Gatherings Making memories at home for the holidays

Gatherings – A Time When Memories Are Made

in Home Entertainment, Trends/by Lowell Custom Homes

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.

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!

Balance

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

Inviting Flow

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

SaveSave

How to Choose a Location When Building Your New Home

in Building a New Home, Step-by-Step Home Construction/by Lowell Custom Homes

The old adage “Location, Location, Location” has endured with good reason!

Where you build your home will determine your lifestyle. It’s important to consider all of the variables for your future homesite and prioritize them with a list of the factors that are the most relevant to you.

The decision to build is a financial and emotional investment. Read this first to help you decide if building is the best way to have the home of your dreams. When you know the timing is the right, we can help you search for the perfect location.

What comes first, the home design or the homesite?

It’s best to select the community that you would love to live in and let that inspire your home design. This allows you to create a home that takes full advantage of every positive element a site has to offer.

Community and Nearby Resources

When considering communities, the key is convenience. This means something different for every buyer. Important factors include proximity to

Work
Schools
City Resources
Entertainment and Restaurants
Family and Friends
Health Care Facilities
Leisure Activities – parks, pools, water sports, etc., like these in Lake Geneva

Private vs. Social

Would you like to wave to your neighbor every morning or do you prefer total privacy. The lot you choose can facilitate either by its location or with the assistance of landscape screening.

Homesite Characteristics

The size of the lot and its topography will influence the design of your home. Sloped sites have the advantage of beautiful views and multi-levels for indoor-outdoor living. A level lot appeals to those who enjoy gardening or are considering the installation of a pool or play area.

Home Orientation

When choosing your lot consider the benefits of generous lot lines. They will increase versatility in home design. This can allow you to take better advantage of the views, natural light and energy efficient placement of your home.

We have a limited number of homesites in three distinct neighborhoods of Geneva National . This Award-Winning Gated Community offers a variety of resort-style living on 1,800 scenic acres that are in complete harmony with nature. Year-round amenities including 54 holes of PGA-level golf and convenient proximity to Geneva Lake and downtown Lake Geneva for countless leisure activities.

Our specialists are here to assist with the many complicated decisions involved in selecting a homesite and designing a new home.

Lowell Custom Homes

Creating Memories You Can Come Home To

262-245-9030

Top 10 Tips for Choosing the Best Builder

in Building a New Home, Custom Builder, How to Select a Builder/by Lowell Custom Homes

People often wonder how to choose the right builder for their new home or home remodeling project. The best advice we have comes directly from our very own expert. This clip from the Today’s Builder TV Show features Scott Lowell discussing the qualities that make his company so highly sought-after and respected.

We created this Top 10 list to summarize the qualities you should look for when hiring a builder.

Experience – Nothing surpasses experience and longevity in the custom home industry. A builder must have a strong character built on the reputation of the experts within the company. Meet our experts right here.
Quality – High quality materials should be the standard for a custom home project. The infrastructure in a home is just as critical as the components that can be seen. This delivers a home that is solid, serenely quiet and finely detailed.
Responsiveness – The best builder is more than a good listener, he is a responsive innovator. The process of designing and building the perfect home requires an ongoing exchange between builder and homeowner in order to deliver a home that is truly distinctive.
Empowered Customer Experience – A fully transparent system allows homeowners to be comfortable with the process from day one. A builder should document every aspect of the project and its progress so the homeowners can have a clear understanding of every nuance. This results is happy customers like these and these!
Clear Communication – The right builder will have a designated point-person to establish a direct line of communication for the homeowner. At Lowell this is the Project Superintendent who is always available to update and respond promptly to questions and concerns. Without a doubt there will be unexpected circumstances that arise during any construction project, but a good builder will keep you informed and have them resolved without delay.
Established Timelines – A timeline for construction should be established before the project even begins and include a secure delivery date for the convenience of the homeowners. Common delays are avoidable when the builder has an in-house team that includes an architect, office staff and reliable contractors who are meticulous about staying on track throughout the construction process.
Established Budgets – A good builder will have an accurate budget that has been approved by the homeowner. The building process should include flexibility for some changes, but the builder must have a documented system where homeowners can approve variations. There should be no surprises.
Value Engineered – It is a balancing act to deliver the best value with uncompromising quality. You want your home to have every feature on your wish list, and an experienced builder will help you prioritize and allocate funds in order to deliver the perfectly customized home.
A Home Warranty – A quality builder will have a comprehensive home warranty that delivers complete peace of mind to the homeowner. Lowell Custom Homes is known for their exceptional commitment to the care of every home. Even after homeowners have moved in, the Lowell team never walks away. They even provide a warranty for the next owners if the home is ever sold.
Ongoing Relationships – A sure sign of a quality builder is when customers remain enthusiastic about their homes long after it has been completed. You can read about what Lowell customers have to say right here!

