EMBRACING CURVES LINES YOU WILL LOVE
GO PISCATAWAY NEW STORE AND MORE
SURFACES TO SHARE FINDING THE STYLE THAT FITS YOUR LIFE
Doux™ Bathroom Collection With a graceful arc and unique, soft-stream water flow, Doux brings a sleek, soft modern design to any bath. The collection includes one-handle, two-handle and touchless bathroom faucets, Roman, freestanding and wallmount tub fillers, shower trims and valves, and a variety of matching accessories.
www.moen.com
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ON THE COVER Dekton Kraftizen is the first large- format stucco material of its kind, shown here in beautiful Albarium . 10 RAW MATERIALS Finishing touches with the power to transform a home. 16 SEEK BALANCE Finding the beauty in black, white, and shades of gray. 24 CURVES AHEAD How design collaborations lead to beautiful bends. 32 TOP COATS Choosing surfaces for kitchen and bath presents a world of options. 34 GO PISCATAWAY An exclusive look at the new GPS flagship—plus fun to be had nearby. 37 MEET THE DESIGNERS Find out Scott Pashaian’s most extravagant splurge. 38 GET YOUR KICKS Rasheeda Gray gives an NFL player a surprising wall of sneakers. GPS Justin Freedman PRESIDENT, GPS Brian Maffia DIRECTOR OF SHOWROOMS, GPS Sarah Barton MARKETING DIRECTOR, GPS Rebecca Jean Cortés, GPS Isaiah Dismuke, GPS
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Hudson One Media, LLC PRESIDENT Steven Mandel ADVERTISING SALES
All rights reserved. GPS LIVING MAGAZINE is a production of Hudson One Media, LLC, copyright ©2023. Any reproduction or re-use of the articles, images and content without the express written consent of Hudson One Media, LLC,. is strictly prohibited. Hudson One Media, LLC, 246 Main Street, Cornwall, NY 12518 ©2023 All Rights Reserved
ART DIRECTOR Gregory Cullen WRITER Stewart Keller PROJECT MANAGER Digital Workflow Solutions
Sophia Koutsiaftis EDITOR IN CHIEF Paul Hagen
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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
This Spring feels like a whole new chapter for GPS as we turn the calendar. We’re now calling Piscataway, NJ home to our corporate offices and a new main branch location including counter and inside sales for our plumbing, heating and HVAC trade customers. It’s also our flagship showroom and the distribution center for our entire company. Spread across two buildings, this 300,000-square-foot facility provides significantly better infrastructure for GPS to service and support our trade, decorative trade and retail customers in the manner they have come to expect. The remodeling and new construction industry in the greater metro NYC area is still a thriving market; even with interest rates above 6%, the market seems poised to carry through for a strong 2023. As part of our feature on Piscataway and its surrounding attractions (including my favorite, the Yankees AA affiliate Somerset Patriots), we are also introducing our Piscataway Showroom Manager Scott Pashaian (GPS page 37). Scott and our Piscataway team are ready to welcome you to our inviting new showroom space and can guide the most experienced designers and first-time homeowners alike through their next projects. For your convenience, we have included a kitchen and bath checklist (GPS page 8) to help you prepare for the decisions we can help you make as you begin to plan and design your dream space. On the Kohler side of this spring issue, we are reminded of the of Kohler’s offerings, old and new. The breadth of their product styles—from traditional to contemporary to modern—has long been one of the most impressive strengths of Kohler. And in honor of Kohler’s 150th anniversary, some of their legacy colors are getting a whole new chance to shine. The winners of the heritage colors contest, Spring Green and Peachblow, will both be featured in limited productions of sinks, bathtubs and toilets. Our newest Kohler Store in Manhasset, NY is highlighted through a spotlight on one of the designers who work there, Pasquina Regina (Kohler page 12). Flip through these pages to also see the latest in Kohler’s ingenuity, including the rollout of the much anticipated Numi 2.0, Rival faucets, extensions to Kohler lighting, and beautiful new pieces from Robern and Ann Sacks tile (Kohler page 4). Throughout every one of our issues, we work diligently to bring you the best new products that will inspire. From “Finishing Touches” (GPS page 10)—featuring new lighting, finishes and the latest in integrated tech from MrSteam—to the curated projects from designers Rasheeda Gray (GPS page 38) and Dan Rak (Kohler page 18), our goal is to showcase the best in our industry. And when you walk in our doors, we hope to turn that inspiration into reality. 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 RIDGEFIELD TENAFLY UNION DOVER MIDDLETOWN STATEN ISLAND MONTVALE
KOHLER SIGNATURE STORES EATONTOWN MANHASSET PARAMUS
That’s Putting cleaner water within reach.
