Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013 by BCM Media

BucksCounty HOME & GARDEN

Annual 2013 Edition

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Contents Bucks County Home & Garden Guide Annual 2013 Edition Annual Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Home Accents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Home & Living. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Life. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Style. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Building Bucks County Dreams. . . . . 38 Gail Bracegirdle Colorholic. . . . . . . . 48

Home Makeovers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Creating Stellar Scapes . . . . . . . . . 59 Outdoor Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Home & Garden Resource Directory. . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Advertising Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 4

Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

450 East Butler Avenue, New Britain, PA 18901 • 215-345-1892 • billvandegrift.com Hours: Monday-Thursday 9-5, Friday 9-6, Saturday 10-4

BUCKS COUNTY HOME & GARDEN

Publisher William N. Waite Executive Editor Bob Waite

Account Executives Kathie Bachmann Kathy Driver Lisa Kruse

Asssistant Editor Mary Beth Schwartz Art Director BCM MEDIA, INC. Photography Randl Bye Advertising Director Vicky M. Waite

Bucks County Home & Garden Guide is published annually by BCM Media Company, Inc., 309 W. Armstrong Drive, Fountainville, PA 18923. 215766-2694. Single copy price of the Bucks County Home & Garden Guide is $1.95. For single copy sales, call 215-766-2694 or visit Buckscountymag.com.

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Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

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Annual Calendar of Events

Year round Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve hosts workshops, lectures, walks, and special events. New Hope, PA. 215-862-2924; www.bhwp.org.

GA R D E N S Bartram’s Garden Visit this National Historic Landmark and House, circa 1728. The grounds are free and open to the public. Guided tours are available of both the historic garden, as well as the Bartram family home. Don’t miss The Bartram Nursery, complete with native plants and those discovered by the Bartram family. 54th Street and Lindbergh Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA. 215-729-5281; www.bartramsgarden.org. Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve This is the perfect destination for seeing and learning about the native plants of the

Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

Delaware Valley. The 134-acre preserve has over 800 species of native plants in a naturalistic setting. Explore woods, meadows, a pond, and Pidcock Creek, as well as a changing collection of wildlife, birds, and wildflowers. Many educational programs are offered year-round. 1635 River Road, New Hope, PA. 215-862-2924; www.bhwp.org. Camden Children’s Garden Designed for children and families, the Camden Children’s Garden is a special place to explore and discover the natural world. The four-acre garden provides hort-

March 3-10, the 2013 Philadelphia International Flower Show returns to the Convention Center.

icultural experiences for creative and imaginative play. Educational programs are offered April through December. Admission. 3 Riverside Drive, Camden, NJ. 856-356-8733; www.camdenchildrens garden.org. Chanticleer Gardens A 35-acre pleasure garden open to the public. The garden is a study of textures and forms, where foliage trumps flowers, the gardeners lead the design, and even the drinking fountains are sculptural. Educational programs are offered year round. 786 Church Road, Wayne, PA. 610687-4163; www.chanticleergarden.org.

Hortulus Farm A one-hundred acre 18th-century farmstead and nursery operation. It was created by garden and event designer Renny Reynolds and garden writer and author Jack Staub. The gardens and museum are open for tours from May through October. 60 Thompson Mill Road, Newtown, PA. 215-598-0050; www.hortu lusfarm.com. Jenkins Arboretum & Gardens Jenkins Arboretum features a collection of trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and ferns in a natural landscape. The landscape and plant collections provide sanctuary for native birds, insects, and wildlife. Educational proBucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

grams are offered year round. 631 Berwyn Baptist Road, Devon, PA. 610-647-8870; www.jenkinsarboretum.org. Linden Hill Gardens The retail nursery and destination garden of garden designer Jerry Fritz. Educational programs are offered year round. 8230 Easton Road, Ottsville, PA. 610-847-1300; www.lindenhillgardens.com. Longwood Gardens Exquisite flowers, majestic trees, and dazzling fountains make up this estate created by Pierre S. du Pont.Year round visitors can enjoy music and theatre events, firework and fountain displays, seasonal festivals, guided tours, and educational programs. Admission. 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA. 610-388-1000; www.longwoodgardens.org. The Morris Arboretum at the University of Pennsylvania Ninety-two acres of lush and colorful gardens await at The Morris Arboretum. Discover garden spaces and learn about 13,000 labeled plants, trees, and flowers. More than 100 classes, tours, and lectures are offered in spring and fall. Visitors also will enjoy changing exhibits. Admission. 100 East Northwestern Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. 215-247-5777; www.mor risarboretum.org. Mt. Cuba Center The Mt.Cuba Center is situated on 600 acres. Its woodland wildflower gardens are recognized as the region’s finest. Guided docent tours are available by reservation. Admission. 3120 Barley Mill Road, Hockessin, DE. 302-239-4244; www.mtcubacenter.org.

Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

The Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College Encompassing over 300 acres of Swarthmore College, Scott Arboretum features over 4,000 types of ornamentals plants. The mission of the Arboretum is to display plants suited for home gardens in this area and to educate the public. Education programs are offered year round. Admission. 500 College Avenue, Swarthmore, PA. 610-328-8025; www.scottarboretum.org. Tyler Arboretum One of the oldest and largest arboreta in the Northeast, this year-round destination has 650 contiguous acres and 20 miles of hiking trails. The Arboretum’s collections include rare plant specimens, ancient trees, and historic buildings. Educational programs are offered year round. 515 Painter Road, Media, PA. 610-566-9134; www.tylerarboretum.org. Tyler Formal Gardens Built in the early 1930s, the gardens reflect early twentieth-century horticulture, and originally were influenced by larger Italian and French gardens. Divided into compartments and levels, separated by shrubs and stone walls, the gardens include manicured lawns, water fountains, gravel pathways, an espalier, and bronze sculpture. Bucks County Community College, 275 Swamp Road, Newtown, PA. 215-9688000; www.bucks.edu. Winterthur Founded by Henry Francis du Pont, Winterthur is the premier museum of American decorative arts. The estate features a research library, as well as a 60acre naturalistic garden. Winterthur’s

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1,000 acres encompass rolling hills, streams, meadows, and forests. Educational programs are offered year round. Admission. 5105 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE. 302-888-4600; www.win terthur.org. 2013 Philadelphia International Flower Show March 3-10: This year’s show has the theme Brilliant! and will celebrate the contemporary culture, design, gardens, and landscapes of Great Britain. Admission. 12th and Arch Streets, Philadelphia, PA. 215-988-8899; www.theflowershow.com. Annual Bucks Beautiful Kitchen & Garden Tour June: Enjoy the gardens on display during this popular one-day self-guided tour. The tour showcases a wide variety of homes and garden styles. Many gardens featured on the tour are designed and maintained by the homeowners, while others are designed, planted, and maintained by professionals. Bucks County Master Gardeners are on hand in each garden. Admission. Rain or shine. Doylestown, PA. 215-348-3913; www.bucksbeautiful.com

dents in Lambertville, NJ. The tour begins at The Kalmia Clubhouse, 39 York Street, Lambertville, and showcases a variety of garden types and plants, from eclectic to formal, large and small. Net proceeds further The Kalmia Club’s mission and assist with its community outreach and annual scholarship programs. Admission. 609-3972537; www.kalmiaclub.org.

House & Home 59th Annual Yardley Community Centre Antiques Show January 18-19: Over 20 antique dealers offering a variety of items, including primitives, country and traditional furniture, china, glass, silver, textiles, jewelry, pottery, and dolls. Fri. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission.Yardley Community Centre, 64 South Main Street,Yardley, PA. 215-321-3528; www.yardleycommunity centre.com.

Annual Garden Tour June: The Bedminster Land Conservancy’s annual garden tour allows visitors to experience private gardens. See how a private yard can be transformed into a garden oasis. Admission. 215-795-2352; www.bedminsterlandconservancy.org.

Philadelphia Home Show February 2-10: The 2013 Home Show features appearances by Jason Cameron from DIY and Mark Brunetz from STYLE Network, along with designed rooms, the Cooking Stage, and the Xfinity Experience Stage featuring presentations on remodeling, renovation, organizing, décor, gardening, and outdoor projects. Free parking and shuttle. Admission. Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA. 855-856-7469; www.phillyhomeshow.com.

