Seamless Indoor Outdoor Living for Wellness

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Nature and a connection to the outdoors is the best antidote for stress.   The last Global Wellness Summit at the Breakers in Palm Beach focused on the benefits of looking outdoors to revitalize health.   Nature and exterior environments can improve life balance.    Building homes with seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces will encourage that connection.   We don’t look at the outdoor space as separate when designing a home.  It’s a continuation of the entire lifestyle concept.  The most effective plans encourage fluidity between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Blurring the Lines with Retractable Walls

This home designed by architect Jason Bernard invites the outdoors  in with a wall of folding glass doors.

 

Take Everyday Activities Outdoors to Prolong the Connection with Nature

Increasing your exposure to natural daylight is automatic when you move indoor activities outside.  Cooking in this outdoor kitchen from Geneva Cabinet Company adds ambiance along with a delicious meal.  Danver cabinetry is used for durability and good looks.

Outdoors is a Continuation of What’s Happening Indoors

Versatile seating arrangements can ease the flow of activity.

Incorporate Sensory Wellness

Capturing a beautiful view and fresh scents will provide an additional dimension to your outdoor experience.

Interior and Exterior Design

The scope of many interior design projects now includes outdoor spaces that support a unified look with fashionable weather-resistant furnishings.

Enjoy the natural flow of this entire Lowell Custom Home here.

 

For our favorite “how-to” tips when creating your outdoor living space click here.

Contact the experts at Lowell Custom Homes to help plan your next new home or remodeling project.

401 GENEVA NATIONAL AVENUE SO. – LAKE GENEVA, WISCONSIN 53147 – 262.245.9030

 

Bedroom Design for a Good Night’s Sleep

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A good night’s sleep is known to influence the quality of your day.  Fortunately, studies show that the design of your bedroom can help you unwind and drift into a more restful sleep.  Take advantage of our helpful tips to wake refreshed and ready to face the day!

Clutter Free Environment

Clear any clutter from your bedroom and make your bed every morning.  Order and visual appeal go a long way to relieve stress and worry, the leading cause for sleepless nights.  Even ancient Feng Shui principles point to the importance of clear space to enrich energy flow.  You don’t want to block good energy (or air flow) with piles unnecessary clutter around the room or under the bed.

Banish Electronics

Set a digital curfew for yourself.  The artificial blue light from our devices is known to suppress the release of melatonin, making it more difficult to fall asleep.  While it may be difficult to remove all electronics from the bedroom, make an effort to hide them away in a cabinet or bedside drawer.  Use an old-fashioned book with nightlight to wind down at the end of the day.

Peaceful Color & Pattern

This is not the room for a “pop-of-color”.  Cool colors are conducive to a peaceful night’s sleep.  The cooler side of the color wheel is known to lower blood-pressure and heart-rate, both will help you sleep better.  Blues, greens, and even pale yellows soon soft grey and beige tints to create a relaxing mood.  When selecting patterns, keep the energy level low with soft and subtle contrasts.

Linen Liaisons

It is more satisfying to make your bed when you have beautiful linens.  And turning down the bedding at the end of the day becomes part of your relaxation routine.    This helpful guide explains why sheeting choices are about more than thread count.  Choose the material and construction that satisfies your personal preference for a warm or cool nights sleep.

Do Not Disturb

Sound control will help you get to sleep and stay asleep.  Fabric surfaces including rugs, upholstered headboards and window treatments will stop sound from bouncing around the room. High quality building materials, like the Rockwool insulation Lowell is known for, will reduce sounds from outdoors and adjacent rooms.

Light Control

Flexibility is the key to light management in the bedroom.  If you do not want to be greeted by the morning light, a multi-layer treatment that includes a block out shade or drape will help you dream away to your hearts content.

Nightstand Essentials

Woodrow Nightstand, Pottery Barn

Once you get to bed, you want to stay there.  Nothing is as peaceful as an uncluttered nightstand that holds all of your sleep time essentials.  Water, a good book and a picture of your favorite travel destination will help you drift into a peaceful sleep.  Keep a notepad nearby to jot down late-night thoughts instead of losing sleep about forgetting.  Use the top drawer to store reading glasses, lavender essential oil, lotion, meds and that fancy new face roller.

Sweet Dreams

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The Future of Home Design Post Covid-19

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The comforts of home have never been so appealing!  When uncertainty causes us to feel a little off-balance, our homes provide the security and serenity we need.  The Covid-19 derailment will eventually be resolved, but its valuable lessons have influenced home design for the future.   Our homes are evolving to provide the perfect solutions for a balanced life.  Here are some of our favorite ideas.

