STYLISH SPACES
Picture-perfect kitchen and bath remodeling projects
A FRESH START
How to ensure your landscape is ready for spring
SWIM-MOR POOLS &
Custom designs that help elevate your backyard page 9
STYLISH SPACES
Picture-perfect kitchen and bath remodeling projects
FRESH START
How to ensure your landscape is ready for spring
9 More Than Swim-Mor Pools & Spas elevates backyard atmospheres with quality custom designs
10 New Season, New Landscape
Welcome the spring season with a new and improved landscape
15 Start Now
CLC Landscape Design shares why now is the right time to plan for spring
Organized
Closet Factory creates customized storage solutions that homeowners love
18 Exterior Enhancements
Improvements to the outside of the home can both boost curb appeal and increase value
22 Stylish Spaces
Inspiring kitchen and bath remodeling projects from across the region
PUBLISHER
Edward P. McCartney
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Peter Proko
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Lindsay Gonzalez
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“other than the increased popularity of adding more bells and whistles to the pool.”
More Than a Pool
Swim-Mor Pools & Spas elevates backyard atmospheres with quality custom designs
by Kristen Dowd
Swim-Mor Pools & Spas partner and general manager Mike McCool recognizes that there is a lot more that goes into a new pool than there used to be.
“The backyard has transformed over the last 10 years or so away from being just ‘your yard’ and into another room of your home with the same care and detail put into it,” McCool says. “Because of this the design of your pool has become more than just a pool but the focus of the outdoor living room. There is a lot of coordination with creating what a customer’s backyard haven is going to be.”
Fortunately, the family-owned South Jersey business is more than up to the challenge of bringing a customer’s backyard pool vision to life. In its 59 years of business, Swim-Mor Pools & Spas has helped to create thousands of backyard paradises throughout the region.
And what’s more, they make the process as easy as possible for their customers.
“We’re a start-to-finish gunite custom pool company—the design, the build and the service afterward,” McCool says. “We have our own crews that handle the work which helps us control quality and makes the process go smoother.”
There are six designers at Swim-Mor Pools & Spas who can help guide customers on a new pool design. The company’s countless photos and 3D drawings can provide inspiration, and the final design is what best suits the backyard, according to McCool.
“Size, setbacks, elevations. We’re here to help you work through that,” he says.
Finding the right pool
“The first step is to give us a call. From there we’ll set up an appointment to come out to your home,” McCool says. “That way we can see all the aspects of the property. What the contours of the yard are. What the access is like. Even the best location based on where the sun rises and sets.”
The timeline to get started is largely based on the homeowner and how decisive they are, McCool adds. Once everything is confirmed, things move to contract and Swim-Mor Pools & Spas starts working on permits.
“Time is of the essence. Permits can take from two weeks to several months, all depending on the municipality,” McCool says.
Pool popularity
Prior to March 2020, business was strong for Swim-Mor Pools & Spa. That was only boosted when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the region.
“The pool business was never busier than it was in COVID,” McCool says. “The lockdowns forced people to stay at home and they immediately focused on the backyard.”
Although that business boom has settled down a bit, things are still busy. But pool trends, according to McCool, have held fairly steady.
Hampton-style pools have long been a customer favorite, but equally popular are the freeform designs, which can be customized to fit into any backyard environment.
“Through COVID there have not been many significant changes in the industry,” McCool says,
Natural stone is popular for the coping along the pool’s edge, McCool says, as well as darker finishes in the pool. A majority of SwimMor Pools & Spa customers are using a salt sanitation system and automated controls in their new pools, as well as choosing to add water features—waterfalls, fountains, deck jets and plenty more. The company also offers many in- pool fixtures for lounging—bar stools and benches that can tie into your outdoor kitchen or can run inside the pool, along with table areas, sundecks for your lounge chairs and custom fire features. Color LED lighting packcome with every pool, too.
The majority of customers also choose elements to lengthen their pool-enjoying season, as heaters and spas. “It will extend your season by a few months,” McCool says.
Why Swim-Mor Pools & Spas?
Being a local family-owned independent business makes Swim-Mor Pools & Spas a smart choice for customers, according to McCool.
“We’re not national. We’re not a franchise. And we do not try to sell everything. Our expertise has been building custom gunite pools for 59 years and that’s what we focus on,” he says.
Save for a few aspects that are legally required to be outsourced to independent licensed contractors, Swim-Mor Pools & Spas uses all of their own crews for the pool construction, which McCool says is unique for the pool business.
