A modern kitchen with white cabinets, grey countertops, and a grey island with two pendant lights. The dining area features a wooden table with white chairs. Large windows with butterfly-patterned valances let in ample natural light, showcasing a green lawn outside.

Gorgeous in Grey: Turning a Cramped, Dated Kitchen into a Spacious, Modern Marvel

May 29, 2024 No Comments

As the heart—and hub—of the home, a modern kitchen should make it easy for a family to cook and connect while beautifully representing their personal style. At Creative Contracting, we understand that every kitchen renovation is a unique opportunity to transform not just a space, but the way our clients live and create cherished memories in their homes.

Dark, cramped, and cut off from the rest of the main floor, our recent clients’ 30-year-old kitchen was in desperate need of an update that would give them a functional space to enjoy for many more years in their beloved home. The homeowners knew they wanted a brighter, more open layout that would allow for better flow and more family time spent together in the kitchen.

The Challenges

A classic older kitchen, this space featured a U-shaped, one-person work area that confined the home chef, making it difficult to host while preparing a meal. Soffits, peninsula cabinets and lowered ceiling heights blocked natural light, while Formica countertops, dated track lighting almond-toned appliances, and the original cabinets painted off-white all added up to a dated look that felt far from the modern, inviting space the homeowners envisioned.

In terms of functionality, the kitchen didn’t have enough room for the whole family to gather without feeling overwhelmed. While the eating area could comfortably seat six, it was awkwardly placed between the prep area and the neighboring living room, creating a flow that didn’t quite work for the family’s needs.

A New Layout

To open up the space, our expert team began by removing the soffits and overhanging cabinets to let in the light from the windows in the original eating area.

We then removed the old pantry closet and adjoining wall to reposition the refrigerator and microwave for easy access. A countertop cubby that houses the landline phone, charging station and mail drop also provides the perfect spot to set plates from the microwave.

With the peninsula gone, a new island with plenty of storage and an integrated outlet serve as a functional focal point, allowing for easy flow—and conversation—into the dining area. Our passion for crafting seamless transitions shines through in this transformed space, creating a kitchen that feels open, airy, and connected to the rest of the home.

Fantastic Finishes

A soft gray and neutral color palette brings a fresh, clean brightness to the new space.

Crisp white Shaker-style cabinets around the perimeter blend well with a textured gray subway tile backsplash, which reflects the light with its sheen. In contrast, the island’s light gray cabinet base adds a layer of interest while picking up the tone of the new LVF flooring and the upgraded stainless-steel appliances.

Quartz countertops with just the right amount of veining add definition, while cabinet pulls in a beautiful mid grey serve as just the right finishing touch.

Details Matter

We love walking our clients through the many selections available to achieve their personal vision. In this kitchen, quartz countertops with just the right amount of gray veining add definition and coordinate beautifully with the white and gray cabinets, gray tile backsplash, and the warm-toned flooring. For any project, hardware is like a jewelry accessory. Here, the new Ash Gray Top Knobs pulls add the perfect pop – not too light, and not too dark – just right!

Finally, a lovely vent hood above the stove and new induction cooktop serves as a stunning alternative to the old microwave that originally sat in the same space. The new appliances not only look great but also provide the homeowners with the latest in cooking technology, making meal preparation a breeze.

Functional Details

The improved functionality of the kitchen reaches beyond the added counterspace. After removing the track lights and overhead cabinets, we brightened up the space with new LED recessed lights, gorgeous glass pendants, and under-cabinet lighting—all controlled by dimmable switches—to create the perfect ambiance or workspace. The layered lighting design ensures that the homeowners have the right illumination for any task, whether it’s cooking, cleaning, or simply enjoying a quiet moment in their new space.

Storage is always an issue for any kitchen, so we designed this one with deep cabinet drawers throughout the space and custom pantry cabinets surrounding the fridge. These thoughtful storage solutions provide ample space for everything from cookware and small appliances to dry goods and cleaning supplies, keeping the kitchen organized and clutter-free. Furthermore, a deep sink makes it easy to temporarily conceal dirty pots and pans during a dinner party; and speaking of messes, the luxury vinyl flooring we selected is one of the most practical options on the market for cleaning up spills and withstanding high-traffic areas.

