GPS Living Spring 2025

FINISHING MOVES JUDGE A LOOK BY ITS COVER

SO HAPPY TOGETHER PAIRING WITH PIZZAZZ

ON THE COVER A pot filler from the Apothecary Collection by Rohl

8 RAW MATERIALS Can you rewrite your home’s story? 16 JOIN FORCES Shaping spaces that are more than

the sum of their parts. 27 FINISH FIRST

While, you can’t judge a book by its cover, home furnishings are different. 33 BETTER KNOW NJ Paint a pot or hear from an Idol . 34 IN STORE See GPS Bergenfield like never before. 35 MEET THE DESIGNERS How did a baseball great’s mom surprise one of our experts? 36 CLEAN UP How tidying up according to your personality can change your life. 38 THREE BATHS One designer, triple the fun. GPS Justin Freedman PRESIDENT, GPS Brian Maffia DIRECTOR OF SHOWROOMS, GPS Sarah Barton

ASPIRE ONE COMMUNICATIONS PRESIDENT Steven Mandel EDITOR IN CHIEF Paul Hagen

All rights reserved. GPS LIVING MAGAZINE is a production of Aspire ONE Communications, copyright ©2025. Any reproduction or re-use of the articles, images and content without the express written consent of Aspire ONE Communications, LLC. is strictly prohibited. Aspire ONE Communications, 246 Main Street, Cornwall, NY 12518 ©2025 All Rights Reserved

ART DIRECTOR Gregory Cullen WRITER Stewart Keller PROJECT MANAGER Digital Workflow Solutions

MARKETING DIRECTOR, GPS Rebecca Jean Cortés, GPS Isaiah Dismuke, GPS

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PATERSON ONE HANDLE PULLDOWN KITCHEN FAUCET W/ FILTRATION

INSTANT HOT SIP ™ FAUCET

INSTANT HOT TANK

ADVANCED WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM

HOST GARBAGE DISPOSAL

Upgrade Your Kitchen with Moen’s Innovative Solutions Transform your kitchen into a hub of convenience and performance with Moen’s latest innovations. The EX75c Garbage Disposal offers powerful, whisper-quiet operation, effortlessly handling food waste. Enjoy cleaner, better-tasting water with the F9800 Single-Stage Under Sink Advanced Water Carbon Filtration System, reducing contaminants for peace of mind. Need instant hot water? The IH2300 Instant Hot Tank delivers near-boiling water on demand, perfectly paired with the IH7600 Traditional Instant Hot SIP Faucet for a seamless experience. Complete your kitchen upgrade with the FS72003 Paterson One-Handle Pulldown Kitchen Faucet with Filtration, combining classic style with built-in filtration for fresh water at your fingertips. Elevate your space with Moen—where innovation meets everyday luxury. www.moen.com

Bathroom & Kitchen Checklist ✓

BATHROOM

▫ Bath Exhaust Fans ▫ Bath Faucets

▫ Mirrors ▫ Shower Heads and Body Sprays ▫ Steam Shower Systems ▫ Tile ▫ Toilets ▫ Towel Warmers ▫ Vanities

▫ Countertops ▫ Faucets ▫ Garbage Disposals ▫ Instant-Hot Dispenser ▫ Kitchen Cabinetry ▫ Kitchen Sinks ▫ Water Filtration Whole House or Point of Use ▫ Bathtubs, Whirlpools and Air Baths ▫ Custom Shower Door Enclosures ▫ Heated Shower or Bathroom Mats ▫ Lighting ▫ Medicine Cabinets

KITCHEN

NOTES

ACCESSORY

▫ Cabinet Hardware ▫ Grab Bars ▫ Soap Holder ▫ Soap/Lotion Dispenser ▫ Toilet Paper Holder ▫ Towel Bars/Rings

What to bring to an appointment so that we can better serve you: • Pictures, drawings and measurements of the room • Inspiration photos • Possible design or room restrictions • Project timeline • Contact info for contractor or trade pros handling the build/remodel

An impressive collection of lighting, fixtures, faucets and cabinetry.

