Ask The Pros

Lehmann Pools & Spas | 644 Wyckoff Ave, Mahwah, NJ | (201) 327-0428

Lehmann Pools & Spas

Ask the Pros shares advice on designing the perfect home straight from the source–New Jersey’s design experts. The easy to read question & answer format is a great place for advice & inspiration.

I want to have a pool installed in my backyard. When should I start the process?

Pre-pandemic we would advise our clients to start interviewing contractors in the fall for a spring start date, but now the consumer has to start the process about a year in advance. For the past two years, swimming pools have been on the most-wanted list mostly due to Covid. We call them “Pandemic Pools.” Any good pool contractor is basically booked for 2022 right now, and we are starting to book prime times in 2023 already. Also, as time goes on, the whole process of interviewing, contract signing, design work, engineering and permits has grown exponentially. What used to take four to five weeks now usually takes three to four months, so start planning for 2023 now!

— Vic Lehmann, Lehmann Pools & Spas, Mahwah

High demand is just one reason that pool planning takes more time than ever.

Pittenger Builders | Neptune, NJ | 732-775-5666

Pittenger Builders

RENOVATION SOLUTIONS

We love our home, but it doesn't fit our needs anymore. Should we build new or try to make it work for us?

With buildable lots in short supply, many homeowners have opted for extensive renovations to update and make their house fit their needs. If you need more room, consider adding on or building up. Adding a level will give you the needed space and can enhance the exterior of your home.
Converting a basement or updating a kitchen or bathroom will make your home more functional. New cabinets offer storage solutions, taller cabinets maximize space and custom sizes fit any project. Don’t forget new floors—durable wood floors or waterproof hardwood compressed composite are great options.
Whatever your needs, renovating is a great option and can add value to your home. An experienced general contractor can advise you on compliance and design.

— Amanda Fagan, Pittenger Builders, Neptune

If you’re home is no longer big enough for your family or doesn’t have the flow you would like, it may be time to renovate to fit your needs.

Silvergrain Design | Vincentown, NJ | (732) 835-4184

Silvergrain Design

NATURE AS THE ORIGINAL ARTIST

Can the varied and chaotic beauty of wood still compliment a modern interior?

In a word, yes. Through intuitive design and respect for Nature's ultimate portfolio, it is still possible to blend the modern with the majestic, as in this lakefront house in Medford, New Jersey. To balance the heavily contrived influences of mainstream design (and to set off that huge piece of quartz), something artificial simply would not do. This human need for softness and life in increasingly sterile environments gave rise to a set of strikingly curvaceous stools. Solid American walnut gives an exclusive, arresting aesthetic, while the sweeping lines of grain evoke the riverine qualities of the locale and the major interior elements. Proof that although ancient, such organic materials can still be an integral part of any style.

— Mark Duddigan, Silvergrain Design, Vincentown

Photo caption: Elemental style: Silvergrain Design (partnered with Emmor Works) brings a welcome imprint of solid hardwoods and anchors this newly renovated home in a fresh sense of the traditional.

Metro Supply & Service | Rockaway, NJ | 973-627-7626

Metro Supply & Service

CHOOSING STONE VENEERS

“I’m trying to choose between natural and manufactured stone veneers for the front of my house. What are the advantages of each?”

When preparing to invest in your home, careful consideration of the product used is essential. Both natural stone veneers and manufactured stone veneers share some unique advantages. Both are durable, sustainable, easily maintained and add value to your home. Natural Stone is unique in appearance and “authentic.” Advantages: It can be locally sourced, will not be discontinued and can be cut to fit without blemishes. Manufactured Stone provides a wide variety of sizes and styles. Advantages: It is less expensive than natural stone and comes in many different colors and is lighter in weight than natural stone. The disadvantage is the repetitiveness of the mass production cycle.

— Ofelia DiBenedetto, Metro Supply & Service, Rockaway

Photo caption: Metro’s new showroom display provides extra-large panels to better visualize stone type and color.

Frank Webb Home | Over 46 showrooms, including Elmwood Park, Madison, Piscataway and Pleasantville

Frank Webb Home

A COORDINATED BATHROOM

How can I design a beautiful, coordinated bathroom without looking too “matching”?