At Lowell Custom Homes we treat our clients like family.

It’s the reason generation after generation turns to Lowell when it’s time to build a home of their very own.

262-245-9030

What it’s like to be a Lowell Homeowner!

in Building a New Home, Custom Builder, How to Select a Builder, News/by Lowell Custom Homes

The one thing that makes every day more memorable is the people you encounter along the way.

We have had the honor of working with the most delightful clients over the years. While our slogan is “Building Memories You Can Come Home To” we are building memories of our own as we get to know and enjoy our homeowners throughout the building process.
If you wonder what it would be like to build with Lowell Custom Homes, just listen as our homeowners share their experience!

Thank you to all of our homeowners for becoming part of the Lowell family!

Lowell Custom Home Lake Geneva Wi Living Room remodeling

Lowell Wins Best of Houzz Awards 2018!

in Uncategorized/by Lowell Custom Homes

All of us at Lowell want to thank all of you and the fine people at Houzz for awarding Lowell Custom Homes the Best of Houzz 2018 awards for Best of Service and Best of Design! We were selected by the more than 40 million monthly unique users that comprise the Houzz community from among more than one million active home building, remodeling and design industry professionals.

Best of Service

Lowell Custom Homes has been awarded the Best of Service every year since joining Houzz in 2016. We owe that honor to all of our customers who took the time to submit a review about their experience working with our dedicated team.

Best of Design

This is our very first year to win the sought-after Best of Design award! Although Lowell homes have been featured in other award winning portfolios, this year viewers selected their favorites from the many projects we posted on our Lowell Custom Homes profile resulting in this 2018 award!
“The Houzz community selected a phenomenal group of Best of Houzz 2018 award winners, so this year’s recipients should be very proud,” said Liza Hausman, Vice President of Industry Marketing at Houzz. “Best of Houzz winners represent some of the most talented and customer-focused professionals in our industry, and we are extremely pleased to give them both this recognition and a platform on which to showcase their expertise.”
We invite you to continue to join us on Houzz where you can view our portfolio of lovely homes. Be sure to save your favorites to your very own Ideabook for future inspiration!

To learn more about building with Lowell Custom Homes

contact us at 262.245.9030

SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave
SaveSaveSaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave

Home Design Lesson: Living in Harmony

in Building a New Home, Custom Builder, Decorating ideas, Design Ideas, Home Ideas, How To, Trends/by Lowell Custom Homes

How is it that some homes overflow with lovely feelings of contentment while others are just “meh”? Often it is the result of an elusive quality known as harmony. Harmony is one of the most essential principles of design, but it often defies description. To achieve harmony, a delicate balance is needed between all of the other elements and principles of design.

While we were gushing over Gussie at the latest photo shoot, we couldn’t help but notice the natural sense of harmony that flows throughout this home. As the fluffiest member of the family, she too fits right in with the welcoming composition. While we work closely with clients on architecture and material selections, the credit for achieving the complete sense of harmony goes to our brilliant homeowners! But . . . we are happy to tell you how it’s done.
Harmony is a complex formula that we can start to understand by looking at the basic elements of design. Individual factors like color, line, and proportion, can be described as either creating unity through sameness, or adding variety through contrast. Well balanced elements bring the most pleasing sense of order and relevance to the exterior and interior design of a home.

Harmony through Unity

When every part of a home has a general sense of order and belonging it is referred to as unity. In this home it starts with the consistent use of unsaturated light and airy colors to create a palette that is visually soothing.

Maintaining a consistent character will further the sense of harmony in home design. As a lakeside retreat, this home uses references to the nautical theme as well as natural materials to be beautifully in sync with the lake front setting. Playful details, like the porthole pantry window, lighting and hardware, join the guest bunk-room concept to lend a refreshing vacation atmosphere to this home.

Harmony through Variety

A subtle contrast in material selection plays an important role in alleviating monotony. This allows the eye to pause on areas of interest, without a jarring transition. Here the light ash flooring and weathered wood furnishings play well against the matt wall surface. While the color palette and character remain consistent, this contrast offers a healthy balance for the overall sense of harmony of the room.

Visual texture will also enhance the harmony of a home. Here architectural elements add moments of importance with a light hand that is consistent with the homes lake front character. The woodworking details include shiplap paneling, cabinetry and crown molding which all serve to introduce contrast to the smooth quartz countertops, shapely glass light fixtures and hardware. Every accessory is refined and displayed in keeping with a harmonious approach.

