--- title: "Decorative Philosophy — Interior Designers & Decorators | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/decorative-philosophy-pfvwus-pf~1577546456 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1577546456.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Decorative Philosophy" category: ["Interior Designers & Decorators"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/ca83317c02dfb475_2189-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Please call for an Appointment, Bay Head, New Jersey 08742, United States" latitude: 40.0832 longitude: -74.0682 phone: "(732) 864-5269" website: http://decorativephilosophy.com rating: 4.7 review_count: 15 best_of_houzz_awards: 2 followers: 188 last_updated: 2026-09-05 --- # Decorative Philosophy Original Houzz profile: [Decorative Philosophy](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/decorative-philosophy-pfvwus-pf~1577546456) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Interior Designers & Decorators - **Location:** Bay Head, NJ - **Serves:** Bay Head - **Houzz rating:** 4.7 out of 5 (15 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2015–2016), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves Karen and Joseph will completely renovate your space or just add those last few finishing touches to make your Home, Office or Retail space the unique, inspiring place necessary for your lifestyle. DESIGN CONSULTATION We pride ourselves on implementing your personal vision to your home, office or retail space. Providing: Space Planning, Color Consultation, Specialty Finishes & Built in Benches/Storage Spaces. FINE ART Original pillow designs, both hand painted & reproductions are available in a variety of sizes. Limited edition prints of all our work are available for indoor & outdoor use; framed or as murals/ decals. These are available on the HOUZZ Marketplace. Commissions for art and faux finishing available on request. ### Services Provided - Interior Design - Kitchen Design - Living Room Design - Bedroom Design - Color Consulting - Space Planning - Custom Cabinets - Custom Built-ins - Custom Blinds & Shades - Art Selection - Custom Shelving - Home Staging - Holiday Decorating ### Areas Served - Bay Head ### Typical Job Cost $500 - 70,000 We provide consultations & services. Prices are rough estimates: Renew your front porch ($3000), Faux finish an armoire ($800), complete color consultation/ painting: 5000 Sq. Ft.( $30000). Services are custom tailored to YOUR needs/ YOUR budget. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Decorative Philosophy | | Address | Please call for an Appointment, Bay Head, New Jersey 08742, United States | | Phone | (732) 864-5269 | | Website | http://decorativephilosophy.com | | License Number | 1379171 | | Followers on Houzz | 188 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/decorativephilosophy - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/decorativephy - LinkedIn — http://www.linkedin.com/pub/karen-la-du/1b/58b/1a2 - Blog — http://ladumacaya.blogspot.com ## Offers 10% Off Color Consultation _Mention Houzz When Contacting by 10/31_ (valid through Oct. 2015) ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Decorative Philosophy](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/decorative-philosophy-pfvwus-pf~1577546456) - **Website:** http://decorativephilosophy.com - **Phone:** (732) 864-5269 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Fine Artist/Design Professionals, Published Author, Blogger, Recipient of Various NJ State Grants for the Arts, Certified Teacher (MFA, Ed.). - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2015–2016), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.7 out of 5 — 15 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Heather Lu, Jan. 2016** > Joseph helped us on multiple projects over the years, and I can't say enough good things about him. The quality of work is outstanding, and he is always reliable, conscientious, and pleasant to deal with. I would be happy to recommend him to anyone who needs color consultation and painting - he is absolutely the best in his field. **Comment from Decorative Philosophy:** > Thanks Heather, > Hoping to work with you again in 2016. > Happy New Year, > Joseph **★★★★★ — T Herbert, Oct. 2015** > Awesome job by Decorative Philosophy! I needed my bathroom renovated, I am so pleased with the results, Karen and Joseph were reliable and a pleasure to work with. Their work was clean, neat and everything was finished accordingly. > > Thanks for the great job! **Comment from Decorative Philosophy:** > Thanks Teresa, > We were so pleased to work with the tile you chose and to see how beautifully it worked with the vanity that found after our search together. We are so happy to receive your appreciative review. > Hope to work with you again, > Joseph & Karen **★★★★★ — Brianna M, Oct. 2015** > I loved working with Karen and Joseph! They were able to work within my budget and bring creativity to my home. Their work was neat, professional, and completed on time. Karen and Joseph were very reliable and helped with design ideas and choosing colors beyond what I would have expected. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of design services! **Comment from Decorative Philosophy:** > Thanks Brianna for being willing to experiment with colors you don't usually use. It is always satisfying to work with a client whose mind is open to new ideas. We are grateful to you for recommending us to your neighbor Janet. We are looking forward to consulting with her on colors for her living / dining area as well as choosing window treatments. Thanks also for loving our Las Brisas pillow enough to purchase it! It looks fantastic on your sofa. Please send us a photo of it soon and enjoy your newly spruced up space. > Regards, > Joseph & Karen **★★★★★ — tenkur, Dec. 2014** > We love Karen and Joseph!! They gave our work space a wonderful, much needed face lift. Their ideas and creativity are endless. They are a true pleasure to work with. You can view photos of our office on their website and see the transformation. Karen and Joseph were able to work within our budget constraints and their ability to re-purpose items and see them in a new light is remarkable!! **Comment from Decorative Philosophy:** > So glad you are all so happy with the newly renovated space. > Many more successful years to you! **★★★★★ — Jainita Patel, Nov. 2014** > I recently went to an art showing in Hoboken by the two wonderful artists and decorators that run Decorative Philosophy, and I have to say I was just blown away by the work that Karen and Joseph have put into this new line of pillows. Each pillow is uniquely crafted and has Karen's own, one of a kind, painted designs on it. I was impressed by each, colorful design and the beauty and effort put into each piece. The way the pillows were set up and the comfortable yet elegant setting of the art show really made me feel somehow relaxed for a night of looking at beautiful work and excited for the potential prospect of owning one. It was almost a magical evening. I have seen some of Karen and Joseph's work before as they redid Karen's studio about a while ago and I am a fan of Karen's paintings, but Karen and Joseph outdid themselves with both the pillows and the show. **Comment from Decorative Philosophy:** > We are so happy that you not only enjoyed the art/pillows, but the surroundings. > Hope we'll be helping you to mount your next exhibit! **★★★★★ — Move n Art, Nov. 2014** > Pillow Talk is Karen LaDu and Joseph Macaya's new line of functional art. ABSTRACT, BEAUTIFUL and CREATIVE! The ABC of the Pillow World. Karen and Joseph let their imaginations run wild when creating these attractive pieces of art. The color and textures are to die for and coordinate with many interior and exterior spaces. They also have unique ways to display the pillows, on the wall in bamboo frames, room dividers and head board. JUST BEAUTIFUL! **Comment from Decorative Philosophy:** > Thanks Peggy. > We have loved YOUR art throughout the years we have been to your exhibits and are so pleased that you are so impressed by our presentation and our body of work. > Karen & Joseph **★★★★★ — jennc250, Nov. 2014** > Recently met Karen and Joseph at a local art show in Hoboken, NJ. I fell in love with their designs inspired by nature and their love of palm trees. You can really see how it manifests into their designs. I now have one of their large hand-painted throw pillows on my couch and it adds just the perfect pop of color to my rustic earthy apartment!! I love unique pieces that can be conversation starters...this is one of them! **Comment from Decorative Philosophy:** > Thanks Jenn, > Glad you enjoyed the exhibit and are continuing to enjoy one of our pillows. > We are working on a whole line of home goods based on that fish design. Hope you check it out when we get them on the HOUZZ market place. > Enjoy! > Karen & Joseph **★★★★★ — deveauxgp, Aug. 2014** > The services I required was to repaint my office, and install tile and repaint the master bathroom. Both jobs were started and completed with absolute satisfaction. I also required consultation on the color of paint and type of tile. I was totally satisfied with the selection. > > The work commenced on time and was completed on time. > > Thanks for a job well done. I would definitely recommend Decorative Philosophy to all clients. **Comment from Decorative Philosophy:** > It was a pleasure to work for Mr. DeVeaux. We are very pleased that he was happy with all our work and was open to suggestions. It is great when both client and designer are as happy as we all are with the outcome! > Thank You. **★★★★★ — hwmurray, July 2014** > My wife and I are big and very grateful fans of Joseph Macaya and Decorative Philosophy. Joseph is experienced, thoughtful and thoroughly professional, has an artist's eye with a taste for color, style and design which shows in all his work, and he is a master painter, wallpaper hanger and carpenter and can undertake all types of design and house restoration work with great skill and responsibility His charges are reasonable, he stays on budget and delivers on deadlines, and is more than a pleasure to deal with. We trust and rely on Joseph's judgment and his good business sense and his sense of what looks right and what does not. > > Over the past several years, Joseph has worked for us both in our New York City apartment and most recently and most importantly at our Bay Head, NJ home before and after Hurricane Sandy. In our apartment, he repaired and lined the walls, helped select colors, and painted and papered a number of rooms, including a complicated kitchen. He