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Renew Your Smile,
Refresh Your Confidence.
Dr. Mark I. Khaimov, D.D.S. At MK Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, Dr. Mark Khaimov provides cutting-edge periodontal care in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Specializing in dental implants, gum health, and jaw support, Dr. Khaimov uses advanced treatments like Teeth-in-a-Day (All-on-4 ®), Pinhole Surgical Technique, Laser Gum Therapy (LANAP ®), and Piezosurgery to address everything from early gum disease to complex tooth loss. Conveniently located in Nutley and Florham Park, we proudly serve Essex and Morris County, offering personalized care with respect and compassion. Discover the difference expert periodontal care can make for your smile. Our Mission & Promise to Patients: “From dental implants and cosmetics to gum disease, our mission is to rejuvenate our patients’ smiles making sure that they return to the quality of life that they deserve.” - Dr. Mark Khaimov.
131 C O L U M B I A T U R N P I K E SUITE 2 FLORHAM PARK, NJ 973-313-5 619 SCHEDULE YOUR C O N S U LTAT I O N TO DAY AT W W W.MK PE RIONJ.COM
LIFESTYLE LETTER
January 2026 – Our Health & Wellness Issue
January 2026 PUBLISHER
John Meyer | john.meyer@citylifestyle.com CO-PUBLISHER
Ana Meyer | ana.meyer@citylifestyle.com
For many of us, this time of year is full of excitement. It presents us with a reset, new horizons and goals to pursue. We approached this issue from a mindset of not supplying quick fixes to check boxes in the short term but valuing what is sustainable over the long haul. We wanted to provide inspiration for making lasting, realistic, long-term improvements to your physical, emotional, dental and overall health. This year we look forward to being the best version of ourselves that we can be, including being great parents, family and community members and friends. When it comes to anything in life - business, finance, food, home and personal health – it’s not what you do some days that move the needle - it’s what you do MOST days. For better or worse! For instance, taking a vacation every day would be financially and practically unfeasible, but taking a trip a few times a year is doable. Having a beautiful steak dinner with a few cocktails and creme brulee every night for dinner isn’t best for your health, but doing so once in a while might be fine! It’s not the sometimes choices we make, it’s the most of the time choices. So plan the vacation and work to establish more regular rest in your work week. It’s not what you do some days - it’s what you do most days that will lead to a more peaceful, filling and fabulous 2026. Here’s to you! Wishing you a healthy and happy New Year!
M AN AG I N G E D I TO R
Ana Meyer | ana.meyer@citylifestyle.com S O C I AL M E D I A C O O R D I N ATO R S
Stephany Aznar, Ben Meyer AC C O U N T M AN AG E R
Kelsey Harper CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Brian Boyer, Benjamin Meyer C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R
Chris Jorda Photography
Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry COO David Stetler CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Rachel Otto LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
JOHN MEYER, PUBLISHER & ANA MEYER, CO-PUBLISHER @ C H AT H A M S H O R T H I L L S
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Chatham & Short Hills City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Chatham & Short Hills area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect
Visit our Instagram C I T Y L I F E S T Y L E . C O M / C H AT H A M A N D S H O R T H I L L S
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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R
Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Chatham & Short Hills City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
inside the issue JANUARY 20 2 6 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S
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Featured
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Sisters Shaping Smiles
Drs. Amie and Purvy Shah combine family, innovation and patient-focused care to create a warm, modern dental experience for all ages
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Beauty Meets Wellness
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Have A Fresh New Year!
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Design Your Calm
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A refreshing visit to Glaze Salon shows how self-care, great hair, and warm hospitality can transform your mood and reset your entire day.
Nutritious and delicious flavored water infused with antioxidants and vitamins for a healthier you!
Organized closets and storage transform routines—and your well-being.
22 On the Cover
Departments
Glaze salon, owner Cindi Galiher. https:// glazesalon.com/
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Lifestyle Letter
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Local’s Choice HEALTH + WELLNESS
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Inspired By BEAUTY
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Culinary Creations FOOD + BEVERAG E
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Healthy Lifestyle HEALTH + WELLNESS
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Home Update HOME + DESIGN
Where Beautiful Hair Is Just the Beginning Experience the GLAZE difference—and meet the newest reason to love us even more. We’re thrilled to welcome Maria Santiago as our new Salon Manager. With over 30 years of expertise in hairstyling and salon leadership, Maria brings passion, precision, and a natural gift for making every client feel radiant. Come say hello, sip a coffee in our cozy lounge, and discover why Maria is such an exceptional addition to the GLAZE Salon family. From expert cuts to dimensional color, Brazilian blowouts, extensions, lashes, and nails, to a curated retail shop full of great gifts—GLAZE offers more than just beauty. We offer an experience.
