As deck design has evolved in modern times, the possibilities for enjoyment are seemingly endless
Springing Forward with Backyard Makeovers
Evergreen Pros is ready to help turn your backyard into
35 A Trusted Team Emmons Remodeling is well-equipped to handle any number of renovation projects
37 Ask the Expert: Matteo Family Kitchens & Flooring
41 More Than a Pool Swim-Mor Pools & Spas elevates backyard atmospheres with quality custom designs
45 Honoring the Past, While Updating to Last Amiano & Son’s expert designer offers tips on how to remodel a home while maintaining its character
Closing the Gap
The dedicated team at Del Val Pools & Spas provides homeowners with cost-effective solutions
47 Set Up Your Space for Summer Sequoia Out Back helps turn backyard dreams into a reality
PUBLISHER
Edward P. McCartney
EDITOR
Peter Proko
ASSISTANT EDITORS
Matt Cosentino, Madeleine Maccar, Carly Murray
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Kristen Dowd, Chelsea Vacourt
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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Building Something Special
As deck design has evolved, the possibilities are seemingly endless.
by Peter Proko
FEW THINGS CAN BRING AS MUCH ENJOYMENT TO YOUR OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE AS A BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED DECK, PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING FAMILY AND FRIENDS ON THOSE SUN-DRENCHED LEISURELY AFTERNOONS OR WELL INTO THE EVENING. With the deck being such a focal point of the backyard experience, many homeowners are adding various amenities that balance aesthetics with function to help extend the time spent outside throughout the year.
“Today’s decks are thoughtfully designed, offering both aesthetic appeal and everyday functionality—ensuring homeowners can enjoy their outdoor spaces year-round,” says Joe Oakes, president of First State Building & Design. “Our goal is to make a customer want to live outside just as much as they love to be inside.”
The Latest Trends
With today’s society looking to maximize their time efficiently, many homeowners are opting for low-maintenance alternatives to traditional wood decking.
Jarrod Coburn, co-owner and production manager of Archadeck Outdoor Living of Mount Laurel, says that while some customers still opt for pressuretreated wood, it’s done so mainly as a budget-friendly option. “Composite is certainly king right now,” he says.
“Composite is the only way to go,”
concurs Sharon Shaw, outdoor living designer with Amazing Decks. “People’s time is valuable, they don’t want to spend it maintaining a deck.”
Shaw also dispels the notion that the cost of composite decking will break the bank. “There are folks who have it in their mind that composite is so expensive and wood is so much cheaper. But with everything that is going on with the lumber market, that is not the case. Composite decking is very competitive with pricing and well worth the time-saving efforts it provides.”
Coburn says there also has been recent momentum heading toward PVC decking as a viable option. “Mineralbased composite decking is getting some buzz right now, but the pros and cons of PVC vs. mineral-based composite have PVC winning across the board in my opinion. PVC holds less heat, is better priced, is lighter and easier to install,” he says, adding that PVC is an especially good choice for decks near pools or in sunny backyards.
Evolving Deck Design
Materials aside, the overall look and feel of a deck still comes down to a matter of personal preference. Some clients seek unique designs that showcase the ways modern decking can help create a highly customized outdoor living space, while others prefer the classic-yet-refined look
of taking the “less-is-more” approach.
“Unique elements like curved decks, spiral staircases and custom roof structures are becoming increasingly popular, adding architectural interest and setting projects apart,” says Oakes. “Additionally, blending multiple materials—such as combining carpentry with masonry— adds depth and sophistication to outdoor spaces.”
But not everyone is following the trends or looking to mimic what they see on HGTV. The team at Deck Guardian has noticed a return to simpler, cleaner designs. “Years back, everyone was designing and building multilevel decks with all kinds of cutoffs and bump-outs to make them stand out. Now it has evolved from everyone wanting to do something super intricate and custom to really taking a step back and thinking what this new deck is going to be used for. We start with the basic needs the family has, and design the space and areas to accommodate the activities they are trying to achieve,” a spokesperson says. Likewise, Shaw has noticed that what was once considered old has gained renewed life. “We are really seeing people looking at more geometrics— squares and rectangles—sticking with sleek and contemporary designs,” she says. “There’s definitely still a place for curves, but it’s really kind of come full circle and gravitated toward a more sim-
ARCHADECK OF MT. LAUREL
Building Something Special
ple design in the last four or five years.”
When it comes to color, Shaw says market research indicates that homeowner preferences have moved toward more muted tones like gray, beige or bleached oak. “Manufacturers have responded with a softer palette of colors than the darker stained-wood look.”
“Color-wise, people tend to like what’s inside the house and bringing that theme outside so it makes things more inviting and kind of keeps the same flow with everything,” adds Joe Magolon, owner of StoneBridge Renovations.
A Cohesive Strategy
Extending the comforts of a home’s interior to the outdoors is indeed top of mind for those who want to foster a complementary vibe while also making their home feel larger and more inviting.
