Home Projects

OUTDOOR LIVING

Dear Garden Associates, Inc. is an award-winning firm specializing in the design, installation and maintenance of outdoor living spaces. Our goal is to create and maintain gardens of the highest quality possible and to provide a great experience for our clients.

We are able to meet those goals by utilizing high quality materials and having an experienced, talented and well-rounded team. Our designs focus on the immediate as well as long term goals of a garden. This approach ensures success over time as it matures becoming more special with each season. Our design process incorporates the client’s objectives, tastes and lifestyle in order to create a tailor-made garden. The architecture of the home, site details and its surrounding environment are considered in the design as well. In addition to specifying plant materials, hardscape layouts, pools and structures, our plans include details for water features, fencing and lighting, among other garden elements.

Our installation process is no less exacting. From soil preparation and planting to hand cutting a stone for a water feature, no detail is overlooked in our quest to ensure

the success of your garden. We are extremely particular about the members on our team. By hiring experienced and talented individuals passionate about their chosen specialty in garden making we are able to install or construct all elements we design. This includes, but is not limited to, planting, hardscaping, driveways, pools, pergolas, fencing and lighting.

Building and planting an outdoor living space is part of a progression that continues with nurturing and evolving the idea of a garden into one that grows and matures.

We are proactive in caring for our gardens in order to keep them looking their best. Our maintenance crews are comprised of detail oriented individuals with a strong background in horticulture. Having dedicated crews allows team members to learn the subtle nuances of a property, a client’s preferences for how the details are addressed, and to plan what is to be done during the next visit. Our team routinely cares for specialty types of gardens such as formal, cutting, vegetable (from planting to harvesting), woodlands and meadows, to name a few.

For more information, call 215-7668110 (Pennsylvania) and 609-919-0050 (New Jersey) or visit our website www.deargarden.com.

MERGING TWO CENTURIES

This project is a great example of how to merge a 19th century wood framed farmhouse with a 1950’s addition and turn it into a 21st century masterpiece to enjoy for years to come. By opening up the floor plan and adding more glass to give the effect of bringing the outdoors in, Gemmi Construction created a more contemporary feel to the home overall while still capturing many of the original farmhouse elements. A major component was building a cupola light monitor. Located in the center of the living room, heat exhausts through natural convection, natural light is abundant, and it adds a beautiful aesthetic to the space. This is a great example of form and function as a centerpiece in a room.

Supporting the design work by Ralph Fey Architects, Gemmi Construction

applied the proper means and methods to ensure sustainability in construction. This carried through to other areas of the home, such as the owner’s suite. With an existing chimney and the client’s taste for the contemporary, they added old stone to a modern fireplace. Once again, the Gemmi Construction team was able to work with the architect and their design to find creative solutions while respecting the function and construction of the fireplace. They also added original farmhouse beams to the ceiling that they were able to reclaim from another part of the home. A special feature on the exterior is the unique trellis at the often used side entrance, echoing the natural surroundings of the property. With the client’s interest in reducing their carbon footprint, green building elements such as a full photovoltaic solar system and low voltage lighting were incorporated throughout this Stockton, New Jersey home.

Visit GemmiConstruction.com to see the full project or call 215-340-4600.

UPPER BUCKS FARMHOUSE

Who wouldn’t want to live in this absolutely stunning custom-built modern country farmhouse in Upper Buck County? Each room combines clean design with a touch of rustic style. J.R. Maxwell Builders worked with fellow Bucks County-based architecture and interior design firm Wolstenhome Associates to build this residential 4,000 square-foot beauty, complete with open-space floorplans, highceilings, custom millwork from Mink Run Millwork (a division of J.R. Maxwell Builders), an in-ground pool and outdoor entertainment area.

Entering the flowing kitchen, dining, and living area, there is bright natural light, highlighting the kitchen’s marble backsplash, accented by wood floating shelves and slate counters. Moving through to the living area, high ceilings and exposed wood beams frame a stun-

ning fireplace surrounded by Mink Run Millwork built-in shelving. A custom sliding barn door serves as the entrance to the master bedroom, which boasts a wood accent wall and master bath complete with double vanity, marble shower, and soaking bath. Other touches throughout include custom railings, additional spacious second-floor rooms, and more stylish built-in storage.

