Bucks County House & Home Magazine May 2011

POOLS OF WONDER: ARTISANS CRAFTING ONE-OF-A-KIND WATER MAGIC

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on the cover Desire a beautiful outdoor oasis that will keep you and your guests happy year after year? It can be yours if you use the right materials, like this one built using Trex Deck products, sold at Sequoia Out Back Superstore in Hatfield and Sequoia Supply in Warrington. For more about Sequoia and the extensive range of highquality products they sell, please see their two-page ad on inside front cover and 3.

contents

interior design and remodeling ideas 20

The Kitchen’s On the Patio

26

Grilling Greatness

28

Home Innovations

32

Pools of Wonder

34

Senior-Friendly Living

38

Instant Change

44

Gracious Outdoor Living

48

A Brighter Future

56

Natural Living

62

Ahhh…

The popularity of the outdoor cooking area Tips and trade secrets to help you achieve some smokin’ cookouts The latest, greatest products and services you should know about Artisans crafting one-of-a-kind water magic Important considerations to keep in mind Interior and exterior painting makes your home look new again

Bringing style outside/“When Bugs Attack”

Solar energy will make your home a greener place Open up your home to the outdoors and reap the organic benefits Some favorite summer recipes

departments 13 15 18

Editor’s Note

42 52

Bucks County Designer House & Gardens Preview

Noteworthy Around Town

Workshops, Classes, Shows and Events

CoTY Award Project Fulfilling Every Wish: A kitchen makeover in Holland becomes a dual award-winner

59 61

At Your Service Index of Advertisers Find-A-Local Pro Featured Video Ads The Gallery MAY 2011

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PA Reg. # 013594 NJ Reg. # 13VH01226500

editor’s note

Dad, you know what we should do?

I

I am blessed and cursed with a son who sees flaws in our home, and who is overcome with excitement at the idea of having those flaws fixed. Sure there’s a level of DIY in his joy, but he really just wants whatever needs to be fixed or changed to look awesome. Water in the basement? He says, let’s get that fixed and then install a state-of-the-art movie theater, with plenty of room for a stage, areas for him to put displays, and the most comfy furniture anyone has ever created. Our less-than-desirable backyard? He says, let’s put on a multi-level covered deck with a large entry way from the back of the house, leading down to an outdoor kitchen (make it awesome) and extending out to a gazebo, large garden and multiple

water features. Front yard a little bare since our holiday stuff was packed away? He says, we need more trees and flowering bushes, plus a winding brick walkway, tons of solar lights, and—again— multiple water features. Oh and our house needs all the old siding replaced, the chimney repointed, a wrap-around porch and maybe another floor put on. He’d also like the driveway redone with hand-laid pavers. This is why it’s hard to be the editor of HOUSE & HOME. When you have a magazine as beautiful as this, with images and articles about the seemingly endless possibilities for beautifying your home, the other folks in your house start to look around and question

things. At least my wife is thoughtful enough to keep her salivating over kitchens and renovated homes to herself…most of the time. Aidan, though, has no such subtlety. He sees the magazine and thinks we should get this and that and that and this. Oh and HOUSE & HOME’s pool stories? I have to lock them away from the wideeyed water lover. His head would explode. Of course, I would love everything in this magazine. I actually dream of having some of the homes and gardens we write about, to be honest. And when I look around my little castle (with an emphasis on “little”) I often think: I want an updated bathroom and a renovated basement, a well-manicured yard

Daniel Sean Kaye, Editor

and those cherry wood kitchen cabinets, an enclosed deck and an ornate porch. I want all of that and much more. So, I guess you could say that my son comes by his “fantastic home” lust honestly, and I’d venture to say it won’t decrease anytime soon. You see, I know what’s in this issue of HOUSE & HOME and the ones to come, and I am in for some big trouble when Aidan gets hold of his copies. Daniel Did H&H help you with a home makeover project? We love to hear from you! Email your success story to [email protected] H&H and let me know.

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MAY 2011

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THE LEADER OF A PACK! Isn’t it about time to finally get that Patio/Backyard Project Underway for this summer’s enjoyment? Landscaping Design & Installation

Bucks County

BUCKS COUNTY’S RESOURCE AND DESIGN MAGAZINE

PUBLISHER HOUSE & HOME Magazine, Inc. EDITOR Daniel Sean Kaye CONTRIBUTORS Leigh Bell, Debi Bryant, Jennifer Friedberg, Lindsey Getz, Katherine Ritz Hahn, Beth Puliti ART DIRECTOR Debbie Epting SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Sanford Molinaro

~

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Michelle Bucci, Jamie Dacanay

Landscape Lighting

PHOTOGRAPHERS Bill Cartledge, Bob Graham, Jr., Ozzie RVO III

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OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR Annette Korkus

Tree Services

PRODUCTION MANAGER Lisa Santangelo

• Hardscaping Design & Installation

ADVERTISING ASSISTANT Bridget Schneider

• Outdoor Grilling Islands • Cast Veneer Stone Installations

ACCOUNTING DIRECTOR Darlene Versak

• Custom Design Cabanas

SALES MANAGER Andrea Zane

• Use of Natural Stone & Boulders • Rain Water Harvesting

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BUCKS COUNTY HOUSE & HOME HOUSE & HOME Magazine, Inc., dba Bucks County HOUSE & HOME (“H&H”). H&H reserves the right to determine the suitability of all materials submitted for publication and to edit all submitted materials for clarity and space. H&H is not responsible for loss, damage or any other injury to unsolicited manuscripts, unsolicited artwork or any other unsolicited materials. Furthermore, H&H will assume that unsolicited photographs, as well as ad photographs, are being submitted for possible publication and should they be published, no fee is due the photographer or model unless otherwise agreed upon in advance in writing. Bucks County HOUSE & HOME is a news magazine with emphasis on home repair and remodeling. H&H does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial content, nor does H&H or its staff, editors or writers assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial content appear in any publications. Readers are encouraged to notify H&H if they suspect false or misleading advertising. Before attempting any renovation or repair project mentioned in H&H, readers are advised to consult with professional home repair and renovation specialists for assistance, and to take any and all appropriate safety precautions. Bucks County HOUSE & HOME has not independently tested any products or services advertised herein and has verified no claims made by its advertisers regarding those services or products. Bucks County HOUSE & HOME. makes no warranties or representations and assumes no liability for any claims regarding those services or products or claims made by advertisers regarding such products or services. Readers are advised to consult with the advertiser and/or other home repair and renovation professionals regarding any such claims and regarding the suitability of an advertiser’s products. No reproduction of printed materials is permitted without the consent of the publisher of Bucks County HOUSE & HOME. Copyright 2011 by HOUSE & HOME. Magazine, Inc., all rights reserved. Subscription available for home delivery at our website, www.HouseMagazine.com, at a cost of $19.95 per year.

National Sales Office: HOUSE & HOME Magazine, Inc. PO Box 236, Fairview Village, PA 19409 Phone: 888.202.5501 Fax: 215.689.4999

Email: [email protected]

1064 Railroad Avenue – in the Heart of Bucks County PA Call Anthony or Diane Direct at : 215-600-2788

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Visit www.HouseMagazine.com to view digital versions of each of the above editions.

www.MarrazzosNorthRiver.com PA # 047521 14

BUCKS COUNTY HOUSE & HOME

MAY 2011

noteworthy local business news

NEW HOPE 18TH ANNUAL GARDEN TOUR The 18th Annual New Hope Historical Society Garden Tour is scheduled for June 4, and the event’s garden tour committee has an impressive line-up for this year’s roster of majestic gardens. These include one 32-acre property being cultivated and developed by a local horticulturist, and another—a contemporary home designed by architect James Polshek (of Clinton Library and Rose Center for Earth & Space fame)—with a beautiful 1-year-old garden and greenhouse. Many more delights await, including a mini-lecture on tropicals at the tiered terrace garden of grower Pamela Pyle at the end of tour day. The self-guided tour of six private Bucks County gardens will be held Saturday, June 4 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., rain or shine. A full-color brochure with map, easy-to-follow directions, photos and descriptions of the gardens come with tickets in a matching envelope. Ticket holders also receive a Garden Rewards Bag filled with gifts and

offers from our sponsors and national partners, including the American Horticultural Society, Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, W. Atlee Burpee Seed Co., Country Gardens Magazine, and Espoma. The garden tour is a community event with more than 1,000 garden enthusiasts in attendance and a multitude of volunteers. It is also the major fundraiser for this nonprofit organization. Proceeds are earmarked for pointing the Parry Mansion Museum in New Hope, which is owned by the Society and open to the public. General admission ticket price is $30. On tour day, tickets may be purchased at the Parry Mansion Museum on Main and Ferry Streets in New Hope. For more information, visit www.newhopehs.org. FURNITURE COMPANY FOCUSES ON SAFETY Young America, one of the leading brands of infant-to-teen furniture, has launched a national marketing program

that touts the company’s focus on producing the safest furniture for children. The campaign highlights the company’s SafeT3™ design that provides three levels of safeguards— safety engineered, safety built and safety certified—for product and environmental safety, certified by an independent expert. The ads say that that attractive furniture should also be safe, and that a baby’s safety is the company’s primary concern. “Peace of mind is the ultimate goal when raising a child,” said President and CEO, Glenn Prillaman. “So we go to great lengths to ensure we manufacturer the safest products available. Working with partners such as Intertek and Greenguard ensures we are delivery what the customer is demanding.” Young America’s SafeT3 design includes: • “Safety Engineered,” the company’s approach to embedding safeguards into the engineering of each piece of furniture, like automatic drawer stops, tip restraints, corner stabilizers and reinforced joints. • “Safety Built,” referring to the fact that the company makes all of its products in its own plants in the United States to ensure quality control through the entire the process, from concept design to

manufacturing. • “Safety Certified,” meaning that Young America products are certified by the world’s leading independent testing labs, Greenguard and Intertek, for product and environmental safety. The company’s own system of safety features surpasses even the most stringent guidelines. For more information, visit youngamerica.com. HOME INSPECTIONS INVALUABLE TO BUYERS, SELLERS AND CURRENT HOMEOWNERS Whether you’re planning to take advantage of the buyer’s market this spring, are looking to sell or rent a property, or expecting to stay in your current home for years to come, the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) says now is a great time to schedule a home inspection. Most people only think about home inspections when they are buying or selling a home. However, a professional home inspection also educates homeowners on the current condition of their home, minimizing any unpleasant surprises in the future. It is vital, says ASHI, that homeowners schedule a routine inspection every three to five years to stay ahead of maintenance needs and to avoid costly repairs. All home inspectors are not alike, >>>

