Lowell Wins Houzz 2020!

in Design Ideas, Home Ideas/by Lowell Custom Homes

We are beyond excited to announce that Lowell Custom Homes was awarded the Best Of Houzz 2020.

Just 3% of the 2.5 million home design and building professionals on Houzz receive a Best of Houzz Award each year. This is five years in a row that Lowell has received such special recognition! We thank all of the participants for choosing our projects!

Here are our most loved and inspirational pictures of the year!

A nostalgic Potting Shed using reclaimed material from Heritage Beam and Board

See the full home here.

An Idyllic Screened in Porch

See the full home here.

This Open and Inviting Living Room

See the full home here.

A Home with Street and Lake Appeal

See the full home here.

A Lakeside Conservatory

See the full home here.

This Nautical Guest Bunk Room

See the full home here.

A Chic & Relaxing Library

See the full home here.

This Kitchen Collaboration with Geneva Cabinet Company

See the full home here.

Finally a Basement Renovation with years of popularity on Houzz.

See the full home here

Follow us on Houzz to view all of our custom home and remodeling projects. Remember to create Ideabooks where you can save your Lowell favorites! This is our favorite way to fashion a personal Look Book for inspiration with future design and remodeling projects.

Houzz is the largest residential database in the USA and around the world. They connect millions of people with ideas and resources for their home projects, large and small. We love being a part of this network and hope you’ll visit our Houzz portfolio right here.

We invite you to also stay in touch by signing up for our blog where we cover the latest design ideas and inspirational projects!

(of course we never share your personal information)

Building a new home or remodeling can be an exciting adventure and our team of experts is available to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way!

Lowell Custom Homes

262.245.9030

Shower vs Tub Debate – Showers Wins!

in Accessibility, Bathroom Design, Building a New Home, Design Ideas, Home Ideas, Remodeling/by Lowell Custom Homes

We are not going to get in the middle of any over/under toilet paper roll debate, but when it comes to bathing we have the stats!

According to a recent Houzz survey, outdated and and old bathrooms are highest on the renovation wish list. And when it comes to building a new home, a luxurious walk-in shower is a must. From a space planning perspective, the shower offers a versatile on-trend design opportunities. It achieves high marks for ease and accessibility for young and old. This makes it an natural choice when planning for every stage of life, including aging-in-place.

Oh sure, there are plenty who admire a luxurious soaking tub, but real life demands are leading the trend towards ditching the bathtub in favor of sumptuous shower. This is especially true if space is a factor. When you consider that a shower will conserve water and time, along with the magnificent new plumbing fixtures, showers win.

If you need further convincing, browse through our collection of crave-worthy compartments!

Statement Tile

Fabulous Fixtures & Invisible Drains

Grab Hold & Have a Seat

Zero Threshold Safety

Artistic Installation

Spa Splendor

Vibrant Pattern

And Chromatherapy

In the past the real estate community insisted on at least one tub in the home for resale value, but that attitude is changing. The bottom line is to determine what is best for your space and budget, then make the best decision for your lifestyle.

Building a new home or remodeling should be an exciting adventure and our team of experts is available to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way!

We always love hearing from you and are happy to discuss your personal home projects!

Lowell Custom Homes

262.245.9030

Projects feature tile from Bella Tile and Stone, Lake Geneva, WI

Photos by Shanna Wolf/S.Photography and Styling

Lake Appeal! Featured in Great Lakes By Design

in Architecture, Building a New Home, Custom Builder, Design Ideas, Indoor Outdoor Spaces, Trends/by Lowell Custom Homes

Hot off the press!

Thank you Great Lakes By Design Magazine for featuring the stunning Lake Geneva home by Lowell Custom Homes in your latest issue. Working with our delightful homeowners and the talented Alexander Design Group, Inc. we think this home is the ultimate expression of timeless relaxed luxury in Lake Geneva.

Read it right here and enjoy all of the details that compose this lovely lakefront landmark!

You can see many more of our homes in and around Lake Geneva and by clicking here.

We always love hearing from you and are happy to discuss your personal home projects! Building a new home or remodeling can be an exciting adventure and our team of experts is available to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way!