J.R. Maxwell Builders and their fellow craftsmen at Mink Run Millwork are committed to building to the highest standards in both style and quality, and this is exhibited throughout Fox Hollow. Each and every room, custom millwork piece, and detail is given the attention it deserves and requires. Dare yourself to dream of your ideal home and contact J.R. Maxwell Builders to discuss your plans: online at jrmaxwellbuilders.com or call 215-345-1953.

CONTEMPORARY DESIGN

R& R Staging and Interior design is a Philadelphia based company offering services to homeowners, real estate agents, and developers. In the growing and competitive real estate market, it is important to stand out. Staging is an essential aspect in making a property more appealing to the potential buyer. Staring at empty room can get boring! When a visual is provided for the buyer, the property is more likely to sell quicker. Most staging companies offer simple decor while our company likes to spice it up with fun colors and modern accents.

Interior Designer Romina Ustayev was always a creative person. Keeping up with fashion trends and decorating was always her passion. After designing her own home and having the freedom to be creative, she realized that this was a business she could prosper in. Her fiancé is a developer in the Philadelphia area and frequently hired

stagers to help sell his properties quicker. This inspired Romina to open a staging and interior design company, and now R&R Staging & Interior is taking over the staging market in the Philadelphia area with their unique and modern designs.

If you’re a developer, real estate investor, or just looking for a creative approach in designing your property or personal home, look no more! From kitchens to floors, to bathrooms and outdoors our specialists can assist in creating your DREAM HOME!

Contact us today for staging and Interior design of your property to decrease time on the market and create a vision of their future home for the buyer.

We specialize in staging as well as interior design. For more information, call 267-346-2547 or visit our website at www.rrstagingdesign.com

CONTEMPORARY COUNTRY BARN

This architectural design is a great example of what is possible when completely transforming an existing home. Conceived as a pastoral retreat from the clients’ New York City loft, it warranted a deep connection with nature, rich materials, and a breathable space. Elements of wood, stone, and metal create a tactile, warm atmosphere in the midst of high ceilings and unbounded views. The open twostory area is a modern expression of the barns of Bucks County with an open floor plan and a soaring, vaulted ceiling. The new residence sits on the existing foundation and while many improvements were made, the entry remains as a memento of the original home. In this new design by Ralph Fey Architects, the building grew in height, taking advantage of the tremendous views and embracing the moving sun at all points of the day.

This project is one of two Bucks County

AIA (American Institute of Architects) awards received by Ralph Fey Architects in 2020. “Our vision is always to create successful projects for our clients”, says Ralph Fey. “We greatly appreciate the acknowledgement and recognition from our architectural design peers for the work that we do.”

The thoughtful joining of spaces on the first floor creates a functional, livable floor plan where rooms are delineated by changes in height or gestures of exposed structure while the staircase embraces the “modern farmhouse” feel with elements of steel and wood. The “barn” is evident in the overall shell of the house but with long spans of steel instead of traditional wood timber framing. The result is a space that breathes, ultimately providing all the light, views, and openness that a farmhouse rarely receives.

For more information, contact Ralph Fey, AIA Architects at 215-489-2042, design@rcfarchitects.com, or visit www.rcfarchitects.com.

BACKYARD PARADISE

ELA Outdoor Living is a design build firm specializing in outdoor living spaces, both construction and hardscape as well as plantings and softscapes.

Founded in 1989 by Keith Frederick as a small boutique landscape company. ‘The company’s growth has surpassed the six original employees to a team of 45 individuals. The company now performs large scale high-end residential projects that encompass additions and renovations to the homes that they service as well as masonry and swimming pools.

Frederick still maintains a hands-on approach with his customers and his team. The company has evolved into a lifestyle company that helps customers with many aspects of the outdoors as well as their connection to the indoors.

Earth, Fire & Water are elements of

every project and how the homes architecture relates to the theme of the outdoor space.

Form follows function in good design and planning no matter the project scope. Designing usable, well-functioning gardens and outdoor rooms doesn’t happen by chance. The team at ELA represents a wide range of skills from architecture to horticulture.

