GPS Living Spring 2024

NAUTICAL STYLE BRINGING THE WATER HOME

SHAPE EXPECTATIONS FROM ANGLES TO CURVES FLYING COLORS MAKING ROOMS BLOOM

Artistically Crafted Bathtubs and Shower Bases

americh.com

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ON THE COVER Fixtures by Rohl help add sparkle to this kitchen. 12 RAW MATERIALS Using spring cleaning as a springboard to enhance your home. 20 THE SHAPE OF THINGS The secret messages sent by shapes and what happens when they collide. 26 COLOR WAYS As flowers bloom outside, it is time to bring some color indoors. 32 ALL CLEAR The Clear Surfaces strategy to reducing clutter throughout the home. 34 BETTER KNOW NJ The Hawthorne area is hopping with places to appreciate art. 35 MEET THE DESIGNERS In which Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece would Cheryl live? 36 DESIGN, RINSE, REPEAT Barclay Butera tackles a bountiful beach house for a repeat client.

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GPS Justin Freedman PRESIDENT, GPS Brian Maffia DIRECTOR OF SHOWROOMS, GPS Sarah Barton MARKETING DIRECTOR, GPS Rebecca Jean Cortés, GPS Isaiah Dismuke, GPS

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 ©2024. 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 ©2024 All Rights Reserved

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

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Greenfield™ Bathroom Collection Whether your style is modern farmhouse or soft modern, the Greenfield collection adapts well to any space thanks to its clean, simple lines and subtle beveled edges that add a point of interest to the room without distracting from the overall design. The collection also offers a variety of matching accessory options, such as lighting, towel bars and a new toilet paper holder with shelf, to meet any design need.

www.moen.com

The real estate market has continued to be strong and competitive in 2024, especially in the New York Metro area. As we enter a presidential election year, we are experiencing more of the same in real estate from 2023—a high-interest-rate environment but with slowing inflationary costs. Financial markets have experienced some of their strongest monthly returns over the last few months with markets (both

financial and real estate) poised to take off if interest rates fall. And we are waiting to see if we will have the soft landing that everyone hopes will soften any impact on the unemployment rate, housing values, and overall GDP growth. Despite all this noise, the single-family and multifamily markets in New Jersey and New York continue to be buoyed by the strength of our key industries and the desirability of our communities. Residents young and old could find many other states to call home, but there aren’t many better places to live and create businesses than NY/NJ. We will continue to invest—reinforcing our commitment to providing spaces that offer inspiration for your next real estate project, large or small. One market in which we are excited about expanding our presence is Summit, NJ. In early spring, we will open our fourth Kohler Signature Store on Springfield Avenue among Summit’s growing design community (next to Roots Steakhouse in the old Liss/Woolworth’s property). Read more about this soon- to-open store and a brief interview with our store manager Judy Rogoff (Kohler page 13). Our three Kohler Store locations (soon-to-be four) were among the first to debut the Kohler x Studio McGee line of faucets, lighting, vanities, and tile (tile from Ann Sacks). The line is an extension of the Shea McGee universe—she continues to expand beyond her design business and Netflix show Dream Home Makeover , and it has been one of the more popular Kohler rollouts in years (Kohler page 12). Through our feature on Hawthorne, NJ, and the surrounding areas where Bergen and Passaic counties meet, encounter one of the team members in our Hawthorne Showroom, Cheryl Basile (GPS page 35). Cheryl has years of experience within the industry across all of the brands and categories with which we partner. She is one of the many experienced designers with whom you can meet at our soon-to-be 14 GPS showrooms across NJ/NY. In this issue’s pages, our contributors have provided constant sources of inspiration from cover to cover. This spring issue touches on current color trends (GPS page 26) and design ideas for working with texture and shape (GPS Page 20). Designer Barclay Butera is also featured with a stunning project showcasing Kohler, Rohl, and Franke throughout (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,

