--- title: "J. Stephens Interiors — Interior Designers & Decorators | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/j-stephens-interiors-pfvwus-pf~813783919 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~813783919.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "J. Stephens Interiors" category: ["Interior Designers & Decorators"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/63d39c830d669b63_0083-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "14 Tingley Road, Mendham, New Jersey 07960, United States" latitude: 40.7952 longitude: -74.4873 phone: "(908) 375-8288" website: http://www.jstephensinteriors.com rating: 5 review_count: 14 best_of_houzz_awards: 5 followers: 360 last_updated: 2026-08-24 --- # J. Stephens Interiors Original Houzz profile: [J. Stephens Interiors](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/j-stephens-interiors-pfvwus-pf~813783919) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Interior Designers & Decorators - **Location:** Mendham, NJ - **Serves:** Livingston, Westfield, Princeton, Summit, Millburn, Morristown, Madison, Short Hills, Berkeley Heights, Franklin Lakes, Chatham, Upper Saddle River, Basking Ridge, Bernardsville, Chester, Rumson, Lebanon, Mendham, Mountain Lakes, Saddle River, Spring Lake, Sea Girt, Avon By The Sea, Avalon, Brookside, Alpine, Bedminster, Far Hills, Borough of Far Hills, New Vernon, Deal, Oldwick, Boston, Bucks County PA, East Hampton, Franklin Lake, Greenwich CT, Harding, Hunterdon County, Manhattan, New York, New York City, Peapack Gladstone, Philadelphia, Washington DC - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (14 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2012–2026), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 50,000 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Locally owned - Woman owned Jo Ann Alston Certified Interior Designer and founder of J Stephens Interiors is a multi ASID award-winning interior designer who creates elegant and timeless interiors in the traditional and modern aesthetic. She has been named by NJ Savvy Living as one of New Jersey's top 50 interior designers and top 100 Interior Designers by Blink Art Source 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020. Most recently honored with Best of Houzz 2026 in the Design Category As a premier residential and corporate interior designer, Jo Ann loves to blend styles and to create comfortable living environments that are as beautiful as artwork. This is achieved by balancing scale, color, textures, and form often introducing a surprise element to keep the look fresh. We have many unique design sources and create custom products that truly individualize each project. One of our areas of expertise is whole house design that creates an artistic flow from room to room. Ms. Alston has a network of leading builders and architects both locally and across the United States. She has working relationships with the top Classical architects in the NJ. So whether you require the design of one room, an addition or an entire house, we can create it using the best of talent and taste. Ms. Alston has her degree in Interior Design from a Fider accredited 4 year college program receiving a BFA in Art with an emphasis in Interior Design and has further taken postgraduate courses in Historic Preservation. She has served on the Board of Directors of two Interior Design schools and also taught college-level courses in Interior Design. She started her career at one of the top 100 interior design/architecture firms in the US. There she worked side by side with architects to create high-end interior spaces ranging from 13,000 square to 25,000 sq feet per floor. Her primary responsibilities were to develop furniture and lighting plans, create the design concept and select all of the furniture fabrics and materials for those spaces. In 2001 she relocated to NJ and began is specialize in residential design and since that time has won four ASID design awards Our work is featured regularly in coffee table books and magazines. For more info go to www.jstephensinteriors.com or call us at (908) 375-8288 ### Services Provided - Interior Design - Kitchen Design - Bathroom Design - Living Room Design - Bedroom Design - Color Consulting - Space Planning - Furniture Selection - Kids Bedroom Design - Dining Room Design - Custom Cabinets - Lighting Design - Custom Kitchen Cabinets - Home Office Design & Construction - Custom Built-ins - Design Consultation - Floor Plans - Entry Design - Custom Bathroom Vanities - Custom Furniture - Laundry Room Design - Nursery Design - Custom Blinds & Shades - Custom Home Bars - Art Selection - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Closet Design - 3D Rendering - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Custom Bookcases - Custom Entertainment Centers - Custom Walk-in Closets - Custom Rugs - Sunroom Design & Construction - Custom Fireplace Mantels - Custom Shelving - Home Staging - Downsizing - Green Building - Custom Beds - Custom Storage - Historic Building Conservation - Classic design - Custom drapery - Traditional design - home library design - outdoor living spaces ### Areas Served - Livingston - Westfield - Princeton - Summit - Millburn - Morristown - Madison - Short Hills - Berkeley Heights - Franklin Lakes - Chatham - Upper Saddle River - Basking Ridge - Bernardsville - Chester - Rumson - Lebanon - Mendham - Mountain Lakes - Saddle River - Spring Lake - Sea Girt - Avon By The Sea - Avalon - Brookside - Alpine - Bedminster - Far Hills - Borough of Far Hills - New Vernon - Deal - Oldwick - Boston - Bucks County PA - East Hampton - Franklin Lake - Greenwich CT - Harding - Hunterdon County - Manhattan - New York - New York City - Peapack Gladstone - Philadelphia - Washington DC ### Typical Job Cost $25,000 - 250,000 The cost of each project varies depending on the scope of the project. Each project is customized to the client's individual needs. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | J. Stephens Interiors | | Address | 14 Tingley Road, Mendham, New Jersey 07960, United States | | Phone | (908) 375-8288 | | Website | http://www.jstephensinteriors.com | | License Number | 21-00007472 | | Followers on Houzz | 360 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — http://facebook.com/jstephensinteriors - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/joannalston - Blog — www.jstephensinteriors.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [J. Stephens Interiors](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/j-stephens-interiors-pfvwus-pf~813783919) - **Website:** http://www.jstephensinteriors.com - **Phone:** (908) 375-8288 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - CID IL , NJCID - ASID Design Excellence Award 2002,2004,2012,2017, 2019 - Best of Houzz 2018, 2019 ,2026 (Design) - Top 100 Interior Designers 2017, 2018, 2019 by Blink Art Source - Television NBC House Smarts - Nation's Top 100 Designers for Blink Art Resource - **Best of Houzz:** 5 awards (2012–2026), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [American Society of Interior Designers](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/american-society-of-interior-designers-pfvwus-pf~1510192642) - [Institute of Classical Architecture & Art](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/institute-of-classical-architecture-and-art-pfvwus-pf~597638842) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 14 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — The Federalist, Dec. 2018** > Jo Ann is one of those rare designers who has that special eye for chic and unique design, creativity and someone who can think outside of the box. We recently saw an installation photo of a handcrafted chandelier we made for her/ her client and were so impressed with her vision and the design elements of the room. She is absolutely one of the best designers we have worked with, not only for her dedication to her clientele and attention to details, but for the obvious fact she is passionate and loves what she does. **Comment from J. Stephens Interiors:** > Oh Thanks so much Jennifer, what a nice compliment, We truly appreciate it! **★★★★★ — Christine Ahart, Dec. 2018** > I am nearing the end of a kitchen renovation with Jo Ann and I couldn't be more pleased with my choice for a designer. My project involves new painted wood cabinets, counter top, back splash, kitchen furniture and window treatments. The selections that Jo Ann coordinated and provided for all were truly fabulous. Jo Ann is very professional, has excellent taste and vast design knowledge and resources. She is very energetic, enthusiastic, detail oriented, very hard working and committed to our project. The quality of her work is exceptional. My kitchen is going to be stunning!! I will definitely be using Jo Ann for all my future projects and design needs as I now see the importance of working with a designer like Jo Ann. A designer like Jo Ann, is worth her weight in gold. **Comment from J. Stephens Interiors:** > Thank you so much, Christine, for the lovely review. Such a pleasure to work with you! **★★★★★ — Joanna Alston, Nov. 2018** > I have had the pleasure of working with Joanna and I am always impressed with the elegance of her character which is reflected in each of her design creations. It is the unique touch, the dash of creativity that attracts attention and defines a certain brand of chic. > She is the ultimate professional and always exhibits a true sense of caring to deliver her clients dreams. **Comment from J. Stephens Interiors:** > Thank you for the wonderful review! So kind of you! **★★★★★ — nicsaviano, June 2018** > Jo Ann has been a pleasure to work with. She has a great eye for design and especially pays close attention to the small details. She presented me with numerous different design options, all of which Have relayed a traditional elegance for a master bedroom project. > She is very professional and easy to work with- would recommend highly. > Nicole -Chester NJ. **★★★★★ — Beverly Zagofsky, April 2018** > Jo Anne is a professional who will get the job done. She makes great suggestions and is open to hearing the customers point of view. There were some hiccups along the way, like any business, but she was able to come up with alternative choices when the original choice was not available. Sometimes the wait times were frustrating. I guess everyone wants it yesterday. At the end of the day, she had great taste > and I trust her. She is expensive. You get what you pay for. **★★★★★ — Workroom Services, March 2018** > J Stephens is a meticulous design firm. From start to finish, Joanne's attention