The Home Issue
Home & Design
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 food and drinks, the aesthetic and design, but most importantly - the people.
We feel like the lucky ones as we got to learn more about the businesses and individuals that comprise this city 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 city, 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 or an accessory 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.
Happy March!
AMY DIMES, PUBLISHER @LONGBRANCHCITYLIFESTYLE
March 2025
PUBLISHER
Amy Dimes | amy.dimes@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Bernie Augustine | bernie.augustine@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Marcella Shook Photography, Judy Musa, Nate Sheets
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Allison Sheets
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Zach Miller
LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Pop of Color
Explore the ‘quietly colorful’ shades of Benjamin Moore’s ‘Color of the
Innovation Meets Artistry
The
Personal
1: Francine Acquaviva, Mollie Giamanco, Frank Brusco, Holly Annarella Flego, Serena DiMaso 2: Senator Declan O’Scanlon (l.), Robin Klein (c.), and MCF President Matt Cohen (r.). 3: Monmouth Conservation Foundation’s Board of Trustees at the annual Holiday Style Luncheon and Shopping Spree. 4: Ann Pennington, Mrs. USA Earth 2023, (c., in green), at Monmouth Conservation Foundation’s holiday event. 5: Supporters attend the The Arc of Monmouth’s 75th Winter Glow.
JUDY MUSA
MARCELLA SHOOK PHOTOGRAPHY
MARCELLA SHOOK PHOTOGRAPHY
New Construction in Long Branch
contemporary coastal living at The Seashore in Long Branch, where 14 luxurious townhomes o er open concept oor plans. Each townhouse o ers many amenities including an elevator and approx. 800sf roo op deck. WEB# 22418644 Newly developed home thoughtfully cra ed for versatile living on the Jersey Shore. The open-concept family room with a replace, dining room, and chef’s kitchen is a great space for entertaining. WEB# 22424611
Todd Katz Salesperson
O 732.387.3807
M 732.768.3329 todd.katz@elliman.com 221 RIVER STREET, 9TH FLOOR, HOBOKEN,
Chris Katz Salesperson
O 732.387.3807
M 732.859.8505 chris.katz@elliman.com
© 2024 DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE. ALL MATERIAL PRESENTED HEREIN IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY. WHILE, THIS INFORMATION IS BELIEVED TO BE CORRECT, IT IS REPRESENTED SUBJECT TO ERRORS, OMISSIONS, CHANGES OR WITHDRAWAL WITHOUT NOTICE. ALL PROPERTY INFORMATION, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO SQUARE FOOTAGE, ROOM COUNT, NUMBER OF BEDROOMS AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IN PROPERTY LISTINGS SHOULD BE VERIFIED BY YOUR OWN ATTORNEY, ARCHITECT OR ZONING EXPERT. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY. THE UNITS OR INTERESTS IN THE DEVELOPMENT ARE OFFERED TO THE PUBLIC AND ARE SOLD OR ALIENATED WITHOUT REGARD TO MARITAL STATUS, SEX, RACE, COLOR, CREED, RELIGIOUS PRINCIPLES, NATIONAL ORIGIN, ANCESTRY, AFFECTIONAL OR SEXUAL ORIENTATION, OR ANY OTHER BASIS PROHIBITED BY THE LAW AGAINST DISCRIMINATION (N.J.S.A.10:5-1 ET SEQ.). THE ARTIST’S REPRESENTATION OF THE BUILDING AND ANY DESCRIPTION OR DEPICTION OF INTERIOR DECORATIONS, FINISHES, APPLIANCES, FURNISHINGS, OR EXTERIOR PHOTOGRAPHIC VIEWS CONTAINED HEREIN ARE PROVIDED FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY AND MAY BE MODIFIED, ALTERED, OR CHANGED. THE COMPLETE OFFERING TERMS ARE IN A PUBLIC OFFERING STATEMENT AVAILABLE FROM SPONSOR. SPONSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE CHANGES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PUBLIC OFFERING STATEMENT. PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS ARE ADVISED TO REVIEW THE COMPLETE TERMS OF THE PUBLIC OFFERING STATEMENT FOR FURTHER DETAIL AS TO TYPE, QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF MATERIALS, APPLIANCES, EQUIPMENT, AND FIXTURES TO BE INCLUDED IN THE UNITS, AMENITY AREAS AND COMMON ELEMENTS OF THE CONDOMINIUM. SPONSOR MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTIES EXCEPT AS MAY BE SET FORTH IN THE PUBLIC OFFERING STATEMENT AND PURCHASER ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT IT HAS RELIED ONLY ON THE TERMS OF THE PUBLIC OFFERING STATEMENT. ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE OF AMENITIES IS MAY 2025, SUBJECT TO THE AVAILABILITY OF MATERIALS, CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULES, WEATHER, AND OTHER MARKET CONDITIONS. ALL RIGHTS TO CONTENT, PHOTOGRAPHS, AND GRAPHICS RESERVED
AVENUE, LOCH ARBOUR, NJ 07711. EXCLUSIVE SALES & MARKETING AGENT: DOUGLAS ELLIMAN
the CITY LIST
We have such amazing, innovative business leaders in our community who are proud to serve you, our residents, with class and quality. We’ve compiled some of our top company picks for the services that might be on your mind this month in an effort to make your lives a little easier.
