TOTOWA, NJ – The mention of New Jersey, the “Garden State” of the
U.S., does not immediately conjure up images of upscale European
styling and design. However, one of the state’s kitchen and
showrooms is looking to change that mindset.
Remy’s Kitchen and Bath Studio, located here, first opened in
1992. Earlier this year, however, the showroom went through a
transformation with the addition of the complete line from
studiobecker, a leading European brand of high-end, luxury
furniture systems including kitchen, bath and wardrobe cabinetry.
The showroom, which originally measured 1,200 square feet, opened a
second floor featuring an additional 1,800 square feet a floor
entirely devoted to studiobecker products. Remy’s is one of only
two showrooms in the northeastern U.S. to showcase the full line of
studiobecker products.
Lasha Sawchyn, director of design and development for Alameda,
CA-based studiobecker, worked with Kitchen and Bath Studio
co-owners Remy Levy and his wife Robyn Levy, to create the new
showplace.
“Remy wanted a very open showroom. He didn’t want walls to make
up very small rooms,” Sawchyn notes. The result, she says, is a
loft-type of effect. “As soon as you walk in, you can see almost
everything. It offers a very open and airy feeling.”
Getting it Going
The first floor of Remy’s
Kitchen and Bath Studio, which has been open to customers for over
11 years, features a variety of products from leading kitchen
product manufacturers, including Rutt Handcrafted Cabinetry,
Signature Custom Cabinetry, Sub-Zero and Viking Range. Robyn Levy
notes that she and her husband are the only two employees, yet they
offer full service remodeling. “We’re there for the total job, from
the design to the installation,” she stresses. “We offer very
personalized service; we’ll take the client to look at tiles and
granite flats, hardware, sinks, faucets you name it.”
On the second floor, where the studiobecker line is spotlighted,
products are arranged in six kitchen vignettes. While none are
working displays, Sawchyn notes that the layout is conducive to
entertaining. “It’s a perfect venue for parties or any kind of
event that Remy and Robyn might want to have to introduce people to
the showroom,” she reports.
In addition to the kitchens, Remy’s has also added a bathroom
that features a studiobecker vanity.
In total, Remy’s Studio features 16 kitchen displays, including
one working kitchen downstairs, as well as working bathroom
displays. “We’re actually working on new Rutt displays, a few
vignettes downstairs,” reports Robyn Levy. “Now that we’ve
completed the upstairs, we’re going to be working on the
downstairs.”
Complete Package
The second floor showplace
highlights every one of studiobecker’s product lines, including its
three kitchen collections. The Levy’s believe the addition of the
studiobecker line gives the showroom added cache, “with a
distinctive integration of elements such as natural woods, matte
and high-gloss lacquer, laminate, glass and stainless steel.” Three
of the showroom’s most popular new additions are the company’s
Collection Z, M and T.
Collection Z, based on the German word zeitlos, which means
timeless, offers a classic European looky. “In Collection Z, we
have the Ultimate Wardrobe System and multiple accessories,” states
Robyn Levy.
Collection M, which features futuristic kitchen design, includes
products with rounded shapes and clean edges. “It’s ultra modern
with great design elements real eye catchers that make the kitchen
very different,” reports Sawchyn.
“With Collection M we’re using fantastic finishes and exotic
veneers in the line.” adds Sawchyn.
Collection T is an unusual addition to the company’s primarily
modern styling in that it focuses traditional style kitchens with
pilasters, cornices and other decorative details designed to appeal
to the more traditional-minded client.
New Jersey and high-style European kitchen and bath designs?
Apparently, they’re perfect together.