Best,

Justin Freedman, President

GPS SHOWROOMS BAYONNE BERGENFIELD FLEMINGTON GREEN BROOK HAWTHORNE LAKEWOOD MORRIS PLAINS ORANGE PISCATAWAY

TRADE LOCATIONS AVENEL DOVER MANAHAWKIN MIDDLETOWN MONTVALE NEPTUNE RIDGEFIELD STATEN ISLAND TENAFLY UNION

KOHLER SIGNATURE STORES EATONTOWN MANHASSET PARAMUS SUMMIT

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Life of the party. That’s

©202 4 Elkay Manufacturing Company

Custom Stainless Solutions Bring your vision to life with our custom and modified stainless steel sinks and sink tops. It’s where form meets function to create a space worth celebrating.

elkay.com/custom

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 ORANGE KOHLER SIGNATURE STORES EATONTOWN MANHASSET PARAMUS SUMMIT

For additional locations please visit shopgps.com

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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.

kraftmaid.com

These fully assembled KraftMaid Mudroom Locker Cabinets are the perfect place for depositing pet supplies, shoes, jackets and bags to keep the mess from coming inside:

Save today. Save tomorrow.

THE RHEEM ® PROTERRA ™ HYBRID ELECTRIC WATER HEATER

rheemwater.com

PROFESSIONAL PRESTIGE ® ProTerra Hybrid Electric Water Heater 40-, 50-, 65- and 80-Gallon Capacities

The new degree of comfort. ®

RAW MATERIALS

SPRING AHEAD SAY HELLO TO THE SEASON BY ENHANCING YOUR HOME T E X T STEWART KELLER

The Watermark Brooklyn collection was Inspired by gate valves in midcentury apartment blocks of its namesake borough.

CHANGE DOES NOT ROLL ON WHEELS OF INEVITABILITY

A pair of Moen Arris Two-Handle Wall-Mount Widespread Bathroom Faucets is twice as nice.

Caesarstone in Dreamy Carrara has a silky white base with fine veins in gray with bluish undertones that add visual texture.

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NEW ARIA STONE Lucia Tub

NEW LUNA LED Mirror Magna + STAK Vanity

NEW ARIA STONE Lukas Tub

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.

AD197

®/TM © 2024 InSinkErator. All rights reserved.

RAW MATERIALS

Why wait for the kettle when the InSinkErator Hot250 Instant Hot Water Dispenser can make it teatime instantaneously?

Choose a spot near your favorite shower for the substantial Amba Antus to warm towels.

An MTI mineral composite shower base provides high-functioning foundation for even the most extravagant shower experience.

With its striking oblong shape and energy-efficient LEDs in adjustable color temperatures, the Fluerco Magna Lighted Mirror brightens any bath.

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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

Sonneman ’s Suspenders Path Matrix with Cylinder Luminaires feels organic—due in part to its multitiered design.

SteamLinx lets you use your phone or ask an Alexa-enabled smart speaker to ready your Mr. Steam shower.

FREEDOM IS THE WINDOW THROUGH WHICH SPIRIT SHINES

With its rounded interior, the curvaceous Oceane tub from the Americh Freestandng Collection brings a swooping sensuality to this starkly futuristic bath.

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RAW MATERIALS

Franke ’s kitchen accessories transform sink space into colanders, cutting boards, and other useful work surfaces.

The Delta ProClean Hand Shower’s six settings mean you can choose the right spray for every surface.

This Freestanding Makeup Mirror from Perrin & Rowe offers a flexible way to get a better look.

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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

easco-shower.com

SHAPE

THE SHAPE OF THINGS D esigners learn that certain shapes have the power to create a mood. Circles foster a sense of unity and stability. Triangles speak of power. Squares feel efficient and practical. Even the direction of lines can create vibes, with verti- T E X T STEWART KELLER MAKE GEOMETRIC GESTURES

Kichler Hendrik wall sconces contrast beautifully with a circular mirror.

cals emphasizing height but also feeling more aggressive, while horizontal lines create a sense of order and tran- quility. But some would say the real magic happens where shapes collide—when ordered stacks of tile intersect with the angles of a light fixture or when a wallcovering with long, lean lines meets the soft slope of a circle. We rounded up a dozen pieces helping keep homes in good shape. ■

The graceful bend of Brizo ’s Kintsu faucet looks at home in this kitchen where straight edges meet graceful curves.

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SHAPE

The flexible textile-feel of the hansgrohe Designflex shower hose will make any bath feel cozier.

