2022 Home Issue
M A R C H 2 022
Luxury Real Estate Pulse from the Dave Marcolla Group NEIGHBORHOOD
LIST PRICE
BEDS
BATHS
DOM
CLOSE PRICE
%SOLD/ORIG
7 Merrick Dr
$2,995,000
4
6
147
$2,779,395
93
22 Hayhurst Dr
$1,869,900
5
7
10
$1,780,000
95
157 Parsons Ln
$1,549,900
6
7
81
$1,500,000
97
464 Brownsburg Rd W
$1,450,000
4
4
36
$1,425,000
98
23 Buckmanville Rd
$1,395,000
4
5
54
$1,250,000
90
595 Linton Hill Rd
$1,295,000
6
5
378
$1,200,000
93
5 Windrow Ln
$989,900
4
4
5
$990,000
100
245 S Chancellor St
$949,000
5
4
46
$905,000
95
1184 Shannon Rd
$839,900
4
3
5
$840,000
100
195 Willow Dr
$800,000
3
3
1
$800,000
100
Source: Bright MLS 12/16/21 - 1/15/22
The Spring Real Estate Market has Sprung! Are you planning to buy or sell in 2022? As the top producing team at Keller Williams Newtown, we are here for you whether this year means selling your current home, buying an investment property, shore or mountain home or even renting. With #1 market share in Newtown and a network of over 190K agents at Keller Williams nationwide, we can help you achieve your goals near or far.
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ESTIMATES
LIFESTYLE LETTER
Home and Design
March 2022 PUBLISHER
Dana Weissenberg Dana.Weissenberg@citylifestyle.com EDITOR
Home. It's meant to be a place of retreat, rest, love and a shelter from the outside world—a place where we can let down our guards and just be. In a world that can be cruel, let the home be a place where we build each other up and continually trying to teach with love, correct with love and express love everyday. Take time to enjoy all the small moments with family instead of getting caught up in all the daily tasks that can steal our attention away—to be truly present when spending time with our family. Although we usually aren’t perfect at accomplishing these things, it's worthwhile to strive for it everyday. March is our Home and Design issue. Creating a home that you want to spend all of your time in isn’t easy. The memories that are made within the walls of our home are what lasts, regardless if our home has the latest trends or if it hasn’t been updated in years. While it's fun to look at beautiful homes and dream about renovations, we all know the love we share in our homes is truly what matters most. From our home to yours, we wish you satisfaction, peace and happiness.
Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com STAFF PHOTOGR APHER
Jeff Robinson ACCOUNT MANAGER
Ryan Ahern | Ryan.Ahern@citylifestyle.com AD DESIGNER
Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER
Kirstan Lanier CONTR IBUTING WR ITER S
Christine Toy-Dragoni, John Fiduccia CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S
Tom Grimes, Mike Sperando, Oscar Mikols, Peter Rhymid, Lisa Russman, Nathan Tuno
Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
DANA WEISSENBERG, PUBLISHER @NEW TOWNLIFEST YLE
CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Randy Radosevich DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise
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Proverbs 3:5-6 Newtown City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Newtown area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Newtown City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but
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L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R
the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
Tom Grimes Photography
Design a Life Well-Lived ❦ Full-Service Interior Design karin@karineckersoninteriors.com www.karineckersoninteriors.com
609.474.0069 2 Tree Farm Rd, Suite B300 Pennington, NJ 08534
MARCH 2022
inside the issue The Home Issue
38
34
12
22
F E ATU R E D
D E PA RTM E NTS
12 Wire Fraud
6
Lifestyle Letter
10
Business Monthly
12
Local Limelight
16
Curb Appeal
HO ME S ERV I C ES
22
Expert Help
LO CA L S ERV I C ES
25
Decor Trends
29
Open House
R EA L ESTAT E
34
Inspired By
HO ME + DES I GN
38
Home Update
Family Owned and Operated Title Company Provides Smooth, Succcessful Closings
22 Home Is
Where The Heart (and Money) Is
34 Inspired, Collaborative Architecture Creating Distinctive Character For True Beach Havens And Beyond
38 Design A Life Well-Lived
Secure Stunning Home Facelifts From Collaborative, Relationship-Rooted Interior Designer
O N T H E C OV E R
Photography: Oscar Mikols
Beach style that’s clean and inviting, courtesy of creative concepts from Joel Petty Architecture, LLC. Calm colors and warm surroundings make perfect beach havens — ready for that?