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The ezH2O Liv TM Built-in Filtered Water Dispenser Unrivaled filtration for lead- and chlorine-reduced water, instantly.
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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 FLEMINGTON GREEN BROOK HAWTHORNE LAKEWOOD MATAWAN MORRIS PLAINS ORANGE PISCATAWAY KOHLER SIGNATURE STORES EATONTOWN MANHASSET PARAMUS
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
RAW MATERIALS
FINISHING TOUCHES IDEAL ACCENTS FOR BATH, KITCHEN, AND BEYOND
Layers of petal shapes—in vintage gold leaf and capiz shell—give the Corbett Coralie the allure of a fringed flapper dress from the Roaring Twenties that shimmers with every
T E X T STEWART KELLER
Guaranteed to have guests gazing upward, the Sonneman Labrynth Intersections Chandelier combines an intersecting framework of LED tubes that is scalable for spaces large and small.
The Delta Tetra bath collection—shown here in matte black— combines the comfort of familiar geometry with additional subtle curves to bring a sleek, architectural feel to showering spaces.
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Artistically crafting bathtubs & shower bases since 1982
Using the perennialy popular Bow design, Americh has developed its first ever one wall model for the Skirted Collection. Almost a freestanding bath, the D-Bow has one straight side that fits flat against a wall allowing for the installation of a wall mounted faucet. It is a 66” bath with soft curves for your head and neck and a gentle slope for your back. The flat side features a tiling flange.
americh.com
hansgrohe RainDrain & XtraStoris
Add the perfect touch to your shower area. The shower experts at hansgrohe now offer point drains, linear drains, and wall niches in a variety of sizes and finish options.
RAW MATERIALS
Added functionality hides inside the Brizo Tulham pull-down kitchen faucet, which conceals nine inches of spout-reach within its elegant contours.
With minimal hardware, Easco Simplicity Series quiet-opening shower doors appear nearly to float.
The Tenon kitchen faucet collection features Moen innovations such as motion-control technology and retracting spray wands.
Inspired by jewelry, the Joia Pendant from Golden Lighting features a hand- wrapped wire frame accented by clear glass crystals that glisten when lit.
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Brushed gold finish coming soon LUNA STAK VANITY LUNA MEDICINE CABINET
OPUS SEQUENCE TUB GEMINI PLUS TUB ENCLOSURE +
A TOUCH OF CONVENIENCE INSTANTLY.
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 or hot and cold 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.
www.insinkerator.com
RAW MATERIALS
With soft-close hinges, Strasser Newalem delivers retro-chic without the squeak.
Why wait? Kickstart your next culinary triumph with the InSinkErator Instant Hot Water Dispenser to get your pasta pot closer to boiling.
The WiFi-connected MrSteam iSteamX allows users to customize their steam experience with audio, light, and aroma.
The Rohl Apothecary Faucet —with
C-spout and cross handle—shines in polished nickel.
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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
BALANCE
Substantial elements like white cabinetry and this Americh Somerset tub can be balanced by more shadowy elements.
SEEK BALANCE FINDING PEACEFUL EQUILIBRIUM BETWEEN LIGHT AND SHADOW
C hiaroscuro is a technique that artists use to create dimension in their work through explo- ration of darkness and brightness. It is most traditionally associated with the paintings of greats who used the technique to create masterpieces—going all the way back to da Vinci and Car- avaggio. They employed it to help characters and objects jump into the foreground or recede toward the back. When considering interior design, we can use a similar balancing act to highlight focal points and de-emphasize other areas. But it’s essential to remember that these rules are not hard-and-fast: we don’t simply add white to highlight. Instead, it is in the complex meeting of light and T E X T STEWART KELLER
dark that we can discover both eye-catching interplay and moments of sudden serenity. So how does one begin? You might start with a beautiful piece that incorporates both ends of the spectrum—a lamp with a shade that integrates both dark and light hues or a dark piece that also delivers illumination with hardware that reflects light or hidden lighting elements. Consider that light has the near-architectural power to delineate space—whether against a wall that is already dark or bright. Experiment with how a white element looks against a bold black, a soft gray, a dense geometric tile, or maybe a meandering hand-painted wallcovering. And when you find the right combination, your eyes may just light
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Give your bath an architectural dose of black—and your towels some toastiness—with an Amba Quadro wall mount towel warmer.
