Backyard Resort

Why count down the days until your next vacation when you can relax in your own private backyard resort every day to summer!

 After spending several blissful years in their Lowell Custom Home these homeowners decided to take it to the next level with some enticing property improvements.   Take a look at how they created the perfect spot for relaxing and entertaining at home!

The Big Picture

It starts with a plan that includes space for your favorite pastimes.  Use your most memorable resort as inspiration and then personalize the ideas to create a space where you can truly live your best life on a daily basis.

Outdoor Pool or Water Feature

Backyard Resort Outdoor Pool and spa

A water feature will set the mood for relaxation.  It can be a pool, spa or even a fountain for a multisensory experience that includes the cascading sounds of water.

See more outdoor living ideas here.

Multiple Seating Areas

Sun or shade, active or quiet, multiple seating areas are the ideal way to accommodate the days activities with options to suit your mood.

Outdoor Kitchen

Backyard resort outdoor kitchen

No one wants to be confined to the kitchen and miss summertime fun, so keep meals simple and bring the cook outdoors.  This outdoor kitchen was created with cabinetry from Danver Luxury Stainless Steel Outdoor Kitchens and designed by Geneva Cabinet Company, LLC.  We love the summer cool-down tips on the Geneva Cabinet blog, read them here!

AlFresco Dining

One of the most satisfying part of a resort vacation is dining outdoors.  This protected dining niche is conveniently located near the outdoor kitchen and acts as an extension of the indoor living room.   It even has motorized retractable screens from Midwest Screen that are there when you need them and disappear when you don’t.

Warm It Up Outdoors

The outdoor fire pit or fireplace is perfect for extending your day .  Take the chill out of the air with an intimate seating arrangement then get ready to toast s’mores.  A fire feature will extend your fair-weather season while keeping the bugs away.  This cozy gas fire pit is low maintenance and well integrated into the landscape.

Light the Way

Backyard Resortlandscape lighting

Subtle lighting along the way lends a resort feel to your property by adding ambiance while guiding you safely along the path.

Enjoy Your Favorite Pastimes

Backyard Resort Golf Tee

Feel like a pro with your own backyard putting green, bocce ball court or croquet court.  The idea is to make space in your life for the things you love, and then create a convenient space where you can enjoy them more often.

Quality Outdoor Time At Home

You will start relaxing as soon as you pull in the driveway when you have an outdoor space like this!

For a complete outdoor living checklist click here!

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 is available to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way!

Lowell Custom Homes

262.245.9030

Outdoor Living Checklist for Your Home

When warm weather rolls around there is nothing like relaxing outdoors.  And when you have a special area at home dedicated to this pursuit, all is well with the world.  Take your outdoor living to the next level by following our checklist to fully enjoy your well deserved leisure time.

√  Start with the perfect backdrop for outdoor space, your home.  Wrap the same look around front to back with a cohesive mix of materials for a unified style message. Achieve this by repeating elements used in the foundation, siding and roof, as well as the architecture.  By this we mean don’t skimp on the back of your home, it all deserves the same attention to fine detail.

√  Let the outdoor experience begin by establishing views from the interior that will draw you outdoors.   Of course a lake helps, but even framing views of the lawn and landscape with distinctive windows is inviting.

 

√  Take your color cues from the natural surrounds and also from your home interior. Here a classic Blue and White combination is the perfect fit for a lakefront for home.

√  Go ahead and add a theme like this nautical motif.  Your outdoor space is the place to introduce a carefree  sense of whimsy.

√  Be sure to position your living area where you will experience the best views in every direction.  This could very well be to the side or even the front of your home in order to capture a “wow” moment. We have more tips on positioning your outdoor space here.

√  Include space for lounging alone or with friends and family.  Here the fire pit is upgraded to full fireplace status in an outdoor living room.  Extra backup from heat lamps will keep this area cozy into the evening and well throughout the chilly seasons.  This room even features retractable motorized screens for pest-free extension of your home.

√  When creating an outdoor room think of  protecting the area from the elements with partial walls or ceilings.  Here again choose compatible elements to create a visual flow from the interior while blending with the home exterior.  Keep it all low maintenance with durable outdoor fabrics and furnishing made to withstand the elements.