Lowell Custom Homes

262.245.9030

Backyard Resort

in Design Ideas, Home Ideas, Indoor Outdoor Spaces/by Lowell Custom Homes

Why count down the days until your next vacation when you can relax in your own private backyard resort every day to summer!

After spending several blissful years in their Lowell Custom Home these homeowners decided to take it to the next level with some enticing property improvements. Take a look at how they created the perfect spot for relaxing and entertaining at home!

The Big Picture

It starts with a plan that includes space for your favorite pastimes. Use your most memorable resort as inspiration and then personalize the ideas to create a space where you can truly live your best life on a daily basis.

Outdoor Pool or Water Feature

A water feature will set the mood for relaxation. It can be a pool, spa or even a fountain for a multisensory experience that includes the cascading sounds of water.

See more outdoor living ideas here.

Multiple Seating Areas

Sun or shade, active or quiet, multiple seating areas are the ideal way to accommodate the days activities with options to suit your mood.

Outdoor Kitchen

No one wants to be confined to the kitchen and miss summertime fun, so keep meals simple and bring the cook outdoors. This outdoor kitchen was created with cabinetry from Danver Luxury Stainless Steel Outdoor Kitchens and designed by Geneva Cabinet Company, LLC. We love the summer cool-down tips on the Geneva Cabinet blog, read them here!

AlFresco Dining

One of the most satisfying part of a resort vacation is dining outdoors. This protected dining niche is conveniently located near the outdoor kitchen and acts as an extension of the indoor living room. It even has motorized retractable screens from Midwest Screen that are there when you need them and disappear when you don’t.

Warm It Up Outdoors

The outdoor fire pit or fireplace is perfect for extending your day . Take the chill out of the air with an intimate seating arrangement then get ready to toast s’mores. A fire feature will extend your fair-weather season while keeping the bugs away. This cozy gas fire pit is low maintenance and well integrated into the landscape.

Light the Way

Subtle lighting along the way lends a resort feel to your property by adding ambiance while guiding you safely along the path.

Enjoy Your Favorite Pastimes

Feel like a pro with your own backyard putting green, bocce ball court or croquet court. The idea is to make space in your life for the things you love, and then create a convenient space where you can enjoy them more often.

Quality Outdoor Time At Home

You will start relaxing as soon as you pull in the driveway when you have an outdoor space like this!

For a complete outdoor living checklist click here!

We always love hearing from you and are happy to discuss your personal home projects! Building a new home or remodeling can be an exciting adventure and our team of experts is available to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way!

Lowell Custom Homes

262.245.9030

Outdoor Living Checklist for Your Home

in Design Ideas, Home Ideas, Indoor Outdoor Spaces, Outdoor Living/by Lowell Custom Homes

When warm weather rolls around there is nothing like relaxing outdoors. And when you have a special area at home dedicated to this pursuit, all is well with the world. Take your outdoor living to the next level by following our checklist to fully enjoy your well deserved leisure time.

√ Start with the perfect backdrop for outdoor space, your home. Wrap the same look around front to back with a cohesive mix of materials for a unified style message. Achieve this by repeating elements used in the foundation, siding and roof, as well as the architecture. By this we mean don’t skimp on the back of your home, it all deserves the same attention to fine detail.

√ Let the outdoor experience begin by establishing views from the interior that will draw you outdoors. Of course a lake helps, but even framing views of the lawn and landscape with distinctive windows is inviting.

√ Take your color cues from the natural surrounds and also from your home interior. Here a classic Blue and White combination is the perfect fit for a lakefront for home.

√ Go ahead and add a theme like this nautical motif. Your outdoor space is the place to introduce a carefree sense of whimsy.

√ Be sure to position your living area where you will experience the best views in every direction. This could very well be to the side or even the front of your home in order to capture a “wow” moment. We have more tips on positioning your outdoor space here.

√ Include space for lounging alone or with friends and family. Here the fire pit is upgraded to full fireplace status in an outdoor living room. Extra backup from heat lamps will keep this area cozy into the evening and well throughout the chilly seasons. This room even features retractable motorized screens for pest-free extension of your home.

√ When creating an outdoor room think of protecting the area from the elements with partial walls or ceilings. Here again choose compatible elements to create a visual flow from the interior while blending with the home exterior. Keep it all low maintenance with durable outdoor fabrics and furnishing made to withstand the elements.

