Realm Designs Celebrates Anniversary with Crystal Giveaway

Realm Designs Inc. of Warren is marking 15 years of providing clients with award-winning designs by offering a special giveaway.

"Fifteen years is the crystal anniversary, so we're giving away a pair of crystal earrings," Sandra P. Lambert ASID, CID, owner of the studio said. To enter the contest, head to Realm Designs' Facebook page and click "Like." The winner will be selected at random on Sept. 1.

And while on the page, check out some of the tips Lambert shares and photos of her projects. Over the course of the studio's 15 years, she and her staff have undertaken numerous residential and commercial projects, some of which have been featured in such prestigious publications as Design NJ. She said the studio has expanded its services to include complete kitchen remodeling—not just design, but also guiding installations and finish work—to help simplify the projects for clients and to save money.

"Because we're really specialists in how people live (in their homes), it works very well," Lambert said.

She said the studio's contacts enable her to offer services many clients are surprised to learn are possible, such as custom upholstery or cabinetry.

"You can get it any way you want—if you want it higher, deeper or firmer, you can get it," she said. "And often cheaper."

She said because she works with woodworkers and upholsterers in New Jersey, she is able to obtain custom ordered work more quickly, with less shipping costs and overhead than regular retail vendors.

The studio launched in 1996 at 50 Mt. Bethel Road, but quickly outgrew the location and moved across the street to the current 1,900 sq. ft. studio at 51 Mt. Bethel Road.

Lambert, a graduate of University of Delaware and The Fashion Institute of Technology began her career in commercial design. During that time, almost 10 years, she designed for many Fortune 500 Companies including Merrill Lynch, Ciba Geigy, and Bristol Myers Squib. This valuable training gave her the knowledge and discipline that she carries over today, even in the smallest residential projects.

“Clients have asked me how I remember the smallest details on their projects," she said. "I tell them that with each project, I imagine myself as the client, immersed in the space. So it is as if, for a short time, it is my home or office.”

When asked if she prefers residential or commercial design, Lambert said: “It is nice to go back to how it all started in commercial design whether it is an office, doctors office or restaurant project. Commercial design is more tangible. The client can track their return on the investment.

"For example, a year after a major restaurant renovation, the client’s profits had increased almost 30 percent," she added. "This restaurant was in business for many years and never thought that the renovation would have such a great impact. Great food and an interior to match is their new recipe for success.”

What sets Lambert apart? It may just be her reputation for being honest, caring and a person people can count on. Lambert is a NJ Board Certified Interior Designer, recognized by the State of NJ as demonstrating her competence in the profession by passing a comprehensive examination. She writes a column for the local Warren Showcase called “Ask the Designer” where she answers questions on design problems from curious readers.

“She showed us ideas that were so creative and intelligent that we never would have thought of,” said Laura M. of Livingston NJ. “She never tried to
push anything on us that we didn't want, but made sure we saw all of our options. Her insight and sense of what works well together is amazing.”

Lambert sees a trend that more people are renovating their existing homes instead of moving to a new home. Consequently, many are choosing to renovate or upgrade kitchens and baths. To meet this demand Realm Designs has expanded its kitchen services to include overall project management, from measuring to ordering and installing cabinets/ custom built-ins.

Now, Realm can assure their designs are being executed according to their vision. They offer a variety of price points for cabinetry from builder’s standard to fully hand-crafted custom cabinetry with specialty finishes.

“I want to take the mystery out of the fully custom kitchen and offer it at a fair price,” she said. "It is the most complicated and expensive room in the home, so it is not a place you should skimp on helpful professional guidance.”

One of the biggest mistakes that she sees is that people call her when the building or plans are already under construction—it's best to get the
designer’s view on the project before changes are made.

“Believe me, in the end it saves a lot of headache and money if all of the ideas are on paper first before renovations start,” she added.

For more information, call the studio at 908-753-3939, or visit the website at www.RealmDesignsInc.com.