SPRING PLANNING GUIDE
PUBLISHER
Edward P. McCartney
EDITOR
Peter Proko
ASSISTANT EDITORS
Matt Cosentino, Madeleine Maccar, Carly Murray
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Hank Alspach
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Brian Mikulski
DESIGNERS
Alex Bianco, Jay Urbaniak, Lisa Zollinger
ACCOUNTING DIRECTOR
Darlene Versak
SALES DIRECTOR
Lindsay Gonzalez
SALES MANAGER
Jim Romano
NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPER
Chuck McKane
MARKETING CONSULTANTS
Kristine Di Nardo, Rochelle Dodge, Frank Liantonio, Darren Slaughter, Lori Vorgang, Amy B. Weiss
ACCOUNTING MANAGER
Max Haggerty
STAFF ACCOUNTANT
Karmal Pritchett
DIGITAL MEDIA DIRECTOR
Leigh Stuart
PUBLISHER EMERITUS
Bob Doran
EXECUTIVE PARTNERS
Gerry Haggerty, Edward P. McCartney
HOUSE & HOME
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SpringAwakening
Getting
your landscape in shape for the season begins with lots of advanced planning.
By Peter Proko
While most embrace living in a region fortunate enough to experience the true changes in seasons, there’s no denying Old Man Winter has had some grumpier moments during the early part of this year. That’s not to say that folks are ready to trade in their sweaters for swimsuits just yet, but each passing day on the calendar adds a bit of excitement as eyes begin to shift toward spring.
After months of fighting the bitter cold, spring’s arrival will bring welcomed warm temperatures perfect for hanging with family on the back deck or gathering with friends at the ballpark. The transition to spring also brings new possibilities for
homeowners as they look to refresh their landscape and return their home’s outdoor spaces from dormant to thriving.
Fertilized lawns, freshly laid beds of mulch and the smell of the clippings from that first mowing of the season may not be as far into the future as you may think. It’s important to plan now to be able to maximize outdoor enjoyment when the weather breaks.
The National Association of Landscape Professionals recommends basic steps such as inspecting your trees and shrubs for damage, fertilizing your lawn and testing your soil every few years for pH balance. The organization further suggests fertilizing trees and shrubs prior to mulching, applying
pre-emergent weed control and tidying up all plant beds. As the temperatures climb, an inspection of the irrigation system to ensure its working condition is key.
House & Home spoke with some area experts in the industry to find out how to best get your landscape beautiful and bountiful this spring, from the types of plants that will add pops of color to the latest trends homeowners are gravitating toward.
Are you noticing any recent trends with regard to landscape design that are gaining in popularity?
“Everyone and everything is being affected by climate change. Therefore, my focus is to incorporate as many plantings into a
Spring Awakening
design that can handle—and even thrive in— the extreme temperature swings throughout the year, especially in the summer months, and satisfy the aesthetic needs of the client.
“I’m also keenly aware that the pollinators need the right varieties of food during the growing season. It’s a balancing act that’s essential from my perspective. Townships are also very demanding that any design results in proper storm water management. So, beauty plus environmentally sensitive practicality seems to be the formula going forward.”
—Ronni Hock, owner and landscape designer, Ronni Hock Garden & Landscape
“Shade structures are currently trending because they provide areas to entertain family and friends anytime of the year. And these structures do not have to break the bank, they are a quick resolve. … Outdoor kitchens and outdoor fireplaces, once a rare request, have also become popular considerations.”
—Diane Marrazzo, outdoor design specialist, Marrazzo’s North River
What are some of the more important things homeowners need to know to get their landscape ready for the spring season?
“Well, probably the most important thing is fertilizer. It’s huge in the fall and it’s huge in the spring. Homeowners will want to plan a fertilizer schedule … it keeps everything healthier. And the bigger the root systems and the more established your plants, you’ll get heartier, stronger plants with vibrant colors.
“I would also say as the soon as the weather breaks, get out and break up all that dead foliage, so when perennials start popping, they don’t have to grow through layers and layers of dead leaves and debris.”
—George Mihalchick, owner, Ponds by George
When is the best time to start prepping the landscaping for spring?