√ Set up a place for dining in close proximity to your outdoor kitchen and with easy access to the indoor kitchen. A convenient flow between cooking and dining zones will allow the guests and chef to enjoy more quality time together.

√ Include rain-or-shine provisions for your indoor-outdoor area. Gliding glass door panels and french doors create an easy transition between spaces so you can enjoy the outdoors even when the weather isn’t perfect.

We do also love a screened porch as an outdoor living option, read more about that here!

And a few more ideas for entertaining outdoors here!

To see more of the details for this lovely home click here.

Photography is by Shanna Wolf, S.Photography and Styling

We always love hearing from you and are happy to discuss your personal home projects! Building a new home or remodeling can be an exciting adventure and our team of experts is available to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way!

Lowell Custom Homes

262.245.9030

Home Holds the Secret to Happiness

in Design Ideas, Healthy Living, Home Ideas, Trends/by Lowell Custom Homes

It turns out the key to happiness and the key to your front door is one in the same. Latest findings point to the well designed home as a significant factor in leading your best life. Home should be a sanctuary of self-care, and the team at Lowell Custom Homes has a few ideas to help you make that happen.

Time is the greatest luxury

Most of our leisure time is fragmented by interruptions from an email, text, or simply caring for others. Since you cannot make more time, it makes sense to make the most of it. That’s where the homes from Lowell excel. Their forward thinking floorplans and distinctive features conserve your time and energy. Known for interiors that weave spaces together seamlessly, our homes will help you move efficiently throughout the day.

You Had Us At Hello

Nothing invites happiness like a well designed entry. From landscaping to architectural details, this is where the journey begins. Our video explains the artistry behind the entry doors in this show-stopping home, with Lulu Belle and Tucker extending a warm welcome.

Togetherness

You cannot make more time, but “time deepening” will make the most of what you have. Face-to-face interactions are an essential part of happiness. A home that supports togetherness can be more rewarding than screen time. We love open floor plans were the kitchen is at the heart of the home. When the layout is spacious and the appliances are luxurious, the kitchen becomes an ideal place for multitasking and gathering.

Speaking of luxurious appointments, a range from La Cornue USA and custom hood by Raw Urth turn this kitchen into a real happy place! Cabinetry by Geneva Cabinet Company.

The den can be another favorite setting for togetherness. This room wraps you in the warmth of knotty alder with its architectural barrel vault ceiling for an intimate cocoon.

Enjoy the Journey

A recommended approach to happiness is to decelerate and enjoy the ride. Home design should accommodate a variety of interests with space to rejuvenate. We think you’ll enjoy a tour of the specialty areas in this newly completed Lake Geneva area home.

A potting shed created with reclaimed materials from Heritage Beam & Board

The workout room is located on the main floor for top of mind awareness.

A master bath exudes luxury with the positive energy from copper finishes.

The conservatory is a natural retreat for the avid gardener, this one is from Minnesota’s Conservatory Craftsmen

We are reminded of the great satisfaction of having guests when we browse the entertainment areas of this home. A nautical themed bunk and bath is perfect for Lake Geneva weekends. To see more of our favorite bunk rooms click here. And for tips on caring for your guests click here.

Even the tiniest guest receives a special place for precious overnight visits.

Did we leave anything out of this remarkable home? Oh yes, the wine cellar and sauna!

Now we’re talking happiness!

The home in this blog was featured on an interview with Todays Builder Television Show where builder Scott Lowell explains his “old-school” building methods that maintain the highest quality. Take a peek . . .

We believe in homes that are built to save you time, encourage togetherness and provide lasting contentment. We invite you to read the reviews from our happy homeowners right here.

Lowell Custom Homes

262-245-9030

Photography by S. Photography & Styling – Shanna Wolf

Knock Knock . . . Your Front Door Says “Hello”!

in Architecture, Design Ideas, Home Ideas/by Lowell Custom Homes

From the Gates of Paradise in Florence to Monica’s framed peephole on Friends, the entry door has always told a story. It is an essential element in your home’s first impression and can add significantly to the value.

