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MARSALA Pantone’s Color of the Year 2015!

in Color, Design Ideas, Trends/by Lowell Custom Homes

Who is Pantone and why should you care?
Well, they are actually the international color authority on trends and color messages. Their research has been guiding the colors we see in fashion, architecture and home décor for over 40 years. Now that this earthy hue has been identified as the emerging “it” color, companies can refer to the Pantone system to be sure they are speaking a consistent color language. This helps in the development of new products so colors will be complimentary across industries.

At Lowell we often use this full bodied hue to ground neutral color schemes without overwhelming them. It also has the ability to add warmth to cooler schemes that feature blues and greens.

Watch for Marsala to act as a unifying element in 2015. It is a sophisticated and confident shade able to mix well with the existing colors you love. The nurturing aspect of this color makes it an ideal addition for kitchen and dining areas. We will see it featured prominently in new fabrics and tabletop items especially when floral patterns are featured. As new products are introduced the draw of Marsala is sure to intensify.

How to Choose the Best Home Plan

in Architecture, Building a New Home, Custom Builder, Remodeling/by Lowell Custom Homes

You don’t have to settle for ordinary home plans. Your home should be customized to fit your personal needs. The floor plan or layout of the room is a key factor for shaping how you live in your home and how happy you are living there. We enjoy guiding new homeowners through the process of building their dream home and want to share some of the factors that will help you create the perfect home plan.
Lifestyles
This is an all encompassing category that will help you express the general attitude of your home. It is all about who you are and what your typical day looks like. In general, think in terms of your desire for a structured or relaxed atmosphere. Consider where you are in your life and the possibilities for the future. Does this home need to accommodate a single or married person, youthful or mature couple, growing family or empty-nester? These are all indicators to help you decide on the compatibility of your home to your lifestyle.

Size
A home of any size can be fabulous, so asking yourself how much space you use. Take inventory of your current living conditions and plan ahead for the amount of space your will need to be comfortable in the future.
Questions to ask yourself:

Is the space you have actually where you need it?
What spaces are unused and where can you use more square footage?
Do you need more storage or more living space?
Will you family be growing?
How long do you plan to stay in this home?
Is this a weekend retreat or your main residence?
Will you need additional living space in the future to possibly care for elderly parents or grandchildren?

Activities
It is important to know how do you spend your day and accommodate all of your normal activities. A family with children may have the central focus of a sunny eat-in kitchen while a retired couple may spend a good part of the day in a cozy den with a fireplace.? Questions to ask:

Which room is used most often during the most active hours of the day?
Do you live a formal or informal lifestyle?
Do you entertain often? Will you need space for overnight guests?
How many people and pets are living in a home and how active are they?
What are the important home activities to make space for, like cooking, working-at-home, relaxing?

