A One-Stop Specialty Shop

When you walk into Creative Works NJ in Livingston, you’ll find a little bit of everything. There are antiques from France, clothing made in Italy, jewelry made in Turkey, and contemporary pieces from the United States. But, there is so much more to it than what you see. “We offer full-service decorating, so everything from window treatments to floor finishing to kitchen remodels,” says owner, Danielle Placenti. A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan, she was originally on the marketing side of the industry, but around 25 years ago decided to do something different. “My best friend, who was also my business partner until she retired six years ago, had the idea to try something new,” she says. “We started doing floral design and painting things just for fun and were doing little home shows.” When her uncle had a store available in Summit, they decided to make Creative Works NJ official. “It really took off from there with people wanting us to come to their houses,” says Danielle. “We were offering a niche where we would design things for people's homes and then place them in different spots. They would be left there on consignment until they decided they wanted them or not.” As the business grew, Creative Works moved to Millburn, and then about seven years ago, moved again to Livingston, where it’s now located. Most of her clients have been with her for years, and much of her new business comes from word of mouth. “I have very few clients who after I complete a job, I never see again,” she says. “It’s ongoing - we do one room, then later on we do another room.” Creative Works NJ can handle complete renovations – right down to the studs. “I work with different flooring people to refinish or replace wood flooring. I have a very talented man who does kitchens and bathrooms. We do wallpaper. There are not many areas in design that I don't hit upon - I'm a one-stop shop.” She adds, “At the end of the day, when someone tells me, ‘Every time I walk into my house, it makes me smile,’ it’s all worth it.” Danielle is also passionate about the importance of supporting small local businesses like hers. “People love the way nice towns look, but to keep them that way they have to shop in those towns, or there’s not going to be any more little towns with mom and pop stores.” To find out more about Danielle and what her customized business can offer you and your home, go to creativeworksnj.com/