#Glazeamazing #GlazeSalonChatham Find the Right Service & Book An Appointment Today! www.glazesalon.com | 973-701-0099 | V @glaze.salon.nj | 7 Townsquare, Chatham, New Jersey
“I didn’t choose hairdressing — hairdressing chose me. It’s what I was meant to do.” - Maria Santiago
SISTERS SH A PING SMILES
Dr. Purvy Shah & Dr. Amie Shah
ARTICLE BY BRIAN BOYER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS JORDA PHOTOGRAPHY
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LOCA L’S CH OICE | HEALT H + WE LLN E SS
DRS. AMIE AND PURVY SHAH COMBINE FAMILY, INNOVATION AND PATIENT-FOCUSED CARE TO CREATE A WARM, MODERN DENTAL EXPERIENCE FOR ALL AGES
For Drs. Amie Shah and Purvy Shah, dentistry isn’t just a profession—it’s a shared calling, a family mission and a passion that began long before they opened the doors of The Smile Den in Florham Park. Though only a year and a half apart, both sisters knew early on that healthcare was their path. Dr. Amie began working for her orthodontist at age 16, drawn to the opportunity to help people, particularly children, while Dr. Purvy initially pursued pre-med but quickly realized dentistry offered the perfect combination of patient care, relationship building and engineering precision. Their shared dedication to improving lives and creating positive experiences would become the foundation of their practice. “Pediatric dentistry was a natural choice for me,” Dr. Amie says. “I was always so fearful of dentists as a kid that I wanted to give back in a field where I could help shape positive experiences for future generations. Being around kids all the time and creating a place where they can feel comfortable and excited about coming to the dentist was key. We wanted children to look forward to their visits instead of feeling nervous or anxious.” Dr. Purvy adds, “I love that dentistry allows me to see patients regularly over time and get to know their families. I also enjoy the technical aspects—how teeth and bites come together. It’s problem-solving in a very tangible way. You get to see the results of your work in a way that really impacts someone’s life, and that’s incredibly rewarding.” The Smile Den is thoughtfully designed to reflect their philosophy. Every element, from treatment rooms to play areas, was created with families in mind. TVs on the ceiling, fun toys and a warm, modern aesthetic aim to make visits enjoyable rather than intimidating. “We wanted the decor to have a timeless feel so kids can grow with the practice and always feel comfortable while also CONTINUED >
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appealing to parents,” Dr. Amie says. “Kids now walk in excited, while teaching them early habits in a fun, approachable way. It’s about creating a positive, lasting impression that encourages good oral health for life.” Technology is another cornerstone of The Smile Den. “We’ve embraced digital dentistry,” Dr. Purvy explains. “Digital scanners allow us to convert scans into appliances quickly and accurately, streamline our processes and stay fully organized without paper charts. It ultimately allows us to deliver better care to our patients and spend more time focused on their needs rather than administrative tasks.” Dr. Amie highlights how these tools empower patients: “We can show kids and parents scans of their teeth today and what the final result will look like. It’s exciting and educational. Children and parents both appreciate seeing the progress and understanding what we’re doing and why—it makes them active participants in their own care.” The Smile Den offers a comprehensive range of services, focusing on early orthodontic intervention and age-appropriate care. “We emphasize getting kids in the door by age 7,” Dr. Purvy says. “That’s when first orthodontic evaluations should happen. Addressing issues early makes treatment easier and more effective. For teens, we provide metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign options, guided by American Association of Orthodontists recommendations. We aim to make sure every patient gets the treatment best suited for their specific needs and goals.” Working side by side has allowed the sisters to create a unique culture at The Smile Den. “Having a trustworthy family member to collaborate with is amazing,” Dr. Amie says. “We’ve always been close—best friends even—and now we get to combine our different strengths and specialties for the benefit of our patients. There’s a level of collaboration and mutual support that simply can’t be replicated.” Dr. Purvy agrees: “We trained in different programs, so it’s valuable to have someone with a different perspective. It helps us grow professionally and gives our patients more confident, well-rounded care. It’s also fun—we genuinely enjoy working together every day.” Beyond treatment, The Smile Den emphasizes patient education and partnership. Dr. Amie describes their approach: “We’ve built a boutique-style practice where we spend time with each patient, share tips on what to eat and reinforce good habits through follow-ups and social media engagement. It’s about creating a supportive environment that goes beyond the exam chair.” Dr. Purvy adds, “We treat oral health as a family journey. By working together with patients and their parents, we ensure the best results. It’s truly a team effort, and we want every patient and family to feel like they’re part of that team.” Every decision at The Smile Den, from the office layout to the digital workflows, reflects the sisters’ dedication to creating a space that grows with their patients and supports long-term oral health. By combining cutting-edge technology, thoughtful design and a family-centered approach, Dr. Amie and Dr. Purvy Shah are not just fixing teeth—they’re shaping confident smiles, instilling lifelong healthy habits, and making the dental experience something families genuinely look forward to. Visit www.thesmiledennj.com
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LOCA L’S CH OICE | HEALT H + WE LLN E SS
Dr. Amie Shah
Dr. Purvy Shah
Kids waiting and reading area.