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however. “Buyers, sellers and homeowners should be mindful when choosing their inspector—it is important to inspect the inspector,” said Kurt Salomon, ASHI president. “ASHI Certified Inspectors are committed to standards of practice and stay up-to-date on the latest home protection issues through continuing education.” The standard home inspector’s report will cover the visible components and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation, including the home’s heating system and central air conditioning system; interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors, as well as the basement and visible structural components. Often times, individual ASHI home inspectors offer ancillary services. For instance, recently ASHI developed inspection standards for predrywall inspections of new homes or those undergoing remodeling, as well as standards for inspecting swimming pools/spas. Word of mouth is often a great resource, so ASHI suggests asking neighbors, friends or family for referrals on home inspectors. Also, ASHI's "Find an Inspector" tool allows you to locate an inspector in your area. Always check with your local inspector for a complete

list of services provided. ASHI is the oldest and most widely recognized nonprofit, professional organization of home inspectors in North America. Its Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics is the industry standard. For more information, visit www.ashi.org. TIPS

TO READY HOMES SWIFT SALE Spring is traditionally the hottest season for home sales as families look to move between school terms, people have received their tax refunds, and the warmer weather makes moving easier. Sales tend to peak in April, staying strong through June and July with more than half of America’s moves taking place in the summer. An uptrend in existinghome sales has continued as January 2011 sales increased 2.7 percent over last year and are forecast to keep rising throughout the summer, according to the National Association of Realtors. • Here are tips to help homeowners ready their home for a swift sale, courtesy of Power Home Remodeling Group. • Curb Appeal is Key: This quick way to draw buyers to a home includes simple fixes like updating a home’s front door or siding, drastically impacting its value. Choose neutral, modern colors

FOR

that will appeal to a wide range of buyers when changing your home’s façade. Popular color palettes include yellow siding with brown shutters, slate blue with black shutters or white siding with a red door. These combinations are classic yet modern and will highlight your home without distracting potential buyers. • Maximize Interior Appeal: Enhance your home’s interior by making sure it is thoroughly cleaned and clutter free. Begin storing personal items to remove your personality from the home allowing potential buyers to envision themselves living there. Also, tackle items that have been on your to-do list like repainting dingy walls, removing wallpaper, repairing cracks, and fixing dripping faucets and shower heads. Staging a home with new bedding, showy towels or a neutral coat of paint can make a huge difference in landing a sale. • Buyers Are Looking for “Green”: Increase your home’s energy efficiency by updating insulation, installing energyefficient windows, using CFL bulbs in light fixtures, installing weather stripping around drafty doors and installing lowflow showerheads. Also, play up your home’s green potential. For example, if your house faces south or west it could be a great candidate for future solar panels.

ORGANIZATIONS BAND TOGETHER DESIGN CONTINUING EDUCATION The American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), Interior Designers of Canada (IDC) and International Interior Design Association (IIDA) have created a partnership to create an accrediting body for interior design continuing education. The Interior Design Continuing Education Council (IDCEC) plans to be the premier advocate for continuing education in the advancement of the interior design profession, and to inspire and guide providers of continuing education programs to deliver highquality lifelong learning activities for interior design practitioners. Continuing education strengthens the interior design profession by improving individual attitudes, competencies, knowledge and skills in subject areas essential to the growth and success of the industry. Because of this significance, the new IDCEC aims to streamline the accreditation process for both course takers and providers, and to elevate the quality of continuing education within the industry. Quality of content, sustainable business practices, customer service and reliability are all core values of the new IDCEC. H&H

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aroundtown save the date for these local area events

See half a dozen amazing properties and help renovate the Perry Mansion Museum, during the 18th New Hope Historical Society Garden Tour June 4. Image courtesy of the New Hope Historical Society

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BUCKS COUNTY HOUSE & HOME

MAY 2011

To May 29 2011 BUCKS COUNTY DESIGNER HOUSE & GARDENS—OLD GLORY FARM HOUSE TOURS Some of the area’s most talented designers will thrill and delight with magnificent design work as they bring a beloved home into a new century. The month-long tours benefit Doylestown Hospital. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays; and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays Fees: $25, $20 for 62+, children 10 and older are welcome Location: 3719 Indian Spring Rd, Buckingham Township, PA More details: www.buckscountydesignerhouse.org or 215.345.2191 To July 10 EXHIBITS AT THE PHILADELPHIA MUSEUM OF ART Exhibit: “Roberto Capucci: Art into Fashion” to June 5; Exhibit: Paris Through the Window: Marc Chagall and His Circle” to July 10. Hours: Vary Fee: Vary Location: Philadelphia Art Museum, Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia, PA More details: www.philamuseum.org or 215.763.8100 May 14 BETZWOOD SILENT FILM FESTIVAL Betzwood’s best known cowboy star, Louis Bennison, in his 1919 feature film, “High Pockets.” Also, two early westerns starring Edgar Jones; a talk by Professor Joseph Eckhardt; and organ music by Don Kinnier. Hours: Begins at 8 p.m. Fees: $5 Location: Montgomery County Community College—Science Center Theater, 340 DeKalb Pk., Blue Bell, PA More details: www.mc3.edu or 215.641.6300

Fridays, May 27 to September 2 FRIDAY NIGHT FIREWORKS A glittering 10-minute firework show will illuminate the sky over the Delaware River for the summer season. In addition, most retail businesses on both sides of the river will stay open late. Hours: Begins about 9:30 p.m. Location: New Hope, PA and Lambertville, NJ More details: www.NewHopeLambertvilleFireworks.com or 215.862.9990 June 2 THE SPRING LAKE HISTORICAL SOCIETY 32 ANNUAL HOUSE TOUR See several wonderful homes in addition to St. Catharine's Roman Catholic Church, a Spring Lake Inn "The Johnson House," and the newly restored Patterson Building on Third Avenue along with other Third Avenue historic buildings. Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fees: $25 Location: Spring Lake, NJ More details: 732-449-0772 ND

June 4 18 NEW HOPE HISTORICAL SOCIETY GARDEN TOUR A self-guided tour of six private Bucks County gardens. Also, a mini-lecture on tropicals by grower Pamela Pyle. Benefits the renovation of the Parry Mansion Museum on Main and Ferry Streets. Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fees: $30 Location: New Hope, PA More details: www.newhopehs.org or 215.862.5652 TH

Confirm information before making your plans by calling the listed number or visiting the listed website. Information for possible inclusion in this section should be emailed to [email protected] or faxed to 215.689.4999 at least two months before the scheduled date. H&H

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the kitchen’s on the patio

the

popularity

With an outdoor kitchen, entertaining becomes easy, comfortable and stylish. Photo courtesy of Kieffer’s Appliances

of the outdoor cooking area By

T An outdoor kitchen can be incorporated as part of a patio. A nearby firepit helps keep the area warm. Photo courtesy of Green Acres Nursery 20

BUCKS COUNTY HOUSE & HOME

MAY 2011

Lindsey Getz

The concept of the outdoor kitchen has evolved over the years. Nowadays, homeowners want everything—including the kitchen sink—as part of their outdoor cooking area. It’s still a relatively new concept, but it continues to gain ground. “The idea of the outdoor kitchen really came from the West Coast,” says Jace Kieffer, marketing manager with Kieffer’s Appliances. “Homeowners on the East Coast may have had a grill, but that used to be it. Today, homeowners are putting more money into their homes, and into their outdoor living areas. They want to >>>

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21

An outdoor kitchen adds appeal and value to any property.

Photo courtesy of Sal’s Nursery & Landscaping, Inc.

bring the comforts and luxuries of the indoors, outside.” “The popularity of outdoor kitchens has soared because clients are building elaborate backyards that include pool houses, pavilions, pergolas and pools with built-in bars, seating and grottos,” says John Antonucci, president of Sal’s Nursery and Landscaping, Inc. “The outdoor kitchen is an extension of these entertaining spaces and provides another element of entertainment for the family and for guests.” Michael Cristinzio, landscape designer with Green Acres Nursery, agrees and says that outdoor kitchens go along with the overall trend of creating outdoor living spaces that are essentially an expansion of the home. “People want to be outdoors and get to enjoy their yards,” he adds. “This is just another way to do that.” BRINGING THE INDOORS OUTSIDE The designers and builders say that almost any aspect of an indoor kitchen can be brought outside. Homeowners are requesting outdoor kitchens with features including refrigerators, freezers, cocktail stations, sinks and more, says Kieffer. “But the focal point is almost always the grill,” he adds. “That’s what you typically want to start with, and that’s what you build around.” Most of the outdoor kitchens today have a built-in grill. Antonucci says that another trend is to have a grill that has the capability of using natural gas and old-fashioned coals, all in one 22

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An outdoor kitchen can be strategically located next to a swimming pool so that nobody has to go back and forth from the house when it’s time to eat. Photo courtesy of Oasis, Inc.

piece of equipment. This gives the homeowner lots of versatility with their cooking. Robert Lascelle, owner of My Deck and Hunterdon Builders, says that if the cooking area is part of a deck, it can still be its own area. “Almost all of the decks we do today include a bump-out or built-out space so that homeowners can create a cooking area that doesn’t intrude on to the deck,” says Lascelle. “This way the grill isn’t in the way of the sitting area and doesn’t have to be moved around. It has its own space.” Since the grill is often the focal point, many homeowners >>>

Make your kitchen a thing of beauty and durability by using counters made of granite.