“Having the deck match the aesthetics of the home is a big deal for most customers, and a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor is always the goal when we’re designing an outdoor living space,” says Coburn.
“It’s so much more comfortable to open the door and just walk outside on the same level and have the same feel of your home, but outside,” adds a Deck Guardian spokesperson.
Oakes also notes how outdoor living
has evolved into an extension of the home, with backyards receiving the same level of attention as kitchens, bathrooms and basements.
“Today’s homeowners seek cohesive, high-end designs that mirror the luxury and functionality of interior spaces. Modern deck design is no longer about function—it’s about creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living. Whether through complementary
architectural details, color palettes or materials that [parallel] the home’s existing style, decks are now designed as intentional extensions of the home rather than standalone structures” he says.
Added Amenities
To help further make your outdoor living space feel like home, there are no shortage of features that can help elevate your deck. Sleek outdoor kitchens
DECK GUARDIAN
Building Something Special
equipped with pizza ovens, enhanced lighting, shaded structures, refined railing systems and heated areas are just some of the in-demand requests.
“The hope with a deck space is that it can invite your attention outdoors, but the amenities can make your home feel bigger by moving some of your activities outdoors,” says Shaw. “Outdoor kitchens, bars, entertainment spaces, fireplaces, heaters, lighting—all of those things are really expanding how a family can get outside and use a deck during different times of the day, and during different seasons.”
While every client is different, Magolon says today’s homeowners overwhelmingly want these multifunctional spaces designed for comfort, convenience and entertainment.
“People are looking for different dedicated areas— kitchens for grilling, lounging areas with TVs—to help create different atmospheres,” he says. “Homeowners are getting creative with their spaces and the nature of what’s around them. The flow of the decks [we are building] are definitely different than a lot of the cookie-cutter decks that everyone thought they had to do [in the past].”
Another addition that has risen in popularity is the installation of four-track vinyl windows, which can be retrofitted to an existing screened-in porch or added to a new structure being built.
“They provide a nice
barrier from the elements in the fall or early spring, but can also be fully open to allow a screened-in experience in the warmer months,” says Coburn.
No matter what direction your design may take you, it’s important to remember that trends come and go. The most important thing is creating a space that will offer comfort and joy not only in the here and now, but also for many years to come.
“At the end of the day, we are talking about trends and styles that are of the moment. But a deck is a long-term project and it really has to be about what speaks to that homeowner and what matches their taste and is going to complement how they live,” says Shaw.
RESOURCES
Amazing Decks Ambler, Pa. (833) 774-8646
AnotherAmazingDeck.com
Archadeck Outdoor Living of Mount Laurel Cherry Hill, N.J. (609) 454-6170
Archadeck.com/Mt-Laurel
Deck Guardian
Somerset, N.J. (908) 332-8616
DeckGuardian.com
First State Building & Design
Chadds Ford, Pa. (302) 803-5082
FirstStateBuildingAndDesign.com
StoneBridge Renovations
Malvern, Pa. (484) 459-4920
SB-Renovations.com
Springing Forward with Backyard Makeovers
by Kristen Dowd
The weather is warmer, the flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping— spring has officially sprung in South Jersey, and it’s time to get outdoors and enjoy the season. What better way to do that than by stepping out your own back door into a perfect backyard paradise? Whether you’re looking for a cozy firepit nook, a paver patio with built-in kitchen or a custom designed swimming pool, Evergreen Pros is at the ready to make your outdoor living dreams a reality.
“Going on vacation is nice, but having your own oasis in your yard is better,” says Nick Erman, Manager of Evergreen Pros. “Ever since COVID, outdoor living has been more popular. People want to stay home. They’re enjoying their backyards.”
Backyard Experts
Erman and his team at Evergreen Pros consider themselves backyard experts, and they’re ready to work closely with clients from that first phone call to the last day on the jobsite. Quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction are their top priorities, and they also pride themselves on being a one-stop shop, offering services in landscaping, hardscaping and fencing in addition to designing and installing in-ground pools, outdoor kitchens and entertainment areas, and more.
“We’re also seeing more and more cus-
tomers using outdoor areas year-round,” Erman says.
Firepits and pizza ovens are a good way to enjoy outdoor living spaces even in the colder months, Erman explains, not to mention the full outdoor kitchen setups.
“Taking the kitchen outside gives you the ability to cook outside from April to October,” he says.
For those ready to start their backyard transformation, all it takes is a phone call to Evergreen Pros to get the ball rolling. They make the process easy, and they also work within budgets to make it attainable.
“Some people have the money. They pay it and get everything done in one year,” Erman says. “Other people, we do what they can afford.”
That may look like a two-, three- or fouryear plan. The first phase may be a patio or outdoor kitchen. The pool may go in the second year, with the ramada and firepit following in year three.
“We don’t expect you to dump your entire savings into your backyard in one year,” Erman explains. “We’re very well known for our return service.”
