Nureed Saeed
When Nureed Saeed was exploring a move to the South Orange/Maplewood area just two years ago, she was apprehensive about making the jump from the city to the suburbs. She had friends in the area, had visited many times and knew her family would feel comfortable because of the quick access to NYC, the vibrant downtown and mostly, because of the town’s diversity.
But what really got her and husband over the hump of deciding whether to remain in Brooklyn or move to South Orange was the tranquil Newstead neighborhood, and, in particular, the mid-century ranch style home she and her husband found.
Around the same time, Nureed had just begun tipping her professional toe into the interior design waters and knew immediately that this home could be a show stopper with the right upgrades and by moving a wall or two here and there. So she and her husband Muzy grabbed it.
Life became quite hectic as Nureed commuted from her apartment in Brooklyn to oversee the extensive renovations while seven months pregnant, with two children under the age of two. She is perhaps the most energetic person I have ever met, able to successfully juggle multiple projects at the same time.
In her former professional life, Nureed was a licensing executive at top fashion brands like Kenneth Cole and Greg Norman, where she sourced, developed and merchandised product. She had recently gone out on her own consulting for brands like Alexis Bitar, so she had a strong design background.
Drawing from her past professional experience, she planned to combine form, function and comfort so that her new home would not only look spectacular, it would also function extremely well for a family with three young children that enjoys hosting large family gatherings.
After her home was finished, Nureed and her family moved in and immediately became involved in the community. As neighbors, friends and family came through their home they were amazed at the bright, open and welcoming space she created. In essence, her home became a showcase for her incredible design talent. Here is what I mean:
Kitchen Before
Kitchen After
Family Room Before:
Family Room After:
Dining Room Before
Dining Room After
Master Bedroom Before:
Master Bedroom After:
Master Bath Before
Master Bath After
Living Room After
The overwhelmingly positive feedback ignited her passion and Nureed’s new business, Nu Interiors, was born. Largely through word of mouth, she has taken on interior design projects, for 36 clients to date. Last spring, she took it to a whole new level and bought the house next door to hers (also a mid-century ranch), renovated it and sold it — within 16 weeks.
To better understand Nureed, her self-confidence, drive and love of family, it’s important to note her background. Her father immigrated to the U.S. in the mid 1950s from Pakistan seeking a better life for himself and ultimately his family. He was a civil engineer and worked for various municipalities on roads, bridges and the like. He had a passion for what was considered modern architecture at that time, which is what we know as mid-century modern today. His fortitude and creativity are the cornerstones to Nureed’s unique style, her commitment to family and her faith.
You could say it’s the “All American Story,” but it truly is just Nureed Saeed’s story — one woman making her way one step at a time.
Details:
Nu Interiors Website – https://nuinteriors.net/
What is “Home Grown”?
Amy Harris
I don’t know about you, but I am always bowled over by the incredibly interesting people I meet who reside in South Orange and Maplewood. When I speak with friends in neighboring towns and other areas of New Jersey, Westchester, Long Island and Connecticut they are equally as bowled over by the notable people who choose to make their lives here and the incredible contributions they make to the community.
That’s why I am writing the blog series titled “Home Grown.” In it, I profile South Orange and Maplewood residents who are having a measurable impact in their professional and personal lives including the arts, education, social justice, public service, parenting, innovative entrepreneurs, etc.
An important component of what makes these people notable is how different their backgrounds are, where they come from, and how they landed in SOMA. There will not be a financial component to being profiled in “Home Grown.”
If you or someone you know may be right for participation I welcome your recommendations. Please email me at amy@amyharrisrealestate.com.