Photo courtesy of Colonial Marble & Granite

want all the bells and whistles. “I just recently did a grill area that was complete with warming drawers,” says Jay Mascaro, president, Oasis, Inc. “Many homeowners who have a pool, also want to create a grilling area right there so that they don’t have to go back and forth from the house. Homeowners are looking for comfort and convenience in creating these outdoor living areas.” Depending on your location and proximity to a natural gas utility line, you may be able to eliminate your under-the-grill propane tank. “One of the advantages of having us set up the grill is that you can pipe natural gas or propane directly to them,” says Lascelle. “Even if you’re not doing a full-blown kitchen and just putting a grill on the deck, we can still run a feed up to it. That means you’ll never run out of propane while cooking your filet mignon on the grill again!” Another emerging trend is the brick pizza oven, adds Cristinzio. Homeowners want to create their own wood-fired pizza and these ovens are becoming another centerpiece of the outdoor kitchen. “They’re definitely becoming really popular and are something that we can custom build for the client,” says Cristinzio. For the countertops, many homeowners want to go with a stone like granite. “Granite is a great product for outdoor kitchen counters because it’s made to stand the test of time and holds up great in various weather conditions,” says James Freeman, vice president of sales and marketing for Colonial Marble & Granite. “It’s one of those products that will really bring some luster and beauty to any outdoor kitchen and it’s incredibly low maintenance, too.” Freeman says that marble is also an option for something truly unique. “It definitely requires a little more maintenance because the product is porous and more susceptible to weather,” he says. “But the look is absolutely spectacular. It makes for a beautiful kitchen.” 24

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EXTENDING THE SEASON While an outdoor kitchen may get its most use during the summer season, there are ways to lengthen its life. “One way to extend the use of the outdoor kitchen area is to add a fireplace or build the kitchen under a closed roof structure such as a pavilion,” suggests Antonucci. “Also, the use of gas heaters in the seating area has become popular.” Cristinzio says that a firepit or fireplace can even allow the homeowner to start regularly using their outdoor kitchen as early as the late winter/early spring—and can extend it through the late fall. “It’s definitely a great way to get more bang for your buck,” he says. “You’re going to be able to stay warm longer, plus they make a beautiful addition to the space.” Antonucci adds that today’s firepits have evolved from a small structure into “resort-sized areas that can seat as many as 10 to 12 people.” While these can be great additions to an outdoor kitchen area, the placement of any fire element requires attention. “Often they do need to be positioned further away from the home and other outdoor structures for safety reasons,” says Antonucci. An outdoor kitchen can be a great way to enhance a backyard while also adding value to the home. And with some thoughtful planning, you can even extend its use later into the season. A company that specializes in outdoor kitchens can help with the layout. “The best thing a homeowner can do is to contact a company that designs and installs outdoor kitchens and get professional ideas and advice,” suggests Cristinzio. “We create designs so that the homeowners can see exactly what they’ll be getting before we even start the work.” H&H

resources Colonial Marble

Kieffer’s

& Granite

Appliances

King of Prussia, PA

Lansdale, PA: 215.699.3522

610.994.2222

Wayne, PA: 610.688.8822

www.colonialmarble.net

www.kieffers.com

Green Acres Nursery Colmar, PA 215.822.3334 www.greenacreslive.com

Oasis, Inc. Jamison, PA 215.491.7675 www.oasisincorporated.com

Hunterdon Builders/

Sal’s Nursery &

My Deck

Landscaping, Inc.

Flemington, NJ

North Wales, PA

908.713.1000

215.699.9080

www.mydeck.com

www.salsnursery.com

Visit our online resource directory at www.housemagazine.com to find additional companies that offer these products and services.

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grilling greatness

tips and trade secrets to help you achieve some

smokin’

cookouts By

Leigh Bell

D

Dad. Outdoors. Food. Fire. Grilling recalls the beginning of civilization. It’s innate in men (and women, too). It’s all about chasing down the perfectly grilled meal—the grill of the chase. Today’s technology provides assistance for this primal activity, from gadgets to gear to innovation. Still, in essence, it’s grilling man (or woman) vs. nature.

Above: Keep meats savory and succulent with a silicon basting brush. This cast-iron pot and brush set from Sur la Table allows you to prepare sauces right at the grill. The brush nests in the pot handle for storage. Photo courtesy of Sur la Table. Top: Grilling a feast that’s well done doesn’t have to be a rare occasion. A great grill, a few tools and some know-how can make your outdoor feasts phenomenal. 26

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HOT STUFF “The single most important thing is a good digital thermometer,” says Konrad Haskins, grand champion pitmaster out of Austin and founder of The BBQ Institute. “If you don’t know how to cook the meat, if you don’t have a target temperature, all the seasonings and all the marinades in the world are wasted.” Techies may opt for thermometers with a portable receiver that sounds when the meat reaches temperature, allowing the griller to mingle in the kitchen or elsewhere up to, on average, 100 feet from the grill itself. Remote-transmitter thermometers range in price of about $40 to $80 or more for those with dual thermometers.

CHOOSE YOUR WEAPON Grab a spatula in one hand, tongs in the other. Buy good ones once, and never worry about it again. Go with stainless steel and go heavy duty. Haskins suggests shopping at a restaurant supply house. “Those are usually cheaper and much better quality than fancy ones you buy in a retail store,” he says. Silicon is the innovation with baking, but it rocks barbecue, too. Try a silicon basting brush to load up the meat with your marinade. Many of these are heat-resistant up to 500 degrees and dishwasher safe. There are silicone forks and other useful items, too. Try mastering the grilling of fruits and veggies. The calorieconscious and vegetarians in your life will be thankful, but you’ll also impress the carnivores. For containment on the grate, get a good grill wok for about $30. This keeps the veggies from falling, and while right over the heat, gives them a great smoky flavor. Woks work very well with rosemary onions or ginger carrots, as well as shrimp, scallops and stirfries without a lot of oil. Haskins also has a little secret up his sleeve called 3BC: butter, brown sugar, bourbon and cinnamon. It turns any grilled fruit into gourmet but works especially well with freshly grilled peaches or pineapples. Voila, dessert! And if you’re worried about a sticky grill, use a pan. “If you’re not cooking vegetables and fruit on the grill, you’re missing out on a whole lot of fun,” Haskins says. Not as sexy, but also essential, are necessities to keep your grill and nearby surfaces tidy. Consider items like The Grill Daddy cleaning device which reduces that annoying “scrape, scrape, scrape.” About $20, the Grill Daddy’s handle holds water that streams out while its stainless-steel brushes grime off a heated grill. BIG GRILLS DON’T CRY If you’re gonna grill—we mean really grill—get ready to invest in a grill. And we mean a grill. After already dropping a few hundred dollars on their first few grills that fell apart after a year or two, many grillers look for the Cadillacs of grills. There are many to choose from, and every year they seem to have better, cooler and bigger amenities. But they’re not inexpensive; some models begin at $1,500 and go up from there. Thing is, you can get a cheaper one, but that’s what you’re getting—a cheaper one. The more pricey ones are made better and will still be chugging at the end of the day. In the long run, you’re not really saving H&H any money.

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home innovations

the

latest and greatest

products and services you should know about By

W

Lindsey Getz

With constant advances in technology, as well as a desire to live not only more efficiently but more comfortably, some very exciting products and services have emerged on the market. Here are five you should keep your eye on.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

As more homeowners explore the possibilities of utilizing renewable energy, a local company has been helping them find the information and answers they need on how to do it. Penn Renewables, Inc. provides expertise to those looking to save energy. The company owners are energy pioneers, operating their own solar PV (a way to generate energy by converting solar radiation into electricity using photovoltaic semiconductors); geothermal HVAC; and solar thermal, wind, passive and LED systems in their own homes. One of the simplest ways to reduce energy usage is to put in LED lighting, suggests Paul Stepanoff, COO and co-owner of the company. Stepanoff is a licensed professional engineer in Pennsylvania with more than 20 years of experience designing and installing renewable energy systems. “LED technology has gotten to the point where, if you get the right fixtures, you can’t distinguish them from a regular bulb,” he says. But Stepanoff says that no matter what efforts are made to save energy, it’s always going to be continually used. “Even if you’re conserving, humans are always going to have to use energy so there’s great reason to start producing your own,” he says. “The technology has come so far. And it’s not just about being green. Yes, everyone loves that it helps the environment, but it also helps your financial return. Look at it as an investment.” Photos courtesy of Penn Renewables, Inc.

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TOUCHLESS PAPER TOWEL DISPENSER

ORGANIC LAWN CARE

If you’ve been in almost any public restroom lately, you’re probably familiar with the benefits of an automatic paper towel dispenser. You don’t have to touch anything, keeping Photo courtesy of Clean Cut Int’l, LLC germs from spreading. Now you can have that same technology at home. This can be especially useful in the kitchen when you need a paper towel in the midst of cooking, yet have sticky food on your hands. Unlike the automatic dispensers you may have seen in public bathrooms, with CLEANCut, a touch-less paper towel dispenser, you don’t have to wave your hand back and forth in front of the sensor. The sensors react quickly. And you get to choose when to cut the paper towel, also done automatically with an adjacent sensor. So there’s no need to wait for the appliance to finish dispensing. As soon as your hand triggers that you want the towel cut, it reacts. CLEANCut reports that besides preventing cross contamination, the technology can also help you use less paper towel and, ultimately, save money. Because you control how much (or little) paper towel you need, you can save up to 200 rolls of paper towel per year. The dispenser also works with any brand of paper towels, so it doesn’t matter where the perforation is—you decide when to cut it. >>>

People are going “green” in so many areas of their lives today and lawn care seems like an obvious area to go organic. “The carbon footprint that traditional lawn care leaves is beginning to rear its ugly head with proof of ‘dead zones’ [areas having reduced levels of oxygen in the water] in both the Chesapeake Bay and Gulf of Mexico,” reports Zac McLaughlin, production manager, Caramanico Organic Lawn Care. “Caramanico Organic’s approach to lawn care greatly reduces the amount of nitrates, phosphates and concentrated pesticides. We’re able to provide a healthy, beautiful lawn without the use of harmful synthetics or manure-based products. The product naturally suppresses insects, disease and grubs as well as adjusts the pH with every visit,” he says. Despite the benefits, organic lawn care does not cost more than traditional services. “Synthetics and manurePhoto courtesy of Caramanico based products of traditional lawn care Organic Lawn Care, LLC are often driven by the cost of petroleum,” says McLaughlin. “As the price of oil goes up, so does the price of traditional fertilizer. Caramanico Organic uses Holganix which is an organic compost tea that is not affected by the price of petroleum.”