Meeting Expectations with Education
No matter if a client’s timeline is short or long, they will have a very clear idea and visual
conception of what they’re getting thanks to custom designs put together with SketchUp, a 3D modeling software. This is a tool that brings a client’s vision to life before the first paver is laid, and being able to manipulate and change the design is helpful if there are changes down the road.
These designs are part of educating clients, which is an important part of the process, according to Erman.
Another big part of this education is welcoming clients into the Evergreen Pros showroom, where they can see and touch products to find their favorites. The state-of-the-art showroom features paver samples, including Techo-Bloc, Cambridge and Belgard, along with Italian porcelain pavers from International Porcelain Company. There are outdoor grill islands, firepits, sitting areas and more on display—anything a client may want, and all elements that stand the test of time.
Client Satisfaction
As far as trends, Erman says he hasn’t seen a lot change in recent years.
“Typically, everybody wants a patio, a pool, an outdoor kitchen. That’s what we’re getting calls for now. Outdoor entertainment areas are still very popular, too,” he says.
At the end of the day, Erman and his team want to know their clients are satisfied—with the process, the workmanship and the entire Evergreen Pros experience. This mindset speaks to the company’s strong reputation in the industry, not to mention its base of return clientele and customer referrals.
“We strive for the wow factor on every job we complete. If our customers aren’t happy, I’m not happy,” Erman says. “It has to be everything they’ve ever dreamed of.”
WITH SPRING IN BLOOM, homeowners across the country are preparing to spend the coming months in their own backyards, and chances are they would like to invest in some updates. Our annual landscape directory connects our readers with local resources to consult on any project related to the outdoors. This
comprehensive list includes companies that can create an oasis with a pool, patio or deck, not to mention hardscaping, water features and shade elements; or professionals who maintain landscaping, provide furniture or install fences and much more. No matter what you need, your outdoor space is in good hands.
ARTIFICIAL GRASS
ARTIFICIAL GRASS TURF WAREHOUSE
Our commitment is to our customers. We walk you through all the steps so you can be sure to have what you need to get the job done right. We work with you, supplying you with educational materials on different turf options, products and installation information. We value this process because we strive not only to sell a quality product but to ensure our customers are completely satisfied with their purchase. It’s our top priority for our customers to purchase the appropriate artificial grass for its specific purpose so the turf performs well and is long-lasting. 201-971-2323 artificialgrassturfwarehouse.com
JM Synthetic Grass
201-220-2609
jmsyntheticgrass@verizon.net jmsyntheticgrass.com
AWNINGS
MARYGROVE AWNINGS
For over 85 years, Marygrove has offered the best retractable awnings on the market. Choose from a variety of sizes, fabrics and options to create your backyard oasis. All of the awnings come standard with free
LED lights and are backed by an award-winning service team. 800-44-AWNINGS marygrove.com
WINDOW WORKS
Window Works is a family-owned and operated custom window treatment and awning company for over 35 years. We’ll come to your home or business with expert design advice and personalized recommendations. And our meticulous fabrication and installation is backed by a 3-year guarantee, well beyond the industry standard! 973-535-5860 windowworks-nj.com
New Castle Artisan 856-725-3333 newcastleartisan.com
DECKS
Amazing Decks 833-774-8646 anotheramazingdeck.com
Ameritech Services 856-226-4032 ameritechnj.com
ARCHADECK
OF MT. LAUREL
Archadeck of Mt. Laurel is your premier outdoor living space builder! With over 40 years of experience, they can design and build the outdoor space of your dreams, from decks and patios to pergolas, porches and more. 609-454-6170 archadeck.com
Blue Tree Builders 609-240-3231 experiencebluetree.com
Luigi General Contractors 973-669-2550 luigiconstruction.com
Magnolia Home Remodeling Group 855-624-6655 magnoliahomeremodeling.com
New Castle Artisan 856-725-3333 newcastleartisan.com
NEW JERSEY GRAVEL & SAND CO.
Established in 1936, New Jersey Gravel & Sand Co. has been a
family-owned business from day one. It has become a major supplier of everything from mulch and topsoil to decorative stone and miscellaneous accessories. They carry a complete line of landscaping, hardscaping, natural stone, and construction materials, and are constantly adding new products to their lineup. While their product selection has both evolved and expanded, the one constant that they never compromise is quality. Whether you are a home or business owner, landscaper or contractor, they welcome your questions and inquiries and look forward to working together. After all, the customer in customer satisfaction means you.
732-938-5252 njgravelsand.com
The Paver Doctor 856-767-3335
SLS Landscaping, Inc.
609-518-5263
slslandscape.com
W Tree Service
973-307-4972
wtreeservicelandscapingg@gmail. com
HOME EXTERIOR MAINTENANCE
SLS Landscaping, Inc.
