February 2021 - Lowell Custom Homes

A little effort goes a long way when creating a beautiful first impression. We like to start with curb appeal and carry it on through the entry of your home. The entry is often passed over with design efforts jumping right into living spaces. But keep in mind that the entry is highly visible. It is the perfect spot to create a memorable moment for you and your visitors.

Start with the Door

The character of your entry door carries from the exterior to the interior of your home. It must coordinate with both points of view, so choose wisely. It should be architecturally compatible with your home design and provide the security and insulation appropriate for your location.

Light the Way

Illuminate this space with options that allow versatility. A stunning chandelier is always appropriate, then consider adding sconces and even tabletop lighting to allow you to adjust the levels of light according to your needs and mood.

Define with Area Rugs

Add warmth with the texture of area rugs and runners. They will define the entry and move people in the right direction down the hall.

Include a Statement Piece

One piece can set the stage for the entire home by introducing the style and mood of your rooms. Keep the entry open and unfussy but don’t be afraid to use a substantial furniture piece when space allows. A mirror is always nice for allowing last minute touch ups when coming or going.

Provide Seating

This is a small courtesy for guests, especially in the midwest where visitors often come weighed down with boots, coats or umbrellas. It can be a chair, bench or even a small settee. All that is required is a place to rest a person or package once entering your home.

Share A Bit of Yourself

Make it your own by including bits and pieces of your favorite things. This is a peek into your personality with favorite collections, art or decor.

Ample Storage

The need for entry storage is a given, and the standard closet provides nicely. Also consider solutions to expand storage with built-ins or furniture that provides storage drawers.

Don’t Forget Secondary Points of Entry

Don’t neglect the more common entry that you and your family use on a daily basis. It should be just as appealing as the guest entry, and even more functional with storage for coats, shoes and packages.

For more ideas to add curb appeal of your home check here

and here.

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After two decades of Midcentury modern dominating the design universe, traditional is reemerging as a fresh and time-honored aesthetic. While design styles always go through cycles, the advantage of traditional is that it’s a classic. It is often the jumping off point for many other styles, so it blends easily when you are working towards a personally curated look.

Throughout history people are drawn to the familiar for security during uncertain times. That may be partly responsible for the current resurgence, but there is also a new generation being exposed for the first time to these very livable interiors. Many homeowners were not in the audience to appreciate the classic rooms of Mario Buatta or Sister Parish. Either way, this design movement is a refreshing way to incorporate planet-friendly elements with vintage and repurposed furnishings. This is the look that will be known as the New-Traditional or Neo-Traditional for the next decade and beyond. Sourcing favorites like 1st Dibs can provide unique character for these rooms.

But, just as today’s high waisted jeans are drastically different from 80’s Mom jeans, traditional design has evolved. We are keeping the comfort and pleasing shapes while lifting the mood with lighter treatments of color, pattern and material.

Elements of the New Traditional or Neo-Traditional Style

Traditional style is timeless and pulls inspiration from the 18th and 19th century.

Architectural details like crown molding, ceiling beams and wood paneling add a determined but comforting mood when applied with a light touch.

Often traditional style will reference European decor in its detailings. Featured here is one of our favorite homes showing traditional design with a French attitude. Formality can be taken up a notch or calmed down by the choice of furnishings.

Rooms will often have a beautiful focal point like a stunning fireplace seen above, or even a mantel range hood as show in the kitchen below.

Neo-traditional is certainly not fussy. In order to keep elements in check there will be a dash of modern with the European viewpoint. Finely finished pieces can easily co-exist with natural and relaxed materials like linen, bamboo and rush.