Search results for "Existed" in Home Design Ideas

These clients reached out to Hillcrest Construction when their family began out-growing their Phoenixville-area home. Through a comprehensive design phase, opportunities to add square footage were identified along with a reorganization of the typical traffic flow throughout the house.
All household traffic into the hastily-designed, existing family room bump-out addition was funneled through a 3’ berth within the kitchen making meal prep and other kitchen activities somewhat similar to a shift at a PA turnpike toll booth. In the existing bump-out addition, the family room was relatively tight and the dining room barely fit the 6-person dining table. Access to the backyard was somewhat obstructed by the necessary furniture and the kitchen alone didn’t satisfy storage needs beyond a quick trip to the grocery store. The home’s existing front door was the only front entrance, and without a foyer or mudroom, the front formal room often doubled as a drop-zone for groceries, bookbags, and other on-the-go items.
Hillcrest Construction designed a remedy to both address the function and flow issues along with adding square footage via a 150 sq ft addition to the family room and converting the garage into a mudroom entry and walk-through pantry.
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The project’s addition was not especially large but was able to facilitate a new pathway to the home’s rear family room. The existing brick wall at the bottom of the second-floor staircase was opened up and created a new, natural flow from the second-floor bedrooms to the front formal room, and into the rear family hang-out space- all without having to cut through the often busy kitchen. The dining room area was relocated to remove it from the pathway to the door to the backyard. Additionally, free and clear access to the rear yard was established for both two-legged and four-legged friends.
The existing chunky slider door was removed and in its place was fabricated and installed a custom centerpiece that included a new gas fireplace insert with custom brick surround, two side towers for display items and choice vinyl, and two base cabinets with metal-grated doors to house a subwoofer, wifi equipment, and other stow-away items. The black walnut countertops and mantle pop from the white cabinetry, and the wall-mounted TV with soundbar complete the central A/V hub. The custom cabs and tops were designed and built at Hillcrest’s custom shop.
The farmhouse appeal was completed with distressed engineered hardwood floors and craftsman-style window and door trim throughout.
-
Another major component of the project was the conversion of the garage into a pantry+mudroom+everyday entry.
The clients had used their smallish garage for storage of outdoor yard and recreational equipment. With those storage needs being addressed at the exterior, the space was transformed into a custom pantry and mudroom. The floor level within the space was raised to meet the rest of the house and insulated appropriately. A newly installed pocket door divided the dining room area from the designed-to-spec pantry/beverage center. The pantry was designed to house dry storage, cleaning supplies, and dry bar supplies when the cleaning and shopping are complete. A window seat with doggie supply storage below was worked into the design to accommodate the existing elevation of the original garage window.
A coat closet and a small set of steps divide the pantry from the mudroom entry. The mudroom entry is marked with a striking combo of the herringbone thin-brick flooring and a custom hutch. Kids returning home from school have a designated spot to hang their coats and bookbags with two deep drawers for shoes. A custom cherry bench top adds a punctuation of warmth. The entry door and window replaced the old overhead garage doors to create the daily-used informal entry off the driveway.
With the house being such a favorable area, and the clients not looking to pull up roots, Hillcrest Construction facilitated a collaborative experience and comprehensive plan to change the house for the better and make it a home to grow within.

These clients reached out to Hillcrest Construction when their family began out-growing their Phoenixville-area home. Through a comprehensive design phase, opportunities to add square footage were identified along with a reorganization of the typical traffic flow throughout the house.
All household traffic into the hastily-designed, existing family room bump-out addition was funneled through a 3’ berth within the kitchen making meal prep and other kitchen activities somewhat similar to a shift at a PA turnpike toll booth. In the existing bump-out addition, the family room was relatively tight and the dining room barely fit the 6-person dining table. Access to the backyard was somewhat obstructed by the necessary furniture and the kitchen alone didn’t satisfy storage needs beyond a quick trip to the grocery store. The home’s existing front door was the only front entrance, and without a foyer or mudroom, the front formal room often doubled as a drop-zone for groceries, bookbags, and other on-the-go items.
Hillcrest Construction designed a remedy to both address the function and flow issues along with adding square footage via a 150 sq ft addition to the family room and converting the garage into a mudroom entry and walk-through pantry.
-
The project’s addition was not especially large but was able to facilitate a new pathway to the home’s rear family room. The existing brick wall at the bottom of the second-floor staircase was opened up and created a new, natural flow from the second-floor bedrooms to the front formal room, and into the rear family hang-out space- all without having to cut through the often busy kitchen. The dining room area was relocated to remove it from the pathway to the door to the backyard. Additionally, free and clear access to the rear yard was established for both two-legged and four-legged friends.
The existing chunky slider door was removed and in its place was fabricated and installed a custom centerpiece that included a new gas fireplace insert with custom brick surround, two side towers for display items and choice vinyl, and two base cabinets with metal-grated doors to house a subwoofer, wifi equipment, and other stow-away items. The black walnut countertops and mantle pop from the white cabinetry, and the wall-mounted TV with soundbar complete the central A/V hub. The custom cabs and tops were designed and built at Hillcrest’s custom shop.
The farmhouse appeal was completed with distressed engineered hardwood floors and craftsman-style window and door trim throughout.
-
Another major component of the project was the conversion of the garage into a pantry+mudroom+everyday entry.
The clients had used their smallish garage for storage of outdoor yard and recreational equipment. With those storage needs being addressed at the exterior, the space was transformed into a custom pantry and mudroom. The floor level within the space was raised to meet the rest of the house and insulated appropriately. A newly installed pocket door divided the dining room area from the designed-to-spec pantry/beverage center. The pantry was designed to house dry storage, cleaning supplies, and dry bar supplies when the cleaning and shopping are complete. A window seat with doggie supply storage below was worked into the design to accommodate the existing elevation of the original garage window.
A coat closet and a small set of steps divide the pantry from the mudroom entry. The mudroom entry is marked with a striking combo of the herringbone thin-brick flooring and a custom hutch. Kids returning home from school have a designated spot to hang their coats and bookbags with two deep drawers for shoes. A custom cherry bench top adds a punctuation of warmth. The entry door and window replaced the old overhead garage doors to create the daily-used informal entry off the driveway.
With the house being such a favorable area, and the clients not looking to pull up roots, Hillcrest Construction facilitated a collaborative experience and comprehensive plan to change the house for the better and make it a home to grow within.