In addition to building new pools, SwimMor Pools & Spas also specializes in renovating gunite pools. The experienced team can handle everything from your standard renovation of replacing your coping, tile and plaster finish, to adding features such as raised water features, sun decks, and even spas that were not originally built with the pool. McCool says, “Even though your pool may not have originally been built with the more current popular features doesn’t mean that Swim-Mor cannot add them now.”
The 2026 pool season is already underway for the business, which thanks to the mild winter meant they were able to start construction early. Pool openings and service will ramp up from mid-April to Memorial Day.
But, for those looking to add a pool to their backyard this summer, it’s not too late. “We’re still building for this year. We’re still selling for this summer,” McCool says. “But don’t waste time. Get in!”
Swim-Mor Pools & Spas
Mount Ephraim | Northfield | Millstone Township (848) 301-2988 | SwimMor.com
W NEWLANDSCAPE NEWSEASON,
Welcome the spring season with a new and improved landscape. By Giana Scafide
ith spring just around the corner, many homeowners should start thinking about refreshing their landscape to make the most of the warmer months ahead. But knowing when to get started, what to prioritize and how to avoid mistakes can make all the difference in a finalized outdoor space. From soil preparation to the overall look, timing and knowledge matters, so utilizing a landscape expert is key in achieving the perfect outdoor space for spring.
To help homeowners with spring landscape designs, House and Home spoke with local experts about the most effective ways to get an outdoor area ready for the upcoming season.
Timing is everything
It is important to get a head start on spring landscaping to ensure everything is ready in time. Earlier preparation gives homeowners and professionals enough time to figure out designing, spacing and features that would work the best. Many experts say the best time to start preparing is in late winter, which allows plenty of time for homeowners to plan without the need to rush.
“As far as anybody who wants to add a patio, plantings, a shade structure, lighting—anything—start planning as soon as possible,” says Richard Cording, owner of CLC Landscape Design. “I would call a landscape architect and start on a landscape design, because between getting the design ideas worked out and getting the permits, it takes months. It’s not like you can call somebody in April and have your patio put in for May.”
Knowing when you want to start a spring landscaping project is important when it comes to the designing aspect as well. Homeowners shouldn’t plan without first having an idea of what they want their landscape to look like.
“The first task should be gathering inspiration for your project,” Greg Chakar, president of Arborvine Landscaping
NEWLANDSCAPE
says. “Whether that is photos of other projects, or just materials, this initial vision allows us to collaborate with our clients and create a cohesive plan that integrates their lifestyle and design preferences seamlessly.”
Homeowners should also know that when redoing an outdoor space, it’s important to remove unwanted materials to make room for new improvements. Brian Gill, owner of Gill’s Landscapings says, “The very first task we recommend is a thorough cleanup—removing leaves, branches and debris that have accumulated through fall and winter. This simple step gives you a clean slate, helps prevent mold or rot, and makes it easier to evaluate which plants need pruning, replacing or extra care heading into spring.”
Avoiding errors
With any outdoor project, it can be easy to make mistakes along the way without the proper knowledge. Starting too late, overmulching and skipping crucial steps are all common missteps made by homeowners.
Chris DeMato, owner of Rock Bottom Landscaping & Fencing, says, “Landscape design is an aspect of your home that can increase the value by as much as 20%. And I do understand homeowners will sometimes do their own gardening and maintenance in their yard, but I strongly recommend meeting with a professional when planning your design.”
Making sure homeowners and professionals have enough time to brainstorm and finalize the end result is essential too.
“Many homeowners will put off a project until the spring, but understand the mess that occurs on the property after a winter thaw,” says George Mihalchick, owner of Ponds by George. “Then when spring rains start, the mess can get even worse. This can
cause delays on the project and possible changes and additional costs. Don’t be afraid to have a project started in the late season. This way, you can enjoy it starting fresh for the new season and watch everything fill in.”
When it comes to budgeting, clarity from the very beginning makes the biggest difference when planning a landscaping project. Oftentimes, projects begin with an estimated idea or even a lack of investment, which can limit creative control of the project.
“A mistake we see is the lack of a clear budget and budget transparency. We can not only use this information to suggest phases for the project to fit within budgets, we can also guide you through different
Outdoor spaces have always been a space focused on relaxation and leisure time.
material options and installation practices that will best suit your budget. Without this transparency, our design consultants become limited in ways we can adjust and customize design plans and proposals,” says Chakar.
What’s trending
From eco-friendly features to outdoor spaces designed for hosting, there are always trends that homeowners gravitate toward, reflecting practicality and personality.
