NORTH_CVR1_926—Closet Factory_New FRY 8 x 10.5 9/22/26 12:30 PM Page 1
VOLUME 26, ISSUE 4
NORTH JERSEY
INSIDE: ANNUAL KITCHEN & BATH DIRECTORY Page 10
CLOSET FACTORY This is what ORGANIZED feels like page 17 STYLISH SPACES
FALL LANDSCAPING
Stunning kitchen transformations
The best ways to prepare your yard for the season
Your #1 Resource and Design Magazine • Visit www.HouseMagazine.com to view our Online Design Center
NORTH_CVR1_926—Lennar_New FRY 8 x 10.5 9/22/26 12:31 PM Page 1
VOLUME 26, ISSUE 4
NORTH JERSEY
INSIDE: ANNUAL KITCHEN & BATH DIRECTORY Page 10
Discover The Ridings at Oakland New Homes. Bergen County. Starting in the $900ks. Read more on pg 7
STYLISH SPACES
FALL LANDSCAPING
Stunning kitchen transformations
The best ways to prepare your yard for the season
Your #1 Resource and Design Magazine • Visit www.HouseMagazine.com to view our Online Design Center
NORTH_CVR1_926—Majestic Outdoor_New FRY 8 x 10.5 9/22/26 12:31 PM Page 1
VOLUME 26, ISSUE 4
NORTH JERSEY
INSIDE: ANNUAL KITCHEN & BATH DIRECTORY Page 10
MAJESTIC OUTDOOR Creating spaces that are comfortable and convenient page 9
STYLISH SPACES
FALL LANDSCAPING
Stunning kitchen transformations
The best ways to prepare your yard for the season
Your #1 Resource and Design Magazine • Visit www.HouseMagazine.com to view our Online Design Center
FP_H&H_Bleed_FRY_FP_FRY 9/9/26 2:36 PM Page 1
FP_H&H_Bleed_FRY_FP_FRY 9/9/26 2:37 PM Page 1
FP_H&H_Bleed_FRY_FP_FRY 8/27/26 9:42 AM Page 1
H&H_TOC_0926FINAL.qxp_Layout 1 9/22/26 12:54 PM Page 6
september/october 2026
10 contents 7
A New Way of Luxury Living Lennar brings The Ridlings at Oakland to Bergen County.
9
Evolved Outdoor Living Majestic Outdoor creates spaces designed for comfort and convenience.
10 House & Home Annual Kitchen & Bath Directory A comprehensive roundup of the area’s leading contractors.
17 Better Organized Closet Factory creates customized storage
HouseMagazine.com
solutions that homeowners love.
18 Stylish Spaces A photo guide to some amazing kitchen remodeling projects.
21 Built to Last Exteriors by Global Home and James Hardie offer siding solutions that stand the test of time.
22 Small Changes, Stronger Impact Find out the best approach to take for your landscape this fall season.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
HOUSE
& HOME
3
FP_H&H_Bleed_FRY_FP_FRY 8/5/26 11:54 AM Page 1
H&H_Masthead_9_26_FRY_Masthead 9/18/26 3:24 PM Page 6
PUBLISHER Edward P. McCartney EDITOR Peter Proko ASSISTANT EDITOR Matt Cosentino CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kristen Dowd, 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 Jordan Carty, Nicole Corabi, Rochelle Dodge, Lori Vorgang, Amy B. Weiss DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION Max Haggerty 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 regional home improvement and design magazine focused on remodeling, renovation, design inspiration, and connecting homeowners with local home service professionals. 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
Regional Editions: Bucks County HOUSE & HOME – PA Central Jersey HOUSE & HOME – NJ Delaware HOUSE & HOME – DE DelChester/Main Line West HOUSE & HOME – PA Montco/Main Line East HOUSE & HOME – PA Northern Jersey HOUSE & HOME – NJ South Jersey HOUSE & HOME – NJ
Visit www.HouseMagazine.com to view digital versions of each of the above editions. Follow us on
www.snipr.com/househome
www.twitter.com/housemagazine
Get the free mobile app at http://gettag.mobi HouseMagazine.com
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
5
FP_H&H_Bleed_FRY_FP_FRY 3/17/26 1:48 PM Page 1
H&H Lennar Riding at Oakland profile_0926-2_Profile 9/21/26 4:59 PM Page 1
