CALLING ALL DESIGNERS YOUR PROJECT, OUR PAGES DOING IT YOURSELF WHEN IS IT TIME TO GET HELP?
PLOT TWIST BRINGING THE DESIGN DRAMA
DESIGN•TEXTILES•HOMEWARE CWI DESIGN
cwi.design 908.665.7997 Please call for an appointment
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ON THE COVER The Lex freestanding tub from Americh is clean and contemporary.
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12 RAW MATERIALS Autumn may be the ultimate reminder to refresh your home décor. 20 ON THE HANDLE Take a moment to appreciate an essential element of design. 25 BRINGING THE DRAMA Elevated suggestions to keep your home from becoming blah. 33 DO IT YOURSELF? DIY seems like a way to save but may not be the right choice for you. 35 CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS A chance to see your own project in the pages of GPS Living . 36 BETTER KNOW NJ Historic locations around Morris Plains where New Jersey’s past comes alive. 37 MEET THE DESIGNERS Which trend is Faith glad to see finally going out of style?
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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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Colinet TM Bath Suite Unique design inspires an extensive new premium collection. With its soft-arc bent-tube spout, flat bands on spout and base, a flared hub and tailored traditional details, Colinet introduces a highly differentiated look to the Moen ® portfolio. What’s more, that look is extended across an impressive array of faucets and accessories for totally cohesive design throughout the bath. Handle options and finishes including chrome, brushed nickel, brushed gold and matte black accentuate various characteristics of the collection, adapting Colinet to a wide range of environments. moen.com
Even within the confusing real estate market of 2024, this year’s remodeling and new construction market has been busy. We have seen more traffic in our showrooms as key vendors roll out innovative new products to meet the changing needs of today’s households. While everyone waits to see the effect and magnitude of coming interest rate cuts, the NYC Metro area is well poised for growth over the next 5 years. General Plumbing Supply has continued to expand over last 18 months. Since our last issue, we have opened our fourth Kohler Signature Store—
in downtown Summit, NJ—and acquired Consolidated Plumbing Supply in Mount Vernon, NY. Consolidated was a thriving business with a beautiful showroom serving a diverse area stretching from the Bronx to suburban Westchester. The former Consolidated employees have been a great addition to the GPS team. As a new part of our GPS Living experience, we are calling for project submissions from designers, architects, and remodelers (page 35). We would love to see and feature your latest kitchen or bath design projects for consideration in our next issue! This issue’s stories also include “On the Handle” (GPS page 20), focusing on dramatic handles and hardware to add some pop to your space. And in “Home Made” (Kohler page 24), designer Michele Plachter takes an estate with a sophisticated, French château-inspired exterior and brings its interiors a fresh perspective that still takes advantage of its architectural grandeur. In our “Meet the Designers” sections, we will continue to get to know more of our experienced showroom consultants, including Faith Bracero in our Morris Plains showroom (page 37) and Eli Muñiz from our Kohler Store in Paramus (Kohler page 15). Morris Plains was our second location after our original Bayonne location, and “Better Know Morris Plains” features Cooper Gristmill, Lake Hopatcong, Historic Speedwell and more that this charming NJ suburb and the surrounding area has to offer. The Kohler side of this issue features the two newest designer partnerships with the Daniel Arsham introduction (soon to be seen in several Kohler Signature Stores and GPS Showrooms) as well as the continued success of the Studio McGee line. You will also see the grand opening photos of our Summit, NJ Kohler Signature Store (Kohler page 13), where David Kohler and I welcomed customers as we introduced ourselves to this vibrant design community. We are excited to better serve this market with this store, along with our existing GPS showrooms and branches. 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, and remember to submit for any of your most recent projects online via submissions.gpsliving.com. Best,
Justin Freedman, President
TRADE LOCATIONS AVENEL DOVER MANAHAWKIN MIDDLETOWN MONTVALE NEPTUNE RIDGEFIELD STATEN ISLAND TENAFLY UNION GPS SHOWROOMS BAYONNE BERGENFIELD FLEMINGTON GREEN BROOK HAWTHORNE LAKEWOOD MORRIS PLAINS MOUNT VERNON ORANGE PISCATAWAY KOHLER SIGNATURE STORES EATONTOWN MANHASSET PARAMUS SUMMIT
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NEXT-LEVEL INNOVATION AND SUSTAINABILITY
Quartz Luxe ® in Arctic Fox, Obsidian and Sandstone
These sinks are as durable as they are beautiful ― crafted from approximately 99% natural, renewable or recycled raw materials, including hard natural quartz sand and natural color additives.
