A modern bathroom featuring a black granite countertop with double sinks, a glass-enclosed sauna labeled "Sunlighten mPulse," a large bathtub with surrounding patterned tiles, and a wicker laundry basket reminiscent of those found in stylish kitchen renovations. The room is lit with recessed lighting.

A Family-Filled Space Evolves Into a Luxurious Bathroom Spa Retreat

September 17, 2024 No Comments

As the cool breezes of fall start rolling in, now is the perfect time to take a closer look at your home and consider how you can create the sanctuary you’ve always dreamed of. At Creative Contracting, we’ve been helping homeowners in Lansdale and beyond turn their vision of luxurious, functional spaces into reality for over two decades. There’s no better example of this than Mark and Linda’s basement remodel, which transformed their once-bustling family hub into an opulent private bathroom spa. This stunning bathroom remodel showcases how evolving needs and tastes can inspire a whole new level of luxury and relaxation.

Evolving Needs: A Shift from Activity to Tranquility

Mark and Linda’s story began with a space that was once the center of family life. The basement had hosted everything from kids’ sleepovers and family movie nights to workout sessions and craft projects. But as their children grew up and life shifted, so did their priorities. Mark and Linda decided it was time to reclaim the basement as a space for themselves—a personal retreat where they could unwind and focus on their wellness.

And what better place to start than with the bathroom? For Mark and Linda, the vision was clear: they wanted a luxurious spa-like experience that would rival any high-end retreat. After decades of using the basement for family activities, it was transformed into a high-end wellness sanctuary and luxury spa.

A Spa-Like Experience at Home: Luxury Redefined

The new bathroom in Mark and Linda’s basement is nothing short of indulgent. It’s a space designed not just for function, but for the ultimate spa experience—a place where you can escape from the world and relax in luxury. Imagine stepping into a bathroom where every detail has been carefully considered to bring you comfort, relaxation, and rejuvenation.

At the heart of this stunning bathroom is an oversized soaking tub, perfect for unwinding after a long day. With the help of a convenient ice maker located right in the bathroom, you can quickly fill the tub with refreshing, ice-cold water for a true spa-like experience. Paired with a large walk-in shower complete with modern matte black fixtures, this bathroom offers both practicality and pampering.

But the luxury doesn’t stop there. The bathroom also features a towel-warming drawer, ensuring you always have a warm, cozy towel ready when you step out of the tub or shower.

Modern Aesthetics: A Blend of Style and Function

The aesthetic of this luxury bathroom is nothing short of breathtaking. Mark and Linda wanted a space that felt both modern and inviting, and that’s exactly what the Creative Contracting team delivered. The design combines sleek industrial touches with warm, natural elements, creating a space that feels both edgy and elegant.

Bold encaustic tiles serve as the focal point of the room, perfectly complementing the dark tile floors and black marble countertops. White custom cabinetry offers ample storage while balancing the room’s bold design elements.

The fixtures in this bathroom are carefully chosen to complement the overall aesthetic. From matte black to brushed nickel, each piece adds to the modern, sleek feel of the space. The result is a bathroom that feels like a high-end spa, but with the comfort and convenience of home.

Illuminating Ambiance: Setting the Right Mood

In a room with no natural light, lighting is everything. For Mark and Linda, lighting was a key consideration in their bathroom redesign. To create a warm, inviting atmosphere, we incorporated soft, ambient lighting throughout the space. The bathroom walls, finished with a hand-applied plaster technique, gleam under the soft glow of carefully placed lights, giving the room a calming, spa-like feel.

For an added touch of luxury and ambiance, battery-operated flickering candles in large rattan holders were placed throughout the space. Not only do they add a soft, ambient glow, but they also serve as a practical solution for safety, especially with the family’s cats.

And to ensure that their feline companions weren’t left out, we customized the bathroom doors to allow easy access to their kitty litter boxes, seamlessly integrating their needs without sacrificing the serene spa environment.

Bringing the Vision to Life: Overcoming Challenges With Creativity

One of the most impressive aspects of this bathroom transformation was the installation of the enormous sauna. It was too large to fit through the basement doors, so our team took on the challenge of lowering it through the upstairs family room floor. This innovative solution allowed us to install the state-of-the-art sauna without damaging any part of the family’s living space. Today, you’d never know the family room floor had been touched.

Now Is the Time to Transform Your Space

With fall fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to think about how you can reenvision your home, especially the bathroom. Whether you’re dreaming of a luxurious spa retreat or a more functional space to meet your everyday needs, Creative Contracting is here to help bring your vision to life.

Mark and Linda’s stunning bathroom transformation serves as a reminder that our spaces should evolve with us. As we move into a new season, it’s time to consider how your home can be reimagined to fit your lifestyle and personal taste.