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A SHELVING SOLUTION Keeping pots and pans or even canned food in some sort of order can easily become a frustrating task. And an unorganized pantry may lead to purchasing food items you already have. But with Shelf Sergeant’s Full-Extension Pullout Shelves, you can convert cluttered, underused or hard-to-reach areas into spaces that are not only neat and organized, but easier to access. “Transform your kitchen, pantry, closet or other special area into a ver- Photo courtesy of Shelf Sergeant satile and adjustable pullout shelf system that allows you to increase your items without getting on your hands and knees or standing unsteady on a step stool,” says John Rappoccio, owner of Shelf Sergeant. “This added storage flexibility creates the ‘everything has a space’ effect.” Rappoccio says the custom pullout shelves come in any width and depth configuration that the homeowner requires, with varied heights. In addition, Divider Bin Pullouts are also available in order to vertically store items, and the shelving is handcrafted from Baltic Birch dovetail-jointed wood. High quality, full-extension slides allow the homeowner to access items that are in the far back of a shelf. They are designed to support 100 pounds when fully extended.

resources Caramanico Organic Lawn Care, LLC Upland, PA 610.499.1645 www.caramanicoorganic.com Clean Cut Int’l, LLC Pitman, NJ 866.599.7066 www.cleancutdispenser.com Deko Coatings, Inc. (Sundek of PA) Carlisle, PA 717.245.2829 www.sundek.com 30

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Penn Renewables, Inc. Quakertown, PA 877.348.2270 www.pennrenewables.com Shelf Sergeant Kendall Park, NJ 732.960.1624 www.pulloutshelf.com

Visit our online resource directory at www.housemagazine.com to find additional companies that offer these products and services.

DECORATIVE CONCRETE Plain concrete can be boring but it’s frequently used for pool decks and walkways. Today homeowners have a different option. Deko Coatings & Concrete Inc. (Sundek of PA), offers Sundek, a decorative concrete overlay. “The old-school thought is that concrete is concrete and there’s nothing you can do about it,” says Mike Foreman, company president. “But we can take existing concrete and transform it into almost Photo courtesy of Deko Coatings, Inc. (Sundek of PA) any look—whether its flagstone, slate, tile or something else.” The product can be used on driveways, patios, walkways, garages and more, but most frequently it’s used as pool decking. “The main reason we do so many pool decks is that this product does not get hot like regular concrete and it’s slipresistant as well as mold- and mildew-resistant,” says Foreman. “Yet it’s still as maintenance-free as regular concrete. You can shovel snow on it and you don’t have to worry about scratching. Just about the only cleaning it needs is a spring power-washing. It’s definitely a beautiful product but it’s also the low maintenance and durability that appeals to H&H homeowners.”

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31

pools of wonder

Master craftsman Ted Tetriak and business partner Peter Fineberg create custom designs that match the aesthetics of their pools, spas and paver patios to the home and surrounding property.

artisans crafting one-of-a-kind water magic

L

Ted’s Pools turned this customer’s dreams to a reality with a custom pool and spa that features a swim-up bar, water feature, patio and outdoor kitchen. One-ofa-kind glass tile surrounding the spa, custom stonework and poolside landscaping finish the look.

This unique pool-and-spa design incorporates inpool seating areas and an umbrella for shade.

32

BUCKS COUNTY HOUSE & HOME

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By

Katherine Ritz Hahn

Luxurious. Five-Star. Impressive. Customers along the Main Line and other Greater Philadelphia communities use those words to describe the backyard masterpieces created by Ted’s Pools of Newtown Square, PA. Ted’s Pools has been in business for 34 years, building and maintaining custom pools and spas in the Delaware, Chester, Montgomery and Bucks counties of Pennsylvania and in northern Delaware. Although their craftsmen use some of the same materials that are used by others in the field, it’s Ted’s Pools’ workmanship, people and service before, during and after the installation that sets them apart. THE PEOPLE Customers attest to the collaborative, professional service of certified master craftsman Ted Tetriak and the Ted’s Pools team. Ted and business partner Peter Fineberg oversee every detail of each project. Project managers—some with 20 or more years of

experience—supervise construction. Many subcontractors performing parts of the installation have worked with Ted’s Pools for more than two decades, as have members of the company’s knowledgeable pool service and maintenance staff. “What makes us different is the people who work here,” says Fineberg. “They’ve been here a long time, they work as a team and they’re always striving to improve. We’re artisans, and we care very much for our customers, who put their trust in us,” he says. Employees and subcontractors of Ted’s Pool’s adhere to the same set of high standards, performing at each customer location as they would on the properties of the partners who run the business. Project managers are in constant communication with customers to make certain that they are aware of what work is being done and when contractors are scheduled to arrive on the property. THE PRODUCT Ted’s Pools is a build-and-design pool company. Each of its designs is unique, based on the customer’s needs and property characteristics. “We do everything from your basic in-ground pool in the backyard to pools with integrated patios, grottos, swim-up bars, outdoor TVs, water features, fire features and outdoor kitchens,” says Fineberg. “We transform the backyard into an outdoor oasis.” The builder uses state-of-the-art materials to construct quality in-ground gunite pools that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also efficient. The staff and management attend trade shows, industry events and Genesis 3 design programs to share ideas with high-end pool manufacturers from around the country and to incorporate new technologies into their creations. From one-of-a-kind glass tile to artistic pavers to PebbleTec®, the builder uses only top-notch materials that stand the test of time. With that, they integrate modern technology, such as LED lighting, which illuminates the pool with greater number of lights for a more evenly lit finished product. Even though the customer never sees the plumbing beneath the pool, the staff at Ted’s Pools devotes as much attention to the foundation as to the aesthetics to create a high-efficiency, properly sanitized pool. “We put passion into building each and every one of our pools,” says Fineberg. In recent years, Ted’s Pools has been meeting the increased demand for spas from homeowners who lack the property or interest in large pools. A spa with a water feature viewable from outside the spa allows homeowners to entertain and relax with water in 50 to 125 square feet instead of 600. Ted’s also renovates existing pools, from adding spas or outdoor kitchens to existing pools, to stripping an old pool down to its shell and recreating a new outdoor retreat with updated plumbing and a custom finish. And beyond building pools and spas, Ted’s Pools offers service contracts to perform weekly maintenance on the pools they build.

THE SERVICE Service to the customer runs from concept to completion, beginning with a complimentary consultation. Tetriak or Fineberg listen to the homeowner’s ideas and assess the property, then generate a three-dimensional design that meets the customer’s needs and blends with the style of the house and yard. After the design phase, Ted’s Pools handles the entire project from necessary engineering studies and permits through final grading and landscaping. Customers can be swimming in their custom pool in just eight weeks from the time the builder breaks ground. After the pool is complete, the staff at Ted’s Pools takes additional time to educate the homeowner on how to care for the pool and act as a resource. It’s the up-front, close, personal relationships the staff at Ted’s Pools builds with its customers that has clients still calling for advice after 30 years of pool ownership. Ted’s Pools is located at 5046B West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA. For more information, visit the company’s website at H&H www.tedspools.net or call 610.359.1301. Ted’s Pools completed this combination spa pool-waterslide with the installation of a flagstone patio, custom landscaping and a lighted pathway.

Ample recreational activities provided by a large pool with diving board, water volleyball net, spa, outdoor kitchen and poolside seating are complemented by a smaller pool with a waterslide and multiple landscaped gardens.

Ample recreational activities provided by a large pool with diving board, water volleyball net, spa, outdoor kitchen and poolside seating are complemented by a smaller pool with a waterslide and multiple landscaped gardens. MAY 2011

BUCKS COUNTY HOUSE & HOME

33

senior-friendly living

important considerations to keep in mind

T Above: This desk area features pull handles instead of knobs—which are easier to grasp—and offers good lighting. It’s also set at an appropriate height for wheelchair access, if needed. Photo courtesy of Cornerstone Construction Top: This home was designed with aging in mind. It features wide hallways for future wheelchair access, no carpet on floors or stairs for easier movement and a first-floor office with access to a full bath that could one day be converted to a bedroom. Photo courtesy of Cornerstone Construction 34

BUCKS COUNTY HOUSE & HOME

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By

Lindsey Getz

The idea of aging in place, or the opportunity to stay in your home as you grow older, continues to gain in popularity. So anything you can do to make your home more comfortable and safer to remain in for the long haul—from basic changes to an entire first-floor renovation—can make all the difference in the quality of your life in later years. “The appeal to renovating a home in order to age in place is that people get to stay in their own house,” says Chris Pupillo, partner with Nicholas Pupillo & Sons. “They feel comfortable in their own environment and may have lived there most of their lives. While some people may take the route of moving into a senior living facility or a 55-and-over community, there are many homeowners who would rather take a proactive approach to fixing up their home so that they can stay there. In the end, it comes down to what you're most comfortable with,” he says. “The goal of aging-in-place design is to create a space that can function well with limited mobility, eyesight and hearing,” adds architect Melanie Smart, LEED, AP, of Cornerstone Construction. “The principle modification needed in most homes is making the