Choosing a dark finish need not mean sacrificing detail—note the rhombic cut on the handle of this Axor Citterio basin mixer.
Add a touch of extra luster to your carefully balanced combination of light and dark with Fleurco shower doors accented with brushed gold.
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BALANCE
In deep shades like onyx or matte black, the Franke Maris granite undermount sink creates a striking contrast with any lighter countertop.
Found the perfect balance of dark and light? Call attention to it by making a bold farmhouse apron-front sink a focal point—like this Elkay Fireclay in matte gray.
The right fixture can deliver both light and shadow, such as this Troy Julian wall sconce with its ombre glass, which gently transitions from smoky translucence to crystal clarity.
Want bottles both out of the way but on display? Make sure your carefully chosen vintages are within reach by using KraftMaid integrated wine storage.
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EXPRESS YOURSELF with our new Custom Color Program. Choose from an amazing array of Benjamin Moore colors to create a stunning vanity that aligns with your own personal style.
strasserwood.com
BALANCE
Be fearless when combining finishes: for example, this Watermark Brooklyn
lavatory faucet in pewter mixes
beautifully with dark wood and shelving.
Moen Magnetix handheld showers have a spot-resistant finish, are easy to clean, and deliver bright ideas like magnetic docking.
Use light to define space. The Sonneman Hemisphere sconce can cast a column directly up and down the wall, creating a cozy corner for reading before bed.
A dark interior can emphasize the shape of an theatrical tub, such as this MTI Addison free standing SculptureStone soaking tub.
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THE BEAUTIFUL ONE
AMAHLE ™ COLLECTION
Form and flow, contours and curves combine with exquisite detailing to epitomize elusive and rare beauty.
House of Rohl ® is a portfolio of luxury decorative plumbing brands curated from around the world allowing you to tell your own story of a life well-crafted: Riobel ® , Perrin & Rowe ® , Shaws ® , Victoria + Albert ® and ROHL ® .
HOUSEOFROHL.COM
©2023. W23-0272.
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
BALANCE
In shining chrome, the Moen Wallmount tub filler complements freestanding tubs no matter the color..
These Rohl Graceline shower fixtures offer a dusky glow thanks to their French Brass fi nish.
Mounted to the wall, the Strasser SoDo vanity looks great against both the dense pattern of the floor tile and the height-enhancing vertical tiles behind it.
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The art of craftsmanship.
At NY Vanity we manufacture our cabinets right here in New York, not in some nameless factory overseas. All cabinets are produced on a per order basis, which means that we build your cabinet specifically for you. To create the perfect bathroom, please visit one of our dealers.
www.nyvanity.com
The DiAnno Vanity
• 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, NEW fan/dimmable LED light with adjustable color temperature for preferred ambiance, or fan/ condensation sensor for handsfree operation. • 6 year warranty for peace of mind. Ideal retrofit ventilation solution!
us.panasonic.com/ventfans
CURVES
CURVES AHEAD
WHY CREATIVE MINDS DON’T THINK STRAIGHT
The Akina from Corbett Lighting seems to capture two undulating waves.
T E X T PAUL HAGEN
L izzo may have taught the world a thing or two about embracing curves, but humanity’s fascina- tion with the form is deep-seated. In fact, CNN has reported on scientists that studied the reactions of the human brain to images of interiors. They found that the subjects overwhelmingly preferred spaces with some swerve. But how do these shapes end up manifesting themselves when it comes to good design? Ben Marshall, creative di- rector at Hudson Valley Lighting Group, spoke to GPS Living about how some of their curviest collaborations have come into being—and why he thinks such shapes continue to hold lasting appeal. “Our collaborations with outside tastemakers are pretty organic,” Marshall explains. “We begin with inspiration—it’s the key.” But it is a long journey from first envisioning the shape of a piece to bringing it into being. Next come draw- ings and renderings. These are followed by meetings with designers and decision-makers. “The more eyes the better,” Marshall says of this stage of the collaborative process. Next, engineers build physical manifestations of the de- signs—all this before a product ever reaches a customer. But why do curves so consistently call people back for more? “I believe the silhouette is extremely important,” says
This Becki Owen collab with Hudson Valiey has UFO flair.