Annual Hidden Gardens of Lambertville Tour June: This annual self-guided walking tour allows visitors to enjoy elegant and unique “hidden gardens” in the backyards of resi-

American Consumer Shows February 8-10; October 4-6: Suburban Pennsylvania Home Show (Lancaster, PA) March 22-24; October 11-13: Bucks and Montgomery Home Show (Warminster,

Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

CUSTOM HOMES RENOVATIONS RESTORATIONS

WWW. S ULLIVAN B UILDING A ND D ESIGN G ROUP.COM

PA) April 19-21; September 6-8: Greater Philadelphia Home Show (King of Prussia, PA)888-433-3976; www.acshomeshow.com. Suburban Home and Garden Show February 21-24:Visit this annual show for decorating and remodeling ideas, learn more about companies, and stroll through gardens by area landscapers. Admission. Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, 100 Station Avenue, Oaks, PA. 484-754-EXPO; www.phillyexpocenter.com. Historic Home Show & Designer Craftsmen Show March 8-10: The ultimate show for restoring, renovating, and preserving our Nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s architectural heritage. Admission. Valley Forge Convention Center, 1160 1st Avenue, King of Prussia, PA. 610-768-3215; www.oldhouseonline.com. Sugarloaf Crafts Festival March 15-17: More than 250 artisans display and sell their creations in pottery, sculpture, glass, jewelry, fashion, home dĂŠcor, furniture and home accessories, and more. Admission. Greater Philadelphia Expo Center, Oaks, PA. 800-210-9900; www.sugarloafcrafts.com. The Philadelphia Invitational Furniture Show April 5-7: This annual show highlights artisan quality furniture and furnishings to suit all tastes. Admission. 23rd Street Armory, 22 South 23rd Street, Philadelphia, PA. 215-387-8590; www.philaifs.com. The 23rd Street Armory Antiques Show April 12-14: This Barn Star Productions

Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

event has antique dealers presenting antiques in room-like settings. Admission. 23rd Street Armory, 22 South 23rd Street, Philadelphia, PA. 914-474-8552; www.barn star.com. Antique City April 13-14: 250 fine booths feature varieties of antiques and collectibles. Primitives, decoys, pop culture, postcards, amusements, and more will be on display. Admission. Free parking. Lehigh University Fieldhouse, 123 Goodman Drive, Bethlehem, PA. www.antiquecityshow.com. The 2013 Philadelphia Antiques Show April 13-15: Founded in 1962, this prestigious show is one of the longest running antiques shows in the country. The show offers diverse furnishings and decorative arts for both the period and modern American home. Preview party April 12. Admission. Hall F, Pennsylvania Convention Center, 12th and Arch Streets, Philadelphia, PA. 610-902-2109; www.thep hiladelphiaantiquesshow.org. Renningers April 25-27; June 27-28; September 26-28: Antiques Extravaganza Admission. Rain or shine. 740 Noble Street, Kutztown, PA. 610-683-6848; www.renningers.com. Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen Shows May 10-12: Corner of 19th and Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA July 27-28: Chase Center on the Riverfront, Wilmington, DE 335 North Queen Street, Lancaster, PA. 717-431-8706; www.pacrafts.org.

Renovating the Past to the Present

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J.R. Maxw o Maxwell xweell Builders are excited to showcase the extensive remodel of the Bucks County Playhouse and celebrate in the 2012 re-opening of an iconic Bucks County venue. Please visit our website to view a video series of the renovations.

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Tinicum Outdoor Antique Show June: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rain or shine. Admission. Benefits the Tinicum Civic Association. Tinicum Park, River Road, Erwinna, PA.

distinguished dealers present the finest offerings of American antiques and decorative arts, including furniture, paintings, rugs, ceramics, silver, jewelry, and more. Admission. Chase Center on the Riverfront, Wilmington, DE. www.win terthur.org.

Tinicum Arts Festival July: Over 300 artisans and artists gather for this annual event featuring live entertainment, children’s activities, picnic food, white elephant sale, silent auction, author’s table, discovery tent, and book sale. Admission. Free parking. Sponsored by the Tinicum Civic Association. Tinicum Park, Route 32, Erwinna, PA. 610-294-9420; www.tinicumartsfestival.org.

Four Lanes End Garden Club’s Holiday House Tour and Tea November: This annual tour offers spectacular holiday floral displays set amid stately historic homes and buildings. Enjoy tea at the Middletown Country Club. Advance admission. flegc@buxcom.net; www.flegc.buxcom.net.

Annual Tinicum Park Antiques Show September: Dealers from New York, Maryland,Virginia, and Pennsylvania will display merchandise in and around the historic barn and farm buildings of Tinicum Park. Items will include furniture, textiles, glassware, paintings, prints, metalwork, and artifacts. Admission. Free parking. Rain or shine. River Road (Route 32), Erwinna, PA. 267-337-0955.

Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show November: This annual art event is for the benefit of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Funds raised are used to purchase works of art and craft for the permanent collections, to fund conservation and publication projects, and support exhibitions and education programs. Admission. Pennsylvania Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA. 215-684-7930; www.pmacraftshow.org.

Traditional Artisan Show September: Bedminster Land Conservancy hosts this annual show. There will be over 40 artisans from 12 states selling Redware pottery, Windsor chairs, hooked rugs, Shaker boxes, floor cloths, Theorem paintings, stained glass, and more.Visitors also can see craft demonstrations. Upper Bucks County Technical School, 3115 Ridge Road, Perkasie, PA. www.bedmin sterlandconservancy.org. Annual Delaware Antiques Show November: Sixty of the country’s most

Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

Newtown Open House Tour December: This annual event gives participants a chance to tour many private local homes and historic buildings decorated for the holidays. The Half Moon Inn (Court Inn) will feature open hearth cooking, Colonial music, and period reenactors. Refreshments of mulled cider and cheese will be served throughout the day. Advanced admission. 215-968-4004; www.newtownhistoric.org.

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Home Accents ... beautiful, handcrafted country furniture, wood cabinets that are built in our workshop. For more information contact Roger S. Wright Furniture, Ltd., Blooming Glen, PA; 267-354-4264, Rswfurniture.com.

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industry today. The Intelligent Engine Management (IEM) system by STIHLâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;another innovative way STIHL chain saws give you maximum performance for the tough jobs. Available at Detlan Equipment, 141 Main St.,

Silverdale, PA; 215-257-5177; Detlan.com.

Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

â&#x20AC;Ś these handmade boxes are made of walnut or poplar. Walnut boxes are left natural. Poplar boxes are painted gray or brown on the outside only. Boxes are held together with glue and screws. These bird boxes are used by bluebirds, chickadees, titmice, tree swallows, etc. For more information on these boxes, contact the Doylestown Nature Club, by emailing doylestownnatureclub@comcast.net.

... enlarge your outdoor living space and enjoy the outdoors comfortably with a Perfecta Retractable Awning from JMT Awnings. Select from over 500 fabric choices. For more information contact us at 215-659-5239;

jmtawnings.com.

... specializing in kitchen and bath design, with over 25 years of experience, they can assist in all aspects of your home improvement. Whether space planning, updates or full renovations, from design to implementation, contact Sweetbriar Cabinetry & Design, 8330 Easton Rd., Bldg. D, Ottsville, PA; 610-847-5851;

... the Continuous Arm Bench is handmade by skilled chairmakers who have been trained to drill the seventy-eight compund angle holes, one at a time. Now available in limited edition and in four color finishes at Frederick Duckloe & Brothers, Portland, PA; 570-897-6172; duckloe.com.

Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

Home G

emmi Construction, Inc. is a full service, remodeling firm, specializing in Custom Renovations and additions founded by NARI Certified Remodeler, John Gemmi. With over 20 years experience, John’s skill and pride in his craft are building elegant and comfortable living spaces all over Bucks and Montgomery Counties that will be as appreciated in a century as they are today. Our commitment to exceeding our customers’ expectations is evident in all the work we do. From our first meeting to the final walk through, you are an essential part of the team.

GEMMI CONSTRUCTION, INC. 4936 York Road Buckingham, PA • 215-340-4600 Gemmiconstruction.com

illiam Draper Cabinetmaker, is Bucks County’s premier, fullservice custom cabinetry design firm. Offering a wide selection of premier cabinetry, tile, appliance, and fixture options, their design experts will help develop your vision while quality craftsmen ensure excellent service. Our three distinct lines of cabinetry, two award-winning designers, and comprehensive project management services set our showroom apart from the competition.

WILLIAM DRAPER CABINETMAKER Buckingham Green, 4950 York Road Buckingham, PA • 215-794-9198 Williamdraperinc.com 22

Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

& Living B

arb-Lin Carpet One, family owned and operated, has been providing excellence in the floor covering business since 1948. Our quality and service are what the community has been able to depend on. The flooring industry has undergone many changes in recent years. Barb-Lin Carpet One is one of the few carpet retailers who have met this challenge by aligning themselves with major brands such as Karastan, Bigelow, Lees, Pergo, Mannington, and Armstrong just to mention a few. We invite you to visit our showroom and let our professional staff answer any questions you may have about flooring.

BARB-LIN CARPET ONE 640 North Main Street â&#x20AC;˘ Doylestown, PA

215-348-8116 Barb-lin.com

arrett Vaughan Builders is a leading custom home builder in Bucks and Montgomery Counties. Our team of dedicated professionals ensures that attention to detail and superior craftsmanship are the rule, not the exception. We also specialize in renovations including one-of-a-kind kitchens, bathrooms and home additions. Browse our online portfolio at jarrettvaughan.com, or call for an appointment to visit our showroom.

JARRETT VAUGHAN BUILDERS 4050 Skyrun Drive, Doylestown, PA 215-345-8008 Jarrettvaughan.com

Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

Home T

BILL VANDEGRIFT, INC. 450 East Butler Ave., New Britain, PA 215-345-5616 Billvandegrift.com

aste is everything, especially in the kitchen. At Bill Vandegrift, Inc., you can choose from 24 custom colors while still getting a range engineered to provide the superior cooking performance you have come to expect of any Viking Range. Just as every gathering takes on a personality all its own, so does every kitchen. With our knowledgeable staff, we can help guide you to the products that will bring professional performance to your home. “It’s your kitchen.Enjoy it.”

elaware Valley Window Tint specializes in window glass films. These films make less glare, reduce in-home fading, and can make homes more energy efficient. The 99 percent UV light reduction results in protection for furniture, carpet, draperies, and wood flooring. Increased shatter resistance results in increased safety for the family.

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Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

& Living V

acations have never been easier than owning a cottage in Schnabels’ Woods, a private gated community of individually owned recreational cabins. Conveniently located and affordable, cottages come in a variety of sizes and styles, all with access to the beautiful Tohickon Stream. It’s pristine, because there are no permanent homes or rentals. Enjoy acres of wooded beauty, commune with nature or do nothing at all, here in your cottage, in the woods by the water.

