Morris, NJ March 2024

March Home Elegance

Home. So much contained in that little four-letter word. Home is our grounding. Our base. Our launchpad. It’s where we start and end each day. And while the particulars look different for each of us, the meaning and value it holds for all of us is undeniable.

Author Wendy Wunder said, “The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back.“ As we thought about home - we wanted to highlight what makes it special to our readers. That of course includes the aesthetic and design, but most importantly - the people.

In this issue you’ll discover Magnolia Home Remodelers, a reputable home renovation company, you’ll be inspired by General Plumbing Supply’s latest innovations in plumbing fixtures and discover the Window Works showroom that offers much more than custom window treatments and more!

We feel like the lucky ones as we got to learn more about the businesses and individuals that comprise this area and hope the small lens into their lives and work brings people in this community together.

As you flip through the pages of this issue, we hope you’ll feel encouraged and connected to the people around you - in your town, neighborhood and most all of - your home.

Every month, we hear from readers who keep this magazine for longer than just the month labeled on the cover. They say they hold onto it for months as coffee table art in their home. We feel proud to create a resource that is valued in our community and strive every month to deliver the value you expect. Thanks for letting us be a part of your home.

If you are looking to grow your business and advertise with us, or have local stories to share, reach out to John.Meyer@citylifestyle.com or call us at 973-944-1440.

We look forward to seeing you around town!

Happy March!

ANA MEYER AND JOHN MEYER, PUBLISHERS @MORRISCITYLIFESTYLE

March 2024

Ana Meyer | ana.meyer@citylifestyle.com

John Meyer | john.meyer@citylifestyle.com MANAGING

Ana Meyer | ana.meyer@citylifestyle.com

Kaitlyn Keane | Kaitlyn.Keane@citylifestyle.com

Ben Meyer

Sue Baldani, Ben Meyer

Chris Jorda Photography

business monthly

Morristown’s Portofino’s Sunday Special

Portofino’s uses the freshest of ingredients to create dishes of distinguished flavor and caliber your palette will remember. It’s a B.Y.O. restaurant. Guests are encouraged to bring their favorite wine to pair to enjoy. Every Sunday Portofino’s offers a Sunday special that includes a Caesar salad, Rigatoni with sausage, ribs and meatballs, Chicken Parm and Cannoli for dessert for only $35 per person plus tax, dine in or take out.  https://portofinosrestaurant.com/

Want to be featured?

#YourDreamHomeNJ

“Kim was super helpful throughout the whole process. She really knew a lot about all the different neighborhoods we were considering and added more of our own. She came very prepared to our first meeting and was on top of anything we asked for ... We wondered before we met Kim how an agent could have so many 5-star ratings, but then we worked with her and it all made sense.“

- Maplewood, NJ

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERICA MOFFITT OF NAKI STUDIO

Window Works in Livingston has everything you can imagine for windows from custom draperies and shades to blinds and shutters, but this family-owned and-operated business, which has been in operation for over 40 years, has so much more to make

shades, blinds, and valances that work with your lifestyle and needs. Figuring out the best width and length and picking the correct hardware to hold it all up is also critical. Once that’s done, their fabricators get to work, and then their professional installers

“GREAT PRODUCTS AND MOST OF ALL GREAT SERVICE.” ROSA PEREIRA, NORTHERN NJ

your home or business beautiful inside and out.

Interior designers, contractors and other industry professionals especially love to work with Window Works since it has trade quality materials and products typically found in upscale hotels and stately homes. Instead of venturing into New York City to find high-end specialized merchandise, you can stay close to home, and visit Window Works in Livingston.

HERE IS JUST A SAMPLING OF WHAT WINDOW WORKS HAS TO OFFER:

• Windows Window Works has hundreds of fabric samples with a variety of patterns, textures, compositions, and colors from the best names in the industry such as Stout, Kravet, and Romo.

Purchasing window treatments on your own can be complicated, but here, there are experienced window treatment specialists who can help with choosing the right fabrics,

hang them just right to turn them into true works of art.

• Wallpaper

While some people may be intimidated by wallpaper, there’s nothing like it to totally transform the look and feel of a room into a traditional oasis, a modern space, or a fun kid’s room. Window Works has one of the largest selections of wallpaper patterns in the area from the most talented designers in the industry. And once again, its experienced staff can make choosing the right one a seamless and enjoyable experience.