Finally, with the old peninsula gone, the dining area feels larger than ever—and much more connected to the activity in the main part of the kitchen. The homeowners now have a space that can comfortably accommodate family and friends, whether they’re gathered around the island for a casual meal or seated at the dining table for a special occasion.

Built for the Future

Our clients couldn’t be happier with this refreshed kitchen that hits all the right notes for their family’s lifestyle and aesthetic. After decades of a too-small space, our clients can now enjoy an open concept that’s perfect for connecting with loved ones and building memories for many years to come. The improved layout, updated finishes, and enhanced functionality all contribute to a kitchen that truly serves as the heart of their home.

At Creative Contracting, we’re dedicated to turning our clients’ dreams into reality, and this kitchen renovation is a testament to our expertise and passion. If you’re ready to transform your kitchen into a space that reflects your unique style and enhances your daily life, contact us today to schedule a consultation. With our guidance and craftsmanship, your dream kitchen is closer than you think.

Creating an Indoor Endless Pool for Family Therapy and Fun

February 28, 2024 No Comments

Meeting Special Therapy Needs

When Doug and Christina found themselves facing the challenge of suspended therapy sessions for their son due to pandemic closures, they knew they needed a solution. Their son’s special therapy needs prompted them to explore options for year-round access to a pool. Water therapy offers a myriad of health benefits, especially for individuals with specific therapeutic requirements. Thus, the idea of an indoor Endless Pool was born.

The Home Addition

To accommodate their vision, a small home addition was incorporated into their home, adjacent to the existing sunroom. This addition seamlessly connected to the house, providing convenient access to the pool from both the sunroom and a staircase leading from the garage.

The split-level design of their home made it effortless to access pool equipment from the garage. Safety regulations were diligently met by ensuring the stairs could be folded away when not in use, ensuring a secure pool entrance.

Family Excitement

While the primary motivation for the pool was the therapeutic needs of their son, it quickly evolved into a source of excitement for the entire family. All three children, along with their parents, eagerly anticipated the endless possibilities the pool offered. From leisurely floating with pool noodles to the invigorating exercise of swimming laps against the Endless Pool’s current options, there was something for everyone to enjoy.

A Visionary Touch

Nestled against a backdrop of a picturesque golf course with stunning sunsets, the family’s daughter had a vision. She imagined the walls of the pool room adorned with colors mirroring the breathtaking sunset views they cherished. Collaborating with Katie DuBree of katiedubreedesigns.com, the family meticulously selected the hues for the walls. Together, they envisioned the warm, orange glow of the sun setting in the west corner of the room, bringing the beauty of the outdoors inside.

The Ultimate Exercise: Fun

This family’s journey from a suspended therapy session to the creation of an indoor Endless Pool was not just about fulfilling a need; it was about embracing possibilities, fostering connections, and cherishing moments of sheer happiness.

For Creative Contracting, the most gratifying aspect of this project was witnessing a loving family come together to create a special place where fun transcended mere activity. Beyond addressing therapeutic needs, the indoor Endless Pool became a sanctuary where laughter, joy, and bonding flourished. It exemplified how a thoughtful addition could not only cater to practical requirements but also enrich the lives of those it serves.
Ready to see what the possibilities can be for your next renovation? Get started today by contacting our talented team.

Embracing Timeless Elegance: The White Kitchen Reimagined

November 15, 2023 No Comments

Navigating the winding path of a major home renovation can lead to a plethora of questions. One hot topic in the kitchen realm? The color conundrum. White kitchens, while wildly popular, often create hesitation among homeowners. Fear not! White kitchens aren’t just a trend; they’re a timeless staple. Worried your white haven might lack character? Think again. The possibilities to enhance your all-white kitchen are as abundant as the spice aisle. Here are a handful of our favorite kitchens, proving that a white kitchen is the ultimate canvas for versatility.