This Project consisted of lifting the existing bricks and storing them on site, remove a portion of the existing brick walls and remove wall caps, install new flagstone wall caps to provide 1″ overhang on each side, pressure wash sitting walls, excavate the existing patio stone dust base and discard of it, excavate patio to proper base depth of 8″+- and install a proper 2A Modified stone base. We then installed a 1″ sand setting bed and reinstalled the existing brick pavers. The new installation also included drainage pipe and catches to allow water to escape the patio and drain beyond the foot print of the patio, house and shed.
Also included were removal the existing upper flagstone patio and walking path, leveling the path and lay larger pieces of flagstone in the upper patio. We will also install proper joint material between the flagstone for a more uniform walking surface. We also used the existing flagstone to make small garden paths in place of the brick paths.
Lastly, included was grading a small swale in the back lawn to divert water around to the sides of the house and away from the rear patio area.
A drainage system along the right side of the shed to collect ground water as well as downspouts along that side of the shed and carport and move the water to the street through 4″ solid drainage pipes was also installed.
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These clients reached out to Hillcrest Construction when their family began out-growing their Phoenixville-area home. Through a comprehensive design phase, opportunities to add square footage were identified along with a reorganization of the typical traffic flow throughout the house.
All household traffic into the hastily-designed, existing family room bump-out addition was funneled through a 3’ berth within the kitchen making meal prep and other kitchen activities somewhat similar to a shift at a PA turnpike toll booth. In the existing bump-out addition, the family room was relatively tight and the dining room barely fit the 6-person dining table. Access to the backyard was somewhat obstructed by the necessary furniture and the kitchen alone didn’t satisfy storage needs beyond a quick trip to the grocery store. The home’s existing front door was the only front entrance, and without a foyer or mudroom, the front formal room often doubled as a drop-zone for groceries, bookbags, and other on-the-go items.
Hillcrest Construction designed a remedy to both address the function and flow issues along with adding square footage via a 150 sq ft addition to the family room and converting the garage into a mudroom entry and walk-through pantry.
-
The project’s addition was not especially large but was able to facilitate a new pathway to the home’s rear family room. The existing brick wall at the bottom of the second-floor staircase was opened up and created a new, natural flow from the second-floor bedrooms to the front formal room, and into the rear family hang-out space- all without having to cut through the often busy kitchen. The dining room area was relocated to remove it from the pathway to the door to the backyard. Additionally, free and clear access to the rear yard was established for both two-legged and four-legged friends.
The existing chunky slider door was removed and in its place was fabricated and installed a custom centerpiece that included a new gas fireplace insert with custom brick surround, two side towers for display items and choice vinyl, and two base cabinets with metal-grated doors to house a subwoofer, wifi equipment, and other stow-away items. The black walnut countertops and mantle pop from the white cabinetry, and the wall-mounted TV with soundbar complete the central A/V hub. The custom cabs and tops were designed and built at Hillcrest’s custom shop.
The farmhouse appeal was completed with distressed engineered hardwood floors and craftsman-style window and door trim throughout.
-
Another major component of the project was the conversion of the garage into a pantry+mudroom+everyday entry.
The clients had used their smallish garage for storage of outdoor yard and recreational equipment. With those storage needs being addressed at the exterior, the space was transformed into a custom pantry and mudroom. The floor level within the space was raised to meet the rest of the house and insulated appropriately. A newly installed pocket door divided the dining room area from the designed-to-spec pantry/beverage center. The pantry was designed to house dry storage, cleaning supplies, and dry bar supplies when the cleaning and shopping are complete. A window seat with doggie supply storage below was worked into the design to accommodate the existing elevation of the original garage window.
A coat closet and a small set of steps divide the pantry from the mudroom entry. The mudroom entry is marked with a striking combo of the herringbone thin-brick flooring and a custom hutch. Kids returning home from school have a designated spot to hang their coats and bookbags with two deep drawers for shoes. A custom cherry bench top adds a punctuation of warmth. The entry door and window replaced the old overhead garage doors to create the daily-used informal entry off the driveway.
With the house being such a favorable area, and the clients not looking to pull up roots, Hillcrest Construction facilitated a collaborative experience and comprehensive plan to change the house for the better and make it a home to grow within.