The Amba Jeeves Model A Ladder shakes up straight lines while warming towels of various sizes.

The MTI Magda tub’s signature gesture is an Art Deco detail with the feel of an old-time movie marquee.

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SHAPE

Since nobody understands food quite like Italians, it makes sense that the Culinario Collection of stainless steel sinks from Rohl — created to function in the ultimate culinary spaces—is handcrafted in Italy.

Rectangles interlock to

create a maze of beguiling angles in the Marco 5 Light Chandelier from Golden Lighting .

Sometimes simplicity is the most captivating choice: the round white glow of the Sonneman LP Sconce draws the gaze as surely as the moon.

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• Easy room side installation for repair & remodeling applications. • For spaces up to 110 sq. ft. • Virtually silent operation, as quiet as <0.3 sones for a peaceful shower experience. • Choose from fan only, fan/dimmable LED Light & Nightlight, or fan/ condensation sensor for handsfree operation. • 6 year warranty for peace of mind. Ideal retrofit ventilation solution!

us.panasonic.com/ventfans

SHAPE

The shape story in this bath depends on the interplay between large squares of wallcovering and tight subway tile—visible thanks to a frameless shower door by Easco .

Keep your shower floor mosaic at a maximum with the minimal imprint of a linear Quickdrain .

Elongated tile in the shower creates a pop of visual interest in a bathroom featuring calming neutrals and the Delta Broadmoor faucet.

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SHAPE

A JOURNEY FOR THE SENSES

M Y S T I X™ S T E A M S Y S T E M B R I Z O . C O M / S T E A M

To learn more, contact an Altherm A-Team member today. ALTHERM.COM /A-TEAM

The Twilight II Illuminated Slique Mirror from Madeli goes from nightlight to ultrabright using the innovative LumenTouch dimmer.

LORELAI™

EVEREST™

RIVET™

Emtek offers the Hex Knob on the drawer and the Freestone Pulls on the cabinet doors below.

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COLOR

COLOR WAYS

Mediterranean bronze Tiffi n Moen bath accessories stand out against Tiffany blue.

T E X T STEWART KELLER EIGHT GREAT ROOMS WITH FRESH SHADES FOR SPRING

C olor can be intimidating. Adding a burst here and there may seem easy, but those who act impulsively could be few choices away from circus energy. Remember to experiment first: dedicate space in your project room to be a mood board for wallcoverings, finishes, and samples. If your colors are not blending right, try pairing two on opposite sides of the color wheel for maximum impact. Choose hues that suit your room’s purpose—warm for energy, cool for serenity. Don’t be afraid to use color to unify a spacious room, but remember that a tiny powder room can be a great place to take a big design swing. Check out these col- orful spaces when considering your next room refresh. ■

Stripped down Elan Vital accessories by Watermark at the bath and sink prove striking standouts in a room with visually dense blue tile.

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Sort your everything drawer by color, season or purpose with this unique Multi-Storage Drawer Organizer from KraftMaid .

Oh look... a SPA! Elevate an everyday routine with a simple steam shower upgrade in any bathroom.

Plan and customize at VirtualSpa.MrSteam.com

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COLOR

There’s more than one way to go green—like the cabinetry in this kitchen featuring an Explore faucet and Farmhouse sink from Elkay .

This Shoreline vanity and Linio wall mirror from NY Vanity —both in Whisper Green— offer a welcome dose of color while keeping the pallette sophisticated.

You don’t necessarily need a chromatic tub to bring color to bath time; this white Solitude tub from MTI sits beautifully in a nest of aqua tile and the color is echoed in the vanity.

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MARIS GRANITE Get more pleasure out of your kitchen

www.franke.com

Puristic design, pure feeling.

Soft and relaxing or powerful and expressive − realize your individual style down to the last detail. With the Tecturis collection, you experience the beauty of water in two unique designs. For extraordinary water pleasures every day. Tecturis. Designed for water, created for you.

hansgrohe-usa.com

COLOR

The warm gray of this wall lamp from Sonneman stands out against a bold red wallcovering, uniting other neutral elements in the space such as the chair upholstery and rug.

