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Allison Handler Design is a boutique firm based in North Jersey. Named for its founder and lead designer, the studio specializes in creating unique, high-quality interiors. Allison’s design style is often described as “modern organic,” with rustic elements and a touch of glamour. She is known for working within various budgets, using a mix of high-end brands and artisan suppliers to deliver personalized designs. And we love it!

Born and raised in Bergen County, NJ, Allison’s path to interior design began after a 20-year career in the fashion industry. She slipped into the interior design profession by accident, helping friends and family members with their projects and uncovering her own passion in the process.

Get to know the creative force that is Allison Handler in this edition of Love Happens’ Design Questionnaire.

Lh Design Questionnaire with Allison Handler

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

For me, perfect happiness can have so many different answers, depending on the context. Spending a beautiful day at the beach with my family, a night out with girlfriends to chat and laugh, seeing a design project that only exists in my brain finally come to life, or relaxing in bed with a great binge-able Netflix show and a glass of rose.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Aside from my two children, I’m not sure I have achieved it yet! I’ve done so many things in my life that I’m extremely proud of, but what gets me out of bed every morning is knowing each day will bring a new and exciting challenge and achievement.  

Photos by Meghan Balcom Photography

What profession does your alter ego have?

My alter ego is definitely a roadie on tour with a band. Think Penny Lane in Almost Famous.  

The project you will never forget.

I have been lucky enough to take on some amazing projects so far in my journey, but I have to say my #Projectdreamproject has been one for the books. My amazing clients fully trusted me, and the process and the result speak for themselves. 

Your favorite business tool or resource.

My favorite resource is the relationships I have cultivated with my amazing vendors and trade partners, who have become an extension of my business. I would never have been able to achieve what I have achieved so far without the expertise and support of my amazing vendor partners. Other than that, my iPhone!

The most timeless design.

Anything with natural stone! Every time I go to a slab yard, it amazes me to see the beautiful pieces of art that Mother Nature has created for us. It is exemplified every time I travel to Europe and see the buildings, structures, monuments, etc. that have been there for centuries and still look as timeless and beautiful as ever that were created from natural stone. 

The biggest design faux pas.

Not taking the small details into account. In my opinion, the little details are what take ordinary design to the next level. Thinking about and planning out grout lines prior to tile installation (and what color grout to use!) Where the seams on the wallpaper will fall on the walls. The exact placement and selection of cabinet hardware. How much of the sofa should sit on the rug, etc., etc., etc.

Your design motto.

Going with what I said above—design is in the details! 

Our publisher, KOKET, makes statement décor. If you were to design a room around one of their pieces, which would it be, and why?

Lighting is one of my favorite elements to select for a home. With that said, I am in love with the Serpentine Sconce. I can see these up and down a long hallway being a fun accent, or as bedside sconces above a nightstand for that perfect bit of edgy moodiness. 

Love Happens when…

You realize you simply can’t live without it! 

Explore more from Allison Handler

Introduction and Copyediting by Bridget Kitson
Photos Courtesy of Allison Handler Design

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