Dress Up Your Kitchen With Seasonal Colors

Montgomery County White Kitchen with Pops of Color

White and Black Kitchen with pops of Yellow

This kitchen features a clean white and black design with custom cabinetry, providing an ideal canvas for adding touches of seasonal color. In this case, we chose splashes of yellow for the client. The original travertine floors seamlessly complement the new custom cabinetry and natural stone backsplash. Accent lighting plays a crucial role, and the uniformity of the glass elements contributes to enlarging the space and infusing it with a sense of brightness and warmth.

Transcend Trends with Transitional Design

Transitional Kitchen with White Cabitnetry

The white cabinetry in this family-friendly entertainment space adopts a more contemporary vibe, enhanced by non-mullioned glass on both cabinets and windows, streamlining the overall design. Classic elements, such as traditional hardware and elegant trim, introduce a touch of tradition, resulting in a transitional design for the kitchen.

Soft details like the light gray island and metal screening in the bar sink cabinets add subtle nuances that contribute to the overall stunning appeal of the space.

Use Color and Texture in a White Kitchen

The coffered ceiling, wainscoting, and cabinet trims showcase classic Hampton-style custom woodwork.

The backsplash, featuring a dimensional basket weave, reinforces the timeless patterns of a family kitchen. Black and white surfaces play a grounding role for the white elements, and the whimsical touch of red accents coordinates seamlessly with the hardworking Wolf range knobs.

Complement White Cabinets With Wood Accents

In this elegant family kitchen, a harmonious combination of soft white oak and brushed gold creates a beautiful aesthetic. The newly refinished oak floors, custom-stained to complement the cabinetry, make a stunning visual impact. The expanded French doors contribute to visually enlarging the existing space.

Mindfully placed white oak extends to features like shelves with a hidden recharging center and file cabinets, creating a sweet family workspace. The same oak used for these elements also replaces the family room fireplace mantel, ensuring a consistent accent color throughout the entire space.

Infuse Character With Rustic Charm

This charming in-law suite on a Bucks County farm estate exudes cozy warmth. Embracing the property’s origins, country touches like a honed black granite countertop, beadboard, and bubbled glass contribute to a rustic atmosphere. The use of mixed metals is defined by a traditional faucet, bronze hardware, and copper pots.

In the world of kitchen renovations, the possibilities are as diverse as personal tastes. Your white kitchen can be a canvas for unparalleled creativity and individuality. From subtle rustic accents to bold modern statements, the key is to embrace the unique aspects that reflect your style. Whether it’s a splash of color, textured surfaces, or distinctive hardware choices, these kitchen projects serve as a reminder that your white kitchen can truly stand out. Contact Creative Contracting to explore the possibilities for your renovation.

Transforming Traditions: A Fun-filled Family Hub Evolves into a Luxury Spa

October 18, 2023 No Comments

When we first stepped into Mark and Linda’s basement, it was a bustling family hub filled with laughter and activity. Craft projects, gaming marathons, kids’ sleepovers, and family TV nights were the norm in this space. It was a versatile area that also housed a small workout zone and a convenient eating bar. But after two decades, it was time for a change.

Evolving Needs

This year, Creative Contracting had the privilege of returning to Mark and Linda’s home to remodel their basement once more. The dynamics of their family had evolved, and their vision for the basement had shifted drastically. No longer a hub for family activities, this space was now reimagined as a luxury private gym and spa.

Luxury Amenities Galore

The new basement is nothing short of a lavish sanctuary. It now boasts a fully-equipped gym, a rejuvenating sauna, and a lavish bathroom that exudes opulence. Every detail has been meticulously planned to ensure maximum comfort and luxury. There’s even a Subzero wine fridge for those post-workout indulgences, and a state-of-the-art massage chair to ease those tired muscles.

After a relaxing sauna session, a handy ice maker in the bathroom allows you to quickly fill the oversized soaking tub with refreshing, ice-cold water.

The large shower and warming drawer for towels complete the spa-like experience. No more hauling towels up and down the basement steps – there’s even a washer and dryer conveniently placed in the bathroom.

