Whether it's a little update or big makeover, change is in the air.
‘Tis the season for tulips and spring cleaning, and the right time to start thinking about that home improvement to-do list that went dormant in December. To both motivate and inspire you, we searched high and low to create an A to Z alphabet soup of tips, tools and trends to help with your next project.
Architectural Elements
Take something old and make it new again. Elements salvaged from old buildings make for unique and sustainable home and garden décor. Vintage hardware, doors, shutters, railings, cast iron tubs—even the kitchen sink—are all available at the Allentown Preservation League's showroom. You just might find a treasure among their ever-changing inventory.
1518 W. Walnut St., Allentown | 610.437.1989 | allentownpreservation.org
Black
Black is the new chrome when it comes to hardware for the kitchen and bath. The contrast of black matte handles and pulls on white or light cabinetry is especially impactful. Even if a complete room renovation isn't in the cards, browse the hardware selection at Frank Webb Home for inspiration. Updating tired cabinets with new hardware is one of the oldest (and least expensive) tricks in the book.
1665 E. Race St., Allentown | 484.488.3677 | frankwebb.com
Curved Lines
Unless you live in an igloo, we all inhabit rectangular or square spaces. Substituting curved furnishings for square pieces will instantly update a room and soften elegant lines. A round coffee table or circular mirror—even the curved back of a sofa or chair—will create graceful movement and pull the eye around the room. The third-generation owners at Martin's Furniture can suggest a new addition to your décor.
123 E. 3rd St., Bethlehem | 610.867.3494
Doors
Your front door is the place to make a good first impression. A gorgeous new door boosts curb appeal and can change a home's entire dynamic. But just as important as style are durability and energy efficiency. Fiberglass and steel entry doors from A.B.E. Doors and Windows provide added security and save on heating and cooling costs.
6776 Hamilton Blvd. Allentown | 610.398.2430 | abedoors.com
Energy Efficiency
The movement toward energy-efficient homes shows no signs of slowing down. Eco-conscious builders like studio26 homes meet the demands of health- and budget-minded customers by providing tankless water heaters, solar energy systems, programmable thermostats, LED lighting and more in a whole-house integrated system approach that saves money and the planet.
1748 Central Park, Orefield | 610.391.0100 | studio26homes.com
Finishing Touches
Once the furniture's in place, decorate with beautifully framed artwork to express your personality and preserve the past. Your paintings and heirlooms are in good hands at Girl on the Hill custom frame shop, where they can build any frame imaginable.
Pro Tip: When hanging pictures, keep things at eye level. You shouldn't have to crane your neck to view.
645 N. New St., Bethlehem | 610.849.2295 | girlonthehillframing.com
Geometric Wallpaper
Wallpaper is making a big comeback but dainty floral patterns are so passé. Go bold with fun geometric shapes to give a home an impactful, modern edge. Take home an armful of sample books from Sherwin-Williams and play with some options. But be careful not to overwhelm a room with busy prints—one accent wall may be all you need.
Various area locations | sherwin-williams.com
High Ceilings
“Taller ceilings are not an option, they are a must!” says homebuilder Myron Haydt of Myron Haydt Development, whose standard heights are 10 feet for first floors and at least nine feet for second floors. Not only do soaring ceilings make everything feel grand, they also allow room for larger windows, upsized interior mouldings and building coffered and beamed ceilings.
Allentown | 610.776.2952 | myronhaydthomes.com
Icebox
Otherwise known as the refrigerator, the home market is exploding with retro appliances that look surprisingly like what grandma had in her kitchen. Allentown Appliance offers these iconic 1950s-style iceboxes by Smeg in a riot of 16 colors, including orange and lime green.
1824 W. Allen St., Allentown | 610.439.8448 | allentownappliance.com
Just Do It
Buy something quirky that's guaranteed to get a conversation started. The Tuesday morning action at Tom Hall Auctions offers plenty of one-of-a-kind items and an adrenaline rush. Bid on a vintage barbershop chair or snag a three-legged milking stool for a buck.
4644 Main St., Schnecksville | 610.799.0808 | tomhallauctions.com
Kitchen Cabinets
While the all-white kitchen may never go out of style, homeowners can make a statement using color on their cabinets. Earthy neutrals like gray and soft green are trending now, but don't rule out black or navy blue for a high-end look. Take full advantage of design services from the pros at Bella Casa Kitchen & Bath to make the most of your space. While you're at it, swap out cabinet doors for large drawers for better access and easy storage.
1812 W. Tilghman St., Allentown | 610.433.9800 | bellacasakitchenandbath.com
Lighting
There are many décor trends that come and go quickly, but glass pendant lighting isn't one of them. Clear pendants work with rustic, industrial and coastal cottage styles, and look great above a small dining table or lined up over a kitchen island. The showroom at Stokes Electrical Supply has a dazzling display. Add an Edison bulb for a vintage look.
3401 Northwood Ave., Easton | 1.800.523.9214 | stokeselectric.com
Marble
Marble is showing up as the countertop material of choice in high-end kitchens, and appears on almost every surface in bathrooms. Unlike man-made stone such as Caesarstone or Corian, each slab of marble is unique and best appreciated by seeing the stone in person. Handpick a beautiful piece from the slab yard at Eastern Surfaces. Calacatta, a gray-veined marble from Italy, is a popular choice.