to detail elevates all her projects to the next level. She is easy to work with and clear on her expectations. We enjoy working with a designer who clearly understands her clients as well as the workroom that executes her designs. **★★★★★ — Vandana Karale, March 2018** > JoAnn is a very talented designer. She designed our daughters bedroom and our living room. She took time to understand our requirement and taste before presenting options which was very helpful. She presented to us many options to chose from. She made herself available whenever we required to talk or meet with her. JoAnn is very pleasant to work with and our family enjoyed working with her. We look forward to working with J. Stephens Interiors, JoAnn, in the near future. **★★★★★ — Joan Gambro, March 2018** > I've assisted Jo Ann Alston of J. Stephens Interiors during photo shoots of her residential design projects over past 12 years. I'm consistently dazzled by her creativity, amazing attention to details, professionalism, and her deep-seated drive to exceed her clients' desires. > Jo Ann brings over three decades of design experience to her projects--this means Jo Ann delivers results on time, within budget, and with total transparency; she makes sure her clients understand the design process up front, including developing a design concept, budgeting, timeline, delivery schedules, etc. Lastly, Jo Ann is not a design "diva"; she is conscientious, does not talk down to her clients, and always puts her clients needs first. **★★★★★ — Nancy M Fox, March 2018** > I’d rate Jo Ann with 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. We’re still friendly to this day. In 2009 we were going to be grandparents and wanted to have a babies room for all our soon to be grandchildren. Jo Ann came highly recommended and was very professional and a pleasure to work with. Her furniture design was to our liking and the delivery was timely as promised. She also redid our master bedroom and living room and to this day when we downsized, we took several of the pieces that we purchased from her. I absolutely love her style! It fit perfect into our new home. > > Thank you Jo Ann. Great job. **★★★★★ — Dr. Kevin Brothers, Feb. 2018** > Jo Ann is an outstanding professional with great contemporary design ideas. We worked with her to renovate two spaces at our headquarters. As a program for people with autism our needs were quite unique (e.g., re-design a nursing office to resemble a community medical facility while re-designing the adjoining full bathroom to look like one found in a home). Jo Ann took sufficient time to learn our needs and listen to our desires and came back with a plan that satisfied our every expectation regarding aesthetics, and cost. She was a delight to work with. We liked her results so much that we hired her again to renovate our conference room. We happily giver her our highest recommendation. **★★★★★ — PVZ Design: Interior & Furniture Design, June 2016** > J. Stephens is a consummate professional with a strong design presence. Her attention to details is flawless and her style sophisticated. I am proud to consult with her as a colleague and thrilled for her design awards and accolades. **★★★★★ — studioeighteen, Oct. 2013** > Studio Eighteen Decorative Painting has worked with Jo Ann on many of her projects. She creates beautiful, elegant spaces, and pays an enormous attention to detail. She displays the utmost professionalism and it is always a pleasure working with her. ## Selected projects - [Modern Melange](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-melange-pj-vj~2966499) - Location: Far Hills, NJ - Photos: 5 - Description: Warmth, ease and an uplifting sense of unlimited possibility course through the heart of this award-winning sunroom. Artful furniture selections, whose curvilinear lines gracefully juxtapose the strong geometric lines of trusses and beams, reflect a measured study of shapes and materials that intermingle impeccably amidst the neutral color palette brushed with celebrations of coral, master millwork and luxurious appointments with an eye to comforts such as radiant-heated slate flooring and gorge… - [Modern Chelsea Charm](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-chelsea-charm-pj-vj~7466833) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 4 - Description: Modern form is married with elegant function in this open-floor-plan apartment in the heart of Chelsea, NYC. Award-winning interior designer, Jo Ann Alston, transformed the outdated elements of this upscale unit to create a timeless, yet modern aesthetic, with clean, natural lines that bespeak both luxury and ease. This charmingly functional kitchen now serves as the focal point for cooking, convening, and entertaining, for the whole family and their numerous guests. Careful planning and selecti… - [Zen fusion](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/zen-fusion-pj-vj~10768) - Location: Warren, NJ - Photos: 4 - Description: Classic design sensibility fuses with a touch of Zen in this ASID Award-winning dining room whose range of artisanal customizations beckons the eye to journey across its landscape. Bold horizontal elements reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright blend with expressive celebrations of dark color to reveal a sophisticated and subtle Asian