Modern Aesthetics

The aesthetic transformation of our client’s basement is remarkable. The ceiling has been opened up to add height and painted in a sophisticated matte black, creating an industrial edge. The new LVF flooring, laid on an angle, cleverly mitigates any sense of narrowness in the space. Custom hand-applied paint techniques adorn the walls, exuding an edgy, gym-inspired vibe.

The black custom cabinetry adds a touch of glamour while harmonizing with the black ceiling, serving as a chic anchor for the overall look.

The Road to Bathroom Bliss

The bathroom is a showstopper in its own right. Bold encaustic tiles steal the spotlight, while the black flooring and warm tones exude elegance. White custom cabinetry complement the bold elements of this bathroom and provide ample storage for our clients’ needs.

The challenge of installing the enormous spa required lowering it through the upstairs family room floor since it wouldn’t fit through the basement doors. Despite this obstacle, you’d never guess that the family room flooring was ever disturbed.

Illuminating Ambiance

In a room with no natural light, lighting becomes paramount. The walls in the bathroom feature a hand-applied plaster finish that gleams in the artificial glow. Battery-operated flickering candles in large rattan holders not only add a soft, ambient glow but also serve as a safety precaution for the family’s cats.

Speaking of which, the doors have been custom altered to allow the feline family members easy access to their kitty litter boxes in the basement.

Upgrading With Sleek Fixtures

To complete the look, fixtures in the luxury spa bath have been finished in a matte black and brushed nickel, adding a modern touch that harmonizes with the overall aesthetic. This amazing basement transformation is a testament to the evolving needs and tastes of a family over time. From a bustling family space to a luxury gym and spa retreat, it’s a stunning example of how creativity, craftsmanship, and attention to detail can breathe new life into a cherished space. At Creative Contracting, we take pride in turning your visions into realities, one project at a time. Contact us today to see how you can transform your space to suit your current lifestyle.

Crafting Dreams: The Journey of Renovating a Colonial-style home to a Luxe Modern Farmhouse

August 30, 2023 No Comments

At Creative Contracting, we firmly believe that dreams can indeed come true. We understand that finding the perfect home can often feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. The lure of brand-new houses with their pristine façades often comes at the cost of sacrificing space and customization. Conversely, charming neighborhoods boasting lush gardens are sometimes plagued by dated houses that don’t quite align with modern tastes. That’s where we step in – when faced with the challenge of reinventing a home to fit a family’s unique needs and style within a realistic budget, our creative juices start flowing.

Revitalizing a Conventional Brick Home With Innovative Design

To begin, the exterior of the house will undergo a striking makeover. The once-traditional brick façade will embrace a sleek modernity with dark siding and touches of natural wood.

The brick itself didn’t escape the transformation, being adorned in a contemporary color palette that harmonizes with the overall aesthetic.

In the heart of the home, a new addition takes the form of a floor-to-ceiling windowed great room. This addition not only floods the interior with natural light but also capitalizes on the property’s serene backyard views, providing a seamless connection between indoors and outdoors.

Visualizing the Interior and Crafting Informed Design Choices

The journey from concept to realization starts with precise planning. A comprehensive floor plan is crafted, meticulously tailored to the homeowner’s wish list.

This particular plan unfolds into a breathtaking great room, a functional home office, and an open-concept kitchen that not only boasts ample seating but also caters to modern entertainment needs with a dedicated TV viewing area.

Traditional spaces like the formal living and dining rooms gracefully give way to a more casual and inviting living area, perfect for fostering family togetherness and socializing.

Keys to Design-Build Success

As we move forward in the design process, interior renderings become a valuable tool for conveying the envisioned transformation. Our clients step into our conference room, where three-dimensional plans come to life on a generous big-screen TV. This immersive experience allows them to tangibly explore their future space, making informed decisions with confidence. Once final selections are made, our drawings and renderings evolve to showcase these personalized touches, providing a visual roadmap for the project’s execution.