also arranged to have our floors refinished in several rooms. Our apartment looks great thanks to Joseph. > > But his tour de force was stepping in and taking over the entire restoration, from top to bottom (a gut renovation was required), of the first floor or our NJ shore home post-hurricane. Joseph proposed new design, new colors, numerous touches including chair railing and wood paneling, he handled all dealings with the subcontractors (plumbing, electrician, etc.), fixed the doors and in essence also put together, ordered and produced a brand new kitchen, including installing it. The Macaya touches, and there are many, show in each room. > > (Right at this moment, he is constructing a new outdoor shower -- we just haven't found a job he can't do and can't do with style and creativity.) > > At every turn, Joseph Macaya went the extra mile for us, and we couldn't be more pleased with all the work he has done for us. He is cheerful, ethical and pleasure to do business with, and Joseph is the first person we will turn to for any and all future design and decorative work in our homes. > Henry W. Murray, MD **★★★★★ — kimduncan24, May 2014** > Another awesome job by Decorative Philosophy. After some crazy interior and exterior water leaks that wreaked havoc on all three floors of our home - Joseph came to our rescue immediately and not only opened walls for us (cleaning up each time) but also found the multiple sources of the leaks by being smart and incredibly persistent. We were so happy with the quick response, the over-and-above effort to solve our problems and the reasonable price, that we asked for additional repair and cosmetic work that was needed as a result of lifting our house last year. Since we have used Decorative Philosophy in the past for both interior and exterior painting and were more than satisfied with the work, we had no problem leaving them access to our home while we were away. When we came home just two weeks later to all interior wall repairs finished and a beautiful new cedar lattice facade below our back deck we were thrilled The work was completely finished and we were blown away by the impeccable detail and superior craftsmanship in every aspect of each project. I can't say enough about this incredible team and I recommend them to everyone who needs top-notch work done. **★ — albertjr, May 2014** > Did thousands of dollars of damage to my home and then walked off the job. Refused to take any responsibility for damage to custom wood floors, ceilings or high end marble tile work. Now am stuck fixing their mess as well as finding a new pro to finish the job. **★★★★★ — walkert1, May 2014** > Karen La Du has an expertise and passion for art that is abundantly clear in her work. She has shared valuable support and advice on art and design projects and modeled excellent customer relations. I cherish the pieces of her artwork that I own! ## Selected projects - [Pillow Talk from LA to NJ](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pillow-talk-from-la-to-nj-pj-vj~636401) - Location: Point Pleasant, NJ - Photos: 39 - Description: This line of hand painted pillows ( all are also available as giglee reproductions as well) are the result of a marvelous trip north on the California coast in 2014. The places we visited and the natural beauty combined to inspire us as we attempted to capture our experience. They are hand painted with acrylic, oil, permanent marker, fabric marker and inks on 10 LB artist's canvas, stitched with the utmost care to 10 LB artist canvas backing or custom fabric of your choice, with black piping and… - [New Jersey Storm Sandy Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-jersey-storm-sandy-project-pj-vj~687654) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 34 - Description: This 1964 home was renovated after the Sandy Storm, on the NJ Barrier Island. The design stayed within the owner's specific budget and was kept very simple. Fortunately, much of the original furniture was saved by the family; enabling Decorative Philosophy to renew, reuse & repurpose. The kitchen was only renovated where the water damage occurred, thus keeping the costs way down. We were able to match the new lower cabinets to the existing upper cabinets, giving them all a beautiful new glow wit… - [Interior Design Work](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/interior-design-work-pj-vj~498793) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: These photos provide you with an overview of the diversity of our design work. This Fritz Kreuger designed French Country style home opens its cathedral ceilings to a dramatic kitchen /great room area where Joseph Macaya created a lime wash finish for the brick wall throughout. He and his staff inlaid the wall and ceiling surfaces with repurposed antique barn wood beams. All painting, plastering and refinishing/faux finishing was done on site by Decorative Philosophy with Joseph Macaya leading t… - [New York Apartments](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-york-apartments-pj-vj~498756) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - [Egbert Street Garden](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/egbert-street-garden-pj-vj~596839) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - Description: A few views, mostly from the art studio section of the yard, highlighting our creativity to pull things back together after the whole yard was submerged in over 4' of water thanks to Hurricane Sandy, October 29. 