SCHNABELS’ WOODS Bucks County, PA 215-536-6255 schnabelswoods.com

uperior Woodcraft handcrafts heirloom–quality custom cabinetry with environmental sound practices and materials; creating a locally made, sustainable product of lasting value, utility, beauty and harmony. Our cabinetry is traditionally handcrafted from only the finest woods from properly managed forests, with the best quality components and exceptional finishes; providing you quality, value and peace of mind. Family owned and operated for over 45 years.

SUPERIOR WOODCRAFT 160 North Hamilton Street • Doylestown, PA 215-348-9942 Superiorwoodcraft.com Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

Home A

HOLLAND FLOOR COVERING 35 Swamp Road • Newtown, PA 215-357-0909 Hollandfloor.com

t Holland Floor Covering, your local family owned and operated flooring center, you'll find our 40 years of experience has prepared us to help guide you throughout the entire floor selection and installation process. Come visit our 8,000 square foot showroom in Newtown to see the endless possibilities for your home. You’ll be delighted to discover a store that still offers exemplary service, reasonable pricing, and a world of products to choose from, including the custom tumbled marble backsplash and modular pattern travertine stone floor as shown in this photograph.

ullivan Building & Design Group is a full service design/build firm that focuses on a hands on approach, where we are committed to working with you to help realize your vision. Cider Press Woodworks, the millworks division of SBDG, is a group of artists, designers and craftsmen who specialize in designing and building custom casework, furniture and architectural elements. 2012 National Chrysalis Award Winner for “Historic Renovation” and “Whole House Remodel.”

Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

SULLIVAN BUILDING & DESIGN GROUP 585 Old Bethlehem Rd., Quakertown, PA 215-804-1100 SullivanBuildingAndDesignGroup.com

& Living A

s a professional company with trained experts in keeping all types of facilities in top condition, we help you assess your environment and concerns during our initial consultation. Business and residential cleaning services including carpeting, wood floors, window cleaning, power washing, high dusting and ceiling tile cleaning. BUGAJEWSKI FACILITY SERVICES AND RESIDENTIAL DIVISION 1432 Easton Road, Suite 3D, Warrington, PA 215-491-3092 Bugajewski.com

om Wells has always had a passion for integrating high quality construction practices with his concern for the environment. He has a long and distinguished career as a builder, contractor, remodeler and champion of green building. Thomas G. Wells Construction LLC is an awardwinning residential remodeler and renovation company located in Yardley, PA. The company has been in business since 1988 and specializes in energy efficiency, sustainable building practices, THOMAS G. WELLS green remodeling, energy audits, CONSTRUCTION, INC. ingeniously designed kitchens, baths, 942 S. Woodbourne Rd â&#x20AC;˘ Levittown, PA and addtions. 267-583-3482 Tgw-construction.com Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

Home & Living F

rom faĂ§ades and kitchen cabinets to built-ins, there is distinctive American character in everything we build. We place significant emphasis on quality control from start to finish and we refuse to cut cornersâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;every detail of every project has the unique touch of our craftsmen. J.R. MAXWELL BUILDERS, INC. Doylestown, PA 215-345-1953 JRMaxwellBuilders.com

ear-round comfort. Service. Value. Security. Convenience. You can have it all with Harris Comfort. For over 50 years and four generations, the Harris family has been providing the region with top quality fuel oil, along with expert residential and commercial heating, cooling, and backup generator installations. With every piece of equipment, every drop of fuel, we also deliver unyielding dedication to full service, personal attention and your total comfort.

Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

HARRIS COMFORT 215-788-4596 215-968-7477 Harriscomfort.com

The Cabinetmaker’s Music

he master cabinetmaker listened closely, taking satisfaction from skillfully orchestrated sounds which came from his wood shop. Intonations from each craftman’s task became a part of the melody–the gentle swoosh of a wooden plank when pulled from its stack, the intermittent buzz of a miter saw, the soft thump as a rubber mallet encouraged a joint. He knew by heart the well tuned whisper of glaze. Every cabinet became a song; the wooden notes given life by his talented hands. This was Karl Geiger and his legacy.

Through Superior Woodcraft’s talented craftsmen this wonderful legacy lives on. Visit our showroom and experience Superior Woodcraft’s enduring artistry.

Superior Woodcraft, Inc. Award Winning Cabinetry for Extraordinary People 160 North Hamilton Street • Doylestown, PA 18901 215-348-9942 • www.superiorwoodcraft.com PA758 / HIC reg# 13VH04269300

Home

A Clean House With an ever increasing list of duties and tighter than ever schedules, having your home cleaned by Bugajewski Facility Services may be a sparkling idea • by Mary Beth Schwartz

ith today’s lifestyles, homeowners have busy schedules—work, sports, play dates, special events, library trips, school functions, the list goes on and on. There does not seem to be enough time in the day to get everything accomplished. Quite often, home cleaning gets pushed aside until the tasks pile up. That is where Bugajewski Facility Services comes in. Founder/CEO Ben Bugajewski started Bugajewski Facility Services in 2004. Bugajewski has over 30 years of experience in the specialty cleaning industry. The 30

Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

company has an expert team and a full range of cleaning and maintenance services. Ninety-nine percent of their clients rate the company’s services as excellent. “We can design the exact program the client is looking for. We use customized software to log in every service request and track it to completion in a timely manner. State-of-the-art tools, equipment, and supplies are used for the efficient completion of the work. And, we guarantee our service is completed in a timely manner with total client satisfaction,” Bugajewski says. The company has a broad range of services, including janitorial, handyman, floor screening and sanding, restroom cleaning and maintenance, high dusting, ceiling tile cleaning, painting and wallpaper installation, whirlpool cleaning, window awning cleaning, power washing, and carpet installation, repair, dry clean, and hot water extraction. The cleaning staff can even come in and detail an entire residence before the family moves in. “We also have knowledge on cleaning wood floors—both solid wood and engineered wood floors. I have developed programs on how to keep them clean and maintain them,” Bugajewski says. Bugajewski offers some tips to homeowners on cleaning wood surfaces. One: be careful using the vacuum—the beater bar can cause damage. Two: clean up spills immediately. Three: dust routinely to remove grit. Four: make sure all furniture has protectors in place. And finally: follow manufacturer’s directions for an all-purpose wood cleaner. Do not use aggressive

chemicals to clean the flooring. One of the major cleaning companies in Central Bucks, Bugajewski Facility Services has contracts for retail stores, health care facilities, manufacturers, and child development centers. Some of their clients include Byers’ Choice, the Michener Museum, Doylestown Hospital, Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce, and The Health and Wellness Center in Warrington. Cleaning crews also venture to Montgomery County, the Main Line, and portions of Berks County. You can contact Bugajewski Facility Services at 215-491-3092. Online, visit their Website at www.bugajewski.com. Their address is 1432 Easton Road, Suite 3D, Warrington, PA 18976.

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Life

Aging in Place Thomas G. Wells Construction, LLC can make a home more accessible for those of all ages living with diminished abilities â&#x20AC;˘ by Mary Beth Schwartz

our son breaks his leg player soccer. Your middle-aged daughter is diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Your 80-year-old mother is coming to live with the family. Your want your wheelchair-bound friend to visit. You threw out your back and cannot work well in the kitchen. All of these people with diminished abilities can be more comfortable in their homes with modifications by Thomas G. Wells Construction, LLC. In business for 25 years, President Thomas G. Wells has worked on numerous Aging in Place projects. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Aging in Place is not for just people over 65. It is for anyone that 32

Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

cannot live comfortably with the traditional home layout. A chairlift for someone who cannot access stairs. Brighter lights for those with diminished eyesight. A doorbell with a flashing light for the hearing impaired. Grab bars placed strategically around the home for those not steady on their feet. And the remodeling does not have a commercial or industrial look. Many manufacturers are creating products that are beautiful and functional,” Wells says. Servicing Lower and Central Bucks County, Montgomery County, and areas in New Jersey, Thomas G. Wells Construction, LLC uses universal design on its work—form, function, beauty, and accessibility are harmonious. According to Wells, the company has its own Certified Aging in Place Specialist on staff—Cathy Pope. “People in their mid-40s to early 50s are considered the Baby Boomers. They call us the Sandwich Generation because we have elderly parents to take care of and we also have children. We are seeing more and more clients investing in remodeling their homes for aging parents. This way, their loved ones can be monitored, and also avoid the expense of senior living,” Wells says. Thomas G. Wells Construction, LLC recently built an addition to a single-family home in Newtown. “The daughter and her husband invited her 80-year-old mother to live with the family. The house was not large enough—all of the secondfloor bedrooms were occupied. They decided on an addition on the back of the

house. Now the mother has her own living room, bedroom, accessible bathroom, and closet. It is located right off of the family room. She can be with the family, or have her own privacy,” Wells says. Aging in Place bathroom remodeling is another popular request by clients. “Whether it is a walk-in shower with a shower bench, non-slip floors, or dozens of other design solutions, we can customize a solution specific to your circumstances. We recently finished a two-story project on a home in Yardley. The second story was extended over the garage. This made the two bedrooms on the second floor larger. We were then able to put in an accessible bathroom between those bedrooms. The bathroom features a zero threshold shower. It does not have a lip you have to step over. The tile floor of the bathroom is the exact same height as the floor of the shower,” Wells says. Over the years, Thomas G. Wells Construction, LLC has won awards from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). The home renovation and remodeling company also is known for its energy efficiency, sustainable building practices, and green remodeling. In fact, Thomas G. Wells is a Certified Sustainable Building Advisor and Certified Green Remodeler. Contact Thomas G. Wells Construction, LLC at 267-583-3482, or visit online at www.tgw-construc tion.com. Their address is 942 South Woodbourne Road, Levittown, PA 19057.

Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

Style

Tinted to Protect Window films made by Del Val Window Tint are capable of protecting furniture, carpet, draperies, and wood flooring from harmful UV radiation â&#x20AC;˘ by Mary Beth Schwartz

ately you notice the fading of rugs, draperies, and flooring in your home. You also want your home to be more energy efficient. Industry expert Bob Viehmeyer, Owner of Del Val Window Tint, can help. According to the International Window Film Association, window films are versatile. The 99 percent UV light reduction results in protection for furniture, carpet, draperies, and wood flooring. Increased shatter resistance results in increased safety for the family. Heavy-gauge security films protect from natural disasters and vandalism. Scratch resistance coating

Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

protects abrasion from cleaning and harsh climates. Solar control window film reduces AC costs, increases comfort level, reduces solar heat take in, and adds privacy. Most of all, window films lower overall energy costs. According to Viehmeyer, Del Val Window Tint specializes in window and glass films. “We have installed films from the Michener Museum to Sesame Place. For 5,000 homeowners in Bucks County. The Department of Energy chose our energy-efficient film to put on their building in Washington, D.C. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection in Harrisburg selected us to work on the Rachel Carson State Office Building. We have been featured on MSNBC and Fox News for UVShield. This is for clients who need to avoid glare in the

car because of certain medications,” Viehmeyer says. “Films can make older homes and homes that are more than 20 years old more energy efficient. With window film, we can give a single-pane window the efficiency of a double-pane window. We can give a double-pane the efficiency of a triple-pane. It is much less expensive to use film than install new windows—about one third of the cost. And, over the past years, there have been tax credits available for energyefficient films,” Viehmeyer says. Whether you need to protect inhome fading, low energy cost, reduce car glare, or have business or government agency needs, contact Del Val Window Tint at 215-672-1041. Their address is 15 South Penn Street, Hatboro, PA 19040.

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Building Bucks County Dreams One of the blessings of living in Bucks County and its surrounding areas is the skilled builders who can help homeowners build their dreams BY MARY BETH SCHWARTZ

With the New Year, homeowners gather together their to-do lists for the year. It might be a simple as a fresh coat of paint or new carpets, or a bit more involved with a bathroom renovation, kitchen addition, or finished basement. For those detailed residential projects, consider the following Bucks County companies.

Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

JARRETT VAUGHAN BUILDERS, INC.

Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

High-End Custom Construction or 37 years, Jarrett Vaughan Builders, Inc. has been a creative custom home builder for clients in Bucks County and Montgomery County. Its subsidiary division, Cold Spring Cabinetry, Inc., delivers custom designed, handcrafted furniture and cabinetry. Recently, the company has focused on additions, renovations of kitchens and baths, and large renovations—presenting the highest levels of quality, material, workmanship, and unparalleled customer service in every project. According to Principal Brian Vaughan and Principal Tom Jarrett, the company recently finished an interesting high-end weekend getaway home along the Delaware River in Lumberville. Designed by a local architect for a New York City executive, the project took nine months. “It looks like a traditional house on the outside, but inside there is open space, wal-

Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

nut floors, big windows with phenomenal views. The appointments, furniture, railings, and cabinetry all have an artful feel to them,” Vaughan says. For a family in Plumstead Township, Jarrett Vaughan Builders, Inc. built a high-end kitchen with all new cherry floors in the house. “This was a traditional development house that had a fire. The homeowners had to remodel. The custom kitchen has granite countertops, a great choice of colors, good layout. It totally changed the interior image of the builder’s grade house on an architectural level,” Vaughan says. Whether you envision a large remodel or a new kitchen, contact Jarrett Vaughan Builders, Inc. at 215-345-8008. You can visit them on facebook or at www.jar rettvaughan.com. Their address is 4050 Skyron Drive, Suite G, Doylestown, PA 18902.

Above, Jarrett Vaughan Builders are specialists in high-end construction and detailed craftsmanship as can be seen in the room above and bath to right. They show the same care for detail in exteriors, like the getaway home shown above. Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

Full-Service Design/Build emmi Construction, Inc. is a full-service remodeling firm, specializing in custom renovations and additions. Founded by Owner/President John Gemmi, the company offers 15 years of experience in creating award-winning living spaces throughout Bucks County and Montgomery County, as well as Hunterdon County in New Jersey. Gemmi also is a National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) Certified Remodeler (CR) and Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler (CKBR). The staff at Gemmi Construction, Inc. has worked on kitchens, bathrooms, basements, garages, exteriors, historical projects, additions, and complete residences. For a client in Newtown, a Colonial Williamsburg style portico was created at the entryway of the front door. “The purpose of this project was to create curb appeal for the Colonial style home, and functional to protect the entryway. We used a computer model to design the project so the clients could see what it would look like before we started building it. Crown moulding, columns, pilasters, lighting fixtures, and a random pattern bluestone floor were incorporated into

Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

the design. The entire structure was made from composite materials for easy maintenance, and we hid the downspouts inside of the columns,” says John Gemmi. For a growing family in Yardley, Gemmi Construction, Inc. spent five months on a kitchen addition renovation. “The kitchen was small and antiquated and not functional for the family. They wanted a big kitchen for entertaining, and small intimate spaces for conversation. Our main goal was to tie the kitchen into the rest of the home. The Christopher Peacock-inspired kitchen has crisp white bold cabinetry, very sharp lines—a very linear look. A custom designed piece of furniture inspired by a family heirloom stands out in the kitchen. The kitchen also features moulding and uplighting, a raised center ceiling, red oak flooring, and a massive granite island,” Gemmi says. To contact the people at Gemmi Construction, Inc. for your next project, call 215-340-4600.You also can visit them online atwww.gemmi construction.com or on facebook. Their address is P.O. Box 87, Mechanicsville, PA 18934.

Gemmi projects are crafted to achieve what a client wants, whether a Williamsburg style portico like the one above which was created for front doorway entrance or a sleek kitchen built for entertaining and style as seen on left.

Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

Maxwell’s Quality Standard or over 30 years, J.R. Maxwell Builders, Inc. has specialized in artisan quality custom homes, carpentry, remodeling, restorations, additions, and millwork. Owner Jay Maxwell, CoOwner James Maxwell, and their expert team work on projects in Southeastern Pennsylvania, as well as New Jersey. Recently J.R. Maxwell Builders, Inc. completed a project on a Newtown Victorian. “For this homeowner, we redid the millwork and built an addition on the side. This period relevant addition was done to modernize the home and open it up. There is a big meeting area and a larger kitchen with custom cabinetry. Victorian kitchens were strictly for utility. The owners did not go into the kitchen as much—it was primarily for the

Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

cooking staff,” says James Maxwell. The company also recently finished full renovation of the Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope. “The Playhouse had been in disrepair for several years. We completely restored it. The whole inside was gutted. We installed new systems for electricity, heating, sprinklers, and rigging. We also redid the entire parking lot. This project had a tight deadline. We started in March, and had to be finished for the opening in July. We did a year’s amount of work in a few months. It was an almost impossible task,” Maxwell says. For your home’s next project, contact J.R. Maxwell Builders, Inc. at 215-345-1953. Visit them online at www.jrmaxwellbuilders.com. Their address is P.O. Box 1327, Doylestown, PA 18901.

J.R. Maxwell Builders finished the renovation of the Bucks County Playhouse within the confines of a tight deadline. Left, an addition is built on to a renovated Victorian home in Newtown. Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

Restoration, Renovation, and Custom Homes eadquartered in Quakertown, Sullivan Building & Design Group is a full-service design/build firm that focuses on a hands-on approach—from beginning concepts to final products. In business for 25 years, the family-run, community-based, sustainable company has clients in New Jersey, New York City, and Eastern Pennsylvania. All of Sullivan Building & Design Group’s quality services are in house. Through their millwork division Cider Press Woodworks, craftsmen create one-of-a-kind cabinetry and built-ins, kitchens, furniture, and architectural elements. According to Owner Neil Sullivan, the firm recently completed the historical renovation of Erwinna’s Golden Pheasant Inn. The renovation included a complete overhaul of the tavern room/bar, two dining rooms, two working fireplaces, the basement area with restrooms and wine storage, commercial kitchen, and four luxury guest rooms with insuite bathrooms, complete with custom mosaic tiling and exposed stone walls. One of the two dining rooms was an addition, The Solarium Dining Room. Sullivan Building &

Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

Design Group built all of the custom woodwork for the inn, including the concierge station, custom vanities for the bathrooms, and the bar. Another recent renovation was Kintnersville’s Light Farm. “This former bed and breakfast had to be converted to a single family home. The client requested a large new kitchen and a great room for entertaining family and friends. We designed and built the entire addition to this early 1800s farmhouse,” Sullivan says. The spectacular kitchen now features maple and Danby counters with painted face frame cabinets with inset doors, polished nickel bin pulls and latches, new oak flooring, and custom high-end appliances. A centerpiece of the kitchen is a custombuilt hood surround constructed of reclaimed wood beams and old beadboard paneling. You can schedule a consultation with Sullivan Building & Design Group by calling 215-804-1100. Their headquarters is located at 585 Old Bethlehem Road, Quakertown, PA 18951. Visit them on facebook, or their Websites: www.sullivanbuildingand designgroup.com and www.cider presswoodworks.com.