Thoughtfully designed treatment room with a dedicated parent seating and table area.
"WE AIM TO MAKE S U R E E V E RY PAT I E N T G E T S T H E T R E AT M E N T BE S T SUITED FOR THEIR S PE C I F IC N E E D S .”
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ARTICLE BY BENJAMIN MEYER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS JORDA PHOTOGRAPHY
BEAUTY MEETS WELLNESS Cindi Galiher, owner, Glaze Salon
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I NSP IR E D BY | BEAUTY
A R E F R E S H I N G V I S I T T O G L A Z E S A L O N S H O W S H O W S E L F - C A R E , G R E AT H A I R , A N D W A R M H O S P I TA L I T Y C A N T R A N S F O R M Y O U R M O O D A N D R E S E T Y O U R E N T I R E D AY.
Maria Santiago, salon manager and stylist
As someone who has spent time interviewing local business leaders and professionals, I’m always drawn to stories about places that deliver more than the services they advertise. So, when I spoke with Ana Meyer, a busy entrepreneur and mom of three kids, who told me she walked out of Glaze Salon in Chatham feeling “like she had taken a mini-vacation,” I wanted to understand what made this salon experience so uniquely restorative. I sat down with her to learn more—because in January, when everyone is focused on health and wellness, perhaps part of the answer starts somewhere a little unexpected: at your favorite salon. “When I walked in,” Ana told me, “I felt completely overwhelmed. I just hadn’t had a minute to myself.” She had a scheduled appointment for highlights and a blowout, but what surprised her most was how mentally refreshing the visit became. She described the moment she stepped inside. “The receptionist greeted me with the warmest smile. It’s something Glaze is known for—this feeling that you’re walking into a place where everyone is genuinely happy to see you.”
That welcoming energy is intentional, and it begins with the salon’s owner, Cindi Galiher. With over 20 years in the cosmetics industry, Cindi brings a refined eye for beauty and a deep passion for helping people feel confident, radiant, and effortlessly polished. But what truly shapes the salon’s atmosphere is her guiding philosophy: “Relationship Before Task.” Human connection first—hair second. Ana said the experience began instantly. “They handed me this delicious cappuccino,” she recalled, smiling. “They make it with a gorgeous professional espresso machine—honestly, it looks like it belongs in an Italian café. And they served it with a mini biscotti.” Clients can also choose wine, a mimosa, a bellini, seltzer, or even a beer. Cindi’s commitment to maintaining a warm, elevated environment extends to her talent selection. One of the salon’s newest additions is Maria Santiago, Glaze’s new manager as well as a stylist and colorist. “She’s just so talented,” Cindi shared. “Her mantra is, ‘I didn’t choose hairdressing, hairdressing chose me.’” CONTINUED >
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Another exciting addition is Eric Pizzi, a stylist specializing in hair extensions and makeup, adding even more depth to the services Glaze offers. As Ana settled into her chair with her cappuccino, she felt the stress she’d been holding begin to ease. “There’s something about letting someone else take over for a while,” she said. “Maria is amazing—we talked about work, life, everything. It was very relaxing.” During her processing time, she browsed the salon’s curated retail shelves. “I love their NEST and LAFCO New York aromatherapy candles and diffusers,” she said. Her favorite is the LAFCO’s ‘Paloma Melon’ diffuser, which she keeps on her office desk. “It’s subtle and calming.” When it was time for her blowout, she described it as the final step in her reset. “By the time Maria finished, I felt lighter… not just because my hair looked amazing. It was like the weight
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O PE N H OU SE | HO ME + D E SIGN
I’d been carrying around lifted. Walking out fully refreshed changes your whole mindset.” Glaze also offers professional makeup services for those who want an extra finishing touch. By the end of our conversation, one thing was clear: Ana didn’t just get her hair done. She experienced a genuine wellness reset. “In January, people think wellness only means going to the gym or eating healthy,” she said. “But taking time to reset your mind is just as important.” From Italian-style cappuccinos to uplifting conversations, luxe aromatherapy, and exceptional beauty services, Glaze Salon creates an atmosphere designed to help clients relax, recharge, and return to their lives feeling polished and mentally renewed. In the New Year, Glaze stands as a reminder that selfcare isn’t indulgent—it’s essential. Visit https://glazesalon.com/ and experience the magic of Glaze.