Designed to handle tough tasks, the nonporous surface resists both impact and stains. Eye-popping color options make it easy to elevate your space.
See the portfolio. elkay.com/quartz-luxe
by Zurn Elkay Water Solutions (9/24 ) 330-066
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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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
Moen celebrates the power and beauty of water with pieces such as this Tenon kitchen faucet. Learn about it and see more handles we adore starting on page 20.
BRINGING WELLBEING TO LIFE.
iSteam ® X Ne X t level steam control
MrSteam. 100 years of bringing steam to life. No one knows steam like MrSteam. Years of experience in steam means MrSteam knows a thing or two about designing, engineering, building, and supporting the highest quality products and experiences possible.
MusicTherapy AudioX Bluetooth System
AromaTherapy AromaSteam System
That’s why the people of MrSteam always say, “We feel good when you feel good.”
MrSteam is an organization of passionate, caring people, creating products meant to promote health and total wellbeing. It’s a company on a mission to empower people to be healthy, live happy, and feel good.
HydroTherapy The SPAH2O Electronic Shower Valve is controlled by the iSteamX
ChromaTherapy ChromaSteamX System
www.mrsteam.com
RAW MATERIALS
With watertight XtraStoris niches from Hansgrohe, wasted wall space can become valuable storage.
This Petite vanity from Madeli —shown in Sapphire— can make a big impression even in a small space.
LIFE STARTS ALL OVER AGAIN WHEN IT GETS CRISP IN THE FALL
With its seeded, goblet-shaped
shade, the Valserrano
Pendant from Kichler calls to mind a freshly washed wineglass.
T E X T STEWART KELLER
Incorporating a disposal from InSinkErator removes food waste during kitchen cleanup so your trash bin need not be full of rotting food and unpleasant odors.
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Calla Bathtub, Tavia Smooth Cocoa Solid Surface Base, Gemini Plus Shower Door, White Marble Fibo by Fleurco Wall System, Stak Uno Vanities, Halo Plus Oblong LED Mirrors
PERFECTLY CHILLED DRINKING WATER, INSTANTLY. Designed to fit under your kitchen sink, the InSinkErator ® Water Chiller is ready to dispense water as cool as 40°F. Bundle with our Showroom Collection hot/cold or cold only water dispenser, and water filter, to give yourself the gift of health.
AVAILABLE ONLY AT AUTHORIZED SHOWROOMS.
www.insinkerator.com
AD198
®/TM © 2024 InSinkErator. All rights reserved.
RAW MATERIALS
Used in conjunction with an iSteamX controller, the MrSteam SPAH20 Electronic Shower Valve provides the ultimate in pressure and temperature control for your bath.
Dark counters and pulls from Emtek take this kichten from milky white to cookies and cream.
This striking bench is made of Earthic by Silestone XM. It’s a durable surface that is sustainably created using materials such as recycled glass, PET, bioresin, and fragments of Dekton .
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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
Linear shower drains from QuickDrain transform drainage from a necessary eyesore to a stylish grace note.
A strategically placed ezH20 Liv Water dispener by Elkay means you no longer need to interrupt your workflow for hydration time.
WE ARE ALL MADE OF STARS
The Eclissi Bath Collection from Rohl is inspired by those rare moments when celestial bodies intersect in space to transform the heavens.
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RAW MATERIALS
The Halo Plus Oblong lighted mirror from
Fleurco offers energy-efficient LED lights with adjustable color temperatures—plus a defogger pad.
This Franke Roller Mat creates an added surface for straining and drying.
This seamless Lex freestanding tub from Americh is available in two colorways: White (shown) and Biscuit.
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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
HANDLE
The Elkay Lustertone Classic Stainless Steel sink pairs beautifully with any handle—even those on a well-displayed set of knives.
The choice of a contrasting wood handle makes the Matte White of this Jason Wu for Brizo pull-down kitchen faucet stand out.
ON THE HANDLE H andles are so essential and yet so often underappreciated. They call forth water from the depths, separate outside from in, and help us store everything from fine china to extra garbage bags. But even if you may not spend too much time thinking about han- dles, the people who make handles certainly do. They think about making them durable enough to stand up to repeated use, beautiful enough to be admired from across the room, and shaped to fit our hands just so. Some designers want a handle that blends in seamless- ly; others like a sharp contrast—like a style exclamation point. So we shopped some of our favorite brands, and we came back with a handful of handles that range from the perfectly practical to the fully fanciful. See what grabs you. ■ STYLE YOU CAN TOUCH T E X T STEWART KELLER
Can you handle the cutouts and curves of the Avenel table lamp from Hudson Valley Lighting — shown in Ceramic Reactive Bronze?