Designing a project – be it a modest enhancement or an extensive renovation – involves a multitude of moving parts. Our role extends from the initial spark of an idea to the grand finale of a completed project. The time invested in crafting a holistic design that aligns with both vision and budget is pivotal to the success of the project. Once construction is underway, specialized software becomes our ally, fostering seamless communication between clients, production teams, and on-site workers. This ensures that queries are promptly addressed and that everyone is on the same page regarding daily progress.

In conclusion, the journey of transforming this colonial-style home into a modern farmhouse masterpiece is a testament to our commitment to turning dreams into reality. With a blend of innovative technology, creative design solutions, and a passionate team, our Design-Build remodeling firm stands at the forefront of making our client’s aspirations come alive. Whether it’s a simple renovation or a complete overhaul, we embrace every opportunity to create living spaces that deeply connect with the homeowner.

Allow us to help bring your vision to life. Contact us today for a complimentary design consultation in our Lansdale showroom.

Exterior Upgrades for This Maple Glen Home

March 29, 2023 No Comments

Have you ever had the feeling that your home needs a refresh and an upgrade? That’s just what our Maple Glen clients were thinking when they reached out to us. The homeowners shared with us their desire to create a new look for their all-stucco exterior to create a modern style.

What Is Stucco?

Stucco is a cement-type mixture made of Portland cement, lime, sand and water. It goes on the outermost layer of residential structures and is set to a thin finish coat. Stucco has been a popular exterior finish for many years, but it has its limitations. Due to its brittle nature, stucco will crack as a house’s foundation settles, which can be a pain point for homeowners.

A Stone and Siding Façade Gives Instant Curb Appeal

The exterior of the house had been entirely stucco, but the homeowners knew the problems stucco could cause to the home. Many homeowners, however, are unaware of the risks stucco poses to the structure and durability of a home. Stucco is known to cause water infiltration, encouraging the growth of mold and rot in the underlying structure. We always encourage clients to move away from stucco and replace it with more durable materials that will protect their family’s health and investment in the property.

As you can see from the before and after photos, the switch to stone and siding for their home wasn’t just practical, it also provided a major update and created a polished feel to the exterior. Our clients have found that upgrading to stone and vinyl siding has been a smart investment that not only improved the appearance of their home but also increased its value and reduced maintenance costs.

Since it’s common to have to undergo a stucco remediation process prior to selling a home, our clients were happy to get this upgrade taken care of. Once moisture gets into stucco exteriors, problems multiply. This is a complication any homeowner would want to avoid when they’re ready to sell their home for its full value.

Call Creative Contracting For Your Home’s Makeover, Inside and Out

If you’re worried about your home’s stucco, give us a call. We can help with stucco remediation, and exterior upgrades to prevent minor problems before they become major concerns.

How This Couple Went From Chaos to Calm With a Newly Redesigned Laundry Room

February 17, 2023 No Comments

Do you love your laundry room? That was the question we asked our Lower Gwynedd clients when we began their first-floor renovation. Sara and Craig put extreme effort into designing a beautiful and functional laundry room when updating their home. The room has a simple, yet dramatic black-and-white color scheme, wainscoting for architectural detail, heavy black hooks for outerwear and bags, and a full-view back door that provides natural light and easy access to the backyard.

When Style and Functionality Meet

When style and functionality meet, it creates a balance between aesthetic and practicality, resulting in a finished product that looks amazing and serves its intended purpose effectively. And since the laundry room is often considered the hardest working room in the home, the design must be durable and timeless.

Puppy Approved

This laundry room is equipped with storage, folding space and a hanging rod. It features a no-fuss stainless steel sink and leathered granite for easy cleaning. The room has black fixtures and hardware that contrast the white cabinetry and soft gray walls. The ceramic tile floors and stock cabinetry are cost-effective selections without compromising a gorgeous farm-style design. Additionally, the sink in the room is used to wash off the couple’s Cavachon puppy after muddy playtime in the backyard.

Redesign Your Laundry Room With the Help of Creative Contracting

The laundry room is often subjugated to “closed door” status. Don’t let that be the case in your home. Contact Creative Contracting today to get started on a stylish and functional space you’ll love to show off.

