• Award-Winning Full-Service Home Remodeling Firm, Serving the Main Line & Philadelphia

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Designers

Many architects and designers work in isolation, without the input from experts in the trades. Construction today is far too complex for that as products, methods, and codes change almost daily. When we design, we rely on input from our partners in each pertinent field, from foundation, to roofing and everything in-between, to find the optimum value solutions for each design.

Builders

Our hands-on and decades long construction experience is complimented with focus, integrity, and a personal touch. This ensures that our clients’ specific goals and needs are not only met with meticulous craftsmanship but with cleanliness and care as well. Our services go beyond the “bricks and sticks” and extend to every facet of the construction experience.

Managers

Our focused management and organizational skills are the cornerstone of our clients’ satisfaction. These benefit the entire design-build process and help us create solutions while meeting your budget and expectations at every stage of the project. From the detailed plans and specifications, to the written weekly work schedule, to the clearly formulated accounting procedures, our clients are well informed and able to follow the process with ease and peace of mind.

OUR PLEDGE

HOME REMODELING

Enriching our clients' lives through beautiful design, conscientious construction, and caring management.

Nicholas Walker

Partner

  Adam Sherman

Partner

"An Investment In Excellence"
Historic Preservation Award Winner - Radnor Historical Society

Our Work

View Our Before & Afters

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    Additions

    Thrive in your home. Add square footage to your existing home and experience the wonderful amenities your new space provides.

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    adding an addition
    remodeling a kitchen

    Kitchens

    Dream in color. From simple to sublime, our kitchen designs are sure to inspire life and laughter.

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    Bathrooms

    Calming environment. Soak into zen. We have bathroom design ideas that relax the senses and calm the nerves.

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    remodeling a bathroom
    remodeling a whole house

    Whole House Remodels

    Grow. Transform your space with conscientious design that aligns with your movements.

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    Historic Restorations

    Fine Tradition. Preserve the memories and beautify the traditional elements of old historical architecture.

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    remodeling a historic home

    Our People

    As the owners of Cottage Industries, Adam Sherman and Nicholas Walker have a strong belief in family and community. Inspired by the old world craftsmanship in the homes they grew up in, they now add grace to the aged structures of yesterday, preserving the architectural integrity of homes around the Main Line and Philadelphia. With a knack for innovation and design, this award-winning team renovates and expands all styles of homes from historical to contemporary. Their mission is for every project to have a positive effect on the community.

    THE COTTAGE CONNECTIONS

    Nick and Adam reveal their connections to the towns of the Main Line. Click the town’s name to see the connections.

    Our roots are deep in Gladwyne. Adam lived in Gladwyne for 10 years and once owned one of the historical homes from the Soap Stone Farm on Abby lane. Nick attended Gladwyne elementary school in the 60’s and Boy Scouts in the Merion Square House.
    Nick was born in Bryn Mawr Hospital and grew up in the house his grandfather built on Carisbrooke Rd. Most of his family still lives in the area. His sister owns and runs Carolyn’s Shade Gardens on South Roberts Road in Bryn Mawr.
    Everyone loves Devon for the horse show. Nick’s family ran the hot dog booth at the fair every year raising money for the Bryn Mawr hospital but we love Devon for the beautiful homes and amazing architecture.
    Wayne is our first love. By the early 70’s many of the unique homes in Wayne were dilapidated and being torn down. Nick & Adam have both owned homes in Wayne. Cottage Industries started in Wayne, in part to save the extraordinary Architecture. We have branched out along the Main Line but no one forgets their first love. We won the Radnor Historical Society’s Historic Preservation award for two projects in Wayne.
    Nick’s family comes from Bala Cynwyd and Merion. His Great Grandfather b.1849 lived on Colwyn Lane when it was still just Cynwyd PA and his grandfather b. 1890 lived on Bowman Avenue where his mother was raised. Adam owned a home in Merion on S. Highland Avenue. It was one of the first projects Nick and Adam worked on together.
    Nick’s grandfather b. 1871 was a doctor in Ardmore living on Church Road where he raised three boys. Nick’s favorite stories were of his father getting ice from the ice house on Sibley Avenue in Ardmore to put in the “ice box” and his uncle Perot b. 1911 collecting pennies from wagons and cars at the turnpike mounted on the dirt road at the corner of Church and Lancaster Avenue.
    Nick’s first historic renovation was a house he owned on Barrett Avenue in Haverford built in 1896. He worked on the house all day and into the night and ran every day at Haverford College campus. He was 22 years old and had a lot to learn about renovations! But the house is still there and looks beautiful.
    Nick’s family’s history dates back to the beginning of Philadelphia. His multiple great grandfather, Anthony Morris, was the 3rd mayor and his son the 29th mayor. All generations owned businesses and were members of General Washington’s Guard, the First City Troop, including my father which is how he entered WWII in the Calvary. Cottage Industries recently renovated and combined two apartments on the 11th floor of the Parc Rittenhouse using a crane to load materials. Renovating in Philadelphia has its challenges but it gives equal rewards due to its rich history.
    The first house Nick and Adam bought together to renovate and resell was on Beechwood Road in Wynnewood. A beautiful little Craftsman style cottage but in much need of TLC. Nick lived there and worked on the project for a couple of years while Nick and Adam carefully restored the original Craftsman details. Wynnewood isn’t so much a town but an area of unique and friendly neighborhoods. Nick was sorry when this one sold.
    Adam lives in Villanova in a section with deep historic roots called Banjotown. Having moved there recently with the intent of performing an historic renovation, the barn on his property was the original Banjotown speakeasy during prohibition.
    Nick and Adam first met in Narberth at McShea’s Restaurant & Bar, a popular watering hole. Adam was living on Grayling Avenue at the time with a mutual friend and a partnership was born. Adam also owned a home on Hampden Avenue in later years that he turned into a rental property.
    We also work in other areas including Newtown Square, Media, Swarthmore, Chestnut Hill, King of Prussia, and even the Jersey Shore.
    SCHEDULE A CONVERSATION

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