Designing a bathroom entails many decisions and it can become stressful to pick out all of your fixtures (tubs, sinks, toilets, bidets, etc.) and fittings (faucets, tub-fillers, showerheads, hand showers and accessories) to achieve a coordinated look. Several wonderful manufacturers now offer bathroom suites that are curated around personal style preferences. If you want a casual farmhouse look, they offer sinks, bathtubs, vanities and more around that design aesthetic. For those looking for a more contemporary, minimal design, there are suites that assemble fixtures and fittings to achieve that look. You can start with the suite, though you don’t have to assemble all of the pieces. Your showroom consultant or design partner will help you mix and match to create the look and function you envision. Whether your design aesthetic is transitional, traditional, industrial chic, modern glamour, Scandinavian minimalism or something in between, it’s a wonderful time to be designing health and happiness into your bathroom.

— By Amanda James, Showroom Manager, Frank Webb Home, Elmwood Park Over 46 showrooms, including Elmwood Park, Madison, Piscataway and Pleasantville

Photo caption: The Kintsu suite by Brizo combines Scandinavian minimalism with Japanese wabi-sabi philosophy for a stunning natural look. With unique options like a tub-filler with integrated wine-glass holder and the ability to customize knob handle inlays with teak, concrete, mother of pearl or a finish of your own, Kintsu offers a whole new look in bathroom design.

B&B Pool and Spa Center | Chestnut Ridge, NY | (845) 356-0778

B&B Pool and Spa Center

ADVANCES IN SWIMMING POOLS

Is there anything I can do to lower the carbon footprint of my swimming pool?

Definitely, you can reduce your carbon footprint and save money using the latest in pump technology. Variable speed pumps have transformed the swimming pool industry and given homeowners total control over their pump’s energy consumption. Properly sized and scheduled variable speed pumps can reduce the energy costs of your swimming pool pump by up to 80%,which in turn reduces that carbon footprint. The pumps also run extremely quietly and reduce the noise pollution you get from a normal swimming pool pump.

What are the most popular swimming pool enhancements today?

Salt chlorine generators, LED lighting and automation via your mobile devices. Salt generation creates sanitizing levels of chlorine in your swimming pool through an electrolytic process using salt. No need for dangerous chemicals around the house. LED lighting is a real energy saver and produces similar levels of light output with a 65% savings in electrical costs. Automation uses your existing devices through Wi-Fi and allows for control of your swimming pool lighting, salt chlorine generator, heating and variable speed pump from your phone, tablet or computer.

— Hugh D. Smith, Vice President of Operations, B&B Pool and Spa Center, Chestnut Ridge, New York

Photo caption: Left: Intelligent And Safe – Intelliflo Pump with SVRS Safety System | Right: IntelliTouch – complete control of your swimming pool and outdoor lighting

KraftMaster Renovations | Chatham, NJ | 973-309-7225

KraftMaster Renovations

Evaluate your needs

If I go over my budget, where should I compromise?
It’s always beneficial to evaluate the way you use your kitchen on a daily basis in conjunction with your likelihood of requiring furnishings and fixtures that offer all the bells and whistles. We always ask our clients for two things: a wish list and their must-haves.

For example, most people want to include elements like a bigger range or refrigerator, or a farmhouse sink.  We help them brainstorm and look at their needs versus wants.  We’ll ask questions such as “Do you need a 48-inch range? If we go with a 36-inch range, would that work with your everyday cooking?  Do you need a bigger range because you entertain often? If so, how often do you host?” It helps to think about this investment while asking valuable questions. Will this investment improve your everyday life? Will it increase the value of your home?

Differentiating between desires and absolute requirements at the outset of a project helps homeowners to ascertain which elements are most important to them. With that knowledge, they can allocate funds wisely and efficiently. Having budgeted prudently, homeowners may find themselves with the resources to fulfill a few of their wishes.

Blended colors and metals

What’s new in kitchen design?
Many of our clients want the proverbial white kitchen, but with a pop. It’s a big investment to remodel a kitchen, so incorporating colored cabinetry can be scary. Homeowners who wonder if they’ll eventually regret using a trendy color for their entire kitchen can opt for a hybrid. The new trend we’re seeing incorporates white cabinetry  accentuated with a hit of color on the island or, alternatively, mixing base and perimeter cabinets of differing wood tones or hues. Our picture tells this story perfectly; the beautiful, white, Shaker perimeter cabinets contrast with the distressed, black island. The dramatic combination creates a striking effect, allowing both cabinetry choices to stand out.