A Montgomery County Kitchen Gets a Light and Airy Remodel

January 20, 2023 No Comments

When our clients began their kitchen remodel journey with us, they knew they wanted a light and airy welcoming space with room for their family to gather. What they didn’t realize was that once they decided on the design, finalized the budget and agreed upon a timeline, they thought they’d gotten over the biggest hurdles. But then reality set in and decisions needed to be made on cabinets, hardware, and appliances —and the possibilities seemed endless and overwhelming.

Decisions, Decisions

The homeowners painstakingly weighed every decision to create a beautifully designed kitchen. Refreshing traditional red oak floors were lightened to remove golden undertones, creating a lighter shade that coordinates beautifully with the neutral white oak island. We were able to expand the white oak through the space with custom shelving, an accent file folder and charging storage cabinet, and a new mantle in the adjoining family room.

A light wood table, chairs and bar seating continue the feeling of soft neutrality. Namibian white quartzite and white glossy tile with a handcrafted look, add a subtle, soft texture to the space. This neutral backdrop allows the beautiful Brizo luxe gold faucets to pop. The cabinet hardware echoes the intricate knurling of the faucet design. In this case, thinking of hardware as a jewelry accessory for the kitchen makes perfect sense.

Gold Highlights Create a Vibrant Kitchen

Light fixtures add vibrancy to the gold highlights and paned glass doors in the upper cabinetry supply ambient light, creating a soft glow. All lighting is on dimmers, so it’s easy to create the desired atmosphere at any time of the day. This gorgeous, subtly neutral kitchen is easy to accessorize with pops of color and natural greenery.

The additional set of windows flanking the original French doors to the backyard change the entire feel of the space and offer a beautiful view of the lovely patio and provide more natural light.

Creative Contracting Can Transform Your Kitchen

We love working with clients who are completely involved in their projects. Working closely to create a successful and satisfying kitchen design is extremely important and rewarding. Ready to lighten up your kitchen? Get started today.

A Montgomery County Home Gets New Luxury Vinyl Flooring

December 22, 2022 No Comments

At Creative Contracting, we enjoyed bringing our client’s dreams to reality by helping her see the potential in her downsized home. This once-outdated 1970s-era sunroom has been brought back to life with just a few simple upgrades.

Painting the beautiful original exposed wood beams in a fresh coat of white created a much-needed open and airy feel to the space. The windows and trim were painted white to match, while the deep gray color on the walls added a modern contrast. To complete this room, we installed LVF or Luxury Vinyl Flooring, which is a very popular material for high-traffic areas. This floor has so many great qualities that homeowners love.

Here are four features of LVF flooring that we believe every client should consider as a part of their home remodel:

Durable

LVF or Luxury Vinyl Flooring is an extremely popular choice for busy family living. Both scratch resistant and waterproof, it can be used in virtually any living area and is practically impervious to pets and children, wear and tear.

Beautiful

This material is almost indistinguishable from real hardwood floors. The next generation of graphic design and printers allow LVF to be manufactured to showcase the amazing realistic textures and designs of natural wood or stone through advanced technology.

Affordable

This is not a vinyl sheet product. It consists of planks in varying lengths or tiles that can be installed with ease. It is often a floating surface, meaning the pieces fit together without being nailed or glued to a sub floor. The labor savings on installation is a huge cost reduction over traditional hardwood or tile.

Comfortable

In addition to LVF being super durable, it has other added benefits depending on its construction. Some LVFs are made with a core that can lessen noise. Some have a core with more resilience that helps reduce joint stress when standing for extended periods. LVF also provides a level of insulation and warmth.

Creative Contracting Will Guide You Through Your LVF Choices

We were excited to help our Montgomery County client choose the right flooring throughout her home, especially for this wonderful sunroom addition. Choose a Luxury Vinyl Floor option that is right for your remodel by contacting Creative Contracting today.

Gorgeous in Grey: Turning a Cramped, Dated Kitchen into a Spacious, Modern Marvel

Creating an Indoor Endless Pool for Family Therapy and Fun

Embracing Timeless Elegance: The White Kitchen Reimagined

Dress Up Your Kitchen With Seasonal Colors