influence. The artful intentionality of blended elements within the space gives rise to a sense of excitement and stillness, curiosity and ease. Commissioned by a disce… - [Inspiration Alfresco](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/inspiration-alfresco-pj-vj~5660950) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - [Hamptons Inspired Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hamptons-inspired-kitchen-pj-vj~6438241) - Location: Mendham, NJ - Photos: 6 - Description: Hamptons-Inspired Kitchen One cannot help but feel a distinct sense of serenity and timeless beauty when entering this Hamptons-style kitchen. Bathed in natural light and shimmering with inspired accents and details, this complete kitchen transformation is at once elegant and inviting. Plans and elevations were conceived to create balance and function without sacrificing harmony and visual intrigue. A metal custom hood, with an eye-catching brass band and impeccably balanced cabinets on either s… - [English Country Living Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/english-country-living-room-pj-vj~2968807) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - Description: A fresh and modern vision for English country living with exacting attention to custom details such as wood floors, lamp shades, drapery and a field-measured, custom-built banquette that provides a hint of the modern in the midst of classic country refinement. From arresting open-back chairs curated for their sculptural quality to carefully rusticated wall finishes that provide a palette for an aged-glass mirror flanking the opening to the library, no small detail is left unattended. Design insp… - [Traditional Library](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/traditional-library-pj-vj~2229859) - Location: Bernardsville, NJ - Photos: 2 - Description: A bold statement of elegance and an exemplar of the spatial economy, this formal library represents the marriage of aesthetic and functional aims as per the discerning design direction of our client. We thoroughly reimagined a formerly under-utilized space and set about transforming it into a jewel box located at the heart center of the home. This space opens into what would become a formal living room and can be readily viewed from the home’s front door. As such it was paramount that the design… - [French Bohemian Chic](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/french-bohemian-chic-pj-vj~5660968) - Location: Far Hills, NJ - Photos: 1 - Description: his inviting and spacious breakfast room marries form and function for a busy family with a desire for an elegant yet practical dining area for both family and company. A large farmhouse table with a slight cabriole leg allows a comfortable amount of extra space for guests. The room is punctuated with an elegant iron chandelier that draws the eye as the room’s focal point, lending to a relaxed French country aura that permeates the entire space. Colors, textures, fabrics and patterns blend natur… - [English Country Family Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/english-country-family-room-pj-vj~2966500) - Location: Mendham, NJ - Photos: 3 - Description: This large family room was thoroughly redesigned into an inviting and cozy environment replete with carefully-appointed artisanal touches from floor to ceiling. Master millwork and an artful blending of color and texture frame a vision for the creation of a timeless sense of warmth within an elegant setting. To achieve this, we added a wall of paneling in green strie and a new waxed pine mantel. A central brass chandelier was positioned both to please the eye and to reign in the scale of this la… - [Modern Residence Kitchen & Family Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-residence-kitchen-and-family-room-pj-vj~2966497) - Location: Warren, NJ - Photos: 2 - Description: Brilliant natural light abounds in this fresh reimagination of a modern kitchen whose bold patterns and comforting charm draw you into its warmth and glow. It is the details within this environment that truly give this kitchen its own graceful character. A drum chandelier is small-scale, patterned fabric coordinates impeccably with the custom drapery, while gorgeous wing chairs with silver nail heads serve perfectly for leisurely meals and snacks. Painted side chairs and a stunning, hand-planed… - [Traditional dining room featuring De Gournay wallpaper](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/traditional-dining-room-featuring-de-gournay-wallpaper-pj-vj~5411958) - Location: Summit, NJ - Photos: 2 - [Modern Residence Foyer](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-residence-foyer-pj-vj~2966495) - Location: Warren, NJ - Photos: 3 - Description: This elegantly welcoming modern foyer is a study in the relationship between curated design elements within the space, as well as the relationship between the stately entrance and the rooms into which it extends its reach. Incorporating thoughtfully sourced Japanese design elements at the behest of our client, design inspiration was driven by a desire to authentically reflect family ancestry, and in doing so, illuminate the elegance inherent in artful simplicity and shapes. - [American Cancer Society Gala](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/american-cancer-society-gala-pj-vj~2932088) - Location: New York, NY - Photos: 8 - Description: J. Stephens Interiors was one of 25 firms in the NYC metro area chosen to design a table top for the American Cancer Society Gala benefiting Hope Lodge, in NYC. The gala was called Seasons of Hope, our season was spring. The flowers and table setting were meant to create an uplifting beginning to a season, The handpainted chair covers and napkins have elements from the china, birds, and butterfly. The custom linens were designed by us and feature, buttons, piping, and pleats. - [Stately Allure](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/stately-allure-pj-vj~5412089) - Location: Far Hills, NJ - Photos: 1 - Description: One can’t help but take pause at the sight of the luxury and charm of this traditional foyer. It was part of a complete home re-design, so perfecting the design of the entranceway was the only option. This space is the result of inspiration, innovation and careful calculation. Panels on only the exterior-facing wall set a striking tone for brilliant customization throughout. Hidden closets that operate on a push latch flank the left and right hand sides of the door. Custom molding entablatures g… - [French Normandy Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/french-normandy-residence-pj-vj~10769) - Location: Westfield, NJ - Photos: 5 - Description: The design vision for this project was to maintain the character, charm and design integrity of this fairy tale, French Normandy cottage-style home from the 1920’s. Originally a two-bedroom home, this busy young couple with a growing family commissioned a four-bedroom design including the addition of this old-world, French-style kitchen that dazzles with custom appointments. A careful study of design details including elevations, floor design and furniture and fixture plans revealed auspicious o… - [Grand Historic Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/grand-historic-residence-pj-vj~10765) - Location: Summit, NJ - Photos: 8 - Description: A Grand Historic Residence in Summit NJ was totally transformed into a fresh traditional setting congruent with the style of the home. Ms. Alston mixed different styles and periods of furniture to create a gathered look vs newly acquired. Some of the challenges were to take a large space and make them look inviting. This was a total house renovation. There is an art to making one room flow into the other so that the look is consistent yet different, Many custom features were designed for this ho… - [Press & Publications](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/press-and-publications-pj-vj~2988167) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 33 - [Nursery Decor](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/nursery-decor-pj-vj~189723) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - Description: Ashley Rooney ( author) requested Jo Ann Alston write the forward for her book on Nursery Decor. Ms. Alston forward focuses on Green Design and specialty lines for children's furniture, fabrics, and paint. The book was published by Schiffer Publishing [See all 18 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/j-stephens-interiors-pfvwus-pf~813783919) ## Community Q&A **Q: What is the cabinet paint color** *(in Photo Questions)* Cabinet paint color A: Hello to answer your question, these cabinets are from Wood Mode and they were the finish was one of their standard offerings at the time **Q: what is the color of the curtains called?** *(in Photo Questions)* Need to know what color the curtains is? A: Thank you for your very kind note. The drapery fabric is a Scalamandre silk but they were made quite some time ago so the color is no longer available, It was a shade of yellow that leaned towards a golden color. Hope this information is helpful and if you should require more assistance please let me know **Q: Love the light above the dining table. Where would this one be from?** *(in Photo Questions)* Light above dining table, where from? A: Thank you i believe the light is visual comfort **Q: Backsplash - Please!** *(in Photo Questions)* Have very similar cabinet color with polished Taj countertops. Having hard time with backsplash. Please share any/all info on this choice. Looks great! A: Hi Lois, Thank you for your question! I think several people have asked the same question and was surprised that perhaps Houzz doesn't keep the answers posted so everyone can view them . The name of the stone used on the back splash is called Dynasty White . We purchased it thru Short Hills Marble and Tile in Short Hills NJ. Should you need assistance let me know and I will be glad to help you. **Q: what backsplash brand and color were used? love it so much!!** *(in Photo Questions)* What brand and color of backsplash was used please? I love it so much!! A: This is Aspen White which is a marble available thru Short Hills Marble and Tile **Q: Cabinet color** *(in Photo Questions)* Does this cabinet color have a name or customized? I am guessing the countertop is quartzite, Taj Mahal? thank you, elegant and unusual. A: Hello and thank you for your compliments and questions: The refrigerator is right next to the coffee station on the opposite wall from the windows. I hope that clarifies your question --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-24.*