8
LO CA L S ERV IC E S
HO ME + DES I GN
HO ME + DES I GN
Creative, Client-Focused
COLLABORATION
Services Hardscape & Landscape Design & Installation Decks & Roof Structures Pool & Water Features Lighting & Irrigation Fire Feature Design & Installation
Scan Me
To schedule service plus find more info on services and ongoing promotions.
Contact Us
(610) 964-0100 rootslandscape.com 485 Devon Park Dr #104, Wayne, PA 19087
MARCH 2022
business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.
Photography: Newtown Theatre
Photography: Newtown Township Police Department
Listed by: Kevin Steiger, Kurfiss Sotheby’s International Realty
“America’s Got Talent” Comedian Appeared At Newtown Theatre
Green Parrot Owner Donates $7.5K To Support Safer Sycamore Street
Bucks County Castle Listed For $4M
One of the brightest stars from television’s “America’s Got Talent” recently performed at the Newtown Theater. Comedian Tom Cotter finished as runner-up on the show, and became the breakout star from season 7. He was the first comedian to be a finalist on the show. His other credits include “The Tonight Show,” “Last Comic Standing,” his own Comedy Central show, “The Howard Stern Show,” and “The Late Late Show.”
Robert Lutz, owner of the Green Parrot Restaurant Pub & Patio at 240 N. Sycamore St., donated $7,500 “to assist the police department and Newtown Township in their efforts to reduce traffic incidents involving pedestrians along Sycamore Street” after a pedestrian was hit by a car and died while crossing North Sycamore in late December. Associated considerations also include amending necessary ordinances to authorize potential implementation of traffic and pedestrian safety measures in that area.
If you want to be included, send us a message! Visit CityLifestyle.com/Newtown to get in touch.
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B USIN E SS M ON T H LY
A castle in Bucks County went for sale during presstime. The grand 1950s building once was a country escape from Philadelphia life, and is located at 6166 Stovers Mill Road in Doylestown for $3,975,000. The Castle encompasses 7,232 square feet, six bedrooms and 5.5 bedrooms. A rarity in Solebury Township, this hidden estate residence with pool on 16 acres was designed by two architects to resemble a castle in Belgium, the original owner’s home country.
New Year NEW WARDROBE
The Exercise Coach
Results-Driven, 20Minute Private Fitness Program Launched Innovative, data-driven fitness programs, delivered through impactful 20-minute sessions twice weekly, are available throughout the Newtown area from The Exercise Coach, newly opened at 1717 Newtown Langhorne Road, Suite #202 in Langhorne. Local owner Pat Cappucci says women and men, of all capability levels, appreciate the personal attention, speed and effectiveness of this approach, under guidance of trained coaches and equipment calibrated to each client. To secure two complimentary sessions, call 267.535.2686 or visit ExerciseCoach.com/Newtown.