This existing home was originally built circa 1919, and was ready for a major renovation. As was characteristic of the period in which the home was built, the existing spaces were small and closed in. The design concept included removing walls on first floor for a thoroughly updated and open living / dining / kitchen space, as well as creating a new first floor powder room and entry. Great care was taken to preserve and embrace original period details, including the wood doors and hardware (which were all refinished and reused), the existing stairs (also refinished), and an existing brick pier was exposed to restore some of the home’s inherent charm. The existing wood flooring was also refinished to retain the original details and character.
This image highlights the existing brick pier that was uncovered and left exposed as a design feature on the first floor, as well as the home's staircase, which is original to the home and was refinished as part of the renovation. Additionally, a wall between the stair and living room was removed to create a larger family space.
Photo Credit: Steve Dolinsky

These clients reached out to Hillcrest Construction when their family began out-growing their Phoenixville-area home. Through a comprehensive design phase, opportunities to add square footage were identified along with a reorganization of the typical traffic flow throughout the house.
All household traffic into the hastily-designed, existing family room bump-out addition was funneled through a 3’ berth within the kitchen making meal prep and other kitchen activities somewhat similar to a shift at a PA turnpike toll booth. In the existing bump-out addition, the family room was relatively tight and the dining room barely fit the 6-person dining table. Access to the backyard was somewhat obstructed by the necessary furniture and the kitchen alone didn’t satisfy storage needs beyond a quick trip to the grocery store. The home’s existing front door was the only front entrance, and without a foyer or mudroom, the front formal room often doubled as a drop-zone for groceries, bookbags, and other on-the-go items.
Hillcrest Construction designed a remedy to both address the function and flow issues along with adding square footage via a 150 sq ft addition to the family room and converting the garage into a mudroom entry and walk-through pantry.
-
The project’s addition was not especially large but was able to facilitate a new pathway to the home’s rear family room. The existing brick wall at the bottom of the second-floor staircase was opened up and created a new, natural flow from the second-floor bedrooms to the front formal room, and into the rear family hang-out space- all without having to cut through the often busy kitchen. The dining room area was relocated to remove it from the pathway to the door to the backyard. Additionally, free and clear access to the rear yard was established for both two-legged and four-legged friends.
The existing chunky slider door was removed and in its place was fabricated and installed a custom centerpiece that included a new gas fireplace insert with custom brick surround, two side towers for display items and choice vinyl, and two base cabinets with metal-grated doors to house a subwoofer, wifi equipment, and other stow-away items. The black walnut countertops and mantle pop from the white cabinetry, and the wall-mounted TV with soundbar complete the central A/V hub. The custom cabs and tops were designed and built at Hillcrest’s custom shop.
The farmhouse appeal was completed with distressed engineered hardwood floors and craftsman-style window and door trim throughout.
-
Another major component of the project was the conversion of the garage into a pantry+mudroom+everyday entry.
The clients had used their smallish garage for storage of outdoor yard and recreational equipment. With those storage needs being addressed at the exterior, the space was transformed into a custom pantry and mudroom. The floor level within the space was raised to meet the rest of the house and insulated appropriately. A newly installed pocket door divided the dining room area from the designed-to-spec pantry/beverage center. The pantry was designed to house dry storage, cleaning supplies, and dry bar supplies when the cleaning and shopping are complete. A window seat with doggie supply storage below was worked into the design to accommodate the existing elevation of the original garage window.
A coat closet and a small set of steps divide the pantry from the mudroom entry. The mudroom entry is marked with a striking combo of the herringbone thin-brick flooring and a custom hutch. Kids returning home from school have a designated spot to hang their coats and bookbags with two deep drawers for shoes. A custom cherry bench top adds a punctuation of warmth. The entry door and window replaced the old overhead garage doors to create the daily-used informal entry off the driveway.
With the house being such a favorable area, and the clients not looking to pull up roots, Hillcrest Construction facilitated a collaborative experience and comprehensive plan to change the house for the better and make it a home to grow within.

