Delchester_JanuaryFebruary2026 by houseandhomemagazine

SPRING PLANNING GUIDE

Guidance to find the perfect stone products for your next project page 17

STYLISH SPACES

Picture-perfect kitchen and bath remodeling projects

A FRESH START

How to ensure your landscape is ready for spring

E&E General Contracting Quality, craftsmanship and a client-first approach to customer service page 19

STYLISH SPACES

Picture-perfect kitchen and bath remodeling projects

A FRESH START

How to ensure your landscape is ready for spring

STYLISH SPACES

Picture-perfect kitchen and bath remodeling projects

A FRESH START

How to ensure your landscape is ready for spring

L A N N I N G G U I D E

One Day Doors & Closets of Philly

The dramatic difference new interior doors can make page 23

STYLISH SPACES

Picture-perfect kitchen and bath remodeling projects

A FRESH START

How to ensure your landscape is ready for spring

SPRING

Sequoia Out Back

Inspiring homeowners to create their outdoor oasis back cover

STYLISH SPACES

Picture-perfect kitchen and bath remodeling projects

A FRESH START

How to ensure your landscape is ready for spring

PUBLISHER

Edward P. McCartney

EDITOR

Peter Proko

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Matt Cosentino

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Giana Scafide, Abigail Twiford

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Hank Alspach

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Brian Mikulski

DESIGNERS

Eileen Pullia, Lisa Zollinger

ACCOUNTING DIRECTOR

Darlene Versak

SALES DIRECTOR

Lindsay Gonzalez

SALES MANAGER

Jim Romano

NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPER

Chuck McKane

MARKETING CONSULTANTS

Nicole Corabi, Kristine Di Nardo, Rochelle Dodge, Lori Vorgang, Amy B. Weiss

ACCOUNTING MANAGER

Max Haggerty

STAFF ACCOUNTANT

Karmal Pritchett

DIGITAL MEDIA DIRECTOR

Leigh Stuart

PUBLISHER EMERITUS

Bob Doran

EXECUTIVE PARTNERS

Gerry Haggerty, Edward P. McCartney

HOUSE & HOME

HOUSE & HOME Magazine, LLC, dba HOUSE & HOME (“H&H”). H&H reserves the right to determine the suitability of all materials submitted for publication and to edit all submitted materials for clarity and space. H&H is not responsible for loss, damage or any other injury to unsolicited manuscripts, unsolicited artwork or any other unsolicited materials. Furthermore, H&H will assume that unsolicited photographs, as well as ad photographs, are being submitted for possible publication and should they be published, no fee is due the photographer or model unless otherwise agreed upon in advance in writing.

HOUSE & HOME is a news magazine with emphasis on home repair and remodeling. H&H does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial content, nor does H&H or its staff, editors or writers assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial content appear in any publications. Readers are encouraged to notify H&H if they suspect false or misleading advertising.

Before attempting any renovation or repair project mentioned in H&H, readers are advised to consult with professional home repair and renovation specialists for assistance, and to take any and all appropriate safety precautions.

HOUSE & HOME has not independently tested any products or services advertised herein and has verified no claims made by its advertisers regarding those services or products. HOUSE & HOME. makes no warranties or representations and assumes no liability for any claims regarding those services or products or claims made by advertisers regarding such products or services. Readers are advised to consult with the advertiser and/or other home repair and renovation professionals regarding any such claims and regarding the suitability of an advertiser’s products. No reproduction of printed materials is permitted without the consent of the publisher of HOUSE & HOME. Copyright 2012 by HOUSE & HOME. Magazine, LLC, all rights reserved. Subscription available for home delivery at our website, www.HouseMagazine.com, at a cost of $19.95 per year.

National Sales Office: HOUSE & HOME Magazine, LLC

700 E. Main St. Norristown, PA 19401

Phone: 610-272-3120 Fax: 610-272-2805

Email: info@housemagazine.com

Visit www.HouseMagazine.com to view digital versions of each of the above editions.

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

ask the expert

by Liz Hunter

SAAA Hellenic

TONE MATERIALS ARE ESSENTIALLY THE ICING OF ANY KITCHEN OR BATHROOM PROJECT, PROVIDING BOTH THE FUNCTIONAL VALUE OF PULLING THE ROOM’S COMPONENTS TOGETHER AND SOMETHING PLEASING FOR THE EYE.

Choosing the perfect stone takes careful consideration, and the guidance of someone who knows the product. At AAA Hellenic, customers can turn to professionals who have decades of experience designing and installing stone in kitchens, bathrooms, foyers, fireplaces and even in outdoor living spaces. Mike Werner, sales manager, is one such expert who has been with the family-focused company for more than 10 years.