The kitchen area should offer universal access options so that the room is functional, comfortable and welcoming. Photos courtesy of Lifestyles Design

main living area on a single story. This may mean converting a living space into a bedroom at some point and adding a full bath. The other primary areas that are important to remodel are the kitchen and the entryway,” she says. Shawn Bishop, president of Corner 2 Corner Construction, Inc., says that, for some homeowners, an elevator may be appropriate in place of a first-floor renovation. “We do a lot of medical and ADA [Americans with Disabilities Act] work, and even though most people jump to the idea of having to renovate their home for firstfloor living, the cost of putting in a two-story elevator can be significantly less than going through a big renovation. Plus, adding an elevator increases the market of the home and makes it more valuable to future buyers,” says Bishop. “With an elevator, it’s now appropriate for the handicapped and for the elderly, plus even younger couples could see the appeal of having an elevator at home.” IMPORTANT CHANGES Patricia Nunan, certified aging-in-place specialist (CAPS) and owner of Lifestyles Design, says that homeowners who plan to age in their home should really focus on maintaining it. “Before you even worry about building a handicap-accessible bathroom or putting in a ramp—things that a lot of people may not end up needing—you need to think about basic maintenance,” she advises. “If you’re going to stay in the home, you will need a roof that won’t leak or an electrical system that can handle upgraded appliances. Do those types of things now,” she says. Of course, Nunan says that some basic changes can also ensure a home is safer for aging. “Inexpensive changes include lever door hardware, better lighting—including motion lights—and cleaning out clutter,” she says. “The last one is something I see often. It’s >>>

PA REG #289

MAY 2011

BUCKS COUNTY HOUSE & HOME

35

featured on TLC’s Moving Up & in House Beautiful magazine

Using the bathroom safely is crucial so consider the residents’ needs and physical limitations. Photo courtesy of Lifestyles Design

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MAY 2011

important to get rid of any unused furniture or knickknacks that have been collected over the years. These present tripping problems and also make it challenging for someone in a wheelchair or even using a walker to maneuver around. Too much stuff is a safety issue,” she says. Adding some automation to the home can also make living easier. “Many things can be controlled electronically now—such as window shades— making it easier for an older person to operate,” suggests Bishop. “The cost of ‘smart home’ technology has really come down. While it was once considered a luxury, for an older person it may be a matter of quality of life and comfortable living.” If homeowners decide to convert the home to first-floor living, there are some things to keep in mind. “Most first floors typically do not have a full bath, so you’ll need to evaluate where the bathroom is located and whether there’s a way to enlarge it,” says John Gemmi, owner of Gemmi Construction and the current president of the Bucks-Mont chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI). “You’ll not only need to get a tub/shower in there, but you may also need extra space to make it wheelchair-accessible.” Making the bathroom “senior-friendly” is also critical as the bathroom is where most falls occur, reports Nunan. She also says it’s the key area of the home to focus on renovating. “If you’re not remodeling, some easy changes include adding grab-bars,” she recommends. “I also recommend getting rid of rugs, which are a tripping hazard. Replace rugs with a heated floor, which is very comfortable and safer,” she says. Bishop agrees. “Electric radiant-heat flooring with a timer is a great addition,” he says. “With the timer, the floor will already be warm when the homeowner wakes up. Cold tile can be brutal on arthritis.” “The bathroom can also be made safer with a hand-held shower and seat,” adds Pupillo. “Comfort-height toilets are also very popular. The idea behind all of this is to design it so that it doesn't look like a hospital. With a little bit of creativity and a smart design, these changes can be something that's appealing to everyone, even though it would still accommodate the aging group.” SAFER BATHING The bathtub and shower can be one of the most dangerous spots in the bathroom. “A lot of senior living and retirement communities have these soak tubs with high edges that are dangerous for an older person to get in and out of,” says Gary Houghton, owner of Houghton Contracting. “But there are options out there with some walk-in tubs.” “As we age, our balance and mobility decrease dramatically,” says Curt James with Freedom Tubs, a company that handles several

brands of specialized walk-in tubs. “Trying to step over the wall of a traditional tub can be dangerous, especially when there’s a slippery surface. Many seniors feel like they don’t have the option to take a bath because they struggle to get in and out of it. But switching to a walk-in tub provides them the chance to get easily in and out of the tub without worrying about a perilous fall.” James says that some of the tubs they carry also include a therapeutic option like hydro-massage or air-massage. “It’s rare to find a senior who couldn’t benefit from these,” says James. “It helps stimulate blood flow in the body and can give you more energy to be more mobile.” Pupillo also shares that Kohler just came out with a brand new tub called Elevance, which is a rising-wall bath. It features an extrawide opening and chair-height seat. Once in the tub, you can raise the wall with one hand, which Kohler reports takes less effort than lifting a half-gallon of milk. The wall easily locks into place and two watertight seals inflate to prevent leaks. DECIDING TO STAY There are certainly many factors to keep in mind when making a home more senior-friendly, but the good news is that these types of changes will likely also add value. “Most changes make the space more functional for all people, not just seniors,” says Smart. “This is called ‘universal design.’ A house that is well-lit with wide doorways, accessible appliances and lots of storage is going to be appealing regardless of age.” And Houghton says that even some of the most basic changes, such as grab bars and comfort-height toilets, can be wise investments. “You’re not ta king about a lot of money for those

types of things, but you’re definitely going to increase the value of the home because it’s now ready for future use,” he says. Pupillo agrees. “These types of changes are win-win, because they not only make the home safer and more comfortable to age in, they are going to help the home’s value. It’s going to open the house up to H&H a wider market.”

resources Houghton Contracting Corner 2 Corner Trenton, NJ Construction, Inc. 609.584.8801 Exton, PA www.houghtoncontracting.com 484.713.1047 www.cornertocornerconstruction.com Lifestyles Design Perkiomenville, PA Cornerstone Construction 610.754.1444 West Chester, PA www.lifestyles-design.com 610.717.8188 www.cornerstone-construct.com Nicholas Pupillo & Sons Eagleville, PA Freedom Tubs 610.539.7306 Pennsauken, NJ www.nickpupillo.com 888.373.6681 www.wowtubs.com

Visit our online resource directory at Gemmi Construction, Inc. www.housemagazine.com to find Buckingham, PA additional companies that offer 215.340.4600 these products and services. www.gemmiconstruction.com

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instant change

interior and exterior painting makes your home look new again By

P

Lindsey Getz

Paint is one of the easiest ways to inject new life into your home. Whether it’s the interior or the exterior, adding a fresh layer of color can actually make your home look brand new. “Paint can brighten a room,” says Chris Ciavatto, owner of Painting by Chris. “It can give your home a sense of warmth and character.” “Painting is a quick, easy, inexpensive and instant change,” adds Craig Brennan, owner and estimator for Brennan’s Custom Painting, LLC. “A ‘tired’ room can take on a whole new personality with minimum effort.”

Above: Painting keeps a home’s exterior fresh. Photo courtesy of AJACS Painting, LLC

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INTERIOR COLORS When it comes to the interior, the local painting experts say that

This coffered ceiling is all about elegance and charm. Photo courtesy of DoMolding.com, LLC

Vertical stripes add a lot of visual interest to this dining room. Photo courtesy of Painting By Chris

earth tones and neutrals still reign. “We’re definitely still noticing the earth tones being popular, along with an overall Old World Tuscan look,” reports Ciavatto. “Along with the Venetian plaster, homeowners can get the complete look.” “The earth tones are definitely still dominating,” adds Tony Chieffo, owner of AJACS Painting, LLC. “They are very userfriendly and pretty much go along with anything you can think of, so even if you change some things in the room, the paint is

still going to work. There’s not a whole lot of risk involved in an earth-tone color selection.” Dominick Natoli, owner of DoMolding.com, LLC, says he’s also doing a lot of neutrals, but homeowners are still punching it up with an accent wall—a wall in the room that’s given special emphasis, typically with a different color. However, while Natoli says accent walls are still popular, homeowners aren’t being as daring with color selection. “Accent walls are still being requested, just not as bold as they used to be,” he says. No matter what you end up going with, Brennan says it’s important to choose your paint colors wisely. “Take your flooring, upholstery, wood tones and the room’s exposure to sun into account when you sit down with your paint chips,” he advises. “The best time to make a paint color selection is during daylight hours with plenty of natural light around you. Work with what you have and don’t buy into the concept that the latest color palette will automatically work for you.” If you’re still having trouble selecting the right color, it helps to bring an expert in, suggests David Carhart, owner of Star Painting and Wallcovering, Inc. “It’s always nice to get a color consultation if you’re not sure about the color,” he says. “A lot of painting companies offer that. The consultant will come out and look at the surroundings and help you decide the right color for your room.” BEYOND THE WALLS There’s more to interior painting than the walls. The ceiling is also something to consider. “We are doing a lot more light tones >>> MAY 2011

BUCKS COUNTY HOUSE & HOME

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Crown molding and a painted ceiling make this bedroom feel like a retreat. Photo courtesy of AJACS Painting, LLC

on the ceilings as opposed to just white,” says Natoli. “It adds interest to the room. When you have crown molding, which most homeowners have or want to add, it’s nice to add contrast between the crown and the ceiling line to make it more defined. When you have white crown on white ceiling it blends into one piece.” In terms of trends, the environmental aspect is also gaining momentum, adds Chieffo. “Homeowners are more interested in no- or low-VOC [volatile organic compound] paint products,” he says. “It’s healthier and safer for the environment, but they do cost a little more.”

Carhart agrees. “More people are definitely painting ‘green,’” he says. “They’re choosing the eco-friendly products because everyone is becoming more environmentally conscious.” The experts say that wainscoting and crown molding are also really popular for a home’s interior. “Old homes don’t have that wood detail so we come in and paint and put up some crown

The right choice of paint color and style can add whimsy to a room.

The right paint color, wainscoting and trimwork make this window pop.

