FLOORS AND MORE: “White and gray are favored in cabinet colors today, and also blueberry has become very popular. It has a warm, traditional look.” Christina Hughes (left), operations manager of Regent Flooring Kitchen & Bath and Kelli Long, kitchen and bath designer are shown in front of a handsome blueberry cabinet and with polished granite countertops in Regent’s spacious new showroom.

By Jean Stratton

Once upon a time, independently-owned family businesses were prominently present on the retail landscape. Unfortunately, that is no longer the norm, and it makes Regent Flooring Kitchen & Bath all the more special. It is a tribute to the outstanding reputation, knowledge, and skill of this company that it is one of a selected number of such businesses still going strong, and in addition, is now celebrating its 55th anniversary.

Established in 1963 by Felix Rossi and his partners, it is located in the Pennington Square Shopping Center in Pennington. It has a long history of satisfying customers who have remained loyal patrons over the years.

Regent’s clients cover a wide spectrum from residential to commercial to institutional. Included are Grounds For Sculpture, New Jersey Hospital Association, The Pennington School, Merrill Lynch, Chapin School, Princeton Theological Seminary, and Princeton University, among others.

“We have many regular and multi-generational customers,” notes owner Joe Rossi. “They know they can count on our service and the quality of our products.”

Complete Selection

Customers, who are from all over the Princeton and Pennington area, find a complete selection of floor coverings, including carpet and area rugs, hardwood, ceramic tile, stone, marble, slate, vinyl, and laminates. Regent carries a wide range of products including the finest lines in all categories.

“We are set apart not only by the quality of our product, but because we sell, install, and service it,” points out Rossi. Regent is also known for carpet, tile, and grout cleaning, he adds. “Carpets should have a professional cleaning every 18 months and every three or four years for tile. We also do rug binding and repair, and we refinish older hardwood floors or replace them. It’s important to maintain the beauty of the natural wood floors.”

In the case of hardwood floors, customers often select area rugs to cover them rather than wall-to-wall carpets, and these area rugs can be customized to the client’s needs and style.

Wall-to-wall carpet continues to be popular in bedrooms, and there are many colors, textures, and styles from which to choose. Rugs are often in wool and nylon, and there are also pet-friendly fabrics available, which can be easy to clean and maintain.

“We will always help suggest the best rug for the function,” notes operations manager Christina Hughes.

As the company has evolved and expanded, it has really become a one-stop destination, especially by virtue of its remodeling and renovation capabilities. Its kitchen and bath remodels have become an increasingly important part of the business, and the company has recently added a spacious new showroom, spotlighting the vast variety of kitchen and bath designs and products available.

Designs and Styles

“We are very excited to offer our expanded showroom to better serve our customers,” says Rossi. “It features kitchen and bathrooms and shows many possibilities of designs and styles.”

The possibilities indeed seem limitless. Cabinets, countertops, flooring, and wall choices abound. With so many options, the selection process can be challenging, and helping customers with advice is a Regent priority, reports Hughes. “We enjoy helping people. We advise clients and work within their budget and style.

“We also do everything — the designs, installation, providing cabinets, countertops, etc. We have a full-time carpenter on staff, and we will provide the plumbers and electricians for the project.”

Among countertops, natural quartz is popular right now, she points out. “It is stain resistant and more durable. There are many looks, colors, and patterns with interesting designs, such as the ‘waterfall’ effect. Quartz can also have different textures — polished, tumbled, or honed.”

Granite is another popular choice for countertops, and Hughes notes that it has become more economical today, “even less than Corian and laminates. It offers value and performance.”

Regent offers a wide price range in all areas, she adds, including cabinets. Among the quality brands available are Fieldstone, Kabinart, Canyon Creek, and WoodPro. Different price levels are provided among all the brands.

New Developments

New developments and advances in the products appear all the time, she reports. Soft-close drawers and various roll-outs and pull-out trays are very popular today. “These make your kitchen so accessible, functional, and convenient.”

Flooring, of course, is a Regent specialty, and as with cabinets, the choices are extensive and varied. “LVT — Luxury Vinyl Tile — is very popular now, and it can have different looks,” explains Hughes. “It can look like wood, tile, or stone, and it is very easy to maintain. LVT Hex Tile (with six sides) is also a favorite.”

The diversity of the tile products is truly incredible, with porcelain, stone, and marble all available, not only for floors but for walls as well. Regent’s selection of man-made and natural tile comes from all over the world. The color and pattern range is huge, with choices for every house decor and design.

Porcelain tile and marble can be especially popular in the bathroom, and many styles are found today, reports Hughes. Also, she points out, “Freestanding tubs are often seen today, and in addition, we can change tub areas into showers. Vessel sinks are another interesting choice, offering an alternative look which can make a statement.”

Traditional and Modern

She notes that in both the kitchen and bathroom, blending a traditional and modern style is becoming a popular look.

In addition to the many flooring products for which Regent has long been known, it also offers a variety of window treatments, from shades to shutters, and in many styles and designs. Cordless, pleated, vertical, and room darkening are all available.

Providing customers with such a wide array of quality products and also the opportunity to create a new look in their kitchen or bath remains a Regent priority, notes Hughes.

“I love seeing the final product and watching the homeowners’ enjoyment when they see their vision come to life. Over the years, styles have changed, and also the function of the products and what they can do. We look forward to introducing all the new products and showing customers our new showroom. We have a wonderful display to help them discover all the possibilities.”

Regent is open Monday, Tuesday, and Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday 9 to 8, and Saturday 10 to 4. (609) 737-2466. Website: regentfloorcovering.com.