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 collection is an arrangement of beautiful scenes from photography of the Lower Southeastern region of the United States and beyond! Michelle’s ever expanding collection of watery Low Country sea and landscapes are influenced by all those field trips, and the ability to soak up the very unique flavors, up and down the Atlantic coastline. She then translates her travels and impressions onto the canvas just as soon as she returns home to her busy Studio space so near and dear to her heart.

Artwork: Custom version of 'Breezy Day' Michelle’s ever expanding collection of watery Low Country sea and landscapes are influenced by all those field trips, and the ability to soak up the very unique flavors, up and down the Atlantic coastline. She translates her travels and impressions onto the canvas just as soon as she returns home to her busy Studio space so near and dear to her heart.

https://www.paypal.me/SAVVYGIVINGTAMPA Cadence’s family monitors her closely every single day for evidence of bleeds. If she wakes up with a bruise, or splotchy marks on her skin, it can mean a trip to the hospital for infusions to bring her platelet levels up. Often, the process of an infusion leads to other infections and complications, which can lead to long hospital stays for Cadence and her family. As a result, Cadence has limited exposure to external activities and her families daily goal is to keep her safe and protect her from bumps. A tall order for any sweet and bubbly five year old.

This client wanted to brighten up their living room. They had an upholstered brown sectional they wanted to keep. To lighten up the overall room, the paint color was changed from a medium tan to a pale gray. A light gray area rug in an animal print texture was placed under the sectional. Custom blue, teal, and gray throw pillows, as well as cozy blue throws, were added to the sectional. A glass and wood coffee table allowed the texture of the rug to show through. Brass and steel decorative accessories were added to the coffee table for storing remote controls and coasters. Additional brass figurines (including an alligator...a common sight in Louisiana!), books, and a blue tray also decorated the coffee table. Abstract art was hung above the fireplace and the mantle was decorated with an antique clock, framed art, a ginger jar, a foo dog, and candlesticks. The multiple bookcases in the room were decorated with framed photos from family trips, navy decor, and copper accessories. Photo Credit: Oivanki Photography

This Jano Murky Marble Tempered Glass basin is essential when it comes to decorating your elegant bathroom. This basin features polished glass interior and exterior that is constructed from solid tempered glass to resist household temperature changes. This is simply designed for above and partially below the counter installation and will surely be a compliment to any color and updated design for a bathroom remodel. Make the installation a lot easier with the included hole diameter template. Save your trip to the hardware store as it also includes an official Jano Popup Drain. You can finally take advantage and enjoy this easy home improvement project that can save the headache. It is also great for home, spa, hotel, restaurant or other commercial use and home use! Features: This gorgeous Murky Marble tempered glass basin will add a sharp and sophisticated style to bathroom Made from high quality thick tempered glass to prevent breakage Includes stainless steel pop up drain to save the trip hassle Includes 1.77in. drain hole template to ensure the perfect fit Dimensions:16.5inx6.7in, Thickness:17mm, G.W 19.84lb Item Model Number: JGV1019 Thickness: 17mm Item Weight: 18lb Product Dimensions: 16.5" x 16.5" x 6.7" Assembly Diameter: 16.5" Package Content: 1x Jano Murky Marble Tempered Glass basin 1x Hole Diameter Template 1x Popup Drain with mounting Rings 1x User Manual

This client wanted to brighten up their living room. They had an upholstered brown sectional they wanted to keep. To lighten up the overall room, the paint color was changed from a medium tan to a pale gray. A light gray area rug in an animal print texture was placed under the sectional. Custom blue, teal, and gray throw pillows, as well as cozy blue throws, were added to the sectional. A glass and wood coffee table allowed the texture of the rug to show through. Brass and steel decorative accessories were added to the coffee table for storing remote controls and coasters. Additional brass figurines (including an alligator...a common sight in Louisiana!), books, and a blue tray also decorated the coffee table. Abstract art was hung above the fireplace and the mantle was decorated with an antique clock, framed art, a ginger jar, a foo dog, and candlesticks. The multiple bookcases in the room were decorated with framed photos from family trips, navy decor, and copper accessories. Photo Credit: Oivanki Photography

KOZAK Roll Off Dumpster Rentals, LLC 727-455-5144 - New Port Richey, FL, is a leading dumpster rental and junk removal service provider in New Port Richey, Florida. They serve residential and commercial clients, offering various waste disposal solutions. Their services are ideal for repair, renovation, development, and cleanout projects. The company takes pride in keeping its customers on schedule and under budget with reliable and reasonably-priced driveway-friendly bins. They offer low-cost rentals for all projects and jobs in New Port Richey, Florida. Along with top-quality roll-off container rentals, they also offer junk removal services to help clear away waste, allowing customers to focus on their tasks. As a locally owned and operated company, they are committed to providing the #1 dumpster rental service in New Port Richey, FL, for short-term and long-term waste removal needs. Their offerings include 15-yard dump trailers, roll-offs, and 20-yard roll-offs, catering to different project scales and waste volumes. They also provide flexible scheduling to accommodate the needs of their customers and ensure that all waste is disposed of responsibly in partnership with the Pasco and Pinellas County Solid Waste Landfills. Whether you're a homeowner undertaking a DIY remodel, a contractor in need of reliable waste disposal, or a business owner managing a large-scale project, KOZAK Roll Off Dumpster Rentals 727-455-5144 - New Port Richey, FL, is a top choice for quality equipment, outstanding customer support, and affordable pricing. Their services can be quickly booked online or over the phone.