“Now is a good time to get outside and assess your landscape. You can remove any winter debris, even prune to shape a wiry shrub or low-lying tree branch, before the landscape wakes up to the warmer weather.
“Toward the end of February or early March, one may begin writing down their ideas, ear-tag project pictures from magazines, or Pinterest, etc. You’ll want to schedule an appointment early depending on your needs, as a reputable landscaper can easily book out four-to-six weeks for landscape projects, and for hardscape projects it may be up to two months.”
—Diane Marrazzo
“We love for people to begin as early as possible. What a lot of people do is they’ll wait until it’s nice out and then because they are outside, they’ll start thinking about their landscape because it looks terrible. Start when the weather is bad because then all the planning, all the
back and forth can be done and things are set up for when the weather breaks.”
—George Mihalchick
“If you plan to hire a landscape design firm to create and implement your project for spring, the best time to start is during the late fall of the prior year, or during the winter months. If you wish to do the work yourself—and you’ve done the research and fashioned a design—start with soil preparation in early spring, once the ground has thawed. Use an organic compost to fertilize the soil. This will help to ensure that what you plant thrives.”
—Ronni Hock
What types of plants/shrubs are the best to help homeowners add some color to their landscape?
“Hydrangeas, perennials and flowering ornamental trees all offer a beautiful seasonal display of color and bloom. And remember, our zone can permit winter color too; the reliable Winterberry will never disappoint. [Furthermore], evergreen specimens will not only provide foundational interest, but when used tightly together, they offer texture and balanced color 365 days a year.”
—Diane Marrazzo
“One of the major concerns of any client who wants to install extensive landscaping (and because of the reality of our region) is deer-resistant plant material. The deer population is increasing and these animals have expensive tastes! One important flowering shrub that attracts and pleases hummingbirds in the spring is Weigela. Several varieties have
Image at left courtesy of Marrazzo’s North River
Spring Awakening
shades of pink or white flowers. Other flowering shrubs include: Spirea, Abelia, Pyrancantha, Aronia and Clethra. In the perennial category, Asclepias is not only deer-resistant and food for butterflies, but is also a native to our region. In addition, Erigeron, Calamintha, Agastache, Saliva and any variety of Eupatorium are a wonderful addition to any landscape and have an extended blooming period.”
—Ronni Hock
Do you encounter homeowners preferring to coordinate their landscape with the overall look of the home itself?
“Yes, you definitely want to go with the vibe of the home. When I walk up a driveway [to meet a client for the first time], I am checking out what’s already there as well as the style and layout of the house. Do they have a formal walkway or is it rustic? Is it curved or straight? What kind of light
fixtures do they have, are they formal? I try to pick up on all that stuff as I am walking to the front door and I think about the types of plants that go with the age of the house as well.”
—George Mihalchick
RESOURCES
Marrazzo’s North River Wycombe, Pa. (215) 598-1412
MarrazzosNorthRiver.com
Ponds by George Southampton, Pa. (215) 396-7500
PondsByGeorge.com
Ronni Hock Garden & Landscape Lawrenceville, N.J. (609) 844-0066
RonnisGarden.com
Image courtesy of Ronni Hock Garden & Landscape
significant changes in the industry,” McCool says, “other than the increased popularity of adding more bells and whistles to the pool.”
Natural stone is popular for the coping along the pool’s edge, McCool says, as well as darker finishes in the pool. A majority of Swim-Mor Pools & Spa customers are using a salt sanitation system and automated controls in their new pools, as well as choosing to add water features— waterfalls, fountains, deck jets and plenty more.
More Than a Pool
Swim-Mor Pools & Spas elevates backyard atmospheres with quality custom designs
by Kristen Dowd
Swim-Mor Pools & Spas partner and general manager Mike McCool recognizes that there is a lot more that goes into a new pool than there used to be.
“The backyard has transformed over the last 10 years or so away from being just ‘your yard’ and into another room of your home with the same care and detail put into it,” McCool says. “Because of this the design of your pool has become more than just a pool but the focus of the outdoor living room. There is a lot of coordination with creating what a customer’s backyard haven is going to be.”