Another trend is mixed metals. Black fixtures make a bold statement with gold hardware, or vice versa. The possibilities are endless, which is what makes it so much fun to design kitchens now. And since we are a design/build company, we are a “one-stop shop!”

— Bob & Julie Gockeler, Owners, KraftMaster Renovations, Chatham

Peter Salerno, Inc. | 511 Goffle Rd, Wyckoff, NJ | (201) 251-6608

Peter Salerno, Inc.

Ask the Pros shares advice on designing the perfect home straight from the source–New Jersey’s design experts. The easy to read question & answer format is a great place for advice & inspiration.

After a few years of minimalistic white and gray bathrooms everywhere, what are the newest trends & focus in bath design?

Wood is back! Designers are going away from painted white and gray cabinetry. White Oak, Ash and Alder are all being used, showing off their beautiful grains.

Cerusing wood with a white or taupe fill rubbed into the natural wood brings a soft and inviting feel back to today’s cabinetry. This type of finish allows the bathroom to be bright without creating a sterile stark space.

Countertops are also going into a softer direction by using matte finishes instead of shine. Quartz fabricators are now offering honed finishes to expand their selections.

A simulated marble or limestone in a honed finish is a newer option that is resistant to staining and minimizes water marks. Concrete for countertops offers endless options of color and texture. Concrete also gives the ability to integrate any size or shaped sink to the top. A designer can be very creative with no limitations.

The main focus of bathrooms today is the shower unit. Clients are looking for luxurious showers with a powerful showerhead and a hand-held sprayer. A slew of industry options make it easy to step up shower design by using an overhead rain faucet in conjunction with multiple body sprays. For the ultimate in a home spa experience, a steam unit can be incorporated in shower design.

Soaking tubs, which entered the design scene in a big way a few years ago, are still going strong. These freestanding pieces have eclipsed the use of water jet tubs in bath design. Because of the continued popularity of soaking tubs, there is a myriad of materials and shapes available to complement any bath design.

Spa-like luxury, warmth without sacrificing brightness and interesting materials will create a calm sanctuary in today’s frenetic world.

— Peter Salerno, Peter Salerno, Inc.

Frank Webb Home | 45 showrooms, including Pleasantville, Piscataway and Madison, and coming soon to Elmwood Park

Frank Webb Home

Ask the Pros shares advice on designing the perfect home straight from the source–New Jersey’s design experts. The easy to read question & answer format is a great place for advice & inspiration.

What is an “uplift” medicine cabinet? 

"Uplift medicine cabinets save space and provide a sleek, elegant storage option. Unlike traditional alternatives with doors that open to the side, an uplift design saves space by sliding vertically with no impact on pendant lights or side sconces. It starts with a sleek mirror mounted over your sink, some with perimeter illumination on the surface of the mirror. The handle along the bottom of the mirror allows you to gently glide the mirror up vertically to reveal a well-organized trove of mirrored storage compartments with internal night lights, pull-out magnifying mirrors and power outlets to charge your devices. While several manufacturers offer an uplift style, Robern is synonymous with this elegant storage option and offers widths from 24 to 48 inches. We find that once homeowners experience an uplift medicine cabinet in our showrooms, they are sold. frankwebb.com"

— Phil Lewis, Frank Webb Home, with 45 showrooms, including Pleasantville, Piscataway and Madison, and coming soon to Elmwood Park!

Photo Courtesy of Frank Webb Home

With its vertical slide design, Robern Uplift revolutionizes the way in which we experience medicine cabinets. Superior task lighting, state-of-the-art technology and luxurious finishes create a beautiful, versatile bathroom storage solution.

Pella Windows and Doors | 659 Morris Turnpike, Springfield, NJ | (973) 912-8822

Pella Windows and Doors

Ask the Pros shares advice on designing the perfect home straight from the source–New Jersey’s design experts. The easy to read question & answer format is a great place for advice & inspiration.

I want to replace the windows in our 1960s home. What should I consider when picking new windows?