“We look at all of this when we’re looking to purchase a piece of ground— location, schools and lifestyle components,” says Romano. “This area provides us with the ability to have all the suburban conveniences with that quick access to a major city.” The amenities that The Ridings at Oakland provides are a major perk. These include a swimming pool, clubhouse and fitness center, where residents can have time for relaxation, fun and socialization with others in the community. “At The Ridings we offer our homeowners a private community center and pool right on property,” Romano says. A lot of times when people are looking for a new home, they fall in love with a model and are immediately directed to the design center, needing to then put 10-20% of options in. With Lennar’s Everything’s Included® program, buyers have all the necessary essentials built into their home at no extra cost. “This platform helps the process by making it a lot simpler,” says Romano. “We’re giving you all these desired home features included—beautiful kitchens, upgraded appliances, quartz countertops—and you’re not making hundreds of design center decisions.” With Lennar’s experience dating all
PARTNER PROFILE
A New Way of Luxury Living–Now in Bergen County
AS ONE OF THE NATION’S LARGEST HOMEBUILDERS, LENNAR IS BRINGING A NEW LEVEL OF LUXURY LIVING TO BERGEN COUNTY AT THE RIDINGS AT OAKLAND . DISCOVER THOUGHTFULLY DESIGNED HOMES WITH SPACIOUS LAYOUTS, UPSCALE FINISHES AND A LOCATION THAT PUTS EVERYTHING YOU NEED WITHIN REACH. b y G I A N A S C A F I D E
F
inding a new home can feel overwhelming. From choosing the right location and price range to finding the amenities and lifestyle you want, there is a lot to consider. At Lennar’s The Ridings at Oakland, many of those decisions are already made easier for you. With a desirable location, thoughtfully designed homes and amenities, it’s a community designed to help you love where you live.
HouseMagazine.com
Located in Bergen County, The Ridings at Oakland is a brand-new luxury townhome community for all ages, offering premium on-site amenities. This year alone, it has welcomed over 40 new homeowners. Oakland is a small, quaint town in North Jersey—Lennar knew that this was an ideal spot for people to call home. “Location is one of our biggest advantages when it comes to The Ridings,” says Dana Romano, Lennar’s New Jersey and New York Division President. “Bergen County sits directly across from New York City, so it gives our buyers the ability to have a suburban lifestyle while they remain connected to the city.” Walkable to schools including Dogwood Hill Elementary School, Valley Middle School and Ramapo High School, The Ridings at Oakland offers a convenient location for growing families. Set in a welcoming suburban setting, the community is also just minutes from premier shopping, dining and entertainment, making it easy to enjoy everything the area has to offer.
the way back to 1954, buyers have no problem trusting a company that has successfully helped deliver over 80,000 homes each year. “At Lennar’s The Ridings at Oakland you’re not just buying a beautiful new home,” Romano says. “You’re buying the confidence that comes with knowing who’s built your home, what’s included and what happens after you move in and make it yours.”
THE RIDINGS AT OAKLAND Oakland | (609) 349-8258 Lennar.com
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
7
FP_H&H_Bleed_FRY_FP_FRY 4/13/26 3:35 PM Page 1
HH_Majestic Outdoor Pergolas Profile_0926.qxp_Layout 1 9/21/26 4:06 PM Page 1
PARTNER PROFILE
of outdoor living products up close and gather real-life inspiration for their home. It’s one thing to see these products in a photo or video, but another to stand underneath an awning, see pergola louvers open and close, slide glass panels, and see a motorized screen go up and down. They can feel the build quality and see the finishes in real light, which turns “I think I want this” into “I know exactly what I want.”
How do you customize a project around a client’s particular space, lifestyle and vision?