• Awnings

Whether for a home or business, Window Works has awnings that will meet your needs, including retractable awnings that roll up with the touch of a button. Roll it out on a sunny day and roll it back in when it’s cloudy or dark. Or choose a stationary awning that stays in place all year round.

Freestanding awnings are great around a pool, outdoor kitchen or to

INSTEAD OF VENTURING INTO NEW YORK CITY TO FIND

HIGH-END SPECIALIZED MERCHANDISE, YOU CAN STAY CLOSE TO HOME, AND VISIT WINDOW WORKS IN LIVINGSTON.

cover a walkway, while window awnings are great additions to any property. Its array of commercial awnings make storefronts more attractive and protect customers from the elements.

Gennius products, which can create indoor/outdoor rooms, offer waterproof fabrics for an instant pergola. Motorized or manually operated solar shades can also be added to create a completely retractable enclosure. If you already have a pergola but want extra protection, or would like to create an outdoor space, add pergola awnings.

Make a free design appointment today with one of Window Works experts to elevate your home or business. Visit WindowWorks-NJ.com

Custom Drapery By Window Works, Design by Leipold Design Group

“

While Magnolia Home Remodeling Group in Union can handle the most luxurious remodel with every conceivable option, the company also values projects with modest budgets.

“We are not focused on the dollar amount of a project,” says Vic Fiore, who owns the company along with his brother-in-law, Chris Fontana. “We look at each project as an opportunity to build relationships so clients will consider us again. Whether hiring us for a small service or large project, living in a high value home or a moderate residence, it doesn’t matter. We want people to understand our process and get to know us. Performing at a high level with constant communication is how Magnolia grows its business.”

If you’re looking to remodel a kitchen, for example, you don’t have to spend a certain dollar amount to get a great space. “We can sit down together and understand your goals and then figure out what budget you might need in order to achieve that. We’ll do whatever we can to make the project happen and not sacrifice any quality or details. We put a great amount of effort into these projects to meet or exceed expectations.”

Vic doesn’t want homeowners extending their budget to get what they want. “We’d rather they stay within or below their budget so that they have a better comfort level and they feel good about the project the whole way through,” he says.

With today’s higher interest rates, many people who need more room in their homes or need a better functioning home don’t want to move. Instead, they prefer to renovate their house to get the space they need without relocating and taking on a higher interest rate. This installment plan allows them to do just that.

Whether homeowners want a minor refresh or to have a room totally gutted and remodeled, the Magnolia team is with them every step of the way. Regardless of price point, its professional installers are able to install products and finishes at a high level.

“We have installers that we’ve been using for many years who are tested and proven,” says Vic. “We all care deeply about the finished product.”

Magnolia offers a great variety of home improvement services including roofing, siding, windows, kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and additions. It also does hardscape, outdoor living, porches, patios and more.

“We’re in a very competitive industry and there are always new products coming along with new techniques and processes,” he says. “We work hard to stay up on these different options.”

With Magnolia being family owned and operated, Vic and Chris have a vested interest in making sure they build solid relationships, retain customers, keep their reputation strong and continue to grow their business. To see how they can improve your living space, go to MagnoliaHomeRemodeling.com.

CONTINUED

17 MARCH 2024 | CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/MORRISNJ

“ ” Exterior renovation & addition Bath & Dressing Room project 18

“

We’re in a very competitive industry and there are always new products coming along with new techniques and processes.

Full house renovation:

Stairs and hallways

Picture window

Bathroom renovation

Men’s

President Justin Freedman

FAUCET FORWARD

President Justin Freedman Unveils Pioneering Trends & Innovations Redefining Kitchen and Baths Elegance

In the heart of home design evolution, kitchens and baths take center stage, with General Plumbing Supply (GPS) leading the charge into the future. As a family-owned-and-operated business thriving for over a century, GPS continues to set the bar higher. We caught up with President Justin Freedman to get an exclusive insight into the latest trends shaping our daily oasis experiences.

With 24 locations across New Jersey and New York, from their oldest Bayonne dating back to 1910, to Morris Plains, and more, GPS is expanding its footprint. The buzz? A brand-new KOHLER Signature Store set to grace Summit, promising a haven for those seeking the epitome of kitchen and bath sophistication.

