postcard. The brand takes inspiration by a love for traveling, exploring, and nostalgia. I thought this dress fit this space perfectly as this is where our exploration begins!

Space 4: Three Fields Drawing Room

Christy Lynn collection dress — Dress- **by Christy Lynn**

Space 4 is so special! Designed by Kristin Ashley Interiors, the drawing room is everything feminine, elegant, and fresh. The walls, ceiling and built-ins are painted in the most perfect shade of blue which exudes a calming and inviting feeling. Curated with a collection of pieces that tell a story of a well-traveled life, you can get lost in all the wonderful details. If you love a tonal room as much as I do, you will not want to leave this space.

As soon as I saw this room during the Media day preview, I knew I had to wear my blue Christy Lynn dress for photos. The dress and the room are such a mood together. Effortless elegance at its best.

Space 31: Mansion In May: The Keeping Room

Cartolina Nantucket sustainable white eyelet dress — Dress- **Cartolina Nantucket** | Earrings- **Mignonne Gavigan** (15% off with code TARA15) | Shoes- **Inez Isa Sandal** (15% off with code TARA15)

Titled The Keeping Room, this room sits right off of the kitchen. A space to sit and relax while enjoying good conversation. Impeccably designed by Susan Farcy Interior Design, this room has a special detail unique to the home. The painted murals take inspiration from the almost 36 acres of pastoral land the home sits on. If you look closely, the local fox is painted into the scenes. Her daily visits during the renovation earned her a forever space in the design.

To compliment the fresh green and blue hues of the room, I chose to wear this white eyelet dress from Cartolina Nantucket. Keeping with the pastoral vibe of the room and close access to the gardens just outside, this dress is made for this room.

Space 27: Yellow Bird- The Dining Room

Borgo De Nor destination wedding dress — Dress- **Borgo De Nor** | Earrings- **Mestiza NY** (20% off with code TARA20)

A vibrant space to gather and dine that is full of grassy green, bright pink, and yellow hues. Designed by CWI.Design, this is the ultimate breakfast space with its large glass doors bringing in the natural light. The color palette is so fresh and inviting. A happy room with a hot pink bench that is oh so charming!

I did not know the color palette before the Mansion in May NJ preview, however once I stepped into this room, I knew I had the perfect dress to compliment this design. Known for modern, effortless, resort style, this Borgo de Nor dress, meets the tropical vibe of the room. I believe I have all the colors covered here!

Space 9: Sous Les Fleurs

The Glam Pad interior design — Dress- **Christy Lynn**

Moving upstairs in Three Fields, this modern romantic’s bedroom is designed by Callie Bruen Interiors. I love Callie’s choice of colors for this room. The soothing ivory, fresh chartreuse, and unexpected pops of pinky-lavender make this a beautiful retreat for the end of the day. It evens comes with a custom writing desk to jot down any next-day reminders.

To compliment the shades of pink and lavender throughout the room, I’m wearing this gorgeous floral dress by Christy Lynn. A favorite designer of mine, you may also enjoy reading my previous post about her collection. I love how the chartreuse contrasts the pink color in such a fresh way! An unexpected color combination in this room that I am loving!

Space 26: La Retraite De Madame

Hermoza floral dress — Dress- **Hermoza** | Shoes- **Sarah Flint** (Take 15% off your first full price purchase with code SARAHFLINT-CCTARA1)

Space 26 is the private retreat for the madame of the house. Designed by Karla of Interior Decisions, this coral and green room is complete with an antique French writing desk, a space for drinking tea, and a beautiful window seat that overlooks the pickleball court. I love how the green used throughout the room ties in the outdoors on this second floor space.

The vibrant yet soothing color palette of this room inspired me to wear this feminine floral midi dress by Hermoza. The soft pinks and greens in the dress are modern yet very classic. Plus, the beautiful drape of the dress compliments the feminine charm of the room.

Space 29: Butler’s Pantry

Three Fields Mendham NJ design showhouse — Dress- **Cartolina Nantucket** | Shoes- **Inez Isa Sandal** (15% off with code TARA15)

Heading back downstairs and off of the kitchen is this stunning space by Jim Dove Design. I am a long-time fan of Jim’s work, as my husband of Thorsen Construction, has worked with him over the years. This space is the Butler’s Pantry. Multi-functional, it is displayed as a space for cutting your freshly picked flowers, or making your favorite drink. This small space makes a major impact with the use of this stunning wallpaper. Plus I love how we are continuing the blue throughout the home.

Since this is right off the kitchen and Keeping room, I’m wearing the Cartolina Nantucket eyelet dress again as it is so fitting to this French country space.

Mansion In May 2023

There are so many more beautiful spaces to explore at this years Mansion In May. I wish I had more time there to share them all with you. If you can, make the trip out to the beautiful borough of Mendham, NJ to see this spectacular country retreat for yourself.

All photos taken by Laurel Creative.