This existing home was originally built circa 1919, and was ready for a major renovation. As was characteristic of the period in which the home was built, the existing spaces were small and closed in. The design concept included removing walls on first floor for a thoroughly updated and open living / dining / kitchen space, as well as creating a new first floor powder room and entry. Great care was taken to preserve and embrace original period details, including the wood doors and hardware (which were all refinished and reused), the existing stairs (also refinished), and an existing brick pier was exposed to restore some of the home’s inherent charm. The existing wood flooring was also refinished to retain the original details and character.
On the second floor, the existing floors and doors were refinished, and the hall bath renovated.
Photo Credit: Steve Dolinsky

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

The main objective for this project was to create a beautiful outdoor cooking and entertaining space. The clients wanted the new space to have an open concept while being protected from the elements year round. Stylistically they wanted the design to have a Pacific Northwest feel, to blend with the existing house and work well among their natural, forested backyard. We needed to include a BBQ, smoker, sink, refrigerator, gas fireplace and wall mounted heater as well as a large screen TV. The details were going to be a main focus for the design process, as we knew this would ensure the cohesive blend of function and aesthetic appeal.
One of the main challenges was working with the existing deck. The 1000 SF deck needed new decking and guardrails as well as some framing repair. We were worried that the existing deck structure would not support the weight of the new construction.
Another challenge we faced was designing the roof planes to aesthetically blend with the existing house. The layout of the first and second floor had us working through multiple design revisions until we landed on the final stepped roof structure.
We designed the new roof to be supported by the house and columns set directly on the ground, thereby minimizing weight added to the existing deck. This allowed us to use the deck to support the lighter components, including the kitchen and BBQ area.
Oversized beams, exposed raw wood rafters, and sealed car decking worked well with the new cedar deck surface. Stainless steel cabinetry and appliances are accented by solid surface countertops and small mosaic backsplash. All colors were selected to fall within the natural hues of the seasonally changing foliage surrounding the clients’ property.
Maintaining the same footprint of the existing deck, we used the angles to our advantage and created additional seating with a custom built storage bench. New powder coated posts and cable guardrails were topped with an LED lined wood handrail. A decorative chandelier and subtle metal pendants provide ambient light. An electric heater mounted to the inside of one of the beams as well as the gas fireplace provides ample heat for colder months.
The clerestory windows between the two roof planes provide additional light to the space while protecting against the elements. The gas fireplace and cultured stone wrapped chimney is a visual anchor and centerpiece for the deck. The chimney provided an opportunity to hide one of the supporting columns as well as a protected space for the wall mounted TV and soundbar.
The cabinetry layout was selected to offer plenty of storage and special features including a pull out garbage and recycling center, drawers for dishes and utensils, and a concealed paper towel holder.

Building an Addition in Morrisville – Enhancing Living Spaces
In Morrisville, we undertook a comprehensive project to build an addition to an existing house, transforming it into a more spacious and functional living area. The project involved several key phases to ensure both the aesthetic appeal and structural integrity of the addition.
Initial Preparations and Foundation Work
Removing Existing Concrete Slab: Our first task was to carefully remove the existing concrete slab to prepare the site for the new addition.
Installing New Perimeter Foundation: We then laid down a new perimeter foundation, crucial for supporting the added structure and ensuring its long-term stability.
Construction and Structural Enhancements
Building New Walls and Roof: Once the foundation was set, we constructed new walls and a roof. This phase was critical in defining the new space and ensuring it was securely integrated with the existing structure.
Installing Windows and Doors: New windows and doors were installed, chosen for their quality and ability to blend seamlessly with the existing house design, while providing improved insulation and natural light.
Interior Development and Finishing
Creating Living Spaces: The interior was designed to include three distinct living areas, an office, a half bathroom, and a laundry area. Each space was carefully planned to maximize functionality and comfort.
Electrical Installation: All electrical work was done in compliance with code standards. This included installing recessed lights for a modern and unobtrusive lighting solution that enhances the ambiance of the space.
Flooring Installation: We chose a diamond pattern tile flooring for its durability and aesthetic appeal, which was installed with precision across the new addition.
Project Completion
The project culminated in a beautifully expanded living area that not only added square footage to the existing home but also enhanced its functionality and aesthetic appeal. The new addition included a functional office, a convenient half bathroom, and a laundry area, all finished with high-quality materials and modern fixtures.