Adjacency, Traffic Flow & Versatility
This is as important as the size of the rooms. Be aware of how your day progresses, and which rooms need to be near or next to other rooms? This is referred to as “adjacency” and having your spaces organized with convenient locations will save you time and energy in your day-to-day activities. The idea of an open vs. closed floor plan will start to form as you decide on the best relationships for your spaces. Entry points, traffic flow and storage spaces are all key considerations. The location of the storage space must be convenient to its use, serving pieces near the kitchen, coats near the entry, toys near the play space.
Energy Efficiency
As a builder we are using the most advanced materials and systems. In addition to this, floor plan design becomes an important part of the equation. The most active areas during the day should take advantage of natural lighting. This along with the careful placement of windows is referred to as “Daylighting”. Generous overhangs and abundant windows are just the start to floor plan design that will work with the mechanical systems to enhance the efficiency of your home.
Noise Control
Open spaces are great for the flow of activity, but noise will easily bounce through the room. If you need quiet zones, build in niche areas with walls or lower ceiling heights to help control the sound. Add to this the careful selection of materials for sound absorption and the combined effect will give you the alternatives you need for balance.
Private Spaces
How much privacy do you need and where do you need it? Even an open floor plan needs areas of privacy or intimacy. Analyze your needs in terms of the amount of quiet time you would like in your day and be sure your floor plan provides the space for you to retreat, study or work-at-home. In addition to this, be sure to consider the views into and out of each room to ensure that you have privacy from neighbors and street traffic.
Indoor Outdoor Living
Your access to the outdoors will be determined by the convenient location of exit points to the leisure areas on you property. This is a major consideration in the placement of your home on the lot. If you can see your property and the outdoor living spaces from indoors, you are more likely to go out and enjoy them. Create a natural flow between indoor and outdoor spaces with plentiful doors that open wide for activities like cooking, entertaining or playtime.
Multi-Generation Friendly, Aging In Place & Accessibility
Building our homes so they are accessible through the normal ups and downs of life is more important than ever. It’s not just about aging; the occasional injury or health condition can influence your appreciation of design factors like living on one level or easy to reach cabinets and appliances. Additionally, blended families are becoming more common and empty-nesters are not necessarily downsizing. Our longer and healthier life styles make it wise to add accessible features that will allow us to live independently in the homes we love.
Expert guidance is available to you. As a highly reputable and experienced builder, we encourage you to seek the help you need in making key floor plan decisions as you prepare to build a new home or remodel. We are available to answer any questions you may have and please visit us if you are in the Lake Geneva area!
Lowell Management
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
262 245 9030

Secret Indulgence, True Luxury

in Building a New Home, Custom Builder, Custom Detailing & Millwork, Design Ideas, Trends/by Lowell Custom Homes

Luxury isn’t about necessity; it’s about indulgence. It’s about the wonderful privilege of making a choice between everyday and extraordinary. For some this indulgence can be as simple as chocolate, for other it is a special place created for their personal pleasure. Part of the fun is the secret status. As custom builders we create beautiful homes with delightful secrets.

To the casual observer, this is just an incredibly beautiful transition with finely detailed woodworking, gently curved bookcases, paneling, coffered ceiling and accent sconces. But wait, there’s more! A touch of the bookcase reveals the secret access to a private den to be shared only with a chosen few.

The beauty of luxury is that you define it for yourself. However, what women isn’t captivated with the idea of her very own Carrie Bradshaw closet?

An under stair alcove presents the perfect opportunity for storage that displays a coveted collection.

Pay not attention to the gourmet kitchen behind the retractable stainless steel door! Only revealed when culinary inspiration strikes, this outdoor kitchen will impress and entertain when its secret is shared.

We cater to fantasies for all ages. This imaginative child’s play space brings new meaning to the term “Man Cave”.

While luxury is often defined in economic terms, we feel luxury is an emotional state as well. Loft spaces have inherent intrigue. Here we add a bit of romance with a rustic and intimate bedroom suggesting a tree house view.

Your “Happy Place” does not have to be limited to your imagination. Our expertise and creative ideas help you add a little mystery and fun to your home by tucking secretly indulgent spaces into the forgotten nooks and crannies.

True luxury is building a home that holds a few secrets. . . just for you!

Curb Appeal

in Architecture, Building a New Home, Custom Builder, Custom Detailing & Millwork, Design Ideas, Remodeling/by Lowell Custom Homes

Curb appeal is that “wow factor” that begins with the design of every home. One of the secrets to our success is the attention we give to details during every phase of design and construction. We want to share some of those details we consider so you too can elevate your home to neighborhood celebrity status.
You will have them at “hello” with a stunning drive that paves the way to your entry. The driveway material and configuration should compliment the overall character of your home. Straight drives support formality while curved hardscaping encourages a relaxed atmosphere. Pavers, stone and decorative concrete can all elevate an imposing necessity to captivating pathway.

After that initial Ahhh moment, your homes details will come into focus. We are especially fond of interesting roof lines that engage the eye. Doors, windows, and woodworking must all be true to a homes overall style. While function is a priority, there is no need to ignore good principles of balance and proportion when placing architectural features. The exterior material selections offer an opportunity to further your stunning impression with a tasteful blends of color and texture.