House & Home spoke with Werner about how new products from Silestone and Dekton are giving people the high-end looks they’ve wanted at a more reasonable price.

WHEN YOU MEET WITH CLIENTS, WHAT ARE SOME THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THEIR LIFESTYLE TO GUIDE THEIR SELECTION?

Most individuals typically have saved pictures they found online or in magazines to establish an idea of their design preferences. We also want to know about what’s going on in the space where the stone will be used. Every household is different. Materials they might like or find attractive might not be the best choice for their home. Granite is very dense and durable. It is heat resistant and scratch resistant, with minimal maintenance. Marble

is a classic choice with unrivaled beauty and gives you a timeless look. It may be a little softer than granite, but will still give you a very durable surface.

CAN YOU TALK ABOUT THE EMERGING POPULARITY OF NATURAL STONE QUARTZITE AND YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF IT?

Engineered quartz has gained popularity over the past couple of years, but natural stone is still the most requested for its beauty and durability. Natural stone quartzite is an especially good choice for kitchens. Everyone likes the look of marble, but it’s softer and more porous. Quartzite is a dense stone that can handle the impact and functionality in a kitchen, and it’s not as porous.

We directly import this stone from the quarries to our facility, which enables us to

pass discounted pricing on to clients for rare quartzites in a wide variety of colors. The materials are temperamental and require a high level of care and precision, which Hellenic excels and specializes in.

WHAT ARE THE NEWEST MATERIALS ON THE MARKET AND WHERE ARE THEY BEST USED IN THE HOME?

We’re really excited about the design potential with products from Silestone and Dekton in shower wall and bathroom applications. People have been longing for a solid-slab, seamless look on their shower walls—nobody likes grout joints—but this comes with additional labor to get these large slabs into tight shower spaces. These new products are more durable and thinner, making them easier to transport and install. Silestone is engineered quartz and in particular has some nice combinations of natural stone-looking materials, as well as muted patterns for the monochromatic look people want. Dekton is a porcelain and glass hybrid with quartz that is more durable and still gives that desirable natural stone look. This is something that we are specializing in.

HOW CAN CUSTOMERS ARRANGE TO VISIT YOUR SLAB YARD TO SEE THEIR OPTIONS?

Our slab yard is open by appointment so we can control the amount of people in the building at a time, everything is spaced out and we also have outdoor inventory available weather permitting. We have implemented additional safety measures, including UV light systems and UV air purifiers to reduce airborne contaminants and provide more peace of mind for customers. We also offer virtual appointments.

Our inventory of marble, granite, soapstone and quartzite is very strong right now, we’ve added a lot of new products for people. We have about 200 different colors on display, and our stones are directly imported from places like Italy, Brazil and Africa. It’s always beneficial to walk through and see the stone in different lighting, and more often than not, people find something they never expected.

Mike Werner, sales manager

able to lean into the change as it comes through,” Jurisch says.

Another huge asset E&E offers its clients is its new state-of-the-art showroom located in the company’s 24,000-square-foot headquarters in Gap, Pa. The showroom is an actual house built within the building, along with a massive wall of siding and roofing options. It gives customers the opportunity to see large-scale samples and the craftsmanship and quality behind an E&E project. The showroom is open to the public, but for those who call ahead for an appointment, Jurisch likes to make sure there are homemade chocolate chip cookies waiting for them.

“It really gives a much clearer picture of what you’re getting when you sign with E&E,” Jurisch says of the showroom.

Elevating Customer Care

E&E GENERAL CONTRACTING PRIORITIZES THE CLIENT EXPERIENCE IN ALL OF ITS INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR PROJECTS.

By Kristen Dowd

Whether it’s a new roof and siding, the addition of a beautiful backyard deck or the full renovation of an interior space, behind every E&E General Contracting job is a team of passionate professionals who want nothing more than to meet the needs and wants of their customers.

“We enjoy the job that we do,” says Jessica Jurisch, marketing manager. “At the end of the day, we want our customers to come home to a place that they love, that brings them joy and peace.”

Ensuring each project is done to the satisfaction of the client looks different for everyone, Jurisch adds, and it requires collaboration between E&E professionals and the homeowner to ensure the hopes and dreams for the project will come true.

“That’s how we deliver their desired results. It’s a very rewarding process, from hearing what the vision is, to refining the details, to addressing the pain points—to walk that path with them and then opening the door and letting them take it all in, fully in their vision,” Jurisch explains.

Putting customer service first helped build the foundation of E&E, which was founded in 1993 by John Esh. The business is now run by his two oldest sons, Mike and Matt, although all three are still “very much involved leading the company forward,” Jurisch says, adding there are a number of other family members involved in the company, too.