The main objective for this project was to create a beautiful outdoor cooking and entertaining space. The clients wanted the new space to have an open concept while being protected from the elements year round. Stylistically they wanted the design to have a Pacific Northwest feel, to blend with the existing house and work well among their natural, forested backyard. We needed to include a BBQ, smoker, sink, refrigerator, gas fireplace and wall mounted heater as well as a large screen TV. The details were going to be a main focus for the design process, as we knew this would ensure the cohesive blend of function and aesthetic appeal.
One of the main challenges was working with the existing deck. The 1000 SF deck needed new decking and guardrails as well as some framing repair. We were worried that the existing deck structure would not support the weight of the new construction.
Another challenge we faced was designing the roof planes to aesthetically blend with the existing house. The layout of the first and second floor had us working through multiple design revisions until we landed on the final stepped roof structure.
We designed the new roof to be supported by the house and columns set directly on the ground, thereby minimizing weight added to the existing deck. This allowed us to use the deck to support the lighter components, including the kitchen and BBQ area.
Oversized beams, exposed raw wood rafters, and sealed car decking worked well with the new cedar deck surface. Stainless steel cabinetry and appliances are accented by solid surface countertops and small mosaic backsplash. All colors were selected to fall within the natural hues of the seasonally changing foliage surrounding the clients’ property.
Maintaining the same footprint of the existing deck, we used the angles to our advantage and created additional seating with a custom built storage bench. New powder coated posts and cable guardrails were topped with an LED lined wood handrail. A decorative chandelier and subtle metal pendants provide ambient light. An electric heater mounted to the inside of one of the beams as well as the gas fireplace provides ample heat for colder months.
The clerestory windows between the two roof planes provide additional light to the space while protecting against the elements. The gas fireplace and cultured stone wrapped chimney is a visual anchor and centerpiece for the deck. The chimney provided an opportunity to hide one of the supporting columns as well as a protected space for the wall mounted TV and soundbar.
The cabinetry layout was selected to offer plenty of storage and special features including a pull out garbage and recycling center, drawers for dishes and utensils, and a concealed paper towel holder.

These clients reached out to Hillcrest Construction when their family began out-growing their Phoenixville-area home. Through a comprehensive design phase, opportunities to add square footage were identified along with a reorganization of the typical traffic flow throughout the house.
All household traffic into the hastily-designed, existing family room bump-out addition was funneled through a 3’ berth within the kitchen making meal prep and other kitchen activities somewhat similar to a shift at a PA turnpike toll booth. In the existing bump-out addition, the family room was relatively tight and the dining room barely fit the 6-person dining table. Access to the backyard was somewhat obstructed by the necessary furniture and the kitchen alone didn’t satisfy storage needs beyond a quick trip to the grocery store. The home’s existing front door was the only front entrance, and without a foyer or mudroom, the front formal room often doubled as a drop-zone for groceries, bookbags, and other on-the-go items.
Hillcrest Construction designed a remedy to both address the function and flow issues along with adding square footage via a 150 sq ft addition to the family room and converting the garage into a mudroom entry and walk-through pantry.
-
The project’s addition was not especially large but was able to facilitate a new pathway to the home’s rear family room. The existing brick wall at the bottom of the second-floor staircase was opened up and created a new, natural flow from the second-floor bedrooms to the front formal room, and into the rear family hang-out space- all without having to cut through the often busy kitchen. The dining room area was relocated to remove it from the pathway to the door to the backyard. Additionally, free and clear access to the rear yard was established for both two-legged and four-legged friends.
The existing chunky slider door was removed and in its place was fabricated and installed a custom centerpiece that included a new gas fireplace insert with custom brick surround, two side towers for display items and choice vinyl, and two base cabinets with metal-grated doors to house a subwoofer, wifi equipment, and other stow-away items. The black walnut countertops and mantle pop from the white cabinetry, and the wall-mounted TV with soundbar complete the central A/V hub. The custom cabs and tops were designed and built at Hillcrest’s custom shop.
The farmhouse appeal was completed with distressed engineered hardwood floors and craftsman-style window and door trim throughout.
-
Another major component of the project was the conversion of the garage into a pantry+mudroom+everyday entry.
The clients had used their smallish garage for storage of outdoor yard and recreational equipment. With those storage needs being addressed at the exterior, the space was transformed into a custom pantry and mudroom. The floor level within the space was raised to meet the rest of the house and insulated appropriately. A newly installed pocket door divided the dining room area from the designed-to-spec pantry/beverage center. The pantry was designed to house dry storage, cleaning supplies, and dry bar supplies when the cleaning and shopping are complete. A window seat with doggie supply storage below was worked into the design to accommodate the existing elevation of the original garage window.
A coat closet and a small set of steps divide the pantry from the mudroom entry. The mudroom entry is marked with a striking combo of the herringbone thin-brick flooring and a custom hutch. Kids returning home from school have a designated spot to hang their coats and bookbags with two deep drawers for shoes. A custom cherry bench top adds a punctuation of warmth. The entry door and window replaced the old overhead garage doors to create the daily-used informal entry off the driveway.
With the house being such a favorable area, and the clients not looking to pull up roots, Hillcrest Construction facilitated a collaborative experience and comprehensive plan to change the house for the better and make it a home to grow within.