Interior Designer
GS Design Center www.gsdesigncenter.com | 732.494.8670
Coastal Decor & Interior Design www.coastaldecoranddesign.com | 732.842.8244
Timeless Designs LLC www.timelessdesignsllc.com/ | 732.530.5255
Oasis Home by NLM Design Interiors www.oasishomedesigns.com | 732.775.5151
Manning Design Group www.manningdesigngroup.com | 732.299.7010
Real Estate Agent
Sandra Valencia Real Estate - Christie's International Real Estate 732.639.1371
Town & Country Real Estate Consultants www.townandcountryrealestatenj.com | 732.618.0787
Douglas Elliman/ The Katz Team www.toddkatz.elliman.com | 732.859.8505
Want to suggest a monthly pick?
O'Brien Realty www.obrienrealtyllc.com | 732.229.3532
Resources Real Estate www.resourcesrealestate.com | 732.212.0440
Landscaper
Sure Landscape & Design, Inc. www.surelandscape.com | 732.933.0477
Scenic View Landscaping & Design Specialist www.scenicviewlandscapingnj.com | 732.602.1949
Ryser's Landscape Supply www.ryserslandscapesupply.com | 732.741.8338
G & G Lawn and landscaping www.greenisourfavoritecolor.com | 732.922.2252
Celtic Concepts Inc, Landscape Contractors www.celtco.com | 732.695.0909
Home Remodeler
Budget Blinds of Long Branch budgetblinds.com/long-branch-nj/ | 732.393.8181
Make Space www.makespacenj.com | 732.895.7881
Gold Standard Bathrooms www.goldstandardbathrooms.com | 877.550.2284
The Finish Guys General Contracting www.instagram.com/thefinishguys2009 | 732.850.5420
Gemini Spray Foam Systems www.geminisprayfoam.com | 732.263.2858
Kitchen Designer
The Stone Gallery Inc. www.thestonegalleryinc.com | 732.728.9200
Absolute Kitchen & Granite www.apkitchen.com | 732.374.4400
Alfano Kitchen & Bath www.alfanokitchenbath.com | 732.922.2020
Kitchen Krafter www.kitchenkrafter.com | 732.695.6111
Kohler Signature Store www.kohler.com/en/locations/new-jersey/jersey-shore/ kohler-signature-store-by-general-plumbing-supply | 732.210.3600
EXPLORE THE ‘QUIETLY COLORFUL’ SHADES OF BENJAMIN MOORE’S ‘COLOR OF THE YEAR’ & COLOR TRENDS
Pop of Color
ARTICLE BY BERNIE AUGUSTINE PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BENJAMIN MOORE PAINTS
Cinnamon Slate
There are few things that can freshen up a space like a new coat of paint. Whether the color is bold or muted, it always brings a new energy into a space.
If you’re eager to change things up, but are still looking for a little inspiration or guidance, look no further. We had the opportunity to connect with the experts at Benjamin Moore about the brand’s “Color of the Year” for 2025 and the accompanying color palate.
This year’s pick, Cinnamon Slate, is described as “a delicate mix of heathered plum and velvety plum,” and is joined by nine other colors in the collection, which is meant to feel “quietly colorful” while creating a nuanced look that is both vibrant while maintaining subtlety.