Diving into the heart of GPS offerings, it’s not just about plumbing fixtures—it’s a comprehensive experience. From cabinetry and vanities to lighting (and tile at our 4 Kohler Stores), GPS has become a one-stop destination for consumers, contractors, builders, and developers. The secret sauce? Quality products coupled with personalized customer service and expert designers ready to elevate your projects.

Justin Freedman sheds light on the prevailing trends. “A leading trend in the industry back to transitional and even traditional in some cases. Not everyone wants to do a total gut out. They still want to be able to find something that fits in their traditional bathroom. Transitional finishes like brushed brass

CONTINUED >

ARTICLE BY BEN MEYER | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

and titanium are also trending. Our manufacturers have extended most finishes in most of their product families. We offer thousands of choices.”

“Innovations are revolutionizing the whole shower experience through either mechanical or digital valving,” says Freedman, emphasizing the shift towards smart plumbing connected to Google and Apple. Working showers in some showrooms provide customers with a firsthand experience of the digital showering revolution. “We stay on top of what the customers want.”

Summit, the newest location, promises more than just plumbing fixtures. Renowned designer Shea McGee’s products will be in stock and on display, adding a touch of sophistication to the already impressive offerings.

“Wellness is trending,” notes Freedman, linking wellness and steam to a robust immune system. Organization is another key player, with GPS offering everything from builder-grade to semi-custom cabinetry.

Now, enter the latest innovations from Kohler— The Stillness™ Experience, a 46” x 46” freestanding bath, and the Numi 2.0 smart toilet. The Stillness Experience transforms bathing into a journey of body and soul purification. An Experience tower envelops you in aromatherapy, fog, and lighting, enhancing relaxation, while the PerfectFill™ drain system prevents overflow.

The Numi 2.0 smart toilet, Kohler’s pinnacle of design and technology, brings unmatched comfort and cleansing. Personalized settings, ambient colored lighting, a built-in audio speaker system, and hands-free features redefine the bathroom experience. Intuitive remote control with the KOHLER Konnect® app for advanced control marks a new standard of excellence.

To fuel these trends, GPS boasts a colossal 300,000 square foot warehouse in Piscataway. With a vast inventory, next-day delivery is all it takes to bring your dream project to life. The Piscataway location also hosts the largest showroom, a design haven filled with choices in plumbing fixtures, cabinetry, lighting, and countertops.

Embark on your project journey with confidence at General Plumbing Supply. Whether a dream in the making or already underway, GPS promises to deliver precisely what you need. https:// generalplumbingsupply.net/ and www.kohlerbygps.com

GPS closest showrooms and Kohler Signature stores in our area.

Flemington, NJ

178 Route 202 & 31 N

Phone: 908-782-2221

Showroom Counter

Green Brook, NJ

25 Route 22 E

Phone: 732-752-2020

Showroom Counter

Morris Plains, NJ

663 Speedwell Ave

Phone: 973-993-9700

Showroom Counter

Orange, NJ

540 Thomas Blvd

Phone: 973-414-9477

Showroom Counter

Paramus, NJ

Kohler Signature Store

160 Route 17 N

Phone: 201-322-5000

Showroom

Piscataway, NJ

Showroom, Distribution Center, and Corporate Offices

330 S Randolphville Rd

Phone: 732-248-1000

Summit, NJ

Kohler Signature Store

COMING SOON!

407 Springfield Ave

Phone: 908-376-0030

President Justin Freedman Kohler—The Stillness™ Experience

Kohler's Numi 2.0 smart toilet

CREATING YOUR HOME

JOHN

The art of styling your home.

Home styling is more than space planning and staging - the most important part of the discovery is you. It’s personal. It’s about learning what brings you joy, sourcing and coordinating the things you love, and arranging them in a way that functions beautifully, looks stylish, and, most importantly, feels like home.

When it comes to styling your home, Sandy Mahoney from Create Home, a curated home store, encourages you to keep in mind these three simple things:

FAVORITES

“Some people don’t recognize their own favorites,” says Sandy. “We have a job to find what favorites work.” She understands that people know what they like generally but can struggle to pull those things into their home. Incorporating a client’s favorite aspects into a design, even small things like an antique clock, a gift from a family member, or a piece of art that they love, are what turns a space into a home.

