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Master Your Bath: Planning Decisions

in Bathroom Design, Building a New Home, Custom Builder, Custom Detailing & Millwork, Decorating ideas, Design Ideas, Home Ideas, Remodeling, Trends/by Lowell Management

The bathroom is where you prepare for the day ahead and transition for a good nights rest. The typical American spends at least an hour a day on bathroom activities. That adds up to two weeks per year, or the amount of time spent on vacation. If you are thinking of building or remodeling your bath, consider all of the options that can make it a place worthy of your time.

Your Bathroom Profile
The essential fixtures are familiar, but the endless variety can be overwhelming when making decisions. Knowing the role a particular bath will play in your home helps narrow down the choices so you can focus on the best solution. Ask yourself the following questions to help identify the most beneficial features.

How many people live in the home and what are their ages?
What is the size of the bath?
How many bathrooms are available and how convenient is the location of each?
Will there be growth or reduction in number of people at home?
Are there any physical issues that need to be addressed for safety and comfort?
Is this bath private or will guests share it?
Is water quality or usage a concern?
Aside from normal activities, are their other ways you would like to use this space (e.g. spa shower, washer and dryer, beverage station)?

Layout
A good layout will makes the most of available space while providing for your personal and intimate needs. As an experienced builder we strive to maximize the efficiency of every square foot while introducing economies in the location of plumbing fixtures. Consider key usage matters in advance to alleviate daily congestion.

How many people will use the bath at the same time?
What plumbing fixtures or appliances will you use (e.g. number of sinks, soaking tub, towel warmer)?
How much counter surface is needed?
How much storage space will you need for linens and grooming products?
How many electric outlets are needed and what location would be best?
Would having an enclosed water closet allow multiple users privacy?
What is the most direct path between activity zones?
Would you be more likely to use a soaking tub or luxurious shower
Would adding Universal or Accessible design features allow for aging in place?

Express Your Style

No matter the size, every bath deserves a style statement. Since you need to purchase new components when building new or remodeling, this is the ideal time to apply a viewpoint to each selection. Consider all of these possibilities:

Plumbing fixtures that have a sculptural quality to advance your style.
Vanity styles from built in wall-to-wall to freestanding furniture pieces.
Trough and Vessel Sinks
Shapely tile in an unexpected pattern to add visual texture.
Hardware to act as a touch of jewelry accenting the overall look of your room
A bold wall color that makes you smile every time you walk in.
Countertop materials from man-made to natural to standout as statement piece.
Showstopping mirrors that set the tone for the entire bath.

This helpful quiz from Medallion Cabinetry will help you identify your style!

Cabinetry: Storage & Convenience

At the intersection of style and storage is your bathroom cabinetry. Interior cabinet and drawer organizers divide space for clutter-free access to daily essentials. These latest features will make the most of every inch.

Niches built-in above sinks and in showers keep necessities visible and within reach.
Cubbies and open shelving move into the bath to help organize and sort belongings.
Push-touch and soft-close features are worthy additions for quiet, smooth and safe cabinet operations.
Electric outlets on the interior of cabinets or drawers prevent tangles and dangerous dangling cords.
Vertical pullout organizers maximize space.
Above counter storage improves visibility and provides easy access.
Built-in step stools and laundry hampers free up floor space.

Lighting the way to a good mood
7 lighting image
Every room benefits from multiple sources of lighting, and the bath is no exception. A combination of fixtures and natural light will help you achieve balanced color rendition throughout the day and through the seasons. The mirror area is most critical. Good illumination from above and the sides will eliminate shadows during grooming. Using the correct lamp completes the picture by allowing you to see color accurately when doing hair and makeup.

This helpful guide from Energy Star will help you choose the best lighting!

The installation process
Like many contractors, we trust a cabinet showroom like Geneva Cabinet Company to assist with the proper layout and detailing of cabinetry. Their work was recently featured on the PBS home-improvement show, HOMETIME. Follow this link to watch the show as they discuss the important consideration for planning master bath and the installation of these beautiful Medallion Cabinets.

Cabinet Planning Video by Geneva Cabinet Company

Follow this link to view the entire episode of Hometime where you will also see how solid surface Cambria countertops are measured, fabricated and installed in the Master Bath.

Inviting Entries – Guidelines for your homes first impression

in Architecture, Building a New Home, Custom Builder, Decorating ideas, Design Ideas, Home Ideas, Remodeling, Trends/by Lowell Management

You had me at hello!
It is scientifically proven that first impressions are lasting. A phenomenon refer to as thin-slicing demonstrates our powerful ability to make rapid decisions based on a narrow window of experience. No matter the size, the entry point is where you and your home will make a first impression. With thoughtful design guidelines, your foyer will make a stunning statement on your behalf.
Communicate Your Style
Create an “ahhh” moment at the point of transition between the great outdoors and your home interior. Ancient Feng Shui principles believe the entry is the gateway for your homes energy. Use this idea of natural flow to heighten the anticipation for visitors with a well-curated selection that represents your style.