THE GLAZE SALON RESET
Eric Pizzo, make up artist and stylist
Maria Santiago, salon manager and stylist
• A welcoming, wellness-focused salon experience that feels like a “mini-vacation.” • Signature hospitality: Italianstyle cappuccinos, mimosas, wine, and more. • Owner Cindi Galiher’s guiding philosophy: “Relationship Before Task.” • Expert talent, including stylist-manager Maria Santiago and extension specialist Eric Pizzi. • Curated aromatherapy favorites like NEST and LAFCO enhancing relaxation. • Clients leave feeling refreshed, uplifted, and mentally reset— far beyond great hair.
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ARTICLE BY ANA MEYER PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
HAVE A FRESH NEW YEAR! NUTRITIOUS AND DELICIOUS FLAVORED WATER INFUSED
WITH ANTIOXIDANTS AND VITAMINS FOR A HEALTHIER YOU!
If there is one change you can make for your overall health, it is to drink more water! Our bodies need water. Water helps fuel every cell, tissue, and organ, keeps you hydrated, and helps with weight loss, healthy skin, bone health, and digestion. Take it to the next level and create infusion beverages by mixing and adding these ingredients to your water. Fruits, vegetables, and herbs are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals. You will love the flavors and the added health benefits!
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BLUEBERRY & ORANGE INFUSED WATER:
STRAWBERRY & ORANGE INFUSED WATER:
INGREDIENTS • 1 ½ cups of blueberries • ½ cup sliced thin orange rounds • 8 cups filtered water
INGREDIENTS • 1 ½ cups of diced strawberries • ½ cup sliced thin orange rounds • 8 cups filtered water
DIRECTIONS Pour ingredients into a pitcher. Refrigerate for 3 hours.
DIRECTIONS Pour ingredients into a pitcher. Refrigerate for 3 hours.
C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE
ORANGE, LEMON & LIME INFUSED WATER:
CUCUMBER, LEMON, AND MINT INFUSED WATER:
INGREDIENTS • ¼ cup sliced thin lemon rounds • ¼ cup sliced thin lime rounds • ½ cup sliced thin orange rounds • 8 cups filtered water
INGREDIENTS • 1 cup of sliced thin cucumber rounds • ½ cup sliced thin lemon or lime rounds • 10 mint leaves • 8 cups filtered water
DIRECTIONS Pour ingredients into a pitcher. Refrigerate for 3 hours.
DIRECTIONS Pour ingredients into a pitcher. Refrigerate for 3 hours. CONTINUED >
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BENEFITS: • Blueberries: Low in sugar and high in antioxidants, blueberries are very nutrient-dense and contain fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K and Manganese. They can help with bones, skin, and blood pressure health. • Cucumbers: Cucumbers are about 95 percent water, have antioxidants that help lower blood pressure, contain vitamin A and are high in vitamin K. • Lemon/limes: Both are high in vitamin C, an antioxidant, which can benefit your skin, blood pressure and immune system. • Mint leaves: Mint’s anti-inflammatory properties can help your digestion, fresh breath and are rich in nutrients and antioxidants. • Oranges: Loaded with vitamin C, which can help your skin and immune system. They are anti-inflammatory and have potassium which can help with blood pressure levels and calcium for healthy bones. • Strawberries: Are loaded with antioxidants, low in sugar, may help improve blood sugar and cholesterol, and inflammation. Strawberries are rich in phytochemicals, vitamin C, vitamin A and Potassium. Try these delicious and healthy recipes or choose your ingredients and create your own!