Above, additions built by Sullivan can be spacious and modern without damaging the historic integrity of a home. Right, the dining room is part of a renovation by Sullivan Building and Design Group of the Golden Pheasant Inn in Erwinna. Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

Gail Bracegirdle COLORHOLIC Gail Bracegirdle’s subjects and styles vary and are sometimes quite different, but what is evident in all her work is an understanding and love for color

BY BOB WAITE

Gail Bracegirdle’s studio is located in the large, historic Canal Works building in Bristol. I come at 10 a.m. sharp and Gail is graciously waiting for me in the parking lot, so I don’t get lost looking for her studio. Smiling, she takes me inside the Canal Works and shows me the wonderful job that developer Bernard Mazzocchi is doing by preserving this landmark through the creation office and studio space. Entering Gail’s studio is like entering her mind. Although jam packed with the tools and materials of her trade, it is organized and decorated with her own work—some finished and some

Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

in progress. Noticing that I am admiring the paintings on the wall, Gail says, “They’re all watercolors, but I like to experiment with different styles and techniques.” And experiment she does. On one of the walls is a series of paintings of sock monkeys that a friend of hers collects and next to them are some interesting landscapes and in different spots throughout the studio were still lifes of fruit, flowers, and just odds and ends. Besides still lifes there were landscapes, gardens, and even abstract pieces. Looking around I affirm that she liked still lifes. She mischievously says, “I have control over them.” This, of course, is in contrast to the landscapes where

Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

light can change from minute to minute. And light is an important element in Gail’s art. Her subjects, while interesting and varied, are not what make her paintings distinctive. She can paint anything— from something as simple as a sock monkey, a single flower or a bowl of fruit and make it a masterful painting. Her perspective and way she looks at a subject is always a unique view, but what makes Gail’s work particularly interesting is her use of color. Color and watercolor are themes that go back to Gail’s years at Moore College of Art, where she earned a BFA in textile design. She worked in this field for 25 years, using color to make designs that

Jess Graves Jess Graves

would be printed on fabrics used in home furnishings. And although she majored in textile design while at Moore, she took fine art courses. In her watercolor class her professor was the well-

know watercolorist Ranulph Bye. She says, “People would say to me, ‘You mean you studied with the Ranulph Bye.’ You know how connections fall into place in your life.” Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

Gail says she always liked watercolor. “When I was designing, we worked in gouache, which is opaque watercolor. The reason we worked in that was that when we were printing fabric, we only had a certain limited number of screens or rollers because the color has to be uniform throughout. I couldn’t work with the watercolors and the gouache at the same time. I couldn’t think that way, so when I got out of school, I stopped working with the transparent watercolors.” As things began to change in the textile industry, Gail saw an opportunity to leave textile design and do what she always really wanted to do—paint. “As things began to get more computerized and changes came into the industry, I would have to adapt. But I said, ‘I’ve done that; I’m moving on to something else.’” Gail has incorporated some of the things that she learned as a fabric designer into her work as a painter. She showed me a box of fabric, which she designed and I noticed her same sensitive eye to color. She credits her experience in designing fabric with the way she thinks about doing a painting. Of course when Gail first thinks about painting the subject, but she works first with the colors she will use. “I do everything with three colors. I start with three colors. If you get all the colors together and start mixing, you’ll get mud. (This is something I teach my students.) When I pick three colors, it doesn’t matter what they are. I just mix them and see what kind of arrangements I get. And if the colors work for the idea I have for the painting,

Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

then those are the ones I stick with. I have an idea of what I need, but I try different ones until I get it right.” Although Gail doesn’t necessarily begin with the three primary colors exactly, she explains, “They are all yellow, red and blue. The blue may be a green, but I start with three. That’s the way I work out my colors.” Gail admits that it is hard sometimes to teach this to people who do not have a color background as strong as hers. “My understanding of color was very formalized. I had a full year of color theory. I’m a colorholic.” hen I say the standard line about watercolor being an unforgiving medium because you can’t really change what you have done, she only agrees with me partially. “There’s some tricks,” she countered. “It’s different. Some colors stain and if you use those colors, there is no way you can get them out of the paper, but lots of colors don’t stain and if you plan it, you can just lift them off with a soft wet sponge. The other thing to remember is that it’s just a piece of paper. If you don’t like it, use another side. And if you really don’t like a painting, what I’ve been doing is cutting them up and making business cards out of them by attaching labels.” Gail says she always wanted to be an artist. Her grandfather was in the textile industry and he was a partner in a mill in Philadelphia. Gail sees it as an influence.

“Even though I was very young, I remember visiting it with my dad. And it was there in the back of my mind. My uncle did design work for him, and I have his library.” Gail likes to do series of paintings. She has for example a series of monkey socks, which are stuffed animals made from socks to look like monkeys. A friend and fellow artist in the Canal Works collects them and she has painted several. Another series are her works on crinkled paper. “I take a light weight paper. I found out that works the best. I soak it and crinkle it— painting on it while it is wet. The fibers of the paper break a little and so the paint soaks into the fibers of paper.” This creates a textured painting. Gail teaches watercolor painting at Artworks in Trenton. Her class is called

Watercolor Anarchy. Gail enjoys teaching and has taught at several locations. Her goals in teaching are to bring out the artist that is already residing in her students. She says, “I realized when I started teaching that I don’t want to be an influence on my students. I want to share techniques and ideas with them, but I want their work to look like them.” Right now several of Gail Bracegirdle’s watercolors can be seen at the Canal Frame Crafts Gallery, 1093 General Greene Road, Washington Crossing, PA 18977; 215-493-3660; www.canal frame.com and at the Artist’s Gallery, 18 Bridge Street, Lambertville, NJ; www.lambertvillearts.com. You can also visit Gail on the Web at Gailbrace girdle.artspan.com.

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HOME

Makeovers Real estate staging and designing experts can increase selling price, decrease listing time, and keep inconvenience to a minimum By Mary Beth Schwartz

he real estate market has changed dramatically. Home inventory is up. New home and existing home sales are down. Competition is fierce. You need to set your home apart.” These are the words of Kimberly Boyer, DSA, CPCNR, CPIR, CPRES, IDS Affiliate of Kimberly Boyer Interiors. Since 2006, she has been guiding homeowners in property makeovers through staging, interior redesign, and color consultation. Based in Doylestown, Boyer has a passion for decorating and design. “My goal is to help you express your personality in creating a home interior that suits your needs and surrounds you with the things that you love. It is a privilege for me to come into your home,” Boyer says.

Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

Educated through Temple University, as well as The Decorating & Staging Academy, Boyer is certified in real estate staging and interior redesign. With real estate staging, Boyer follows a specific process. “I start with an in-home consultation. I start at the curb and go through each area of the house, including the front yard, backyard, basement, and garage. I assess the property on a point system, including appeal, cleanliness, use of space, clutter, odors, and improvements. I look at the house with a buyer’s eye. I then give the owners homework, identifying items in need of repair, removal, or updating. Once the prep work is complete, the physical staging takes place with placement of furniture and accessories. Clients must have a 90 percent assessment before going to

BEFORE

AFTER

Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

market. My goal is to increase selling price, decrease listing time, and keep inconvenience to a minimum,” Boyer says. With clients in Bucks County and Montgomery County, Boyer works with builders, realtors, and homeowners. Boyer has improved historic homes, as well as new construction. Her full-service firm also offers move management services for those who want to downsize or “rightsize,” along with interior redesign, shopping services, and color consultation. Boyer was chosen to be a set designer for a $25,000 home technology makeover sponsored by Verizon FiOS. “A family from Doylestown won the contest at the Doylestown Arts Festival. I provided the design of two bedrooms into a jewelry design studio and a home office/recording studio, as well as a redesign of the family room. It was on television, and James Earl Jones came,” Boyer says. Also in Doylestown, Boyer helped four generations living in one household. “The grandmother, mother, daughter, and grandchildren moved into one home. They brought furnishings from several homes and needed to make the pieces work. I worked on their living room, dining room, the grandmother’s room, and some spaces.” Boyer says. Boyer recently completed an interior resign for a Langhorne residence. “According to the client, the living room was never used and felt cold and uninviting. They wanted a room that could be used as a reading/music room, and just a 56

Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

place that felt comfortable in which to hang out. Incorporating only what the client already owned and using strategic furniture placement, I was able to meet their desired needs with great results,” Boyer says. (Kimberly Boyer of Kimberly Boyer Interiors can be reached at 267-3429395. Visit her Website at www.kim berlyboyerinteriors.com.) For homeowners who want to try real estate staging, HGTV’s Designed to Sell designer Lisa LaPorta offers some staging tips. BATHROOMS 1. Get rid of grimy bathroom walls with one part water and one part bleach. Once clean, apply a fresh coat of paint. 2. Scour glass shower doors with one part muriatic acid and 10 parts water. Scrub well with steel wool. 3. Avoid dated tile by painting it. 4. Replace the old vanity with a pedestal sink. BEDROOMS A master bedroom should appeal to both sexes. Get rid of gender-specific features. Paint the walls a neutral color and choose bedding and accessories that coordinate. KITCHENS 1. Stain dated cabinets instead of replacing them. Complete with some stylish hardware. 2. New kitchen appliances bring high returns from sellers. Stainless steel mod-

els are popular. 3. Fill existing hardware holes instead of making new, unsightly ones. 4. Granite countertops are a big selling feature. LIVING ROOMS 1. Buyers love built-in bookshelves. There is a fine line between filling them with clutter and staging them to sell. The trick is to arrange neutral items in clusters. 2. Rip down shabby wood paneling. Fill in the cracks between the panels and allow the filler to dry. Then paint the walls. 3. Fireplaces bring a whole set of issues. Tone down an overpowering brick fireplace with paint. Update an old fireplace screen. For a fireplace made of colored stones, give a good scrubbing with soap and water. Then use a stone color enhancer to polish the stones and make them shine. 4. Pack up unnecessary items and furniture before you show the house. Move them to the garage or a nearby storage facility. Buyers want to see square footage, not personal belongings. FLOORING 1. Vinyl tile is an expensive way to update the home. 2. Add drama to old hardwood flooring. Replace damaged boards and give the floor a good sanding. Stain the boards with a rich color.

