2023 has been a strong year, but one in which our national real estate markets have had to contend with vastly increased interest and mortgage rates. We have all heard about the reality of these increased rates, and have seen a larger focus on the remodeling sector. Remodeling in established real estate markets like New Jersey and New York is to be expected because of the lack of movement that results when homeowners are not able to bear the increased interest rate that would be incurred by buying another home. So, we have seen an increased
occurrences of homeowners choosing to “love the one they’re with,” remodel existing property, and make their current home into their dream home. Despite this mindset shift, new construction has continued to thrive in both custom and larger development settings because of the need for more housing in our towns is consistent—both locally and across the country. GPS continues to grow and refresh our showrooms with our industry-best brands to offer spaces to inspire both remodeling and new builds. Through this issue’s feature on Lakewood and its surrounding attractions (including my childhood favorite, Six Flags Great Adventure in nearby Jackson, NJ), meet Clarisse Trapkin, one of our team members in our Lakewood Showroom (GPS page 35). Clarisse has worked with customers on all types of projects and—like all our showroom designers—is well trained about how to use all of our manufacturers when marrying a client’s desired aesthetic with the complicated systems needed in our bathroom and kitchen spaces. Our Lakewood showroom has gone through extensive, on-going renovations; it’s ready to guide the most-experienced designer or first-time homeowner through their next project. We have included resources throughout these pages to help refine your style before you come to our showrooms (see “Your Ideal Kitchen?” on GPS page 32). On the Kohler side of this Fall issue, we see the continued investment that Kohler makes throughout their family of brands (Kohler, Kallista, Robern and Ann Sacks) in terms of new products as well as expanded finishes. These include new Kohler Lighting releases, the Robern Sinca vanity, Kallista’s expanded Brushed French Gold finish, and an exciting announcement with GE brands (Kohler page 12). Our Kohler Store in Eatontown, NJ, is featured via a spotlight on designer Penny Vitoroulis (Kohler page 13). These Kohler Signature Stores offer a unique look at the partnership we have built with Kohler, through which we can showcase their full family of brands. Note that the Kohler x Studio McGee line is coming exclusively to Kohler Stores this Fall (see more products starting on Kohler page 3). Finishes and functionality continue to provide some of the biggest changes in our showrooms. Sunshine gold finishes seen in faucets, lighting and tub accents offer subtle (or not so subtle) additions to your dream bath spaces. And as we continue to accomplish more with some smaller spaces in the Northeast, shelving and storage options—including wall-mounted towel warmers—provide endless opportunities to upgrade your current home or any new build. Plus, projects like Lisa Davenport’s Naples House showcase inspiration from several of our brands including Kohler, Moen, Brizo, and InSinkErator (GPS page 36). Thanks for reading—we appreciate being a part of your home’s next project. Please visit us at any of our GPS Kitchen and Bath showrooms and Kohler Signature Stores.
Best,
Justin Freedman, President
GPS SHOWROOMS BAYONNE BERGENFIELD FLEMINGTON GREEN BROOK HAWTHORNE LAKEWOOD MATAWAN MORRIS PLAINS ORANGE PISCATAWAY
TRADE LOCATIONS AVENEL DOVER MIDDLETOWN MONTVALE NEPTUNE RIDGEFIELD STATEN ISLAND TENAFLY UNION
KOHLER SIGNATURE STORES EATONTOWN MANHASSET PARAMUS
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