Tag Archive for: before and after

Remodeling to Make it Yours

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The most exciting part of a new home is the opportunity to make it truly yours.  Our homeowners responded to the challenge after purchasing this classic lake front home.   With the help of their designer Phillip Sassano, The Design Coach  this classic beauty received a makeover that put the past 40 years behind.  Each design and remodeling decision honored the traditional aesthetic, then advanced the design with a modern spin to reflect the refreshing attitude of its new homeowners.   Compare these before-and-after pictures to see the dramatic results.   Then follow along to see how the outdoor environment was brought to life.

This home was reimagined and remodeled to fully appreciate and enjoy its lake front location.

 This luxurious property on the Geneva Lake was always impressive, but the new design establishes a more impressive link between the interior and exterior worlds.

First Impressions

A good first impression always says welcome.  We love the symmetry of the main house and how cheerful blue awnings and shutters unite the extensions.  Notice how the walkway to the main entrance has been reconfigured for a clean view of the front elevation.  Painting the exterior brick white was a bold and successful move.  Adding  blue accents nods towards a relaxed Mediterranean point of view.

Door Detail

A stunning new entry door with leaded glass sidelights not only updates, but elevates the style.

Party in the Back

 

While the front elevation maintains a refined character, a walk around back tells a relaxed fun-loving story.

Outdoor Rooms

Aligned perfectly with the coast of Geneva Lake, each of the outdoor spaces has a special purpose, while all offer stunning views.

Outdoor Kitchen

Location is everything when adding an outdoor kitchen.  Here it is positioned perfectly to serve multiple outdoor and indoor dining areas.

Screened In Room

The screened in room offers a protected option with easy flow between indoor and outdoor living spaces.

Pool or Spa Day

No need to decide when using efficient one-piece swimming pool construction and dropping in a spa to the side.

Big Little Details

New windows, awnings, and roof shingles work together to boost energy efficiency for the home

Architectural Elements

New lighting, a spiral staircase and corbels add to the refined elegance of this architecture.

Pop of Color

Colorful accents from the floral landscape to the back door fuse the overall outdoor experience.

Step inside by following this link to see even more of this delightful home remodel.

To see this full home inside and out click here.

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

Contact us here

or call 262-245-9030

 

Photography by S.Photography/Shanna Wolf

 

Home Improvements Lift Your Spirit & Home Value

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Of course, home improvements will increase the value of your home, but the lift to your spirit is priceless!

 

Subtle factors in our environment have a huge impact on the way we feel.  At times the color of the wall, or just the fact that there is a wall, can dump us into a bad mood.  Studies have shown that our feel-good endorphins increase when we are attracted to our environment.  So get the positive feelings flowing with some home improvements!

Start with a review of our article Should You Remodel to see if it makes sense to update your current home.  Then browse through these popular and often cost effective ideas.

 

Remove a Wall – Expand Your Space

 

Open floor plans are at the top of everyone’s wish list because they create a natural flow between key living spaces.   Reworking the existing floorplan can provide an unrestricted social feel.    In this case the kitchen was expanded by removing a wall to allow the homeowners a seamless connection between the kitchen and living room.  The new space feels enormous without the old confining kitchen enclosure.  Of course, you should seek the opinion of an expert before making any structural changes. For a few guidelines click here.

Updating Cabinetry & Countertops

 

Nothing dates a home more than a dingy and cramped kitchen.  This fresh new layout designed by Geneva Cabinet Company, LLC. provides more efficient storage and open circulation.  New cabinetry is  by Shiloh with countertops by Cambria.  A lovely stone backsplash from Bella Tile and Stone and artisan hardware complete the look with an air of sophistication for this newly efficient floorplan.

Improve Lighting

Finish off every room with proper lighting.  It will instantly update and brighten the space.  Think in terms of a balanced blend of light sources.  Chandeliers are perfect for general lighting.  Add dimmers to alter the mood.  Supplement with recessed cans to focus on architectural features such as this fireplace wall.  They also serve well as task lighting when strategically spaced in the kitchen.  Note the additional sparkle added by crystals and the mirror!

 

 

Don’t forget the Bath

 

Baths can add an instant update, and one that is attractive will certainly improve your mood.  It’s much nicer to start and end each day in a fresh bright space with beautiful lighting and good storage.   Consider the various options for the redesign of your bath by reading this.

 

Here is a quick review of this latest project.  Let it inspire you and call us to discuss future updates to your home.

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

Call or Click Here to Contact Us

Remodeling – A Story with a Fairy Tale Ending

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Do you get a kick out of those remodeling horror stories?  Then stop reading because this is more of a remodeling fairy tale!