Photo courtesy of AJACS Painting, LLC

Photo courtesy of DoMolding.com, LLC

40

BUCKS COUNTY HOUSE & HOME

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molding or wainscoting to add interest,” says Carhart. “Even just some molding around the windows can make a huge difference because most homes don’t have that detail today.” ON THE OUTSIDE Paint on the exterior of a home is just as important. In fact, since it’s the first thing that people will see as they approach your home, it’s critical for both curb appeal and value. Chieffo says that light creams and off-whites are trending for the exterior. “Stark white isn’t as popular a color as it used to be for the home’s exterior,” he says. “And for homeowners who want to be bolder with color, they’re typically doing that with a front door—accenting with a brighter color. But for the most part, homeowners are keeping the exterior pretty neutral.” In terms of product, Michael Byrne, president of Alpine Painting & Restoration Services, says that today’s coating manufacturers are producing long-term coatings that have longevity of 10 to 15 years. Alpine Painting is primarily an industrial commercial painting and heavy coating company, but it does cross into the residential market for long-term applications, and Byrne says that’s important to today’s homeowner. “Because of these economic times, homeowners want a product that’s going to last.” In the end, whether it’s the interior or the exterior, it’s important to select the paint style and color that is right for you. “It’s all about the homeowner’s personal taste,” says Carhart. “You want to make sure you select something that you will be happy with.” Brennan offers this advice on making your home fresh with the right coat of paint: “Find inspiration in current publications or on TV. Let them inspire you, not dictate to you. Your home is your nest and safe place to land at the end of a busy day. It should make you smile because it is perfect for you, not the exact H&H replica of someone else’s perfect.”

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resources AJACS Painting, LLC Skippack, PA 610.400.3384 Alpine Painting & Restoration Services Chalfont, PA 215.348.4410 www.alpinepaintingandrestoration.com Brennan’s Custom Painting, LLC Pitman, NJ 856.589.5895 www.brennanscustompainting.com

DoMolding.com, LLC

DelChester/Main Line West

Princeton, NJ 732.821.0067 www.domolding.com Bucks County

Painting By Chris Swedesboro, NJ 856.832.4234 Star Painting and Wallcovering, Inc. Skippack, PA 215.628.2331

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Designer House Preview This year’s magnificent Bucks County Designer House & Gardens location is the “Old Glory” Farm in Buckingham Township.

F

the 2011 bucks county designer house & gardens: a preview

For the 36th time, some of Bucks County’s most talented designers will thrill and delight with magnificent design work as they bring a beloved Buckingham home into a new century. And to make it all even more wonderful, the proceeds of the month-long tours of this beloved property will benefit the health of future county residents. This is the Bucks County Designer House & Gardens, sponsored by the Village Improvement Association (VIA) of Doylestown. Founded in 1895, the VIA is nationally recognized as the only Photographs courtesy of Bucks County Designer House & Gardens women’s club to own and operate a community hospital— Doylestown Hospital. In addition to its work on behalf of the region’s public health, the VIA also reaches out to provide welfare, education assistance and other needs in the area. The Bucks County Designer House & Gardens is the group’s largest fundraiser and ushers in a five-year, $1 million dollar pledge to update and renovate labor, delivery and postpartum facilities at Doylestown Hospital’s Birthing Center. Proceeds also benefit the mission of the VIA. Nancy Koller is the Chairman and Debbie Camiolo is Vice Chairman of the 2011 Bucks County Designer House & Gardens. Chairman of the 2011 Designer Committee is Joyce Hanson. Jackie Kennedy is Designer Committee Co-Chairman and Landscaper Chairman. Each year, a different Bucks County property is selected to be the Designer House & Gardens. The homeowners vacate the home and allow the VIA to bring in teams of designers and landscapers for two months. These professionals—inspired by the unique history, location and architecture of the home—apply their talents to create stunning interior designs and gardens. The house is then open to The home’s master bedroom comes alive through the mastery of Gracious Living. the public for tours. 42

BUCKS COUNTY HOUSE & HOME

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Take in the amazing views from the revitalized sunroom, with work done be V.M. Mackenzie Interior Design.

The wine cellar entices and delights through the design ideas of Veneshe and Bella Pintura.

This year’s selected home is the “Old Glory” Farm, a fieldstone manor dating back to the 1790s. Located at 3719 Indian Spring Road in Buckingham Township, the home is 9000 square feet, including a preserved, original portion as well as added modern architectural space with open rooms, vaulted ceilings and walls of glass. Its dramatic windows capture breathtaking views of 15 acres that include four pastures, a two-acre spring-fed pond, a meandering stream, a springhouse and a meticulously restored bank barn. The process began back in November when design boards were submitted. Measuring days were in January, followed by the Empty House Party in March. The redesign work began March 7, when the selected group of professional designers began work on both the interior rooms and exterior gardens. In all, 28 areas will be redesigned, including seven spaces in the original portion of the home and 21 in three additions. Outside, a dozen designers will enhance the already beautiful gardens, applying their talents to a two-level side terrace, a rear terrace, a dockside garden, bird sanctuary, gazebo, barn and waterfalls in an arbor garden. There are plenty of special events to benefit the Designer House. On April 29 there is a Preview Gala, catered by The Waterwheel with live entertainment. May 6 and 7 has a Fashion Show and Brunch, held at The Waterwheel (4424 Old Easton Road in Doylestown), featuring fashions for women and children. This year’s new event is an outdoor International Wine Tasting on May 21 held at “Old Glory” Farm. Details, tickets and information for all these events are available on the website. To further support the VIA and the 2011 Bucks County Designer House & Gardens, three offerings are being showcased. The “Gift of Life Bracelet”—created by designer, photographer, digital artist, graphic artist, painter and business owner Pearl Mintzer—is a custom-made pearl and crystal bow cuff bracelet (a minimum $20 donation is suggested with 100 percent of the proceeds to benefit the Designer House & Gardens). A second offering—a special commission of an oil painting of “Old Glory” Farm by native son and renowned artist, Alan Fetterman—will be offered through a special live figurine auction at the Preview Gala. The third—a special Byers Choice named “Charity” designed by founder Joyce Byers—is available for purchase throughout the run of the tour.

Tours of the 2011 Bucks County Designer House & Gardens run from Sunday, May 1 to Sunday, May 29. Tour hours are: Monday to Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; and Sundays, noon – 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 before April 29, $25 at the door, and $20 for 62+. Children 10 and older are welcome. For more information, visit www.BucksCountyDesignerHouse.org or call 215.345.2191. H&H

MAY 2011

BUCKS COUNTY HOUSE & HOME

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gracious outdoor living

Weather-resistant resin wicker sofas and chairs with colorful cushions bring cottage comfort to a shady space. Photo courtesy of Crate & Barrel

bringing style outside By

44

BUCKS COUNTY HOUSE & HOME

MAY 2011

Debi Bryant

The Fabric Loft

Outdoor furniture can be comfy for everyone, even your furriest family member. Photo courtesy of Duralee Fabrics, available at The Fabric Loft

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TAILOR YOUR DESIGN When planning your outdoor living areas, ask yourself, “What do I want from the space?” Think about the sounds you might like to have—maybe a water element or plant materials, such as bamboo and grasses that rustle in the breezes. Consider adding fragrances with herbs, night-blooming jasmine or sweet olive. Maybe try lemon verbena—it can grow to the size of a tree, blooms for months and fills the air with a lovely almond scent. Consider when you’ll be in your garden the most. If you’re like many busy people, you may only get to enjoy your garden after work and during the night. If so, use plenty of plants with white blooms in your landscape. White catches the landscape lighting and moonlight. FURNISH IT COMFORTABLY Other ideas to help you create a very special outdoors space: • Vintage furniture from the ’30s and ’40s has a charm that can change the whole feel of a home. • In a recent collection, Brown Jordan, the California-based manufacturer of high-end leisure furniture, showcases its sleek Madrid set of outdoor furniture. A herringbone weave over a powder-coated aluminum frame simulates the look of saddle >>>

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when bugs attack! Spending time outside is good for the mind and soul,

innovative design and tasteful styling fit into the

but when bugs attack or the sun is too strong, it can

opening you choose. Whether it’s a large patio or

shorten your stay. After all, who wants to be outside

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Showroom: 429 Easton Road, Warrington, PA Mon-Fri 9am-5pm or By Appointment

Above: For grown-up gourmet dining, skip the paper plates and kiddie cups. These durable plastic pieces imitate fine china and crystal quite convincingly, while the cheerful pillows add color and comfort. Right: Practically casual with a café feel, this stainless-top table folds and the vibrant resin wicker chairs stack to free up space. Photo courtesy of cb2

leather. Tailored cushions complement the look. The effect is curvaceous, elegant and ready-made for outdoor living. • See Smith & Hawken for gazebos, pavilions and other garden structures. The Modular Gazebo is made of weather-resistant 4mm wire in a trellis design perfect for climbing roses or flowering vines; the Vista Pavilion, a pergola-style design made of cast aluminum and tubular steel, has a retractable Sunbrella awning. • Jaclo offers a luxurious outdoor shower pole made of stainless steel. When not in use, it resembles a garden sculpture. It’s just the thing for poolside showering or a refreshing splash after gardening chores. Consider yard accessories that attract birds and butterflies, such as bird feeders made of art glass. Or plant natural shrubs and flowers that attract winged creatures. Add the things that make you smile and turn your yard into a happy place. VASES AND PLANTERS Eye-catching planters and dramatic vases can give your plants extra panache. For container plants in your outdoor entertaining area, go with pots and planters in a coordinated color theme and style. A hodge-podge of assorted pots can look more like a sidewalk clearance sale than a relaxing outdoor environment. ENJOY THE OUTDOORS YEAR-ROUND Extend your outdoor living seasons during the chillier months with an outdoor fire pit. Yes, summers can be hot and humid, but that can be overcome with any number of creative solutions, such as covered patios, overhead fans, water misting systems and swimming pools. H&H MAY 2011

BUCKS COUNTY HOUSE & HOME

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a brighter future

solar energy

Solar panels can be unobtrusive as well as “green” ways to live your life. Photo courtesy of SolarWorks NJ

will make your home a greener place By

Jennifer Friedberg

F

For those looking to “go green,” solar energy is one way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on your electricity bill. Solar energy works logically in that the larger your house, the larger a system you will need to power it. However, there are options to install enough solar panels to offset energy costs while not entirely knocking out traditional energy usage. In that circumstance, a house would first draw energy from solar panels until it is used up and then regular electricity would kick in.