“You will love the flavors and the added health benefits!” 24
C ULIN A RY C R E AT ION S | F OOD + BE VE RAGE
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&
ARTICLE BY APRIL SCHULTE-BARCLAY
Values Is the most important key to living a full and healthy life hiding from you? There are many factors to consider when thinking about what constitutes health. The food we eat, exercise, environmental influences, our emotions, and our spiritual awareness are all pillars of health. However, there is one factor that tops the list which often goes unspoken; living in alignment with your value system. Defining values helps a person to structure their life based on personal belief systems by determining what is most meaningful and important to them. From there, a sense of purpose is derived and defined values become tenets from which to live. There are plentiful examples of values, and they vary from person to person. Some examples of values include family, humility, benevolence, leadership, kindness, independence, creativity, and adventure. Our emotions serve to guide us to understanding whether our actions are in alignment with our values. When we live incongruently with our value system, we are betraying ourselves and delivering a subconscious message that we do not matter. Emotions that can come from not living in accordance with our values are based in fear and include anxiety, depression, anger, resentment,
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H EA LT H Y LIF E ST Y LE | H E ALT H + WE LLN E SS
Health
and jealousy. Living from a place of fear tends to foster bad habits such as addictive behavior, poor dietary choices, negative sleep habits, and unhealthy relationships. Physiologically, the natural flow of energy in the body becomes stuck, wreaking havoc in the body physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. From there, symptoms and illness ensue. However, when we love and respect ourselves enough, we will spend our time and energy according to our values and emotions where love becomes more prevalent. Those emotions include gratitude, joy, peace, comfort, connection, trust, and happiness. Living from love leads to a desire, willingness and commitment to engage in activities that fulfill our sense of purpose. By doing so, our body’s energy moves with ease. When our energy flows freely, we feel vital, healthy, purposeful, and joyful. Identifying our values becomes easier when we create space in our lives to understand what brings us meaning in life. Here are five steps to create space to aid in identifying your values:
5. Speak your values out loud
1. Grounding/Earthing I have experienced it myself and I hear so many others share a similar experience, that being in nature is healing. Getting our hands into the earth with gardening, walking along the beach, taking a hike, or even lying in the grass brings an almost indescribable sense of well-being. Connecting with the earth’s electrical charge is thought to aid in pain reduction, modulate the immune system, and reduce inflammation. It also can lead to feeling more centered, allowing us to focus on what is most important to us.
There are many benefits to literally speaking our truths and discussing our values out loud with a trusted confidant. Bouncing ideas and having meaningful discussions can help us determine our framework and organize our thinking. Sometimes friends and family may not provide the most objective perspectives and professional counseling or life coaching may be more appropriate, while at other times a friend or family member is the most perfect fit! When we live in alignment with our values, we are honoring ourselves in the most self-loving way. From there, our vibrancy shines to our loved ones, our neighbors and even strangers we see out and about. It becomes not only the best gift you can give yourself, but that of our community. So cheers to 2026, let’s make this the best year yet!
2. Meditation/prayer Setting your intentions in quiet solitude using meditation or prayer provides clarity. Meditation may seem overwhelming, but you can make it simple by not expecting perfection in the process. I suggest finding guided meditations online that grab your attention. Try various guided meditations until you find one that feels right.
3. Exercise In addition to the more obvious benefits of exercise, it temporarily unblocks stagnation thereby creating space for objectivity.
4. Journaling Getting thoughts on paper helps clarify intentions.
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Design your Calm ORGANIZED CLOSETS AND STOR AGE TR ANSFOR M ROUTINES—AND YOUR WELL-BEING.