Floor Plan Versatility

The intelligence of open concept floorplans has been confirmed by their ability to adapt and be reconfigured.  Areas to work, study or exercise will be nestled into our most active rooms.  When our needs change, the rooms can revert back to their original plan.

More Storage for Self-Sufficiency

When your home becomes an island it’s critical to have provisions on hand.  A walk-in pantry has plenty of space for your latest Costco run while providing an organized space for storage.  Drawer allows for easy sorting and accessibility while open shelving keeps everything in sight.

Zoom Meeting Backdrop

When it’s possible to dedicate space for a home office, consider the acoustics, lighting and a sophisticated impression for video conferencing.

Private Outdoor Space

The popularity of outdoor living space will continue to soar and include luxury features like pools, spas and kitchens. Indoor-outdoor connections will always serves to calm, refresh and satisfy us.

Sanitation Station

While outdoor-to-indoor transitional space has always been desirable, the focus is now on surfaces that are easy to clean and disinfect.

Room for a Workout

You may find that less of a commute to work or school leaves more time for your daily workout.  As a self-care reminder set up a space with you favorite equipment to make it happen naturally.

Your Personal Getaway

When togetherness becomes overrated, create an in-home escape to help you get through the day.  It doesn’t have to be in the traditional sense of a man cave or she shed.    Everyday spaces, like this closet,  can become more inviting and luxurious with a little special treatment.

Nesting Details

Endless hours within your four walls may result in boredom unless you are looking at something beautiful.  There is a renewed interest in design and architecture as we now have more time to thoroughly examine our homes.  Finely crafted details will wrap you up in comfort.

 

Lowell Custom Homes is known for building and remodeling homes with a creative and customized approach.  We invite you to stay in touch by signing up for our blogs where we cover the latest design ideas and inspirational projects!

(There are no affiliated links in any of our posts and we never share your personal information.)

262.245.9030

 

Cabinetry by Geneva Cabinet Company

Photography by S.Photography/Shanna Wolf

Creating a Sense of Peace and Joy at Home

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If you cross organizer Maria Kondo with Zen Buddhist Shunmyo Masuno you will come up with an ideal philosophy to get through difficult times with a sense of peace and joy.  Add in a touch of wisdom from Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s Gift from the Sea and you’ll discover contentment that will guide you through challenging times, if not the rest of your life.

We were inspired by an excerpt from Masuno’s book The Art of Simple Living published on Houzz.    Imagine the trickle down effect that tidying up your physical space can have on calming your mind and eventually shaping your home into a space where you can live a more peaceful and joyous lifestyle.

Our favorite lessons

Declutter and discard what you don’t need, and in the future acquire only what you need and love.

Consider your home as a sanctuary and celebrate nature with outdoor spaces.

 

Simplify room arrangements to help create order in your mind.

Create a space to enjoy quiet time without intrusions from the outside world.  

Take advantage of unexpected down time to care for those you love.

Practice an end of day ritual to nourish yourself and create separation from the days events.

 

If you would like to explore more about creating order and how it can impact your sense of contentment,  check out the following books.

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

The Art of Simple Living by Shunmyo Masuno

Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Photography by Shanna Wolf/S.Photography

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

(these are not affiliated links and 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

 

 

 

lowell custom homes conservatory craftsmen

Home Holds the Secret to Happiness

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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.

warm welcome entry foyer Lowell Custom Homes

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.

open floor plan Lowell Custom Homes

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.

Den Lowell Custom Homes Happiness at home

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.

First floor workout room

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

luxury bath luxury copper master bath Lowell Custom Homes

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

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.

nautical themed guest bunk and bath

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

themed baby room

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

wine cellar and sauna by Lowell Custom Homes

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

Plan for the Future with Livable Design

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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 with ramp and stairs for accessible Livable Design

Zero Step Covered Entry

Open floorplan LIVABLE DESIGN EASY ACCESSIBILITY

Open Floorpan

WIDE AMPLE PATHWAYS WIDE DOORS AND HALLWAYS EASY ACCESS ACCESIBILITY LIVABLE DESIGN NON SLIP FLOORING

Ample Pathways and Door Openings

EASY CARE NON SLIP FLOORING AND SURFACES FOR LIVABLE DESIGN

Easy Care Non Slip Flooring and Surfaces

DOOR LEVERS EASY CABINET PULLS AND CABINET DRAWERS & PULL OUTS

Cabinetry with Easy Access Hardware, Drawers & Pull-Outs

Livable Design CURBLESS SHOWER GRAB BARS AND SHOWER SEAT

Curbless Showers with Seating and Grab Bars

Livable Design OUTDOOR ACCESSIBILITY AND SMOOTH PATHWAYS

Accessible Outdoor Spaces and Pathways

LIVABLE DESIGN Residential Elevator

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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Clean Building Improves Air Quality

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Every cloud of dust has a grubby lining.