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(Left to right): Brittany Malcolm, Nicole Malcolm, Rachel Malcolm, Tom Malcolm
wire fraud ARTICLE BY CHRISTINE TOY-DRAGONI
Family Owned and Operated Title Company Provides Smooth, Successful Closings
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LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | LOCAL S E RVI CE S
“There’s a war between those in this business and cyber hackers,” reveals Brittany Malcolm, Affinity Land Services vice president of marketing and sales, regarding attempts and successes against consumers to be conned out of money. Professionals at Affinity offer tips to avoid these types of traps. Since 2012, Affinity Land Services has been a local title company operated by members of the Malcolm family. President/ CEO/Title Agent Nicole Malcolm has been in the title business since 2008. A decade ago, she started this company and runs it alongside her children: Tom, Rachel and Brittany. They employ 15 employees in their Newtown office at 9 S. Sycamore St. Brittany says the increase in electronic communications is the one element that’s changed most since they began the company. “Electronic processing of transactions increased the speed and efficiency of the process, which is positive. However, it also opens up the door for higher risk of fraudulent communication and possible scams,” she adds. Like so many other industries, COVID-19 has impacted real estate. Brittany reports that in a single week, she might do more titles for refinances than she had in months before the pandemic. “The overwhelming transactions were for people getting cash out of their homes. This cash was sometimes used to renovate, but more often used to pay off debt or purchase other property,” she says. In addition to the COVID effect, an increase in property values has spiked the market with homeowners selling properties and purchasing more. Refinances are always up, says Brittany, when the market rates are low; but the increase in home values is creating a deluge of transactions that hasn’t been seen in recent years. This increase in volume and the increase in electronic communication potentially can put consumers, title companies, realtors, lenders and lawyers at risk for fraud.
Brittany says phishing emails are sometimes sent to consumers as if they are any one of the businesses involved in a refinance or home purchase transaction. “These communications will ask the consumer to wire money in an email that looks very similar to the actual company working with that consumer. A simple change in the spelling of a name of an employee or a small difference in the email address is all that a consumer can detect to identify the email as phishing,” she explains. Nicole says that hackers watch email transactions for weeks. “Once they obtain all the pertinent information about closings, many times, they succeed in getting buyers to wire funds to fake accounts representing the proposed title company. It’s horrible what’s happening and the best way of defense is to educate all parties to the transaction.” Besides looking for small details that easily could be missed, Brittany says it is always best to do the following: 1. Ask and understand the entire process from start to finish, so if there is an ask for money, it would be expected. 2. Call to confirm before any money is moved. Affinity Land Services, for example, will never ask for a wire of money without having spoken to the consumer first. The email is simply a confirmation of what was discussed over the phone. 3. If it seems odd, or unexpected, don’t do it. Always err on the side of caution. The realtor, lawyer, mortgage broker or title agent, is not going to be upset if they need to confirm and ask. 215.579.8800 | DeedSearchers.com
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Make your home your sanctuary. ( 6 1 0 ) 3 01 - 2 3 24 T E R E S A S F I N E H O M E D EC O R . C O M
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ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATHAN TUNO
Time For Spring Landscapes
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C UR B A P P E A L | HOM E SERVI CE S
Whether updating landscape for seasonal interests, installing a new patio or creating a backyard oasis, Roots Landscape owner Dan Burt says the Roots team of landscape architects, fine gardeners and custom masons can deliver the project. They have more than 25 years of experience building everything from pools and roof structures, to outdoor kitchens and fireplaces. He adds that Roots’ teams incorporate a client-centric process to ensure communication and collaboration occurs at every critical junction. Dan became director of landscape services for terrain at Urban Outfitters in Philadelphia in 2011. He says he and his team grew that division into one of the leading design-build firms in the Philadelphia region. In 2016, Dan acquired the division, and continued with the same staff under the new name Roots Landscape.
CONTINUED > MAR CH 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / N E W TOW N
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“Our staff of professional designers create breathtaking, backyard retreats that embody our clients’ personal aesthetics, while incorporating materials that make a lasting impression, respond positively to their environs, and will thrive for years to come,” assures Nathan Tuno, Roots Landscape designer and marketing director. “With larger projects, it’s good to start planning now in the winter months so there’s time for the permitting and engineering process. That way, we can move right into the construction phase once the weather breaks,” says Nathan. “Walking through existing spaces at clients’ homes, we try to guide them through the phasing, sequencing and permitting process. Our clients can have as much or as little involvement as they prefer, as we remain transparent throughout the process. We also have great working relationships with the townships, so we know what parameters to use in planning. This process should be exciting for our clients, so we try to eliminate stresses where we can.” He adds that they are adept at handling all types of regional-specific projects, ranging from typical Bucks County
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C UR B A P P E A L | HOM E SERVI CE S
yards to New Hope village courtyards, being sure to match the style and outcomes with either the historical or contemporary natures of the existing structures and surroundings.