CALL 1-800-CALL-GPS SHOPGPS.COM

GPS SHOWROOMS BAYONNE BERGENFIELD EDISON FLEMINGTON GREEN BROOK HAWTHORNE LAKEWOOD MORRIS PLAINS MOUNT VERNON ORANGE KOHLER SIGNATURE STORES EATONTOWN MANHASSET PARAMUS SUMMIT

For additional locations please visit shopgps.com

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Why is this backsplash so appealing with an Apothecary pot filler from Rohl ? Our ultimate pairing primer starts on page 16.

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A reflection of you. With hundreds of innovative KraftMaid® products, you can build a room that fits your life. We’ll help you decide.

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RAW MATERIALS

Add some extra heat to your favorite escape with the Indo sauna collection from MrSteam —designed for indoor use.

RENOVATION RESTORES THE STORY OF HOME AND NEIGHBORHOOD T E X T STEWART KELLER

The substantial presence of an Elkay Fireclay sink elevates the feel of any counterscape.

Cube Series undermount sinks by Franke look good from any angle.

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A SMARTER CHOICE IN HOME COMFORT.

Luxaire ® is a premier line of high performance heating and air conditioning equipment, continually setting the standard in features and innovation. Since 1954, Luxaire has stood for uncompromising quality and unmistakable attention to detail. The latest advancements in quiet technology, energy efficiency and lasting dependability make Luxai re an intelligent choice that delivers optimal comfort and exceptional value. luxairesmart.com

RAW MATERIALS

Easco shower doors can also function as useful dividers—here helping to define stairwell space.

Sick of losing undercounter space? Kra ! Maid corner drawers let you use it all.

This Parisian tub from MTI is perched so beautfully on its bun feet that it deserves a stage.

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RAW MATERIALS

Colorways for the subtle Mist Square Sconce by Sonneman include Moss (shown), Amber, and Clear.

The MrSteam Cubist sauna room comes complete with 50 pounds of sauna stones to ensure proper heat distribution.

The Authentica collection from Rohl marries cylindrical shapes and horizontal lines for an Art Deco feel that updates the 1930s aesthetic.

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VESPERO Fixed Panel TAVIA 2.0 Solid Surface Base

A TOUCH OF CONVENIENCE INSTANTLY.

www.insinkerator.com The Showroom Collection of Instant Hot Water Dispensers by InSinkErator ® features six stunning designs and eight lustrous finishes, all available in the convenience of instant hot, hot and cold, or cold only models. Complete your kitchen with our stylish Decorative SinkTop ™ buttons which are brilliantly sculpted to add accent and highlight to the kitchen sink, while effortlessly turning on and off any InSinkErator disposer. Available in five stunning designs and six of the most-demanded finishes.

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RAW MATERIALS

The Fleurco Vectra fixed shower panel boasts an integrated towel bar, tray, and three shelves.

The Belfield Chrome one-handle pull-down kitchen faucet by Moen has Williamsburg-era details that make it look at home in a classic kitchen.

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PAIRING

A Sonneman Lithe wall lamp in white preserves this monochromatic calm.

Using Tile in Drain from Newport Brass means matching is never an issue.

JOIN FORCES A t the heart of almost all design decisions lies a single question: Do these elements go together? This is not merely a matter of matching. It’s about combining pieces that are not only solid notes on their own but also join to create a harmony that is greater than the sum of its parts. This could be choosing a fixture with a finish that brings out the surrounding counter- top’s sparkle, selecting furnishings that match specific shades in a multicolor wallcovering, and sometimes even picking an element that causes the least visual noise in an environment you want to remain calm. So in the following pages, we’ve gathered terrific selections by some of our favorite brands—paying par- ticular attention to those combinations that pop like a bottle of champagne. WHAT’S BETTER TOGETHER? T E X T STEWART KELLER

Note how the Axor Citterio tub filler complements this wall vening.

