After living in their home for more than two decades, Dan and Lara Dilworth decided it was time to create the master bathroom of their dreams.

They weren't exactly sure what they wanted, but they knew they weren't looking for a run-of-the-mill bathroom. The Dilworths wanted a unique, custom design, from the tiles to the flooring, the cabinetry to the hardware.

And they knew exactly where to get it.

As owner and CEO of the family-owned and operated Dilworth's Custom Design, deciding to overhaul his own bathroom gave Dan the opportunity to see how things ran at his business from the perspective of a customer.

For more than 30 years, the multi-generational company has been designing, handcrafting and installing custom bathrooms, kitchens and more across Chester County. With dedicated designers, expert craftsmen and professional installers, Dilworth's prides itself on turning design dreams into design realities.

Starting with design
Dilworth's designers are skilled at working with all customers, whether they have a general idea of what they want or have no idea where to start. With his expert background, Dan was, of course, the former.

"After a couple months of sketching, measuring and even laying down tape to represent our new ideas," he explains, "I finally went to my design team at work and asked for drawings to help us visualize."

Dan knew he wanted a walk-in shower. Lara also desired a standalone tub and faucet. They both wanted similar counter space as before, but with better use of the cabinets. Heated floors were a must.

From the two presented plans, Dan and Lara agreed on the same design. Then they headed to Dilworth's beautiful Phoenixville showroom.

Next up: The showroom
With fully-built bathrooms and kitchens, the showroom gives customers the chance to decide on styles, finishes and every last design detail. To start, Lara was tasked with choosing one thing – a color, a texture – to get the ball rolling. This turned out to be a marbleized white and gray porcelain tile.

The duo walked the showroom a few times discussing options. It was a struggle, Dan admits. Fortunately, Dilworth's Custom Design employs talented coordinators and decorators experienced in bringing together projects.

"That was crucial because it gave us someone with experience that we quickly trusted. My wife and I were no longer at odds trying to select everything," Dan says. "Having someone with a great eye for design, color and detail is an amazing gift."

The plans included options for floors, cabinetry, countertops and hardware. The pair gravitated toward the same palette, choosing wood-look porcelain tile flooring to warm up the cool gray tile, dark blue-gray cabinetry with additional dark glaze for a unique look, and brushed nickel Moen faucets. They chose Cambria quartz countertops, and the zero-entry shower featured a handheld shower head on a slide bar, a main showerhead, and built-in seats and shelves. And the standalone tub was also a key fixture that played prominently in the design.

Time for installation
A "weekend warrior," Dan tackled the installation himself when he wasn't working. The process took about three months since Dan didn't want to tie up any of the Dilworth's installers with the job.

On average, a job like Dan and Lara's would take a two-man team from the company four-to-six weeks to finish. There are seven teams in the field each day.

"When you look up the word craftsman, my guys' pictures are there," Dan says. "They're great at what they do."

Like what happens with many customers, some decisions made during the initial planning changed during installation. The company's coordinating team was able to quickly pivot to get the alternate product.

"That's normal for our jobs," Dan says. "If we find a glitch or a customer finds something they want to change, we've got to jump. The goal is to keep working."

Things stalled again at paint colors, with Lara thinking yellow but changing her mind after trying several shades. Fortunately, Dilworth's works with a number of reputable, dependable subcontractors, including painters. Dan called in some help, and they ended up with a perfect Sherwin Williams taupe to tie everything together.

A job well done
Dan and Lara love their new bathroom – not to mention the smooth process in getting to the finish line. Of course, while pleased, Dan wasn't surprised to find how well things went from beginning to end in working with Dilworth's Custom Design.

He knows he employs the best of the best.

From the office team to the coordinators and designers, to the shop team building custom cabinetry to installers in the field – everyone works well together, cementing Dilworth's as a premier custom home improvement and renovation business.

"It's a well-oiled machine," Dan said. "Everybody is pulling the rope in the same direction."

Dilworth's Custom Design
Phoenixville, Pa.
(610) 917-9119
DilworthsCustomDesign.com

Published (and copyrighted) in House & Home, Volume 24, Issue 3 (January/February 2024)
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