Tag Archive for: 3 season room

Be Our Guest! – How To Create A Home That Welcomes Houseguests

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Summer equals houseguests for many homeowners who live in beautiful resort communities, and Lake Geneva is no exception. The secret to effortless entertaining is a good plan and a home with versatility. As builders, we have become experts at designing and building homes that can feel like a private retreat, and then expand in a way that lets friends and family feel welcome.

It’s all about ease, for you as well as your guests.Extend a warm welcome to houseguests when they first arrive Interior Design by Elizabeth Drake

Warm Welcome

Take a moment to reconnect and share refreshments on the porch or screened in room when first guests arrive. Cozy seating, fresh air and the gentle breeze will set a leisurely tone for the visit. This is the perfect opportunity to plan activities together and provide a tour to help them feel at home.
Lowell Custom Homes Lake Geneva Wisconsin Interior Design by Elizabeth Drake

Guest Quarters

Size does not matter, but privacy does. A reserved space where guests can set up camp will help them feel comfortable. This can be a room that doubles as a home office or craft room with open space available for guest belongings. Visitors will appreciate the ability to organize themselves and you will be rewarded with the lack of clutter in your other rooms.
Lowell Custom Homes Lake Geneva Wisconsin Interior Design by Elizabeth Drake
Often the homes we build include guest suites with private baths, and hospitality features like sitting areas, beverage bars and private porches. When the additional space is not available, clearing personal clutter from a common bath and living space is a thoughtful gesture.
Lowell Custom Homes Lake Geneva Wisconsin Interior Design by The Design Coach

Guest Storage

They may not be staying long, but fun filled days often demand several wardrobe changes. A bench at the foot of the bed is good place for luggage. But living out of a suitcase is clumsy, if possible clear some space in the closet or drawers and supply extra hangers. Lockers or cubbies are a great way to keep everyone’s belongings visible and within reach. Wall hooks are ideal for hang clothing, swimsuits and towels throughout the day.
Lowell Custom Homes Lake Geneva Wisconsin Interior Design by Elizabeth Drake

An Inviting Bed

Think comfort and minimalism. Crisp, freshly laundered sheets, plump pillows and a simple blanket or duvet are appreciated over an avalanche of fussy toss pillows. Twin beds provide mix and match options for non-couples or children. One of the hottest trends is also incredibly practical, bunk beds to maximize the sleeping space in a guest room.  More on Bunk Rooms  A few essentials set up on a bedside table will go a long way to provide comfort for your guests.  Frame your Wi-Fi access information to help guests stay connected.

We have a special template at the end of this blog, just add your own codes, print and frame.Lowell Custom Homes Lake Geneva Wisconsin

Lowell Custom Homes Lake Geneva Wisconsin

Bathroom Privileges

Vanities with open shelving are a helpful way for guest to locate basic supplies without asking. Along with plenty of towels and toilet paper, consider stocking up on extra toothbrushes, toothpaste and shampoo. A hair dryer and basket filled with sample size lotions and cosmetics could save the day for your guest.
Lowell Custom Homes Lake Geneva Wisconsin Cabinetry by Geneva Cabinet Company, LLC

Snack Station

Encourage guests to help themselves with the grab-and-go convenience of a Snack Station. This is becoming a standard in many busy households. It is especially helpful during activity-packed summer months. You can easily create your own version by dedicating a section of your kitchen counter or the top of a cabinet or sideboard. Include a coffee maker, mugs, bowls and utensils along with a basket of drink pods, cereal, fruit and nutrition bars.   Early risers can start their day without disturbing the hosts and everyone can grab an energy boost as needed throughout the day.
Lowell Custom Homes Lake Geneva Wisconsin

Alfresco Cooking & Dining

Outdoor dining can be casual or formal, but comfortable seating and good food are essential. An outdoor kitchen lets the cook socialize while preparing the meal and encourages guests to pitch in for a memorable group project.
Lowell Custom Homes Lake Geneva Wisconsin

Downtime & Guilt-Free Pleasures

Be sure to allow some downtime and a relaxing place to enjoy it. A shady hammock or restful view is the perfect antidote for vacation burnout. While there is no shortage of  local attractions and fun activities, let guests set the pace to truly enjoy their stay. Relaxation and togetherness is the ultimate goal for both guests and hosts.

Print and frame this Wi-fi notice for your home.