liability. Start by sanding the wood, then cover it with a light colored stain for a rustic look. Add furnishings for entertaining. 2. Breathe new life into a worn red brick patio with a fresh coat of paint. According to The National Association of Realtors, a well presented home is not necessarily a well maintained one. The National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents surveyed its members and found that 82 percent of respondents said their buyers are likely to be distracted by staging. Instead, first time buyers should concentrate on such elements as the floor plan and home’s location. Jon Boyd, President of the National Association of Exclusive Buyers Agents, offers helpful hints for buyer’s reps. “Do not be dazzled by the light. Halogen lights make a room seem large. The same is true for torchiere style lamps that reflect light up to ceilings. Do not let shimmer hide realities. Mirrors and glass tabletops both make rooms appear larger. Measure each room to see how big it really is. Beware of tight spaces. Be sure that the furniture in a room is appropriate for the room’s use. Encourage buyers to measure their furniture so that they will know how much room they need,” Boyd says. Whether it influences homebuyers or home sellers, it is clear real estate staging is a powerful tool in the sale of a home.

OUTDOORS 1. A nice outdoor deck can be a big selling feature, but an old one is a major Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

Creating

Stellar Scapes Outdoor visions begin with a cooperative relationship between a landscape designer and a client

BY MARY BETH SCHWARTZ

Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

Distinctive Design

ear Garden Associates, Inc. offers distinctive design, installation, and maintenance to clients in such areas as Eastern Pennsylvania, Central New Jersey, the Lehigh Valley, the Main Line, and Manhattan. “We are a group of experienced professionals dedicated to creating and maintaining amazing outdoor living spaces, and are as passionate about the service provided to our clientele as we are about the gardens we create,” says Principal Bill Dear. Dear Garden Associates, Inc. recently renovated a property in Tinicum Township. “We removed a section of asphalt parking in order to allow space for us to create the plantings, wall, and path. The building was a storage shed converted into a poolhouse. We were responsible for the design and execution of the plantings, stonework, and lighting. The design creates spaces for seating to take in views of the property, as well as pathways to allow for a more enjoyable access to the pool. The plantings, which are designed for year-round interest, have a definite focus on color and fragrance during the pool season. We also are responsible for the ongo-

Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

ing maintenance of this garden,” Dear says. Dear also mentioned several gardens constructed from Tinicum to New Hope, Bucks County, as well as in Princeton, New Jersey. “We are responsible for the design and construction of vegetable gardens, including seasonal layout, maintenance, and harvesting. In some instances, we act as “training wheels” to help the clients along as they learn how to tend the gardens. Our maintenance team will replant the gardens during the course of the year so that there is a constant supply of food. We tailor what is planted to the taste of the client, and often include fun things for kids. Fruit such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, grapes, kiwi, and orchard fruit are often a main component of our gardens,” Dear says. Dear Garden Associates, Inc. has a comprehensive gallery of their highquality projects on their Website, www.deargarden.com. They also are on facebook. You can phone them in Bucks County at 215-766-8110, or in Princeton at 609-919-0050. The company is located at 6746 Old Easton Road, Pipersville, PA 18947.

In Tinicum Dear Garden removed a section of asphalt parking in order to allow space to create the plantings, wall, and path. The building was a storage shed converted into a poolhouse.

Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

Dream Scapes

ince 1961, the landscape designers at Bucks Country Gardens Ltd. have helped homeowners define their property visions and handle design/build projects with comprehensive plans. With clients based in Central and Upper Bucks County, the company also has a seasonal store and garden center. According to President Tom Hebel, their specialty is outdoor living spaces. Recently, Bucks Country Gardens Ltd. was called upon to complete the renovation of an outdoor living area in Bedminster Township. This comprehensive project had been in the planning stages for five years. A pending substantial private affair was the deadline for the project. “The project involved the removal of a 20-year-old deck area and landscape that had become outdated and ineffective for the family. The owners also wanted to have use of the area for eight months of the year, not just for the summer. So it is not just a swimming pool area. We tried to incorporate as many elements for the new outdoor living

Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

space—patios, a freestanding fireplace with a covered patio area for both dining and seating, pool paving, and associated landscape plantings,” Hebel says. Another project for the company’s designers was to renovate the gardens associated with the MossRehab area of Doylestown Hospital. “The garden was very industrial looking. It had to be aesthetic as well as therapeutic. We demolished the existing conditions. There was grading and earth work involved. The inviting garden now includes a pondless waterfall and rolling mounds and berms of lawn area with boulder outcroppings and specimen plantings around the perimeter of the space. It is all connected through softly curving sidewalks. We have created a wonderful healing environment,” Hebel says. Contact Bucks Country Gardens Ltd. at 215-766-7800. You can visit them on facebook or at www.buckscountrygar dens.com. Their address is 1057 North Easton Road, Doylestown, PA 18902.

The dream scape created by Bucks Country Gardens at this Bedminster home includes the landscaping around the pool and new outdoor living spaces with patio and free standing fireplace; The MossRehab garden has a pondless waterfall and rolling mounds and berms of lawn area with boulder outcroppings and specimen plantings around the perimeter of the space. Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

Handcrafting Estates

ince 1930, the design professionals at Walter’s Nursery, Inc. have been creating landscapes from Yardley to the Saucon Valley. They also cover Hunterdon County in New Jersey, as go out as far as Souderton. “From quaint intown yards to farmhouse properties sprawling estates, we can design and install exactly what you envision. Our designers—Sara Schaefer, Joey Walter, and myself, can create master plans, planting designs, vegetable gardens, orchards, garden structures, and outdoor rooms, says. J. Willis Buck Walter, Head of Garden Design at Walter’s Nursery, Inc. According to Buck Walter, the company designed and constructed a pool house and a wood shed for clients in Point Pleasant. “The upper portion of the pool house is timber framed and has a built-in storage cabinet and loft. French doors open on to a stone pool patio. The lower portion houses the pool equipment. A wood storage shed was built to complement the pool house,” Walter says. “On a Mechanicsville property, a bosquet, or grove, of fruit trees was under planted with Carex pennsylvanica as part of a larger garden. In

Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

the background is a border of hollies, boxwood, hydrangea, daisies, anemone, sage, and calamint. Along the edge of the barnyard garden parterre is an oak timber arbor supporting white roses. A mixed border, box hedges and pea gravel paths, all elude to the European garden history that influenced early gardens in Bucks County,” Walter says. Walter’s Nursery, Inc. also is working with the Golden Pheasant Inn in Erwinna to renovate its gardens. “The Golden Pheasant Inn’s herb garden sits atop a low wall along the towpath of the Delaware Canal. The garden includes oak timber raised beds for the herbs, vegetables, and blueberries. There is a brick path between the beds and it all sits over a rain water retention area that catches excess roof runoff that is not held in the rain barrel,” Walter says. To see a portfolio of some of Walter’s Nursery, Inc.’s projects, visit their Website at www.waltersnurs eryinc.com. You also can visit them on facebook. If you plan on visiting the firm’s headquarters complete with 33-acre nursery, it is located on 152 River Road in Point Pleasant. The design build company’s phone number is 215-297-5860.

Walterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Nurseryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s projects inclde a renovation of the Golden Pheasant Inn property in Erwinna, and a grove of fruit trees and plantings of flowers along pea gravel paths. A timber framed poolhouse has a built-in storage cabinet and loft. Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

Old World Design

welve years ago, Owner and Designer John Brunnet began a niche design build firm specializing in garden design and construction. Today, Terra Flora Design Associates, Inc. has two small crews that build Brunnet’s designs of terraces and patios, retaining walls and garden walls, fireplaces and kitchens, inviting front landscapes, beautiful backyard gardens, and pools and pool gardens. Terra Flora Design Associates, Inc. prides itself on being masters of the trade. “We pride ourselves on Old World craftsmanship. Our employees have an unparalleled attention to detail and a real passion for what they do,” Brunnet says. With a degree in Ornamental Horticulture and Environmental Design from Delaware Valley College, Brunnet creates beautiful designs for clients in Bucks County, as well as the Main Line. “Our design philosophy is good design is simple. Good design is classic. Good design is timeless,” Brunnet says. For clients in Villanova, Terra Flora Design Associates, Inc. was able to showcase a broad range of their skills. “We maintained some of the original features, such as the existing walkway. We designed and

installed a new front garden around it using a simple palette of classic plants, such as boxwood, laurel, and hydrangea. Also part of this project was creating a driveway entry that really spoke to the old stately feel of the home. A large cobblestone apron leads you through two large stone pillars, where we installed handcrafted gas lanterns to really complete the charming old world feel of this early 1900s home,” Brunnet says. For clients in Yardley, Terra Flora Design Associates, Inc. created a beautiful formal pool and pool garden. “A paired down simple elegance best describes this pool garden. Limited pool decking of Pennsylvania bluestone beautifully complements the turf areas and simple plantings of boxwood, roses, and crepe myrtle used to define spaces and frame the view from the home. The goal was to create a more open feel to the backyard and allow it to naturally fade to the wood line in the distance,” Brunnet says. You can contact Terra Flora Design Associates, Inc. at 215369-3090. Visit them online at www.terrafloradesignbuild.com. Their address is 61 Black Rock Road, Yardley, PA 19067.