Evolved Outdoor Living
F
For over three decades, Majestic Outdoor has helped homeowners create outdoor spaces designed for comfort, convenience and year-round use. by PETER PROKO
or more than 30 years, Majestic Outdoor has helped homeowners transform their outdoor spaces. Marketing Manager Vivian Rosa shares how outdoor living has evolved, what homeowners are looking for today and how technology is changing the way we use our backyards.
Majestic Outdoor has been helping homeowners transform their outdoor spaces for more than 30 years. How has the company evolved over that time, and what do you feel has been the key to your longevity and success? When we started this company in 1994, it began with a single shade product that we continue to install to this day: retractable awnings. Since then, the possibilities for an outdoor space have grown and we’ve added product lines as technology has matured, such as custom louvered pergolas, motorized screens, integrated lighting and more, all controlled from a smart device. What’s kept us going for 30-plus years is that we stand behind our premium HouseMagazine.com
shade products, ensuring that they’re the best in the industry and made from high-quality materials. So when a client calls years later, they’re talking to the same company that installed it.
What are homeowners looking for today when designing their outdoor spaces? The biggest shift is that homeowners want their outdoor space to be usable year-round and withstand the shift in weather, not just be nice to look at in the summer. That’s driving demand for automated louvered pergolas that open and close with the weather, motorized screens that shut out bugs and wind without blocking the view, and glass enclosures that turn a patio into usable space well into fall and even winter.
We start with a conversation about their current outdoor space and how they want to use it. From there, our team does a free on-site visit to answer questions, inspect the area and layout, measure and design a custom solution for that specific space before finalizing a proposal. Once the design is approved and after the production period is complete, our installation team handles the build, and we walk the homeowner through operating everything before we leave. And if any maintenance or repairs come up, we will continue to service their outdoor product for many years to come.
How are innovations such as motorized pergolas, screens, lighting and heating changing outdoor living? Automation has turned outdoor spaces into functional rooms they can use yearround. A pergola that closes when rain starts means no one’s running outside to save cushions. Add screens, heating and lighting on the same app, and they can extend the season by months in the changing New Jersey weather.
What advice would you give homeowners who are thinking about upgrading their backyard?
We recommend the homeowner start with how they actually want to enjoy their outdoor space and then find a long-lasting product that meets their outdoor needs. Do they want to unwind in the shade, host friends and family in the evening, or enjoy their patio in the colder months? That answer shapes whether they need shade, enclosure, heat or some combination. Choosing a specialist who not only installs, but also services their own products is what ensures an outdoor project creates What can homeowners expect when they visit your long-lasting memories.
Fairfield showroom, and how does experiencing the products firsthand help? The value of visiting our showroom is that they get to experience our full range
Majestic Outdoor Edison, N.J. | (732) 248-0991 MajesticOutdoor.com
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
HOUSE
& HOME
9
HH_KitchenBathDirect_NJ_0926.qxp_Layout 1 9/21/26 12:38 PM Page 1
HOUSE
& HOME
Annual Kitchen & Bath Directory
Trusted
EXPERTS to help transform your home BY STAFF
I
n the world of home improvement, kitchens and baths continue to reign supreme. Survey after survey shows that these spaces can add the most value in a home. Homeowners who are ready to make the investment in upgrading their kitchen or bath can simply look on the following pages to find qualified professionals in various specialties from marble and granite and cabinetry to remodelers and designers. With the help of this House & Home Directory, we hope the design of your dreams can soon become a reality. 10
HOUSE
& HOME
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
HouseMagazine.com
FP_H&H_Bleed_FRY_FP_FRY 9/18/26 4:04 PM Page 1
HH_KitchenBathDirect_NJ_0926.qxp_Layout 1 9/21/26 12:36 PM Page 1
HOUSE
& HOME Kitchen Tune Up Central Jersey One Day Bath/The Tubcut
Bar & Kitchen Stools
Royal Billiard & Recreation, Inc. (215) 997-7777 RoyalBilliard.com
Builders/Contractors/ Remodelers
Amiano & Son Construction LLC (609) 268-5923 AmianoAndSon.com Brindisi Builders (856) 985-6219 BrindisiBuilders.com
(908) 910-0093 (908) 300-0358 KitchenTuneUp.com
Kitchen Tune Up North Jersey (201) 474-3112 KitchenTuneUp.com Lennar at The Ridlings at Oakland (609) 349-8258 Lennar.com Magnolia Home Remodeling Group (855) 624-6655 MagnoliaHomeRemodeling.com
Ernest & Sons (973) 669-3779 MasonryByErnestAndSons.com
Merryfield Construction Group LLC (888) 612-5450
Fine Finish Design/Fine Finish Remodeling (856) 906-5590 FineFinishDesignNJ.com
MickeyDee’s Remodeling (856) 371-1975 MickeyDeesRemodeling.com
12
HOUSE
& HOME
MerryfieldConstructionGroup.com
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
(866) 245-6885 ODBPRO.COM
Tri-County Development Group
tion your dreams and designs to amazing living spaces.