We personally meet with every customer to discuss their wish list, their style and their working budget to ensure complete satisfaction.

Recently ELA has constructed a showroom and retail center located at 5095 U.S. 202, Doylestown PA 18902 just one mile south of Peddlers Village where customers can meet the team, view their 3D design models, screen and browse for specialty “hard to find” and deer resistant plants.

Contact ELA today to schedule an inhome consultation to discuss your outdoor paradise at 215-794-2400.

TRUST IS WHAT WE BUILD

The trust that is built is evident from the first meeting to the day the project is completed. This is why when interviewing their clients, the common theme of responses arises as to why they chose to have Rolf Schroeder General Contractors complete their remodeling and addition projects. “They had our best interest in mind…They listened…They helped me stay on budget or explained to me where I went over and allowed me to decide what was important to me…” The list goes on. The photos above are just a few examples of the projects completed for these clients.

Rolf Schroeder General Contractors, Inc. was established in 1982 by local carpenter/builder Rolf Schroeder. The company specializes in the design and building process of residential remodeling. In 2008, his son Derek Schroeder joined the company full time after graduating from

Pennsylvania State University.

The company's passion for remodeling continues to grow as they build on family traditions. Although they are based in Bucks County, they design and build fine detailed projects in Montgomery County, PA as well as New Jersey. They are an experienced group who are dedicated to their craft which is evident in all their remodeling certifications and continuing education classes completed each year. Their main goal is to create spaces which meet the needs of each client while using high quality products and a well-rounded experienced team. Having a company and team of individuals who takes pride in their work creates unsurpassed quality and uniqueness in every project. Their thorough Design/Build Process ensures your project is planned, designed, and finalized before the work even begins, allowing for an efficient project which is completed in a timely manner. Rolf Schroeder General Contractors, Inc. is located at 1979 Stout Drive, Suite #1, Ivyland, PA. For more information, call 215-672-0829, email derek@rolfschroedergc.com, or visit www.rolfschroedergc.com.

NEWEST KITCHEN TREND: MULTI-LEVEL ISLANDS

There’snodenyingthekitchenistruly the heart of the home and, recently, thekitchenhasmorphedintoahome as well. Now, more than ever, homeowners spaces, and larger kitchens featuring islands withenhancedfunctionalityandstorage.

If you are thinking of renovating your kitchen,theadditionofanislandoffersadded spacetowork,tohomeschool,touseformeal prep and dining, while also providing plenty ofadditionalstorage.

Now trending in kitchen design are islands with multiple levels. Whether it’s cantilevereddesignoranislandwithdifferent heights on opposing sides, creating different levels in your island offers more options for prep space and comfortable seating. In this featured kitchen project from the Tague Design Showroom, the higher side of the island offers inviting seating while cleverly disguising the cooktop and prep areas from theentryview.Theadditionoftheunique“X” design to either side of the island along with shiplap creates visual interest while adding

rustic charm to the overall concept. For this kitchen renovation, the designer chose cherry wood cabinets in a peppercorn countertop and subway tile backsplash. kitchen from two skylights. The sliding glass above the sink helps bring the outside into the space and enhances the beauty of the home. Attention to detail is the key to any successful renovation. The professional designers at the Tague Showroom have which elevate a project from ordinary to opens up an array of unique customization showplace. The Tague Design Showroom is open to the public and the professional trades. Drop by their showroom at 6100 Easton Road in Plumsteadville for inspiration or call ahead and schedule a FREE consultation with their on Facebook and HOUZZ, or visit their website at: www.taguelumber.com

OUTDOOR LIVING

Woodsmith Construction, LLC is committed to expanding your outdoor living space and function. They create: custom decks and patios, porches/sunrooms, pavilions, porticos, pergolas, outdoor kitchens and firepits.

Pete Buechle started Woodsmith Construction in 2008. Prior to this, he worked his way up in the industry, working for a variety of home builders; from home builders, residential framers, designers and luxury/kitchen bath installers. With a vast knowledge and skill base at his disposal, the company has been known to take on most projects, as do most “General Contractors”. However, over the past few years and with 2020 being at the forefront of it all, he started shifting primary focus to outdoor projects.

