Restoring the Charm of a Craftsman Home in Suburban Philly
Nestled on the outskirts of Philadelphia, Lauren’s 100-year-old Craftsman-style home stood as a testament to the charm and character of historic architecture. However, decades of updates had obscured its original beauty. The vinyl siding, an enclosed porch, and crumbling steps masked the vintage appeal, leaving the home uninviting.
Lauren, a busy surgeon and mother to her 9-year-old son, dreamed of restoring the home to its former glory. She wanted a house that embraced its history while offering a welcoming, family-friendly environment. Creative Contracting partnered with Lauren to bring her vision to life, transforming her house into a neighborhood gem.
Revealing the Beauty Beneath: A Historic Reveal
When Lauren purchased her home, it came with a mix of modern interior updates but lacked the warmth and charm of its exterior roots. The Craftsman-style detailing, once a hallmark of the property, was hidden behind layers of vinyl siding. The original stained-glass window and front door—features that once made the home unique—were obscured by an enclosed front porch.
The narrow, crumbling steps and outdated wrought iron handrail added to the overall wear of the property. Lauren envisioned a home that embraced its vintage charm while being low-maintenance enough to endure for another 50 years. That’s where Creative Contracting came in.
Designing the Dream: A Collaborative Process
Working closely with Lauren, we developed a plan to restore the home’s exterior while incorporating modern, durable materials that would require minimal upkeep. Our design team carefully considered every detail to create a space that honored the home’s 1920s roots while accommodating the demands of contemporary living.
Lauren’s excitement grew as she reviewed the updated plans and 3D renderings. Seeing the exposed porch, enhanced staircase, and thoughtfully selected materials brought her to tears, as it reminded her of her childhood family home.
The Transformation: From Worn to Wonderful
The transformation began with the front porch, which was restored to its open, inviting glory. The original decorative stained-glass window and beautiful front door were revealed, immediately adding character and history to the home’s façade.
The porch was designed to be a welcoming gathering space, complete with a wide staircase featuring sturdy Azek balusters and TimberTech composite decking. These low-maintenance materials replicate the classic look of tongue-and-groove wood flooring while standing up to weather and time.
A cozy porch swing and ceiling fans now create a comfortable outdoor living area, perfect for conversations with neighbors or relaxing after a long day.
Elegant Exterior Details
The home’s siding was upgraded with CertainTeed Monogram materials, combining cedar shake and plank styles for visual contrast and depth. The gray standing-seam metal roof pairs beautifully with the crisp white corner siding, trim, and fascia boards, creating a timeless yet contemporary aesthetic.
Every detail was chosen to evoke the craftsmanship of the 1920s while ensuring modern durability. From the glowing recessed lights on the porch and stairway to the seamless integration of historical and modern design elements, the home now radiates charm and functionality.
A Legacy Restored
Lauren’s newly restored Craftsman-style home is now a shining example of how thoughtful design and quality materials can breathe new life into a historic property. The once-hidden beauty of the house has been revealed, creating a warm, welcoming space for Lauren and her son to enjoy for years to come.
Creative Contracting is honored to have been part of this journey, helping Lauren turn her dreams into reality. Whether it’s restoring a historic home or creating a modern masterpiece, we’re here to make your vision come to life.
Ready to Revitalize Your Home?
Let Creative Contracting bring your dreams to life with expert craftsmanship and attention to detail. Contact us today to start your transformation!