(609) 654-6600 TriCountyDevelopmentGroup.com Under Construction Builders (856) 354-0831 UCBuildersSNJ.com
Cabinetry
Tri-County Development Group is an award-winning custom home builder in New Jersey, serving the South Jersey, Central Jersey and Jersey Shore regions with firstclass custom home construction, home additions, kitchen and bathroom remodeling and more. Our staff and team are committed to excellence3 in every project, delivering the best for our client families and businesses. Our experience and craftsmanship can transi-
Kitchen Tune Up Central Jersey (908) 910-0093 (908) 300-0358 KitchenTuneUp.com Kitchen Tune Up North Jersey (201) 474-3112 KitchenTuneUp.com The Cabinet Shop (609) 463-0400 CabinetShopNJ.com
HouseMagazine.com
HH_KitchenBathDirect_NJ_0926.qxp_Layout 1 9/22/26 11:55 AM Page 2
The CabinetTree Design Studio
The CabinetTree Design Studio in Cherry Hill, NJ offers a greater selection and pricing than any other South Jersey/Philadelphia area cabinetry dealer, without exception! We feature cabinetry that is entry level to full custom, offerings for every price level able to meet every client’s budget with their desired style and function. We are pleased to announce that we have extended our showroom to be able to provide those seeking new cabinetry for a kitchen, bath, office or entertainment the center the newest options in design. For over 20 years, our showroom has featured the most samples of cabinet options from some of the top manufacturers in the world. Our work with architects, interior designers and builders over the past 25 years has produced thousands of kitchens and baths throughout New Jersey. More importantly, our clients are overjoyed with their new living spaces. With a combined 100 years design experience from nine of our design professionals at the CabinetTree Design Studio delivers exceptional value in every form.
(856) 888-2220 CabinetTree.com
Carpet/Hardwood/Vinyl/Etc.
Fine Finish Design/Fine Finish Remodeling (856) 906-5590 FineFinishDesignNJ.com
HouseMagazine.com
Haddon Flooring (856) 654-0005 HaddonFlooring.com Matteo Family Kitchens & Flooring (856) 769-2490 MatteoKitchens.com Seashore Floors (609) 967-0400 SeashoreFloorsLLC.com
Cleaning, Tile/Grout
Aldayna Stone Care (973) 239-1351 Aldayna.com
Sir Grout of New Jersey (609) 325-2343 SirGroutCentralNJ.com
Clock Repairs
Antiques & Clocks (856) 786-3444
AntiquesAndClocks1@gmail.com
Closet Organization/ Pantries
Closets By Design (609) 881-2273 ClosetsByDesign.com Closet Factory (North and Central Jersey) (908) 322-8270 ClosetFactory.com Closet Factory (South Jersey) (215) 268-7660 ClosetFactory.com One Day Doors & Closets of Delaware Valley (856) 485-4006 OneDayDV.com
Furniture & Accessories
Country Lane Furniture (717) 867-5701 CountryLaneFurniture.com
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
HOUSE
& HOME
13
HH_KitchenBathDirect_NJ_0926.qxp_Layout 1 9/22/26 11:55 AM Page 3
HOUSE
& HOME
Nastasi’s Fine Furniture (856) 854-3198 NastasisFurniture.com Royal Billiard & Recreation, Inc. (215) 997-7777 RoyalBilliard.com The Buxton Complex (609) 771-6840 TheBuxtonComplex.com Townehaus (856) 581-0378 Townehaus.com
HOUSE
& HOME
Imperial Marble & Granite (610) 521-0130 IMGStone.net Matteo Family Kitchens (856) 769-2490 MatteoKitchens.com