That is why alleviating dust on every one of our home projects is a top priority at Lowell. We use the most advanced system in the industry, BuildClean,  to trap and contain dust, and then virtually eliminate it.  This system removes dust particles that result from common construction activities, like demolition, drywall and sanding. We actually trap the dust within the work area and then “scrub” the air. This maintains a high quality of indoor air and prevents construction dust from lingering.

Dust isn’t just a nuisance; it can have adverse effects on the health of your family and pets. Particles can trigger asthma attacks, allergic reactions and problems for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Lowell will not allow any of these potentially harmful particles to settle and be sealed into the walls and crevices of your  home.

Maintaining a high standard of air quality is even more critical on remodeling projects. About 90% of homeowners stay in their homes during construction. Using this BuildClean system provides a “livable remodeling” environment with quiet and continuous highly efficient air filtration.built-clean-particle-chart-pixOn an average day most rooms will contain 30,000 to 50,000 particles of dust larger than .05 microns. Remodeling activities can increase that to 700,000.  Within 30 minutes of running our air scrubber the particles return to the normal 30,000 level. In one hour it is even lower at 16,000 particles.

There are substantial benefits to our clean building policy:

  • A more livable environment

  • Healthier home conditions for you, your family and pets

  • Protection for sensitive electronics like computers, TVs, and smart home systems

  • Virtual elimination of lingering dust issues

Also, since the dust is contained within the work area for scrubbing, potentially harmful particles are never released into the environment.   It is part of the good neighbor policy we establish on every  construction site.

Before & After photos are wonderful, but we also believe in sharing our “During” photos.  You can follow the complete construction process for all of our projects by clicking here: Lowell Construction Process Gallery. This gallery will show your how we manage every detail of construction on every Lowell home.

build clean system in home during construction Lowell Custom Homes
 
 

Back-to-School Tips for Your Home

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1 BACK TO SCHOOL FACEBOOK PARENTS FROM BETTER HOMES PIX

Back-to-School Mom

Parents have always documented their children’s back-to-school day with pictures, but this year the photos going viral are all about the parents!   We want you to have just as much fun celebrating the joy of missing  your children.  Our favorite tips and ideas will prepare your home for a full year of blissful and stress-free school mornings.

Lowell Custom Homes Lake Geneva WiParent Command & Communication Station

A centrally located planning area is essential for keeping track of schedules and back-to-school paperwork. Add a bulletin board, to keep it free from clutter, and a calendar where everyone can synchronize activities for the day.

 
4 BACK TO SCHOOL personalized room Lowell Lake Geneva, WI PIX

Kids Rooms with Personality

Children will always wake up on the right side of the bed when they love their room. Decorate with colors and accessories that speak to their special interests.   Hooks or pegs will help them keep their room tidy and a whimsical alarm clock is a fun way to teach the value of waking up on time.

 
5 BACK TO SCHOOLbath with locker Lowell Custom Homes Lake Geneva, WI PIX

Prevent Bathroom Bottleneck

Prevent  morning bickering with a bathroom that allows for multiple users.  The classic Jack-and-Jill layout or a double-bowled vanity will increase efficiency during the morning rush.  Bath lockers provide great storage and visibility for toiletries and towels.   Plenty of hooks keep the floor clothing and towel free.

 
5 BACK TO School Closet organization

Eliminate Wardrobe Wars

An organized closet is helpful for both parent and child. Include shelving and hanging space to keep clothing and personal treasures visible. Let kids help select their complete outfits for every day of the week. These appealing printable labels will encourage them to dress themselves and leave the early morning drama behind.

 
6 BACK TO School Great Kitchen before and after schoot spot Lowell Lake Geneva, WI PIX

Before and After School Huddle

The concept of the Great Kitchen (open family room-kitchen) is ideal for Before and After school family connections. With open space children are in the line of sight for parents to check on everyones status for departure.  An oversized island can multi-task as a dining bar, work surface, or even a desktop when the home has Wi-Fi. This is a great place to include a charging station behind flip-down panels or on the inside of cabinet drawers.

 
7 Back to school chaulkboard list Lowell Management Lake Geneva WI Geneva Cabinet PIX

The Launch Pad

Ease the morning rush with a staging area where backpacks, shoes and show-and-tell treasures are ready to grab-and-go. This is also the drop off point at the end of each day.  A basket or clip board for each child can hold special notes and permission slips.  This is another good spot for a family calendar and electronics charging station.

 
3 BACK TO SCHOOL BACK UP SUPPLY STORAGE LOWELL LAKE GENEVA WI PIX

School Supply Stash

A designated storage place for school supplies should be close to the Launch Pad.  Built-in cabinets keep the area clutter free.  Pull out shelves with labeled bins or storage boxes will make it easy to access and inventory supplies. Keep the basics organized to eliminate last minute  trips to the store and wasteful spending for duplicate supplies lost somewhere in the back of a closet.