These clients reached out to Hillcrest Construction when their family began out-growing their Phoenixville-area home. Through a comprehensive design phase, opportunities to add square footage were identified along with a reorganization of the typical traffic flow throughout the house.
All household traffic into the hastily-designed, existing family room bump-out addition was funneled through a 3’ berth within the kitchen making meal prep and other kitchen activities somewhat similar to a shift at a PA turnpike toll booth. In the existing bump-out addition, the family room was relatively tight and the dining room barely fit the 6-person dining table. Access to the backyard was somewhat obstructed by the necessary furniture and the kitchen alone didn’t satisfy storage needs beyond a quick trip to the grocery store. The home’s existing front door was the only front entrance, and without a foyer or mudroom, the front formal room often doubled as a drop-zone for groceries, bookbags, and other on-the-go items.
Hillcrest Construction designed a remedy to both address the function and flow issues along with adding square footage via a 150 sq ft addition to the family room and converting the garage into a mudroom entry and walk-through pantry.
-
The project’s addition was not especially large but was able to facilitate a new pathway to the home’s rear family room. The existing brick wall at the bottom of the second-floor staircase was opened up and created a new, natural flow from the second-floor bedrooms to the front formal room, and into the rear family hang-out space- all without having to cut through the often busy kitchen. The dining room area was relocated to remove it from the pathway to the door to the backyard. Additionally, free and clear access to the rear yard was established for both two-legged and four-legged friends.
The existing chunky slider door was removed and in its place was fabricated and installed a custom centerpiece that included a new gas fireplace insert with custom brick surround, two side towers for display items and choice vinyl, and two base cabinets with metal-grated doors to house a subwoofer, wifi equipment, and other stow-away items. The black walnut countertops and mantle pop from the white cabinetry, and the wall-mounted TV with soundbar complete the central A/V hub. The custom cabs and tops were designed and built at Hillcrest’s custom shop.
The farmhouse appeal was completed with distressed engineered hardwood floors and craftsman-style window and door trim throughout.
-
Another major component of the project was the conversion of the garage into a pantry+mudroom+everyday entry.
The clients had used their smallish garage for storage of outdoor yard and recreational equipment. With those storage needs being addressed at the exterior, the space was transformed into a custom pantry and mudroom. The floor level within the space was raised to meet the rest of the house and insulated appropriately. A newly installed pocket door divided the dining room area from the designed-to-spec pantry/beverage center. The pantry was designed to house dry storage, cleaning supplies, and dry bar supplies when the cleaning and shopping are complete. A window seat with doggie supply storage below was worked into the design to accommodate the existing elevation of the original garage window.
A coat closet and a small set of steps divide the pantry from the mudroom entry. The mudroom entry is marked with a striking combo of the herringbone thin-brick flooring and a custom hutch. Kids returning home from school have a designated spot to hang their coats and bookbags with two deep drawers for shoes. A custom cherry bench top adds a punctuation of warmth. The entry door and window replaced the old overhead garage doors to create the daily-used informal entry off the driveway.
With the house being such a favorable area, and the clients not looking to pull up roots, Hillcrest Construction facilitated a collaborative experience and comprehensive plan to change the house for the better and make it a home to grow within.

These clients reached out to Hillcrest Construction when their family began out-growing their Phoenixville-area home. Through a comprehensive design phase, opportunities to add square footage were identified along with a reorganization of the typical traffic flow throughout the house.
All household traffic into the hastily-designed, existing family room bump-out addition was funneled through a 3’ berth within the kitchen making meal prep and other kitchen activities somewhat similar to a shift at a PA turnpike toll booth. In the existing bump-out addition, the family room was relatively tight and the dining room barely fit the 6-person dining table. Access to the backyard was somewhat obstructed by the necessary furniture and the kitchen alone didn’t satisfy storage needs beyond a quick trip to the grocery store. The home’s existing front door was the only front entrance, and without a foyer or mudroom, the front formal room often doubled as a drop-zone for groceries, bookbags, and other on-the-go items.
Hillcrest Construction designed a remedy to both address the function and flow issues along with adding square footage via a 150 sq ft addition to the family room and converting the garage into a mudroom entry and walk-through pantry.
-
The project’s addition was not especially large but was able to facilitate a new pathway to the home’s rear family room. The existing brick wall at the bottom of the second-floor staircase was opened up and created a new, natural flow from the second-floor bedrooms to the front formal room, and into the rear family hang-out space- all without having to cut through the often busy kitchen. The dining room area was relocated to remove it from the pathway to the door to the backyard. Additionally, free and clear access to the rear yard was established for both two-legged and four-legged friends.
The existing chunky slider door was removed and in its place was fabricated and installed a custom centerpiece that included a new gas fireplace insert with custom brick surround, two side towers for display items and choice vinyl, and two base cabinets with metal-grated doors to house a subwoofer, wifi equipment, and other stow-away items. The black walnut countertops and mantle pop from the white cabinetry, and the wall-mounted TV with soundbar complete the central A/V hub. The custom cabs and tops were designed and built at Hillcrest’s custom shop.
The farmhouse appeal was completed with distressed engineered hardwood floors and craftsman-style window and door trim throughout.
-
Another major component of the project was the conversion of the garage into a pantry+mudroom+everyday entry.
The clients had used their smallish garage for storage of outdoor yard and recreational equipment. With those storage needs being addressed at the exterior, the space was transformed into a custom pantry and mudroom. The floor level within the space was raised to meet the rest of the house and insulated appropriately. A newly installed pocket door divided the dining room area from the designed-to-spec pantry/beverage center. The pantry was designed to house dry storage, cleaning supplies, and dry bar supplies when the cleaning and shopping are complete. A window seat with doggie supply storage below was worked into the design to accommodate the existing elevation of the original garage window.
A coat closet and a small set of steps divide the pantry from the mudroom entry. The mudroom entry is marked with a striking combo of the herringbone thin-brick flooring and a custom hutch. Kids returning home from school have a designated spot to hang their coats and bookbags with two deep drawers for shoes. A custom cherry bench top adds a punctuation of warmth. The entry door and window replaced the old overhead garage doors to create the daily-used informal entry off the driveway.
With the house being such a favorable area, and the clients not looking to pull up roots, Hillcrest Construction facilitated a collaborative experience and comprehensive plan to change the house for the better and make it a home to grow within.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Hope Restoration & General Contracting
Columbus Design-Build, Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Historic Renovations