Shore Guys Heating & Air Conditioning (609) 884-5016 ShoreGuysHVAC.com
Granite/Marble/Tile/Solid Surfaces
14
Colonial Marble & Granite (856) 872-4472 ColonialMarble.net
HVAC: Heating/ Air Conditioning/Plumbing
Viking Casual Furniture (856) 486-1880 VikingCasual.com AAA Hellenic Marble (610) 344-7700 AAAMarble.com
All Marble, Granite & Tile Imports (856) 354-4747 AllMarbleGranite.com
Interior Design
Lomonaco’s Iron Concepts & Home Decor, LLC (856) 740-1071 LICIRON.com
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
Kitchen/Bath Design
AAA Hellenic Marble (610) 344-7700 AAAMarble.com
Amiano & Son Design-Build (609) 268-5923 AmianoAndSon.com Blissful Baths & Home (609) 913-3600 BlissfulBaths.com Brindisi Builders (856) 985-6219 BrindisiBuilders.com The Cabinet Shop (609) 463-0400 CabinetShopNJ.com Colonial Marble & Granite (856) 872-4472 ColonialMarble.net Cranbury Design Center (609) 448-5600 CranburyDesignCenter.com
Daniel Robert Remodeling (833) Daniel-0 DanielRobertRemodeling.com Emmons Remodeling (856) 885-6677 EmmonsRemodeling.com Ernest & Sons (973) 669-3779 MasonryByErnestAndSons.com Fine Finish Design/ Fine Finish Remodeling (856) 906-5590 FineFinishDesignNJ.com Kitchen Tune Up Central Jersey (908) 910-0093 (908) 300-0358 KitchenTuneUp.com Kitchen Tune Up North Jersey (201) 474-3112 KitchenTuneUp.com
HouseMagazine.com
HH_KitchenBathDirect_NJ_0926.qxp_Layout 1 9/22/26 11:55 AM Page 4
Magnolia Home Remodeling Group (855) 624-6655 MagnoliaHomeRemodeling.com Matteo Family Kitchens & Flooring
(856) 371-1975 MickeyDeesRemodeling.com
MickeyDee’s Remodeling
One Day Bath/The Tubcut (866) 245-6885 ODBPro.com Riverside Supply Co. (732) 257-3434 RSC-NJ.com
Matteo Family Kitchens & Flooring has the items needed to complete your kitchen and flooring projects. They carry Frigidaire appliances with special package pricing. They also sell major brands of carpets, vinyl, hardwood, laminate, ceramic and porcelain tiles to fit any style or budget. They are a one-stop shopping experience.
(856) 769-2490 MatteoKitchens.com
HouseMagazine.com
Watertight Showers (973) 420-8150 WaterlightShowers.com
Lighting
Bright Light (610) 992-1790 (609) 465-4478 BrightLightDesignCenter.com
Marble and Granite Resurfacing/Restoration
Aldayna Stone Care, Inc. (973) 239-1351 Aldayna.com
Shower Enclosures/ Frameless Doors Glass Castle Glass Castle is your number one source for all things glass. They offer a wide range of quality glass products for both residential and commercial customers throughout Central and Northern New Jersey. They invite you to visit their state of the art showrooms in Neshanic or Lawrenceville for inspiration. They offer a great selection of styles and colors for shower door enclosures, including ex-
tensive options for your frameless, semi-frameless, and framed shower enclosures. The products at Glass Castle are extremely durable and are custom-fit for each client’s home. They offer several different shower designs. If you’re not sure which type of shower door you would like or would fit with your décor, a quick trip to one of their showrooms will give you the opportunity to examine each type to see which you find most appealing.