2012. We have been patient and so many trees and shrubs have come back to their full glory and those that haven't have been trimmed and we enjoy them in their new form. - [Cape Cod Guest Bedroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cape-cod-guest-bedroom-pj-vj~696099) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [Library Glazing Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/library-glazing-project-pj-vj~695655) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - [Cabana Club Fabric Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cabana-club-fabric-project-pj-vj~687243) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - [Cape Cod Kitchen Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cape-cod-kitchen-project-pj-vj~696061) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - [Hoboken Art Exhibit](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hoboken-art-exhibit-pj-vj~910937) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - [Distressed Faux Media Cabinets](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/distressed-faux-media-cabinets-pj-vj~698827) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - Description: This cabinet was taken from the mundane to the spectacular by Joseph's ability to work with stains, paints and other finishes in just the right combination to achieve the look that the client was dreaming of. Dream no more! They are enjoying their family TV time in beautifully finished furniture and wood work. - [Custom Bench Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-bench-project-pj-vj~687650) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - Description: The knotty pine, reminiscent of the paneling on the living room walls in the original home here on Egbert Street when Karen was a child, was used to bring the recurring cross hatching of the lines you see on the wall mural, into the studio in a most practical way. The window seat had been destroyed during the hurricane so Joseph suggested a new placement for the studio seating and work areas, flipping them to great advantage. This is the beginning of construction that Karen & Joseph conferred on… - [Faux Bench](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/faux-bench-pj-vj~695701) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - [Grey ART](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/grey-art-pj-vj~600179) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [Mud room undersink storage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mud-room-undersink-storage-pj-vj~687811) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Plastering/Painting Park Avenue Living room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/plastering-painting-park-avenue-living-room-pj-vj~839475) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [Repurposed Columns](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/repurposed-columns-pj-vj~698822) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 3 - [Wallpaper installation w/picture frame molding](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wallpaper-installation-w-picture-frame-molding-pj-vj~839469) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [The Pillow Project: Inspired in CA/Made in NJ](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-pillow-project-inspired-in-ca-made-in-nj-pj-vj~601471) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 29 - Description: Joseph & I travelled to CA in May. We had a plan to create a square drawing everyday, a collaborative drawing, the only stipulation being that we worked on them together and that they were about 4" square in our Moleskine notebook. Spent a few days in Del Mar/La Jolla. Love Poseidon. Hadn't been there in many years. So as we watched the sunset that first night what was to become the first pillow took shape. Bringing a full sketchbook back to the Egbert St. Studio in NJ, we began painting on arti… - [SurfArt: Collages & Murals](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/surfart-collages-and-murals-pj-vj~584889) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 18 [See all 38 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/decorative-philosophy-pfvwus-pf~1577546456) ## Ideabooks - [GARDEN](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/24335770/list/garden) — 19 ideas - [POOL HOUSES](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/32250075/list/pool-houses) — 10 ideas - [Affordable Art](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/26994830/list/affordable-art) — 9 ideas - [Studio Windows](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/28625095/list/studio-windows) — 5 ideas - [BENCHES](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/26421855/list/benches) — 6 ideas - [GREY ART](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/29272743/list/grey-art) — 2 ideas - [Manhattan Pied a Terre](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/29041094/list/manhattan-pied-a-terre) — 4 ideas - [Custom Bench Projects](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/26678622/list/custom-bench-projects) — 4 ideas - [The Studio](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/26661682/list/the-studio) — 4 ideas [See all 9 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/khladu) ## Community Q&A **Q: Love the Budha statue. Can u please tell me where u purchased it? Tha** *(in Photo Questions)* A: If you would like me to purchase (if they are still available) one for you and ship it to you. Please contact me directly: khladu@comcast.net and we'll figure it out. Sincerely Karen La Du **Q: What in the world works here?