Child-Friendly Home Archives - Lowell Custom Homes

The Secrets to Timeless Design for Your Home

in Architecture, Building a New Home, Child-Friendly Home, Custom Builder, Custom Detailing & Millwork, Decorating ideas, Design Ideas, Empty Nester, Home Ideas, Trends/by Lowell Management

A well designed home has staying power. It transcends a specific architectural style to focus on an emotional connection, lifestyle and comfort. The secret to creating this type of timeless design starts with a collaboration of experts who truly understand the homeowner’s aesthetic.
This getaway home embodies the relaxed Lake Geneva lifestyle while integrating the homeowner’s appreciation for tradition and creativity. We worked with Architect John A. Hagenah and Interior Designer Elizabeth Drake as well as our talented craftsmen and quality resources to build a home that is both timeless and inviting.

Get In Sync with Your Setting

The Craftsman architecture utilizes wide gabled rooflines, tapered stone columns, and minimalist ornamentation for an intriguing relationship with the countryside. Cedar shingles and horizontal siding introduce subtle pattern with gable details that expose rafter beams. A screened in room and sleeping porch provide protected connections to the outdoors. The back elevation of the home features a wall of windows and French doors where indoor-outdoor activities can flow effortlessly.

Rely on Classic Lines

The entry features a Mahogany Dutch Door inviting guests to the refined elegance of the Music Room. Classic lighting and traditional woodworking are relaxed with the warmth of grass cloth wall covering and medium wood tones.

Use Neutrals or Classic Colors for Permanent Elements, Have Fun with Easy to Alter Elements.

The living room relies on Craftsman elements for its inviting character created with the low profile of a beamed ceiling, custom stone mix on the fireplace wall, stone mantel and conversational seating area. All of the permanent architectural features in this home are timeless, neutral, and versatile. The dramatic surprise of coral paint for the walls is actually an on trend element that can be easily changed should the homeowners ever feel the need for a different mood.

Right-size the Floor Plan for Effortless Traffic Flow

The dining room is adjacent to the entry hall and features another stone fireplace. Coffered ceiling and traditional moldings step up formality that is then relaxed with the rustic texture of stone. A built-in wine and refreshment bar is located at this mid-point of the home for easy entertaining with a convenient connection to the outdoor pool area.

The dining area of this open floor plan flows directly to the kitchen with its large island seating for casual dining and entertaining. Here Wood-Mode cabinetry from Geneva Cabinet Company, LLC is done in a custom color with Quartzite countertops. Appliances include a Wolf range, Miele Oven, Steam Oven, Warming Drawer, and Sub Zero refrigerator. An artistic tile backsplash from Bella Tile and Stone, grounds this area with handcrafted appeal.

Provide Accessibility and Privacy

The first floor Master Bedroom Suite is a key feature for a timeless home plan. This area is designed with such grace and style that you may not notice the accessibility features that allow for future aging-in-place. The compartmentalized Master Bath, with double vanity and spacious shower, is detailed with classic tile patterns using basket weave and hexagon mosaics. Interior windows provide shared light and privacy while a tiled wall performs as an easy to maintain backsplash for the vanity area.

Include Versatile Rooms

The Guest Suites include bathrooms for privacy and access to the second story Sleeping Porch. Each suite features a seating area and a full wall of windows for natural lighting , ventilation and views of the countryside.

Recognize the Value of Functional Spaces

Even the highly functional spaces of this home are treated with timeless details and easy transitions to the outdoors. A clever open combination space blends the laundry, creative studio and mudroom. It includes a workstation with stainless steel countertop and sink that can serve as a Butler’s Pantry or potting area for gardening. Another space with direct access to the pool performs as a cabana like dressing room with stacked washer/dryer and locker storage.

You can see more of this beautiful home with larger detail pictures on Houzz.

Back-to-School Tips for Your Home

in Child-Friendly Home, Design Ideas, Healthy Living, Home Ideas/by Lowell Management

Back-to-School Mom

Parents have always documented their children’s back-to-school day with pictures, but this year the photos going viral are all about the parents! We want you to have just as much fun celebrating the joy of missing your children. Our favorite tips and ideas will prepare your home for a full year of blissful and stress-free school mornings.

Parent Command & Communication Station

A centrally located planning area is essential for keeping track of schedules and back-to-school paperwork. Add a bulletin board, to keep it free from clutter, and a calendar where everyone can synchronize activities for the day.

Kids Rooms with Personality

Children will always wake up on the right side of the bed when they love their room. Decorate with colors and accessories that speak to their special interests. Hooks or pegs will help them keep their room tidy and a whimsical alarm clock is a fun way to teach the value of waking up on time.

Prevent Bathroom Bottleneck

Prevent morning bickering with a bathroom that allows for multiple users. The classic Jack-and-Jill layout or a double-bowled vanity will increase efficiency during the morning rush. Bath lockers provide great storage and visibility for toiletries and towels. Plenty of hooks keep the floor clothing and towel free.