Most importantly, the exterior of this home is thoughtfully planned to be in complete harmony with its lakefront setting. The natural stone foundation is a mix of lighter natural shades to support the refined selection of washed gray shingles and silvery white trim. And just as nature likes to surprise us with pop of color, the peaceful exterior of this home is gently accented by a lovely shade of blue to reflect the sky and nearby waters.

You can see more of this delightful getaway in our last blog were we take you through the process of building, from the Tear down to Tranquility. See our Houzz Portfolio for a complete tour! For a limited time the entire step-by-step process of this home’s evolution will be shown on the Lowell Custom Homes Project Gallery!

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!

We have been nominated for the

Best of Walworth County Award in the

New Home Builder and Home Remodeler categories!

We would appreciate your vote – just click here – Vote for Lowell Custom Homes!

Voting is open until October 15, 2017

Lowell Custom Homes

262.245.9030

Photography by S.Photography & Styling, Lake Geneva, WI

SaveSaveSaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave

Television Debates – We answer the age old question, where to put the TV

in Design Ideas, Home Entertainment, Trends/by Lowell Custom Homes

Back in the day, designers would disguise a big boxy television set with a big boxy piece of furniture. Thankfully the inventors of flat screen television (talk amongst yourselves to identify the first) put an end to the madness.
Flat screen television units eliminate the proverbial elephant in the room. Television placement has never been more liberated. We can now bring our attention back to business of design, without the burden of bulk.

Pay no attention to the television behind the picture

Often more traditional homes, or interiors that want to maintain a more formal appearance, will opt for complete concealment. Now this camouflage can be smoothly integrated into the design of any room. Just a slight recess in the wall or fireplace will provide an opportunity for doors or artwork to complete the disguise.

Tastefully absorbed by built-in paneling and shelving

Intimacy and comfort are heightened when the background wraps you in an undisturbed shell. The key to success is a light hand when accessorizing the nearby shelving in order to reduce distraction from your favorite program. Lighting should be adjustable to avoid glare that could cause eye strain.

Is it wrong to put the television above the fireplace?

Not anymore, especially when it’s hidden in plain sight. Dark tones on the wall prevent a large screen from visually intruding on your space. When placing your television at this height, be sure to use an adjustable arm that allows you to angle it downward for better viewing.

The great frame up

Building a frame around the screen is a streamline solution, especially when it’s balanced by black accents. The stone fireplace surround keeps the television from making the room top heavy.

Rise above the hustle and bustle

In the kitchen or office a high recessed niche is the perfect way to get your daytime television fix while keeping workspace clear.

It’s just another appliance

Your favorite programs line up perfectly on the backsplash providing an ever-changing design element to eliminate kitchen boredom.

The no excuses approach

Sometimes a TV just needs to be a TV, but this is no afterthought. Mounting directly to the wall saves space while knotty cedar paneling provides an interesting and unexpected contrast. The symmetrical arrangement of architectural features, like these flanking and clearstory window, will create balance for a serene effect.

Television as wall mural

An extra large screen acts as an ever-changing backdrop for your leisure activities. Conversation is encouraged when seating is versatile and viewers can face each other or the screen.

Indulge Yourself

Weather the urge is “all sports, all the time” or a battle of HGTV, BRAVO, and The Cooking Channel, a multiscreen arrangement will immerse you in entertainment.

One last tip

When choosing the placement of your television it really comes down to size. For comfort refer to his guide for viewing distance.

Happy Viewing!

We have a dedicated staff of professionals including an AIA architect, Interior Designer & Construction Superintendents who are all pleased to help you with your home projects!

We are just a call away at 262-245-9030

SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave

Battle of the Bunks – Bunk Beds and Bunkrooms defeat the blow-up mattress!

1 Comment/in Custom Builder, Design Ideas, Guest Rooms, Home Ideas, Trends/by Lowell Custom Homes

The latest trend making its way into the most stylish homes of Lake Geneva is reminiscent of pillow fights and childhood sleepovers. Bunk beds and even bunkrooms are becoming the guest quarters of choice. There is an appealing social factor to this trend that blends sleeping arrangements with the ability to spend quality time together. You are never too old for a sleepover!

Even boutique hotels are introducing bunk options. Not only is this attractive to families, but the luxurious feather bedding and 300+ thread count sheets draw big kid pajama parties and friend getaways.
For the Lake Geneva homeowner, bunks are the best way to maximize space without compromising style. Children, grandchildren and long-lost cousins can all have a place to rest for round-the-clock togetherness and good times.
Which bunk bed concept is the best fit for your home? Let’s look at the possibilities . . .