“As the use of more saturated color in design has increased in recent years, we are seeing a growing interest in more nuanced colors, whose undertones add intricacy and dimension,” Andrea Magno, the director of color marketing and design at Benjamin Moore, said. “Cinnamon Slate is an inviting hue that offers enduring style and modern sensibility. Its depth and richness bring an air of approachability and sense of comfort throughout the home, making it a new favorite for years to come.”
Hannah Yeo, the senior manager of color marketing for Benjamin Moore, was kind enough to answer a handful of questions about the Color of the Year, how it is picked, and how to approach the palate if you’re thinking about giving your walls, doors, cabinets, or even ceilings, a makeover.
CONTINUED >
Sea Salt on walls
Ashwood Moss
LONG BRANCH CITY LIFESTYLE: WHEN DID THE "COLOR OF THE YEAR" BEGIN FOR BENJAMIN MOORE?
Hannah Yeo: Benjamin Moore has a long history of researching and forecasting trends. In 2005, we formally selected the “Color of the Year,” and our Color Trends campaign has been growing since.
LBCL: THE COMPANY GETS A TON OF EARNED MEDIA FROM THIS TOPIC; ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST, BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS, TODAY.COM, JUST TO NAME A FEW FROM THIS YEAR. SOMEONE DID A "LIVE REACTION" VIDEO ON YOUTUBE AND GOT ALMOST 10K VIEWS AND THERE ARE COUNTLESS SHORT CLIPS ON SOCIAL MEDIA AROUND THIS TOPIC. IS IT KIND OF OVERWHELMING TO THINK THAT PEOPLE ARE SO PASSIONATE ABOUT THIS REVEAL EACH YEAR?
HY: It’s an exciting time! We are thrilled to see homeowners and designers thinking of ways to bring colors and design ideas into their spaces — ideas they may not have considered before. Choosing the right colors can be daunting and our goal is to provide color and design inspiration that guides homeowners through the paint color selection process with fresh ideas. The Color of the Year and Color Trends 2025 palette serve as an opportunity for the Color Marketing & Development team to share insights and points of inspiration with all customers, so we are excited when people are passionate about the color and their spaces.
Rosepine on cabinets
LBCL: WHAT GOES INTO CHOOSING THE "COLOR OF THE YEAR"? IS THERE A PANEL OF PEOPLE? ARE THEY ALL FROM BENJAMIN MOORE, OR ARE OUTSIDE PARTNERS CONSULTED?
HY: The Benjamin Moore Color Marketing & Development Team selects the Color of the Year and the full Color Trends 2025 palette. It is a yearlong creative process and global exploration of color and design, spanning from interior design to fashion to cultural and technology influences. The team tracks and analyzes a wide array of ideas that are ultimately synthesized to guide the curation of the Color Trends palette and select the Color of the Year. These colors are viewed through the lens of paint, so the hues on your walls stay relevant for years to come.
LBCL: THIS YEAR'S COLOR (CINNAMON SLATE) IS REALLY EYE-CATCHING, BUT IT MIGHT NOT BE FOR EVERYONE. IS THE POTENTIAL BROAD, OR NARROW, APPEAL OF A COLOR SOMETHING THAT IS TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION WHEN MAKING A CHOICE?
HY: Through the Color Trends palette, we aim to inspire and spark new ideas. While we recognize that color is highly personal, if we’ve encouraged the homeowners to see color in a new light or helped to find a way to incorporate it into their lifestyles, we consider that a success.
LBCL: WHAT IS THE INSPIRATION FOR THE "COLOR TREND" CHOICES?
HY: Each color in the Color Trends palette represents an upcoming design direction. By examining the palette, you can gain insight into the overall color trends. Some years focus on bold, saturated hues, while others highlight soft, healing tones. The palette also offers color combination ideas and suggests ways to incorporate additional colors into your home, alongside the Color of the Year.
Chowning Tan on walls
LBCL: WHEN THINKING OF A "COLOR OF THE YEAR," IS THERE A USE-CASE CONSIDERED? AS IN, COLOR X MIGHT BE GOOD AS AN ACCENT WHEREAS COLOR Y IS GOOD FOR WHOLE-ROOM USE.
HY: While there’s no limit to how to use color in your space, supporting Color Trends images provide different ideas on how you can bring the color into your space. This year, the 10 colors from the Color Trends 2025 palette can be used as foundational colors for the entire home. The nuanced hues create a beautiful harmony that is both striking and understated. Cinnamon Slate, our Color of the Year 2025, can be used in a
living room or bedroom to bring sophisticated warmth. It also pairs well with lots of neutrals and textured materials to complete the room.