ARTR152M4: adorne® Tamper-Resistant Outlet - 15A - 125V - Magnesium
ADPD703HM4: adorne® Paddle Dimmer - 700W - Incandescent/Halogen - Magnesium
ADTP703TUM4: - 700W - True-Universal - Magnesium
adorne® Tamper-Resistant Outlet -
All adorne outlets include a tamper-resistant design featuring a patented shutter system, keeping children safe by preventing them from pushing small objects into the outlet. The shutters are molded a dark color that they fade into the backgorund while keeping users safe.
Patented shutter system helps prevent improper insertion of foreign objects.
Configuration easily supports two plugs and offers the capacity of a standard outlet.
Easy "1-for-1" installation lets you simply replace your existing outlet in just minutes.
Fits in your existing electrical box and does not require new wires for typical installation. Innovative assembly and snap-in system make it fast and simple to install.
adorne® Paddle Dimmer -
Dual-engineered with a rocking motion for seamless on/off lighting control, as well as a slider for dimming in one beautifully inventive package.
To determine what option is right for you, make sure the wattage of your bulbs matches the wattage of the dimmer switch by multiplying the number of bulbs by their respective wattage. For example, if you have a chandelier with 11 bulbs at 100 watts each, you would need the 1100 watt dimmer switch.
Supports incandescent and halogen bulbs and single-pole/3-way operation.
Easy "1-for-1" installation lets you simply replace your existing switch in just minutes.
Fits in your existing electrical box and does not require new wires for typical installation. Innovative assembly and snap-in system make it fast and simple to install.
adorne® sofTap Dimmer -
The sofTap design features an innovative micro-movement that turns lights on an doff with just a soft "tap" of the finger.
2015 Light for Tomorrow Winner.
To determine what option is right for you, make sure the wattage of your bulbs matches the wattage of the dimmer switch by multiplying the number of bulbs by their respective wattage. For example, if you have a chandelier with 11 bulbs at 100 watts each, you would need the 1100 watt dimmer switch.
Switch supports single-pole and three-way operation.
Easy "1-for-1" installation lets you simply replace your existing switch in just minutes.
Fits in your existing electrical box and does not require new wires for typical installation. Innovative assembly and snap-in system make it fast and simple to install.
Tru-Universal technology enables the dimmer to support all load types, including incandescent/halogen, Magnetic Low Voltage (MLV), Electronic Low Voltage (ELV) in forward or reverse Phase, CFL/LED, etc.

This existing home was originally built circa 1919, and was ready for a major renovation. As was characteristic of the period in which the home was built, the existing spaces were small and closed in. The design concept included removing walls on first floor for a thoroughly updated and open living / dining / kitchen space, as well as creating a new first floor powder room and entry. Great care was taken to preserve and embrace original period details, including the wood doors and hardware (which were all refinished and reused), the existing stairs (also refinished), and an existing brick pier was exposed to restore some of the home’s inherent charm. The existing wood flooring was also refinished to retain the original details and character.
This image highlights the existing brick pier that was uncovered and left exposed as a design feature on the first floor, as well as the home's staircase, which is original to the home and was refinished as part of the renovation. Additionally, a wall between the stair and living room was removed to create a larger family space.
Photo Credit: Steve Dolinsky