Add interest to a white bath with a dose of blue in the form of Stasser ’s SoDo vanities and drawer banks, shown here in deep Lapis Night.

Copper fixtures look terrific with Wellborn cabinetry— both in bright white on the far wall and in sapphire on the island.

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FINALLY KICK COUNTER CLUTTER ALL CLEAR

A clean expanse of Caesarstone Porcelain in Sleet.

T E X T STEWART KELLER

L et’s say you’re investing the time and money to cre- ate your dream kitchen. When it comes to surfaces, you might choose Caesarstone Porcelain for its ex- treme heat resistance and durability against stains and scratches. If sustainability is a priority, you may like that Caesarstone Time offers the aesthetic of quartz while blending in recycled materials to use less silica. Or perhaps you’ll emphasize your surfaces by framing them with Dekton Yukiyo—a fluted tile designed in collaboration with Claudia Afshar—on an island or backsplash. What’s the easiest way to undo the sense of harmony created by this exciting room refreshening? Clutter. But how can you keep clutter at bay? Try the Clear Surfaces strategy. It’s not complicated, though you and your household may find it takes some getting used to. The essential rule is this: every flat surface in every room in your home must be clear of anything that is not a permanent

fixture. And the follow-up is: every time you leave a room, you must restore it to its cleared state. Why does this help? Well, clutter tends to attract more clutter. This swiftly makes mess the norm. Consider how much more likely you are to pick up one toy than tackle an entire playtime tornado. Similarly, the sight of books and papers on your kitchen table gives your brain permission to add to the pile. The hardest part is the first clutter clearing. Work room by room. Depending on the size of your home, you can try to squeeze it all into one afternoon or spread it out over a week if that suits your schedule. Whichever you chose, once a surface is cleared, commit to keeping that way. Develop- ing good habits is as important as making the initial change. Having trouble? One trick is to take a laundry basket and fill it with the contents of every flat surface in a room. Then, start putting things back where they belong. If some-

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The vertical fluting of Dekton Ukiyo in Umber accentuates clear surfaces.

thing doesn’t have a place, create one or kiss it good-bye. You will need to make it clear to your family that cleared surfaces are no longer dumping grounds. This may require solutions for situations that create clutter. A bulletin board near a kids’ crafting table encourages you to put artwork up rather than let it pile up. Similarly, an organizer in your entryway keeps nearby counters from becoming mess magnets (and may help you keep track of your keys). Some additional strategies: if household members are reluctant to get on board, let them know that anything left on a surface will become fair game for the recycling or donation bag. Be honest with yourself about what needs a permanent place. Can the contents of your bulky knife block take the place of a junk drawer with a knife organizer from KraftMaid? Might a compact French press take up less counter space than your bulky old coffeemaker? When it comes to the bathroom, you may want to start by clearing out your medicine cabinet. Removing years-old prescription bottles and nearly empty antiperspirants may create space for the grooming tools that usually crowd the vanity and threaten to fall into the sink. Don’t forget your biggest surface—the floor. With less clutter elsewhere, you’ll be better able to evaluate which pieces of furniture you use rarely. Consider clearing seating that you only use when company comes over and swapping in a chair from another room on those occasions instead. And ask yourself if you’d be better off getting rid of any piece with a surface that consistently defies decluttering. Whatever you do, don’t just buy more bins. Though they’re great tools for sorting and storing seasonal decor, they’re not meant to be neatly stacked boxes of mess. If you find yourself legitimately low on storage, talk to a GPS designer about functional, attractive solutions. As you clear your home, you’ll find yourself better prepared than ever to talk about how you want it to look and function. ■

The veining of Caesarstone Time in Solenna lends dimension.

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BETTER KNOW NJ

Alice Dreaming of Wonderland arrives at BergenPAC.