"There are many window attributes to consider. Materials, like wood, vinyl, or fiberglass; and type, such as casement, double hung, awning or fixed. Pay particular attention to energy efficiency, sound performance, vendor warranty and the window styles that are offered. Ultimately, you want your new windows to stand the test of time, look amazing and complement your 1960’s Cape Cod, Ranch or Mid-Century Modern house style. Do some online research, get the facts and then work with a trusted professional who can guide you through the process. Finally, view your new windows as an investment and comfort to your busy life."

— Diane van Horn, Architectural Solutions Consultant, Pella Windows and Doors, Springfield

Photo courtesy of Pella Windows and Doors

Do your research and trust the professionals when choosing windows.

Lehmann Pools & Spas | 644 Wyckoff Ave, Mahwah, NJ | (201) 327-0428

Lehmann Pools & Spas

Ask the Pros shares advice on designing the perfect home straight from the source–New Jersey’s design experts. The easy to read question & answer format is a great place for advice & inspiration.

Why use a variable speed pump on my pool?

"Variable speed pumps save on the electrical cost of running your pool and usually pay for themselves in two to three years. By their nature, they save about 30% of electrical costs over a single speed pump. They operate even more cost effectively by adjusting to match your pool’s needs, saving up to 60% of the electrical use of a single speed pump. This is especially true on a traditional pool/spa combination that uses one shared pump. For example, a pool may require a 1 to 1½ hp pump to operate properly, but when in spa mode the jets want more water so you would need a 2 to 2½ hp pump. The standard solution would be to use a 2 to 2 ½ hp pump, sizing it to the most demanding need. With a variable speed pump, you can set it to operate at a slower speed when in pool mode and ramp up the speed when in spa mode. This results in tremendous savings for you over the life of the pump. If you want to make this switch, hire a professional that is very familiar with this type of pump because you won’t see as big of a savings if it’s not properly adjusted to the needed flow of your particular pool."

— Vic Lehmann, Lehmann Pools & Spas, Mahwah

A variable speed pump will meet the needs of your pool most cost-effectively.

Garden State Tile | 472 Westfield Avenue East Roselle Park, NJ | 908-241-4900

Garden State Tile

Ask the Pros shares advice on designing the perfect home straight from the source–New Jersey’s design experts. The easy to read question & answer format is a great place for advice & inspiration.

What are some of the biggest trends in ceramic wall tile offerings and why have they become so popular this year?

"Colors, shapes and textures are huge trends in wall tile right now – but the latest offerings have taken this to a whole new level. Colors are now brighter, textures are more elevated and shapes go far beyond the traditional subway tile. These trends are so popular because they truly create the entire atmosphere for the room, while also being the more economical choice as compared to glass or natural stone alternatives. From soft, handmade looks to electric pops of color, ceramic wall tile allows homeowners to develop an attainable aesthetic beyond just paint and wallpaper that is uniquely their own."

— Carolyn Vittoria, Design Sales Consultant, Garden State Tile, Roselle Park Showroom

Photo courtesy of Garden State Tile

The range of ceramic wall tile that's now available allows homeowners to express their design aesthetic beyond just paint and wallpaper.

Dente Trading | 30 Canfield Rd, Cedar Grove, NJ | (973) 857-4050

Dente Trading

Ask the Pros shares advice on designing the perfect home straight from the source–New Jersey’s design experts. The easy to read question & answer format is a great place for advice & inspiration.

How do I choose the best material for my countertops?

"Granite, Quartzite, Marble? This is one of the most frequently asked questions and is sometimes difficult to answer. Each stone category has its own unique characteristics, from color and pattern to durability and strength. Each type requires some level of care and maintenance to give you long lasting performance. The good news is that natural stones can be easily cleaned and sealed by the homeowner and repolished by a professional if desired. Your “living finish” natural stone will give you beauty and enjoyment for years to come. Best to consider your own personal priorities and talk to your fabricator about what would best fit your lifestyle and meet your expectations. As we guide you through our 75,000-square-foot warehouse, your ideas and preferences may change a bit, and that’s part of the process. Ultimately your choice is the right one for you."

— Jill Cash, Dente Trading, Cedar Grove

Photo courtesy of Dente Trading

Choosing a countertop material is an exciting and educational experience.

Frank Webb Home | 180 Centennial Avenue Piscataway, NJ |732-393-7555

Frank Webb Home

Ask the Pros shares advice on designing the perfect home straight from the source–New Jersey’s design experts. The easy to read question & answer format is a great place for advice & inspiration.