The Brahmin - in Ridgefield Washington by Cascade West Development Inc. Every area of this home is designed to be spacious and accommodating. Its supersized nook area, the extra-large Pantry area to handle all the trips from Costco, down to the oversized Mud Room with benches, cubbies and large closet, to the spacious Guest Room with a private bath all of which are on the Main floor, but wait there is more! Head through the corner of the kitchen and you’ll find the “12th man Room” an incredibly cozy sized room, that features a 2nd Fireplace, Vaulted Ceilings, a Wet Bar with an under cabinet refrigerator, a sink, microwave for the popcorn and last but not least the Big Screen for Game Day! Be the Fan! Sit down, immerse yourself into the couch and turn it up! Commercial or Halftime?, …..just head outside and enjoy a breath of fresh air in the oversized back yard and throw some ball to remember the old days or drift into your favorite athlete’s stance and get geared up for the second half! Cascade West Facebook: https://goo.gl/MCD2U1 Cascade West Website: https://goo.gl/XHm7Un These photos, like many of ours, were taken by the good people of ExposioHDR - Portland, Or Exposio Facebook: https://goo.gl/SpSvyo Exposio Website: https://goo.gl/Cbm8Ya

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.

The Brahmin - in Ridgefield Washington by Cascade West Development Inc. Every area of this home is designed to be spacious and accommodating. Its supersized nook area, the extra-large Pantry area to handle all the trips from Costco, down to the oversized Mud Room with benches, cubbies and large closet, to the spacious Guest Room with a private bath all of which are on the Main floor, but wait there is more! Head through the corner of the kitchen and you’ll find the “12th man Room” an incredibly cozy sized room, that features a 2nd Fireplace, Vaulted Ceilings, a Wet Bar with an under cabinet refrigerator, a sink, microwave for the popcorn and last but not least the Big Screen for Game Day! Be the Fan! Sit down, immerse yourself into the couch and turn it up! Commercial or Halftime?, …..just head outside and enjoy a breath of fresh air in the oversized back yard and throw some ball to remember the old days or drift into your favorite athlete’s stance and get geared up for the second half! Cascade West Facebook: https://goo.gl/MCD2U1 Cascade West Website: https://goo.gl/XHm7Un These photos, like many of ours, were taken by the good people of ExposioHDR - Portland, Or Exposio Facebook: https://goo.gl/SpSvyo Exposio Website: https://goo.gl/Cbm8Ya

Originally this side patio was simply a barren cement patch that was cold and uninviting (this is the BEFORE picture). It has a basic stone and concrete patio floor, with concrete brick walls. There was some natural bamboo behind the wall, but otherwise no plants. The house sits down in to the property, and to get to the front door you have to descend a steep set of stairs. This patio area is one of the first things people see as they descend the stairs to the front door, so we wanted to make it as inviting and cozy as possible. Plus, with all the natural tree coverage, it's a perfect place during hot days to curl up with a book or glass of wine under the shade. Not wanting to spend money on a massive renovation, the goal was to create a cozy niche for both entertaining guests and personal relaxation, reminiscent of an India-meets-Bali exotic retreat. We created something that was organic and natural looking, in harmony with the relaxed environment of Laguna Beach. To keep it budget friendly - and better for the environment - we also opted for recycled and pre-owned items we found on Craiglist and eBay. I chose to first mask the barren concrete walls with an carved wood screen from India, to add depth and interest. I placed two large daybeds with heavily padded cushions in an “L” shape to entice people to curl up and sink in. Rather than opting for a regular square patio table, I found a one-of-a-kind custom oak tree slab table (a fantastic Craiglist find!) that added a beautiful organic feel. The Moroccan lamp I brought back from one of my trips to Marrakech, and it added the perfect personal touch, in addition to personal sacred objects such as an antique Kwan Yin statue (great eBay find), crystals, and shells found at the beach. Finally, various plants were added — including both a satsuma orange tree and grapefruit tree that add lovely bursts of color when in season. And makes for a great quick snack when lounging about!

