Tag Archive for: home remodeling

Home Remodeling with Emerging Trends

The Brady’s may have restored their home to its 1970’s glory,  but most home remodels look to the future of design for inspiration.  Lifestyle changes over the years have placed new demands on the home environment.  Our goal is to help homeowner’s make updates that will evolve along with their ever changing needs.

Whether you’re remodeling to maximize the sale price of your home or stay in place with every conceivable comfort, these are the freshest home ideas to consider.

Nature with a Modern Vibe

Large windows and open spaces expand a room by letting the outdoors in.  A stunning approach is to contrast nature with sleek modern forms that lend a sculpture- in-the-garden mood to the interior.

The Golden Touch

Gold tones have been resurrected in recent years and show no sign of phasing out.  We are seeing it used throughout the home design in light fixtures, hardware and interior accent pieces.  This warm metallic works very well with the predicted vibrant, neutral and warm tones seen on the latest Pantone color forecast for 2020.

 

Bold Beautiful Color

A step toward deep rich color is the perfect contrast to our modern neutral interiors.   Save this look for extra impact in the intimate areas like the library, home office or even powder room.

 

Textured Elements

One of our favorite elements of interior design is often overlooked.  The presence of texture in a room provides a rich backdrop for living.  Subtle visual patterns on contrasting material play together beautifully to define a space.  Wall paneling, fireplace stone and herringbone floors all add to the refined casual character of this room.

 

Tile Envy

We just can’t leave our subway tile alone when there are so many beautiful options available to artfully accent its classic appeal.   Mixing and blending tile shapes and colors will take the common bath to the next level.

Leisure Spaces

There is no slow down in the trend to create entertainment areas in and around the home.   These include spaces for the pursuit of specialized hobbies as well as escape and relaxation.

Small Rooms, Big Ideas

Whether it’s a powder room or laundry area, every space within the home deserves design attention.  The intimate size gives you more freedom to venture outside of the box without fear.

 

 

Watch this video to see the dramatic before and after changes that resulted in a thoroughly modern makeover!

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

Call or Click Here to Contact Us

 

Interior Design for the featured home is by StephMusur.com & 610HomeGeneva.com

 

 

Gatherings Making memories at home for the holidays

Gatherings – A Time When Memories Are Made

Memorable gatherings, great and small, begin in a home that radiates warmth.  Sharing the comforts of your home is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give for the holidays. While daily lifestyle takes precedence in home design, here are a few features that are truly appreciated by guests.

Lowell Custom Homes entry door

Welcoming Entry

Before the doorbell rings your home is making its first impression.  The character of this home is reminiscent of a French Country Chateau with exterior lighting that glows to guide visitors forward.   The richly stained and subtly arched entry doors are framed by curved corbels and surrounded by dimensional stone work.  For more inviting exterior ideas click here!

Lowell Custom Homes Lake Geneva Wi Interior entry door

Balance

Guests are reassured by a sense of balance.  The beautiful symmetry of this living room plays a gracious role communicating comfort.

Lowell Custom Homes a entry flow into open living

Inviting Flow

Unobstructed views and an open floor plan encourage a relaxed flow throughout the home.

Lowell Custom Homes open concept floor plan

Lovely Scale & Proportion

Scale is more important than size when creating a welcoming room.  This floor to ceiling stone fireplace is perfectly at home in a room that can support its dramatic presence with ample ceiling volume.   View more ideally proportioned interiors in our gallery by clicking here.

owell Custom Homes options for intimacy cozy den

Options for Intimacy

Large formal rooms are lovely, but at times a scaled down room is just right for more intimate gatherings.  Here, fine handcrafted details are perfectly proportioned for a more personal setting.

Lowell Custom Homes versitility open or close spaces versitility

Versatile and Multifunctional

We all love an open kitchen, but at times you just want to pull the curtain, or in this case the pocket door, on the chaos.   Built-in versatility is the key to spaces that perform day-to-day as well as when entertaining.  This kitchen can be a place for meal preparations, casual dining, or mingling.

Lowell Custom Homes island party in front business in the back

Party in the Front, Business in the Back

Function is a priority, especially in kitchen design.  Here a dramatic oversized island is part of the design by Geneva Cabinet Company, LLC.  At first glance you’ll notice show-stopping good looks, but a peek around to the back side exposes easy-to-access storage, wide open work surface and undercounted appliances.