For a Yardley homeowner, Terra Flora created a formal pool and pool garden. The pool decking of Pennsylvania bluestone complements the turf areas and plantings of boxwood, roses, and crepe myrtle. Also shown are plantings along a walkway at a Villanova home.

Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

Outdoors

Grill It! People throughout the region have a year-round passion for grilling and entertaining outdoors â&#x20AC;˘ by Mary Beth Schwartz

ccording to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association (HPBA) nearly 74 million U.S. households own at least one. They are used on the popular holidays of the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Labor Day, with increasing popularity on Thanksgiving. Among owners, the most popular utensils are long handled tongs, cleaning brushes, long handled forks, and long handled spatulas. Popular meats prepared on them include burgers and steaks, followed by hot dogs and chicken. Introducing â&#x20AC;Ś the barbecue grill. There are several types of grills, according to the HPBA. Gas grills heat by liquid propane (LP) or nat68

Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

ural gas. Larger stainless steel outdoor gas grill models have add-on modules for wet bars, refrigerators, wine coolers, sear stations, and more. Charcoal grills use charcoal for fuel. Pellet grills use wood pellets for fuel. They are energy efficient and clean burning. Infrared grills use infrared radiant energy to produce very high heat very quickly. They offer uniform heat and consistent cooking. Infrared grills are fueled with LP or natural gas. Kettle grills, typically standing on three legs, cook with charcoal. Egg shaped ceramic cookers that are charcoal fired are known as Kamado style cookers. A turkey fryer can be fueled by LP gas or electricity. It is filled with oil for frying, or can be used to boil or steam foods. Charcoal, wood, a combination of both, electric, or natural gas or LP can fuel smoker grills, which come in numerous configurations. And there is the small and lightweight portable grill. Models range from aluminum throwaway to stainless steel. Barbecue enthusiasts enjoy staying on top of the latest trends. According to the HPBA, consumers are looking for outdoor cooking units with stainless steel refrigerators, bottle openers, beverage centers, brick ovens, and other cooking elements. Portable grills and smokers now come equipped with new features and technologies, such as infrared grilling. Safety is always a priority in grilling. From new propane tank carriers that sit upright in the trunk or backseat, to new grills that use the turbo effect cooking method created by

a blower system that does not use any propane or explosive fuels, new products are designed with safety in mind. Lastly, consumers enjoy their outdoor cooking accessories. Pellets now come infused with spices to give food intense flavor. Also new is an all-in-one grilling utensil with a heat shield grip. Attachments include fish flippers, slider flippers, fork attachment, and barbecue sauce brush attachment. Shoppers in the Delaware Valley can venture to Grates and Grills Inc. for outdoor cooking equipment. They carry a full line of Weber barbecue, charcoal, and gas grills with all of the parts and accessories. For outdoor kitchens, there are top-of-the-line stainless steel Fire Magic built-ins, grilling islands, or portable carts. Fire Magic features include side burners, infrared convection back burners, heat zone separators, warming racks, and wood chip smoker drawers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Built-in models are popular. Clients have a mason build a structure and add the grill. They go as high as 60 inches wide,â&#x20AC;? says Owner Frank Rymdeika. Another popular seller is the Big Green Egg. Constructed of high-tech ceramics, the Egg offers improved insulation, thermal shock tolerance, durability, and material strength. The Kamado style cooker is adored in over 25 countries. In cold, windy, or rainy weather you can still grill, roast, bake, or smoke in it. The results are moister, juicier, and more flavorful than what can be achieved on a gas grill or even a Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

metal charcoal grill. “The Big Green Egg uses natural lump charcoal…one bag lasts months,” Rymdeika says. Vermont Castings grills also are available from Grates and Grills Inc. These versatile grills are for the discriminate chef—it is a grill, an oven, a rotisserie, or a stovetop. The 2013 grill lineup from Vermont Castings includes two new models and additional standards on some old favorites. The new models—a two-burner cart model and a three-burner cart model—introduce the new Tribute Series. These models feature high-end options like titanium stabilized stainless steel sear plates and 1.2 mm thick 300 series stainless steel main burners. The grills are made exclusively with North American steel. Along with gas grills, smokers, and charcoal grills, Grates and Grills Inc. offers tabletop grills for camping, tailgating, picnics, and small backyard barbecues. Electric, gas, and charcoal tabletop models are available. To accompany the grilling equipment is a wide selection of accessories—wood chips and chunks, natural lump charcoal, grill brushes, and tool sets to name a few. For those frosty winter months, Grates and Grills Inc. carries gas, wood, and coal stoves, steamers, and fireplace accessories—screens, glass enclosures, tool sets, andirons, fenders, buckets, hearth rugs, electric logs, wood holders, firebacks, bellows, wood grates, and gas logs/inserts. Grates and Grills Inc. has been helping customers since 1975. Before

Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

visiting their Dublin showroom, consider the following question list from the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association. 1. What grill type best meets your needs—gas, charcoal, pellet, or electric? 2. How important are optional features? Do you want the basic burners or a gourmet griller? 3. What about style? Will your grill be a centerpiece or a useful tool? 4. What is the available budget? 5. How will the grill fit into the future plans of your backyard? Do you just want a new grill, or will it be the focus on an outdoor room you plan to create? 6. What is your required cooking area on the grill? Do you cook just for your family, or entertain larger groups? Stop by Grates and Grills Inc. at 105 South Main Street in Dublin. You can visit them online at www.grate sandgrills.com. Their phone number is 215-249-0182.

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Outdoor W

alter’s Nursery, Inc., a full service landscape design build firm, has been devoted to enhancing the beauty of Bucks and Hunterdon counties since 1930. Our collegeeducated design staff can guide you through the project, from conceptual drawings to the completion of your garden. The use of Walter’s on staff horticulturists, masons, and integrated pest management specialists will all assure that your garden will endure for years to come. Call 215-297-5860 to make an appointment with a designer. WALTER’S NURSERY, INC. 152 River Road • Point Pleasant, PA 215-297-5860 Waltersnurseryinc.com

DEAR GARDEN ASSOCIATES, INC. 215-766-8110 Deargarden.com

Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

t Dear Garden Associates, Inc., we create and maintain amazing outdoor living spaces of the highest quality possible and are as dedicated to the clients we work with as we are to the gardens we create. Rather than subscribing to a formula that imposes a trademark “look” to each project, we rely on the architecture of the home, its environment and our clients’ input for the basis of our innovative designs.

Living T

here is simply no substitute for a true passion for garden design and construction. It shows in every step of the process, from the first design consultation to the last phase of construction. It’s why we at Terra Flora consider ourselves the “keepers of the trade”, artists, designers and craftsmen with an extraordinarily compulsive attention to detail.

TERRA FLORA DESIGN ASSOC., INC. 215-369-3090 Terrafloradesignbuild.com

rates and Grills carries an extensive inventory: “If we don’t have it, you’re not likely to find it.” There are tool sets, wood baskets, and spark screens in many materials—from natural iron to polished brass. There are more than a thousand styles of glass fireplace doors and round-topped doors for arched hearths. Grates & Grills also carries both gas and charcoal grills; stoves that burn wood, coal, or gas; and smokers, too, along with many flavors of wood chips for the smoking. This family believes that honesty goes a long way toward making their customers happy.

GRATES & GRILLS, INC. 105 S. Main St.(Rt. 313), Dublin, PA 215-249-0182 Gratesandgrills.com Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

Outdoor

ontractor and designer JR Freed Construction Company has been building custom decks of distinction throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania. Their innovative designs, quality materials, and unsurpassed attention to detail can make your dream deck a reality. Whether in natural wood or a low

maintenance composite materials, we offer plenty of options and accessories to create that perfect outdoor living space youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always wanted. JR FREED CONSTRUCTION 215-869-7119 JRFreedDecks.com

PAVERSCAPE INC. 610-966-8199 Paverscapeinc.com 74 Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

pecializing in unique design and installation of Patios, walkways, retaining walls, driveways, sitting walls, pillars, steps, water falls, multitiered ponds, fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, permanent outdoor grills, boulder walls, and steps with direct owner supervision from start to finish. Also offer design and installation of pergola (shade structures), decks, arbors, trellis, and all styles of wrought iron design incorporated into your landscape.

Custom Floral & Garden Design

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Levittown Flower Boutique

4411 New Falls Road - Levittown, PA 215-945-5656 • levittownflowerboutique.com

DETLAN EQUIPMENT INC.

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BEAUTIFUL LAWNS

Sales & Service Fast, Clean, Dependable Mowing

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Mowing • Treatment Seeding • Clean ups Hedge Trimming • Mulch Bed Edging • Aerating

610-868-5696 macseklawncare.com Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

Home & Garden Resource Directory APPLIANCES Bill Vandegrift, Inc., 450 East Butler Ave., New Britain PA; 215-345-5616; Billvande grift.com. Bill Vandegrift Inc.—the only one you need to call. Let our knowledgeable staff and 60 years of experience help you choose the right appliance for your needs. We’re just a phone call away.