Contact us today to start your journey toward the bathroom of your dreams. Whether it’s a complete redesign or a small upgrade, Creative Contracting is here to turn your ideas into reality. Your luxurious bathroom awaits!

Spacious modern kitchen renovation with gray cabinets, white countertops, and a central island with two dark chairs. A backsplash with shades of gray and blue complements the decor. Large windows provide ample natural light, and various kitchen items adorn the countertops.

A Dream Realized: A Montgomery County Kitchen Transformation

August 26, 2024 No Comments

The Need for Change

When Joe and Lori decided to upgrade their kitchen in their Montgomery County colonial, they were eager to create a space that matched their needs and lifestyle. The original kitchen was a far cry from what they envisioned—it was dark, cramped, and lacked the functionality they craved.

Identifying the Challenges

During our initial consultation process, they shared their frustrations: a cramped sink area, dishwasher location, minimal counter space around the wall ovens and range, and outdated Corian countertops paired with old wood cabinets that offered little in the way of storage. To top it off, the kitchen’s lone light fixture hung awkwardly above the table, casting a dim light over the space. With a tiny wall housing their microwave, stovetop, wall ovens, and refrigerator, it was clear this kitchen needed a significant transformation to become the spacious, stylish, and functional hub the couple desired.

A Strategic Redesign

One of the biggest challenges was the placement of the dishwasher, which was inconveniently located far from the sink, at the end of a stretch of cabinetry. The original floor plan lacked functionality and offered very little to the flow of the space for ease of cooking and entertaining.

Floor plans of this Montgomery County kitchen before the renovation. — Floor plans of the original kitchen.

Joe and Lori wanted a new floor plan that would allow more than one person to comfortably work in the kitchen, especially when entertaining guests.

Floor plans of the kitchen proposing the new layout. — Floor plans of the kitchen with the new layout.

Our design team saw an opportunity to drastically improve the kitchen’s layout by making a few strategic changes: relocating the refrigerator and wall ovens, creating an appealing focal point, moving the dishwasher closer to the sink, and adding a functional island. And by moving the doorway that connects the kitchen to the dining room by just 10 inches, we unlocked the potential to completely transform the space.

A 3D rendering of a modern kitchen renovation features gray cabinets, a white marble countertop island, stainless steel double ovens, and a cooktop. — 3D Rendering of Joe and Lori’s kitchen.

We expertly transformed Joe and Lori’s initial floor plans into highly detailed 3D renderings, allowing them to see their dream kitchen come to life before any construction began. These realistic visuals provided a clear representation of how we addressed every challenge, ensuring that their vision was perfectly captured. Thanks to our team’s expertise, Joe and Lori could confidently visualize their new space, knowing exactly what to expect long before the first hammer was lifted.

Creating a New Focal Point

Moving the refrigerator and wall ovens to the opposite wall gave us the chance to create a stunning focal point with a custom wood range hood above the new stove, complete with a ledge for displaying the couple’s cherished stoneware.

This not only freed up space but also allowed for a more efficient and aesthetic arrangement.

We relocated the dishwasher next to the sink, making it much more convenient for clean-up. With these changes, counter space became easily accessible from both the sink and range, a crucial improvement for a kitchen meant for both cooking and gathering.

A Functional and Stylish Space

We introduced a small, functional island that comfortably seats two, but with a few extra barstools, it can accommodate up to four people for an informal dinner. The trade-off of losing a large in-kitchen dining table was more than worth it, as the modernized layout now offers a more functional and open workspace. When their adult children are home for family dinners, Joe and Lori make great use of their dining room, which is just steps away.

Design Details That Shine

Joe and Lori opted for a single-bowl stainless steel sink with a disposal button, making the kitchen both convenient and sleek.

They carefully selected cabinetry and a backsplash that would create a soft, neutral backdrop for their blue stoneware collection.

The taupe-stained wood cabinets add a touch of warmth, while the blue-shaded tile provides a subtle but striking pop of color. Recessed lighting and a neutral paint palette enhance the bright and airy atmosphere of the new kitchen. The removal of the soffits allowed us to extend the cabinets to the ceiling, maximizing storage space, and giving the kitchen a more polished look.

Finally, luxury vinyl flooring in a complementary tone replaced the outdated tile, adding durability and style.

A Space to Enjoy

The result is a kitchen that Joe and Lori can truly enjoy—a space where they can entertain friends and family without feeling cramped or confined. The kitchen, now the true heart of their home, is bright, open, and perfectly suited to their lifestyle.

Ready to Transform Your Kitchen?