Print and frame for your houseguests

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

Interior Design of Guest Rooms and Porches by  Elizabeth Drake Interiors

Interior Design of Lockers by The Design Coach

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Screened In Porch – Improving Nature

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Summer Porch
Does the idea of extending your summer sound appealing? A screened in porch will prolong your outdoor living season in the most civilized manner. No bugs, always a breeze from the ceiling fans, and overhead protection from the elements, what’s not to love! This cost effective feature lets you get a jump on summer and cling to every last day before winter arrives.
We build screened in porches and rooms where our homeowners can enjoy a close connection with nature.   These areas deliver additional living space with the bonus of versatility. A place to unwind, entertain friends or shake up a boring dinnertime routine; the appeal is in its ability to become exactly what you need. The temporary charm of outdoor living releases you from the formalities created by four walls and encourages relaxation.
These screened-in fundamentals will guide you when setting up your own outdoor space.
 
Screened in Exterior
Business in the front – party in the back.
Even the most stately homes can embrace the look of a screened in room. You’ll avoid the architectural mullet phenomenon by treating this feature with the same details as your home. Design your screened in space to reflect the overall character of your home.
 
View from screened in porch
Focus on the view
If you are fortunate enough to have a scenic view, take full advantage by positioning the location and elevation where you’ll have best perspective. When not emphasizing a long distance view, create an intimate view with the surrounding landscape.
 

screened in porch ceiling

Make a statement with the ceiling
Since transparent screening surrounds you with nature, the ceiling becomes a creative outlet for your style. Beadboard is one of our favorite treatments. Created from wood planking, this material can be rustic or polished in order to reflect your design aesthetic.
 
screened in porch lighting and ceiling fans
Ceiling Fans & Lighting for Mother Natures downtime
Well-placed ceiling fans will add a soft breeze to a motionless summer day. Use a fixture with contrasting finish to bring attention to a beautifully detailed ceiling. Match the ceiling color if you would like it to quietly disappear.
The same applies to lighting.   But be sure to think beyond the typical porch fixture.  Outdoor lighting technology offers stylish fixtures and even table lamps to satisfy all of your functional needs.
5d Blog inset fireplace

 

Take the chill off with a warm fire.
The fireplace is a natural gathering point and will transform your screened area into an extension of your home. The added warmth will allow you to truly extend your outdoor living season.
 
Furnishing for Comfort
Rugged or refined, your screened room should be finished off with the furniture pieces that will allow you to make the most of your outdoor season. Check our past post for tips on the most durable approach:
Low Maintenance Essentials for Easy Indoor-Outdoor Living

 
 
 
 

Creating Attractive Outdoor Living Spaces

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1 exterior deck and windo

“Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s Party!'”      Robin Williams

Longer days and calmer temperatures signal a return to outdoor living.  Using nature as a backdrop, the open-air space surrounding your home can provide hours of delight and relaxation.  Multiple studies have shown that just looking outdoors will activate the part of the brain related to thoughts of balance and happiness.  Take advantage of natures feel-good with the creation of al fresco spaces that will also enhance the square footage and value of your home.

The most successful outdoor space will be an extension of your homes interior style while blending with the surroundings.  A perfect plan will provide appealing and useful outdoor “rooms” as well as beautiful scenes when you look out the window.

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Where do you start? 

  • Our recommendation is to first make a list of any daily activities that would be pleasurable if moved outdoors.  Often relaxation tops the list, with entertainment, cooking and play space following closely.from website 20180008
  • Take inventory of your property and the available options to create outdoor rooms.  Consider exposure to the elements, the direction of sunlight and your desire for privacy vs. neighborhood interaction.  This will guide the placement of your outdoor living space to the front, side or back yard of your home.

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  • Next evaluate your floor plan and the most logical points for moving from indoors out.  The more convenient this transition, the more you will use your outdoor areas.  When building or remodeling, we like to feature specialty Nano (folding) or French Doors to visually diminish the indoor/outdoor line and encourage fluid movement.

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  • An informal sketch of your property showing home placement will allow you to designate logical active and calm areas.  Allow for entertaining and family fun as well quiet activities like reading, napping and gardening.

700 S. Shore Pool

  • Consider ways to lengthen the time you can enjoy spring and summer months by including the protection of a covered porch or three season room.

porch

  • Connect your outdoor living areas with landscaping, walkways and privacy screening than integrates the outdoor space with the overall architecture of your home.

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  • Finally, remember that there are experts,  like those at Lowell Management,  with the expertise and ability to guide you in the planning and execution of your new home and remodeling projects.