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EASCO Shower Doors has been exceeding expectations since 1960 by creating and installing custom glass shower doors for the most demanding tastes. Using the latest technology combined with Old World craftsmanship our talented engineers can design a shower door for virtually any array of hardwar e finishes and glass types to complete the look of your bath. application. We offer a vast

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PAIRING

Here, a beautifully tiled tub surround helps fully integrate the Americh Ziva into a colorscape of blues and grays.

Sometimes a straightforward Brushed Nickel finish—as on this Moen Korek faucet—is the simplest way to keep from interrupting a color scheme.

The dark stain on these pieces from NY Vanity highlights the negative space between the slats of the wallcovering behind—tying it all together.

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Elevate your bathroom with the Vandelay collection by NY Vanity. Fashionable elegance combined with American made quality. Visit your local General Plumbing Supply for more information.

Beauty meets function.

•

Powerful ventfans with new beautiful, decorative grille style to complement any décor. Virtually silent operation, as quiet as <0.3 sones for peaceful shower experience. High speed options of 50, 80 and 110 CFM to properly ventilate various room sizes up to 110 sq. ft., all in one fan; low speed options down to 30 CFM for continuous operation. Available in fan only and fan/dimmable LED light & nightlight with adjustable color temperatures 3000K/3500K/4000K/5000K/6000K. Customizable with Plug N Play ® modules for added features: motion-sensing, condensation- sensing for hands-free operation; WiFi ® (available separately).

•

6-year warranty for peace of mind.

iaq.na.panasonic.com For over two decades, Panasonic has delivered innovative ventilation solutions that have set new standards for performance, energy efficiency, and quiet operation.

PAIRING

Barely visible linear drainage from Quickdrain helps preserve the sense that the floor extends seamlessly into the shower..

Wood-grain walls and pebbly crushed terrazzo dial covers from Watermark infuse this quiet bath with the energy of nature.

White metal pieces—such as this InSinkErator Instant Hot Water Dispenser—can lend nearby gray elements a sense of sparkle.

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PAIRING

By matching the darkest colors in the wallcovering, this vanity from Woodpro also brings out the brighter blues and beiges.

The white of this trim, tub, and Madeli wall-hung Edge collection cabinetry seems to glow when surrounded by deep, rich grays.

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PAIRING

The sandy veining of Caesarstone Goldfinch beautifully picks up on the peachy hues

throughout this happy kitchen vignette.

Place an Amba Swivel towel warmer within easy reach of your bath for a dose of sweet heat right when you need it most.

The grandeur of the MTI Melinda tub is heightened by soft-gray shutters and woven accent baskets.

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A Kra ! Maid Wall Message Center seamlessly incorporates communication into your kitchen organization.

Talis N Select Semi-Pro PowderSpray

The visual zing of a Rohl Apothecary pot filler in Unlacquered Brass is even more beautiful against a graphic green backsplash.

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PAIRING

This space combines two Dekton Pietra surfaces—the warmer Adia and the more placid Polar.

This Strasser vanity in Northwest Green pops against wallpaper that is largely black and white.

A Franke All-In Universal Accessory Kit—which includes this foldable silicone mat—pairs perfectly with a freshly renovated kitchen.

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FINISH FIRST E mbarking on a renovation or new building project involves hundreds of decisions that matter. Some- times picking one piece involves many choices, and even once you’ve found what you want in the right style from a brand you trust, you can be left scratching your head over ordering it in matte black versus polished chrome. A GUIDE TO CHOOSING T E X T STEWART KELLER

Infinity Drain offers choice with finishes from Satin Stainless to Oil Rubbed Bronze.

So, we pulled together some of our favorite fixtures and furnishings to consider how they look sporting their various claddings and coatings. And whether you’re seeking pieces with dozens of finish options or just a little inspiration when deciding between brass and bronze, the following pages feature options that will help you put the perfect finishing touches for your project.

Using black accents with this Caesarstone Taj Royale backsplash creates drama.