Fortunately, the family-owned South Jersey business is more than up to the challenge of bringing a customer’s backyard pool vision to life. In its 55 years of business, Swim-Mor Pools & Spas has helped to create thousands of backyard paradises throughout the region.
And what’s more, they make the process as easy as possible for their customers.
“We’re a start-to-finish gunite custom pool company—the design, the build and the service afterward,” McCool says. “We have our own crews that handle the work which helps us control quality and makes the process go smoother.”
There are six designers at Swim-Mor Pools & Spas who can help guide customers on a new pool design. The company’s countless photos and 3D drawings can provide inspiration, and the final design is what best suits the backyard, according to McCool.
“Size, setbacks, elevations. We’re here to help you work through that,” he says.
Finding the right pool
“The first step is to give us a call. From there we’ll set up an appointment to come out to your home,” McCool says. “That way we can see all the aspects of the property. What the contours of the yard are. What the access is like. Even the best location based on where the sun rises and sets.”
The timeline to get started is largely based on the homeowner and how decisive they are, McCool adds. Once everything is confirmed, things move to contract and Swim-Mor Pools & Spas starts working on permits.
“Time is of the essence. Permits can take from two weeks to several months, all depending on the municipality,” McCool says.
Pool popularity
Prior to March 2020, business was strong for Swim-Mor Pools & Spa. That was only boosted when the COVID-19 pandemic hit the region.
“The pool business was never busier than it was in COVID,” McCool says. “The lockdowns forced people to stay at home and they immediately focused on the backyard.”
Although that business boom has settled down a bit, things are still busy. But pool trends, according to McCool, have held fairly steady.
Hampton-style pools have long been a customer favorite, but equally popular are the freeform designs, which can be customized to fit into any backyard environment.
“Through COVID there have not been many
The company also offers many in- pool fixtures for lounging—bar stools and benches that can tie into your outdoor kitchen or can run inside the pool, along with table areas, sundecks for your lounge chairs and custom fire features. Color LED lighting packages come with every pool, too.
The majority of customers also choose elements to lengthen their pool-enjoying season, such as heaters and spas. “It will extend your pool season by a few months,” McCool says.
Why Swim-Mor Pools & Spas?
Being a local family-owned independent business makes Swim-Mor Pools & Spas a smart choice for customers, according to McCool.
“We’re not national. We’re not a franchise. And we do not try to sell everything. Our expertise has been building custom gunite pools for 55 years and that’s what we focus on,” he says. Save for a few aspects that are legally required to be outsourced to independent licensed contractors, Swim-Mor Pools & Spas uses all of their own crews for the pool construction, which McCool says is unique for the pool business.
In addition to building new pools, Swim-Mor Pools & Spas also specializes in renovating gunite pools. The experienced team can handle everything from your standard renovation of replacing your coping, tile and plaster finish, to adding features such as raised water features, sun decks, and even spas that were not originally built with the pool. McCool says, “Even though your pool may not have originally been built with the more current popular features doesn’t mean that SwimMor cannot add them now.”
The 2023 pool season is already underway for the business, which thanks to the mild winter meant they were able to start construction early. Pool openings and service will ramp up from mid-April to Memorial Day.
But, for those looking to add a pool to their backyard this summer, it’s not too late. “We’re still building for this year. We’re still selling for this summer,” McCool says. “But don’t waste time. Get in!”
Swim-Mor Pools & Spas
Mount Ephraim | Northfield | Millstone Township (800) 794-6667
SwimMor.com
Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Central NJ
WITH MORE THAN TWO DECADES OF EXPERIENCE IN LIGHTING DESIGN, OUTDOOR LIGHTING PERSPECTIVES HAS BECOME A LEADER IN THE INDUSTRY THANKS TO ITS CUSTOM DESIGNS AND CUSTOMERFIRST APPROACH.
We recently spoke with owner Ron Hoffmann to get a better understanding of the trends in the marketplace and how his company works to stay ahead of the curve with a highly skilled team dedicated to customer satisfaction.
WHAT ARE THESE LIGHTS PEOPLE ARE INSTALLING ALONG THEIR ROOFLINES?