“I would say one of the most common requests we get as landscape architects is to design fire pit areas,” says Cording. “We’ve also been designing a ton of pavilions and pergolas. Pavilions have a solid permanent roof, and a pergola usually has what’s called a louvered roof where you can have it open and close.”
“Texture-adding hardscaping, walkaways, stones and boulders can add great interest to your design,” adds DeMato.
Today’s designs also favor environmentally friendly features to help create a space where homeowners can unwind and entertain. “Native plants, pollinator-friendly gardens and blended natural stone are extremely popular.
We’re also seeing more interest in outdoor living spaces—fire features, outdoor kitchens and integrated lighting that extends the usability of the yard. Modern, clean-line plantings with year-round texture are also trending,” Gill says.
Outdoor spaces have always been a space focused on relaxation and leisure time. Homeowners are now looking beyond the traditional layouts to create their own personalized areas.
“Outdoor saunas, plunge tubs and irrigated vegetable gardens are also becoming popular for the wellness minded homeowner. These all-inclusive spaces are coming together with finishing touches such as outdoor sound systems, landscape lighting and built-in heaters to ensure these spaces can be used day and night, year round, even in a northern climate,” Chakar says.
Perennials vs. annuals
As you begin to plan a spring landscape project, one of the key decisions to make is whether to incorporate perennials or annuals. Understanding the two types, especially their appearance, how long they last and the maintenance required, can help homeowners develop a landscape that fits their aesthetic.
“It depends on their goals. Perennials are a great long-term investment because they return each year, grow fuller over time and require less frequent replacement,” Gill says. “Annuals, on the other hand, offer richer, brighter color and the ability to change the look of your landscape seasonally.”
While perennials and annuals both have their own advantages, relying only on one can limit the overall impact of a landscape.
“You want both. Perennials, even though they come back every year, they don’t last forever,” Cording says. “Annuals are in bloom from May 1 to Nov. 1 or later on, whereas most perennials bloom for a month or two months. So you want to
kind of have a combination of both.”
From refreshing gardens to elevating outdoor living areas, the choices made when planning a spring landscaping project sets the scene for the rest of the spring season. By balancing visual appeal with practicality, homeowners can create an outdoor living area that reflects their personal style, while investing in a space that will grow each season to come.
Arborvine Landscaping
Wilmington, Del. | (302) 502-5605
ArborvineLandscaping.com
CLC Landscape Design
Ringwood, N.J | (973) 839-6026
CLCDesign.com
Gill’s Landscaping
Mullica Hill, N.J. | (856) 223-9770
GillsLandscaping.com
Ponds By George Southampton, Pa. | (215) 396-7500
PondsByGeorge.com
Rock Bottom Landscaping & Fencing Belle Mead, N.J. | (732) 873-6780
RockBottomLandscaping.net
Better Organized
Wby Giana Scafide
hile in the past custom closets may have predominantly been viewed as a luxury, more recently they’ve gained recognition as a sensible upgrade. More homeowners are now coming to the realization that organization can simplify their daily routines by making their homes feel more functional. That’s where Closet Factory comes in, designing personalized storage that reflects each homeowner’s needs and desires. With a focus on tailored design and craftsmanship, Closet Factory continues to set a high standard in the custom closet industry, focusing on each client’s vision no matter the scope of the project. To find out more, House and Home spoke with Drew Kirchner, owner of Closet Factory.
In your opinion, why are custom closets a solid investment for homeowners to consider?
A Closet Factory project is an investment in your home as opposed to just a purchase. We’ve seen data that says 83% of the
investment comes back to the homeowner in the form of home equity, plus you get to enjoy the closets while you’re living in your home. Also, while we have certainly designed and built some incredibly fancy and expensive closets, they don’t always have to be that way. There are also affordable solutions that can get clients organized and improve their space. If you want absolute luxury, we can provide that as well. We offer all the trending colors and hardware, which can be complemented with lighting and moldings. Whether you choose something basic or more luxury, either way you are adding to the value of your home.
What would you say is the most overlooked benefit of adding a custom closet system?
I guess I would ask, “What’s the cost of not being organized?” I love our product because it really does bring peace and comfort to the homeowner. I can’t tell you how many times someone calls for a project and then after we’ve made their problems go away, they call us back and say, “We love it, what can you do for us in the rest of the house?”
Closet Factory provides a major day-to-day life improvement.
How do custom closets impact a home’s resale value, and what are buyers currently looking for?