The walkway should also support the general style of your home. The same formality rules apply, along with an additional opportunity to include new statement materials. Natural stone at this point will create a gentle transition for the eye as it moves from nature to the built environment.

The planted softscaping of shrubbery, lawn and flowers will strengthen that lasting impression. The layout should help identify the path for visitors and lead them to your entry or entertainment destinations on the property. Plantings can intrigue as they allow the view to slowly unfold or present an instant Ta-DA moment. Hearty plants are a wise choice near driveways to withstand winter clearing activities.

Features like columns, canopies, and porches all create points of reference and more opportunity to carry through on your homes period style. Copulas, trellis and window boxes can be added in accordance with modern or traditional architecture. When canopies or awnings are used to cover windows and doors there can be an energy saving bonus as they buffer sun and wind.

Curb appeal is enhanced at night with the tasteful illumination of architecture and landscape features. Defining pathways and entry points with lighting is a safe and considerate way to welcome friends. The added security is a noteworthy benefit for the entire neighborhood.

Finally we saved the most adaptable feature of every home for last. The front door is the personality point to tell the world a little bit about who you are. It can be a sneak peek at your homes interior style or a charming landmark for neighbors out on an evening stroll.
If you have a difficult time deciding on a door color, try this fun quiz for some guidance.
http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/23794956/list/Houzz-Quiz–What-Color-Should-Your-Front-Door-Be-

Here at Lowell we are known for building beautiful homes that make memorable first impressions. Our key to captivating curb appeal is a consistent vision and we are here to share that expertise with you when you are ready to build or remodel.

Top 10 New Home Trends

in Architecture, Custom Builder, Design Ideas, Remodeling, Trends/by Lowell Custom Homes

The freshest ideas for your new home or remodeling project are inspired by classics and designed with ease. Enjoy and be inspired as you create your personal vision of home.

Inviting Open Spaces

Architectural features rather than walls define spaces today. An open feel prevails with rooms radiating from an internal landmark feature like this dramatic stone fireplace.

Indulge in Architecture & Authentic Materials

Classic style with graceful lines emerges as the favorite when enhanced by a selection of authentic materials with integrity. The time to splurge is during construction so your home has permanence with quality that will last for generations.

Energy Efficient Design & Materials

New homes have the advantage of building in the very latest technology with innovations that will maximize energy efficiency. High performance windows and household systems all contribute to the effective operation of a home. The proper orientation of a home to its site will contribute by taking advantage of natural light and protection from the elements.

Artfully Mixed Elements

Style statements are not born from overly matched materials and finishes in the home. The most stunning results emerge from a combination of contrasting colors and textures. Salvaged, reclaimed and recycled materials compliment the newly manufactured to expand your opportunity for a unique look.

Command Center Kitchens

Not just the heart of the home, the kitchen has become the core of all activity. The size is not as significant as the layout. The commonplace island has evolved and now acts as a pivot point for operations as well as a style directive.

Space for Connecting

In order to add balance to everyday demands, a cozy gathering place ranks high on the list of “must haves”. Comfortable furniture, technology and entertainment systems complete this haven for families to reconnect.

Spa Luxury at Home

The Master Bedroom Suite is becoming even more luxurious as the demand for in home retreats intensifies. Multiple shower heads, free standing tubs, and dedicated grooming areas all contribute to the spa-like character of these personal sanctuaries.

Stop and Drop Organization

Your homes entry points accumulate daily necessities that can evolve into chaos. Point of use storage will assist in the organization and recovery of on-the-go essentials

Prized Possessions

You can take it with you. Homeowners are holding on to significant pieces they love from previous homes. The beautiful antique doors in this entry were incorporated into their new home along with cherished memories.

Outdoor Living

The desire for outdoor living is stronger than ever. Moving beyond relaxation and entertainment, outdoor kitchens, showers and sleeping spaces are inviting us to spend more time in the fresh air. Visit last month’s blog post for important considerations when planning your outdoor space.