609-518-5263 slslandscape.com
HOT TUBS & SPAS
Del Val Pools & Spas 856-629-2999 delvalpoolsandspas.com
Pelican Ski, Pool & Patio 973-267-0964 pelicanshops.com
Evergreen Landscaping, Pools & Spas deals with every aspect of the outdoors of your home. They are a full-service Landscape Design Company that specializes in pool installations, pavers, concrete, landscape design, sprinkler installation, decks, fencing, outdoor
kitchens and snow removal. Call them today, and let them create your beautiful home oasis! 609-652-0646 evergreenpros.com
Rock Bottom is a full-service landscape contractor and landscape designer serving all of New Jersey for over 30 years. Their professional and experienced staff excels at making your landscape dreams come to life,
with fine attention to detail, unparalleled craftsmanship, a high level of integrity and friendly service... all at a fair price. 732-873-6780
rockbottomlandscaping.net
RONNI
HOCK GARDEN & LANDSCAPE
Eleven times “Best of Houzz” recipient. Ten times “Best of House & Home” 2015-2024. A premier design/build company serving Central New Jersey and Bucks County for over 17 years. Ronni is personally involved with every phase of design and installation. 609-844-0066 ronnisgarden.com
SLS Landscaping, Inc.
609-518-5263
slslandscape.com
The Paver Doctor 856-767-3335
LANDSCAPE LIGHTING/ OUTDOOR LIGHTING
FIXTURES/ELECTRICAL
CLC Landscape Design
973-839-6026
clcdesign.com
D. Panetta Contracting 973-659-9374 dpanettacontracting.com
ELA Outdoor Living 215-794-2400 elaoutdoorliving.com
Country Lane Furniture 717-867-5701 countrylanefurniture.com
The Buxton Complex 609-771-0274 thebuxtoncomplex.com
Pelican Ski, Pool & Patio 973-267-0964 pelicanshops.com
Pelican Swim & Ski 908-534-2400
pelicanpool.com
Sequoia Out Back 215-918-DECK (3325) 866-993-YARD (9273) sequoiaoutback.com
OUTDOOR KITCHENS
Ernest & Sons 973-669-3779
862-595-8821 masonrybyernestandsons.com
Luigi General Contractors 973-669-2550 Luigiconstruction.com
OUTDOOR SPEAKERS/ TV/AUDIO SYSTEMS
Shore Sound & Cinema 609-645-1300 s2cinema.com
OUTDOOR STRUCTURES/ SHEDS/PERGOLAS/ GAZEBOS
Amazing Decks 833-774-8646 anotheramazingdeck.com
BACKYARD STRUCTURES
Backyard Structures has been a leading provider of superior quality sheds, pool houses, gazebos, and other outdoor structures for more than 35 years. This secondgeneration, family-owned and operated business offers customized and specialized services for homeowners and commercial customers throughout Monmouth County and the Jersey Shore. Their Amish-built sheds, pergolas and other backyard structures are the highest quality available, constructed with top-grade materials and expert craftsmanship. You can customize these structures to fit a variety of architectural styles. Choose your door and window style, as well as
numerous paint colors and siding options. The structures are available in a wide range of sizes, including custom options.For quality construction, customized to fit your desires, specialty installation services and financing, visit the Backyard Structures Belford showroom. Open Monday through Friday
9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 732-495-8866 backyarddtructuresNJ.com
The Buxton Complex
609-771-0274 thebuxtoncomplex.com
CLC Landscape Design 973-839-6026 clcdesign.com
Deck Guardian 908-332-8577 deckguardian.com
My Deck 908-713-1000 mydeck.com
Sequoia Out Back 215-918-DECK (3325) 866-993-YARD (9273) sequoiaoutback.com
Blue Haven Pools & Spas NE by Calvitti 800-219-2141 bluehaven.com
CLC Landscape Design 973-839-6026 clcdesign.com
Del Val Pools & Spas is one of the leading custom pool builders in southern New Jersey serving the tri-state area and excels in bringing a client’s vision to reality. Del Val provides custom in-ground gunite pool construction, above-ground pools, renovation, service and retail needs with three locations in Turnersville, Mantua, and Elmer, NJ. Frequently consulted by municipalities for technical and engineering expertise, Del Val’s finished products have been featured in a number of publications, brochures and articles. Del Val Pools & Spas maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has received “Best of” Awards in a variety of southern New Jersey publications. 856-629-2999 delvalpoolsandspas.com
D. Panetta Contracting, LLC 973-659-9374 dpanettacontracting.com
They specialize in fiberglass in-ground swimming pools and spas. They are here to assist you in the installation of your inground swimming pool and or spa design and will also offer you their experience in creating the ambience and finishing touches that fit in your budget.
From aesthetics to functionality, regional experts provide advice on how to transform a pool into the outdoor living space of one’s dreams.
by CARLY MURRAY
Having a personal pool is the best way to achieve both luxury and amusement in an outdoor living oasis totally customizable for each household—but like everything worthwhile, it takes planning, time, education, options and upkeep. Modern options can take a pool to the next level with exciting colors, lighting, designs, shapes and add-on features. The variability within and surrounding a pool is what expands it into much more than a place to swim.