SPRINGTIME PLANT RECOMMENDATIONS For trees, Nathan suggests dogwoods, cherry and magnolias. For shrubs, he encourages looking toward versatile flowering options, such as hydrangea, lilacs, deutzia or weigela. “For perennials, we strive to incorporate ever-blooming plant material as much as possible. Mixing in perennials like Russian sage, coreopsis, ornamental grasses and groundcovers is a great way to add pops of color and texture throughout the season,” he says. One of Nathan’s personal favorites are espaliered fruiting trees. This is the horticultural practice of controlling woody plant growth for the production of fruit, by pruning laterally or tying branches to a frame. “There are multiple varieties of fruiting, evergreen and ornamental trees in the market now and they are the perfect plant for walls or tight spaces, adding a living sculptural element to your landscape,” he states.
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HOME IS WHERE THE HEART (AND MONEY) IS ARTICLE BY CHRISTINE TOY-DRAGONI
Home is where people begin, fall back to, and make the most intimate, precious memories. Branch Manager Christa Kusler, and the Kusler team members of America One Mortgage, have understood that the all-encompassing concept of “home” simultaneously means so many things to each individual, since this professional team began serving the Newtown area in 1999.
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EXP E RT H E LP | LOCAL SERVI CE S
“Each mortgage program is like a puzzle, and I love finding the solution to those puzzles,” says Christa. “Helping people find a way to own their dream home while still being able to live their best life and maintain financial health has been my passion since college.” Christa obtained her finance degree from the University of Maine, and has been involved in the mortgage business in one way or another since then. Beginning as a receptionist, her broader attraction to the industry was sparked. Although loan originators were mostly men at that time, Christa says her supervisor and she believed it would be the right fit for her skills and interests. “It feels great to be able to be a part of the process of getting someone into their first home, or creating the perfect space in their existing home with a refinance,” she says. Each person’s story is unique, so each person’s program to get to their goal is unique. Christa says she enjoys making the process all work for her clients, along with seeing and feeling the joy when someone’s most important possession is acquired or improved. Using her finance skills, mortgage experience and compassion for people has helped her and her team earn and maintain a reputation in the Newtown area for knowing what they’re doing and for caring about it being done correctly. Most people have spent more time than ever before in their homes over the past two years, which led to many having new perspectives of their living space. Those observations then motivated many to move and or improve their spaces. Fortunately, with historically low interest rates
and significant equity increases in 2021, it was the perfect time to act on that type of motivation, assures Christa. Industry experts predict that the new year of 2022 is expected to bring additional increases in home values, yielding more equity in existing properties. Christa outlines opportunities available with a cash-out of some of the equity in homes. She’s worked with people to help them purchase investment properties, offering passive income to homeowners. “Some have used the cash-out to purchase vacation homes. Some clients have decided to cash-out to create an amazing space to make their first home their forever home with additions and renovations, “Perhaps they stay to enjoy these upgrades for themselves, or perhaps they create a turnkey purchase opportunity for another family to begin making memories in,” explains Christa. “Some have taken the cash-out to pay off high interest debt or consolidate several outstanding loans or credit cards.” As a full-service brokerage firm, Christa adds that they offer a wide range of refinancing options, designed to best meet the needs of local borrowers. Wherever one is in the home buying process, and whatever the unique puzzle is, Christa says she and her America One team can help solve it and get to each person’s ‘Home Sweet Home.’ 215.807.9300 | Instagram: @The_KuslerTeam
MAR CH 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / N E W TOW N
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Tiffany Thomas-Smith, Esquire
Real-Time Housing Market Insights Luxury Home Specialist New Construction Experts 1st Time Home Buyers Aggressive Digital Marketing Plans Proven Negotiating Strategies Making Transactions Stress Free Jane Colletti
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To schedule an appointment, call (215) 874-4200 or visit buckscountywomenswellness.com 2325 Heritage Center Dr. | Suite 605 | Furlong, PA 18925
what pinterest rooms really cost Interior Design Insight From ‘Interiors By Donna Hoffman’ Interior design lovers love design. They read about it, they watch it on TV, they putter in it, they hire designers. It’s both passion and sport. Their insatiable interest for content is satisfied by a few sources. But experts regularly point to Pinterest as the single largest driver for research, inspiration and vicarious thrills for design consumers. If you’ve ever wondered how “the other half” lives in design, just as some do regarding the fashion world, (that Chanel outfit costs what now?!?), as a luxury interior designer, let me lift the curtain to answer: What Do Those Pinterest Rooms Actually Cost?