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FINISHES

Whether freshly cleaned or crowded for meal prep, any counter looks brighter with an Elkay Lustertone

sink in classic stainless steel.

Seeking a fixture that will shine all the time? The Spot Resist Stainless finish of this Moen Noell faucet defies dirt and oil.

In a sea of black and metal finishes, this Matte White from Brizo by Jason Wu is an unexpected choice.

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FINISHES

The range of finishes for their Instant Hot Water Dispensers shows InSinkErator loves

Bronze finishes on the tub filler and side table complement this room of whites and charcoals featuring an MTI Adeline tub.

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FINISHES

The Stratford collection from Watermark is offered in a remarkable 30 finishes—with 8 varieties of brass alone.

The Italian Brass on these Acqui faucets by Rohl seems particularly appropriate as the line is named after hot springs in northern Italy.

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FINISHES

Mirrored insets and metal pulls lend texture to the Dianno from NY Vanity , while still keeping the look mostly monochromatic.

This Strasser Newhalen Vanity looks delicious in Buttered Yam.

LESS CLUTTER, MORE WORKSPACE Elkay Quartz Luxe kitchen and prep/bar sinks are exceptionally durable and silky smooth, with an easy-clean surface. And our new workstations have new exclusive features: the SurePrep™ accessory ledge makes sure the cutting board won’t budge, and an accessory shelf and ledge that keeps clutter out of view. Quartz Luxe ® Workstations

See the portfolio. elkay.com/quartz-luxe

330-095

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FINISHES

The Talis Select M54 Power Spray from Hansgrohe —sparkling in chrome—takes the kitchen faucet in a different direction.

This Brizo Kintsu kitchen faucet, shown here in Luxe Gold, is also available in Matte Black, Black Onyx, Polished Chrome, and Stainless.

Golden accents in the mirrors, lighting, and fixtures are a perfect match for the handles on this Woodpro vanity with its cheery, rosy color.

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BETTER KNOW NJ

The Van Saun Park Carousel reopens for the season in early April

Wrap up your GPS visit with an evening of fun or a walk in the park. Playing the Field

T E X T STEWART KELLER I distance to make your visit to our store part of a fun outing. Looking to celebrate the long-awaited arrival of warmer weather? Van Saun is one of Bergen County’s best-loved parks. It offers a multitude of amenities, including play areas, tennis courts, athletic fields, f you’ll be in the neighborhood of our beautifully renovated GPS Bergenfield location (see next page for details), you’ll find plen- ty going on within easy driving fishing, picnicking pavilions, pony rides, a carousel, a miniature train, and the Bergen County Zoo. Of course, few Bargen County institutions merit repeat visiting more than the consistently entertaining BergenPAC. Upcoming performances of note include Idol Winners on Tour featuring Season 7 winner David Cook

and Season 16 champ Maddie Poppe. More great music is in store with What the World Needs Now , a tribute to the Burt Bacharach Songbook. And kids will thrill to Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE . See ber- genpac.org for more. Meanwhile, blooms will be busting out all over at Fresh & Fancy farms. This local, family-owned farm is com- mitted to educating the community about local flora—offering expertise about beautifying your property in a fun, creative atmosphere. Get a pre- view at freshandfancyfarms.com. And if you’re feeling creative, Sunshine Pottery & Paint is a casual, family-friendly environment where you can explore painting (on pottery or a canvas), mosaics, sculpture and more. See shiny happy people holding brush- es at sunshinepotterynj.com. ■

American Idol winner Maddie Poppe brings her famous storytelling voice to BergenPAC.

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IN STORE

“Our showroom is now more inviting and intuitive than ever,” says Maffia, who calls it, “a setting designed to inspire.”