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The dipped rim of the Juliet tub from MTI welcomes homeowners to the bath like a warm smile.
Marshall. Often the materials that make up a piece end up dictated by the way that it needs to move in order to realize its design. And quite often, those materials resist right angles. “We find that consumers are looking for softness,” says Marshall. “People are looking for comfort and more organic forms.” That said, Marshall sees this appeal reach its limit right around the point that designs start looking cartoonish. “Things that look like characters are honestly a harder sell to consumers,” he says. “Pieces in that past that feel ‘happy’ or too ‘serious’ typically don’t do well on the shelves.” So how do we seek out objects that make us feel good but aren’t trying too hard? One way is to focus on their essential functions; for Mar- shall, that means illumination. “I love all plays of light,” he says. “Some of our rattan natural pieces, for exam- ple, display the most unique patterns on the walls when lit at night.” In addition to recommending folks allow lights cast the patterns they can, Marshall recommends not chasing after trends. “Oftentimes, I see spaces where lighting was an afterthought or someone wanted to use a ‘popular’ fixture that doesn’t necessarily work,” warns Marshall. “It should make sense to the rest of what’s going on within the room.” Marshall has admiration for all the creative minds with whom he works. “Our design team is prolific and super talented,” he says. “We take the thoughts and ideas our collabs offer and make them real.” He calls it “dreaming up possibilities.” We decided to explore possibility by gathering some of our favorite pieces from the Hudson Valley Light- ing Group family of brands, along with other enthusiastic embracers of curves for the home. And if you’re still wondering how they make us feel, ask Lizzo. ■
Even in matte black, the neck and handle curves of this Delta bath faucet with pull-down sprayer feel playful.
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CURVES
One of most thoughtful details of the Roux —a collaboration with Troy Lighting —is the way its perfectly imperfect edges overlap to create a sense of movement.
The shining, swanlike neck of the Rohl Patrizia faucet disguises the fact that it’s also a pull-down.
The fluid curve along the bottom of the Strasser Wallingford adds richness to its rectangles.
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Oh look... a SPA! Elevate an everyday routine with a simple steam shower upgrade in any bathroom.
Plan and customize at VirtualSpa.MrSteam.com
CURVES
Designer Colin King collaborated with Troy Lighting to create this Alameda lamp, with its unexpected detour.
The simple bend of the Watermark Zen echoes the organic shapes of any natural elements that surround it.
With Williamsburg-era details and welcoming curves at every turn, the Moen Belfield one-handle high-arc kitchen faucet adds grace to this space.
The Sonneman Atelier Chandelier softens at its turns, making them gentler and more inviting.
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Designed for
the way
you work
Culinary Center is packed with built-in features that put everyday tools at your fingertips as you work. Each element is organized according to a highly functional approach.
Tubs, sinks, counter-sinks and shower bases. All handcrafted in SculptureStone™ or acrylic. Award-Winning Designs
Go to mtibaths.com for more.
Made in the USA
CURVES
The pull-down portion of this Delta bath faucet meets the neck with a decorative swoop of its own.
The Sonneman Luna circular LED pendant invites family and friends to gather around.
Like good penmanship, the lines of the Lancaster three- light linear pendant from Golden Lighting look best when finished with a flourish.
The grace note on the Hansgrohe Metris Select HighArc Kitchen Faucet with pull-down sprayer is the jaunty twist of its handle.
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Game Changer
Why compromise and specify a round or square shower drain with that beautiful Hexagonal tile? Introducing the game changing Serenity ™ Hex Drain. Available in today’s most popular finishes including split finish options. Contact your local GPS showroom for more information.
www.serenity.luxury
@serenity_luxury
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New furnishings allow for instant display updates based on product availability and individualized staff stations that sparkle with personality.