ARTICLE BY DONNA HOFFMAN | PHOTOG R APHY BY PETE R RHYM ID
MAR CH 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / N E W TOW N
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The short answer to what Pinterest rooms really cost is “more than you think they should or wish they did.” The COVID-driven answer is: About 20% more than before COVID-19. Here’s why purchasing costs are what they are:
1. 2.
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Furniture is large and complicated to produce, requiring multiple materials plus human hands and skill. Furniture is big and bulky to transport. Consumers pay for weight and cubic feet.
D E C OR T R E N D S | HOM E + DE S I GN
3.
Furniture often needs some repair “touch up” before it reaches you, due to its weight/size.
4.
Furniture is heavy to deliver and install. It requires brawn and multiple hands to accomplish.
5.
All aforementioned factors add layer upon layer to purchasing costs: Big stuff, complicated manufacturing, multiple materials, shipping and handling, lots of human hands and skillsets needed throughout the process.
PURCHA SING COSTS IN TODAY’ S DOLL ARS, NOT INCLUDING DE SIG N SE RVICE S.
The average, small Pinterest living room, containing two single windows, has a starting cost today of $37,000-plus. The average, large Pinterest primary bedroom, with sitting room, has a starting cost of $68,000-plus; more windows adds dollars. The average, midsized Pinterest dining room, containing two single windows, seating eight, has starting cost of $54,000-plus; add dollars for wallpaper. Donna founded TheInteriorDesignAdvocate.com, which provides on-line courses that empower DIY design overs and design professionals internationally. Her company specializes in high-end, luxury interior design, from single room design to whole homes of 20,000 square feet-plus.
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CONTACT US TO SIGN UP FOR A FREE INTRO CLASS!
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Real Estate Trends Moving Fast LOCAL REALTOR REVEALS IMPORTANT CHANGES IN HOW HOMES ARE BOUGHT AND SOLD
ARTICLE BY JOHN FIDUCCIA PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE SPERANDO
Real estate always has been a fluid business. Industry statistics indicate the average client moves every seven years, creating constant dual-sided transactions. Buying and selling deals often were viewed as painful and impersonal. Some felt agents controlled the market access to listings and managed sales demand, while missing relationships with clients. Then the Internet allowed clients to handle more of the process themselves. Buyers took the controls, finding properties they wanted, and had access to marketplace information, pricing, and the ability to do most of the research. Sellers also were enabled to dictate parts of the selling process, or to try “For sale by owner.” Dave Marcolla, a marketing executive by trade, decided to leave his full-time job five years ago and become a Realtor. Why? Dave says he wanted to fix a broken process. “I saw an opportunity to
AND OSCAR MIKOLS CONTINUED >
MAR CH 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / N E W TOW N
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“I saw an opportunity to improve the experience.” — Dave Marcolla
improve the experience,” says the man who built his client book from scratch all while giving them the support and personal touch that made what was previously viewed as a hard experience suddenly easy and pleasant. Due to his prior career, Dave had firsthand knowledge of moving every three years or so, and dreaded the ordeal based on disappointing experiences time and time again. Dave now is a team leader who built a successful business that touts a professional group of five members who help him deliver personalized service while handling his large volume of sales. His hard work and ‘fix of the experience’ resulted in Dave being named the 2019 and 2020 No. 1 producer of the Keller Williams Newtown office. He says the pandemic had a boom impact to his business. “Clients are taking the opportunity to relocate without impacting employment. Entry into the Newtown market from cities is driven by the non-requirement to live in the city to work in it. Likewise, clients are exiting Newtown and the greater Bucks area for warmer pastures, or that dream place they always wanted to live in. The remote workplace has accelerated these moves,” he adds.