A complete metamorphosis was needed to bring out the buried treasure hidden beneath this yard, and a family of five rattlesnakes had to find a new home! Here’s the short list of the awkward elements that had to be remedied: First, the neighbors’ living room window peered perpetually (like, all the time) and directly into the yard with no privacy whatsoever. None. Second, the vast deep end swallowed up the patio and provided no place for furniture, or walking. Only tripping and treading water was allowed. Third, the sunken lawn must have been an arena of some sort! Intentionally excavated from natural grade a full -42″ from the patio, for no good reason. Fourth, the not-worth-a-visit ramada was the focal point for the entire yard. See it up close! It’s gone. Fifth, the spa was shoved against the farthest wall and provided no invitation. It was so bad, it never had a photo taken! See the statue peeing between the two short columns? It’s over there. Peeing in the corner as all little boys are want to do. Sixth, the bbq and fire place were non-functional and equally uninviting, and here’s a better view of just how crowded the furniture is. Don’t fall in! Last, we will not mention the boulder pile droppings distributed around the yard. Oops! Sorry. The first order of business was to spend several weeks tearing out everything but the pool shell. Then another few weeks were spent wheelbarrowing in a few hundred yards of top soil (there was no access) to fill the matador pit flush to a more relatable -18″. The large gaping trough was then discretely hidden with large removable stones, so it was out of sight but still serviceable. Second, the neighbor was screened instantly with a row of mature Texas Ebony trees in a raised planter, that also housed a sculptural ironwood tree as the focal point of the property, soon to be reflected in the pool’s richer Midnight Blue pebble tec finish. A hundred or so yards of shotcrete filled not only the reclaimed deep end, but also created a sun shelf and spa ledge, now the focal jewel in the foreground as a 360 overflow vanishing edge spa clad in Pewter glass tile from Oceanside Glass, and viewed from all the interior living spaces. The BBQ was tucked around the corner out of sight but still easy access. The fireplace for two gave way to a large inviting built in banco, with a splashes of colorful fabrics to draw one out. The fire pit serves about 10 people easily, for hours at a time. Last but not least, the foreground of the pool became a sweeping entry shelf extending the full length of the pool, bedecked with fiberoptic starlights and six glowing bubblers set low, to just barely break the surface of the water, giving a lovely and tranquil sound while sleeping away with all retractable doors wide open. Simple. Serene. Self-evident. That is the remedy. If your project needs a similar touch, more or less, drop me a line and we’ll figure out a plan.

An upper bedroom of this Johnson County home was the perfect setting for a comfortable TV area and casual game room. Arlene Ladegaard of Design Connection, Inc. was up to the task of repurposing this space for relaxing and playing. A custom cabinet housed a Sub Zero bar refrigerator and contained soft close drawers and space for the audio-video components and snacks. Comfortable leather chairs and stylish lighting invited reading and other family activities. The round coffee table adjusts to different heights for puzzles and game nights. A soft grey tone on the walls and neutral fabrics made the space look larger. The wall art is from an accessory trip to Las Vegas Market and made especially for the size and colors of the room. The fabrics are leather and natural soft textures, chosen to work with the glazing on the custom cabinet built specifically for this room. A Jack and Jill bathroom divide up the space between the upper bedrooms. Wallpaper was chosen for its endurance, color and texture along with a new custom vanity, mirror, lighting and accessories. Design Connection, Inc. provided; Space plans, custom cabinet designs, furniture, wall art, lamps, and project management to ensure all aspects of this space met the firm’s high criteria.

This collection is an arrangement of beautiful scenes from photography of the Lower Southeastern region of the United States and beyond! Michelle’s ever expanding collection of watery Low Country sea and landscapes are influenced by all those field trips, and the ability to soak up the very unique flavors, up and down the Atlantic coastline. She then translates her travels and impressions onto the canvas just as soon as she returns home to her busy Studio space so near and dear to her heart.

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 La Mesa project started with a video call from across the country. The homeowners’ son had just gotten a job in San Diego and needed a place to land—but the rental market was brutal, and they wanted him close. “Can you build something in our backyard before he moves in September?” It was May. We had four months. Here’s the thing about ADU construction in La Mesa: the permitting process can be unpredictable. We got lucky with a new streamlined approval process the city had just implemented, but we still had to navigate setback requirements and that magnificent old oak tree you see shading the front. That tree wasn’t going anywhere—we designed around it. The exterior keeps things classic California cottage: cream stucco, a pitched roofline that echoes the main house, and that warm wood door with glass panels that the homeowner picked out herself during a Saturday morning trip to the salvage yard. The lattice privacy screen on the side patio was a last-minute addition—turns out the neighbors’ kitchen window looked right into the ADU’s bedroom, so we needed a creative solution that didn’t feel like a wall. Inside, we opened everything up. The kitchen became the heart of the space, with white shaker cabinets that maximize storage and that pop-of-color island in teal blue. The homeowner’s wife insisted on it—”He needs at least one thing with personality,” she said. Those glass-front upper cabinets with interior lighting? Her idea too, and she was right. They make the whole space feel bigger and more intentional. The skylight was our contribution. In a compact ADU, natural light is everything, and that one feature completely transformed how the space feels during the day. Did we finish before September? Of Course! The son moved in August with his beat-up Honda Civic and three boxes of belongings. Six months later, he’s still there, and according to his mom, he cooks dinner for the family twice a week. Mission accomplished!

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.