When it first started, E&E was primarily focused on roofing and siding. The company has since grown to encompass a full offering of interior and exterior renovations and additions.

“[Mike and Matt] had a bigger vision, and having a larger team really helped to expand,” Jurisch says. “When there’s an influx of calls you’re receiving about more than siding and roofing, you realize what the community needs. They started adding crews and expertise to the team.”

This expertise includes knowledgeable salespeople, skilled craftsmen and artistic designers, as well as the strong management and leadership to guide them.

“We collaborate within our own team, bouncing ideas off each other. It’s always about growth, especially with the way trends change, it requires flexibility and being

The company does whatever it can to improve those customer relations, and Jurisch points out that the Google reviews for E&E speak for themselves, with a bevy of five-star reviews and lavish praise for the entire project process.

“As far as how that benefits us, it’s really a domino effect. It oftentimes leads to further projects with those homeowners. Maybe they’re just having windows replaced. Then it turns into an addition. Or they tell their friends and neighbors, and it leads to new clientele for us. Our largest lead source is through referrals,” Jurisch says.

Relationships, she adds, are the most important thing they build, especially considering how personal and invasive the home renovation process can be. It’s personal space, and it puts homeowners in a very vulnerable position to open their home day in and day out to work crews.

Even with exterior projects, there is a lot of interaction involved.

“We realize that and we’re sensitive to it. I think customers appreciate how much we care about it and that we take care of their space. We’re communicating, really just focusing on connecting with our customers and developing that trust,” Jurisch explains. “And it’s not uncommon at the end of the job for homeowners and craftsmen to be on a first-name basis.”

“Over the past year, we’ve seen growth across multiple areas: expanded service offerings, a larger team, increased project volume, and deeper investments in systems and training,” says Stoltzfus. “We’ve also continued to strengthen our processes to support scale without sacrificing quality. The demand for high-quality outdoor living spaces remains strong, and we’ve positioned ourselves to meet that demand.”

The growth beyond the area does not mean Keystone has lost touch with its Pennsylvania roots, sponsoring the Philadelphia Union, Penn State University Sports and the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.

Your Home Is Where Their Heart Is

Whether they’re crafting a show-stopper of an outdoor project or dazzling clients with thoughtfully personalized flourishes, the team at Keystone Outdoor Living is obsessed with being the best. By

Madeleine Maccar and Abigail Twiford

Keystone Outdoor Living originally made their name building high-quality decks for their customers under the name Keystone Custom Decks, though the company offers a range of stylish and unique outdoor features from pools, patios, outdoor kitchens, private spas and more.

It was because of this range of offerings that the company decided to rebrand to Keystone Outdoor Living, better reflecting the wideranging services they provide.

“While decks remain a core part of what we do, our projects have evolved into complete outdoor environments,” says Marcus Stoltzfus, Keystone’s marketing director. “The rebrand to Keystone Outdoor Living better reflects the full scope of our expertise and the way homeowners use their spaces today. It signals that we’re not just building decks—we’re creating outdoor lifestyles.”

The company has created an in-house team capable of top-notch results, whether they’re on-site, in the Keystone showroom or connecting with clients in more behind-the-scenes roles.

“We really focus on providing excellence all the way through,” says Stoltzfus. “We have an entire team that takes care of client gifts, like flowers with a handwritten note for their birthday, or if we’re doing an outdoor kitchen and we find out their favorite drink, we’ll stock the fridge with that at the end of the project.”

That consistent quality comes directly from the top, as Marv Esh—who runs the

second-generation family-owned organization with his brothers—handles hiring himself, ensuring that everyone on the Keystone team is committed to above-and-beyond client care and on-site perfectionism.

The benefits are many when working with a team that’s not only dedicated to personalized service but also delivering outdoor construction projects that are equal parts rock solid, functional and beautiful. For one, a wealth of knowledge regarding all things outdoors is readily available and accessible to every client; for another, the entire process, whether it’s done in stages or all at once, is seamless, harmonious and stress-free.

“When a typical homeowner wants to put in a pool, a deck, a porch or a pergola, oftentimes they’ll need to have different contractors come in and do those services—and if it’s all at the same time, it creates twice as much stress for them because they have to be the [general contractor] themselves. They have to figure out all the scheduling for all those different moving parts,” Stoltzfus points out. “One of the nice things we can provide is when we come in, even if it’s in stages, we have everything in-house to do all that so they’re really only dealing with one point of contact.”

As Keystone has grown beyond Pennsylvania and New York and into Tennessee and Florida in the last year, the team remains singularly focused on ensuring that its world-class quality of both construction and customer service never wavers.