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O PE N H OU SE | R EAL ESTATE
Heating up in Newtown and surrounding areas is the demand for rental properties. Dave says many homeowners are taking advantage of the extreme sellers market that drove sales prices sky-high the past two years. “Many of those same sellers decided to wait to buy, opting to rent while staying in the same desirable local school district. This opens up an incredible opportunity for investors looking to become landlords,” Dave says. “These new renters, having recently sold for top-dollar, have deep pockets, which is incenting landlords to raise rents for a significant profit.” “I believe though the Internet will continue to be a disruptor, with improved ability for virtual viewings, the personal touch of a professional realtor who is an expert in the space will always be needed,” says Dave, who wisely embraced new technology but supplemented it with oldschool, top-quality service and trust. Making the experience for buyers and sellers easy, efficient and pain-free remains Dave’s driver. Office: 215.860.4200 | Mobile: 609.423.9147 DaveMarcolla.KW.com
The Dave Marcolla Group handled $30 million in sales during 2021.
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ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY OSCAR MIKOLS
INSPIRED, COLLABORATIVE ARCHITECTURE CREATING DISTINCTIVE CHARACTER FOR TRUE BEACH HAVENS AND BEYOND
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Creative use of all sorts of spaces embodies the unique approach of the professionals at Joel Petty Architecture, LLC. And now’s a great time of year to shore up beach house renovation concepts, because, well, beaches prompt a sense of welcomed peace and calmness. “Developing open ‘life at the beach’ spaces — particularly with cozy, hideaway spaces that promote relaxation — can be so helpful and desired,” says Joel Petty, AIA, NCARB.
JOEL PET T Y
Cue up the dream-like mental podcast: Welcome to my Enchanted Cottage, a lovely, cozy house with hot tub and amenities designed for utmost relaxation. Peaceful beach surroundings inspired each room’s theme and the special touches create a tranquil environment. The living space is quaint, comfortable and family friendly. The exterior features a side deck with a grill and ample seating area. Further, off the deck, you’ll find a firepit with expansive seating for all those smores and star gazing with glow-in-dark magic that makes lasting memories. Joel has more than 20 years of architectural design experience in projects throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Florida. In the Newtown area alone, he’s tackled dozens of historic renovation projects. “I see complex issues as creative opportunities, and I certainly enjoy designing beach havens for clients,” he says. Year-round, the firm handles residential, small commercial, historic renovation, interior spaces and sustainable development projects -- all while striking balances between clients’ goals, site restrictions, guidelines and unique elements. Joel says key elements to analyze in beach getaways include access to views; indoor and enclosed porches for all-season enjoyment; family or friends entertainment spaces; how to maximize the amount of air and light let into the home; and the best ways to connect indoor and outdoor spaces. “In our beach home renovations, we also intentionally plan for some private versus more public spaces, often with main living areas on second floors, when possible, both for privacy reasons and to maximize natural views,” he says. It’s important to include in beach homes as many natural materials and bright, connected spaces as possible, Joel surmises. He even likes to consider sea-shell driveways and accessory buildings that are functional but also enhance the aesthetic of the property.