ARTICLE BY BEN MEYER | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
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A new year has a way of nudging us toward fresh starts— healthier routines, clearer schedules, calmer homes, and a deeper sense of balance. While many wellness goals revolve around workouts and nutrition, one of the most impactful lifestyle upgrades actually begins at home… inside the very storage spaces you open every day. Closets. Pantries. Laundry rooms. Linen closets. Playrooms. Even the garage. When these everyday spaces feel cluttered or chaotic, it quietly affects your mood, your routine, and your peace of mind. But when they’re thoughtfully designed and beautifully organized? Your entire life moves with more ease. Interior designer Nisha Varma (nvluxeinteriors.com) says it perfectly: “When your home is organized, your
mind follows. It’s one of the simplest forms of self-care— and one of the most overlooked.” This is why so many local homeowners are turning to One Day Doors and Closets of North Jersey—a one-stop solution for transforming every storage space in your home with custom organization systems designed around how you actually live. WELLNESS THAT STARTS BEHIND THE DOORS Clutter—even behind closed doors—creates an undercurrent of stress. Misplaced shoes, overstuffed shelves, tangled accessories, and “mystery” bins all chip away at your time and energy. The principles of Feng Shui support this too: clutter blocks energy flow, while clean, CONTINUED >
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structured spaces invite harmony and calm. When your home breathes, you breathe better. As Varma explains, “When a space is designed thoughtfully, it supports your routine. It turns daily chaos into daily calm.” CUSTOM ORGANIZATION FOR EVERY ROOM (NOT JUST CLOSETS!) One Day Doors and Closets of North Jersey helps homeowners get organized in every corner of their home—not just primary closets. Imagine the transformation of: • Closets: Custom shelves, drawers, pull-out hampers, jewelry inserts, angled shoe shelves, tie and belt racks, mirrors, wardrobes lifts (motorized or manual), and display lighting that makes every morning feel effortless. • Pantries: Pull-out shelves, specialized food storage zones, and snack stations that simplify healthy eating. • Laundry Rooms: Fold-down ironing boards, drying rods, built-in hampers, and clever cabinetry. • Linen Closets: Space for towels, bedding, and guest essentials. • Playrooms: Toy storage and kid-friendly systems that help families stay tidy. • Garages: Wall systems, tool storage, sporting-goods zones, and durable cabinetry.
Pull down clothing rod
Whether it’s a small hallway closet or a dream walk-in, the team creates systems that bring beauty, function, and calm into your everyday life. THE LATEST ORGANIZATION TRENDS (AND WHY YOU’LL WANT THEM) If you haven’t explored custom closet systems recently, this year’s features are truly inspiring: • Lighted shelves that spotlight your wardrobe • Valet rods for staging outfits • Pull-out hampers that hide laundry and simplify sorting • Drawer inserts for jewelry, sunglasses, watches, belts, and more • Fold-down ironing boards neatly hidden away • Pull-out belt and tie racks for boutique-style displays • Built-in mirrors to simplify outfit checks • Motorized and non-motorized wardrobe lifts that make high rods accessible
Shelf with built in lighting
“These small touches change the way you live every day,” Varma says. “They’re functional, beautiful, and incredibly satisfying.” WHY WORK WITH ONE DAY DOORS AND CLOSETS OF NORTH JERSEY While closet and storage systems exist everywhere, the experience of working with the designers at One Day Doors and Closets truly sets them apart. HERE’S WHAT LOCAL HOMEOWNERS LOVE MOST: • Personalized Design Expertise Their designers take the time to understand your lifestyle, habits, and goals—not just the measurements of your space. It’s a partnership, not a sales pitch. • A Beautiful, Large Showroom You can explore full-size closet displays, accessories, finishes, storage options, and more in person. Seeing designs firsthand helps spark ideas and ensures you’ll love the finished result.
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Sun glass insert tray
Laundry Room with Organized shelving
• A Mobile Design Center That Comes to You Don’t have time to visit the showroom? They bring the design experience right into your home—complete with samples, layout tools, and expert guidance. • 5-Star Google Reviews Their customers rave about the professionalism, quality of work, and supportive design experience from start to finish. • Quality Craftsmanship & Precise Installation Everything is tailored, installed cleanly, and built to last— with solutions for every budget and home style. • Nationally Recognized They’ve been featured on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and other home-improvement platforms, showcasing their expertise, innovation, and the beauty of their custom work.
feel intentional and peaceful, your routines become easier, your home feels lighter, and your days unfold with more joy. As Varma says, “Your environment affects your energy. When you create order, you create peace.”
ORGANIZATION AS AN ACT OF SELF-KINDNESS A beautifully organized home isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating an environment that supports the life you want. When your closets, pantry, garage, and storage spaces
Call: 973-307-0078 Website: onedaydoorsandclosets.com Here’s to a beautifully organized home—and a beautifully balanced new year.
THIS JANUARY, GIVE YOURSELF THE GIFT OF CALM If you’re ready for a fresh start, One Day Doors and Closets of North Jersey can help transform your home—and your daily life—through the power of organization. Whether you envision a dream closet, a smarter pantry, or a garage that finally makes sense, their team makes the process simple, enjoyable, and surprisingly fun. Explore their showroom or schedule an in-home design consultation today. Ask about their January special offers.
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