When interior designers Virginia Toledo and Jessica Geller of Toledo Geller (@toledogeller) first envisioned their sparkly, spacious Mansion in May game room, La Femme Den, for the benefit of the Morristown Medical Center, they had no idea that mahjong was about to become a craze.

Geller says, “We knew the game had a big local following, but were delighted to find out our design was ahead of the curve.” 

Toledo adds, “When we first laid eyes on the room, it was painted in deep, masculine tones and was clearly designed with a billiard-room aesthetic. We immediately thought how fun it would be to flip it on its head and design a game room geared toward women instead.”

Although the original space was blessed with large windows and doors, natural light wasn’t abundant. So the design team painted the ceiling a barely-there mint green and finished it in high gloss. The reflective finish bounced light throughout the room, day and night. The concept jumped to life when a fun Palm Beach-style vibe was infused with trellis-inspired wallpaper, rattan-backed game chairs and palm-leaf slipper chairs.

The designer showhouse space included three mahjong tables and a separate space for playing board games or poker. The cavernous room was made cozy with soft furnishings, comfy sofas and chairs, and a welcoming fireplace. “We added colorful plaid on the sofas, as an homage to the traditional men’s game room, but done in a fresh, modern take,” says Toledo. “We also grounded the entire room with a playful leopard print.”

The long space was divided with back-to-back sofas, creating intimate groupings of card tables for tournaments on one side and a single pedestal table for cozier game nights on the other. “In an era when most people don’t entertain formally, a game room is the modern answer to casual living outside of a traditional living room,” Geller says.

“I come from a long line of strategic gamers. My grandmother played mahjong in the 40s, and my mom has played for 30 years,” Geller adds. “I learned a few years ago and already taught my three kids. It seems like everybody is getting in on the fun.” 

PULL UP A CHAIR

Throughout Morris County, neighbors are discovering the fun of friendly competition—one tile at a time.

“Mahjong is more than a trend. Especially over the last year, it’s become one of the area’s favorite social outlets,” says Tracy Budnik of Mendham. “Some players begin timid and emerge feeling like a million bucks. I’ve seen so much joy come out of table connections.”

Budnik knows first-hand because, as a certified mahjong teacher, she coaches lessons and organizes open-play and guided-play events. In fact, over the last 12 months, she’s trained hundreds of locals in American mahjong. “It’s become a social thing with girlfriend getaway weekends, private experiences and even games in swimming pools.” 

Groups from West Morris Juniors, Westmont Montessori and Roxiticus Golf Club are among her students. Lately, men’s mahjong has caught on as well. Budnik says, “It’s a way for the guys to upgrade their game night because it’s like poker, but more elevated. Most players find it to be fast, strategic and a little ruthless.” Men’s events typically include pizza and cold IPA, and zero experience is required. Bill Horn of Mendham says, “I’m new to the game and I’m pretty hooked. When you’re first learning, you spend a lot of time talking and getting to know others at the table. We all help each other and there’s a lot of camaraderie.”

Often, what starts as a small gathering of friends morphs into a thriving local scene that spans towns, age groups and skill levels. Mendham resident Gail Wagner has enjoyed the game for more than 20 years. “I’ve noticed a significant increase in interest recently,” she says. “Mahjong is so much more than a game. It challenges your mind and is a wonderful way to build friendships with others in the community.”

Janine Weiss of Morris Township offers, “For me, it’s nostalgic because I learned from my grandmother as a little kid. I just needed a refresher from a professional instructor to keep my brain going and to teach me tips and shortcuts.”

Instructor Annie Lopez of Morristown adds, “I tell new students that we play mahjong to learn mahjong. Winning is wonderful, but strategy and finer points are mastered in situational play that occurs by regularly spending time at the table. Those who really love the game remain students for years.”

In the Morristown area, there’s a noticeably elevated mahjong aesthetic with fancy tablescapes that are true works of art, especially at country club events. Michelle Lease of New Vernon, owner of the Ginger Jar gift shop in Harding, has experienced a tremendous surge in sales of mahjong accessories over the last year. “It’s become one of the hottest trends in Morris County, and enthusiasm just keeps growing. We’re selling cute and collectible mats, bags, racks and tiles to multi-generational shoppers, from college students to women in their nineties. The shop routinely sells out because demand is so strong.”

Mary Shay-Millea of Mendham recently hosted one of Budnik’s events. “My Grandma Kitty inspired me to take lessons after I inherited her mahjong set. I like to imagine her showing up at the table in a fabulous dress, wearing chic oversized rings, with a martini in her hand, just like I do with my own mahjong group.”

Vintage Vibes

Instructor Tracy Budnik and local stylemaker Mary Shay-Millea will collaborate to host an evening of mahjong and a curated pop-up loaded with colorful caftans and vintage cocktail rings. For details about the October 8 Morristown event, contact Shay-Millea on Instagram at @bohemiandebutante or Budnik at @mrs.mahjong.nj. Tickets are required.