AWNINGS JMT Awnings, 215-659-5239; www.jmtawn ings.com. For over 20 years JMT Awnings has provided customers with a beautiful, custombuilt Perfecta retractable awning with the quality, reliability and experience they deserve. The possibilities are endless from from sunrise to sunset.

BANKING Monument Bank, 378 N. Main St., Doylestown, PA; 267-454-7074. Mortgage loans that work for you. Free pre-qualification. Special programs for first time homebuyers. Primary residence and vacation homes.

CLEANING Bugajewski Facility Services & Residental Cleaning Division., 1432 Easton Road, Suite 3D, Warrington, PA; 215-491-3092; www.bugalewski.com. Cleaning services for your office, facility or home. With our expert team and full range of cleaning and maintenance services, Bugajewski Facility Services delivers a professional, personal level of service that ensures your business is always seen in the best possible light.

CUSTOM BUILDERS Gemmi Construction Inc., 4936 York Road, Suite 1200 Buckingham, PA, 215-340-4600; www.gemmiconstruction.com. Gemmi Construction, Inc. is a full service, remodeling firm, specializing in Custom Renovations and additions founded by NARI Certified Remodeler, John Gemmi. With over 20 years experience, John's skill and pride in his craft are building elegant and comfortable liv-

Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

ing spaces all over Bucks and Montgomery Counties that will be as appreciated in a century as they are today. J. R. Maxwell Builders, Inc., Doylestown, PA; 215-345-1953; www.jrmaxwellbuilder.com. From façades and kitchen cabinets to built-ins, there is distinctive American character in everything we build. We place significant emphasis on quality control from start to finish and we refuse to cut corners—every detail of every project has the unique touch of our craftsmen. Sullivan Building & Design Group, 544 Headquarters Road, Ottsville, PA; 610-8472743; SullivanBuildingandDesignGroup.com. Sullivan Building & Design Group, a 2nd generation Bucks County home builder, is dedicated to providing homeowners with superior craftsmanship and quality, which have contributed to the fine reputation we’ve earned within the community. Jarrett Vaughan Builders, Inc., Doylestown, PA, 215-345-8008; www.jarrettvaughan.com. Specializing in one of a kind homes, additions and renovations. Along with our custom cabinetry division, Cold Spring Cabinetry, Inc., our staff has been beautifying homes in Bucks and Montgomery Counties for more than 35 years. Thomas Wells Construction, LLC, 942 S. Woodbourne Rd., Levittown, PA; 267-5833482;www.tgw-construction.com. Thomas G Wells Construction LLC is an award-winning residential remodeler and renovation company specializing in energy effiency, sustainable building practices, green remodeling, kitchens, baths, and addtions.

CUSTOM CABINETRY Superior Woodcraft, Inc., 160 N. Hamilton Street, Doylestown, Pa; 215-345-9942; www.superiorwoodcraft.com. Our craftsman abide by the principles of honesty of materials, solidity of construction, utility, beauty and individuality. This philosphy transcends every style and thematic design when producing heirloomquality custom cabinetry for your kitchen, bath,

library and other bespoke interiors. William Draper Cabinetmaker, Buckingham Green, PA; 215-794-9198; William draperinc.com. More than 20 years of designing and crafting custom cabinetry and furniture in Bucks County contributes to our exceptional vision and expertise in creating a kitchen to fit your own distinctive lifestyle.

DECKS JR Freed Construction, Inc., 215-869-7119; www.jrfreeddecks.com. JR Freed Construction creating beautiful custom decks and patios. The ultimate in outdoor living space. Their unique designs and quality in workmanship make them one of the finest deck building and patio building companies in the Delaware Valley.

FIREPLACE Grates & Grills, Inc., 105 S. Main Street, Dublin PA; 215-249-0182; Gratesandgrills. com. Since 1975 Frank Rymdeika and family have been helping people stay warm and toasty with an extensive inventory fireplace tools and equipment. Also filling your barbecue needs with a huge array of gas and charcoal grills. A family business for your family needs.

FLOOR COVERING Barb-Lin Carpet One, 640 North Main Street, Doylestown, PA; 215-348-8116; Barblin.com. Family owned and operated, BarbLin Carpet One has been providing excellence in the floor covering business since 1948. Through the years, our quality and service are what the community has been able to depend on. We invite you to visit our showroom and let our professional staff answer any questions you may have about flooring. Holland Floor Covering, 35 Swamp Road, Newtown, PA; 215-357-0909; www.holland floor.flooringplus.com.At Holland Floor Covering, your local family owned and operated flooring center, you'll find our 40 years of experience has prepared us to help guide you throughout the entire floor selection and installation process. Come visit our 8,000 square foot showroom in Newtown to see the endless possibilities for your home.

FLOWERS Levittown Flower Boutique, 4411 New Falls Road, Levittown, PA; 215-945-5656; www.levittownflowerboutique.com. We are family owned and operated. We are committed to offering only the finest floral arrangements and gifts, backed by service that is friendly and prompt. Because all of our customers are important, our professional staff is dedicated to making your experience a pleasant one.

FURNITURE Roger S. Wright Furniture, LTD., 911 South Perkasie Road, Blooming Glen PA; 215257-5700; Rswfurniture.com. We handcraft our country pine furniture right here on the premises of our scenic, Central Bucks County, Pennsylvania location. Our custom designs feature over 300 past centuriesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; reproductions, as well as custom adaptations.

KITCHENS American Homestead Kitchens, 5016 Mechanicsville Road, Mechanicsville, PA; 215794-0549; www.americanhomestead kitchens.com. Creating beautiful, inspired kitchenspaces that reflect personal aestheticand lifestyle. Balancing design expectations with functional requirements while providing exceptional service, product, and attention to detail. Sweetbriar Cabinetry and Design Inc., 8330 Easton Rd., Bldg D, Ottsville, PA; 610-8475551; www.sweetbriarcabinetry.com. Sweetbriar Cabinetry & Design, Inc specializes in Kitchen and Bath design, as well as many other rooms in the home, including bars, libraries, outdoor kitchens, dressing rooms and home offices.

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE Dear Garden Associates, Inc., 6746 Old Easton Road, Pipersville, PA; 215-766-8110; www.deargarden.com. Dear Garden Associates provides distinctive design, installation and maintenance services. We rely on the architecture of the home, its environment and our clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; input when creating our innovative designs and extradordinary garden spaces. Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

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Terra Flora Design Associates, Inc., 215369-3090; www.terrafloradesignbuild.com. There is simply no substitute for a true passion for garden design and construction. It shows in every step of the process, from the first design consultation to the last phase of construction. It’s why we at Terra Flora consider ourselves the “keepers of the trade”– artists, designers and craftsmen with an extraordinarily compulsive attention to detail.” Walter’s Nursery, Inc., 152 River Road, Point Pleasant, PA; 215-297-5860; Walters nurseryinc.com. A third generation family run designbuild landscaping firm. Walter’s Nursery specializes in the “Bucks County Look.” In addition to plantings, we do walks, stone walls, patios, garden sheds, arbors, estate maintenance, and even holiday decorating. Call us for an appointment.

LAWN & GARDEN Detlan Equipment, Inc., 141 E. Main St., Silverdale, PA; 215-257-5177; www. Detlan.com. Detlan Equipment is a full service

Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

John Deere dealer. Stop in and let us show you why we were voted the number one lawn & garden dealer in the area. Macsek Lawncare, Inc., 610-868-5696; www.macseklawncare.com. Full service mowing, seeding, mulch, aerating, bed edging, clean ups, lawn treatment and more.

PATIOS Paverscape, Inc., 610-966-8199; www.paverscapeinc.com. Creating outdoor stone patios, fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, firepits, landscaping and more.

VACATIONS Schnabels’ Woods, 215-536-6255; www.schn ableswoods.com. Vacations have never been easier than owning a cottage in Schnabels’ Woods, a private gated community of individually owned recreational cabins. Conveniently located and affordable, cottages come in a variety of sizes and styles, all with access to the beautiful Tohickon Streaming, seeding, mulch, aerating, bed edging, clean ups, lawn treatment and more.

Everything You Need for Your Fireplace

Grates & Grills Inc. 105 S. Main Street

•

Dublin, PA

(Between Doylestown & Quakertown on Rte. 313)

215-249-0182 • www.gratesandgrills.com Monday – Friday 9-6pm • Saturday 9-5pm • Closed Sunday

Advertising Index American Homestead Kitchens - 75 Barb-Lin Carpet One - 7 Bill Vandelgrift, Inc. - 5 Bugajewski Facility Services - 71 Dear Garden - Inside Front Cover Delaware Valley Window - 3 Detlan Equipment, Inc. - 75 Frankford Iron - 31 Gemmi Construction, Inc.- 2 Grates n Grills, Inc. - 79 Harris Fuels - 37 Holland Floor Covering - 1 Jarrett Vaughn Builders, Inc. - 19 JMT Awnings - 36 JR Freed Construction, Inc.- 8 J.R. Maxwell Builders, Inc. - 17 Levittown Flower Boutique - 75 Macsek Lawn Care - 75 Monument Bank - 78 Schnabels Woods - 58 Sullivan Builders & Design Group -15 Superior Woodcraft, Inc. - 29 Sweetbriar Cabinetry - 6 Terra Flora Design - 9 Thomas Wells Construction, LLC - 13 Walterʼs Nursery - Back cover William Draper Cabinetmaker - Inside Front 80

Bucks County Home & Garden Guide 2013

landscape design-build

Handcrafting Bucks & Hunterdon County Landscapes Since 1930 Point Pleasant, PA

215.297.5860

waltersnurseryinc.com Contractor #PA003567