In the past 10 years or so, as color LED technology has developed, companies have been able to produce permanent roofline lights in an effort to replace temporary holiday lighting. The new lights are safe, reliable 12-volt systems that run along the roofline of your home. The lights can be used for subtle architectural white lighting, holiday lighting and event lighting throughout the year.
The best part is that you can make the lights as subtle or outrageous as you’d like. You control the brightness and patterns. If you want only every fifth light lit in soft warm white, you can do that. If you want quick bright movement in an array of colors, that’s available too.
WHERE ARE THEY INSTALLED?
They are normally installed on the fascia (facing out) or the soffit (facing down) below your gutters. Some of the more inexpensive systems have each light glued to the house and wire running between them. This is both unsightly and unreliable as they are entirely exposed to the elements. Other systems have an integrated aluminum trim which may also custom color match to your home. This not only protects the lights, but also hides them during the day so they
blend into the house. Our power wires are typically entirely hidden and the controllers are commonly plugged into an outlet either on the outside of the house or in the garage.
WHAT ARE SOME FACTORS TO BE CONSIDERED?
App Control. Good apps have a high rating from users. They include a large selection of patterns preloaded for architectural lighting, holidays, sports teams, Disney, etc. There should also be a timer feature.
Light Output Control. The better systems will also have brighter lights and a dimming feature. This allows for more intense lighting for certain patterns or effects, with the ability to make them dimmable so you set the correct illumination level for your home and aesthetic.
Warranty. A light system worth investing in for your home will likely offer a lifetime warranty on the lights themselves, which isn’t really worth much by itself. You want to make sure there is a long labor warranty to make sure it gets corrected properly if there is an issue.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT THIS TO COST?
Systems are typically priced in linear feet along with some additions such as power/controllers and extras or discounts depending on difficulty of installation or building details. Usually, the front façade of a house will range from $3,000-$6,000. The sides can be
longer than the front and have the potential to increase the price drastically.
WHAT ARE SOME THINGS TO WATCH OUT FOR?
In addition to using a quality product, you definitely want to use a reputable company for installation: Someone who has a track record with this type of work and will actually come back to you for warranty work if needed, not just sell you the original system then not support it. We do meticulous work and only use lifts, not ladders, which allows us to provide a high-quality installation, and ensures that both our installers and your house are safe throughout the entirety of the process.
WHAT BRAND DO YOU WORK WITH?
We work exclusively with Gemstone Lights. We evaluated all the available brands a few years ago and not only does Gemstone have the brightest lights, including the only true warm white light in the industry, they also have a large selection of custom tracks available and their app is fantastic! It’s easy to use and has hundreds of amazing designs to choose from. Gemstone Lights promises an elite experience and they have delivered this with their permanent roofline lighting product. After using them for a few years we have already been able to increase our warranty coverage to our clients because they have consistently proven that they are both responsive and reliable.
Ron and Kelly Hoffmann, owners
A chimney liner protects the walls of your chimney from the heat and combustible materials of a fireplace, ensuring that smoke and gases travel safely through the top. There are three different types of chimney liners: stainless steel, clay tile and aluminum.
Stainless steel is the best overall choice as it is extremely durable, resistant to heat, moisture and corrosion, and works with all fuel types. Nowadays, it’s often used in replacement liners and new installations. Clay tile liners are a traditional option, but require frequent inspection to ensure their functionality. Aluminum liners, however, are rarely the best choice due to short lifespans and are only usable in gas fireplaces.
Home Is Where The Hearth Is
Committed to the safety and comfort of homeowners, Chimney Guards New Jersey stands ready to assist in maintaining the fireplace of your dreams.
by Chelsea Valcourt
Thumbing through a home improvement magazine of any kind is bound to provide readers with endless photos of stunning interiors and wild concept plans, but just as important as beautiful design are security and safety. Chimney Guards New Jersey provides both with roofing, chimney, fireplace and masonry services.
Maintenance
Proper chimney maintenance is crucial, as mismanagement and neglect can lead to dangerous, expensive incidents.