“We chose those partnerships very intentionally. Each organization represents community pride, excellence, and a strong regional following—values that align closely with Keystone,” says Stoltzfus. “Penn State, the Union and the IronPigs reach families and homeowners across the same markets we serve, and they’re deeply rooted in local culture. Sponsorship for us isn’t just about visibility; it’s about supporting institutions that bring people together and investing back into the communities where our customers live, work and cheer.”

Over the last year the company has reached over 800 Google Reviews and earned themselves a five-star rating.

“You don’t reach that volume of positive feedback unless you’re delivering a strong experience over and over again—across design, communication, craftsmanship, and follow-through. Those reviews reflect our team’s commitment to doing things the right way and standing behind our work. For prospective customers, they offer real proof from real homeowners that Keystone delivers on its promises,” says Stoltzfus.

As Stoltzfus notes, even though Keystone is rarely the cheapest option among its competitors, clients routinely comment on how it was clearly the best choice with detailed reviews itemizing all the reasons they would highly recommend Keystone Outdoor Living.

“Quality and transparency come first— always,” he explains. “We’re focused on delivering an exceptional customer experience from the first conversation to the last day that our crew leaves the job site. That means clear communication, realistic timelines, expert design and craftsmanship we’re proud to put our name on. As we grow, our priority remains the same: treat every project like it’s being built for our own home.”

A ChangeDynamic

plenty desires. And while large-scale projects like kitchen and bathroom remodels, finished basements or perhaps new windows can update the look and feel of one’s home, many are also finding similar satisfaction with the transformation that new interior doors can bring.

Eric Strohl understands this all too well. As the owner of One Day Doors and Closets of Philly, he’s seen countless clients marvel at just how much of a noticeable difference new doors can make and the appeal they can bring to one’s home.

“When customers get new doors, there’s a big wow factor. They see how transformative it can be because you touch and feel doors every single day when you’re home. So it makes a huge impact and it’s one of the quickest and easiest home upgrades,” he affirms.

Many folks have turned to Strohl and his skilled team because of the unique and detailed process that One Day Doors and Closets provides, with beautiful new interior doors professionally installed in a single day.

The process starts with an in-home design consultation or a trip to the company’s showroom where a homeowner is able to choose from dozens of designs, finishes and hardware options. Clients can opt for a modern look, traditional shaker style, or maybe something more contemporary to suit their home’s aesthetic.

Once the particulars are worked out,

digmilled for fin-

being factory, doors are professionally painted with a cabinet-grade finish and then installed in less than One Day. No mess, no stress, no weeks of disruption or time off work. Just instant results that homeowners appreciate because they get a whole-home upgrade without the stress or chaos that normally comes with remodeling.

“Typically, most projects include 10-to12 doors, and [a contractor] could be in the home for a week and a half. We’re in and out in four hours,” says Strohl. “And we’re the only company nationally that does all five parts of a door under one roof. So homeowners are dealing with one team, one point of contact for everything.”

That ease and efficiency is the hallmark of the company, but some clients are still skeptical at first, believing there is no way a project like this could possibly be this painless. Strohl enjoys being able to dispel some of their misconceptions and deliver quality work that exceeds expectations.

“People go online and they say, ‘I saw a door for $400,’ and they think that’s what the project costs. They don’t really understand that there’s a lot more involved with installation, the painting, the new hardware. We educate them on the whole process and talk about the traditional way of doing doors and how we do doors. Once they put all those pieces together, they get it,” he says.

Seeing a client’s reaction during the installation and their overall satisfaction with their new doors is one of the more fulfilling

By Peter Proko

parts of the job for Strohl.

“We did a 24-door home last month. The gentleman thought we were going to be there all day because we guarantee to be done in one day. We had two installers who were done in about 4 hours,” he says. “We were packing up the truck and he comes running out of the house asking where we were going. We told him we were done and ready to do a walkthrough.

“He was blown away because two years prior he had a contractor do his doors downstairs and it took them nine days to replace eight doors.”

With a talented team of experienced installers executing a highly refined process, One Day Doors and Closets of Philly has become a leader in the industry with a track record for installations that may be quick, but never sacrifice on quality and personalized service.

“We used specialized technology to reduce costs and we have master carpenters on board, people who have over 25 years of experience, so they know what they are doing,” Strohl says. “And our 5-star Google reviews say it all. We really are the ‘easy’ button when it comes to interior door replacement.”

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

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

LIGHTING IS AN ELEGANT WAY TO HIGHLIGHT YOUR HOME FROM THE STREET.

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.

Adam Parnes, vice president of marketing at Global Home Improvement, also notes that difference new siding can have on a home’s exte-

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.

For the performance aspect, Parnes says that halfround gutters allow water to flow more efficiently, reducing buildup and clogging

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.

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.