far, Maffia says they may incorporate certain choices when shaping future showrooms. However, they also learned ways they would prefer to streamline their path to spectac- ular results—such as installing the amazing working shower that lets customers experience the latest in digital bathing customization. “We would make it easier, more efficient, more cost effective,” he says. Importantly, the additional square footage has allowed GPS to expand in certain categories. “We built our own lighting clouds,” says Maffia.”You’re going to have 100-plus light fixtures on display—all working. That’s something we might have had only 25 or 30 of in our original showroom.” Staff members were also invited to choose the lighting pieces that hang above their stations, a note of individu- alization that gives them a sense of ownership over their workspaces. “Every single one of them were able to select the lighting that they wanted to hang above their desk,” says Maffia, “and they picked out some crazy, funky stuff.” Staff also enjoy amenities like a new break room and conference room. And the location has greater capacity to welcome
groups to functions, such as gatherings for chapters of the National Kitchen and Bath Association. Every GPS customer will benefit from the greater capac- ities of the warehouse and distribution center, but those who visit the Piscataway location can experience all this in person. “An initial consultation might be 15 to 20 minutes,” says Maffia. “Showrooms are designed to have a flow, for clients to come in, tour the store, and see everything that we can do.” Once they have an overview of what GPS has to offer in terms of kitchen, bath, lighting, cabinetry and be- yond, a client might step aside with their designer to look at some inspiration photos from their favorite interiors mag- azine. Or they might just head back to spend some more time marveling at the presets on the working shower. But of all the innovations implemented, Maffia’s favorite is still the displays that keep discontinued products out of sight. “You don’t want to have the Chevy Corvette in the showroom if they’re not making Chevy Corvettes for the rest of this year,” he says. Visit them directly off Exit 7 of I-287 in Piscataway—no Corvette required. ■
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BETTER KNOW NJ
The Cornelius Low House: standing three centuries and counting. PHOTO COURTESY MIDDLESEX COUNTY DIVISION OF HISTORY
Journey to the past, experience culture, and cheer the home team. Piscataway Getaway
T E X T PAUL HAGEN W hile a visit to the new GPS Piscat- away flagship is plenty of excite- ment for a design lover’s day, there is more going on in the area—history, culture, and sports— to add to your itinerary East Jersey Old Town Village is a Piscataway gem with reconstructions and replicas of buildings used by 18th- and 19th-century Raritan Valley resi- dents—including a tavern, blacksmith, barracks, and more. Starting in April, visitors can meet historical interpret- ers who bring the village to life. As spring stretches into summer, the site will host re-creations of life during the Civil War and the Revolutionary War. Father’s Day brings a demonstration
of historic baseball, and July 4 will feature a unique salute to those who fought for American independence. middlesexcountynj.gov The nearby Cornelius Low House/ Middlesex County Museum was built in 1714 for a wealthy merchant and remains one of the state’s best exam- ples of Georgian architecture. Today, the house also hosts exhibitions about the area’s history. visitnj.org And a little ways down River Road stands the Metlar-Bodine House Museum, another piece of American architectural history, but one with a reputation for being haunted. Busi- nessman George Metlar purchased the house in the 1890s, and rumor has it that visitors still hear unexplained noises or feel blasts of cold air at the
Illustrations by Jennifer Mack-Watkins for You Gotta Meet Mr Pierce! COUTESY KOKILA
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mention of Metlar’s nemesis, John Field. metlarbodinehousemuseum.org If you’re looking for patriots of a more present-day nature, head to TD Bank Ballpark, home of Minor League Baseball’s Somerset Patriots. Game nights are scheduled through Septem- ber. Many of them offer additional rea- sons to fill the stands. These include fireworks, chances to win prizes, and opportunities to bring your pup to the ballgame. milb.com Located on Rutgers University’s New Brunswick campus, the Zimmerli Art Museum is one of the nation’s most distinguished university-based muse- ums. Current exhibitions include The Incoherents and Cabaret Culture in Paris, 1880-1900 and You Gotta Meet Mr. Pierce! The latter—presented in Duvoisin Gallery, which is dedicated to original illustrations from children’s books—will celebrate a new work about the life of folk artist Elijah Pierce. zimmerli.rutgers.edu
Summer is time for the Somerset Patriots to play ball. PHOTO COURTESY SOMERSET PATRIOTS
The New Brunswick Performing Arts Center is home to institutions like American Repertory Ballet, Crossroads Theatre Company, and George Street Playhouse. Its calendar of events in- cludes Steve Guttenberg’s Tales from the Guttenberg Bible (April 25–May 21), Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill (May 31–June 8), and I Got Life: The Music of Nina Simone (June 10–11). Visit their website for more. nbpac.org ■
The calendar is packed at this cultural center. PHOTO COURTESY NBPAC
MEET THE DESIGNERS
SCOTT PASHAIAN PISCATAWAY
What’s the most extravagant design element you’ve splurged on? My Bertazzoni dual-fuel range—it’s amazing! What’s a design-related memory you’ll always treasure and why is it special to you? Finally after 40 years, doing my mom’s kitchen. She was thrilled. How do you give yourself a treat? Dinner with my wife and daughter. What notable person, present or past, would you have dinner with? Leonardo da Vinci—arguably the most amazing mind in history combining art and science. What’s your idea of an ultimate va- cation getaway? The South of France. Where do you seek peace and tran- quility? Fly-fishing for trout in the peaceful surroundings of nature—with no cell service! ■
Is there another kind you’d like to do more of? Ultramodern projects. How do you unwind when you’re feeling stressed out? Gin and tonic. Is there an iconic building or space where you’d like to try living? I’ve always wanted to live in an old stone church and design the interior with contemporary fixtures. What do you wish more clients thought about before you begin working with them? Realistic budgets. Is there a skill that you wish you had? Play the guitar like Jimmy Page. What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken? Getting married a second time—30 years and counting. What snaps you out of a bad mood? The Grateful Dead.