Are you ready to transform your outdated kitchen into a space that reflects your vision and meets your needs? At Creative Contracting, we’re here to help you bring your dream kitchen to life. Contact us today to discuss your remodeling options and discover how we can turn your home into the perfect setting for your life.

Remodeled kitchen with white cabinets, tile backsplash and granite counter tops

Breathing New Life Into the Kitchen of a 1920s Home on the Main Line

July 24, 2024 No Comments

A Fresh Transformation for a Classic Home

In the heart of the picturesque Main Line, nestled among charming Craftsman-style homes, stood a sweet little twin home from the 1920s. Its owner, Sharon, cherished the historical essence of her residence but recognized the need to modernize. With a cramped 6 x10 ft kitchen and limited amenities, the time had come to transform the space while honoring its storied past. This is where Creative Contracting stepped in, ready to blend innovation with tradition, and with our talented architectural interior designer, Leila Maloney leading the way, the vision began to take shape.

Opening Up the Space

This renovation project was not just about updating the look but enhancing the overall functionality and comfort of the kitchen. Our team at Creative Contracting approached the project with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every element contributed to a cohesive and inviting space. The existing kitchen felt more of a closet than a culinary space, stifling Sharon’s love for cooking and entertaining.

Leila’s first suggestion was bold but necessary: remove the wall between the dining room and the kitchen. As you can see from the before and after floor plans, this single change reoriented the entire layout, providing an open, inviting expanse of working surface and creating a flow that the old layout sorely lacked.

By changing the location of the doorway, the kitchen not only grew in size but also gained a new sense of accessibility and freedom of movement. Uninterrupted counter space makes this new kitchen a dream to prepare, cook and entertain.

Carving Out a Powder Room

One of Sharon’s top wishes for her home was to carve out space for a small powder room. In a house with limited square footage, this was no small feat. However, with some clever design thinking, we made it happen. By eliminating an existing closet and converting the basement door into a sleek pocket door, we found the perfect spot for a tiny powder room.

A corner sink was installed, providing the necessary function without overwhelming the space. The basement, which Sharon fondly referred to as her wine cellar, was now accessible through the bathroom’s pocket door—a design decision that elegantly solved two problems at once. Adding a second bathroom to the home was a significant convenience, and its thoughtful placement within the original footprint was a triumph of ingenuity.

Maintaining Historical Charm

Our skilled carpenter, Jeff, contributed to the charm and functionality of the new powder room by replicating a built-in nook within the original framing. This not only provided additional storage but also preserved the home’s historical character, adding a craftsman detail that seamlessly blended the old with the new.

Reimagining the Kitchen Layout

The kitchen transformation didn’t stop with the removal of walls and relocation of doors. The refrigerator, previously confined to a tight corner, was moved to a more functional location, freeing up space for a small beverage area—a delightful addition for Sharon, who loves to entertain. Every detail of the cabinetry was carefully considered for both aesthetic appeal and practical use.

The new layout achieved the perfect symmetry that the client had been longing for, combining visual harmony with outstanding functionality.

Renovated kitchen with white cabinets, granite counter tops and stainless steel stove and dishwasher

Finishing Touches

Kim, our Selections Designer, played a crucial role in the finishing touches that brought the entire design together. Sharon wanted a look that was timeless yet fresh, and Kim’s suggestions hit the mark perfectly. Dove white cabinets provided a crisp, clean backdrop that brightened the space. Warm white countertops added a touch of softness and elegance, while a gently textured backsplash introduced subtle visual interest. Pewter hardware completed the look, adding a touch of vintage charm that paid homage to the home’s heritage.

Honoring the Past, Building for the Future

The transformation of Sharon’s kitchen on the Main Line was a labor of love for the entire Creative Contracting team. It was more than just a renovation; it was about creating a space that respected the past while embracing the present.

Sharon’s home is now a testament to what can be achieved with thoughtful design, skilled craftsmanship, and a deep appreciation for history. Creative Contracting took great care in preserving the original windows and drawers in the dining room, seamlessly integrating them into the new design. This careful attention to detail ensures that the home’s historical charm remains intact while providing modern functionality. We are proud to have been part of this transformative journey.

Contact Us for Your Design-Build Needs

Are you ready to transform your home while preserving its unique history? Let Creative Contracting bring your vision to life with our blend of innovative design and expert craftsmanship. Contact us today to discuss your remodeling needs and discover how we can make your dream home a reality. Start your journey today with Creative Contracting.

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 Family-Filled Space Evolves Into a Luxurious Bathroom Spa Retreat

Evolving Needs: A Shift from Activity to Tranquility

A Spa-Like Experience at Home: Luxury Redefined

Modern Aesthetics: A Blend of Style and Function

Illuminating Ambiance: Setting the Right Mood