601 S. 10th St., Allentown | 610.266.3121 | easternsurfaces.com
Natural Elements
You're probably headed to a garden center like Dan Schantz Greenhouse & Cut Flower Outlet right now for a few flats of pansies, but why not introduce plants inside the house? They're more than just decoration; studies show plants increase a room's oxygen level and humidity, and remove toxins from the air. Not only will you breathe easier, your home will look terrific with a few pops of green in cute pots.
2031 29th St., SW Allentown | 610.797.2774 | danschantzgreenhouse.com
Open Shelving
Cabinets above the countertop are doing a disappearing act and the new standard in today's chic kitchens is open shelving. If you dare to expose your clutter to the world, residential contractors like Lehigh Valley Interior Construction can suggest ways to make shelving work for your space. It's a great option to keep plates handy or if you collect glassware, china patterns, serving pieces or anything kitchen vintage.
4310 W. Saucon Valley Rd., Coopersburg | 610.791.4225 | buildwithlvic.com
Pattern
If the budget allows, install a floor in hardwood or engineered product using a pattern. Chevron and herringbone designs look great in entryways and add a wow factor to larger spaces like the dining room. The intricacy requires time and expertise, so hire a professional like East Penn Hardwood for the install. And stick with a matte finish—too much shine looks fake.
5925 Tilghman St. Suite 30, Allentown | 610.366.9494 | ephardwood.com
Quilts
Nothing says quaint like quilts. Whether it's a family heirloom or new purchase, cozy quilts add real warmth to the bedroom. The Lehigh Valley is brimming with boutiques, flea markets, co-ops and places like the Zionsville Antique Mall where browsing through the stalls may reward you with a handmade beauty.
7567 Chestnut St., Zionsville | 610.965.3292 | zionsvilleantiques.com
Radiant Floor Heat
Take the chill out of bathroom floors with radiant floor heating. Warm water pumped through tubing within or under the floor keeps tile comfortably warm so toes stay toasty right out of the shower. Experience radiant floor heat in action for yourself at Deiter Bros.' showroom in Bethlehem.
1226 Stefko Blvd., Bethlehem | 610.868.8566 | dbrothers.com
Smart Tech
Smart home technology is both very cool and very practical. One easy-to-use smart device allows you to control your lighting, climate, music and network, says Eric Haas, president of Current Concepts. “Carry your smart device with you on errands or vacation and still have the ability to control your entire home. Your smart home automation system is there for you when you aren't.”
4610 Pleasant View Dr., Coopersburg | 610.791.4458 | cchas.com
Tile
The tile market has exploded with color, pattern and texture. If you haven't shopped for tile lately, a visit to H. Winter & Company's showroom—largest in the Lehigh Valley—will blow you away. Encaustic tile in bright patterns for walls and floors is a huge trend right now, but the pros at H. Winter & Company say that they require a lot of maintenance, causing a lot of manufacturers to switch to porcelain tile that looks like encaustic cement. Update your bathroom with hexagonal tiles in a neutral grey or beige. Go big on the kitchen floor with 24-inch by 24-inch squares or wide faux-wood planks. Let loose the artist within!
890 N. Gilmore St., Allentown | 610.434.4500 | hwintertile.com
Unique
Why be average? A quirky collection of garden gnomes or one-of-a-kind objects on display speaks louder than words about a homeowner's personality. The inventory of sustainably-sourced furniture and funky home accents at Domaci is unique in the Lehigh Valley and shoppers can be assured that whatever they buy, no one else will own one exactly like it. Anyone up for a counter table with a bicycle as its base?
21 E. 3rd St., Bethlehem | 484.892.6486 | domacihome.com
Velvet
“Add a touch of opulence and depth to your room design with velvet,” says Lori Schoeneman, owner of Inspired Interiors and Fabric. A chair or sofa covered in a vibrant color makes a bold statement. Need an easy update? A few throw pillows in a subdued, textured velvet gives a room that extra oomph.
3055 W. Tilghman St. Allentown | 484.891.0805 | inspiredinteriorsandfabric.com
Wicker
“All-weather wicker furniture nestled beneath a covered porch or out on the patio or deck is a great choice to welcome the warm days of spring,” says Bucks Country Gardens' lifestyle manager Donna Dentner. With so many styles and colors to choose from, today's quality outdoor wicker complements both contemporary and traditional home settings and stands the test of time.
1057 N. Easton Rd., Doylestown | 215.766.7800 | buckscountrygardens.com
eXtra
When creating symmetry in a room, nothing sets the scene quite like seating duos. “If you have the space, go for a pair of sofas,” says Denise Goreski, design center manager for Ethan Allen. Sofas are often paired with loveseats, but for only $100 or so more you can purchase two sofas for balance and get extra seating room. Place the sofas facing each other for a cozy conversation area.
5064 Hamilton Blvd., Allentown | 610.395.4944 | ethanallen.com
(color of the) Year
Pantone's color of the year is Classic Blue. Pantone says, “Suggestive of the sky at dusk, the reassuring qualities of the thought-provoking Classic Blue highlight the desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era.” That's a lot to pin on a paint color. Let the pros at Miller's Paint & Wallpaper help your walls find peace in 2020.
4041 William Penn Hwy., Easton | 610.252.7575 | millerspaintandwallpaper.com
Zoological
Hey, you, take a walk on the wild side with graphic designs borrowed from the zoo world. Watch how a bold zebra-print pillow enlivens an all-white bedroom, or a soft cheetah pattern in velvet transforms chairs in the dining room. Even the mildest-mannered person can go exotic with guidance from interior designers like those at GailGray Home.
2960 Center Valley Pkwy., Center Valley | 484.223.3301 | gailgrayhome.com