KEY THINGS FOR BUILDING AT THE BEACH, EMPHASIZES JOEL: • Ensuring the orientation of the design maximizes views, light and privacy while minimizing proximity to and boundaries with neighboring houses. • Using materials that can naturally weather, such as cedar and copper, and when elements need to be painted, composite trim helps aid in the longevity of the materials in the beach environment. Beach homes often are considered sound financial investments, and second homes bring tax advantages. Having those themed homes designed to magnify personal comfort can be an advantage that lasts a lifetime. 215.321.4477 | JoelPetty.com MAR CH 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / N E W TOW N
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Explore Your Next Steps Retirement can be complex and confusing for many pre-retirees. At iNNOVA Wealth Partners, we help our clients create a comprehensive plan for their retirement. Our team works with pre-retirees and retirees in the greater Bucks County and Philadelphia area to help them clarify their goals, and create a financial strategy that aligns with their values.
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FEEL AT HOME IN BEAUTIFUL BUCKS COUNTY 27 Terrell Drive, Washington Crossing $1,050,000 | 4 BD | 4.5 BA | 4,180 SF Welcome to Lakeside of Washington Crossing, PA! This beautiful 4,180 SF, 4BR, 4.5BA home is situated on a beautifully landscaped, .57 acre lot. Inside is just breathtaking with pristine hardwood floors throughout the 1st & 2nd floors, custom finish work including crown and wainscoting moldings. The kitchen features high end appliances like Thermador & Sub-Zero and the Great room is beautiful with lots of glass and gas fireplace. There is a 1st floor study, living room and dining room that completes the main level. Upstairs are 4BR’s and downstairs is a newly finished W/O basement that is absolutely gorgeous. It features a bar section with DW, full bath, guest quaters and large entertainment areas with lots of closets. Council Rock Schools!
1 Rossiter Circle, New Hope 4 BR | 4.5 BA | 4,688 SF This gorgeous 4BR, 4.5BA home located in the Meadowood neighborhood at River Crossing features lots of natural light and has an exceptional floor plan. A grand entryway showcases the pristine HW floors, turned staircase and upgraded millwork. The Gourmet Kitchen offers granite countertops, an oversized island, butler’s pantry, Viking Range, Sub-Zero fridge, Miele dishwasher and a large walk-in pantry. The fully finished walk out basement has excellent space for entertaining including a custom built wet bar, TV space with extra bar area, billiard area, and full bath, spare room which can be used as a home office, work out room or bedroom. Upstairs is the main bedroom suite which has been expanded and 3 additional bedrooms. The beauty continues outside with beautiful landscaping, a well-designed combination of blue stone/limestone patios, pergola dining area, inviting pool cabana and a tranquil heated pool with waterfall spa. Council Rock Schools, easy commutes and a magnificently maintained property! Price upon request.
428 Brownsburg Road, Newtown $2,500,000 | 4 BD | 3 BA | 1.5 HB | 4,114 SF
19 Great Hills Road, Upper Makefield $3,850,000 l 6BD l 6.3BA l 9,512 SF Mark Caola Principal, REALTOR® M. 267.566.1067 Tina House Principal, REALTOR® M. 267.229.2959
O. 215.348.4848 markandtina@compass.com markandtina.com
54 W State Street Doylestown, PA 18901
Compass RE is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.