The material used on this interior-exterior element will impact your home’s energy-efficiency as well as style. Doors are available in a variety of mediums, like wood, fiberglass, steel and composite materials. But this video will demonstrate why we favor a beautifully crafted wood door.

In addition to the entry of this home, it’s important for the warmth and style of the entry door to be reflected on the adjacent garage.

Architect Todd Cauffman

Another lovely pairing expresses this same harmony with a carriage house aesthetic.

This Craftsman Style home is a stunning example of how doors can express architecture with something as subtle as the grid pattern.

arts and craft prarie style entry door and garage doors

Architect Todd Cauffman

When it’s all about the view, glass panel doors will reflect the natural surroundings via their mirror-like surface.

cape code lake home glass panel for reflection

Architect Todd Cauffman

For slightly more privacy, you can always screen the entry with landscaping, #Snuffleupagus

Architect Robert Juris

Going Dutch will allow you to have a friendly open door policy.

Architect Haganah

Once you have a door selected, add a bit of art in the form of a door knocker to truly make it your own!

You can take a personality test to determine the perfect color for your front door by clicking here.

To see more ideas for your home’s entry check out our Inviting Entries Ideabook on Houzz by clicking here.

Lowell Custom Homes

Creating Memories You Can Come Home To

262-245-9030

If you love our homes, please take a minute to Vote for Lowell Custom Homes as the Best of Walworth County! We would deeply appreciate it!

Just click the button links below – You will be asked to enter your email address then you can vote for Lowell as

Best New Home Builder & Best Home Remodeler.

Be sure to pick at least 10 of your favorite Walworth County businesses to be entered to win an Amazon Echo.

Photography by Shanna Wolf, Josh Zuelke & Victoria McHugh

Entertaining Outdoors

in Design Ideas, Home Entertainment, Indoor Outdoor Spaces, Outdoor Living/by Lowell Custom Homes

The best part of summer is taking your favorite activities outdoors, especially when it comes to entertaining. We like to plan a home in advance with features that will help homeowners live a relaxed lifestyle that is at-one-with-nature. Our favorite features encourage a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. Whether entertaining a crowd or squeezing in a little extra me-time, a well designed home will expand your space with outdoor areas where you can truly connect to the great outdoors.

Start at the entry by rolling out the welcome mat with brightly colored flowers.

Next offer your guests this summer’s beverage sensation, flavor infused water! Yes, it is as easy as it looks with these recipes from the FoodNetwork.

Blur the indoor-outdoor line with architectural features like this retractable wall of glass. It offers a seamless transition to the sunshine and fresh air.

Be sure to include comfortable seating where conversations can flow.

An outdoor kitchen lets the host enjoy the party while taking care of the culinary needs of the guests. You’ll love this design guide from Geneva Cabinet Company.

Create activity zones for dining, conversation and play-time in order to offer a variety of entertainment options. Be sure to include an area with a bit of shade.

Keep it interesting by spreading the refreshments around your outdoor space, drinks on the porch, appetizers on the patio, deserts by fireplace . . . mingle, mingle.

Wind the party down naturally with mood lighting, lanterns and a cozy fire pit for story-telling and reminiscing.

Finally move the gathering to a screened in porch for a mosquito free night-cap.

The team at Lowell Custom Homes is full of ideas to help you enjoy your home from season to season. Building a new home or remodeling can be an exciting adventure and our team of experts will answer all of your questions and guide you every step of the way!

Lowell Custom Homes

262-245-9030

Photography by:
Shanna Wolf, Victoria McHugh, & Josh Zuelke

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Plan for the Future with Livable Design

in Aging, Design Ideas, Healthy Living/by Lowell Custom Homes

Livable design is a fresh approach to architecture and design that is all about ergonomics and versatility. It incorporates elements of Accessible Design, Aging-in-Place and Safety but takes it to the next level with a beautiful look that is stylish and convenient for all ages and abilities.
The Lowell team is dedicated to building high quality homes that will gracefully cater to your evolving needs. “Accessibility doesn’t mean an institutional look anymore,” says Scott Lowell. “Roll-in showers can feel more spa-like with designer grab bars, benches, sleek linear drains and custom tile designs.”
While the kitchen and bath areas typically benefit from a Livable Design approach, Lowell is applying its principles to the entire home. These are some of our favorite tips for adding more human-centric, Livable Design to your home.

