Woah, we are excited to share that we are one of the finalists for the "Best of the 'Burgh", General Contractor. If you are a fan or at least want to support us 😀 please like and share! Fun fact: We had no clue until a few moments ago that we made the cut (typical us), so we are a couple of days behind. But you can vote for us every day to help make up for us being oblivious. Great. Good talk. Link in bio!

With a rainy day like today, watching a movie in your theater room or sipping on a drink at your basement bar is always a great way to spend your time indoors.

Three stops in one day! All the places we went to happen to be members of @buildersassoc.pgh and also @pwb too! David got to see most of them, as well as new faces on Tuesday for the BAMP event at the casino. The first stop was @donsappliances1971 for their Range Hood 101 class presented by @elica_cooking, where we got to meet so many interior designers that I talk to on here in person! We were invited to tour @montsurfaces. We learned about their new product and see all their new inventory. We are hoping to use their new product in one of our basement projects this year. Also, go see Wendi. She's amazing. Lastly, we had a great time at @alleghenymillworklumber as always and just love what they are doing for the community. We made progress on our door selection and trim..... which I am very excited about!! We met some awesome people, @lizzi_loves_quartz (<she's really does) from @cambriasurfaces and many more.

Baseboards are in! The murdroom is starting to come together. This is a poplar baseboard. There used to be MDF in this mudroom, but of course, MDF doesn't like water, especially standing water from the dog bowl and lots of wet boots. We opted to switch to the poplar version. Check out the blog this weekend about the pros and cons of MDF versus wood trim. Baseboards may seem like minor detail, but they can make a significant impact on the overall aesthetics of a room. They serve both functional and aesthetic purposes, providing a finished look to the bottom of walls while also hiding imperfections and covering gaps between the flooring and wall. Choosing the right style and color of baseboards can indeed elevate the entire room's ambiance. Whether you opt for a traditional, ornate design or a sleek, modern look, the baseboards can tie together the decor and add a sense of cohesion to the space. Attention to these seemingly small details can truly transform a room and enhance its overall appeal. Pictured: 6.5" x 0.625" Poplar Baseboard, KL 4211, from @keimhome located in Charm, Ohio.

Happy Friday! Today, the sun hit our land just right this morning, and I missed capturing the cool shadows in time. Eh, it is close enough. Working from home, I rarely check the weather, and I had no clue I could have been stranded if we had more rain. Our creek is rough today, probably why it's called Rough Run, haa. Thank you, nature, for letting me pause and enjoy the beauty and quiet before the chaos. This post is somewhat work-related. We all have aspirations and goals in life, some small and others seemingly impossible. But who is to tell us we can't, ourselves? Well, David and I go way back on business goals and growth. Initially, David thought I was crazy, but to be fair, my ideas are usually extreme. See that barn in the photo? Built around the Civil War, unfortunately, it isn't structurally safe, but it's a beauty. We go back and forth, but I think (as of right now 😆) our goal is to redo it as our showroom with a meeting room in the middle. Our offices would be on the top floor, featuring a nice meeting room with large windows for Monday meetings and client meetings who want to walk upstairs. The photos at the end (from @studiomcgee The Hilltop Estate) capture kind of what I envision, but I haven't found exactly what I want. If we decide to do this, collaborating with an interior designer would be a must, as deciding things for your own space is always trickier. The bottom floor would be more personal—my wine-making, canning, and what I call an activity room for maybe summer parties? Those are our business goals for the next 3 to 5 years, but who knows how many people would want to come out near Saxonburg. I'm the type to say I'll do it and try to figure out how. It's hard to move forward without goals. I'd rather move forward and not hit my goal than not move forward at all. Am I the only one with crazy business goals? Also, would anyone want to come out this far if we were to do this (I have chicken eggs)😆?

