Tips on how to get your landscape ready for the season
Making a splash with amenitiesresort-style page 21
STYLISH SPACES
Inspiring kitchen and bath remodeling projects SPRING AWAKENING
Tips on how to get your landscape ready for the season
Spring Awakening
To have your landscape looking its finest come spring, you’ll need to plenty of advance planning
15 Where Form Meets Function
Dilworth’s Custom Design integrates today’s trends with timeless renovation designs
19 Your Home is Where Your Heart Is
Keystone Custom Decks remains committed to delivering dazzling results that exceed expectations
21 Making a Splash
Ted’s Pools create beautiful backyard centerpieces that include resort-style amenities
24 Stylish Spaces
Inspiring kitchen and bath remodeling projects from across the region
27 Built on Trust Gehman Design
Remodeling make the renovations process smooth and easy
28 Fabulous Facades
Give your home’s exterior a whole new look and feel
PUBLISHER
Edward P. McCartney
EDITOR
Peter Proko
ASSISTANT EDITORS
Matt Cosentino, Madeleine Maccar, Carly Murray
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Hank Alspach
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Brian Mikulski
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Alex Bianco, Jay Urbaniak, Lisa Zollinger
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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.”
“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
Blending classic customer care with the ability to integrate today’s trends into timeless renovation designs has earned Dilworth’s Custom Design two more wildly satisfied customers.
by Madeleine Maccar | photographyby Jody Robinson
Lee and Marilyn Woodward can’t rave enough about their renovated bathroom, even months after its completion.
“It has a completely different feeling,” Lee begins. ”It’s like having a new toy. The whole thing has such a different look now, it’s updated and clean.”
“We just love this project,” Marilyn adds.
The husband and wife are quick to credit Dilworth’s Custom Design for the jaw-dropping, “down to the studs” transformation that turned their home’s original builder-grade bathroom into a bespoke design that’s equally awe-inspiring and accessible.
While the space’s overall footprint remained the same—both the Woodwards and the Dilworth’s team were cognizant of HOA restrictions limiting any changes impacting the home’s exterior, like altering the windows—the room’s aesthetic is not only remarkably, refreshingly different but also far more efficient.
“The space is so much better than what was there before,” says Lee. “There was a fair amount of wasted space, to the point that things we’re storing in a cabinet used to be stored in the basement. It’s now usable storage space, so we have everything right at our fingertips.”
The couple had some expectations and visions for their renovated bathroom, but greatly appreciated how the Dilworth’s team offered their expert insights when it came to tweaking certain elements for overall harmony and accent flourishes. Both Lee and Marilyn emphasize that they neither felt pressured to make a choice nor rushed through the time it takes to consider big decisions—like installing a heated floor they didn’t initially consider but has since become one of their favorite features.
They did, however, make sure the Dilworth’s team would steer them away from decisions, features, materials or colors they might love less with time.
“We dealt a lot with Sheri [Schack, selections coordinator]. I asked her at our first meeting, ‘If we pick something and it’s going to look terrible, do you promise to tell us we shouldn’t go with that?’ And she did, right from day one,” Marilyn recalls. “She was fabulous!”
The Woodwards had previously undertaken a smaller-scale kitchen upgrade that includes elements of quartz, a manufactured material
with tons of benefits. Their experience with the engineered stone nudged them toward installing a singleslab quartz wall as the cornerstone of their bathroom.
“It came down to quartz and marble,” says Marilyn. “The quartz is durable, it’s easy to clean and it’s so pretty. What you see is almost exactly what you get, since it’s manufactured. I just love it.”
The Woodwards aren’t the only ones gravitating to quartz these days, according to Owner/CEO Dan Dilworth. He effortlessly itemizes some of the reasons for its appeal: eye-catching aesthetics; a high resistance to chips, cracking and scratches, as well as to water, heat, stains and mold; low-maintenance cleaning; and a nonporous surface that makes it a more hygienic option for wet environments.