This existing home was originally built circa 1919, and was ready for a major renovation. As was characteristic of the period in which the home was built, the existing spaces were small and closed in. The design concept included removing walls on first floor for a thoroughly updated and open living / dining / kitchen space, as well as creating a new first floor powder room and entry. Great care was taken to preserve and embrace original period details, including the wood doors and hardware (which were all refinished and reused), the existing stairs (also refinished), and an existing brick pier was exposed to restore some of the home’s inherent charm. The existing wood flooring was also refinished to retain the original details and character.
This image highlights the existing brick pier that was uncovered and left exposed as a design feature on the first floor.
Photo Credit: Steve Dolinsky

Building an Addition in Morrisville – Enhancing Living Spaces
In Morrisville, we undertook a comprehensive project to build an addition to an existing house, transforming it into a more spacious and functional living area. The project involved several key phases to ensure both the aesthetic appeal and structural integrity of the addition.
Initial Preparations and Foundation Work
Removing Existing Concrete Slab: Our first task was to carefully remove the existing concrete slab to prepare the site for the new addition.
Installing New Perimeter Foundation: We then laid down a new perimeter foundation, crucial for supporting the added structure and ensuring its long-term stability.
Construction and Structural Enhancements
Building New Walls and Roof: Once the foundation was set, we constructed new walls and a roof. This phase was critical in defining the new space and ensuring it was securely integrated with the existing structure.
Installing Windows and Doors: New windows and doors were installed, chosen for their quality and ability to blend seamlessly with the existing house design, while providing improved insulation and natural light.
Interior Development and Finishing
Creating Living Spaces: The interior was designed to include three distinct living areas, an office, a half bathroom, and a laundry area. Each space was carefully planned to maximize functionality and comfort.
Electrical Installation: All electrical work was done in compliance with code standards. This included installing recessed lights for a modern and unobtrusive lighting solution that enhances the ambiance of the space.
Flooring Installation: We chose a diamond pattern tile flooring for its durability and aesthetic appeal, which was installed with precision across the new addition.
Project Completion
The project culminated in a beautifully expanded living area that not only added square footage to the existing home but also enhanced its functionality and aesthetic appeal. The new addition included a functional office, a convenient half bathroom, and a laundry area, all finished with high-quality materials and modern fixtures.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Trish Takacs Design
Award Winning & Highly Skilled Kitchen & Bath Designer in Columbus

This existing home was originally built circa 1919, and was ready for a major renovation. As was characteristic of the period in which the home was built, the existing spaces were small and closed in. The design concept included removing walls on first floor for a thoroughly updated and open living / dining / kitchen space, as well as creating a new first floor powder room and entry. Great care was taken to preserve and embrace original period details, including the wood doors and hardware (which were all refinished and reused), the existing stairs (also refinished), and an existing brick pier was exposed to restore some of the home’s inherent charm. The existing wood flooring was also refinished to retain the original details and character.
The kitchen was completely renovated to introduce all of the modern conveniences, and the existing wall between the kitchen and dining room was removed to create an open kitchen / dining space.
Photo Credit: Steve Dolinsky

This Project consisted of lifting the existing bricks and storing them on site, remove a portion of the existing brick walls and remove wall caps, install new flagstone wall caps to provide 1″ overhang on each side, pressure wash sitting walls, excavate the existing patio stone dust base and discard of it, excavate patio to proper base depth of 8″+- and install a proper 2A Modified stone base. We then installed a 1″ sand setting bed and reinstalled the existing brick pavers. The new installation also included drainage pipe and catches to allow water to escape the patio and drain beyond the foot print of the patio, house and shed.
Also included were removal the existing upper flagstone patio and walking path, leveling the path and lay larger pieces of flagstone in the upper patio. We will also install proper joint material between the flagstone for a more uniform walking surface. We also used the existing flagstone to make small garden paths in place of the brick paths.
Lastly, included was grading a small swale in the back lawn to divert water around to the sides of the house and away from the rear patio area.
A drainage system along the right side of the shed to collect ground water as well as downspouts along that side of the shed and carport and move the water to the street through 4″ solid drainage pipes was also installed.

This project at 703 South Grand Avenue involves the redesign and rebuilding of the homes crumbling front porch.
See the project video here: https://youtu.be/6lIf19XYYvk
The scope of work will be to remove the porches existing concrete foundation, concrete slab surface, two sets of concrete steps, and 3 steel roof support columns. Other than replacing the wood shingles to match, the existing roof structure will remain un-touched.
The porch roof will be supported with a new concrete foundation wall, Craftsman style columns and a low lap siding railing wall. The siding, color scheme, and trim details will be in character with the existing home. This new porch will be accessed with wood steps from both the front street side and the south driveway side.
The new design is primarily focused on matching the character of the existing 2 story home, yet upgrading it visually in a way that is harmonious with this South Bozeman neighborhood’s historic character.
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