√  Set up a place for dining in close proximity to your outdoor kitchen and with easy access to the indoor kitchen.  A convenient flow between cooking and dining zones will allow the guests and chef to enjoy more quality time together.

√  Include rain-or-shine provisions for your indoor-outdoor area.    Gliding glass door panels and french doors create an easy transition between spaces so you can enjoy the outdoors even when the weather isn’t perfect.

 

We do also love a screened porch as an outdoor living option, read more about that here!

And a few more ideas for entertaining outdoors here!

To see more of the details for this lovely home click here.

Photography is by Shanna Wolf, S.Photography and Styling

 

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 is available to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way!

Lowell Custom Homes

262.245.9030

 

Home Trends from High Point Market

. . . and what they mean for your home!

While our expertise is building homes with timeless appeal, we always have an eye out for trends that can lend a refreshing note.  This spring High Point Market in North Carolina introduced furnishings that will make their way into stores next season.  We see a leaning towards products that express a strong personal point of view. Here are a few of the standout trends and what they mean for home design.

Modern and Classic Unite

Robert James Collection Coronado bed

Robert James Collection Coronado Bed

Applied to your home, this means traditional shapes with a clean modern edge.  Here we show the look in a library with classic details refined by a linear perspective .

Modern classic home trend

 

Laid Back Elegance

thibault showroom high point market 2019

Thibaut High Point Showroom – New Fabrics and Wallcoverings

At  home this trend is expressed with a more casual mix of materials like rustic stone on the fireplace, finely detailed woodworking and a mixed media chandelier.

laid back elegance

 

Artisan & Handcrafted

Abigails Feathered_Vase

Abigails.net Feathered Vase

Components with an artisan touch are more and more popular at home.  This hand hammered copper freestanding bathtub will develop a patina to accompany its sculptured shape. To see the entire home click here.artisan and hand craftsmanship

 

Natural Influence

Howard Elliott Antique Brass Faux Bois Coffee Table

Natural elements are a major influence in decor and construction.  This kitchen island stands out with a scraped and distressed natural wood countertop by Grothouse from Geneva Cabinet Company, LLC in Lake Geneva. To enjoy this entire home click here.

natural influence for home trends

 

Strong Color

Caracole Furniture at High Point Market

Caracole Furniture Showroom at High Point Market

Thankfully the era of the accent wall is over.   We are no longer afraid to experience strong color either skillfully wrapped around the walls or artfully applied to cabinetry and furniture, as demonstrated in this lovely home.  You can see the rest of the color story by clicking here.

bold color wrapped around walls

Interior Design by Elizabeth Drake

Some of our favorite pieces are highlighted on this mood board, follow the numbered links for source information.  For even more inspiration visit Instagram for High Point Market.

  1. Robert James Collection
  2. Hudson Valley Lighting
  3. John-Richard 
  4. James by Jimmy Delaurentis
  5. Abigails
  6. Thibaut
  7. Howard Elliott

 One of our past blogs described how a home can hold the secret to happiness  (read more about that here).  One last part of the process is establishing a personal point of view, these latest trends will help with that.

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 is available to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way!

Lowell Custom Homes

262.245.9030

lowell custom homes conservatory craftsmen

Home Holds the Secret to Happiness

It turns out the key to happiness and the key to your front door is one in the same.  Latest findings point to the well designed home as a significant factor in leading your best life. Home should be a sanctuary of self-care, and the team at Lowell Custom Homes has a few ideas to help you make that happen.

Time is the greatest luxury

Most of our leisure time is fragmented by interruptions from an email, text, or simply caring for others. Since you cannot make more time, it makes sense to make the most of it.  That’s where the homes from Lowell excel.  Their forward thinking floorplans and distinctive features conserve your time and energy. Known for interiors that weave spaces together seamlessly, our homes will help you move efficiently throughout the day.

warm welcome entry foyer Lowell Custom Homes

You Had Us At Hello

Nothing invites happiness like a well designed entry.  From landscaping to architectural details, this is where the  journey begins. Our video explains the artistry behind the entry doors in this show-stopping home, with Lulu Belle and Tucker extending a warm welcome.