Six spots where you can spice up your to-do list with exciting art and more. Picking Hawthorne

T E X T PAUL HAGEN I f a visit to GPS Hawthorne for inspiration or supplies is on your list of springtime errands, there is plenty going on nearby to make an enjoyable day of it—with opportunities for fun, shopping, and chances to appreciate art. BergenPAC is a theater that is dedicated to enhancing the communi- ty through the arts and fostering the talent of tomorrow. The institution has been recognized as one of the largest venues and performing arts schools in New Jersey. There are a variety of upcoming shows for which you might want to save the date, includ-

ing Alice Dreaming of Wonderland , an action-packed and exciting theatrical circus of surprises, playing May 5. Or catch up with Buddy Guy, still amazing audiences at age 86, on May 9. Guy has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and Rolling Stone named him among their “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.” bergenpac.org In the mood for treasure hunting? Head to Hawthorne’s own Then & Now Consignment shop. They regu- larly restock their shelves with fresh offerings. The staff is friendly, and the prices tend to be fair but negotiable. facebook.com/thenandnowclassics

Originally purchased in 1931, Abma’s Farm has evolved to include a garden center, market, greenhouse, and barn- yard petting zoo. The farm calls itself a place “where everything homegrown is raised with love, picked daily, and served fresh,” and the staff includes The blues is alive and well with celebrated American guitarist and singer Buddy Guy.

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multiple generations of family members. No wonder Abma’s is such a kid-friendly destination—not to mention a fun place to throw a birthday party or enroll your favorite future farmer in summer camp. abmasfarm.com Trade crops for culture and head to the Clifton Arts Cen- ter & Sculpture Park. The center regularly rolls out new pro- gram announcements about exhibitions, readings, lectures, pop-up shops, and more. There is always art on display and a bustling schedule of classes—some for kids, others for adults—focusing on different types of drawing and painting as well as other media. cliftonartscenter.org Not to be outdone, the Passaic County Arts Center at the John W. Rea House featured over a dozen exhibitions last year—from Everything’s Fine (a series about struggling with anxiety, depression and PTSD) to The Myth Purged , which- explored the perception of women informed by history and myth. PCAC also hosts a robust schedule of classes with award-winning, working artists from fields including creative writing, fashion, and a variety of visual arts. Learn more on their website. pcartscenter.org And the Folklife Center of Northern NJ builds awareness and appreciation of cultural traditions, celebrating practices passed down through generations and creating a platform for folk artists to share their work. folklifennj.com ■ MEET THE DESIGNERS

Abma’s is a place where future farmers find their green thumbs.

The Clifton Arts Center has space to host classes and events.

If you were a color, what color would you be—and why? Black. It is a color that complements almost every style and color scheme. Is there a kind of project you’d like to work on more often? I do a lot of renovation projects, but I would enjoy doing some more new construction projects as well. How do you unwind when you’re feeling stressed out? Gaming— World of Warcraft and Dia- blo IV mostly; reading a good book or writing. Is there a design upgrade you’d love to make in your own home? I would love to gut the entire house and start from scratch. Can you share a trend or something you’ve seen in the world of design that fascinates you? Split finishes and mixing metals with wood or glass. For example: matte black with a polished chrome, or brushed nickel with teak wood. Is there an iconic building or space where you’d like to try living?

How would you describe your per- sonal design style? Eclectic-Industrial—original designs reimagined with a unique twist. Who inspires you? I love the architectural style of Frank Lloyd Wright. He always found a way to bring nature into each home he designed. Describe a memorable project. One would have to be the dog shower area I helped one of my clients design for a laundry room. We had to figure out good placement for each fixture that was needed and what would work best in the space as well. Is there a TV show with design that you love? What do you love about it? Anything regarding tiny homes. I love seeing how they figure out how to make the most of the small space. Can you share a problem you ran into and how you made it work? Installing a ceiling-mounted rain show- er on an angled ceiling. I recommend- ed they create a niche in the ceiling to give them a flat surface for the shower arm escutcheon to lay on.

CHERYL BASILE HAWTHORNE

Fallingwater by Frank Lloyd Wright. I love the way he brought nature into the design and made it part of the house. What do you hope clients have thought about ahead of time? The color scheme: this helps a lot when picking out tile, paint, vanities, countertops, and fixtures. What project should homeowners add to their spring to-do lists? Warmer weather is the perfect time to start thinking about freshening up a space. Whether it is updating cabi- net and door hardware or opening up some walls to create a whole new space, spring is all about renewal.