How would you describe your per- sonal design style? Transitional—can’t commit to ex- tremes. Can you describe a favorite design project you’ve worked on? A kitchen and primary bathroom in a circa-1810 historic home. If you were a color, what color would you be and why? White: it works with everything. What type of design project do you find yourself working on most? Midcentury homes.
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“We had storage concerns throughout the home,” says designer Rasheeda Gray. But she turned that challenge into an amazing design moment by creating a sneaker room to display the client’s significant collection.
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GET YOUR KICKS NFL PLAYER SCORES RAD RENOVATION S o, sneakers...” Rasheeda Gray of Gray Space Interiors begins. We’re discussing the home of an NFL Player in Medford, NJ, that she gave a dramatic trans- formation—including a very snazzy sneaker room. “You know, everyone has their thing that they like to collect or purchase. And for our clients—specifically the husband in this case—sneakers are his thing.” So Gray had shelving installed—creating both a smart storage solution and an impressive visual statement. It’s part of a large basement area that became a major extension of the family’s living space. “What you see is a lounge/hangout area,” she says. “There’s an air hockey table down there, and, of course the wet bar,” she points out. “It’s really less of a bar and more of the snack station for the movie theater and hangout space.” Yes, there’s also a screening room down there—as well as a guest room and a bath featuring beautiful Moen fixtures. There’s more Moen at the sink in the first floor powder room, which packs a punch thanks to Queen of Spain wallpaper from Schumacher. “I like to give you something unexpected when you walk into a powder room,” says Gray. And upstairs near the bedrooms, Gray crafted a creamy hall bath “designed to stand the test of time” with pieces including a beautiful Kohler tub. “Our goal was to make it super cozy,” says Gray of the living room. It’s beautifully styled in black and white with pops of red—a nod to the parents’ T E X T PAUL HAGEN PHOTOGRAPHY BRIAN WETZEL
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This basement lounge area is a place everyone can hang.
wedding colors. But it is also designed to be ap- proachable—with performance fabrics and plenty of room to stretch out on the sectional. “Our clients were very flexible with the amount of creativity,” Gray adds. That included taking space that might usually be a formal living room and designating it as something more useful to a family with five kids. “This room is the first room you see when you walk into the home if you look to the right,” says Gray. “Our clients wanted to convert into a playroom that works for all of the children.” “I’m really happy and proud of this project,” says Gray, “because we were able to accomplish a half-million dollar renovation and furnishing in the middle of the pandemic.” She also likes that the home feels cohesive, while still varying to fit the mood of each space. “You go from a very masculine basement area—which spans from the movie the- ater to the shoe room to the hanging-out rooms— to a super useful, family-friendly but stylish living area to a very pink and purple kid’s room.” And how does the family feel, having lived through every step of the renovation because of the pandemic? Gray reports happily: “They loved it." ■
This impactful powder room boasts bold paper a Moen faucet.
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This spacious living room is stylish yet approachable.
Both this wet bar and the basement bath feature Moen fixtures.
Hall bath with tub, toilet and cabinet by Kohler , and fixtures by Moen .
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