This is a home improvement that has one of the highest returns on investment. Years and years ago, there was way less awareness of what home organization was, but today it’s become more of a necessity. Nobody wants a closet full of wire shelves, just like very few people want a kitchen
without nice countertops and appliances. As the old saying goes: Spend your money where you spend your time. Where else do you spend more time than in your home? More than ever, we see our clients just want their home to be exactly the way they want it. They recognize the value and they are willing to invest to realize their vision.
How does having more organized storage solutions help homeowners who are big on time management? When we are finished, everything will be in its proper place. There’s no guessing on where your shoes or sweaters are. Same thing for garages, basements, pantries and all our products. Closet Factory offers organization solutions for every room in the house, and our solutions provide an organized home life.
When comparing your product vs. the big box retailers, what are the biggest differences in durability?
Actually, many of the big box stores have chosen Closet Factory as their solution. We take this very seriously as they have put their trust and faith in our business. Closet Factory builds our projects with the highest grade materials available, and we stand behind our work with a lifetime warranty.
What further sets Closet Factory apart in the industry?
Foremost, we are a floor-based system, which in my opinion makes our product look more like furniture. Our expert designers provide a CAD-based design experience which allows our clients to envision what the final product will look like in a 3D rendering. Our local factory is religiously run on schedule, so we’re always ready for our installations, and our experienced install team really knows what they are doing. Our business delivers highly efficient and reliable installation. We also provide a lifetime warranty on each project. Our clients want us to deliver what they want.
EXTERIORS
Improvements to the outside of the home can both boos
BY ABIGAIL TWIFORD
W Exterio Enhancem
also considering appeal and increase
We spoke get a sense of some of the more popular ways homeowners can give their exterior a much-needed boost. One key place to start is with your garage doors.
Fadi Baaklini, owner of ProLift Garage Doors, points out that upgrading your garage doors can have an almost 100% return on investment, and is considered one of the top ways to increase a home’s value for under $10,000.
Following this harsh winter we have experienced in our area, some homeowners may want to consider adding insulated garage doors, but Baaklini advises against that expense unless you already have a heated garage or find yourself spending large amounts of time in the space year-round.
Though the garage has become the predominant entry way into the home, that does not mean homeowners are not looking for a
ost curb appeal and increase value
ORNATE GARAGE DOORS A RE A SURE-FIRE WAY TO ENHANCE YOUR HOME AND CAN REALLY DELIVER A RETURN 0N INVESTMENT.
or ments
more informed decisions regarding choosing the best designs to complement the architecture.
One of the more popular entry door systems today comes from ProVia, a company known for its quality craftmanship in value, or just curb appeal in general, but also offers highly rated security and privacy with different privacy glasses,” says Jammer.
Levi Esh, owner of Pencroft Ridge Construction, says other
Exterior Enhancements
popular ways to boost curb appeal include a sensibly redesigned porch and the addition of a portico, but adds that upgraded siding can truly transform the look of your home’s exterior and create intrigue about the rest of the house.
“I am going to say that it can just completely change [the look of] your house. Your house kind of speaks for who is living in it and it really can make a huge difference,” he says.
rior. But while the familiarity of vinyl siding makes it the preferred choice for many, Parnes instead suggests fiber cement siding from James Hardie, due to its durability, the rich colors available and the realistic wood-grain texture it offers.
What’s more, Parnes notes how new gutters, specifically the black gutters that are trending, can also refresh the look of your exterior.
“From an appearance standpoint, black gutters have become extremely popular because they give the home a clean, modern look and really frame the roofline, especially on lighter-colored exteriors. They also blend beautifully with darker roofs and trim, so they don’t stand out in a bad way,” he says.
less over time.
When it comes to outdoor lighting and its impact on the exterior appearance of a home, Tim Teed of Vesta Lights expresses the importance of creating a safe environment while choosing lighting methods that heighten the home’s features without going overboard.
“You are not trying to light up the house like a hotel, you are trying to use accent lighting to complement the architectural house. It’s more for the appearance aspect of it, as well as considering the safety and the security, especially, if it’s a real dark neighborhood,” says Teed.
VestaLights.com EXTERIOR LIGHTING IS AN ELEGANT WAY TO HIGHLIGHT YOUR HOME FROM THE STREET.
Adam Parnes, vice president of marketing at Global Home Improvement, also notes that difference new siding can have on a home’s exte-
For the performance aspect, Parnes says that halfround gutters allow water to flow more efficiently, reducing buildup and clogging
No matter which exterior project you choose to tackle first, these improvements help to beautify your home while also adding value, creating an inviting environment that will be enjoyed by family and friends for many more years to come.
