Walden interiors understands the needs and tastes of every individual are different and will work with you to create an environment that meets your demands and your budget. – Chatham + Short Hills Lifestyle Magazine
A creative soul and world traveler, Risha worked mainly in the performing arts as an actress, classical musician, can-can dancer and vaudeville performer before enrolling in classes at the New York School of Interior Design.
In 2009, Risha launched Walden Interiors. In 2017, she bought an 1890s Victorian in Millburn, NJ. Risha added modern features to enhance the Victorian’s original features because she didn’t like the previous owner’s version. She now assists Montclair homeowners in accomplishing the same goal.
With its mix of stately Victorian homes, classic Tudors and Colonials, split level residences, and updated multifamily conversions near downtown, homeowners often want updates that improve function while preserving original character.
Our designs focus on balancing historic architectural details with modern layouts, storage solutions, and furnishings that support today’s family life, entertaining, and work from home needs.
I honor the history of older homes while adapting them for modern living, preserving original details and character as each space is updated for today’s lifestyles.
I focus first on functionality, understanding how families use their homes so spaces work smarter for everyday living before layering in personal style and beauty.
Most projects begin with one or two rooms such as a living room or primary bedroom. Together, we prioritize needs and create a master plan that fits lifestyle goals and budget.
Absolutely. Just as many European homes blend old architecture with modern design, the key is balance, introducing contemporary elements while respecting the home’s original craftsmanship.
Designing interiors for Montclair’s homes requires an appreciation for architectural diversity, from expansive Victorian residences to Tudor and Colonial properties, as well as updated townhouses and multifamily conversions.
Our process respects original craftsmanship while thoughtfully redesigning interiors to improve flow, lighting, storage, and comfort so each home feels both authentic and highly functional for modern living.
It all starts as an exchange of ideas.
We’ll connect on your goals, define a direction, and begin to get excited about all of the gorgeous possibilities.
Once we love our concept, it’s time to dig into the details.
We’ll get into the finishes, furnishings, accessories, and art that will make your home a true testament to your past memories, present goals, and future longevity in the space.
We know the nuance of how to make it happen so, when it’s time to get things done—we’ll take it from there.
Expect regular communication, solutions offered before they become impediments, and—of course—an I-can’t-believe-I-get-to-live-here reveal.
Layers, layers, layers. We believe personal style comes from honoring the many parts of who you are. Through conversation, visual exploration, and lifestyle discovery, we translate those layers into a design that reflects what makes you unique rather than forcing you into a predefined look.
Pricing depends on the scope of your project and the level of service you choose. We offer both hourly design services and comprehensive flat-fee full-service design based on the size and complexity of your home.
All projects begin with an initial design consultation, after which we provide a clear proposal outlining recommended services and investment options. For a detailed breakdown of pricing models and what they include, you can view our full guide here. Read our interior design cost guide for New Jersey homeowners
Yes. This balance is one of our core specialties. Many of our projects involve early twentieth-century homes where architectural integrity matters as much as livability.
We carefully modernize layout, lighting, and functionality while maintaining the visual soul, proportions, and craftsmanship that give historic homes their charm.
We communicate weekly to keep you fully up-to-date on progress, upcoming decisions, and next steps, with additional check-ins as needed to ensure nothing ever feels unclear or rushed.
Our work is highly collaborative. We begin by getting to know your lifestyle, vision, and functional needs through in-depth conversations and guided discovery. From there, we manage sourcing and coordination while presenting a fully curated design vision for your review, allowing you to stay meaningfully involved without being overwhelmed by decisions.
This is where we guide the process. We assess your lifestyle needs, existing layout challenges, and project goals to identify what will make the greatest day-to-day impact first. From there, we create a clear, prioritized plan so your renovation progresses smoothly and efficiently.
Walden Interiors proudly serves Montclair NJ and surrounding Essex County communities, including Millburn, Maplewood, South Orange, Short Hills, Jersey City, Summit, and Livingston.