It is that stark distinction between personalized pools across the region that makes them so impressive. By starting fresh, or by updating an already existing outdoor living space, homeowners can expand their home to the backyard with every member of the family’s unique preferences. It might even be the favorite hang-out spot all summer long to encourage fresh air, staying active and spending time away from screens.
House & Home Magazine spoke with local pool and deck specialists to learn more about “taking the plunge” into pool designs, installation and maintenance.
What are the most popular pool options that homeowners have incorporated within the past year?
“Recently, people with smaller backyards are putting in large wading pools that are not deep, more for relaxing and having cocktails. They are also using low voltage lighting for a more relaxing atmosphere.”
—Donald
Panetta, owner of D. Panetta Contracting, LLC
“Water purification systems, salt water systems, quartz ozone systems, and water features like waterfalls and raised walls with waterfalls coming off of them [are
most popular]. Then, blossoming into landscape items like a poolside cabana, a bar area [or] sun lounges. Probably about 60%-65% of the pools that we build have sun lounges in them. …[In addition,] we offer fire features, a swim-up bar area, outdoor kitchens and cabanas. There’s a wide spectrum of choices out there, it just depends on what's going to fit into everybody’s wants and budgets.”
—Dominic DiCesare, general manager of Blue Haven Pools & Spas
by Calvitti
How does one decide what styles and features are best for them?
“First, we discuss the goals of the customer and I try to get an understanding of the type of person the customer is. If the customer’s home has a flow that should be continued in the yard, I steer the customer toward a freeform [pool] that has curves that can accentuate the existing flow. If the customer likes lines and geometric shapes and the house reflects this style, I steer the customer toward a rectangle pool that will continue the existing aesthetic of the property. This is not a definite process for all customers because some rectangles have the features that a customer is looking for, but the property has a flow that would lend itself to a freeform. If this is the case, I make suggestions for hardscaping and landscaping that will shift the sharp angles of the rectangle pool toward a flow of green space and curved pavers and deck space.”
—Derek Blasker, owner of Pool Designs
What are some features that can transform a pool into an outdoor living space?
“There are many elements or features that can transform your pool area into an out-
A Deep Dive
door living space [including] adding an outdoor kitchen with dining area, firepit area, a sitting area with gazebo, or adding outdoor low-voltage lighting to bring your outdoor living to life.”
—Donald Panetta
“To transform a pool into an outdoor ‘living’ space it would need to have areas for relaxation such as a tanning deck, seats, a spa—features that encourage family and guests to spend time in the pool and not just around
it. Some type of shade from the sun is also needed to use the pool as an area for relaxation. Some chose a large umbrella for the tanning deck and recently we’ve even installed a motorized retractable shade over the pool to allow the children to play outside in the water for longer during the hotter days.
When planning a full backyard renovation or new-build masterplan, homeowners should think about how they can make their life easier through automation. Planning this from the begin-
ning makes everything flow so much easier. If you’re going to have a pool, a spa, speakers, a retractable shade and fire feature it would be worth doing some research on how these can all be brought together via a single voice control system, for example.”
—Keith Frederick, owner of ELA Outdoor Living
How has technology changed over the years?
“Technology has moved toward more automation and less personal maintenance of the pool. Customers can control their pump, heat and lights from an app on their phone. This app can also be linked to the water features and landscape lighting. Robotic cleaners can clean the pool floor, walls and tile line. There are solar powered cleaners that float on the pool surface and target debris that is floating at the top, which cuts down on clogging the skimmer. Salt generators, UV/ozone generators and acid
feeders allow for easier chemical maintenance and greater sanitation and pH regulation.”
—Derek Blasker
What colors and designs are trending most for pool decks?
“Stamped concrete is one of the most customizable materials out there for outdoor living. We can match almost any aesthetic—from rustic to ultra-modern—using a variety of stamps that mimic stone, brick, tile or wood. …We’re seeing a strong trend toward cool, coastal-inspired color palettes—think soft grays, driftwood tones, and light taupes. These hues not only create a sophisticated, calming atmosphere, but they also stay cooler underfoot, which is ideal for sunny pool environments. Pattern-wise, largeformat slate textures remain popular for their clean lines and modern appeal. Another standout trend is the wood plank stamp in weathered, beachy tones—it offers the warmth
and charm of natural wood with the durability of concrete.”
—Steve Abel, managing partner of Architectural Concrete Design
How should deck design vary between the different areas of an outdoor living space?
“Many of our clients are extending their pool decks into full backyard living spaces with outdoor kitchens, dining areas and fire features. In those cases, we often use complementary designs to help visually zone each area. For example, we
might use a slate pattern around the pool and transition to a wood plank look under a pergola or outdoor kitchen. In some cases, we use the same pattern throughout but shift the coloring or finish to create contrast. These layered designs make the entire space feel cohesive and intentional.”
—Steve Abel
What is the best pool water system?