As I scrolled through numerous posts and reels showcasing the predicted 2024 trends in home design, one post caught my eye. It particularly emphasized "white oak, moody rooms, and beige colors". I couldn't help but notice the prevalent sentiment in the comments—many remarked, "This was so 2023".This got me thinking, and I've been wanting to share my thoughts on this matter for a while. In the realm of home remodeling, clients often approach me with worries about the longevity of their design choices. In the age of fast homeware and rapidly changing trends fueled by social media, it's easy for homes to be labeled as "dated" sooner than later. My advice to them remains constant – prioritize what resonates with your style and brings you joy. Finding and sticking to one's style is a challenge many face. Social media isn’t going out any time soon, and neither is the concept of “fast fashion”. However, I firmly believe that your living space should reflect your style and bring you joy, regardless of fleeting trends.   One positive trend mentioned is the blending of vintage pieces with new items, which aligns with our commitment to sustainable design practices. I support efforts to minimize contributions to carbon footprints and waste. Re-using materials or pieces? Yes, please. I've personally struggled with creating a cozy yet timeless home. Eventually, I found peace in the bohemian style, reflecting my minimalist preferences with natural elements, plants, and colorful accents. Additionally, my love for a modern twist on vintage country life, reminiscent of my grandparents—who survived the depression, my grandfather who fought in WWII, and my grandmother who was an excellent baker and cook, showcasing her German background (she also made the best mac and cheese). It brings a sense of ease and familiarity. This includes vintage wallpapers, muted colors, natural elements, and open shelves—a nod to the 1940s and 1950s country lifestyle. I always feel I am paying homage to my grandparents. Check out the AI-created, which I find a little creepy, laundry room that I love by @houselifedesign Link to the blog in pofile.

Introducing our "Managing Monday" post. Although it's not Monday, we're excited to share an update with you today! Check out our latest blog on our website & in linktree above. When David & Kari first met, they discovered a shared passion for building strong communities & a philanthropic spirit. They both had a strong desire to help others & actively engage in volunteer work. Naturally, these values became integral to our company. Outside the obvious, providing quality craftsmanship, was to provide excellent customer service, building strong professional relationships, & active communication & collaboration with our clients - aiming for a stress-free & enjoyable experience.   While Kari was juggling her full-time corporate job, she still found time to answer questions, meet clients, & personally check in on project progress, often bringing the kids on Fridays. One day, Kari realized that our client -centric approach aligns with a concept in the business world—a name for our business model: Boutique Remodeler. So, what exactly is a Boutique Remodeler? A Boutique Remodeler is a specialized, often small-scale construction or remodeling company that emphasizes high-quality, customized, & unique services. This term, borrowed from the business world, signifies small, specialized businesses offering unique & high-quality products or services. Key characteristics include a hands-on, personalized approach, with close collaboration to understand clients' visions, preferences, & lifestyles. Clients who opt for boutique contractors value the individualized attention & tailored experience these professionals provide. The smaller size of boutique firms allows for direct communication, a higher degree of customization, & a focus on quality over quantity in projects. In addition, Kari's background in environmental science adds a unique touch to our team, reflecting our commitment to sustainability & eco-friendly designs. She enjoys blending elements of the past with modern innovations, emphasizing reuse, incorporating energy-efficient and green products, and aiming for timless designs instead of promoting fast fashion. More to come on thus subject.

Happiest of birthdays to the typically more serious one of the bunch and most definitely the brains behind the opperations. Happy birthday, @karideshong (posted with her friend @bhartsyou ). Swipe to see the before and after transformation of a convertible ride......You are worthy! We love you, Garth ! #waynesworld

We are fortunate to have great employees. They secretly discussed and went in together, surprising David with a Christmas gift. They are treating David to a weekend cabin trip, allowing him to relax and go fishing this April. They believe David needs to unwind and want to spend some quality time with him in nature, free from work-related worries. Stay tuned for their cabin adventures. Whoever we hire next to be our Site Foreman later this year will have some big shoes to fill. I'm just kidding, but they definitely will have some awesome coworkers.. . . . . . . . #deshongdesignremodeling #deshongdesign #thedeshongadventure #pacontractor #westernpaconstruction #pghbuilder #pittsburghbuilder #pittsburghinteriordesign #butlercountypa #alleghenycounty #Pittsburgh #pghcontractor #pittsburghremodeler #pittsburghbuilder #boutiquecontractor #smallbusinessproblems #teamwork #kitchenremodeler #basementremodeler #boutiqueremodeler #staremployee