“Without proper chimney maintenance, homeowners can face serious dangers and costly issues, including fire hazards, carbon monoxide leaks, structural damage and costly repairs, poor fireplace efficiency, and an unpleasant odor and indoor air pollution,” says Amarildo Nika, general manager of Chimney Guards NJ.
The National Fire Protection Association recommends getting your fireplace and chimney inspected and cleaned at least once a year to ensure everything is working safely and efficiently.
“Even if the fireplace is rarely used, an annual inspection is still recommended to check for blockages, animal nests or structural damage,” says Nika. “Inspections and cleanings are needed to prevent creosote buildup, which can lead to chimney fires.”
And despite their more modern nature, gas fireplaces also need routine maintenance.
“While they produce less creosote, gas fireplaces still require yearly inspections to check for venting issues, carbon monoxide leaks and proper functionality,” continues Nika.
Yearly or even biannual inspections are vital, as passing inspections can ease homeowners’ anxieties. Inspections that uncover issues can save a lot of time, money and maybe even a life once they’re resolved.
Service
In addition to chimney sweeping, there may come a time when your chimney or fireplace need more serious repairs through masonry work or replacing a chimney liner. Chimney Guards NJ can assist with both.
“Chimney liners don’t last forever and should be replaced when they show signs of damage, deterioration or inefficiency. The lifespan depends on the material,” says Nika. “Stainless steel liners can last up to 50 years with proper maintenance and some even come with lifetime warranties. Clay tile liners can last up to 30 years, but heat and moisture leave them prone to cracking. Aluminum liners will only last five to 10 years.”
Beyond chimney liners, masonry can play a big role in the service of your chimney and fireplace—and there are a lot of decisions to be made.
Choosing what materials to use depends on homeowners’ preferences. The desired aesthetic, climate of the home and budget are all important considerations.
Stone and brick require less maintenance, offer better traditional aesthetics and hold up better in cold, wet climates, but they’re more expensive than stucco. Stucco offers a more modern look with varied textures, though requires more frequent maintenance.
“The bottom line is that brick is best for a classic, durable look with moderate maintenance. Stone is ideal for those looking for luxury, durability and a unique, natural finish, but comes at a higher price tag,” says Nika. “Stucco is best for homeowners on a budget or those wanting a customizable, lighter material.”
Determining the need for a rebuild over a repair also depends on several factors. Severe water damage, structural damage, safety concerns and a compromised chimney liner are some of the factors experts consider to determine if a rebuild is required. Smaller repairs such as repointing or replacing a chimney liner may also be options if issues are discovered early.
A Family Business
Founded more than 10 years ago, Chimney Guards NJ has been a family business from the start. Word of mouth and positive referrals allowed the business to grow from one or two family members handling inspections, cleanings and minor repairs to a flourishing business with expanded capabilities. Now offering masonry services, chimney relining and full chimney rebuildings, the Chimney Guards family continues to grow in both training and experience—all aimed at providing customers with the best level of service available.
“Working with a family-owned business comes with several benefits, including personalized service, expanded expertise and experience, trust and reputation, consistency, flexibility and customization options, accountability and an ability to support the local economy,” says Nika. “Serving homeowners year after year, Chimney Guards NJ has become a well-known and respected name in the local chimney service industry.”
KITCHEN & BATH
Amiano & Son Design-Build
This South Jersey kitchen was recently remodeled and features large windows above the sink, which were a special request of the client. To enhance the design, sconces were added above the winodws, creating a sleek and symmetrical look, while incorporating touches of black and wood for warmth and character. The result is a bright, functional space with an elegant and warm feel.
Southampton and Barnegat Light, N.J. (609) 268-5923 | AmianoAndSon.com
Let’s Face It
This transitional-style kitchen features white painted shaker doors featuring brushed gold hardware, an island and eating area featuring contrasting maple wood cabinetry, quartz countertops, GE Monogram appliances with brushed gold handle accents, a hand-built subway tile backsplash and a new lighting package, including under-cabinet lighting.