LBCL: HAS THERE BEEN A "COLOR OF A YEAR" THAT HAS REALLY EXPLODED IN POPULARITY AND BEEN A SURPRISE?
HY: There’s generally an uptick on all the colors that are highlighted through the Color Trends campaign, especially the Color of the Year. The one that stands out the most is Aegean Teal 2136-40, our Color of the Year 2021. This hidden gem color quickly rose to the top of the best-seller list and continues to hold its place today.
Glacier White
You can explore all the colors Benjamin Moore has to offer at benjaminmoore.com and can follow them on Instagram @benjaminmoore
Benjamin Moore paints can be found at these authorized local retailers:
Costello's Ace Hardware 700 Joline Ave., Long Branch
Coast Hardware 585 Broadway, Long Branch
Bain's Ace Hardware 1092 Ocean Ave., Sea Bright
Towne Hardware 75 Monmouth Rd. Oakhurst
Tissue Pink
INNOVATION MEETS
ARTISTRY
ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATE SHEETS
Kitchen design has entered a transformative era, where innovation meets artistry to create spaces that are not only functional but also personal and sustainable. With advancements in technology, materials and craftsmanship, today’s kitchens are tailored to meet the evolving needs and tastes of homeowners.
According to interior designer Laura McCroskey, kitchens today are about more than just cooking—they’re an expression of personal lifestyle.
“Kitchen design has entered an exciting time where the possibilities feel limitless,” says McCroskey. “For me, the design process starts before lines are ever drawn on a construction document. I believe in creating spaces that enhance life, both functionally and aesthetically. The design process begins with a discussion about what a space needs to do, and what aesthetic will bring a spark to the homeowner. I also firmly believe that when designing a kitchen, one should walk out a recipe to
“KITCHEN DESIGN HAS ENTERED AN EXCITING TIME WHERE THE POSSIBILITIES FEEL LIMITLESS.”
ideas with practical implementation to achieve the best results.
Technology, sustainability and customization are driving the revolution in kitchen design. Advanced appliances are at the forefront, enhancing convenience while aligning with a growing emphasis on eco-friendliness.
make sure everything is in the right place to suit one’s lifestyle. Cooking zones are imperative to a well-designed kitchen.”
Modern kitchens emphasize zoning, or the creation of dedicated areas for preparation, cooking and storage, to enhance workflow and functionality. These zones not only improve efficiency but also contribute to a cohesive and visually appealing aesthetic.
Cutting-edge rendering software, utilizing technology similar to that used in gaming, allows homeowners to visualize their dream kitchens in hyper-realistic detail. While these tools inspire creativity, McCroskey advises balancing ambitious
“From vacuum-sealing drawers that preserve food and reduce waste to smart appliances controlled by your phone, the emphasis is on efficiency and sustainability. Functional storage built seamlessly into marble countertops and oversized workstation sinks are making daily tasks easier and more enjoyable. Thoughtful features like composting compartments and advanced food preservation methods reflect a broader effort to minimize waste and reduce environmental impact.”
Custom cabinetry that maximizes every inch of space minimizes waste while optimizing functionality.
“Forget the limits of traditional cabinetry. Blind corners, tiny nooks and hidden areas are now designed to maximize storage. Automated drawers and pop-up outlets
THE HEART OF THE HOME
are becoming increasingly common, marrying convenience with sleek aesthetics.”
Design trends have also evolved, becoming more flexible to reflect individual tastes.
“While white kitchens remain timeless and black adds drama, bleached woods continue to be popular. Style trends are no longer as rigid—whether you prefer modern, transitional, or traditional designs, you can create a kitchen tailored to your unique vision. There’s no limit to what you can achieve with today’s tools and technologies. The goal is to create spaces that resonate deeply with the people who live in them.”
The kitchen is the heart of every home and represents a space of endless possibility. Whether your aesthetic leans modern, farmhouse or somewhere in between, the tools and technologies available today make it easier than ever to bring your vision to life.
Ready for a new chapter? I will be with you every
Contact me for a free consultation today!