“We've been [offering] salt water for about 20 years—we’re 100% salt water. …It’s much
healthier. You're [converting] natural salt into chlorine, but it's more user-friendly. It's less irritating to the skin, to the eyes— especially for people who have skin conditions, it's a lot better.”
—Dominic DiCesare
How do you balance functionality with aesthetics when it comes to customization?
“I believe the outside should be an extension of the home’s architecture, but also of the owners’ personalities. If someone has a large enough yard and is more of a creative energy, they might want a freeform pool with natural flowing curves and unique features. You can add features to any pool, but the freeform or kidney-shaped pools allow for really interesting additions. …[Fiberglass pools] offer lots of different shapes and sizes and are customizable to a certain extent with waterfalls, slides, lighting, coping options and the pool deck.”
—Keith Frederick
RESOURCES
Architectural Concrete Design
Levittown, Pa. (866) 956-2818
ACDConcrete.com
Blue Haven Pools & Spas by Calvitti Serving N.J., Pa. & Del. (800) 219-2141
BlueHaven.com
D. Panetta Contracting, LLC Randolph, N.J. (973) 659-9374
DPanettaContracting.com
ELA Outdoor Living Doylestown, Pa. (215) 794-2400
ELAOutdoorLiving.com
Pool Designs Yardville, N.J. (609) 257-2279
PoolInADay.com
BLUE HAVEN POOLS & SPAS
CLOSING THE GAP
The costs of building an above-ground pool, an in-ground pool with a liner and a custom gunite pool have become much closer over the last few years. When evaluating the “true cost” of building a pool, one must also take into consideration the return on investment when you sell your home. From Del Val Pools & Spas’ perspective, the price gap with different styles of pools has closed based on market conditions and their experience has closed it even further.
Since COVID, the cost of materials necessary to build swimming pools has gone up. Fiberglass, plastics and steel are all substantially more expensive than they were five years ago. According to Gordian’s RSMeans Data, structural steel prices are up 111% since 2020. The costs of polypropylene and plastic resin—key ingredients in forming plastic—are up more than 400% since 2020. Some more simple comparisons can help one relate: in 2020, a gallon of gas (on average) cost $1.97; in 2025, a gallon of gas (on average) costs $3.13. Compare these cost increases to the ingredients which make up gunite. According to the same data, they’ve gone up by 13% since 2020.
Del Val Pools & Spas has been able to narrow the divide in pool building costs even further by investing and developing their
own gunite division. In the past, it’s been a standard among pool contractors to subcontract that part of pool construction. Simply put, Del Val trucks now spray the gunite that forms the shapes and structure of its custom in-ground pools. They do not sub-contract any part of the pool construction. Everything is accomplished and performed by Del Val employees.
“From excavation to finish plaster, it’s all Del Val. We saw the prices on pool types coming closer together, and we knew there was more we could do to close that gap,” says Bryan Hull, co-owner. “Besides controlling costs, having our own gunite trucks allows us to control our schedule, which maximizes schedule efficiency. No more wasted man hours or money waiting for a gunite contractor to arrive. We like to boast that we deliver finished pools on time and on budget.”
Another reason the cost to build different types of pools has lessened is because Del Val is a very efficient pool builder. That comes from experience, and the third generation of the Hull family is now building pools. That’s worth bragging about, but with that message also comes the positive impression from the continuity of the business. They are still around because they build pools very well, and they build them competitively.
“After Hurricane Sandy in 2012, we did a lot of consulting work at the Jersey Shore. We saw firsthand what caused older first-generation pools from the 1970s and 1980s to fail, and in many cases disappear,” says Brett Hull, co-owner. “We learned from the mistakes of previous pool builders. We build our pools with deeper keels and tighter rebar patterns than other pool contractors. I like to say we out-build our competitors, but what our customers know is our pools last—and that’s what matters.”
Swimming pools are becoming a “musthave” request from home buyers. Realtors know selling a home with a custom in-ground gunite pool is an easier and faster sale. Gunite pools also lend to a more finished outside oasis. A gunite pool most certainly gives the seller the best return on investment.
The bottom line is the costs associated with building different types of pools are closing, which makes it an excellent time to sit down and have a conversation about your pool goals. Make a list of what you want out of your backyard oasis. Get a clear understanding of a pool’s costs and your options even if it’s a goal a year or more on the horizon. It’s what Del Val Pools & Spas is known for: bringing your dreams to reality.
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.”
ask the expert
Matteo Family Kitchens & Flooring
by Chelsea Valcourt
ELEGANT, FLEETING, INGENIOUS, EMBELLISHED—HOWEVER YOU FEEL ABOUT THEM, TRENDS ARE A COMMANDING FORCE IN THE HOME IMPROVEMENT FIELD. What’s ‘in’ has an unyielding influence on everything from the products that manufacturers produce to the value of your home on the market, so it’s important to get it right.