Happy New Year from the DeShong family. 2023 was a great year from growth to rebranding our company. We are very excited for 2024 and for bigger changes! #deshongdesignremodeling #deshongdesign #thedeshongadventure #pacontractor #westernpaconstruction #pghbuilder #pittsburghbuilder #pittsburghinteriordesign #butlercountypa #alleghenycounty #Pittsburgh #pghcontractor #pittsburghremodeler #pittsburghbuilder #boutiquecontractor

1! Lastly, our 1950s Cape Cod transformation. Pittsburgh is full of houses in this style, making it fun to showcase a practical before-and-after transformation. Removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room reveals the impact of this change. When the kitchen footprint is on the smaller side, I usually recommend placing the microwave above the sink to maximize cabinet space. In this kitchen, we increased storage from 5 cabinets and an 18" pantry to 11 cabinets and a 48" pantry, along with adding a floating table. Cabinets: Dove Grey Floor: Needham Hole Creek from Lifeproof Backsplash: Picket Belmont Mix Porcelain Mosaic from @thetileshop Appliances: @lgusa #deshongdesignremodeling #deshongdesign #thedeshongadventure #pacontractor #westernpaconstruction #pghbuilder #pittsburghbuilder #pittsburghinteriordesign #butlercountypa #alleghenycounty #Pittsburgh #pghcontractor #pittsburghremodeler #pittsburghbuilder #boutiquecontractor #1950scapecod #capecodremodel

2 days left! It's our #2 of our top 5 favorite projects this year! Even though the kitchen didn't change its layout, it still had that wow factor. I just absolutely loved this backsplash, which took a while to find. Our clients had envisioned a specific look without knowing exactly what it was... If that makes sense (obviously, this is Kari since David makes sense all the time). Our clients picked these pendant lights before they even called us for a consultation, and the entire kitchen was based on them. Cabinets: @mwcustomwoodwork in @sherwinwilliams #downpour Countertops: #calacattacapraia quartz Backsplash: Martinique Azul Porcelain mosaic from @flooranddecor Pendant lights: Arafat 1 by Wade Logan from @wayfair Faucet: @deltafaucet Hazlewood in Stainless Steel Handles: Roosevelt Collection in Brushed Nickel by @richelieuhardware #deshongdesignremodeling #deshongdesign #thedeshongadventure #pacontractor #westernpaconstruction #pghbuilder #pittsburghbuilder #pittsburghinteriordesign #butlercountypa #alleghenycounty #Pittsburgh #pghcontractor #pittsburghremodeler #pittsburghbuilder #boutiquecontractor

Our 3rd top 5 favorite projects of the year...our 1856 pantry! #pantrygoals This one came with the usual complications found in any old historic home, but it is absolutely worth it. The charm and beauty of old historic homes are simply unparalleled. Cabinets and shelves: @deadwood_custom in @sherwinwilliams #Aleutian Tile: 3x6 imperial Ivory Gloss from @thetileshop Handles: Southern Hills Brushed Brass Cups Pulls and RZDEAL brass knobs. #deshongdesignremodeling #deshongdesign #thedeshongadventure #pacontractor #westernpaconstruction #pghbuilder #pittsburghbuilder #pittsburghinteriordesign #butlercountypa #pghcontractor #pittsburghremodeler #pittsburghbuilder #historichouse #pantry

4! Can't believe it's almost the New Year! Remember how we renovated the farmhouse kitchen last spring? We still love this transformation from a dark and small galley kitchen and dining room to one giant, cook's dream kitchen with ample space for storage and prep. This kitchen even has two full-sized ovens. Flooring: Red Oak hardwood from Alben Sawmill located in Portersville, color: @bonapro.us 1pt white / 1pt Grey Countertop: Taj Mahal Quartzite Tile: @lauraashleyusa Leaf Dove Grey porcelain mosaic tile from @thetileshop Pendant lights: Femila Farmhouse Pendant Hardware: Liberty Mandara in Cocoa Bronze Appliances: @geappliances Door: contempory sliding door, Lifestyle series from @pellawindows_gunton in @minwaxusa solid Royal Mahogany