The kitchen, in particular, needed to transform from a working cook space to the center of a family home. Santos and Gardner first sourced new appliances, including the Lacanche range; then they redesigned the cabinetry. Santos wanted to keep the original kitchen’s feeling with its Shaker lines and freestanding cupboards instead of fitted cabinets. “We approached the design with more of a furniture eye for the detailing,” she explains. This Shaker-inspired utilitarianism was also employed to craft a functional mudroom for the family. Upstairs, Santos and Gardner created a proper primary suite, commandeering space from a neighboring bedroom to create a walk-in closet and more luxurious bathing space.
Septmber 2026
Redesigning an 18-century house is always a sensitive undertaking. For a Recent Project in the Hudson Valley, Interior Designer Elaine Santos Found herself with a Doubly COmplex Assignment. Santos’s clients’ house had been run as a country inn before her clients purchased it. The owners hoped to make it feel more like a family home, but they also had fond memories of staying at the hotel as guests. “They wanted to leave these moments that reminded them of why they picked this property,” says Santos. “They didn't want to rip it up and bring it down to the studs.” While the family aimed to be reverent of the house and its history, they also desired a comfortable, modern home for thei
September October 2026
This fall, Elaine collaborated with Deb Martin, Editor in Chief of Design NYC—the Architects & Designers Building magazine—for a Shop Talk feature focused on materiality and design favorites. The conversation highlighted elements central to our work, from Artistic Tile and Michelle Gerson’s Slide Collection to TaiPing’s tactile, sustainably woven Biophilic rug collection. These references reflect the values that guide our practice every day: craftsmanship, sustainability, and a deep respect for material and place.
Fall 2025
Elaine Santos Design embraced the architectural narrative established by Mowery Marsh Architects while curating the furniture and textile selections for this project. Each element was thoughtfully chosen to evoke warmth and refinement, with a strong emphasis on texture and a balanced mix of artisanal custom pieces. Throughout the home, design elements are seamlessly integrated into the decor, highlighting the exceptional craftsmanship of Hudson Valley artisans. The goal for the ESD team was to create a modern interior that feels both inviting and cohesive, celebrating artistry, natural materials, and a strong sense of place.
Volume 6 2025
This row house blends contemporary aesthetics with timeless design. With guidance from Mowery Marsh, the clients revitalized a historic 1880s brownstone while ensuring it met Passive House standards. Inside, every detail was carefully considered to create a well-crafted home. ESD worked closely with our incredible clients to ensure that the furniture and decorative layers balanced comfort, approachability, and sophistication.
JUly 11, 2024
This Room Could Save the Planet IN A WELL-DESIGNED PASSIVE HOME, WHERE ELEGANCE AND INSULATION GO HAND IN HAND, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE
February 2024.
Before & After: A Ramshackle New Jersey Row Home Becomes a Passive House With Pizzazz
September 29, 2022
Our YORK STREET townhouse project won the 2022 Residential Design Magazine for Architectural Interiors for Mowery Marsh Architects working their magic.
SEPTEMBER 27, 2022
Elaine Santos and Windigo Architecture Converted a 19th-Century Carriage House Into a Warm, Modern Home
april 7, 2022
Previously owned by an extreme hoarder in his 80s, this neglected Jersey City townhouse has been transformed into a sleek and minimal family home
NOVEMBER 26, 2021
Podcast | design Perspectives By gail davis
I had so much fun talking with Gail Davis on her podcast Design Perspectives!
Check out Episode 21 which dropped on 6/26/2020.
We discussed all things interior design!
June 26, 2020
Mowery Marsh and Elaine Santos Turn an 1800s Townhouse Into a Modern, Eco-Friendly Family Home. Old meets new in the best ways.
April 10, 2020
arhaus collaborated w aspire magazine and invited me to lead the panel
November 8, 2019
HOBOKEN HOUSE TOUR
Elaine Santos Design is proud to be featured as part of the Hoboken House Tour. The event raises funds in support of Hoboken Historical Museum’s work to educate and advocate for the distinctive character and irreplaceable architecture of its neighborhoods. All proceeds support the Hoboken Historical Museum’s programs and operations.
October 20, 2019
The D&D Building, NY. Moderator, Stephen Fanuka, “Contractor to the Stars,” discusses return on investment strategies with panelists: Maggie Keats, Douglas Elliman's #1 Producer on the North Shore of Long Island, Elaine Santos, published NYC based interior designer, Taylor Spellman, designer and staging expert. Together they explored current consumer renovation trends, what buyers are looking for, where to save and where to splurge, and ways to best guide your clients and grow your business.
October 16, 2019
Brittany Chevalier McIntyre, Executive Editor of Luxe Interiors + Design will be the moderator for the panel. Elaine Santos will join Jon Sherman of Flavor Paper, Alan Barlis of BarlisWedlick Architects and Kati Curtis of Kati Curtis Design in a panel discussion on sustainability principles and how these design professionals curate luxury with eco-friendly products and materials.
June 20, 2019
A CLASSIC PARK AVENUE HOME GETS A MODERN MAKEOVER
FLIGHTS OF FANTASY
Q&A WITH INTERIOR DESIGNER ELAINE SANTOS