Togetherness

  You cannot make more time, but “time deepening” will make the most of what you have. Face-to-face interactions are an essential part of happiness.   A home that supports togetherness can be more rewarding than screen time.  We love open floor plans were the kitchen is at the heart of the home.  When the layout is spacious and the appliances are luxurious, the kitchen becomes an ideal place for multitasking and gathering.

open floor plan Lowell Custom Homes

Speaking of luxurious appointments, a range from La Cornue USA and custom hood by Raw Urth turn this  kitchen into a real happy place! Cabinetry by Geneva Cabinet Company.

The den can be another favorite setting for togetherness.  This room wraps you in the warmth of knotty alder with its architectural barrel vault ceiling for an intimate cocoon.

Den Lowell Custom Homes Happiness at home

Enjoy the Journey

A recommended approach to happiness is to decelerate and enjoy the ride.  Home design should accommodate a variety of interests with space to rejuvenate.  We think you’ll enjoy a tour of the specialty areas in this newly completed Lake Geneva area home.

A potting shed created with reclaimed materials from Heritage Beam & Board

The workout room is located on the main floor for top of mind awareness.

First floor workout room

A master bath exudes luxury with the positive energy from copper finishes.

luxury bath luxury copper master bath Lowell Custom Homes

The conservatory is a natural retreat for the avid gardener, this one is from Minnesota’s Conservatory Craftsmen Conservatory Craftsmen Lowell Custom Homes

We are reminded of the great satisfaction of having guests when we browse the entertainment areas of this home.  A nautical themed bunk and bath is perfect for Lake Geneva weekends.  To see more of our favorite bunk rooms click here.  And for tips on caring for your guests click here.

nautical themed guest bunk and bath

 Even the tiniest guest receives a special place for precious overnight visits.

themed baby room

Did we leave anything out of this remarkable home?  Oh yes, the wine cellar and sauna!

wine cellar and sauna by Lowell Custom Homes

Now we’re talking happiness!

The home in this blog was featured on an interview with Todays Builder Television Show where builder Scott Lowell explains his “old-school” building methods that maintain the highest quality. Take a peek . . .

We believe in homes that are built to save you time, encourage togetherness and provide lasting contentment.  We invite you to read the reviews from our happy homeowners right here.

Lowell Custom Homes

262-245-9030

Photography by S. Photography & Styling – Shanna Wolf

Knock Knock . . . Your Front Door Says “Hello”!

From the Gates of Paradise in Florence to Monica’s framed peephole on Friends, the entry door has always told a story. It is an essential element in your home’s first impression and can add significantly to the value.

The material used on this interior-exterior element will impact your home’s energy-efficiency as well as style.  Doors are available in a variety of mediums, like wood, fiberglass, steel and composite materials.  But this video will demonstrate why we favor a beautifully crafted wood door.

In addition to the entry of this home, it’s important for the warmth and style of the entry door to be reflected on the adjacent garage.

Architect Todd Cauffman

 

Another lovely pairing expresses this same harmony with a carriage house aesthetic.

Entry door with complimentary garage doors carriage style

 

This Craftsman Style home is a stunning example of how doors can express architecture with something as subtle as the grid pattern.

arts and craft prarie style entry door and garage doors

Architect Todd Cauffman

 

When it’s all about the view, glass panel doors will reflect the natural surroundings via their mirror-like surface.

cape code lake home glass panel for reflection

Architect Todd Cauffman

 

For  slightly more privacy, you can always screen the entry with landscaping, #Snuffleupagus

entry door screened with landscape

Architect Robert Juris

 

Going Dutch will allow you to have a friendly open door policy.

dutch door with screen and sidelights

Architect Haganah

 

Once you have a door selected, add a bit of art in the form of a door knocker to truly make it your own!

crab door knocker

 

You can take a personality test to determine the perfect color for your front door by clicking  here.

 

To see more ideas for your home’s entry check out our Inviting Entries Ideabook on Houzz by clicking here.

Inviting Entries Ideabook on Houzz

 

Lowell Custom Homes

Creating Memories You Can Come Home To

262-245-9030

If you love our homes, please take a minute to Vote for Lowell Custom Homes as the Best of Walworth County!  We would deeply appreciate it!