House & Home spoke to Matteo Kitchens’ co-owner and store manager Steve Matteo about the dominating influence of HGTV and how to cater trends to your space to create the ultimate dream home.
Steve Matteo, co-owner and store manager
HOW IMPORTANT IS HGTV TO HOME REMODELING?
I say ‘HGTV’ 27,000 times a day. HGTV and programs like it are constantly on in people’s households, waiting rooms and online. It has people look around and say, ‘Alright, there’s nothing wrong with what we have, but we’re out of style, we’re out of color, and we need to update it.’ More than anything, it really gives people some information on what’s in. They say HGTV makes new colors and
styles relevant every four to five years. During COVID, everything was very white and gray while now we’re starting to see earth tones again.
SHOULD HOMEOWNERS PAY ATTENTION TO TRENDS OR SHOULD THEY STICK TO MORE TRADITIONAL-STYLE DESIGNS?
Trends are very important, but also very tricky. We’re in our 30th year, and when we opened up our showroom, we had a white, an oak and a cherry kitchen. Now we have multiple options and the one thing that I can say that’s still here and still viable is white, but the oak colors and wood species change. The cherry went from that deep, dark red, rich look that a lot of people grew
up with to mixing with other colors to create a very light look. You have to be careful with trends and stick to using color as an accent to avoid being stuck with an outdated color. If you lock yourself into blue or green or gray, it’s going to be trendy. If you mix those colors as an accent, it could last forever.
IN TERMS OF FLOORING, WHICH OPTIONS ARE HOMEOWNERS GRAVITATING TOWARDS?
I would say about 80% of what we sell in flooring today is luxury plank—and that’s against carpet, real tile, laminate and hardwood floors. The top manufacturers have put a lot of money into their technology to make luxury planks more realistic looking, textured and durable, and the price points are fantastic. We used to tell people that hardwood floors are going to add value to your home when you go to sell it, but in today’s market what people are really looking at in terms of flooring is maintenance. Between kids, pets and accidental spills, people don’t want to be sweeping and mopping all the time and these vinyl plank floors let you live your life.
SPA-QUALITY BATHROOMS ARE ON THE RISE. HOW CAN HOMEOWNERS TRANSFORM THEIR EVERYDAY BATHS INTO A RELAXATION ZONE?
We are pulling out the fiberglass tubs and showers every day and replacing them with tiled wall showers—whether it’s a tub or just a full shower. When you’re dealing with set things like the fiberglass pans, you have to stay in whatever those pan sizes are, which are limited. You can’t make it bigger than that, so we see people switching over and we’re opening up the shower as far as we can. Sometimes we add in a half wall with more glass to allow more light, making the room feel bigger, and sometimes we add in a bench allowing you to sit while you shower. It’s creating a lot of luxury; you come home from a hard day's work, and you want to take a nice shower and feel a little bit more relaxed.
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.
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
Restoringfrom the InsideOut
expand, creating a new cement surface that is incredibly durable, as well as stain and chemical resistant,” says Kunkel.
One of the most important aspects of the product used by New Castle Artisan is that it’s naturally textured to be slip resistant, making it an ideal choice for pool decks.
by Liz Hunter
ost home improvement projects come with their share of hassles, from permitting to disrupting daily routines and creating additional unforeseen projects. For this reason, homeowners often put them off. However, New Castle Artisan has a better way.
Family-owned and-operated for more than 30 years, New Castle Artisan is helmed by Gwen Kunkel and her brother Paul Randall, who have a combined 50 years of experience in the industry. Its sole business is concrete resurfacing, a technique that can breathe new life into many concrete surfaces, whether it’s your driveway, pool deck or patio. With summer on its way, now is the perfect time to have New Castle Artisan assess your needs with a free inspection and estimate.
Concrete projects can be invasive on a property, and pouring new concrete doesn’t guarantee the same problems won’t occur down the line. “Instead of the usual repairs made to cracks, tripping hazards and other issues, our resurfacing allows us to hide all of the repairs in a beautiful, custom upgrade,” Kunkel says. “You avoid all the hassle and mess of the demolition and repouring. With resurfacing, we add designs and carve the cracks into the existing pattern after we repair them, so you’ve got results that are more valuable financially and aesthetically.”
Projects typically take three days to complete and don’t require township permits—another headache avoided. Kunkel also says one day of bad weather won’t set the project back either. “Each day is independent of each other, so if it rains one day, we extend the project one day. We don’t need three consecutive sunny days.”
Polymer resurfacing has been used since the 1960s, and if applied properly, adds beauty and aesthetic value without the expensive cost of installing all new concrete. What’s more, it will last a lifetime with some routine resealing maintenance. “We use polymer cements because they resist erosion. They are absorbed into the existing concrete, grow spines that
Resurfacing a pool deck also comes with significant cost savings. “Pool decks, as they age, can have movement, creating cracks and unlevel pads. The heavy equipment required to bring new concrete into a backyard is labor intensive, which the cost higher,” she says. “On top of that, landscaping and grass are damaged, your to be taken down—our process is no use small pieces of hand equipment that carried in and out, causing no impact to landscaping.”