Lowell Custom Homes behind the scenes convenience and staging area

Staging Area

Behind the scenes at any great event is a well executed plan.  This spacious laundry room can double as a butler’s pantry while thoughtfully designed cabinet interiors are a thing of beauty every day.

Lowell Custom Homes indoor outdoor

Seasonal Transitions

A protected indoor-outdoor area is appreciated by many guests.  This screened in room offers comfort and style along with a little fresh air.

Time to Unwind

And finally, after the last air-kiss good-night, every homeowner deserves a place to unwind and reminisce about the exciting events of the day.

Lowell Custom Homes place to rejuvanate after entertaining and careing for others

That should include the privacy of a Master Bedroom and Bath Suite as the perfect place to rejuvenate for the next round of holiday festivities.

We send our heartfelt thanks

to our customers and all of those who follow

our activities as we build these lovely homes,

always,

and especially this holiday season!

 

This home was originally built by Lowell Custom Homes and designed by M & E Architects.  The renovations in 2018 are by Lowell Custom Homes with architect Todd Cauffman and General Manager/Project Superintendent Rich Kinter.

To see more of the lovely details visit our Houzz portfolio by clicking here.

Photography is by Shanna Wolf, S.Photography and Styling

The new roof is by DaVinci Roofscapes and features a long lasting composition shake shingle.

The kitchen by Geneva Cabinet Company, LLC features cabinetry fromPlato Woodwork, Inc.

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Built In Storage Ideas for Every Room

Are you dreaming of a beautiful clutter free home? Is storage something you only think about when your pots are toppling over or when you’re frantically looking for your keys?
LOWELL thinks about storage in the early planning stages of every building or remodeling project. It can’t be an afterthought; otherwise you end up with cookie cutter solutions that don’t work for most families. Our first step is listening and understanding the unique lifestyle needs of every client.
The latest trend for home design responds to modern living with designated storage space in every room for frequently used items. The beauty and practicality of kitchen and bath storage is expanding to every room. Accommodations for connecting to technology and convenient charging stations are finding multiple locations throughout the home.
Important questions we ask, you can ask yourself when planning a home improvement project:

  • How do I use each room?
  • What activities take place in each room most often?
  • What household or personal items are used for each activity in the room?

Drop Zone Laundry Mud Room
Out the door convenience is at the top of every list. The grungy mud room is a thing of the past when storage is included in the plan. Referred to as the “drop zone” or “landing pad” everyone has a place to sort their on-the-go necessities. Benches, hooks, cubbies and charging stations keep everyone organized for grab and go convenience.
Hearth room image
Living Room, Family Room, Gathering Rooms, all need built in storage that contributes to the overall design aesthetic. The numerous electronic components and accessories need suitable housing. Storage for blankets, games and your pets squeaky toys should easily co-exist with decorative displays.
dining room with built in cabinetry small
Dining rooms delight with built-ins that provide convenient storage for bulky serving pieces as well as a buffet surface. Glass front cabinetry will highlight collections while drawers and doors keep dining china and flatware organized and at your fingertips.
window wall image
Window walls are an opportunity for storage in any room. A window seat with storage adds both seating with storage benefits. When wall space is generous a niche can be created for a window seat or vanity flanked by generous closet space. This solution can be a real space saver when space it tight. It also adds value when the need to purchase furniture for storage is eliminated.
closet image
Personal items find a home in closets that perform far beyond the recommended  48” hanging space per person. Coveted personal collections like purses or shoes can be featured for your enjoyment in glass front cabinets instead of stored in boxes. Include a vanity for delicate items like jewelery and lingerie. A mirror and good lighting are essential for pulling yourself together and getting on with your day.
Blog Kitchen image
To wrap up all of your storage dreams, the kitchen! The cabinets you know so well have evolved. This kitchen designed by Geneva Cabinet Company include specialized dividers and pull outs for ergonomic ease. We love a well thought out Kitchen Island for expanded storage. Drawers are another easy to reach storage solution for sorting kitchen necessities. Knowing your style of food prep from gourmet to short order cook will dictate your storage needs with no wasted space.
Consider this, having an organized home has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety! A study by Real Simple magazine shows that the average American spends 55 minutes a day looking for lost or misplaced items! There are a lot more pleasant things you could do with 55 minutes each day.