Zero Step Covered Entry

Open Floorpan

Ample Pathways and Door Openings

Easy Care Non Slip Flooring and Surfaces

Cabinetry with Easy Access Hardware, Drawers & Pull-Outs

Curbless Showers with Seating and Grab Bars

Accessible Outdoor Spaces and Pathways

Residential Elevators

Many home features originally designed for basic accessibility have evolved to make perfect sense for the typical home. We simply apply high quality and style for a more enjoyable living experience.

We always love hearing from you and are happy to discuss your personal home projects! Building a new home or remodeling can be an exciting adventure and our team of experts will answer all of your questions and guide you every step of the way!

Lowell Custom Homes

262.245.9030

Photography by S.Photography & Styling, Lake Geneva, WI

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Home Design Lesson: Living in Harmony

in Building a New Home, Custom Builder, Decorating ideas, Design Ideas, Home Ideas, How To, Trends/by Lowell Custom Homes

How is it that some homes overflow with lovely feelings of contentment while others are just “meh”? Often it is the result of an elusive quality known as harmony. Harmony is one of the most essential principles of design, but it often defies description. To achieve harmony, a delicate balance is needed between all of the other elements and principles of design.

While we were gushing over Gussie at the latest photo shoot, we couldn’t help but notice the natural sense of harmony that flows throughout this home. As the fluffiest member of the family, she too fits right in with the welcoming composition. While we work closely with clients on architecture and material selections, the credit for achieving the complete sense of harmony goes to our brilliant homeowners! But . . . we are happy to tell you how it’s done.
Harmony is a complex formula that we can start to understand by looking at the basic elements of design. Individual factors like color, line, and proportion, can be described as either creating unity through sameness, or adding variety through contrast. Well balanced elements bring the most pleasing sense of order and relevance to the exterior and interior design of a home.

Harmony through Unity

When every part of a home has a general sense of order and belonging it is referred to as unity. In this home it starts with the consistent use of unsaturated light and airy colors to create a palette that is visually soothing.

Maintaining a consistent character will further the sense of harmony in home design. As a lakeside retreat, this home uses references to the nautical theme as well as natural materials to be beautifully in sync with the lake front setting. Playful details, like the porthole pantry window, lighting and hardware, join the guest bunk-room concept to lend a refreshing vacation atmosphere to this home.

Harmony through Variety

A subtle contrast in material selection plays an important role in alleviating monotony. This allows the eye to pause on areas of interest, without a jarring transition. Here the light ash flooring and weathered wood furnishings play well against the matt wall surface. While the color palette and character remain consistent, this contrast offers a healthy balance for the overall sense of harmony of the room.

Visual texture will also enhance the harmony of a home. Here architectural elements add moments of importance with a light hand that is consistent with the homes lake front character. The woodworking details include shiplap paneling, cabinetry and crown molding which all serve to introduce contrast to the smooth quartz countertops, shapely glass light fixtures and hardware. Every accessory is refined and displayed in keeping with a harmonious approach.

Most importantly, the exterior of this home is thoughtfully planned to be in complete harmony with its lakefront setting. The natural stone foundation is a mix of lighter natural shades to support the refined selection of washed gray shingles and silvery white trim. And just as nature likes to surprise us with pop of color, the peaceful exterior of this home is gently accented by a lovely shade of blue to reflect the sky and nearby waters.

You can see more of this delightful getaway in our last blog were we take you through the process of building, from the Tear down to Tranquility. See our Houzz Portfolio for a complete tour! For a limited time the entire step-by-step process of this home’s evolution will be shown on the Lowell Custom Homes Project Gallery!

We always love hearing from you and are happy to discuss your personal home projects! Building a new home or remodeling can be an exciting adventure and our team of experts will answer all of your questions and guide you every step of the way!

We have been nominated for the

Best of Walworth County Award in the

New Home Builder and Home Remodeler categories!

We would appreciate your vote – just click here – Vote for Lowell Custom Homes!

Voting is open until October 15, 2017

Lowell Custom Homes

262.245.9030

Photography by S.Photography & Styling, Lake Geneva, WI

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