Lower Gwynedd, Pa. (215) 343-2600
LFIKitchens.com
STYLISH SPACES
KITCHEN AND BATH DESIGNS THAT PROVIDE BOTH FUNCTION AND BEAUTY
This project transformed a neglected kitchen into a welcoming space for family gatherings. Masterfully crafted custom cabinetry, highlighted by a French range with a soft blue hood, blends elegance with functional design, showcasing the artistry of Master Design Cabinetry. Honey Brook, Pa. | (610) 273-2212 | MasterDesignCabinetry.com Master Design Cabinetry
HomeTech Renovations
This stunning bathroom design is spotlighted with Medallion Early Grey painted cabinetry and quartz countertops. The enclosed closet area was converted to a sit-down makeup area with a recessed medicine cabinet. The floors are porcelain wood-look tile plans with radiant heating, while the porcelain marble spa shower features a wall alcove and custom shower glass. A tub was removed and replaced with an upholstered bench seat and tall linen cabinet, floating shelves were added over the toilet and new Palladian windows with plantation shutters were installed.
Lower Gwynedd, Pa. | (215) 646-7477 HTRenovations.com
Bath Tune-Up Mainline
Bathroom design style in three easy steps! The collections are grouped by common base palettes: white, blue, gray, black and neutral. They also feature a variety of shower surrounds and floor tile options, including materials like tile, solid surface and quartz. The expert team here will work with you to figure out your preferences—no more running from store to store trying to find all the puzzle pieces. Sit back and relax as a team of experts brings your vision to life. For a free consultation contact the number below or visit the showroom at 359 E. Lincoln Highway in Easton, Pa. Easton, Pa. | (484) 383-5218 | BathTuneUpMainline.com
The CabinetTree Design Studio
The kitchen remodel project began with installing a 25-foot structural support beam made flush with the ceiling. The rest of the kitchen was gutted and the cabinets were replaces with new UltraCraft cabinetry, and appliance panels were installed on the fridge. The main piece of this remodel is the kitchen island with seating for nine people and seating on three sides, leaving one side for the host to serve their guests.
Cherry Hill, N.J. | (856) 888-2220 | CabinetTree.com
A Matter of Trust
When you need work done on your home—expected or not—you want to know that you can trust the contractor you’ve hired to get the job done well. After all, you’re not an expert on what’s involved in services like roofing, siding or windows, and you don’t want to get taken advantage of as a result. Because of that, it’s important to choose a company that you can feel confident is reputable.
But how exactly do you know a company can be trusted?
One important factor in choosing the best contractor is longevity. Only a company that performs great work is going to be able to stick around for the long haul. That’s exactly the case with Emmons Remodeling, a company that has been offering expert care for South Jersey and the Jersey Shore area since 1996. They are a wellknown name in the region—and for good reason. Their success was built upon a reputation of honesty, integrity and good work.
“It’s a title that backs up our already strong reputation,” says Stephanee Kelly, coowner of the company along with her husband Matthew. “Only the most reputable companies are able to earn that designation.”
Besides being able to feel confident that you’ve hired a contractor you can trust, this designation benefits homeowners in a more tangible way as well. That’s because Platinum Preferred Contractors are able to offer 50-year warranties on their work— much longer than other companies can offer. According to Owens Corning’s website, “because we stand behind these warranties, we need to make sure that we are backing up the best roofers in the business.”
Emmons Remodeling has been providing interior remodeling service throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania for more than 30 years. The company has built its solid reputation on craftsmanship and exceptional customer service.
As the family-owned company grows, it has expanded the team that is available to help design and build your projects. Several talented remodeling industry professionals have recently joined Emmons to serve its over 6,000 existing customers and help expand the growing number of satisfied customers throughout South Jersey.
They make it easy using a proprietary curated design concept, which is an industry first. It’s an easy, affordable way to quickly get a custom designed project without the heavy cost of a design-build process.
You can always trust Emmons to provide exceptional value and design with quality project outcomes. Now with Krista (lead designer/project planning manager), Rebecca (project design consultant), Frank (construction project manager) and Pete (director of operations) teaming up with seasoned vice president of construction Chris Kelly, key project manager Eric Gilham and 20 trade professionals, you can rest assured that your project is designed and built right. A fiveyear warranty and a lifetime service guarantee back up the claim of quality and craftsmanship, while providing you with peace of mind that you made the right decision.
