Project Baldin: A Space to Heal, Gather, and Grow

Midland Park, NJ

THE STARTING POINT

Project Baldin will always be one of my favorites—not just for the design, but for the heart behind it. When Christina reached out, I knew immediately it was a project I needed to take on. Our kids go to school together, she teaches at my children’s school, and she was navigating life as a single mom after losing her husband to a rare disease. Her home needed attention, updates, and support she simply didn’t have the time or capacity to tackle alone.

I teamed up with my friend Mark from Mark Tirondola Jr. Painting, and together we put our heads (and hearts) into creating a plan that would stretch her budget as far as possible. From the start, our goal was simple: give this deserving family a refreshed, functional, uplifting space that felt like a fresh chapter. Mark helped tremendously in her kitchen update and I got to work on the family room space where they spent all their time together.

Living room with a white brick fireplace, round mirror above, black bookshelf with books and decor in front, hamster cage on the right, photos and decorations on the mantel, and wooden flooring.
A kitchen with dark wood cabinets, stainless steel refrigerator, a white kitchen island with drawers, stained tile floor, and various appliances like microwave, toaster, and kettles. There are pendant lights, a skylight, and a window with blinds.

THE TRANSFORMATION

With a full renovation out of budget, Mark and I got creative—especially in the kitchen. The existing cabinets were still in good shape, so Mark’s team refinished and repainted them to feel brand new. To solve Christina’s biggest challenge—appliance overload on the countertops—we transformed an awkward corner cabinet into a floor-to-ceiling storage unit complete with an appliance garage. It became the perfect, functional hub for a mom who loves to bake and needed her kitchen to bring both peace and practicality.

While Mark handled the cabinetry, I turned my attention to the living room, the heart of the home where the family spends most of their time. I sourced budget-friendly furnishings that felt cozy, elevated, and totally tailored to their needs. I sourced inexpensive storage cabinets by the fireplace added both function and structure, while simple floating shelves brought character to the room without stretching the budget. And my favorite finishing touch—the pair of dark green swivel chairs—quickly became the family’s most-loved spot to gather and unwind.

Fresh paint and new window treatments tied the spaces together beautifully, creating a warm, refreshed home the family could truly settle into.

Living room with white sofa, beige and green cushions, black nested coffee tables, white vase with green plant, beige curtains, natural light from window.
Bright living room with white sectional sofa, decorative pillows, framed photos on the wall, a large window with sheer curtains, a black coffee table with a vase of greenery, a side table with a lamp, and an arched window.
A cozy living room with two green armchairs and a white sofa around a gray area rug. There is a white brick fireplace with a mirror above, decorated for Christmas with greenery. The room has large windows with white curtains and various decorative it
A cozy living room with light-colored sofas, a coffee table with a white vase of greenery, green armchairs, and wall art, illuminated by natural light from sliding glass doors.
A bright white kitchen with a central island, modern appliances, and gold hardware, illuminated by recessed lighting and a skylight.
Modern kitchen with white cabinets, stainless steel refrigerator, marble backsplash, and a kitchen island with a bowl of fruit. There are woven chairs around the island and pendant lights overhead.
A woman with long brown hair, dressed in black, standing in a bright, modern kitchen with white cabinets, wood flooring, and a dining area, reaching up towards the ceiling curtain.

THE REVEAL

Install day for Project Baldin was especially meaningful. This family is so deserving, and Christina’s heart for her children—and her students—made this project feel personal from the very start. When she walked into her newly refreshed home, her reaction said everything. Hands over her mouth, eyes welling with tears, completely overwhelmed in the best way. Her son’s priceless response only added to the moment, and I’ll never forget the joy on his face.

I captured a bit of the reveal on video, and it’s one I still watch often. The most emotional moment came as Christina reached the gallery wall I created—filled with family photos through the years, including her late husband. Seeing her pause there, eyes full of love and gratitude, reminded me exactly why I do this work. Thoughtful design doesn’t just change rooms; it has the power to support healing, create comfort, and bring new life into a home.

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