There is also a level of artistry with New Artisan’s resurfacing. “Our products are by hand for a look that can be customized liking. We can add colors and then finish rock hard sealants to make it look appealing,” says Kunkel. “We utilize design to incorporate the repaired cracks into a pattern that can be managed. Should cracks reappear, they are blended within the design. If you try to repair other products, like pavers, you’ll never be able to match the color after five years. ...We’ve perfected this method, not only providing quality installation, but an investment that can always be remedied or managed.”
their dreams into reality
We spoke to Amiano to gain some insight on the best ways to approach a remodeling project and she stresses that when adding new elements, it’s important to keep in mind the character and the soul of the home. Rather than modernize original elements, she suggests mixing in some updated touches with the new elements you are bringing in.
Honoring the Past,
While Updating to Last
Amiano &
Son
s expert designer offers tips on how to remodel a home while maintaining its character
aving grown up in the family business, Sophia Amiano is well-versed in the home remodeling industry. A third-generation member of Amiano & Son, Design-Build, she serves as the company’s award-winning home remodeling designer, combining her years of experience with an unwavering passion for helping homeowners turn
Some key original elements that help maintain a home’s character could include fireplaces, staircases, original doors and doorways, original brick and hardwood floors “If you can’t keep these original elements, replicate or redo them to a similar style so that you are keeping that history. But always consider the original colors and textures of the house when tying in new stuff,” Amiano says.
W
enhance a home’s original charm, Amiano further advises clients to be mindful that they are
Matching old elements with new ones you are bringing in can help maintain the character of the home by replicating a similar feel.
“Tie in vintage accessories like fabrics, rugs, wallpapers, drapery, upholstery of furniture, etc. This allows you to keep that ‘old’ feel while still updating the home,” says Amiano.
Amiano & Son
Call (609) 268-5923 or visit one of Amiano and Son’s showrooms in Southampton or Ship Bottom N.J.
by Lindsey Getz
Sequoia Out Back helps homeowners take their backyard living dreams and make them a reality.
IT’S SAFE TO SAY THAT THE PANDEMIC HAS TAUGHT US TO APPRECIATE THE OUTDOORS EVEN MORE. While backyard outdoor living areas have been soaring in popularity for years now, for many, the stay-at-home orders and the experience of being stuck indoors for so long have made homeowners absolutely crave these spaces more than ever. They are truly a must-have—a fact that’s been increasingly evident at Sequoia Out Back, where owner John Keller says that he’s seeing even more people come into the showroom than ever before.
From the moment that homeowners walk through Sequoia Out Back’s front doors, the experience is really unlike any other. The 30,000-square-foot showroom has everything you could want for your personal oasis on display so that you can envision it in your own backyard.
When you walk through a typical patio store or a big-box store, items aren’t usually set up or paired together the way they would be in your backyard so it can be difficult to visualize your finished space. At Sequoia, you can see an entire outdoor living space
Be Inspired!
the way that you might set it up on your own patio. It inspires so many ideas.
The goal of the showroom has always been to make homeowners feel like they’re stepping into a real-life outdoor space. This helps homeowners to make the best choices when it comes to furniture and decking supplies that will work for their own projects.
Pair these gorgeous displays with the knowledgeable and helpful team members who are ready to assist—and homeowners can really appreciate the showroom visit experience. Customers always leave Sequoia with a lot of great ideas and information.
Of course, in general, inventory has been a major issue since the start of the pandemic. Homeowners who have tried to purchase furniture and decking may have noticed limited stock. But Sequoia Out Back has been fortunate to be able to keep a lot of inventory in stock thanks to its relationship with manufacturers and its purchasing power, as well as having a large quantity from the start. Even so, with so many people coming through the doors, now is the time to start planning for the spring while inventory is still available.
After all, before you know it, the weather will be consistently warm, and we’ll all be
spending even more time outdoors. Homeowners want to make sure their space is ready now!
“The sooner you can start planning, the better,” urges Keller. “The number of visitors coming to the store right now is higher than ever for this time of year. It’s definitely not too early to start thinking about setting up your outdoor space.”
As you start planning, Sequoia Out Back has all of the amenities that you might want to consider. This includes fire pits, patio furniture and all of the material supplies including decking and railing and hardscaping. Sequoia works with all of the leading manufacturers including TimberTech, Wolf, Trex, Zuri and Fiberon—all of whom continue to offer innovative products.
Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or someone who was sent by their contractor to look for materials, Sequoia’s showroom can accommodate everyone.
It’s all about making the experience as easy and as enjoyable as possible for homeowners. As the true outdoor living experts, Sequoia and its team are ready to help make homeowners’ backyard dreams come true.
“Outdoor living has been a trend for a long time but it’s hotter than ever,” Keller sums up. “I think we’re all ready to start spending more time outside.”