The experts at Emmons are always ready to help you with kitchen, bathroom, additions and deck solutions. They make remodeling your home easy and affordable with exceptional financing programs and realistic pricing. Trust Emmons with your next project.
After all, the Emmons’ mission statement is: “Our customer’s experience builds our business and defines our reputation, which is one of trust, reliability, integrity and value for every customer we serve.”
Choosing Wisely
At the end of the day, your choice in roofing, siding and window contractors can be the difference between good, quality work—and a big headache. Stephanee says that the last thing Emmons wants to see is people in their local community get taken advantage of by unscrupulous roofing, siding and window contractors.
In fact, the company is an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor. That’s not a designation that any old company can have. Platinum Preferred Contractors are in the top tier of a premiernetwork of roofing professionals. In order to achieve this title, they must have passed a workmanship inspection, been professionally screened for financial stability and customer service, and continue to adhere to stringent guidelines set forth by Owens Corning. Fewer than 1% of roofing contractors in the United States are Owens Corning Platinum Preferred.
And the expertise is not limited kitchens and bathrooms. Emmons provides fullservice remodeling and construction services for additions, interior renovations, porches, decks, windows, doors and basement finishing. The design team acts as your trusted advisor to help you make the right decisions on products, materials, colors and selections.
“You should be able to feel confident that you’ve chosen a contractor that you can trust— not one that is going to leave you with problems to fix after they’ve gone,” she says. “At Emmons, you are not only investing in a new roof, new siding or new windows— you’re investing in peace of mind.”
Fabulous
Incorporating the latest trends for a home’s exterior can boost curb appeal with designs, colors and materials that stand out from the crowd and are customized to what each household will love.
by Carly Murray
BREATHING NEW LIFE INTO A HOME’S EXTERIOR IS AN EXCITING JOURNEY. However, from siding, roofs, windows and doors to budgeting, permitting, Homeowner Association (HOA) restrictions and planning, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Thankfully, there are no shortage of modern and trendy options to explore, as well as plenty of homeimprovement experts with whom to collaborate.
Regardless of the vision homeowners wish to bring to life, there are key elements to remain conscious of to facilitate the process.
With the proper research, everevolving product, brand, color and material selections can allow for any desired result without compromising your budget so you can enjoy experimenting with these varied options to arrive at the exterior of one’s dreams—or even find a new, better vision during the process. After all, with modern technology, fixtures can be compared efficiently, and virtual models can demonstrate how elements will actually look in a specific space, so there’s no harm in weighing all of the choices to find the absolute best fit. Interestingly, the homes of the future are not what past genera-
Facades
tions once envisioned. Rather than all-white, sharply-defined edges and irregular shapes, 2025 home exterior style trends consist of hues that embody warmth, bold colors, and design contrasts and individuality.
Earth tones are an optimal way to achieve a serene look and
feel, and many combine these natural-inspired colors with stone and wood materials. Within these naturally occurring resources are color variations that can inspire finishes and details, but these mediums will also pair well with any color, natural or otherwise. One might be surprised how ef-
fectively completely different patterns can harmonize with one another. Mike Chapman, president of Chapman Windows Doors and Siding, describes dynamic exterior design choices that incorporate a mixture of materials, textures and perceptible direction.
“One of the standout trends we’ve seen is combining different siding orientations, such as pairing horizontal and vertical siding elements together, which adds visual interest and depth. This is often complemented with stone accents, bringing a natural, earthy touch that contrasts beautifully with the sleekness of modern siding,” says Chapman. “Bold hues combined with creative design elements always result in a finished product that leaves a lasting impression and truly transforms the home. It’s always rewarding to see clients’ visions come to life with these daring and distinctive design choices.”
In addition to nature, regional architecture can play a major role in igniting inspiration for creative decisions. Regional architecture for residences and businesses alike often encompass a more classic, colonial style, and many homeowners like to align their design decisions with these established styles. Still, taking inspiration from another region’s popularized architecture is a great way to make a property truly stand out: Although this may diminish resale value, it may be the best choice for a homeowner who prioritizes personalization and uniqueness— especially if they intend to stay in that home.