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The Vintage Gold hardware on this Gentry Vanity from Woodpro draws the eye, while demure hairpin legs offer more height without additional bulk.
In shining Satin Brass, these Alexander Cabinet Pulls from Emtek emphasize the chocolatey color of the cabinetry.
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HANDLE
There’s no mistaking hot and cold when it comes to the Stratford Lavatory from Watermark .
The lever of the Franke Atlas Pull-Out Faucet rotates 180 degrees for easy and precise adjustments of flow.
Vertical pulls visually lengthen the Shoreline from NY Vanity.
Clear handles feel special on these Wellborn Alto cabinetry drawers in Dove.
The Rohl Wall Mount Swing Arm Pot Filler gets water where you want it for tasks like filling the espresso machine.
Rectangular pulls accentuate the color of the Strasser Alki Spa Bath vanity— here in Coral Mist.
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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 dual speed fan only, and dual speed 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.
us.panasonic.com/ventfans For over two decades, Panasonic has delivered innovative ventilation solutions that have set new standards for performance, energy efficiency, and quiet operation.
HANDLE
Champagne pulls and ornate muntins curving on the face of this Kraftmaid cabinetry speak of sophistication.
A Hansgrohe CoolStart faucet saves energy by not pumping the pipes full of unnecessary hot water when its handle is at center postion.
The Smyth Bronzed Gold One-Handle High Arc Kitchen Faucet from Moen has Power Boost technology for faster filling.
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DRAMA
DRAMA BRINGING THE
HITTING A HOME RUN REQUIRES A BIG SWING.
T E X T STEWART KELLER
This widespread Edge faucet by Axor is luminous with a Polished Gold Optic finish.
T he icon Julia Child said, “Drama is very important in life: You have to come on with a bang. You never want to go out with a whimper. Everything can have dra- ma if it’s done right.” Child likely meant that even a pancake can be served with panache, but creating drama in the home is just as essential off the plate. When you serve up space with drama, you are creating a lasting emotional experience for yourself and those with whom you share your home. Perhaps it could be the choice of a theatrical light fixture that draws the eye while also casting alluring shadow
patterns that change the feel of the room. Or maybe you want to crown your vanity with a faucet that feels as grand as a tiara. Bringing the drama could even mean introducing elements that amplify your main design gesture in a given space. But if you ever feel outmatched by the process of decision-making, it is never too late to learn— according to our Favorite French chef. “The more you know, the more you can create,” Child reminds. “There’s no end to imagination in the kitchen.” And as the following pages will show—there also need be no end to imagination when it comes to the bath either. ■
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DRAMA
The Suspenders 2-Bar Offset Ring with Light Curve Luminaires from Sonneman makes it feel as though the room has been festooned with garlands of light.
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The waterfall edge of this Caesarstone
countertop showcases Transcenda, a Dusted Gray Porcelain with striking marbling and veining.
This substantial Elkay Fireclay sink echoes the impact of the white fireplace.
Choose a finish for your Infinity Drain that reinforces the bold color story of your favorite bath.
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DRAMA
Bands of steel wrap elegantly around the Zara from Golden Lighting —shaping an illumination softened by its Sheer Opal Shade.
Finished here in Antique Gold, the Amahle Bath Collection from Rohl feels substantial thanks in part to impactful circular handles.
Moen fixtures add layers of visual texture to both the sink and shower.
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Your latest
work of art
Create stunning kitchen elegance that also makes everyday life easier thanks to the NEW Mythos Masterpiece collection featuring F-Inox technology—Franke’s exclusive formula that ensures long-lasting beauty.
DRAMA
As part of the Victoria & Albert collection from Rohl, Seros baths make a dramatic centerpiece that captures the rippling motion of water in a solid form.
Named for noted architecture luminary Frank Lloyd Wright, this Brizo faucet surprises with both its finish and the angle of its flow.
The Galena Square door style on Wellborn cabinetry doors presents with a sense of grandeur in Hickory.
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HIGH PERFORMANCE. EASY INSTALLATION. IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY.
TANKLESS SOLUTIONS FOR EVERY APPLICATION
People love the performance and continuous hot water of Rheem ® tankless water heaters. But every customer application is unique. So, we’ve created a complete line of solutions to provide the flexibility you need—and the ease of installation that saves you time and money. Meet our entire family of residential tankless water heaters online today.
RheemWater.com
DRAMA
This Vega tower warmer from Amba serves sparkle via its polished profile—in addition to turning out quite the toasty terry cloth.
Light through Laguna Series Satin Mist Glass shower doors from Easco casts a moody glow.