(908) 751-4481 (609) 531-0303 GlassCastle.com
Window Treatments/Blinds
Window Works (973) 535-5860 WindowWorks-NJ.com
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
HOUSE
& HOME
15
FP_H&H_Bleed_FRY_FP_FRY 2/9/26 4:30 PM Page 1
H&H_ClosetFactory_HS0726_Profile 9/22/26 1:51 PM Page 1
PARTNER PROFILE
Better Organized Closet Factory works closely with homeowners to create custom storage solutions that maximize space and elevate the home. by Giana Scafide
W
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
Closet Factory Fanwood, N.J. | (908) 312-5373
ClosetFactory.com HouseMagazine.com
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.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
17
HH_KitchenBathPictorial_0926FINAL.qxp_Layout 1 9/21/26 2:23 PM Page 1
KITCHENS
Magnolia Home Remodeling Group The homeowners were looking to expand their living space while modernizing the entire feel of their home. The addition and renovation included energy-efficient Andersen windows, spray foam insulation, wide plank white oak flooring, natural stone veneer at the fireplace, custom kitchen cabinetry and stone countertops. All details were selected to elevate both the function and the aesthetic of the space. Union, N.J. | (855) 624-6655 MagnoliaHomeRemodeling.com
Stylish Spaces INSPIRING KITCHEN DESIGNS THAT PROVIDE BOTH FUNCTION AND BEAUTY Gehman Design Remodeling Clean lines. Bright finishes. Plenty of room to gather. A welldesigned kitchen isn’t just beautiful, it’s planned around how you actually use your home every day. At Gehman, we bring your vision to life with meticulous craftsmanship and expertise. Every detail is carefully handled to ensure your project looks stunning and is built to last. No matter how complex the task is, you’ll enjoy a beautiful, high-quality space you can rely on for years. Planning and foresight make your remodel go smoothly. Each step ensures a smooth, collaborative and rewarding experience that brings your vision to life. This process is why we’re known for creating easy, pleasant remodeling experiences for homeowners. Harleysville, Pa. (215) 513-0300 GehmanRemodeling.com 18
HOUSE
& HOME
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
HouseMagazine.com
HH_KitchenBathPictorial_0926FINAL.qxp_Layout 1 9/21/26 2:23 PM Page 2
Spring Creek Design Spring Creek Design transformed this once-cramped, closed-off kitchen by reworking the main-floor layout and making strategic structural changes to create a bright, open space. A generous island anchors the new kitchen, while painted cabinetry, warm wood accents and copper pendant lighting add character and contrast. New flooring and striking foyer tile extend the transformation beyond the kitchen, creating a beautifully connected main floor designed for everyday living and entertaining. Honey Brook, Pa. (610) 273-9194 SpringCreekDesign.net
HomeTech Renovations This kitchen remodel of a home in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania has lots of unique features. The White Icing modified shaker cabinetry by Medallion has become quite popular in the industry and with homeowners. Meanwhile, the earl grey island is highlighted with wainscot paneling and a PentalQuartz countertop with Borghini finish. Lower Gwynedd, Pa. (215) 646-7477 HTRenovations.com
Let’s Face It This contemporary kitchen refacing project included white glossy cabinetry with white quartz countertops. What’s more, a new wood island was fabricated in our shop with a black granite countertop and extra storage space underneath. Lower Gwynedd, Pa. (215) 343-2600 LFIKitchens.com
HouseMagazine.com
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
HOUSE
& HOME
19
FP_H&H_Bleed_FRY_FP_FRY 8/31/26 9:32 AM Page 1
H&H_0826_GlobalHomeImprovement_Pages 9/22/26 1:39 PM Page 1
Why James Hardie is leading the way
SHOWCASE
PARTNER PROFILE
Beautiful siding can enhance curb appeal and reflect a homeowner’s style. Here are some of the ways James Hardie siding is helping to set the trends. Wood look without the maintenance. Homeowners want warmth and durability and James Hardie’s new TimberHue collection delivers a look that mimics cedar or oak, but without rot, fire risk or the need to repaint. Bolder exterior style. People who want their home to stand out are opting for styles that pope. One popular choice is board and batten which is versatile and can match any home style with its vertical lines creating a distinguished accent look. Mixing materials for a high-end look. James Hardie siding works perfectly as a base material when combining with stone, metal or other accents to create depth and architectural interest. Performance-driven materials. Homeowners today care most about weather resistance, energy efficiency and longevity. Fiber cement continues to outperform vinyl and wood in all three areas.