With spring projects in full swing, this is an ideal time to experience this refreshed GPS showroom. Bergenfield Blooms

T E X T STEWART KELLER W

hat’s Bergenfield like? Wanda Acos- ta, designer and manager of the lo- cal GPS, describes

evolving design trends and customer preferences, it felt like the right time to modernize the space and create a more engaging shopping experience.” Of course, the experts at GPS knew to anticipate some growing pains. “Like any renovation, there were challenges—coordinating up- dates while keeping the showroom operational was a balancing act,” Maffia explains. Acosta says the process took about two months. “The store re- mained open throughout,” she says. “But we found a way to make our customers comfortable.” “One of the biggest improvements is how we showcase products,” Maffia

the area as having a welcoming vibe. “The community is diverse, and we are fortunate to welcome people from all over the area,” she says. To continue to provide this com- munity the best service, it was time to give their local GPS presence a lift. “Bergenfield has always been a key location for us, and we wanted to ensure that the showroom re- flects the quality and innovation our customers expect,” said Brian Maffia, director of showrooms for GPS. “With

The new displays help when weighing options.

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points out. “We’ve optimized the layout to create a more immer- sive experience, making it easier for customers to visualize prod- ucts in their own homes.” He also notes that the lighting has been improved and new, interactive displays help highlight details and finishes like never before. Acosta also mentions that the renovation specifically fulfilled one of her long held hopes for the space. “I wanted open sight lines from front to back,” she says. “It’s wonderful to see how large the showroom actually is.” So how does it feel now that GPS Bergenfield is proudly display- ing its makeover? “Seeing the transformation from start to finish was incredibly rewarding,” says Maffia. “The refreshed space not only looks great but also enhances how we help customers find the right products for their projects.” “I think the size and scale is what greets customers first,” notes Acosta. “Then they see the wide variety of products offered in the Bergenfield showroom without being intimidating.” Acosta still looks back from her desk near the front of the store and marvels at how the place has evolved. “I’m still amazed by the change,” she says—noting that it has made her feel personally updated as well. “It’s a testament to the hard work of everyone involved,” adds Maffia. “Our team did a fantastic job.” “I feel like part of the family at GPS—family that has grown so much in the 17 years I’ve worked here,” adds Acosta. To see what’s new, head to 71 N Washington Avenue in Bergenfield. ■ MEET THE DESIGNERS

“I’m very excited and thankful this finally happened,” says Acosta. “Our displays are updated and look beautiful.”

with tile she selected, and I boldly convinced her to change it, so we could give her Kohler’s TT (Vibrant Titanium) finish. This was a finish she did not expect to love. The new tile selected was a perfect choice, and the homeowners and I are delighted with the new bathroom. What’s a color that you love? My favorite color is yellow. It is bright and happy. What’s an area of design where you’d like to challenge yourself? I’d like to work on more multidwelling buildings. What is your idea of an ultimate va- cation getaway? My first choice would be Hawaii. It seems it would be a place of peace, happiness, and tranquility. What is something new in design that fascinates you? Smart toilets. What do clients appreciate about working with you? The depth of knowledge I offer and how fun and easy I make the process.

Would you describe a memorable design project you’ve worked on? A great designer I’ve worked with for years came to me for the largest project I’ve done for him to date. This was a new build in the Hamptons and a very exciting project. We were flattered to learn the homeowner was approached to feature the new home in a Hamptons design magazine. A Victoria + Albert freestanding tub was a feature in the primary bath, and they chose MrSteam for the health and wellness benefits it provides. We used Newport Brass and Kohler through- out the ten bathrooms plus powder rooms. What is the best piece of design ad- vice you’ve ever given or received? The best advice I’ve received—and now impart to my clients—is to never second guess what we’ve selected. When something speaks to you, it is the right choice Have you ever been able to offer a customer something even be ! er than they imagined? A customer came to the showroom

WANDA ACOSTA BERGENFIELD

If you won the lo ! ery, what’s the first thing you would buy? The first thing I would do is pay off my home and continue to work on making it everything I’ve dreamed of. I would also make donations to fund research for MS. This would honor my mother’s memory. Has a client ever done something special to thank you? I designed the primary bath of Dorothy Jeter—Derek’s mom. She came back to me for her kitchen. When the job ended, she surprised me with tickets for the last Yankees game at the old stadium for my whole family.