8 BACK TO School Study Lounge Lowell Lake Geneva, WI PIX

Homework Zone

No need to banish children to their rooms to study. The study lounge concept will help parents monitor homework progress and the child’s use of the Internet. Built-in cabinetry and shelving provide orderly storage for long-term projects.

 
9 BACK TO School Snack shack Lowell Lake Geneva, WI PIX

Healthy Snack Station

Encourage healthy choices for snacking with a designated area filled with grab-and-d0 treats.  Stock up on single serving snacks and individual  water or 100% juice drinks.  This is a  good place to store lunch supplies and packed lunch boxes. Companies like Goodbyn have colorful, reusable containers that make healthy snacks even more appealing. Their “Spork” is a real lunch box space saver.

 
10 BACK TO SCHOOL quiet study Lowell Lake Geneva, WI PIX

Bedroom Study Getaway

A study area tucked into a corner of a bedroom is great for reading and quiet study. Shelving provides a place to display special mementos and awards. Built-in cabinetry is helpful for sorting and organizing school projects and after-school hobbies.

 
11 BACK TO SCHOOL Aftr School Activities & Unwind Lowell Lake Geneva, WI PIX

Time to Unwind

Studies show that children who are active after school have improved concentration and learning ability. Areas of the home equipped for safe physical activity or a special place to pursue hobbies will make it more likely for children to choose activity instead of television.

 

The entire team at Lowell  is ready to help you with your plans for a beautiful and well thought-out home for back-to-school  . . .

. . . or any other time of year.

Here’s to all of the wonderful parents, you get a gold star!

Screen Shot 2016-08-16 at 10.07.25 AM
 

Home Design to Lose Weight & Get Fit

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What if the design of your home could increase your potential for success?
In his book  Slim By Design author and behavioral scientist, Brian Wansink, explains how changes to your environment can change your behavior.
With this approach in mind, we present some of our award-winning homes to demonstrate the best design ideas for a healthy lifestyle.

A well-organized kitchen is your base camp for success. An uncluttered environment is inviting and lets you feel in control. Store food out of sight except for a bowl filled with a variety of fruit on the counter.

A well-organized kitchen is your base camp for success. An uncluttered environment is inviting and lets you feel in control. Store food out of sight except for a bowl filled with a variety of fresh fruit on the counter.


 
Food preparation and clean up is a breeze when you have innovative products to speed things along.

You will be more motivated to prepare healthy meals when cooking and clean up is  a breeze!   Innovative products and appliances will increase your efficiency and decrease the time you spend in the kitchen.


 
Drink more water! Easy to do when a beverage station keeps it icy cold, within reach, and removed from the tempting snacks in the refrigerator.

Drink more water! It’s easy with a beverage station to keep it icy cold, and far away from the tempting snacks in the refrigerator.


 
A dedicated planning desk will help you coordinate nutritional meals and keep track of your progress.

A dedicated planning desk will help you coordinate nutritional meals and keep track of your progress.


 
Take advantage of color psychology, blue is known to promote weight loss because it is not associated with food.

Take advantage of color psychology by using kitchen colors that do not stimulate the appetite.  Blue is known to promote weight loss because it is not associated with food.  But notice how appealing the contrasting bowl of oranges becomes!


 
Sit down and enjoy every bite. Studies show that a relaxed dining area without the distraction of television will increase your satisfaction for every meal.

Sit down and enjoy every bite in a dedicated dining area.  Studies show that eating without  distraction will increase your satisfaction during every meal.


 
Take the stairs! You do not have to dedicate a full hour at the gym, just make a conscious effort to move more and avoid shortcuts.

Take the stairs!  You do not have to commit to a full hour at the gym, just make a conscious effort to move more often and avoid shortcuts.


 
Remind yourself of your commitment by surround yourself with healthy choices. Keep your workout equipment visible and ready to use.

Focus on your commitment by surrounding yourself with active options.  Create a colorful visual display of your workout equipment that is ready to go.


 
Lack of sleep leads to low energy and poor choices throughout the day. A restful bedroom will help you get the sleep you need for success.

Lack of sleep leads to low energy and poor choices throughout the day. A restful bedroom will help you get the sleep you deserve.


 
Reward yourself with treats that are not related to food, like a stress reducing start to every day in a spa bath.

Reward yourself with treats that are not related to food.  A spa bathroom will help you start every day stress-free.


 
Take a moment for inspirational reading or meditation to keep you on track and committed.

Take a moment for inspirational reading or meditation to keep yourself on track for success.