Built to Last Exteriors by Global Home and James Hardie combine to provide homeowners with siding solutions that look great and stand the test of time.
Key Benefits of James Hardie Siding:
W
hen Exteriors by Global Home was founded 25-plus years ago, the company set out to work with only the best manufacturers in the industry. Whether homeowners
are investing in roofing, windows, siding or gutters, they can rest assured that Exteriors by Global Home stands behind the products they install. Over the course of the two decades Exteriors by Global Home has been in business, one manufacturer has stood above the rest: James Hardie Siding. Built for real protection, not just looks, James Hardie Siding is engineered to handle everything your home faces. This is especially important in the Northeast, where homes deal with humidity, freezing winters and temperature swings. “You’re not just upgrading appearance— you’re protecting your home long-term,” says Adam Parnes, marketing director. The fiber cement siding that James Hardie produces gives homeowners the look of real wood without the maintenance. In addition to the authentic wood-grain texture, the siding’s long-lasting ColorPlus® factory finishes resist chipping and fading. What’s more, there’s a wide range of styles available from lap, shingle, and board and batten. HouseMagazine.com
Recently, Exteriors by Global Home was named a 2025 James Hardie ALLIANCE President’s Club Award winner as well as a James Hardie Service Excellence Award recipient—a rare and elite dual honor that places the company among the top James Hardie siding contractors nationwide. “With this dual recognition, Exteriors by Global Home stands out as one of the most trusted, capable and highly rated James Hardie dealers serving New Jersey and Pennsylvania,” says Parnes. “Homeowners searching for the best James Hardie siding installer can choose with confidence—backed not just by product excellence but by proven performance and satisfaction documented by James Hardie itself.”
Exceptional Durability. Hardie board siding resists moisture, pests, and impact damage. It’s also non-combustible, which may help lower your homeowners insurance rates. Versatile Styles. Choose from lap siding, board and batten, or shaker to match your home’s architectural style, whether you live in Springfield, Maplewood, Trevose, or Bensalem. Fade-Resistant Colors. Enjoy a vibrant, custom look for your exterior with James Hardie’s ColorPlus® Technology, designed to maintain its beauty year after year. Affordable & Long-Lasting. Fiber cement siding offers the ideal blend of affordability and longevity, giving you excellent value for your investment.
Exteriors by Global Home Serving Pa., N.J. and Del. (866) 735-1121 | GlobalHomeInc.com SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
21
HH_Fall LandscapingDept_0926_Layout 1 9/22/26 11:41 AM Page 1
OUTDOOR LIVING
Small Changes, Stronger Impact From smarter pruning and planting to basic and high-impact changes, find out what works for your landscape this fall season. B Y G I A N A S C A F I D E
F
all landscaping doesn’t always call for a complete revamp. In many yards, the biggest improvements come from well-timed decisions. To find out more, House & Home spoke with local experts who shared their knowledge on how to achieve a suitable landscape for fall.
Start With the Basics Before adding anything new, take care of the landscape’s fundamentals. Fall is still an active growing season for both lawns and plants, and treating the yard as though winter has already arrived can create problems. One common mistake is abandoning lawn care too early. Fall is also an important opportunity to overseed areas and repair bare spots before it’s too cold for new grass to establish. “Grass is still actively growing in September and much of October,” says Chris DeMato, owner of Rock Bottom Landscaping. “Continue mowing as needed, and don’t leave the lawn excessively long going into winter.” Fertilizer and mulch are also important in keeping a healthy appeal. Applying too much fertilizer can encourage unnecessary growth instead of helping plants. And when it comes to mulch, more isn’t necessarily better. Two to three inches is generally sufficient, and mulch should never be piled against tree trunks and shrub stems. “Fertilize: You’ll have a great impact on your plants right now,” confirms George Mihalchick, owner of Ponds by George. “Adding character, which would be something decorative, in a planter in your garden that you can plant around is great as well.”