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A clean counter shows off Caesarstone Icellion.

CLEAN UP H aving a tidy home feels won- derful. Getting there involves more mixed emotions. But straightening up can become infinitely easier once you have found a cleaning style that fits your per- sonality. Consider these: need to visit some rooms more often than others. By Task: Are you the type of per- FIND YOUR TIDYING STYLE T E X T STEWART KELLER

son who likes to get into a flow when it comes to physical labor? Divvying up your cleaning by task can be a great way to get a lot done on autopilot. So when you plan to vacum every carpet in the house or do all the laundry, you can prepare a playlist that makes it feel more like fun. By Habit: Some folks don’t like mess building up at all—even if it is just in cer- tain rooms or until a day you’ve set aside for that task. These people tend to clean by habit—spotting an issue and getting it taken care of before they move on to anything else. The trick here is that daily habits don’t necessarily spark occasional- ly necessary deeper cleans. If you’re used to cleaning by habit, consider creating new, longer-term triggers: for example, setting aside the last Saturday in the month for a certain tasks or waiting for warmer weather in the spring for others.

By Binge: Some people prefer to let mess build up until something must be done about it and then go on a cleaning spree. This lets them spend less time thinking about cleaning but can make for cluttered quarters between binges. If this is your style, try using checklists to make sure nothing goes overlooked for too long and keeping dedicated drawers or tubs where mess can accumulate out of sight until you’re ready to sort it. By Room: For some, tidying up by location makes the most sense. There’s a certain logic to getting everything done in the living room before you move on to the dining room. But unless you really like garbage and dishes piling up, you may

Kra ! Maid cabinetry offers storage solutions that suit any cleaning style.

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You may find that your clean- ing style evolves with time. A person could spend a lifetime squeezing binge cleanings into their busy schedule only to find they prefer shorter, daily clean- ings after they retire. Ask your- self what is right for you now. Not sure which of these ap- peals the most? Give one a try and see how it feels. You may love the rush of accomplishment that comes from a cleaning spree—or find that you can’t live with the build-up in between. Similarly, you could find vacuum- ing the whole house while catch- ing up on your favorite podcast to be the ultimate in multitask- ing—or decide you would rather dedicate a few minutes each day to vacuuming instead. The better you understand your cleaning style, the more

prepared you will be to discuss your next home renovation with one of the helpful designers at GPS. You will be amazed by the many ways cabinetry and other storage solutions can be customized, whether what you need are deep drawers to fill and sort later or everything-in- its-place dedicated shelving you will lovingly restock at the end of each evening. As you experi- ment with finding your cleaning style, note the spots where you find yourself running into trouble. These tend to be where a stor- age solution can save the day. Next time guests stop by, you’ll be ready to multishow off clear Caesarstone surfaces, while the stuff that once accumulated on them sits neatly tucked away in storage from Merillat, KraftMaid, and Wellborn. ■

Homeowners can choose the shapes and sizes of Wellborn Muriel cabinetry that fit their laundry process.

The Merillat Basics Collection in Boardwalk can help anyone close the door on household clutter.

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The Suburban Bath features earth tones and fixtures by Brizo . THREE BATHS A DESIGNER TAKES MULTIPLE PATHS.

The golden tones of this Watermark floor-mount tub filler bring a sunny glow to anyone taking a dip in the City Bath.

A s the principal at Dan Rak Designs, Dan Rak does a great deal of think- ing about giving clients both what they want and need—especially in the bath. “Our philosophy is that a bathroom should be both beautiful and functional—a serene, spa-like retreat tailored to the client’s lifestyle,” says Rak. “Beyond the client’s requests, we always prior- itize optimal space planning, durable yet luxurious materials, and timeless design that won’t feel dated over time.” Rak understands that his role may involve guiding even the most inde- cisive clients to choices with which they will love living. “Clients often T E X T PAUL HAGEN