This past year has been a prime example of the benefits obtained from enjoying the outdoor environment. Physically and cognitively, outdoor living is something that should not be ignored in the home but incorporated into everyone’s daily life.

Woodsmith Construction was founded on two major principles: bringing back an

era of true craftsmanship and establishing and maintaining a transparent approach to residential construction.

With countless products and construction methods at the disposal of consumers, building outdoor spaces has become joy for the team at Woodsmith Construction, and they strive to bring that to all customers. Give them a call today, and bring the luxuries of the indoors….out.

Woodsmith Construction is a building company based in Bucks County, PA. Focusing on residential construction, fine home remodeling, outdoor retreats and exterior upgrades. Licensed in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, Woodsmith Construction is owned by builder/contractor Pete Buechle. With nearly two decades of experience in the trades, Pete’s mission is to create the highest quality and beautiful lasting spaces for the client-on budget and on time.

For more information about Woodsmith Construction, LLC, call 215-862-2148 or visit www.woodsmith construction.com All inquiries/calls are acknowledged within 24hrs.

LITTLE’S CELEBRATES 75 YEARS

The Little family has owned and operated Little’s for 75 years. Our current owners are the third generation to work in the business, and several fourth-generation family members are in the business as well. In other words, our commitment to quality and selling American-made products from one of the great American brands is generations in the making.

In 2007, Little’s decided to start expanding its operations to help more property owners and commercial landscaping and lawn care professionals. We now have five John Deere dealer locations serving Montgomery, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Berks and Philadelphia counties in southeastern Pennsylvania.

At Little’s we offer inventory, warranties and service you won’t find at bigbox merchants such as Lowe’s and Home Depot. Not only do we carry high-quality

John Deere equipment not available at the big boxes, but we also work directly with John Deere to take care of any problems you have with your equipment not covered by warranty.

When you visit us, you’ll find sales staff and maintenance technicians all trained and certified to John Deere standards. With our training and years of experience, we know how to guide customers to the right equipment for their needs and budget.

Little’s offers an annual subscription service for high-performance care of all the equipment we sell, including regularly scheduled maintenance and repairs on your equipment. Additionally, our Ready To Mow mobile service sends a technician to your home to conduct on-the-spot repairs.

Visit relittle.com or one of their local locations to see the full line of John Deere equipment. They have showrooms close by in Silverdale; 215-257-5177. Hatboro; 215672-4100; Zieglerville, PA; 610-287-9643.

THE KEY TO RENOVATION

My clients had recently moved from Germany, having relocated for work and missed their old environs,” says Andrea Steinberg co-owner and landscape designer from GL Designs. “Their house was hidden behind plants, and had an impersonal, two-dimensional feeling, devoid of color. My job was to make it homey.” Of course, Andrea concedes that making it homey means different things to different people.

What is it that creates an entrance, a home you want to come home to? “The view should feel welcoming. Many houses have plants that are located in ways that do not complement the architecture. There can be oversized shrubs blocking views of the house and doorway. Worst of all, are trees that were not planted in the right location.” (As seen in the two sets of before and after photos: Bushes were blocking entrance and stone detail. New landscap-

Before

Before

ing on both sides of the walkway create the feeling that you are walking through a garden. Summer color adds multi-season interest. Existing walk is changed to a more natural flowing path reusing the original stone. We hid the A/C unit and built a trash can enclosure. Modified plant bed gives visual interest and color to the pathway to the backyard.) “The key to a successful renovation is to meld your style with realities of the site. Plants can stay where they are, be transplanted and some just need to go. It’s amazing how refreshing it can be to remove plants that were planted in the wrong spot or are hiding desirable views.”

“Once the landscape editing is done, the fun begins! Recreating your landscape in a new style, accentuating the architecture and adding a variety of new plants can really make the house pop and creates a welcoming entrance.”

“Like most things in life, sometimes you need to be willing to change to make an improvement.” GL Designs is located at 1122 E. Welsh Rd., Ambler, PA 19002. For information, call 215-628-4070 or visit www.gldesigns.net.