Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2004 3:08 PM
Subject: Re: [workmom] help w/ picking out cabinetry & lighting... compiled list

Compiled List of Reasonably Priced Decorators for Bathroom Remodeling
 
My decorator is very good, Irene Reilly 908-272-3756.  Also, the wife of
a colleague of mine has her own design business in Short Hills, Kristine
Casey 973-467-0791.
 
My decorator is wonderful and lives in Short Hills -- Call Ina Wallman
@973.769.3993.   (2 recommendations for her)
 
Harvey Sinins at HLS Interiors  (973) 669-5742

had a good experience with Judy Rakow at the Bath Connection in town.
She helped us with everything but tile which we had already purchased
at Worlwide Carpet and Wholesale in Edison.

Gail Barrison, in Springfield.  Mention the Mitlaks.  Good luck
Lauren Meisner in Short Hills  973-467-5559     She will charge by the
hour if you want and very reasonable.  Can also get some things
wholesale etc.
 
Mary-Anne Hayes also owns her own interior design store in Montclair
called Maison (123 Walnut Street).  Mary-Anne can be reached on her cell
phone:  973-517-1424.  Store hours are Wed-Sat.

I had to comment about one recommendation.  I could NOT recommend Judy
Rakow at the Bath Connection.  I recently added a master bathroom and
every delay and problem was due to the Bath Connection.  I ordered my
tub from them so they knew the size.  Judy ordered a spout that was too
short so the plumber couldnt test the Jacuzzi and wouldnt seal it until
it was tested.  I had to wait 5 weeks for the new spout.  Then I
received the shower handles which were not the ones I had selected.  I
returned them and was told I had to wait another 6 weeks since they
were coming from Brassworks in CA.  After a 6 week wait, the same ones
which I had returned were delivered again.  I again went to Bath
Connection and gave them back to them and complained.  This time they
put a rush order so I received them in a couple of days.  Then I was
missing my shower head which they told me was delivered.  I had to fight
with them and then go to their Maplewood factory to pick up the shower
head.
    I had nothing but headaches with the Bath Connection.  After all my
complaints, they ended up billing me for duplicate parts which I 
given back to them.  Not only were they disorganized, but they 
weren't nice.  When I was dealing with Judy and was trying to decide
which faucet to pick, she told me, “It’s not like you’re 
selecting a kidney.  It’s just a faucet.”  I would never 
use them again.  
    I chose Bath Connection because they were close by, but I never 
expected to make as many trips there as was needed.  
    Good luck.

I also had similar bad experience using Bathroom Connection.