struggle with selecting tile—whether it’s choosing between bold or neutral, large or small format, or deciding on grout color,” he offers. So how does he get them from overwhelmed to overjoyed? “To guide them, we present mood boards with different combina- tions and encourage them to consider longevity and practicality.” Sometimes the solution is finding a compromise between safe choices and big swings. “We also remind them that a state- ment tile can be balanced with more understated selections elsewhere in the space.” Once he’s pleased the people, Rak still needs to address the practicali- ties. “Space constraints and plumbing

configurations often require creative problem-solving,” he notes. He recalls one project he worked on where a cli- ent desperately wanted a freestanding tub in a space that wasn’t designed to accommodate it. “We reconfigured the layout and selected a more compact, sculptural tub that delivered the aes- thetic without compromising usability.” When clients are interested, Rak is ready to help them make daring choices—up to a point. “Fixtures are a great place to take a calculated risk— whether it’s an unexpected finish or a sculptural shape,” he says. “That said, we tend to advise our clients to select simple, timeless plumbing fixtures— particularly in bathrooms. Other

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Elsewhere in in the Suburban Bath, soft window treatments create a cocoon around a tub with a filler by Brizo .

elements of those spaces can be changed easily if you want to freshen things up, but plumbing fixtures—especially showers—are harder.” To see Rak in action, we considered three of his baths— each with its own personality. For ease of reference, we’ve dubbed them Suburban Bath, City Bath, and Moody Bath.

homes of the same client—one in the suburbs and the oth- er in the city. It’s worth noting that—despite being crafted by the same designer to please the same people—they are markedly different. “We always consider previous designs, but the goal is to complement rather than duplicate.” “In the Suburban Bath, we leaned traditional with ele- ments like a classic vanity profile and shaded light fixtures, while keeping it fresh with bolder colors and more exciting metal finishes,” he explains—referring to fixtures by Brizo.

THE SUBURBAN BATH The first two baths we’ll look at were for two different

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“Unlike the black-and-white City Bath—where contrast naturally defines the space—finding the right mix of color in the Suburban Bath required careful balancing of all the elements in the space as well as the different styles we were playing with.” THE CITY BATH Rak says shaping the City Bath required different kinds of com- binations. “A black-and-white palette can feel stark without thoughtful layering,” he explains. “Texture—in the form of soft textiles, wallcoverings, and mixed finishes—is essential to making the space inviting.” Rak also mentions the im- portance of the finish on the pieces from Watermark. “The golden-hued fixtures were a deliberate choice to add warmth and contrast, preventing the bathroom from feeling too cool or sterile,” he explains. “The clients also particularly loved the black-and-white bath’s wallcov- ering, which softened the space beautifully.” THE MOODY BATH Next, we turned to Rak’s work with a different client altogeth- er. But we couldn’t help but ask whether he was concerned about using dark colors in close quar- ters when creating the Moody Bath. “The key to using dark colors without making a space feel smaller is strategic lighting, reflective surfaces, and well- placed contrast,” Rak explains. “We balanced the plum tones with lighter elements, ensuring the space remained inviting.” Other color choices include a beautiful tub from Victoria + Al- bert in a rich shade of green. “The sage tub and patterned counter- top were bold choices, but we carefully curated materials to ensure harmony,” Rak says. “We

This tub from Victoria + Albert shines within the Moody Bath.

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A wider look at the City Bath shows more of its black and white details—

as well as additional

fixtures from Watermark.

knew we were making bolder choices, but felt that it would come together.”

clients live and ensuring their spaces enhance their daily routines.” And together these three baths may be proof that no matter how many bathrooms one designs, every space is part of a new journey for both designer and client. “Each project is unique,” Rak says, “but comfort, elegance, and livability are always at the core.” See more of Rak’s work beyond the bath at danrakdesign.com. ■

Rak is happy to report that at the end of each of these projects, his clients were thrilled with the results. “These bathrooms exemplify our approach to blending timeless design with personalized details,” he adds. “Beyond the aes- thetics, our work is deeply rooted in understanding how our

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