What should I focus on when selecting a new kitchen faucet?

"For a quick and relatively easy kitchen update, start with your kitchen faucet. This is the most often-used part of your kitchen. There are literally thousands of options, so where do you start? First, make sure that you ask about faucet construction. You want a faucet that is made of high-quality metal with ceramic interior parts. You can save a few dollars with plastic interiors, but you’ll pay down the road with leak repairs and early replacement. High-arc, pull-down faucets are very popular as are touchless models, which save water and make cleaning pots and trays easier. Stainless steel is still the most popular finish, though mixed metals and matte finishes are growing in popularity."

— Patrice Herring, Frank Webb Home – 45 showrooms including Piscataway, Madison and Pleasantville From the DXV Hillside

Photo Courtesy of Frank Webb Home

From the DXV Hillside Collection, this stainless steel kitchen sink is a new take on a classic favorite. It’s shown with the DXV Fresno Culinary Kitchen Faucet in polished chrome, offering a style inspired by postmodern architecture and a pull-down sprayer to make cleaning easy.

Robinwood Kitchens | 560 Springfield Ave, Berkeley Heights, NJ | (908) 665-5900

Robinwood Kitchens

Ask the Pros shares advice on designing the perfect home straight from the source–New Jersey’s design experts. The easy to read question & answer format is a great place for advice & inspiration.

Why should I work with a kitchen designer?

"Designing a kitchen requires much more skill and expertise than most homeowners realize. Selecting beautiful finishes is just the beginning of a successful kitchen design. The job of a good kitchen designer is to focus on the functionality and practicality of the kitchen space, all while following design guidelines and local building codes. Unlike other design trades, kitchen designers are specifically trained to understand how all the details work together to create a well-designed space. From the cabinetry design to how the appliances function and fit into the space, many kitchen designers are equipped with the knowledge necessary to understand the whole construction process, which is invaluable when spending a large sum of money on a renovation."

— Rebecca Mahoney, Robinwood Kitchens, Berkeley Heights

Professional kitchen designers are trained to understand how all the details work together.

White House - Designs for Life | 131 Rt 46 W, Fairfield, NJ | (973) 575-8317

White House - Designs for Life

Ask the Pros shares advice on designing the perfect home straight from the source–New Jersey’s design experts. The easy to read question & answer format is a great place for advice & inspiration.

How can I update my traditional home without changing everything? 

"We advise our clients, many of whom have beautiful traditional homes, to start a transformation with paint. Use more neutral tones on walls and brighten heavy, dark trims by painting them white. Take traditional-style dining chairs and paint them a fun, modern color—such as white, black or red—and use them with your existing traditional table. Reupholster classic pieces in funky fabrics and maybe change dark wood frames to a lighter, more up-to-date color. Changing out throw pillows on existing sofas is an easy way to add a pop of color and lighten up even the deepest traditional tones. Replace heavy, elaborate window treatments with sleeker, more modern Hunter Douglas window coverings. And switch out heavy traditional rugs with ones that have simplified designs and textures. These simple introductions will modernize your home until traditional furnishings are back...and trust me, they will be back! Visit whdesignsforlife.com."

— Karen Arakelian, White House - Designs for Life, Fairfield and Wayne

Colorful pillows and interesting fabrics are among the ways you can update a traditional look without a complete overhaul.

Bellari | 20 County Line Rd Branchburg, NJ | (908) 725-8401

Bellari

Ask the Pros shares advice on designing the perfect home straight from the source–New Jersey’s design experts. The easy to read question & answer format is a great place for advice & inspiration.

We own the oldest house on the block. What can we do to make it look more current?

Siding is the first giveaway of a home’s age. If it was built anytime since the 1980s, the siding profile is probably very narrow. Today, newer homes are emulating the classic look of the 1920s with a wider siding profile.

Six-panel front doors and stained glass are also past their freshness date. Today’s doors offer traditional wood grain, a variety of stain and paint finishes, superior insulation, and better warranties. Windows have moved toward the flatter, straighter lines that fit in perfectly with that 1920s look.

And if you’re not into a major renovation, stone accents or a portico over the door can give a home a fresh, new look. A professional contractor with an in-house designer can guide you in the right direction.

— Gary Shiman, Executive Vice President, Bellari, Branchburg NJ

Photo Courtesy of Bellari

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