“A lot of the attraction is that you don’t have to worry about grout,” he explains. “Historically, grout breaks down, it gets moldy and nasty, and people want to scrub or replace it.”
As Dilworth’s gears up to celebrate its 35th anniversary this summer, its owner notes that “we’ve done quartz for a while” but it’s presently having a moment like never before.
“There’s definitely an uptick in demand: We’re already scheduled to install two more quartz walls this month,” says Dilworth. “Aesthetically, it’s a little more of a modern, cleaner look. It’s not full-out contemporary all the time but it is lending toward a transitional style, which is refreshing.”
In fact, all it took was just one look at the Woodwards’ wall while it was waiting for delivery at Dilworth’s HQ to inspire another customer to also embrace the rising trend.
While the Woodwards’ bathroom renovations wrapped up in early November of last year, Lee and Marilyn freely admit they still find themselves admiring the fruits of Dilworth’s labor.
“I say all the time that I want to go in there and sit with a glass of wine and look around because it just makes happy,” Marilyn confesses with a laugh. “I’m so glad we did this.”
And while they’re not anticipating any additional changes to the home they plan to spend their rest of their lives in, they know the Dilworth’s team are the professionals they’ll trust with any future jobs, and will be enthusiastically recommending them over over again.
“There’s no pressure—you’re allowed the time to make smart, informed choices—and the crew that’s assigned to you are the same guys every day,” says Lee. “They’re professional, they’re courteous and they make sure you’re really comfortable with all the decisions you’ve made. They really treat your job like it’s their only job.”
While Keystone Custom Decks has built a stellar reputation rooted in the backyard structure its name bears, the outdoor-living company is truly the one call that delivers it all, from pergolas to patios, pools to water features, and outdoor kitchens to your own private spa.
That range of expertise requires cultivating an in-house team capable of top-notch results, whether they’re on-site, in the Keystone showroom or connecting with clients in more behindthe-scenes roles.
After all, strengthening relationships with all the little things that make a huge difference is crucial when it comes to standing out from the crowd.
“We really focus on providing excellence all the way through,” says Marcus Stoltzfus, Keystone’s marketing manager. “Our hospitality team takes care of clients as they come through and we aim for a high level of service for each one. We consistently look for ways to make their project the best experience that they can have.”
That consistent quality comes directly from the top, as Marv Esh—who runs the secondgeneration family-owned organization with his brothers—handles hiring himself, ensuring that everyone on the Keystone team is committed to above-and-beyond client care and on-site perfectionism.
“We don’t shy away from accountability and communication,” Stoltzfus confirms. “Our team talks about everything, and we approach our work with the attitude of serving our clients: We take the perspective that we should always be getting better for the client’s sake.”
The benefits are many when working with a team that’s not only dedicated to personalized service but also delivering outdoor construction projects that are equal parts rock solid, functional
Your Home is Where Their Heart is
Whether they’re crafting a show-stopper of an outdoor project or dazzling clients with thoughtfully personalized flourishes, the team at Keystone Custom Decks is obsessed with being the best.
by Madeleine Maccar
and beautiful. For one, a wealth of knowledge regarding all things outdoors is readily available and accessible to every client; for another, the entire process, whether it’s done in stages or all at once, is seamless, harmonious and stress-free.
“When a typical homeowner wants to put in a pool, a deck, a porch or a pergola, oftentimes they’ll need to have different contractors come in and do those services—and if it’s all at the same time, it creates twice as much stress for them because they have to be the [general contractor] themselves. They have to figure out all the scheduling for all those different moving parts,” Stoltzfus points out. “One of the nice things we can provide is when we come in, even if it’s in stages, we have everything in-house to
do all that so they’re really only dealing with one point of contact.”
To help clients accurately visualize how every aspect of a project will come together, the newly renovated, two-story Keystone showroom offers hands-on, real-life comparisons of all the variables, from material components to layout configurations, in an inviting, thoughtfully designed environment.
And while Keystone has put its name on million-dollar projects, its team always welcomes clients of any budget to discover the beauty of high-quality work that won’t break the bank, as there is no job too big or small for Keystone to work its magic on.