It is easy to see why Axor calls their Edge fixtures functional art.
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Will your DIY kitchen renovation end up looking as rich and smooth as this Vanilla Noir surface from Caesarstone?
YOURSELF? DO IT O ur friends at Caesarstone recently issued a fascinat- ing report called Beyond the Surface . To help cre- ate it, they gathered the Caesarstone Circle, a diverse group of designers and content creators, to share candid insights, practical advice and TO DIY OR NOT TO DIY... T E X T STEWART KELLER
In many ways, DIY has never felt more doable. With advice from the folks on HGTV, inspiration pouring into your feed on Instagram, and Pinterest waiting for you to create a mood board, peo- ple who dare to DIY have many tools to power their journeys. But could reliance on such tools mean you could end up with a project that feels like a pale imitation of other designs? And even if you can come up with a design you love, do you have the know-how to assess its feasibility? Sure, you might save on a designer’s fee, but if that same money goes to correcting amateur mistakes, those savings might be fleeting. Yes, you get the satisfaction of calling all the shots, but you might miss out on valuable outside perspectives. And while you will be able to move in any creative direction unquestioned, you might have access to fewer choices than pros and do a less efficient job working with ma- terials, as well.
Do you know how much storage room fits above your washer-dryer? Wellborn does.
genuine sources of inspiration for anyone interested in using the transformative power of design to shape better spac- es. The full report addresses topics as diverse as the effects of AI technology on design today, the increasing importance of embracing sustainability, and even the delicate balancing act of finding timeless- ness in a world of trendiness. But one section grabbed our attention immediately because it asks the essen- tial question: When it’s time to tackle a renovation, will you do it yourself, hire a professional, or try to walk some kind of line in between? So let’s consider the pros and cons of doing it yourself—or not.
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Can you conjure midcentury modern energy like this KraftMaid kitchen?
Will you remember details like KraftMaid cabinet organizing accessories?
Meanwhile, working with a pro can be helpful for various kinds of homeowners—from those with plenty of ideas (who simply aren’t sure how to put them into action) to those who are not sure what they want. Professionals come with credentials, experience and connections that can give you peace of mind, help you figure out what you want, and even help navigate tricky subjects like budgeting for the quality you need. This can be immensely valuable, though it does also come with associated fees. And though you may love the attendant access to offerings that can only be sourced through pros and discounts that only go to those in-the-know, you will need to embrace the spirit of creative collaboration with your designer. If neither end of the spectrum sounds right for you, there are increasingly hybrid options to consider as well. There are designers who offer their services on a consul- tation basis—through which they can provide insight even
as the homeowner oversees of the project. Some design- ers even specialize in “rescue me” consults for ambitious DIYers who have gotten in over their heads. But depending on how much consulting you need, these fees can add up too. Other costs that can mount include redoing parts of a project that should have been better coordinated from the start or calling in help when you reach the limits of your skills. To provide additional help deciding if you should DIY, we’ve illustrated this piece with images of beautiful proj- ects, including winning organizing solutions from Kitch- enMaid and Wellborn and stunning surface choices from Caesarstone and Cosentino. Take a look at them and try to answer the caption questions honestly. If you have any uncertainty, it might be time to head to your local GPS lo- cation and talk to a designer. More advice from Beyond the Surface is available at caesarstoneus.com/trendreport. ■
Do you know about latest sustainable surfaces, like Earthic by Silestone XM from Cosentino ?
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Can you narrow down the wide selection of colors and finishes from Caesarstone ?
Do you know what pairs well with Arcadia cabinet doors in Husk Alder from Wellborn?
SEE YOUR PROJECT IN OUR PAGES After years of seeing
A t GPS Living , we are always proud to share our favorite ideas for living beau- tifully in New Jersey, New York, and beyond—from coverage of the latest and greatest product coming to our stores to home renovations that reflect our commitment to excellence. Now we want to see what you have been doing with our quali- ty supplies and expert advice. If you’re a designer, contractor, build- er, homeowner—anyone who has used something that can be found how designers are using our favorite brands, it is your turn to shine.
Show us your GPS-stocked project via submissions.gpsliving.com .
at our General Plumbing Supply and Kohler Signature Stores—all you need to do is send good quali- ty photography of your project and let us know which of our brands you featured in the space. We’re planning excitings way to showcase this work in upcoming issues. This is an unprecedented opportunity to show off your accomplishments and get hundreds of thou-
sands of eyes appreciating your work. All you have to do is visit submissions.gpsliving.com online and submit one or more example images and a list of featured products from our brands. We’ll be in touch about how we can share your successful project with our amazing family of readers. ■
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BETTER KNOW NJ
The Stephen Vail House was home to a family
who supported a historic innovator.
