A DREAM HOME IN EFFORT, PA
Where Comfort Meets Timeless Elegance
Effort, PA
Overview:
In the scenic hills of Effort, PA, a family set out to create a home that perfectly blended modern living with timeless charm. Their vision was clear: a space that was both functional and inviting, with an emphasis on comfort and design. They wanted a home that would be as ideal for daily family life as it would be for hosting friends, and it had to reflect their personal style—a combination of modern amenities and traditional details.
Left: The clients asked us to incorporate a dining room light fixture they received as a wedding gift in their new home.
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The Vision: A Home that Feels like Home
From the start, the family knew what they wanted. A location close to their new work and an owner suite on the first floor allowing them to age-in-place in their forever home. A spacious, open layout with a kitchen was a must-have— it needed to be perfect for cooking, dining, and hosting family holiday gatherings. They dreamed of a large kitchen island, a porcelain farmhouse sink, and custom tile work that would give the space character.
They also thought ahead, wanting a home that would be practical for years to come. A backup generator to keep the lights on during power outages, an upgraded electrical service to accommodate future electrical elements, a custom plumbing water supply manifold to efficiently distribute hot and cold water and soundproofing between rooms for added privacy were essential elements. A central technology closet was also allocated to house various things like home security and other communications equipment, as well as future integrated home technologies.
Right: ThGourmet kitchen with oversized island, farm-style porcelain sink, built-in wall oven/microwave, stainless steel pyramid vent hood, custom blended tile backsplash and pantry closet with sliding barn doors.
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FLOOR PLANS
The Build: Turning Vision Into Reality & Problem Solving to Overcome Challenges
After a lengthy search for the perfect lot with a view, it was decided that instead of designing a home from scratch, the team would start with a portfolio design and make modifications to tailor the plan to meet the owner’s needs. This sped up the design process and ultimately delivered the completed home on a more efficient timeline that worked for the desired move in date of the owners.
Once the lot was cleared and the foundation excavation began, a high-water table was discovered in one corner of the site. Siting the house and driveway entrance to avoid some of this wet area and ensure proper site distances for safety when entering and exiting the site was determined to be the best solution to this problem. Further precautions were established to ensure a dry basement using exterior perimeter drains and extra stone in that area to increase drainage.
One of the biggest challenges in the home layout was striking the right balance between open spaces and private areas. The family wanted an open, connected feel but also needed quiet spaces for privacy. The solution was adding soundproofing materials between rooms, which ensured the house was both spacious and tranquil.
After the house was framed, the re-alignment of the siting proved to be a greater asset allowing the owners provisions for a manor style site entrance and a driveway with an increased curvature. Red rock stone was added as a field adjustment once the customers had a better sense of how the house sat within the site.
Left: The large, open-concept living/breakfast area/kitchen space designed for entertaining and hosting family holiday get-togethers.
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Design Highlights: Timeless Yet Modern
As the house took shape, the design elements came together beautifully. The kitchen became the focal point, with an oversized island, a farmhouse sink, and a custom tile backsplash, perfect for both everyday use and entertaining.
The first-floor owner’s suite was everything they hoped for—spacious, serene, and equipped with a luxurious five-piece en-suite bath. In the living room, a custom gas fireplace with a wood mantel and tile accents added warmth and character, making the space feel inviting and cozy.
The staircase featured wrought iron balusters and oak treads, providing a touch of elegance and craftsmanship that elevated the entire design.
Right: Custom staircase with oak treads and a combination of single basket and double twist wrought iron balusters.
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The Result: A Home Tailored to Their Life
The owner’s had seen the home at critical stages and a few additional times during construction, but had difficulty envisioning how the home was coming together; however, when the family finally stepped into their completed home, they were overjoyed. Once everything was completed with a meticulous final cleaning the true craftsmanship shined through. The open floor plan, custom finishes, and thoughtful design exceeded their expectations. The kitchen was everything they had dreamed of, and the owner’s suite was the perfect retreat. The living room, anchored by the custom gas fireplace with wood mantel and tile infill, became a welcoming space for family and friends.
The whole-home generator ensured peace of mind, while the soundproofing between rooms gave them the privacy they needed without sacrificing the home’s openness. Every detail—from the custom staircase to the practical gourmet kitchen—came together to create a home that was as beautiful as it was functional.
Left: First floor owner’s suite with 5-piece en-suite owner’s bath - Double vanity with central drawer base, free-standing soaking tub, tiled shower with frameless glass door and toilet room.
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Looking Back: A Perfect Fit
Reflecting on the process, the family couldn’t be more pleased with how the project turned out. From the initial planning stages to the final walkthrough, they felt supported every step of the way. They were appreciative that our staff was often able to accommodate them for off-hour, weekend meetings as their busy schedule allowed. The home they had envisioned—one that perfectly balanced modern living with timeless charm—was now a reality. It was a space that felt truly their own, where they could relax, entertain, and make memories for years to come.
