Tag Archive for: Fresh Home Ideas

Refreshing Spring Updates for your Home

1 Lowell Management FINAL pix Spring

Spring is nature’s time for renewal and the ideal time to bring your home out of hibernation. Celebrate the season by adding a few refreshing touches from our list of favorite home pick-me-ups.

  • Awaken your senses with flowers and scented candles for an instant lift. Use them generously in the most visible and well traveled areas of your home
  • Reposition furniture to take advantage of natural light and outdoor views
  • Brighten the bath by accenting with colorful towels and accessories
  • Lift heavy area rugs to enjoy the natural flooring or replace them with indoor/outdoor sisal
  • Use color and bold pattern in your toss pillows, throws and accessories for a lively accent
  • Lighten the look of your mantel and bookcases by storing away heavy accessories to keep the space open for a visual breath of fresh air
  • Spice up the kitchen with cheerful pops of color in cookware, tableware and serving pieces
  • Relate your home’s indoor and outdoor color palettes for a seamless connection to the exterior
  • Upgrade your standard entry fixture with one that makes a memorable style statement
  • Add a ceiling fan to covered porch or patio areas to create your own gentle breeze
  • Gather attractive trays for portable outdoor service with easy clean up
  • Display summer themed collections and playful activity equipment to set the mood for fun
  • Select outdoor furnishings based on the way you want to use your space. A daybed, outdoor bar or fire pit benches may serve you better than the customary umbrella table with chairs

For inspiration, take a look at some of these perky finds! 

Happy Spring!

 Shopping Links Below


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The Spring Cleaning Cheat Sheet for Your Home

Why ruin spring with endless hours of cleaning?

We all want our homes to sparkle, but few of us are giddy enough to dedicate time to housework on a beautiful spring day.

We have the perfect solution for you! Skip routine cleaning tasks and focus on the details that are overlooked most of the year. Set your own pace by choosing one task and performing it through your entire home, or working room by room to complete the list. Either way, you and your home will have a fresh outlook for spring.

So throw open the windows, and click on our Spring Cleaning Playlist to help you get started!

1 spotify playlist image 2

 (It’s easy, you just need to download the free Spotify software or App to listen.)

Task 1 - Clear the Clutter

Task 1 – Clear the Clutter

You will not be able to clean without clearing the landscape of clutter. But treat organization tasks separately as a different project. Right now put it away, pass it on or toss it out. Then mark your calendar to clean and organize one closet per room per month to prevent clutter from ever happening again.
2 mage for task 2 chandelier windows WM

Task 2 – Look Up & Dust

All year long there is dust collecting on ceilings, light fixtures, ceiling fans and on top of cabinets and window moldings. 2 image under task 2Be brave and get up there or use an extension duster to tackle it. Forget about all of that risky advice for spraying chandeliers to drip dry. Try a pair of dusting gloves for a smarter and easier approach.
 
3 clean windowsn WM

Task 3 – Look Out & Wash Up

Your windows to the world need to be transparent to let in all of that beautiful springtime daylight.
Martha’s window washing video Screen Shot 2016-03-16 at 5.51.51 PM will help your technique.  Then attend to window treatments by dusting or vacuuming with a soft brush.  If needed, dry clean or wash according to fabric instructions. Your new dusting gloves will come in handy for blinds and shutters.
Side note: You do not lose any points for hiring professionals.

4 appliance g WMTask 4 – Appliance Upkeep

These workhorses keep our lives running smoothly, but suffer from gunk build up. Vacuum and wash the floor behind and under each slide-in appliance.   Follow manufacturer instructions to clean refrigerator coils and vents, clean out the dryer hose, and remove fabric softener build up from the lint trap. This is also a good time to change air filters and batteries in your smoke detectors.
 
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Task 5 – Edit Expired Products

Empty the contents of your refrigerator and medicine cabinet, then only replace those items you use.

Sorry Fish Oil Gummies, it’s just not working.

Click image for link to printable pages

Click image for link to printable pages


Now, if you’re really inspired, make it a Spring Cleaning Marathon!   Martha Stewart’s Homekeeping Handbook: The Essential Guide to Caring for Everything in Your Home  is a wonderful reference.
On the other hand, if just skimming the list is exhausting, this calendar from Bright Nest could be your best strategy. Take on one quick tip for each day of the month; the darling little icons make it all seem effortless.
6 Bright Nest calendar with note

Click Image for a printable calendar on Bright Nest

Happy Spring!

Top 10 Home Trends for 2016

Fads come and go, but trends in homebuilding can last for generations. These develop over time and respond to changes in lifestyle, innovations in materials and new technology. With this in mind, our goal is to bring you the latest trends that are sure to become timeless classics.

Top 10 Home Trends 2016 downsized luxury entry with display shelvingEffortless Luxury for Homes of All Sizes

The well appointed home is in demand for homes of all sizes. Downsizing does not mean giving up the beautiful features empty nesters are accustomed to,  even starter home buyers want to feel pampered. Open floorplans, custom woodwork, gourmet kitchens and statement lighting all detail the homes that are sized according to lifestyle needs, not neighborhoods.

Top 10 Home Trends for 2016 screened in porch, sunroom, indoor outdoor livingSeasonal Living Spaces

Move from the sunroom, to screened-in porch, to the pergola-covered patio with ease. Fluid transitions between indoor and outdoor living space has the ability to extend seasons for the year long appreciation of nature. These spaces often include fireplaces, entertainment technology, conversational seating, dining area and outdoor kitchens.