Check out these historic picks awaiting visitors to the Morris Plains area. Speaking Plains
T E X T PAUL HAGEN I s it time for a stop at GPS Morris Plains? Why not fold that errand into a fun adventure that lets you peek into NJ history and beyond? Historic Speedwell is known as the birthplace of the telegraph. In 1838, Samuel F. B. Morse conducted the first successful demonstration of the electromagnetic telegraph at the Factory Building here. Today, the site consists of eight buildings, including that site and the Stephen Vail House (pictured), which was home to the family who provided financial support and a workshop to Morse during that time. Another chance to experience local history from the 1800s is the
Cooper Gristmill. Situated on 14 acres along Black River, the Gristmill is New Jersey’s only restored water-pow- ered mill. Costumed staff lead tours demonstrating how the machinery harnesses the river’s power to grind grains using massive 2,000-pound mills. And for a look at the agricul- tural side of a century ago, there is Fosterfields Living Historical Farm. Costumed guides greet and edu- cate visitors—offering the chance to experience farm life from feeding the chickens to taking a turn at the butter churn. For more about Historic Speedwell, Cooper Gristmill and Fos- terfields Living Historical Farm, visit morrisparks.net.
Cooper Gristmill
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Since 1955, the Lake Hopatcong History Museum has curated a unique collection of information and memorabilia related to New Jersey’s largest lake and more than 40 other topics germane to the area’s history. See their schedule of public programs at lakehopatconghistory.com. The Museum of Early Trades and Crafts is a history mu- seum the explores New Jersey and the people who built the state from the colonial era through industrialization. The permanent exhibitions look at how people worked the land and developed a bustling economy. The main gallery hosts special exhibits that usually rotate twice a year. Through January 2025, this space will be dedicated to the philan- thropic history of American heiress Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge. See the METC’s full schedule of events for adults and kids online at metc.org. The Longo Planetarium has been bringing the stars to Northern New Jersey since 1973. Located at the County College of Morris, the planetarium’s Digitstar projection system displays thousands of stars, planets, and the moon on a dome that is 33 feet in diameter. On the second and fourth weekends of the month, the public may buy tickets to celestial extravaganzas—including One Sky , Starlit Nights , Big Astronomy, or Mesmerica —some of which are appropri- ate for kids as young as six. Ticket info for each offering is available through the school’s website at ccm.edu. ■ MEET THE DESIGNERS
Top: The METC helps kids craft decor for the spooky season. Bottom: Longo Planetarium charts a path to the heavens.
If you were a color, what color would you be and why? I asked my lovely coworkers for their thoughts on this question, and they told me yellow! I agree with them: bubbly, cheerful, and bright. I’m heavily introverted, but when I’m with people I enjoy, the yellow shows. Is there a kind of design project you’d like to do more of? I love helping people with fixing up the small parts of their homes, but I adore doing new construction projects. The possibilities are a lot less restricted when the ground has never been bro- ken before. How do you unwind when you’re feeling stressed out? I subscribe to “grandmotherly” activi- ties like knitting and crochet work. Is there a design upgrade you’d love to make in your own home? I want to knock out the wall separat- ing my kitchen and my mom’s office and make the kitchen much, much bigger. I’d redo all of the cabinets and appliances in a heartbeat.
How would you describe your own design style? My personal design style is ‘60s-‘70s maximalism. There is something in- credibly charming about bright colors and tchotchkes that brings a whole new layer of personality and fun to an interior space. We as a society lost our way when we stopped integrating conversation pits into home design. Who inspires you? My mom inspires me. I’ve never met someone so resilient and intelligent. She always pushes me to be my best. Is there a TV show with design you love? My guilty pleasure is definitely HGTV’s Love It or List It . Can you share a problem you en- countered on a design project and how you made it work? I’m currently working on a five-and- a-half bathroom house for a client with a bit of a problematic budget. I’ve been showing them alternatives to the selections they previously made in or- der to get back into their price range, and it’s been going well!
FAITH BRACERO MORRIS PLAINS
What’s a trend that fascinates you? “Millennial beige” (also known as “sad beige,” according to Business Insider ) is finally on its way out. Wallpaper is back. Fun tile is back. Color is making a return to the home. What changes can we make in our homes to increase productivity? Make a separate space dedicated to work and keep it out of places you try to relax. If you work in your bed or on your couch, you will not be able to fo- cus properly because your brain asso- ciates that place with resting. Making a small area for a desk or a work space can greatly increase productivity in the long term, so your brain can focus.
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