** *(in Design Dilemma)* This set of windows is 130" to the top window and 160" across. Would a pelmut type box work here? Long curtains or leave as is? Any ideas on what might work? Thank you! A: WE are firm believers that with lovely windows such as these, there should be no obstructions. Those fabric "things" that cost a bundle and are used to "drape" over windows like this not only obscure the great bones of the architectural detail of the windows, they are one more thing to clean, collect dust, and add to the clutter of what can be a fantastic view. Keep it as it is. It looks clean, and just great! Warm Regards, Karen & Joseph for Decorative Philosophy **Q: Cost of using an Architect** *(in Design Dilemma)* Looking to build and have never used an Architect before. Any guidance on what the cost framework is? A: Check out a few. Look at their work in person. Get to know them and make sure that they get to know you. Take your time deciding. Building a home is a LONG INVOLVED PROCESS if you want to get it done right and with the $$$$it costs we would hope that you would want to do it right. Work with an architect who hears YOU not an egotist who wants to build what they want to build. Hire someone who's aesthetic is in accordance with yours. i.e. don't choose someone known for their minimalist style and expect them to design you a great Victorian.... Most importantly, STAY ON SITE. If you are not there every step of the way things get muddled. Don't rely on even the architect's recommendations for a General Contractor to oversee your project. STAY ON TOP OF EVERY DECISION. Educate yourself. Also expect things to move slowly. Get a finish date and a promise with penalties to the GC if you are not in your home on time. Be there, become friendly with the people working on your home. They will most likely be your go to people for repairs and renovations in the future. Architects are costly. The good ones know their trade and a lot about the processes involved in the trades of the sub contractors. The good ones are invaluable. Best of luck to you in finding the architect who will work well with you. Warm Regards, Karen & Joseph for Decorative Philosophy Below is the lovely Egbert Street Home built by a local architect in 1996 for Karen's parents. Her parents rented a small place to stay about 2 miles away and were on site EVERY DAY. The builder was there everyday as this was the only home he was building at the time as per my Dad's request in the contract. He was asked to finish on a certain date and this was written into the contract and it was adhered to. Mom & Dad were there every day too. Takes a lot but worth it to not get frustrated when you are anxious to move into your new home! **Q: Need help with painting paneling. To paint trim or not.** *(in Design Dilemma)* Ugly 70's paneling and dark stained trim. I want to paint the paneling but not sure if I want to leave the stained window trim. The blinds will be updated to a lighter color maybe white.I am leaning toward a gray color for the walls. The fireplace is just to big to consider painting.Please help. Thanks in advance A: Paint it all. Get a pro. Painting paneling takes a pro. Warm Regards, Karen & Joseph for Decorative Philosophy **Q: What do I look for in a sisel rug?** *(in Design Dilemma)* I love the look of a sisel rug. I have new hardwood floors throughout our house. What should I consider as to quality and upkeep? I have one large area that is both my dining and family room area. I'm thinking two matching rugs. Your advice please... A: Sisal is pretty but not fun to walk on in bare feet and don't skimp on the quality....it wears out easily enough. If you get inexpensive, it will not serve you well. Padding will help for sure. Regards, Karen & Joseph for Decorative Philosophy **Q: Need help with shutter color** *(in Design Dilemma)* My house has a brick front, and we have just painted the siding a dark gray. My issue is the color of the shutters on the front....should I stay with black (current color) or possibly paint them the same color as the siding? All of the shutters are on brick, none are on the siding. A lighter gray for the shutters does not look good. A: No Shutters, No Clutter. But if you want them, then stick with the black, but you do need some more landscaping, perhaps some larger shrubs in different shades of green. Stick to evergreens as they are beautiful all year round. Consider a planter, large one or two for either side of your door. Perhaps your door would be better in a contrasting color.. a fantastic shade of red or green. Trees? Would add a nice softness to your front yard. Posting pics of the Egbert Street Front...very different than yours, but you'll get the idea of how WOW good landscaping can make your home. Warm Regards, Karen & Joseph for Decorative Philosophy PS you'll note we only have shutters on the upper window.... --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-05.*