Top 10 Trends for Homes in 2016 Multigenerational Space, multiple master bedrooms Multigenerational Space with Flexibility and Inclusive Design

Extended families under one roof are giving rise to homes with multiple bedroom suites for the comfort of everyone from aging parents or boomerang children. These homes are designed with large shared space to enhance family connections.  Personalized private areas often features showers with seats and grab rails to insure safety and open space for easy navigation.

Top 10 Trends for Homes in 2016, kitchen design, State of the Art Kitchen storage, range, range hood stainless steel, large island

State-of-the-Art Kitchens with Integrated Living Space

Today’s kitchens are connected to family life more than ever. The super-sized island is a multitasking essential with cabinetry in furniture-like finishes and smart appliances. Integrated equipment lends a streamline look to open floor plans. Luxury niche appliances satisfy the most serious chefs and include high performance ranges, steam ovens, warming drawers, metal range hoods and wine coolers. Emerging trends include kimchi refrigerators for preserving vegetables in keeping with Korean traditions and cultivators like the Urban Cultivator for fresh herbs.
Urban cultivator, indoor herb garden
Kitchen by Geneva Cabinet Company
 
 
 
 

Top 10 Trends for Homes in 2016, Clean Healthy Living, quartz, large tile, no grout onesHealthy Homes – Clean Living

A clean aesthetic is highly desirable and designs are evolving to incorporate low maintenance finishes that advance the cause. Quartz countertops with antibacterial properties are growing in popularity along with stainless steel countertops and large-scale tile with fewer grout lines. Air and water purification systems and natural materials work together to reduce toxins in the home along with streamline design where dust can’t hide.

Top 10 Trends for Homes in 2016, decorating idea, entry storage, cubbiesRelaxed and Farmhouse Entries

The farmhouse tradition of practicality is driving the trend for relaxes entries that focus on convenience. Open cubbies provide visible storage that eliminates the frantic search for keys. Additional storage under built-in benches keep shoes and boots tidy while preventing outside dirt from being tracked inside. Charging stations are often included to keep electronics in sight and ready to go.

Top 10 Trends for 2016 home design and decorating, Flexible Dining rooms, open floorpan, Lowell Management Services Lake Geneva WIFlexible Dining Room

Dining is an art to be shared with friends and family.    For this reason many are not willing to give up on the idea of a formal dining room. We have the perfect solution with open floor plans where the dining area can be adjusted to suite an intimate dinner party or grand affair.

Top 10 Trends for 2016 in home decorating and design, mix and match finishes, kitchen cabinet mix finished, quartz, soapstone, metalLowell Management Lake Geneva WIEclectic Mash Up

Mix and match principles apply throughout the home and are most evident in the kitchen. Combinations feature complimentary styles and colors for cabinetry along with various countertop materials assigned by use. Quartz, soapstone and hand scraped woods compete with granite for the most popular position. Metallic finishes for hardware and tile inserts includes gold, copper and platinum along with the traditional chrome and steel.

Top 10 Trends for 2016 in home decorating and design, entry with artisan craftsmanship, Lowell Management Services Lake Geneva WIAuthentic Materials and Craftsmanship

Appreciation for handcrafted work from local artisans and locally sourced material is on the rise. It goes beyond the sustainability factor and speaks to a newfound respect for the time-honored skills of our neighbors. Repurposed and locally sourced materials carry a highly trusted reassurance of quality.

Top 10 Trends for 2016 in home design and decorating, Leisure rooms, pool cabana, bar, kitchen, bath, barn door, Lowell Management Lake Geneva WILeisure Spaces and Getaway Rooms

When it’s time to relax we want a space that transports us from the daily grind to a relaxing retreat. Home hobby spaces can be as peaceful as a meditation room or as active an arcade. Many are self-sustaining with a refreshment area and private bath. These spaces vary from a basketball court that is just down the hall to a freestanding boathouse or poolside cabana.
Kitchen by Geneva Cabinet Company

Home Color Trends for 2015

While fun to speculate about the “it” color for 2015, conflicting predictions from major color experts can be puzzling. Marsala, Coral Reef, Blue Paisley? How do you know which color to choose for a fresh new look for your home that will not feel dated in a few years?
We take away the color confusion with this easy guide. It is based on our analysis of the 2015 Color of the Year predictions by experts like Pantone, Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams and Color Marketing Group. Using the color expertise we bring to every home we build, we created 4 key palettes for you to reference. Rather than focusing on just one fashion color, let these color collections help you create your scheme. Simply select colors from the collection that speaks to the mood you love!

Color Whisper These chalky sheer colors will restore balance and promote a peaceful and restful environment.

COLOR WHISPER
These chalky sheer colors will restore balance and promote a peaceful and restful environment.


Modern Classics Stabilize your interior by referencing historic color palettes then tweaking them for an updated feel.

MODERN CLASSICS
Stabilize your interior by referencing historic color palettes then tweaking them for an updated feel.


Nature Preserve The infusion of earth elements and the colors they represent is a way of grounding and connecting with nature.

NATURE PRESERVE
The infusion of earth elements and the colors they represent is a way of grounding and connecting with nature.


Celebrating Home A sure way to brighten your day is to introduce a kaleidoscope of optimistic hues inspired by global images and lively floral gardens.

CELEBRATING HOME
A sure way to brighten your day is to introduce a kaleidoscope of optimistic hues inspired by global images and lively floral gardens.

For more ideas and examples of how we use color check out our Portfolio pages http://lowellmanagement.com/living.html

*Digital color swatches used to demonstrate trends are Benjamin Moore proprietary colors via Pintrest. When choosing colors you must selected from actual paint samples available at your local paint store.*

Top 10 New Home Trends

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.