Just click the button links below – You will be asked to enter your email address then you can vote for Lowell as

Best New Home Builder & Best Home Remodeler.

Be sure to pick at least 10 of your favorite Walworth County businesses to be entered to win an Amazon Echo.

 

 

Photography by Shanna Wolf, Josh Zuelke & Victoria McHugh

 

 

Home Design Lesson: Living in Harmony

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.
Harmony at home Gussie pet fits perfectly into home design scheme
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

Harmony Principle of Design Home Unity color scheme and material selection
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.
Harmony Unity Character Bunkroom guest room lake home image Lowell Custom Homes Lake Geneva WI
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

Harmony home design principle unity of character Lowell Custom Homes Lake Geneva WI
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.
Lowell Custom Homes Lake Geneva Wi Harmony through variety of texture in a home
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.
Lowell Custom Homes Harmony principle of design in home exterior material selection
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

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Bunks Room Lowell Custom Homes

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

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!

Bunk Bed room at luxury hotel start trend in homes for guest room accommodations
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 . . .
Lowell Custom Homes Bunk Room with open concept and built in bunk beds to sleep 4 to 6 people
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.
Lowell Custom Homes Unused space can be transformed into a guest area when fitted with freestanding or built-in bunk beds.
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.
Lowell Custom Homes
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

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Outdoor Living Spaces – The Best Ideas for Your Home

The great outdoors is calling. Alfresco dining, entertaining friends or just lounging under a clear sky . . . the best home design will create gracious indoor-outdoor living space where you can truly embrace the spring and summer months.
Get inspired by stunning outdoor ideas from these Lowell Custom Homes, and then create a space to complement your personal indoor-outdoor lifestyle.

  • Align interior and exterior spaces for a seamless extension of your main living area. A fluid transition between indoor and outdoor rooms can be created with a disappearing wall of glass doors. An easily accessible patio will draw everyone outdoors, enlarge your living space, and extend your spring and summer season with gentle protection from the elements.

Balance your outdoor space with large open and private areas

  • Balance your options with both open and intimate space. Just as a good interior space plan will provide areas for private and social activities, your outdoor rooms can offer alternatives that adapt to your needs throughout the day. Sun vs. Shade – Active vs. Restful – Entertainment vs. Retreat.  You select the most suitable outdoor environment to match your mood.

Lowell Custom Homes Outdoor living furniture position

  • Get in position to enjoy the view. Use your natural surroundings to create a focal point.  Arrange outdoor furniture where everyone can appreciate the scenery. A beautiful garden, swimming pool, or outdoor fireplace can all serve as appealing points of interest.

Lowell Custom Homes Outdoor living areas zones for activity

  • Locate zones on your property according to use. No need to cram all outdoor living space against the house.  Just anchor each zone with its own useful focal point.  A boathouse services lake front activities, a cabana offers poolside convenience and an upscale shed will store hobby or gardening equipment.

Lowell Custom Homes Outdoor Living areas

  • Create an outdoor hub where essentials are clustered for convenience.  Food preparation, dining table and entertainment equipment in one outdoor zone will let you enjoy the fresh air while hosting friends and family. An outdoor shower and self-serve refreshment bar can eliminate messy indoor traffic patterns and keep your home tidy.

Lowell Custom Homes Outdoor Living Cozy Fire pit

  • Introduce a fire feature to cozy up your outdoor space after dark. S’mores and story telling around the fire pit or outdoor fireplace will create memories and start traditions to be passed on for generations.

Lowell Custom Homes Outdoor Living Space Best Ideas

  • Dress up your space with weather resistant products to compliment your indoor style and color palette. Create visual interest with light fixtures, fans, area rugs, and accessories to add indoor comfort to your outdoor experience.

The experts at Lowell Custom Homes can help you plan a home with the most natural flow between your indoor and outdoor environments.