“Keystone is a very high-end brand, but even if you can’t afford a six-figure project, you can come here and we’ll have something for you,” Stoltzfus says, pointing to options like its standard deck package that offers customization at an affordable price “for somebody who still wants excellence.” Or, as a certified Bullfrog Spas retailer, Keystone can also help homeowners make their dreams of a luxurious in-home spa a reality without nightmare pricing.
With 2025 being the year it plans to manage its growth beyond Pennsylvania and New York and into Tennessee and Florida, Keystone remains singularly focused on ensuring that its world-class quality of both construction and customer service never wavers.
“With each branch, you still get the same level of professionalism when you work with us. Our team aims to provide an excellent level of craftsmanship while maintaining efficiency. Part of how we do that is by keeping a clean work site along the way and by offering great communication and professionalism while we are at your home.”
As Stoltzfus notes, clients routinely comment on how Keystone Custom Decks was clearly the best choice in detailed reviews itemizing all the reasons they keep coming back to and highly recommending the company.
“People often develop relationships with our teams, like some will have breakfast with the crew every morning and thank every crew member by name in their reviews,” he explains. “A common thread in our reviews isn’t just praising our professionalism and craftsmanship: It’s the length of the reviews, and how they met with a competitor after speaking with us, getting a quote and seeing our design, and are so glad they came right back to us. People choose us, and we don’t take that for granted.”
“We’re on the exceptional end of backyard living. You get what you pay for,” Joe says.
Maintaining these high standards means that not only is the team at Ted’s Pools highly trained and expert in the field, but subcontractors that provide things such as decking, landscaping and electrical work are first-rate, too.
MAKING A SPLASH
Ted’s Pools, a company that has served the region for four decades, offers homeowners beautiful backyard centerpieces that include resort-style amenities.
by Matt Cosentino and Kristen Dowd
When Ted’s Pools was founded more than 40 years ago, the term “outdoor living space” had yet to enter the vernacular and backyard designs were still fairly simple. But as the industry has evolved, so too has the company, and nothing makes current owners Carol and Joe Perchetti prouder than delivering clients an elaborate oasis that meets all of their wants and needs.
The end result is often reminiscent of a five-star resort, and allows families to create memories that will last a lifetime.
“It used to be having a pool was a luxury item. Not so much anymore. The everyday family budgets for and follows through on their dream to have this aquatic environment in their backyard,”
Joe Perchetti says. “Working with our clients is exciting and rewarding. The most exciting part is asking key questions: What size pool? What shape? What do you want to do with the pool when you’re done? We figure out the most logical and cost-effective initial approach. Then, we dive into all the options.”
Ted’s Pools specializes in gunite and vinyl liner in-ground pools, which both offer their own advantages to homeowners. While vinyl liner is more costeffective, gunite can be customized to just about any shape, and the gunite shell comes with a lifetime warranty.
Carol and Joe have over 25 years of
combined experience, and their project managers and crews have similarly extensive backgrounds in the industry. Their knowledge allows them to design and construct pools that not only serve as stunning centerpieces of the backyard, but are functionally efficient as well.
Popular amenities include water features like mini jets or raised walls with cascading waterfalls; boulders with a grotto that people can swim inside; sun shelves for lounging in the pool; fire features around the pool; swim-up bars; and even bridges overtop of the pool.
“I don’t like using the word subcontractor. We refer to our subcontractors as partners. We’ve been working with some of them for 40 years,” Joe says. “I know when a job is sold and this partner is out on the job site, not only are they following the contract true to the number and the letter, but I know it’s going to meet our expectations. And that it’s absolutely going to meet the client’s expectations.”
Unlike many pool companies, the relationship doesn’t stop there, either. Ted’s Pools has a service division to provide maintenance and a renovation division for either small cosmetic changes or a complete facelift of the pool.
“We can come in and just do a good job, and be Joe average. Or we can come in and do a great job. Let’s set that bar high and really wow them,” Joe says.