When a solar installation generates energy, it saves you money by reducing your reliance on the electricity grid. Photo courtesy of Lighthousesolar 48

BUCKS COUNTY HOUSE & HOME

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THE RIGHT SYSTEM No matter how much of your energy you choose to offset with solar technology, any portion helps in the long run. With energy costs going up and virtually constant concern over conflict in the

This hybrid installation utilizes the property’s open space. Photo courtesy of I Need Solar

Middle East, finding ways to harness energy here at home is the smart way to go. Tom Mueller, spokesman for BP Solar, says, “The amount of money that a homeowner can save by installing a solar electric system will depend on a number of factors: the size of the solar system, often determined by the amount of available roof space; the energy efficiency of the home; and the energy usage of the home’s inhabitants. It really makes sense for a homeowner to contact a certified installer to come out and provide a specific estimate based on the home design and energy needs.” With systems generally ranging in price from $9,000 to $100,000—and the average system costing about $30,000 or so—this amounts to a 25 to 40 percent savings on electricity, depending on how energy efficient your house is. More plainly,

with the average-sized solar system, if you pay 16 cents per kilowatt-hour, you can save $70 to $80 per month in today’s dollars. In addition to installing solar panels, if you chose to make your house more energy efficient, your overall savings will increase. It’s almost as if every $1 you spend making your home more efficient is worth $5 of solar energy, on average. A solar system can be installed in as little as two to three days and has a 30- to 40-year lifespan that requires little to no maintenance. Most systems are attached to your roof and wired >>> to the main electrical panel of your home.

The solar installation on the backside of this roof faces the best exposure. Photo courtesy of Lighthousesolar

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With heat-rejection properties, solar window films help your home consume less energy by keeping interior temperatures more controllable and stable and, thus, lowering the need for air conditioning, reducing extreme peaks in usage and allowing your cooling system to operate more efficiently and inexpensively.

SOLAR HOT WATER HEATERS Solar panels to energize a house are not the only way you can take advantage of solar technology. Other options include solar hot water, solar swimming pool heaters, solar attic fans and solar window film. Solar hot water and swimming pool heaters are an option for those who want to use solar power, but might not want to or can’t afford to use it to power their entire home. Because hot water can amount to 30 percent of your electricity bill, installing solar power for a hot water heater can save that same percentage of your monthly costs. NOTE: You will probably see higher savings if your hot water heater is electric rather than gas powered. SOLAR ATTIC FANS AND SOLAR WINDOW FILM Air conditioning can make up 50 to 60 percent of your energy consumption in the summer, so cooling a house with solarpowered attic ventilation can reduce that cost. A solar attic fan uses the sun’s energy to pull heat from the attic, thereby reducing the need to cool a house and cutting the air conditioning bill. Solar window film is another way to reduce utility costs anywhere from 15 to 30 percent. New solar film technology has made it more aesthetically pleasing. In the past, solar film made windows look shiny, but now it only adds moderate tint. It’s like putting a pair of sunglasses on and looking out your windows. The film, which has a 40- to 50-year lifespan, works by 50

BUCKS COUNTY HOUSE & HOME

MAY 2011

lowering the temperature of a room seven to 10 degrees, therefore cooling a house and reducing the need for air conditioning. Solar film has added benefits of cutting down glare 60 to 70 percent and offering 99 percent ultra violet protection, thus prolonging the aging of floors, fabrics and furniture. H&H

resources I Need Solar Mechanicsburg, PA 800.932.5007 www.ineedsolar.com

Ross Solar Group LLC Morristown, NJ 201.993.7480 www.rosssolargroup.com

Lighthousesolar Souderton, PA 215.541.5464 www.lighthousesolar.com

SolarWorks NJ Turnersville, NJ 856.232.6363 www.SolarWorksnj.com

Penn Renewables Inc. 215.348.2270 www.pennrenewables.com

Total E Solar Systems Fairview Village, PA 484.744.8045 www.totalesystems.com

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CotY Award Project: fulfilling every wish

a kitchen

makeover

After Before

in Holland becomes a dual award-winner Daniel Sean Kaye Photographs by Derek and Rolf Schroeder (before and during) Photographs by Bob Graham, Jr. (after) www.nextstep4u.com By

I

Before: The original kitchen was a small galley style, with insufficient lighting, a tiny eating area, laminate countertops, minimal clearance between the stovetop and microwave, outdated oak cabinets and inadequate storage

After: The new kitchen has 3-ft. wall cabinets with twopart crown molding, an open floor plan to the adjoining rooms, new exotic Tigerwood hardwood flooring, a built-in dishwasher in the island and a new stainlesssteel cook center.

It’s one thing to remake a kitchen space. It’s another to fulfill the client’s every wish for a complicated project. But it’s something absolutely amazing to exceed the customer’s desires and hopes, as well as to win not one but two major awards for your efforts. That is exactly what happened when Holland, PA homeowners decided it was time to remodel their kitchen and hired Rolf Schroeder General Contractors, Inc., to do the work. A medium-sized business that specializes in interior and exterior remodeling, Rolf Schroeder General Contractors, Inc. was founded in 1982 by master carpenter Rolf Schroeder, who also serves as its president and owner. His son, Derek, is also part of the company’s management team, and is a carpenter and an estimator. In addition to kitchens, the company recreates bathrooms, wet bars, basements, stairs and other interior and exterior projects. THE HOLLAND KITCHEN The homeowners’ goals began with a more open floor plan and a larger kitchen. They

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The remodeled kitchen eating area included remodeling the adjoining unused addition to create new dining area, enlarging the 6-ft. sliding door space to become an eight-foot walk-through and the addition of HVAC and lighting

collecting above the cabinets); new hardwood flooring incorporated the three-season room; and granite was templated, fabricated and installed.

In the new kitchen, the contrast of the granite enhances the glazing and richness of the cabinetry, the new layout brings together design and creativity to meet the clients’ desires, and the beam is seamlessly tied into the new cabinetry.

also wanted an expanded eating area to accommodate children, grandchildren and guests; granite countertops and better workspaces; hardwood floors; enhanced lighting; maple cabinets and increased cabinet storage. “Our clients came to us in need of major changes to help accommodate their growing family,” explains Rolf Schroeder. “At our first meeting, we discussed their ideas and our ideas/experiences, as well as took measurements and photos of the kitchen and eating area. We took all of the information back to our office where we came up with the idea to expand the kitchen by incorporating the unused three-season room and by removing walls and small closet spaces,” he says. The kitchen design proposal was presented to the clients to see if it met their expectations. It did, and soon the proposal was drafted and signed, confirmations of materials and contractors were received and a schedule was set. Demolition included removing all cabinets, soffits, appliances, flooring, drywall, two closets, a half-wall and a six-foot sliding door. While the bearing walls were being removed, temporary support walls were installed until new structural beams, bearing posts and footings could be constructed. The old sliding-door opening was widened to make an eight-foot walk-thru to incorporate the sun room into the new area. HVAC was added to the three-season room for temperature balance. The master bathroom plumbing was moved to allow for taller cabinetry. The sink plumbing lines were moved to a new sink location in the island. Electrical was run to match the new layout for receptacles and lighting, and old electrical was removed. New drywall was installed. The post on the first floor was wrapped in a wood decorative column. Cabinets were installed; a two-part crown created a softer transition from cabinets to ceiling (and prevented dust from

CHOSEN MATERIALS For this remodel, exquisite colors and styles created a stunningly attractive area. The maple cabinetry, The structural challenge was turned into a piece of art that visually does with black glazing and black granite countertops, tied into the Tigerwood not impede the entire kitchen Hardwood Flooring. Cabinetry panels on the refrigerator and dishwasher created “a more seamless flow in the kitchen,” says Derek Schroeder. The light tile and red accent glass of the backsplash pulled out the red in the granite top. The twotiered island created a lower food prep area and an upper section for decorations, cookbooks and guests “who want to watch the chef in action,” he says. The stainless-steel range and microwave added a rich, clean look alongside the medium-color wood. The pantry’s roll-out trays make access easy, and a pots-and-pans drawer-cabinet helps organize cookware without having to pull everything out “just to find that one piece of cookware that got buried in the back of the cabinet,” adds Schroeder. A trash and recycling center cabinet hides the cans out of sight. And the clients found a large kitchen table made from refurbished barn wood to match the kitchen’s medium and dark coloring. OBSTACLES “The challenge was the removal of load-bearing walls and supports to open up the space to enlarge the kitchen floor plan,” says Rolf. “We installed new structural beams, a new solid load-bearing post on the first floor, a new solid load-bearing post in the basement, and a new solid footer in the basement below the new solid support posts.” Another issue was that the plumbing from the master bathroom upstairs was too low in the soffits of the old layout, so the plumbing had to be moved. “We had our plumber relocate the plumbing tighter to the joists, while still maintaining proper drainage and allowing enough room for the taller cabinetry,” explains Rolf. For this amazing project, the company won not only the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) 2011 Bucks-Mont Chapter CotY Award for Residential Kitchens $40,000 - $80,000, but also the prestigious 2011 Northeast Regional CotY Award >>> MAY 2011

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NJ-PA Energy Group, LLC. has made it possible to reduce your energy costs by 30% or more GUARANTEED in WRITING! It is no secret that high energy costs are a result of "actual" energy loss. Typically, the single largest area of energy loss is the attic. Your attic can account for up to 42% of all your energy loss. While adding attic insulation can be an excellent start, insulation by itself only slows down radiant heat transfer. Another reason for high utility costs is depleted R-value. As insulation ages, its ability to resist heat decreases along with its effectiveness. In addition, insulation that's been subject to moisture or has been compressed over time, no longer can provide its labeled R-value which in turn is not giving you as much protection as you think.