An open and airy space with built-in bunks will transform one bedroom into a space for 4 – 6 houseguests. Keep the base bunk low to allow extra headroom for your full-grown bunkmates.

Playing with themes can add an element of intrigue for your guests. We created enclosed bunks with The Design Coach, Phillip Sassano, to be more Orient-Express than summer camp. Each is like a mini room with privacy curtains, storage and individual lighting, all wrapped up in plushy velvet comfort.

Unused space can be transformed into a guest area when fitted with freestanding or built-in bunk beds. Consider an open niche, attic space, or even a generous hallway that can be lined with bunks. Each cozy little cocoon will attract kids of all ages when it’s time to take a snooze.

Encourage camp-like comradely, minus the swirlies, with an adjoining locker and shower room. Beautifully detailed bunks feature specialized lighting and easy access steps instead of a ladder for ageless appeal.

We have a dedicated staff of professionals including an AIA architect, Interior Designers & Construction Superintendents who are all pleased to help you with your home projects!

We are just a call away at 262-245-9030

Lowell Custom Homes

SaveSave

Lowell Custom Homes is Featured in a Spotlight Interview

in Accessibility, Aging, Downsizing, Empty Nester/by Lowell Custom Homes

Just click here to read the full story!

[houzz=https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/84047885/thumbs/pro-spotlight-get-a-home-for-the-empty-nester-lifestyle w=620]

Good Things Come in Small Packages

in Accessibility, Aging, Building a New Home, Custom Builder, Downsizing, Empty Nester, Trends/by Lowell Custom Homes

This old proverb traces back to early French literature, and we find it especially meaningful during the holiday season. Whether applied to gift giving, people or even homes, the lesson is one of genuine appreciation.

We build homes with a smaller footprint for a variety of homeowner needs. Empty nesters, second homes, lot restrictions, or the need for easy accessibility, are all factors that can play into the square footage equation.

But don’t confuse smaller with a lack of luxury. In fact, scaled down homes like this little gem often emphasize details that define a new type of luxury. Quality, craftsmanship and a perfect fit are more significant than size for many of today’s homeowners.

And small certainly does not mean subtle when applied to architecture and design. Open floor plans with high ceilings give the illusion of unlimited space. Cue the soaring windows and the home expands beyond actual proportions.

A smaller home permits manageable splurges on elements that are most meaningful to each homeowner. Hand-scraped wood flooring, floor-to-ceiling built-in storage, and connoisseur appliances are all realistic investments when the square footage is moderate.

The reputation of Lowell Custom Homes was built on high quality construction, superior craftsmanship and detailed woodworking. The same standards of excellence are used on every home, regardless of size. Your needs may run towards a smaller package, but know that all of the good things you value will be inside.

We appreciate the opportunity to build homes that become part of the lives and memories of our homeowners.

Homeowner thank you for their new home Lowell Custom Homes Good things come in small packages

Note from the owners of this cozy little cottage.

Tag Archive for: Lake Geneva Wi

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!

The old adage “Location, Location, Location” has endured with good reason!

What comes first, the home design or the homesite?

Community and Nearby Resources

Private vs. Social

Homesite Characteristics

Home Orientation

Lowell Custom Homes

Creating Memories You Can Come Home To

262-245-9030

We created this Top 10 list to summarize the qualities you should look for when hiring a builder.

At Lowell Custom Homes we treat our clients like family.

It’s the reason generation after generation turns to Lowell when it’s time to build a home of their very own.

262-245-9030

The one thing that makes every day more memorable is the people you encounter along the way.

Best of Service

Best of Design

To learn more about building with Lowell Custom Homes

contact us at 262.245.9030

Harmony through Unity

Harmony through Variety

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!

We have been nominated for the

Best of Walworth County Award in the

New Home Builder and Home Remodeler categories!

We would appreciate your vote – just click here – Vote for Lowell Custom Homes!

Voting is open until October 15, 2017

Lowell Custom Homes

262.245.9030

Pay no attention to the television behind the picture

Tastefully absorbed by built-in paneling and shelving

Is it wrong to put the television above the fireplace?

The great frame up

Rise above the hustle and bustle

It’s just another appliance

The no excuses approach

Television as wall mural

Indulge Yourself

One last tip

Happy Viewing!

We have a dedicated staff of professionals including an AIA architect, Interior Designer & Construction Superintendents who are all pleased to help you with your home projects!

We are just a call away at 262-245-9030

We have a dedicated staff of professionals including an AIA architect, Interior Designers & Construction Superintendents who are all pleased to help you with your home projects!

We are just a call away at 262-245-9030

Just click here to read the full story!

We appreciate the opportunity to build homes that become part of the lives and memories of our homeowners.

Lowell Custom Homes