 

401 GENEVA NATIONAL AVENUE SO. – LAKE GENEVA, WISCONSIN 53147 – 262.245.9030

We Predict the 2017 Home Design Trends with Staying Power

We love the direction home design is taking and you will too! The special features we are building into homes are all about enhancing lifestyle. Say goodbye to cookie-cutter plans and welcome in the latest features that will have real staying power for your new or remodeled home.
Lowell Custom Home Curate Your Personal Space

Curate Your Personal Space

Pick and choose exactly what makes you smile. This home for an avid auto collector creates a showcase where it can be enjoyed and shared effortlessly. Forget neatly stacking your treasured collections in a closet; use these special interests as a springboard for developing a home style that is meaningful to you.
 
Lowell Custom Homes Curb Appeal with New features

Curb Appeal With New Dimension

We have always designed homes to be appreciated from every perspective, and now the appeal for 360o detailing is catching on. When equal attention is given to the side and back elevations, your everyday home experience becomes richer. While you’re at it, be sure stunning architecture does not get lost in the shadows. Landscape and exterior lighting is an essential element for any home plan.
 
Lowell Custom Homes Natural charm in the kitchen

Kitchen Comforts

Natural charm and flow characterize kitchens today where we like to cluster cabinet storage along one wall to keep the floor plan open and accessible. Popular Farmhouse and Industrial trends merge to create highly functional spaces for living and entertaining. Materials here and throughout the home blend natural honed surfaces with polished finishes.  The interplay of texture is spellbinding and creates the perfecting setting for gatherings.
 
Lowell Custom Homes Energy Efficient

Stealth Energy Systems

Smart features go undercover while serving up substantial savings. Energy efficient windows and insulation work with zoned heating and cooling systems to maximize a homes mechanical productivity. Automated and voice-activated systems monitor comfort levels with the added convenience of off-site monitoring.
 
Lowell Custom Homes Lake Geneva Wisconsin

Outdoor Amenities

We work hard, so creating playful outdoor space at home lets everyone enjoy free time without traveling to another location. Screened-In porches and outdoor kitchens are often joined by even more personalized features like putting greens and movie screens.
 
Lowell Custom Homes Lake Geneva Wisconsin

Bar and Beverage Centers

At home entertaining is on the rise and a central hub allows the host to be a part of the action. Whether your preferences leans towards a fully stocked cocktail bar, coffee bar or ice-cream social bar, the mission is convenience. A dedicated area with storage and proper supplies will turn a simple beverage into a special indulgence.
 
Lowell Custom Homes Lake Geneva Wisconsin

Lowell Custom Homes Lake Geneva WisconsinColor Turns Warm and Moody

HGTV and Pottery Barn may have caused you to forget about the warmer side of the color wheel, but that is about to change. Cool grays will still be important, but neutrals will move forward by including warm beige tones and occasionally a bit of brown. The freshest effects will be achieved when these colors are accented with saturated hues like Benjamin Moore’s 2017 Color of the Year – Shadow, and Pantones 2017 Color of the Year – Greenery.
 
Lowell Custom Homes Lake Geneva Wisconsin

No Guilt Splurges on Functional Spaces

Luxury takes a turn towards practical when it comes to indulging ourselves at home. Oh sure, a spa bath is nice, but nothing compares to a laundry room with a potting station or a mudroom lined with exquisite locker storage. Those highly functional areas can be fitted to perfection turning everyday chores into a delightful escape.
 
 
The majority of rooms featured in this post were photographed by Victoria McHugh Photography
Interior Design for the home featured is by The Design Coach Phillip Sassone
Interior Design for the laundry room and potting area featured in the last image and the Beverage Bar with metallic tile backsplash is by Elizabeth Drake of Drake Interiors, Ltd.
 
 

The Secrets to Timeless Design for Your Home

 
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.

1-exterior-lowell-custom-homes-pixGet 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.
 

2-lowell-custom-homes-entry-and-music-room-pixRely 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.
 

3-lowell-custom-homes-living-room-fireplace-divider-dr-pixUse 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.
 
4-lowell-custom-homes-dining-room-bar-pix

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.
 
 
5-lowell-custom-homes-kitchen-pix
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.
 

6-lowell-custom-homes-master-bedroom-and-bath-pixProvide 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.
 

7-guest-rooms-sleeping-porch-and-bathInclude 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.
 
 

8-laundry-craft-room-cabanna-dressing-area-from-pool-pixRecognize 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.