RESOURCES
Global Home Improvement
Serving Pa., N.J. and Del. (866) 735-1121
GlobalHomeInc.com
Jammer Doors Lawrenceville, N.J. & Yardley, Pa. (609) 883-0900
JammerDoors.com
Pencroft Ridge Construction, LLC
Quarryville, Pa. (717) 786-4124
PencroftRidgeConstruction.com
ProLift Garage Doors Lansdale, Pa. (267) 337-5355
ProLiftDoors.com
Vesta Lights Serving Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County and Bucks County in Pa. & New Castle County, Del. (484) 267-5868
STYLISH SPACES
Amiano & Son Design-Build
This beautifully functional kitchen features a custom two-tier, double waterfall countertop that adds chic dimension and character while creating an inviting extra dining area. The pairing of one matte surface with one glossy finish introduces a striking contrast in texture, elevating the overall design. A luxurious builtin bar beside the dining table enhances both style and functionality, making it ideal for hosting and entertaining. With its absolutely stunning finishes and thoughtful layout, this kitchen seamlessly blends elegance and practicality into a space made for gathering.
Southampton and Ship Bottom, N.J. (609) 268-5923
AmianoAndSon.com
Gehman Design Remodeling
The team at Gehman gave this kitchen ample space by knocking down a wall, giving the clients an open concept layout with more cabinet storage. They also added solid panel door fronts, a quartz countertop and a matching quartz backsplash for easy cleaning.
Harleysville, Pa. (215) 513-0300
GehmanRemodeling.com
Inspiring kitchen and bath designs
Stonebridge Renovations
In this kitchen remodel, Stonebridge Renovations removed a structural wall adding the sunroom to the kitchen space. All demo, framing, plumbing, electric, drywall, flooring, tiling, millwork and painting work was completed by Stonebridge Renovations crew, while all materials were supplied by Stonebridge Kitchen & Bath, creating a one-stop-shop for design, materials and high quality craftsmanship. Malvern, Pa. | (484) 459-4920 | SB-Renovations.com
HomeTech Renovations
Since 1984, HomeTech Renovations have been kitchen and bath specialists, offering full-service design, engineering and installations services. The company worked with these clients to create this modern new kitchen design featuring white oak with black onyx stain with restaurant-like cooking and ventilation components.
Lower Gwynedd, Pa. (215) 646-7477
HTRenovations.com
Kitchen Tune-Up Bloomfield
This redesign replaced the original single-wall layout and small eat-in nook with a center island featuring a marble waterfall edge and sage green shiplap base, creating a natural gathering spot for family and guests. New light, white oak slab-front perimeter cabinets paired with brushed brass hardware, statement pendants and swing-arm sconces bring warmth and sophistication throughout. A full-height Calacatta marble backsplash behind the range, under-cabinet lighting and a gold bridge-style faucet complete the elevated look. Bloomfield, N.J. | (973) 521-1182 | KTUBloomfield.com
STYLISH SPACES Inspiring kitchen
Let’s Face It
Offering unique hardwoods and designer finishes, Let’s Face It’s awardwinning full-service specialists helped transform this kitchen. Notable improvements included a full refacing upgrade of the existing kitchen including the use of modern flush maple doors. To help complement the redesign, a new island was also built and added to the space.
Lower Gwynedd, Pa. | (215) 343-2600 | LFIKitchens.com
Under Construction Builders
This master suite overlooks the bay in Long Beach Island with Andersen French doors providing access to the second floor deck. A radiant floor heating system provides warmth to the large format tile that runs continuously throughout the space. The curbless his and hers shower features top track sliding glass doors, two rain heads and a handheld shower head. Voorhees, N.J. | (856) 240-4448 | UCBuildersNJ.com
Rolf Schroeder General Contractors
A dramatic custom black hood with carved corbels anchors this kitchen, creating architectural presence against crisp white cabinetry and quartzite surfaces. The richly finished island serves as both a sculptural focal point and a gathering place, while warm golden walls envelop the room, amplifying natural light and introducing depth. Subtle checkerboard accents offer a refined nod to whimsy, thoughtfully layered rather than overt. Professional-grade appliances are seamlessly integrated, balancing performance with polish.
Warminster, Pa. | (215) 672-0829 | RolfSchroederGC.com
Glass Castle
Glass Castle helped this client with a shower enclosure in their bathroom. With the white deco tile, the client decided to go with the low-iron (ultraclear) glass as well as the ShowerGuard coating. These choices ensure the enclosure will look just as nice in 10 years as the day it was installed.
Neshanic Station, N.J. | (908) 751-4481
Lawrenceville, N.J. | (609) 531-0303 | GlassCastle.com
