What Is Millhurst Design Center?
How did Millhurst Design Center come to life? Millhurst Mills, Inc. is a family-owned and operated full-service home improvement center established in 1925 by Bernard Hochberg, situated lakeside on 15 acres in Manalapan, NJ. Originally purchased as a grist mill for wheat, grain, and flour, Millhurst Mills was the local social gathering place for farmers to have a drink, talk about pricing and activities as they weighed and sold their grain, or purchased animal feed. In the 1930s Millhurst Mills expanded into a substantial lumberyard, and by the early 1960s, it was an innovative full-blown “Home Improvement Center.” In 1973, Millhurst Mills became one of the first Ace Hardware dealers in the area. Hochberg’s three sons—Sam, Art, and Ben—ran the business during this time
Sam Hochberg’s son, Bernard ‘Nardie’ Hochberg took over operations in 1985 and developed the wholesale and import side of the company with a heavy concentration on salvage material and auctions. He also expanded the retail lumber operation to include Benjamin Moore paint, decking, moldings, vanities, and kitchen cabinets. Millhurst Mills has historically been known as one of NJ’s best-kept secrets by contractors and bargain hunters alike looking for stock or closeout cabinets, tile, and building materials. After hurricane Sandy in 2012, the stock kitchen business at Millhurst Mills exploded with contractor and homeowner emergency rebuilds. Nardie asked his daughter, Karen Hochberg Barnes, a custom cabinetry designer then living in Scarsdale, New York to help out.
As Millhurst Mills began to offer field-measuring appointments and design services, Barnes felt that they should be providing an alternative “shopping” experience – a comfortable and more upscale kitchen and bath showroom environment for the expanded clientele now requiring design services that complements the already existing building materials business. Millhurst Design Center is the realization of this concept. In 2017, Millhurst Design Center (MDC) opened as a dazzling interactive showroom connected to the retail operations at street level. It includes custom and semi-custom cabinetry made in the USA, higher-end tiles, and kitchen and bath accessories. Millhurst Trading Warehouse continues to sell stock cabinets to contractors and homeowners who do not need design services. Millhurst Mills has returned to its roots as a social gathering place for neighbors and customers by hosting seminars, demonstrations, networking events, BBQs, and contractor-appreciation days.
Our Goal at Millhurst Design Center
The goal of designers at MDC is to provide creative and functional personalized design services for kitchens, baths, and living spaces perfect for every lifestyle and price range. Catering to homeowners, contractors, interior designers, and architects, we specialize in full project coordination from conception to completion. We are also happy to assist with partial projects such as a kitchen backsplash, bath vanities, cabinet hardware refresh, custom bars, laundry rooms, and much more!
Showroom
MDC is a state-of-the-art, 5000 square foot retail showroom featuring a variety of kitchen and bath vignettes, cabinetry sample/conference room, plus a large tile display room. Schedule your complimentary consultation with one of our talented designers and let us make your renovation an effortless and satisfying experience.
Meet The Team
Krystina, a Monmouth County native, is a talented designer who earned her Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts/Interior Design from Kean University. With over 15 years of experience in the design industry, she has honed her skills in various areas, including bath design, tile design, kitchen design, and exterior design. Krystina's passion lies in helping clients bring their dream spaces to life, providing expert guidance, and utilizing her knowledge of tile, color, and functionality to create designs that truly reflect their unique style. With her step-by-step approach, Krystina ensures that every client achieves their vision and enjoys spaces that are both visually stunning and functional. Shreya is a highly accomplished designer with a passion for creating spaces that people love. She holds an Associate's degree in Interior Design from Berkeley College, NJ, and an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering from Goa University, India. Specializing in modern, transitional, and traditional kitchen design, Shreya have over ten years of experience in the industry and has been an integral part of Millhurst Design Center since its opening in 2017. Her exceptional skills have been recognized, with achievements such as placing second in transitional kitchen design from Teddwood Fine Cabinetry and having one of her kitchens featured in the prestigious Little Silver Kitchen Tour. With great car, attention to detail, and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Shreya guides clients on a transformative journey to create beautiful and happy homes. With over 20 years of experience, Laurie is a skilled designer specializing in kitchen and bathroom design and assisting with interior design and project coordination. Laurie's attention to detail and dedication to staying up-to-date with the latest design trends allow her to create functional and stylish spaces. She takes pride in working closely with clients, understanding their unique needs and desires to ensure they receive the space and functionality they deserve. From concept to completion, Laurie's expertise and commitment to client satisfaction shines through, delivering exceptional results for kitchen and bathroom renovations. Donna brings over 20 years of experience in Interior Design and Decor to her tile design expertise. She helps clients create personalized spaces that reflect their vision and individuality. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for transforming environments, Donna crafts captivating designs that breathe new life into any project. Her commitment to exceptional client experiences ensures a seamless journey from concept to completion, resulting in visually stunning spaces that embody her client's unique style and vision.
Krystina Farraye Lancaster
Showroom Manager & Designer
Shreya Kirtani
Kitchen & Bath Designer
Laurie Metten
Kitchen & Bath Designer
Donna Tritto
Sales & Design
Donna, a Manalapan resident and an accomplished Interior Designer, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her craft. With an Associate's Degree in Interior Design and over 20 years in the industry, she has honed her skills in both commercial and residential design. As an active member of the New Jersey chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers, Donna stays connected to the latest trends and best practices in the field. Her dedication to exceeding client expectations ensures that each project is executed with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to creating spaces that inspire and delight. Meet Kathy, a seasoned design professional with over 25 years of experience. Holding an Associate Degree in Interior Design, Kathy specializes in faux finishes, paint and wallcovering selection, custom window treatments, and tile & flooring. She takes pride in crafting beautiful spaces that reflect her clients' unique preferences. With Kathy's expertise, your dream space is just a consultation away.
Donna Zeoli
Sales & Design
Kathy Messina
Showroom Assistant