“Home exterior styles vary by region, like Colonial in the Northeast, Mediterranean in the Southwest, and Craftsman in the Pacific Northwest. Clients often match their remodels to these styles for a cohesive look and
better resale value,” affirms Chris Morrell, general manager of Kirkin Exteriors.
Chapman describes how West Coast aesthetics are more aligned with the aforementioned conventional image of futuristic architecture, with a focus on a sleek look, open
spaces and clean lines. He explains that extracting even one element from these models—such as the incorporation of large areas of clear glass—can be an impactful personal touch. An especially innovative option for glass is CLiC switchable privacy glass, which allows for a
privacy layer when electricity is off and a completely clear view when electricity is activated.
“In this region, we often see bold, modern elements being combined with more traditional colonial styles, creating an exciting blend of the past and present. This combination allows homeowners to preserve the charm and history of colonial architecture while embracing modern, cutting-edge design,” says Chapman. “Clients often choose to reflect these regional trends in their remodels, but many also enjoy experimenting with blending different styles. Whether they lean into the minimalist, modern aesthetic of the West Coast or embrace a more eclectic fusion of old and new, it’s about finding a balance that suits their personal tastes and lifestyle.”
One should keep in mind, though, that regional styles are often related to the local climate. There is no better way to adapt to a climate by incorporating energyefficient technology, which is perhaps one of the trendiest and era-defining implementations. Glass glazing and
window solar technology are in the process of becoming more widespread: Rooftop solar systems in particular have also gained traction because they are cost-effective and kind to the earth by converting sunlight into electrical energy.
“We are super excited about GAF Timberline Solar Shingles. Not only do they save energy, but the tax credits and savings are an awesome additional benefit,” says Morrell.
Functionality, of course, is even more important than aesthetics. A home may look amazing, but an eye-catching aesthetic doesn’t matter if it makes living in that space more difficult. Finding the perfect blend of artistic vision and practical utilization is an essential part of the planning process.
“With garage doors, there’s a lot more to them in terms of: How much insulation do you want? Do you care about noise? Do you care about the spring technology, for example? Because the standard is for us to install the newest type of technology, which is the overhead storage that goes above the door,”
says Fadi Baaklini, owner of ProLift Garage Doors Lansdale. “And then it comes in different colors, shapes, sizes. We can make a match for siding. We can make it pop, have contrast. So, the sky’s the limit really, in terms of what you want from your door. And I think that’s the most important thing, because you can get something just off the rack, or you can get as detailed as you want.”
Considering each element can
drastically affect the look and feel of the entire home between each component. Color blocking can add dimension to a home with contrasting colors running horizontally between sections of siding or vertically between siding and the roof, such as pairing a neutral color with a bold color or even pairing black and white. Contrast is a long-established method of achieving and maintaining a modern look, especially since the standards of contemporary style
change from year to year.
Reflecting upon the longevity of different styles allows one to realize that while some trends are fleeting, many are timeless or cyclical; therefore, both old and new concepts can be classified as the pinnacle of haut decor.
“The trendiest right now I would say are [garage] doors with windows on the side that go up the side. Most garage doors, when you look at them, are just windows up top—the modern look, I would say,” says Baaklini. “And it doesn’t really work with all houses when you have the windows going down the side in a vertical way, [but] depending on the color, you can even get it at a premium in a woodplank style. So if you’re going for that mid-century modern look, it could work really well.”
Whether a project involves a partial exterior redesign or a full remodel, continued education, paying attention to details and accommodating expectations go a long way. Consulting an expert will ensure a smoother process and allow for the homeowner to
RESOURCES
Chapman Windows Doors & Siding West Chester, Pa. (610) 601-2480
ChapmanWindowsDoors.com
Kirkin Exteriors New Castle, DE (302) 832-ROOF
KirkinExteriors.com
ProLift Garage Doors Lansdale, Pa. (267) 490-3718
ProLiftDoors.com
focus on less technical considerations, which can make or break a project if they aren’t exact. With continually expanding options and opportunities, there is a perfect match to every vision to make the home exterior of one’s dreams a reality.
