Wynnewood, PA – We removed an enclosed staircase to accommodate a wider set of oak stairs with an open look from the first floor to the second. New railings and mouldings dress it up further.

Kohler Cimarron® Comfort Height® Toilet

We like it because it works! Enough said. So go ahead, take the plunge. Have a seat. Bring a book. (I know  – a crappy joke.)

Product Recommendation: Kohler Cimarron® Comfort Height® Toilet

Philadelphia, PA – There’s nothing like a luxurious tub to turn a bathroom into a spa-like retreat. In this space, a modern soaking tub surrounded by thousands of mosaic green tiles literally takes center stage. The faucet’s simple clean lines complement the mosaic tile and set the tone for the entire room, lending it a soothing, modern look.

Chestnut Hill, PA – Our client bought a renovated home but wanted to freshen up the kitchen to make it her own. Our interior designer swooped in to help personalize the space. Stainless steel pendant lights above the island create a more modern vibe. Natural bamboo shades replaced patterned drapes above a storage bench and correspond to woven dining room chairs. Soft yellows and bright orange warm up the modern color palette so the room feels crisp and fresh, not heavy handed one way or another.

Villanova, Pa – We’re just finishing up a covered porch addition and kitchen renovation near the University in Villanova. The timber framing consists of stained rough sawn oak beams; a stone fireplace adds even more character. The porch will be finished with fully retractable phantom screens that will open to the brand new stone patio. The patio features a built in stone grilling area.

The kitchen layout basically remained the same. We removed a wall separating the kitchen from the breakfast room to open up the space. A new very long island sits in the middle surrounded by brand new cabinets and finishes.The project will be completely finished by the Thanksgiving holiday to accommodate holiday visitors. Check back for photos of the finished product!

After – The existing dark paneled basement was gutted, refinished and reconfigured with a more open floor plan. The space had to be multifunctional, so it was divided up into four distinct zones: a bar, wine room, office, and exercise area. Utility and storage closets are hidden behind closed doors. A cultured stone accent wall off sets a custom bar by Conestoga Valley Custom Kitchens. The existing columns became a design feature in the new bar. Hardwood floors and warm neutrals wall paint complete this inviting family hangout.

Let it Breathe. Aerate your lawn now to allow water and nutrients to seep into compressed soil. A garden fork will do the trick for small lawns, otherwise go with a walk-behind aerator that pulls out two and a half to three inch plugs. The plugs will break down naturally by spring.

Overseed & Feed. Grass roots continue to grow until temps drop to about 40 degrees. Apply a high phosphorous mix (12-25-12) now to encourage root growth for beautiful spring green.

Weed. Fall is a great time to go after weeds like clover, ground ivy and dandelions. Use a special winterizer weed and feed instead of regular winterizer. Apply to moist foliage on a day when rain is not forecast for 24 hours. By spring your lawn will be virtually broad leaf weed free!

Mow it Down. Lower mower blades for the last cut of the season to prevent disease. Leaves blow right over short grass for easier raking. Don’t buzz the grass blades any lower than one and a quarter inches though since grass makes food in the upper blade.

Start a Collection. Raking leaves keeps the lawn looking neat, and prevents bare patches come spring. Stash the leaves in a chicken wire compost bin and flip weekly for rich spring compost.

Plant. Go ahead and plant new shrubs to give roots a chance to dig in before the spring growing season. Don’t forget to mulch after planting!

Trim. Snow and ice will further weaken diseased and damaged branches so trim them now. Call an expert tree trimmer if necessary.

Mulch. After a light frost but before the first freeze, apply a couple inches of mulch on new plant beds. Two to four inches will keep the roots warm without smothering them.