The Energy Group recommends adding eShield ULTRAMAX SUPER R which is a highly efficient thermal reflective insulation barrier that stops up to 97% of radiant heat transfer. By reflecting radiant heat, your home stays cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Imagine your home cooler and more comfortable on those hot summer days. ULTRAMAX SUPER R also works in harmony with and enhances the effectiveness of existing insulation.

WHAT WE DO? In addition to proper attic insulation, The Energy Group performs an in-home energy analysis to help homeowners understand - how to manage their energy consumption. A consultant will visit your home and review your home's energy usage and where additional energy savings can be realized.

SO WHY WAIT? Save hundreds, if not thousands of dollars annually with The Energy Group’s recommendations, so don't delay. Our GUARANTEE of 30% or more in energy savings is in WRITING. You have nothing to lose except high energy bills. ULTRAMAX also qualifies for the Government tax credit. Give us a call today at 877-243-4147 or go to www.energygroup123.com and fill out our Free Estimate Analysis form. NJ Lic#13VH05547300 PA Lic#072167

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Winner for Residential Kitchens $40,000 - $80,000. The Regional award pits their work against that of companies across the entire East Coast region. CLIENTS’ SATISFACTION Rolf Schroeder General Contractors strives to connect with their clients to give them the makeover they truly want. This is seen in letters of recommendation the company can offer potential clients, such as the following by the Holland, PA homeowners—customers who have used the company three times. “Rolf is a craftsman and a true professional. His level of integrity is unsurpassed in the industry. If he commits, it gets done. Period. His crew is also highly skilled and a pleasure to work with. They have an incredible attention to detail. Rolf, his employees, and his subcontractors were extremely professional. Everyone always showed up on time, kept a very clean workplace, and had extraordinary attention to detail. I would absolutely hire Rolf to complete any future renovations, and highly recommend him to anyone considering a renovation project, no matter how complex it may be,” writes the homeowner. For Schroeder, the true highlight of this project is what they could offer their customer. They wanted to fulfill their clients’ wants and desires by creating their ideal kitchen, and they did so in professional, superior style. Of course, says Rolf and Derek, being named winner of both the Regional and Bucks-Mont Chapter NARI CotY awards “is a tremendous highlight for this project as well.” Rolf Schroeder General Contractors, Inc. is located at 1979 Stout Drive, Unit #1, in Ivyland, PA. The company is a member of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) and the Middle Bucks Institute of Technology Construction Carpentry Occupations Advisory Committee (MBIT CCOA). For more information, visit www.rolfschroedergc.com. H&H Owner Rolf Schroeder (right) and son, Derek, (left) of Rolf Schroeder General Contractors, Inc.

resources Cabinet supplier Mark IV Kitchen and Bath Gallery, Inc. 2124 Moreland Road Abington, PA 215.657.6110 www.Markivkitchens.com Cabinets Kemper Cabinetry www.kempercabinets.com Countertops Suburban Marble and Granite, Inc. 1010 Pulinski Road Ivyland, PA 215.734.9100 www.suburbanmarble.com

Electrical MLH Electric, Inc. 16 Wynnewood Drive Collegeville, PA 610.831.0906 Flooring Avalon Carpet and Flooring, Inc. 644 Easton Road Warrington, PA 215.491.3700 www.avaloncarpettile.com Tilework Delia Tile Installations, Inc. 909 Bennett Place Holland, PA 215.504.4771 www.deliatile.com Visit our online resource directory at www.housemagazine.com to find additional companies that offer these products and services.

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natural living Phantom Screens prohibit insects from entering, even through a large French doorway.

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More than just pleasantry, views of nature have been shown to affect human health and well-being. And today, one of the most prevalent trends in architecture is blending indoor and outdoor spaces, says Robert Madding, owner and authorized distributor of Phantom Screens. It’s true. More and more homeowners are choosing to invest

in outdoor rooms, such as porches and detailed outdoor Only there when needed, motorized Executive Power Screens retract out of sight at the touch of a button. Photo courtesy of Phantom Screens 56

BUCKS COUNTY HOUSE & HOME

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kitchens with built-in grills and fireplaces. These days, the

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Phantom Screens’ line of motorized Executive Screens, such as the ones pictured, let homeowners enjoy their balconies or porches without worrying about bugs or sun glare.

backyard has trumped indoor spaces as the favored place to both entertain and unwind. However, while spending time outside may be good for the mind and body, inevitably there are days that take a turn for the worse, effectively ruining your comfort. But this doesn’t have to be. Phantom Screen’s Retractable and Executive Power Screens provide shade and protection from sun and bugs—extending the time homeowners can enjoy their outdoor living spaces. RETRACTABLE SCREENS FOR DOORS Looking to screen a double-French doorway from insects, shade a room from direct sun or add privacy to a living space? Choose from Phantom Screens’ extensive line of door, window and power screens to find the right fit for your needs. >>> MAY 2011

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Due to their original design and low profile, Phantom retractable screens can be used with multiple types of doors, including double-French, single in-swing and out-swing doors, sliding, and over-sized doors. Regardless of door type, the Phantom retractable screen improves the view from interior to the exterior. “Our products come in standard colors, custom colors and wood-grain looks that help merge the screen to the interior or exterior color schemes of the home,” says Madding. Window screens are ideal for insect protection, solar shading or enhanced privacy. They adapt to fit most window applications and, depending on the window style, can be mounted on the interior of the home. Phantom retractable screens are offered in numerous finish options, including custom color matching, and offer insect protection; provide the functionality of conventional screens, but disappear when not needed; and increase access to natural ventilation and daylight—all without obstructing homeowners’ views. MOTORIZED EXECUTIVE SCREENS Phantom Screens’ line of Executive Power Screens blend with any architectural style and can be surfaced mounted to existing structures or recessed to columns or posts on new construction. Mesh options include insect, solar shading (which can reduce the amount of money you spend on air conditioning in the summer) and privacy mesh. These screens include motorized controls that are compatible with home automation systems. Fitting single openings as wide as 25 feet and 16 feet tall— and retracting out of sight until needed—Executive Power Screens allow you to enjoy the outdoors without worrying about bugs or excessive heat. They’re also tailored to each building project and can be integrated into myriad architectural styles. Open your home up to the outdoors, while creating a flawless solution for merging indoor/outdoor living space. Mid-Atlantic Screens is the Delaware Valley's authorized distributor. Serving the tri-state area for the past 14 years, they provide sales, service and installation of their exclusive brand. Mid-Atlantic Screens is located at 641 Lancaster Ave. Suite 1011, Frazer, PA. For more information, visit www.phantomscreens.com or call 610.647.4902. H&H

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some favorite summer recipes

Memorial Day is almost here so that means summertime! While we all have our favorite foods for the warmer weather, there’s always room for more, right? Here are some great treats for a festive summer feast that you may want to try as you enjoy the world outside, courtesy of celebrity chef Cat Cora. Grilled Vegetables and Ginger Citrus Mayonnaise (serves six to eight) • 2 each: crookneck or summer squash; baby zucchini; large whole carrots; large fennel (or 3 medium fennel bulbs) • 5 to 6 shallots • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper • Extra virgin olive oil

Ginger Citrus Mayonnaise ingredients • 3 juicy oranges, grapefruits, Meyer lemons, mineolas, tangerines, mandarins, blood oranges, etc., cut in half (6 halves total) • 3 tablespoons (or more for desired consistency) store bought preferred mayonnaise • Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger Preheat grill for vegetables. To make the mayonnaise, squeeze all the juice out from five of the six citrus halves into a saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. When juice begins to boil, lower heat to medium-high and reduce juice until thick and syrupy, being careful not to let it burn. Remove from heat, pour into a bowl and allow to cool slightly. Start grilling vegetables: Cut all veggies in half lengthwise, rub all sides sparingly with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Grill, cut-side down first, for 4 to 6 minutes if small, 5 to 8 minutes if large pieces. Flip so skin-side is down, and grill all an additional 1 to 2 minutes, until all veggies are firm but easily sliced with a knife. Back to the mayonnaise: Whisk in mayonnaise, ginger and cayenne pepper until smooth. Squeeze in juice from last remaining citrus half, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve on platter alongside bowl of ginger citrus mayonnaise or drizzled on top of vegetables. 62

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Greek Burger Sliders with Avocado Tzatziki (serves four) • 1 pound lean ground beef • 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, chopped • 3 tablespoons crumbled feta • 1 teaspoon dried dill • 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs • 2 tablespoons finely chopped yellow onion • 1 tablespoon chopped scallions • Salt and freshly ground black pepper • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder • 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano) • 4 brioche rolls, split and toasted • 4 lettuce leaves, washed and dried • 4 tomato slices • 4 cucumber slices (optional) • 4 thin slices red onion (optional)

Avocado Tzatziki ingredients (makes 2½ cups) • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil • 1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 1 large clove) • 1 teaspoon kosher salt • 2 cups plain nonfat Greek yogurt • 1 cup peeled, seeded and grated cucumber (about 1 medium cucumber) • 1 whole peeled avocado, diced small Add lemon juice, olive oil, garlic and salt to the yogurt. Add grated cucumber, diced avocado and mix well. Chill for at least one hour. With your hands or a wooden spoon, mix ground beef, olives, feta, dill, breadcrumbs, onion, scallions, salt, pepper, garlic and oregano until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Shape the meat mixture into 4 (four) 1/2-inch-thick patties. Grill over medium-hot coals or pan grill over medium heat for 5 minutes per side. The burgers should no longer be pink in the center. To serve, place each burger on a roll, spoon on a little tzatziki, and top with lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and onion slices to your taste. Chef Cat Cora’s recipes Courtesy of Family Features

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