COLLABORATION

More than knowledge of home decoration, architecture, and style, a big part of an interior designer is simply pushing people out of their comfort zones. “Stylists get people to think about something they haven’t thought about before,” Sandy explains. “Crafting ideas between the expertise of the designer and preferences of the client produce better ideas than any single party could come up with on their own.”

STYLING

Sandy laughs when pressed about styling. “I mean, we don’t cut our own hair,” she remarks. Her point here is that home stylists, like hair stylists, have a specific area of expertise. They enhance the function of space, solve challenges, and have a wealth of experience to draw from. They know how to build rooms around clients’ preferences while still creating an aesthetic space they know the client will love.

PRO-TIP:

When using a neutral palette combine texture and contrast to create a softer look that feels like home.

Weaving some of everyone’s favorite things into the design process creates a connection to the space and your home.

An important aspect of designing a home for the whole family is getting input from everyone. “If each person is involved, even in a small way, it creates a different connection to your home,” says Sandy. She adds that there are a lot of ways to involve every member of the family, from letting them add to specific rooms to simply including some of their favorites around the house. “We’ve had kids come paint part of the walls in their room with their favorite color to let them feel like they’re part of the process.” However, Sandy ensures that everything comes together in the end. “Don’t worry, we always re-paint.”

Sandra Mahoney, founder of Create Home in Excelsior, MN, has been sought out by clients and followers for her artful, eclectic design and keen ability to create home collections. As a real estate broker, interior designer, and home builder, Sandy loves helping people. For years, she has helped many find and design their homes.

MARCH 2024

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MARCH 9TH

New Jersey Ballet presents Leap Into Spring

Mayo Arts, Morristown, NJ | 7:30 PM

Leap into Spring features George Balanchine’s Concerto Barocco, considered the quintessential Balanchine ballet of its period. Concerto Barocco is music made visible as two elegant yet dynamic lead ballerinas each depict one of the instrumental soloists in a virtuosic double violin concerto. Plus additional works.

MARCH 13TH

Peter Frampton: Never Ever Say Never Tour

Mayo Arts in Morristown, NJ | 7:30 PM

Grammy award winner Peter Frampton (“Show Me the Way”, “Baby, I Love Your Way,” “I’m in You”) is heading back out on the road and bringing his “Never Ever Say Never” Tour to Morristown!

MARCH 14TH

Masters of Illusion

Mayo Arts in Morristown, NJ | 7:30 PM

As seen on CW! Featuring jaw-dropping grand illusions, acts of deception and hysterical comedy, Masters of Illusion stars the world's greatest award-winning magicians who combine fantasy, fervor and flair with magic created in front of your eyes.

MARCH 24TH

Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis

Mayo Arts in Morristown, NJ | 7:00 PM

Guitarist Kurt Rosenwinkel, one of the most respected composers and improvisers of 21st century jazz, performs the New Jersey premiere of his Jazz at Lincoln Center-commissioned suite alongside the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis.

MARCH 29TH

Manhattan Comedy Night March

Mayo Arts in Morristown, NJ | 8:00 PM

Get some comic relief with our popular stand-up series showcasing the rising stars of comedy. Mature content, language. Adults only.

MARCH 30TH

Southern Rockfest featuring A Brother’s Revival and Classic Skynyrd Live

Mayo Arts in Morristown, NJ | 7:00 PM

A double bill that pays tribute to two of Southern rock's greatest bands. Classic Skynyrd Live, performed by Southern Steel, pays homage to the music of Lynard Skynyrd that has been loved by fans for generations. A Brother's Revival, led by former Allman Brothers bassist David “Rook” Goldflies, brings the music of the Allman Brothers

ARTICLE BY BAILEY MORRIS

Lavender Vanilla Sugar Scrub

This homemade sugar scrub is easy to make and leaves you with silky soft skin

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup of granulated sugar

• ½ cup of oil (almond oil or olive oil works best)

• ½ teaspoon vitamin E oil

• ½ teaspoon real vanilla extract

• 15 drops lavender essential oil

DIRECTIONS:

Sugar scrubs are amazing for getting rid of dead skin and exfoliating to reveal soft skin.

To make this Lavender Vanilla Sugar Scrub, mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight jar.

Primrose

PrimroseFlorhampark.com

Primrose

PrimroseMorristown.com

Primrose

PrimroseParamus.com

Primrose

PrimroseWestOrange.com