#lovewhereyoulive #newchapter #makeyourdreamscometrue
Raising The
PERSONAL BARTENDER JARED GONSALVES, @THISISMYBARTENDER ON INSTAGRAM, SHARES HIS TIPS ON STOCKING YOUR BAR CART
ARTICLE
BY
BERNIE AUGUSTINE
THE TOOLS
“Shaker, pour spouts, jigger, muddler. First and foremost, have the tools, that’s what you want to have,” Gonsalves says. “You don’t want to have to go anywhere for anything other than your ice. So when I see a nice bar cart, it’ll have an ice tin with tongs.” Gonsalves recommends checking out the bartender kits from Bare Barrel.
THE SPIRITS
“Your bar cart, for the most part, is going to be for you,” Gonsalves says, but he does recommend having some crowd-pleasers, like vodka, gin, tequila, clear rum, and bourbon, which Gonsalves finds to be more versatile than a Tennessee whiskey. “You want to have all of the basic ingredients; you can really personalize it to what you enjoy.”
THE EXTRAS
Unless you’re enjoying one of those spirits neat or straight-up, you’ll want some complementary items. Maraschino cherries (like Luxardo), lime juice, club sodas, simple syrup, dry vermouth and rocks glasses all jump to mind for Gonsalves, who had one more tip. “To have a recipe book on the cart is huge, because nobody really thinks of that.”
Exceptional
MARCH 1ST, 2ND AND 6TH - 9TH
Make Believe
NJ Rep, Long Branch
Take a trip back to 1930s Hollywood in this world premiere performance by John Biguenet and directed by SuzAnne Barabas. Éilis Cahill and Quentin Chisholm star as Eleanor and Bailey, two lost souls who are thrust together in a haunting look back at a time when stars went to great lengths to keep their secrets from surfacing. For tickets: www.njrep.org
MARCH 6TH - 9TH
Singin’ in the Rain
Lauren K Woods Theatre, Monmouth University
Each unforgettable scene, song and dance is accounted for in this reproduction of the famous Broadway musical from Betty Comden and Adolph Green. Hilarious situations, snappy dialogue and a hit-parade score of Hollywood standards make Singin’ in the Rain the perfect entertainment for any fan of the golden age of movie musicals. For tickets: monmouth.edu/mcu
MARCH 7TH
Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons
Count Basie Center for the Arts, Red Bank | 7:30 PM
The original “Jersey Boy,” Frankie Valli, is back in the Garden State with The Four Seasons for a new stop on their celebrated “The Last Encores Tour.” The group behind unforgettable hits like “Sherry,” “Walk Like a Man,” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” takes their celebrated sound to the local stage for a one-night engagement. For tickets: www.thebasie.org
BRING IN THIS AD FOR
*Cannot be combined with any
EYE CARE SERVICES CONTACT LENSES
DESIGNER EYEGLASSES & SUNGLASSES
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TRI-LINGUAL IN ENGLISH / PORTUGUESE / SPANISH
Brighton Eye Care
112 Brighton Avenue
Long Branch, NJ 07740
Phone: 732-870-1088
Advanced Eye Professionals
225 Gordons Corner Road, Suite 1C
Manalapan Township, NJ 07726
Phone: 732-792-9800
CONTINUED
MARCH 11TH
The Irish Tenors
Count Basie Center for the Arts, Red Bank | 7:30 PM
The Irish Tenors opened the door for countless Irish music groups to hit the United States and have proven to withstand the test of time. From their debut before an American audience in 1998, the trio has been welcomed by full houses and standing ovations from coast to coast. For tickets: www.thebasie.org
MARCH 28TH
Footloose: The Musical
Algonquin Arts Theatre, Manasquan | 8:00 PM
This explosive musical, based on the beloved, Kevin Bacon-fronted film, promises to take your breath away with its pulsating energy and engrossing story. With a chart-topping soundtrack featuring hits like “Footloose,” “Let’s Hear It for the Boy,” and “Holding Out for a Hero,” this high-energy production will get you out of your seat. For tickets: www.algonquinarts.org
MARCH 29TH
Crushed Rock
Max’s Bar & Grill, Long Branch 7:30 PM
From Fleetwood Mac to the Foo Fighters, this six-person rocks out with a sound that spans generations, from the 1970s to today. Stop by the Ocean Boulevard spot and sing your heart out with them - it’s encouraged!
Want to be featured?
Dr. Sergio Peneiras Dr. Erica L. O’Lenick