Eliminate Wardrobe Wars

An organized closet is helpful for both parent and child. Include shelving and hanging space to keep clothing and personal treasures visible. Let kids help select their complete outfits for every day of the week. These appealing printable labels will encourage them to dress themselves and leave the early morning drama behind.

Before and After School Huddle

The concept of the Great Kitchen (open family room-kitchen) is ideal for Before and After school family connections. With open space children are in the line of sight for parents to check on everyones status for departure. An oversized island can multi-task as a dining bar, work surface, or even a desktop when the home has Wi-Fi. This is a great place to include a charging station behind flip-down panels or on the inside of cabinet drawers.

The Launch Pad

Ease the morning rush with a staging area where backpacks, shoes and show-and-tell treasures are ready to grab-and-go. This is also the drop off point at the end of each day. A basket or clip board for each child can hold special notes and permission slips. This is another good spot for a family calendar and electronics charging station.

School Supply Stash

A designated storage place for school supplies should be close to the Launch Pad. Built-in cabinets keep the area clutter free. Pull out shelves with labeled bins or storage boxes will make it easy to access and inventory supplies. Keep the basics organized to eliminate last minute trips to the store and wasteful spending for duplicate supplies lost somewhere in the back of a closet.

Homework Zone

No need to banish children to their rooms to study. The study lounge concept will help parents monitor homework progress and the child’s use of the Internet. Built-in cabinetry and shelving provide orderly storage for long-term projects.

Healthy Snack Station

Encourage healthy choices for snacking with a designated area filled with grab-and-d0 treats. Stock up on single serving snacks and individual water or 100% juice drinks. This is a good place to store lunch supplies and packed lunch boxes. Companies like Goodbyn have colorful, reusable containers that make healthy snacks even more appealing. Their “Spork” is a real lunch box space saver.

Bedroom Study Getaway

A study area tucked into a corner of a bedroom is great for reading and quiet study. Shelving provides a place to display special mementos and awards. Built-in cabinetry is helpful for sorting and organizing school projects and after-school hobbies.

Time to Unwind

Studies show that children who are active after school have improved concentration and learning ability. Areas of the home equipped for safe physical activity or a special place to pursue hobbies will make it more likely for children to choose activity instead of television.

The entire team at Lowell is ready to help you with your plans for a beautiful and well thought-out home for back-to-school . . .

. . . or any other time of year.

Here’s to all of the wonderful parents, you get a gold star!

Pet-Friendly Home Ideas

in Building a New Home, Child-Friendly Home, Custom Builder, Design Ideas, Home Ideas, Pet-Friendly Home, Trends/by Lowell Management

We love to indulge our pets, but our home doesn’t have to go to the dogs! Our pet-friendly home ideas will help you maintain a stylish standard, while making your furry family members right at home.

No matter what their age or level of training, “things” happen. So, our number one tip is to select durable and washable finishes when building or remodeling your home. Choose hard surface flooring in main traffic areas for easy clean up with classic style.

Create a pet-friendly entry area. Use easy to clean hard surface flooring and provide storage for everything needed on your daily outings. Leashes, treats, water bottles and even a supply of small towels for muddy paws.

Don’t worry about your playful pet damaging walls; use a washable surface from the start. Active areas will benefit from a semi-gloss paint finish. Better yet, shiplap and beadboard paneling are on-trend and super-durable.

Safety first on the stairs, consider carpeting them or use a runner to eliminate slipping and scratches in this high traffic area. When selecting carpet, look for brands that use the most advanced fiber technology, like Smart Strand.

Area rugs are the perfect way to protect hardwood flooring while providing a soft and cozy spot for afternoon naps. The newest indoor-outdoor rugs feel soft, repel stains and can even be hosed down. Choose multi-color rugs with a lively pattern to disguise any mishaps between cleanings.

Daydreamers and neighborhood watchdogs love windows. Keep the windowsills low or add a built-in window seat for hours of viewing pleasure.

When selecting toys, consider how they will look when laying around on the floor. Choose colors that coordinate with your home and entertaining shapes that will make you smile when you step on the squeaky.

If your little buddy sheds, match the shades in your upholstery to his fur color. Extra brushing during shedding season and a handy lint roller will keep it looking good.

Choose washable fabrics for your home when possible, especially on bedding.

Consider adding “Pet Parlor” features to your laundry or mudroom. These cabinets by Wood-Mode feature convenient storage for everything from large bags of dog food to bath supplies. Wood-Mode Fine Custom Cabinetry is available at Geneva Cabinet Company

Keep a dedicated drawer or cabinet for toys in the same room where everyone hangs out. Open them up at playtime so you pets can help themselves to favorites.

No need to banish the water bowl, just select one that is as pretty as your other home accessories.

Pets need a safe haven. Built-in kennels or a quiet corner can become their sanctuary when household activity is overwhelming. For peace of mind when you’re away, add a pet-cam. A personalized bed made to just the right size will complete the space.