The biggest compliment they can receive, he continues, is having a client request Ted’s Pools to fully service and take care of their new backyard oasis—that and referrals.
“We want to exceed our clients’ expectations,” Joe says. “It comes down to our attention to detail, our communication and our transparency. It goes so far.”
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
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.
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
Built on Trust
How do you cHooSe A deSign-build contrActor to undertAke A MAjor HoMe renovAtion? denniS geHMAn of GEHMAN
DESIGN REMODELING HAS A few ideAS. BY
BILL DONAHUE
“Mosthomeowners only embark on a major renovation project once or twice in their lifetime,” says Dennis D. Gehman, MCR, president of Gehman Design Remodeling in Harleysville. “They don’t have the time or the expertise, and that’s why they need an experienced contractor they can trust.”
But how can someone know when they have identified the “right” contractor? Having founded his design-build firm in October 1990, Gehman has a uniquely informed perspective. He suggests interviewing several contractors before determining which ones have the skill, experience, and personality to complete the job to the client’s satisfaction. And when he says “interview,” he means it. He advises asking each candidate several probing questions, starting with the ones outlined below.
n How long has the contractor been in business?
n Has the contractor completed other projects similar to the one you have in mind, and does the contractor’s design style match yours?
Can they show you plans and before-and-after photos, and provide the names and contact information of past clients so you can get their perspective?
n Does the contractor have industry certifications,
such as those earned through NARI, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry? Meaningful NARI certifications include MCR, Master Certified Remodeler; MCKBR, Master Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler; CKBR, Certified Kitchen and Bath Remodeler; CLC, Certified Lead Carpenter; UDCP, Universal Design Certified Professional; and CRPM, Certified Remodeling Project Manager.
n Does the contractor have a team or work by himself or herself? If they have a team, are they an in-house outfit, or do they bring in 1099 subcontractors?
n Does the contractor have a showroom? Do they offer 3D design through home-design software such as Chief Architect so you can see renderings of the finished product in advance?
n Have they won awards for their projects, such as those judged by prestigious organizations such as NARI?
“If contractors are not free with this kind of information, that’s a big yellow flag,” says Gehman, whose firm has won an award for its work every year since 1996. “As you’re asking these questions, you should be able to get a sense of how comfortable a contractor is talking about their work. If they don’t like answering questions, that’s another very solid yellow
flag. After you get their answers, you want to feel better about their capabilities and how they run their business, not worse.”
Gehman also recommends asking contractors to clarify their warranties for work completed. In Gehman Design Remodeling’s case, the firm provides a five-year workmanship warranty and a 10-year structural warranty. It’s also worth discussing who will be in charge of the project. With each project Gehman Design Remodeling undertakes, a remodeling consultant with at least one NARI certification will lead a project development team, and then hand off the project to a dedicated project manager assigned to the project on every workday from start to finish.
As for determining which contractors to interview, Gehman advises widening the circle beyond recommendations from friends and family. A local building inspector, for example, may be a good resource. While the inspector may not feel comfortable making open recommendations, he or she will usually provide honest feedback if asked about their experiences with a particular contractor.
The “right” contractor will bring more to the table than an award-winning portfolio and glowing client recommendations. Gehman says personality is important, too—whether the homeowner and contractor are a good “fit” for one another.
“God has made us with different personalities, and none are right or wrong,” he adds. “We do well to respect everyone, but that doesn’t mean we should choose to work with everyone.”
Major renovations require a two-step process—the design phase and the construction phase. Perhaps a design-build firm provides a stunning design, but their personality gives the homeowner pause. Homeowners may choose to hire a firm for the design only, and then have another firm tackle the construction.
“Most contractors will get the work done eventually, but you have to consider the smoothness of the process,” Gehman adds. “Probably 99 percent of our clients are living in their homes while we’re there. If the process is drawn out, it can be a nightmare, or at least a major inconvenience. But if you’ve done your due diligence and hired a true professional who knows what they’re doing, it should be a fairly smooth process.” n
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.