Photo by Tom Grimes Photography
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design a life well-lived SECURE STUNNING HOME FACELIFTS FROM COLLABORATIVE, RELATIONSHIP-ROOTED INTERIOR DESIGNER ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON
Clients from all facets of the style spectrum indicate interior designs created by Karin Eckerson make homes feel just right. After working as a team professional within East Coast-based interior design firms for 18 years, Karin founded Karin Eckerson Interiors three and a half years ago because she believed she could improve the process of direct client communications and individualized design outcomes, and she wanted her clients to know their wishes would be truly heard and honored. “I’m open to, and want to know, what inspirational items or styles clients are enjoying, even if they might be considered eclectic. My projects run the gamut. I’m currently working on one for a traditional Princeton home with a client who wants a California chic vibe. We’re juxtaposing the ornate millwork and staircase with a well-edited casual, minimalistic design,” reveals Karin. In her former career as a family therapist, she says she learned how intuitive listening and authentic empathy changes everything. “We know that how our homes make us feel is extremely important. No one can be their happiest or do their best from within rooms that leave them dissatisfied,” she adds. Karin’s signature process starts by touring a residence to make a thorough laundry list with clients regarding any bothersome aspects and all visionary
aspirations. “I consider interior design to be a partnership with clients, and will create a complete plan to execute from those lists,” she says. Until last October, Karin operated the business from home -- going through exactly what most other people were experiencing by living, working, resting, eating, exercising and entertaining all at the same location for the past few years. During the fall, she opened a lovely design studio, and dedicated a wall to projecting her three-dimensional designs for her clients. “I offer my clients a curated library of resources and a wonderful work space full of furnishing options, fabrics, wallpaper, color palettes, woods, tiles, fabrics and other samples used to create their specific design. Within my online, interactive design studio program, my clients can see projects unfold in real time,” Karin explains. “We create and update mood boards there, and share ideas through a chat session function where they can leave me messages whenever it’s convenient for them. We work together in person and online until we have the perfect design plan in place.” She stresses that while the supply chain issues have impacted most aspects of life, she’s finishing all of her design projects. She keeps her clients apprised of all updates from vendors CONTINUED > MAR CH 2 0 2 2 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM / N E W TOW N
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regarding supplies and shipments in her online design studio, which then notifies clients and keeps them informed 24/7, if desirable. As a full-service interior designer, Karin manages other essential services, such as window treatment installers, electricians, painters, flooring professionals and mill workers. “Good design has that perfect mix of quality, character and calm. It’s beautiful beyond the surface. And it feels entirely your own,” assures Karin.
examples of karin eckerson interiors project types Tailored Calm
Articulately Elegant
Whole Home Design
Dining Room, Living Room and Foyer
A Place To Talk
Casually Grand
Living Room
Great Room Addition and Design
Young Traditional
Mid-Century Style
Whole Home Design
Dining, Living and Powder Room Design
Refined/Refinished Whole Home Design
Karin Eckerson Interiors hours: by appointment only 2 Tree Farm Road, Suite B 300 | Pennington, NJ 08534 karin@karineckersoninteriors.com 609.474.0069 | KarinEckersonInteriors.com
TOP: Photo by Lisa Russman Photography BOTTOM: Photo by Tom Grimes Photography
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@the_kuslerteam The Kusler Team
P U R C H A S E – R E F I NAN C E – D E B T C O N S O L I DAT I O N LOCAL LENDER, FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1999! A M ER IC A ON E MORTG AGE N M L S# 1976095 | N M L S# 139862
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Jennifer Nanni
Jennifer opened her first luxury interior design, furniture, and cabinetry retail store, Rittenhouse Home in 2014. She aspired to create an experience that would allow her customers to achieve all of their design goals in one place. Her showroom in Newtown has the most sought after home decor accessories, high-end lighting fixtures and features high quality finishes. Jennifer’s unparalleled design skills and expertise in her field provide her the unique ability to see the full potential of any room.
Interior Design • Kitchens & Bath
• 2845 S Eagle Rd, Newtown, PA info@rttenhousehome.com • www.rittenhousehome.com 215-579-0400
Scenic 10 Acre Countryside Estate with Amazing Outdoor Amenities 5333 Ash Road, Doylestown $2,195,000 www.5333AshRoad.com
(215) 860-2800 | jayspaziano.com 1113 General Washington Memorial Blvd. Washington Crossing, PA 18977