Prune With Purpose Fall is a natural time to look at shrubs and perennials, but that doesn’t mean everything should be cut back. Pruning is needed when fixing your landscape for fall, but the way you go about it matters. “Cutting back shrubs and trees too heavily can remove next year’s flower buds and encourage tender new growth before winter,” DeMato states. A specific type of pruning that can be used is deadheading. Once certain flowers have finished blooming, removing them can encourage additional flowering and keep the plant looking cleaner. “One of the biggest mistakes I see is when homeowners have flowers like daylilies—they flower and then you don’t deadhead them,” Mihalchick says. “If you deadhead something once it’s done flowering, nine times out of 10 you are going to get more flowers. People don’t usually do regular maintenance on their plants, so it only blooms once.”
Think in Layers, Not Just Flowers A landscape that relies entirely on flowers can lose much of its visual interest once summer ends. A layered design by contrast can provide homeowners with shape, texture and color as different plants move through their seasonal cycles. The current preference for fewer plants with better placement works particularly well. “For longer-lasting structure, boxwoods, hollies and evergreens provide the backbone, while ornamental grasses, hydrangeas and looser perennials soften the design,” DeMato says. “Late-season perennials like sedum, cone-
22
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
HouseMagazine.com
HH_Fall LandscapingDept_0926_Layout 1 9/22/26 11:42 AM Page 2
berries that’s completely defoliated and it has brilliant red berries, just clusters of them all over the plant.”
Make A Few Effective Changes
flower and anemone extend color beyond the summer season.” Consider plants that also work well for the winter, as they become more interesting after their leaves disappear. “There is a plant called variegated red twig dogwood,” Mihalchick exclaims. “This has variegated leaves, and when it drops its leaves, its twigs turn brilliant red all winter long. So even to do those in a planter, to do those in your garden, do them where you can see them.
HouseMagazine.com
They’re gorgeous in the snow because they’re bright red twigs that grow up from this plant, so it stands out.” Winterberry offers another strong seasonal feature. Once the foliage drops, clusters of red berries remain on the branches through winter, providing color and attracting certain animals. “This plant will produce berries that turn red all winter, and the birds will come and eat them,” continues Mihalchick. “It’s a bush with red
For homeowners who don’t want to redesign an entire landscape, relatively small improvements can make a noticeable difference. Lighting is one effective improvement as the days grow shorter. A well-placed light can highlight certain trees, architectural features or an entryway that can go unnoticed when the sun goes down. “A relatively small change with a big payoff is adding landscape lighting, a few wellpositioned uplights on specimen trees or the house can completely transform the property at night,” affirms DeMato. Most homeowners tend to overdo with seasonal decor, and one way to make sure everything’s not overwhelmed is with structure.
“Use a piece of driftwood, put it in your garden, put it on anything that’s going to give you structure,” says Mihalchick. “A nice curving piece of driftwood adds a lot more attention than a plant.” The most successful fall landscape changes aren’t necessarily about making a yard look more seasonal. They’re about making decisions that work now and continue to work once the leaves are gone.
RESOURCES Ponds By George Southampton, Pa. (215) 396-7500 PondsByGeorge.com Rock Bottom Landscaping Belle Mead, N.J. (732) 873-6780 RockBottomLandscaping.net
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026
23
FP_H&H_Bleed_FRY_FP_FRY 7/28/26 3:43 PM Page 1
FP_H&H_Bleed_FRY_FP_FRY 9/18/26 1:03 PM Page 1
CLCLandscapeDesign9_26_BackCover_FRY_BC_FRY 8/27/26 9:38 AM Page 1
House & Home Magazine 700 E. Main St. 2nd Floor Norristown, PA 19401
PRSRTD STD US POSTAGE PAID PERMIT 956 Harrisburg, PA