Lowell Custom Homes remodel in Lake Geneva Exterior Elevations Before and After
It all begins in a not so far away land near Lake Geneva. A stately but dated home starts it’s transformation at the entry by correcting a medieval door which was completely exposed to the elements.   (While medieval works in fairy tales, it’s not ideal for a lake house.)  A new welcoming covered porch completes the front elevation with other gracious architectural details.
2 entry door .jpg
On the interior an equally impressive makeover was in progress.  In the kitchen, walls were taken down to open up the space to the family room.
3 kitchen before and during.jpg
The dark 80’s oak cabinets were replaced with bright white and gray painted cabinetry from Medallion Cabinetry with kitchen design by Geneva Cabinet Company.
4 kitchen after
A small walk-in pantry flanked by two tall glass-front cabinets provide additional storage and eliminate the need for wall cabinets in order to maximize lake views.
6 living room before and during
Meanwhile the formal living room was taken down to the studs.  The load-bearing wall was removed and a new I-beam installed.  The fireplace was trimmed to the ceiling and the dark brick painted pale gray.
7 living room after
On the second story the guest bedroom had a ceiling that was just too spectacular to remove.   We preserved it and updated it with high gloss white paint for a fresh look in keeping with the new character of the home.
8 bedroom ceiing

All drywall and floor sheathing on this 2nd floor was replaced before new wool carpet was laid.  The crowning accent was a delicate chandelier to replace the tired ceiling fan.
5 family room
The family room and staircase were not neglected during this enchanting makeover.
9 stairs
But the real drama is saved for the lake side elevation of the home’s exterior.
10 screened porch
More than a cosmetic makeover was needed.  This exterior suffered damage from water that had seeped in under the siding and all soffits and facia.  Once repaired a screened porch was added to the back of the house with access to the family room and kitchen.  This allowed for a balcony off of the 2nd floor master bedroom.  A delightful outdoor kitchen by Danver was added to complete the lakeside living space.
11 screened porch after with kit and shower

We are happy to report that homeowners and the entire Lowell team lived happily ever after! lowell team at More

Special thanks to our homeowners for the pleasure of working together (and the pizza parties) !

When it’s time to build or remodel, just ask us how you can create your own fairy tale ending.

262-245-9030

Photography by Josh Zuelke Josh Z Photography
Kitchen by Joyce Zuelke for Geneva Cabinet Company
Superintendent Rich Kinter for Lowell Custom Homes
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before and after kitchen remodel by lowell custom homes

The Most Popular Rooms to Renovate

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Move over kitchen and bath, this year living quarters will dominate home remodeling requests according to the Houzz & Home Renovation Report. Houzz is one of the leading home and design resource sites in the country. Lowell Custom Homes is a regular contributor to many of the Houzz studies evaluating trends and the latest news in home building and remodeling.
This year’s research reveals the unexpected popularity of improvements to general living areas. The forecast for 2018 also predicts that homeowners will tackle multiple room renovations at one time.  Surprisingly, the master bedroom and laundry are leading the way with a growth in average spending of 23% and 24% respectively.

Kitchen Renovation
kitchen renovation by Lowell Custom Homes Before and After

While the desire for kitchen and bath renovations remains consistent, a shift in homeowner thinking places the new focus on living spaces that will have real lifestyle impact.

Renovation of Living Space

Living room remodel Before and After by Lowell Custom Homes in Lake Geneva
Before and After Living room remodel by Lake Geneva Builder Lowell Custom Homes
The study reveals, and we can confirm based on our current projects, that the main motivation to remodel is improved design and function.   Customization is at the top of everyone’s list when making design decisions. It is about making the space personal and relatable for the needs of each homeowner.

Renovation of Master Bedroom Suite

Master Bedroom suite remodel by lake geneva builder lowell custom homes
Remodeling the master bedroom and the master suite is moving further in the direction of comfort and privacy. While the concept is not new, the increased demand for an at home getaway is noteworthy. More and more homeowners are craving privacy within their home. There is a high desire for what can be seen as an in-home mental health escape for writing, meditation or just some quality me-time.

Laundry Room Renovation

remodel laundry room by lake geneva builder lowell custom homes
Laundry room renovations are becoming more extensive and the space devoted to this utility is growing larger. It has evolved into a multi-purpose area that just happen to have the laundry located inside. Easy access is a key factor for updates to this workspace along with the ability to share storage and countertops for projects.

Exterior Renovation
Before and After exterior home remodel by lake geneva builder lowell custom homes

Exterior improvements closely follow interior renovations in popularity.  Curb appeal, or lake appeal in this case, is a priority.  Remodeling often includes indoor-outdoor living space with special amenities like an outdoor kitchen or even an outdoor shower.
Outdoor shower remodeled home exterior by lake geneva builder lowell custom homes
From first-time buyers to seasoned homeowners, remodeling has become the way to have a home that will provide for all of your needs, without having to move.
You can read more about how to decide if you should build or remodel here  and 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 will answer all of your questions and guide you every step of the way!

Lowell Custom Homes

262.245.9030

Interior Design of Laundry Room by Elizabeth Drake Interiors

Photography Credits Josh Z Photography and Victoria McHugh Photography

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