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The vanity in this bath showcases Rohl fixtures and a sink by Kohler .

DESIGN, RINSE, REPEAT HOW ONE DESIGNER KEEPS HIS CLIENTS COMING BACK

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Among this bath’s perks are a soaking tub and shining Kohler faucets at the sink.

D esigner Barclay Butera may be known nation- wide, but this beautiful waterfront project is very much on his home turf in Newport Beach, California. He and his prestigious design firm were familiar with the homeowner as well. “We’ve done so many homes for this client that the trust level is there,” says Butera. “They let us direct the project and for that we are extremely grateful.” The goals were to keep the space light and bright, while also capturing the essence of the ocean as much as possible. The problem-solving posed by the property often related to formatting its abundance. For example, how does one T E X T PAUL HAGEN PHOTOGRAPHY NATHAN SCHROEDER

approach designing a home with four full baths? Does one aim to create a sense of unity and equilibrium among them? Or is it more important to give each its own flavor? Butera seems to split the difference—presenting baths united by a sophisticated palette of black and white with silver accents and complementary pieces from Rohl and Kohler. Yet each also has a sense of personality—here an audacious pre- sentation of patterned tile, there a statement shower door. “Special touches for the primary bath [include] luxurious spa-like shower and oversize soaking tub, unique lighting fixtures and custom cabinetry,” adds Butera. “The goal was to make the primary bath a retreat tailored to our clients’

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Butera’s goal was for the kitchen— with its Rohl fixtures— to flow in tandem with adjacent living and dining areas.

preferences and to enhance their daily rituals.” Another area that required shaping was the largely open main floor. “As a rule, these beach houses typically have a ‘great room’ floor plan,” Butera explains. This poses the challenge of mak- ing kitchen, living room and dining areas work in tandem. “We wanted to keep the flow as open and inviting as possible,” he adds. His strategies includ- ed Infusing warm wood, pops of blue, and sophis-

ticated lighting to make the kitchen feel a part of the entire room, not a separate space. Butera brought this level of care even to less prominent areas of the home like the laundry. “People really care about their laundry rooms,” notes Butera. “While it may be a utilitarian space, laundry rooms play a significant role in the overall functionality and aesthetic cohesiveness of a home.” The team installed a Dutch door for more

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THE GOAL WAS TO MAKE THE BATH A RETREAT TO ENHANCE DAILY RITUALS

This bath boasts both sink and toilet by Kohler and a greenhouse-like shower enclosure.

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This bath—with its impactful floor-to-ceiling homage to herringbone— features fixtures by Rohl and a commode from Kohler .

“I love this live- edge table,” says Butera. “You never have to worry about nicks.”

Laundry with sink by Franke and faucet from Kallista .

light and chose a significant sink from Franke. “A farm sink is a must because it saves the wood on your cabinets from warping and cuts down on splashes,” Butera says enthusi- astically. “It is part of the living area; it must look as grand as the rest of the house.” Much of Butera’s work on this home involved looking to the water. In some cases that meant literally making the most of the location. “Because this magnificent home is on the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach, of course we

wanted to take full advantage of the magnificent water- front views,” says Butera. “We incorporated space heaters for chilly nights and shades to keep from overheating in the blazing sun.” In other ways, Butera was tying the home to the water more metaphorically. “When you do a beach house, it’s all about the blues—the colors of the sky and ocean,” he says. “Balancing nautical accents in the home requires a thought- ful approach to avoid overwhelming the space. We used

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Butera notes that using nautical accents requires a thoughtful approach to avoid going overboard.

elegant maritime artwork of water and sailboats as focal points.” Today, Butera refers to the owner of this home as a “client for life,” a title he would like to apply to many of his clients. “I am going to be celebrat- ing my thirtieth year in business this December,” he says. “That comes from building trust.” And, indeed, it seems that Butera’s sense of job satisfaction derives as much from continuing his relationship with his valued client as it does with making the most of this lovely home by the water. “Nothing is more fulfilling than being appreciated for your talents and having clients re- turn to you over and over for their new residences.” See more of this home at barclaybutera.com. ■

“When I first saw the home, I pictured lazy, hazy days in the sun,” says Butera, “watching boats float by.”

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