Focus on developing a mood that will set the stage for your entire home.
Connect to the exterior of your home by repeating an architectural element, color scheme or material.
Control the visual “thin-slice” with simplicity as your guide with a few well-chosen features.
Think of the entry as an introduction to your home with a story that will unfold room to room.
Hint at the level of formality to your lifestyle with the size and detailing of your space.

Consider every angle
Your entry is experienced from several vantage points. Consider them all when making selections for this space. Start with the exterior approach to your entrance and take in 360 views while standing in the foyer. This space is often in the background of your daily activities. Reach for an integrated design theme that can be referred to throughout your home.

Select an entry door that enhance the character your homes character.
Express your style and gain natural light by choosing from the variety of transoms, sidelights and windows.
Consider privacy needs during in the initial design process. Size, shape and architectural features can control exposure to the elements and unknown visitors.

Practical matters
Comfort features will be greatly appreciated by guests and family. When the entry is reserved for visitors, a more streamline, statement focused on design is possible. However, don’t neglect these basics that are appreciated by everyone.

A Chair or bench for struggling with footwear
Closet or coat rack
A mirror for last minute check ups
A chest or console table to hold and store out-the-door items like keys and gloves.
Good general lighting with a task light option

Traffic Flow
An Architectural pivot point, the foyer often guides traffic through the home. Directional cues are helpful for guiding visitors and family to the path you would prefer they travel.

Increase the size of any openings that you want used more often.
Use the same type of flooring to encourage flow into adjacent areas.
Change the flooring or wall color to subtly suggest a boundary.
Minimize walls or hallways and use open space to establish a visual connection that will encourage everyone to move into that space.

Showcase Your Style
The entry is an ideal location to showcase your style by displaying art or special collections. This placement allows you to share something special with visitors while the central location lets you appreciate it daily.

Build in shelving or niches to keep collectables out of harms way.
Use accent lighting to highlight your treasured pieces
Keep this area simple and streamline to create a gallery effect that elevates the value of art, area rugs or a statement light fixture.

Foyer Flexibility
Often various rooms within a home converge at the foyer or entry. The shared open space will facilitate traffic flow as well as create open space that you can transform as needed.

Place important pieces, like a baby grand piano, in this area to make a statement within easy view.
Free up family activity areas by moving large storage pieces to this transition space.
Expand into this space for special events with a beverage bar or dining tables.
Enjoy this space for music lessons, dance practice or reading corner.

Entice and Surprise
Complete your entry area in a way that will entice and surprise everyone including yourself. When all of the elements of this space are carefully selected, your first impression will be memorable.

How to Choose the Best Home Plan

in Architecture, Building a New Home, Custom Builder, Remodeling/by Lowell Management

You don’t have to settle for ordinary home plans. Your home should be customized to fit your personal needs. The floor plan or layout of the room is a key factor for shaping how you live in your home and how happy you are living there. We enjoy guiding new homeowners through the process of building their dream home and want to share some of the factors that will help you create the perfect home plan.
Lifestyles
This is an all encompassing category that will help you express the general attitude of your home. It is all about who you are and what your typical day looks like. In general, think in terms of your desire for a structured or relaxed atmosphere. Consider where you are in your life and the possibilities for the future. Does this home need to accommodate a single or married person, youthful or mature couple, growing family or empty-nester? These are all indicators to help you decide on the compatibility of your home to your lifestyle.

Size
A home of any size can be fabulous, so asking yourself how much space you use. Take inventory of your current living conditions and plan ahead for the amount of space your will need to be comfortable in the future.
Questions to ask yourself:

Is the space you have actually where you need it?
What spaces are unused and where can you use more square footage?
Do you need more storage or more living space?
Will you family be growing?
How long do you plan to stay in this home?
Is this a weekend retreat or your main residence?
Will you need additional living space in the future to possibly care for elderly parents or grandchildren?

Activities
It is important to know how do you spend your day and accommodate all of your normal activities. A family with children may have the central focus of a sunny eat-in kitchen while a retired couple may spend a good part of the day in a cozy den with a fireplace.? Questions to ask:

Which room is used most often during the most active hours of the day?
Do you live a formal or informal lifestyle?
Do you entertain often? Will you need space for overnight guests?
How many people and pets are living in a home and how active are they?
What are the important home activities to make space for, like cooking, working-at-home, relaxing?

Adjacency, Traffic Flow & Versatility
This is as important as the size of the rooms. Be aware of how your day progresses, and which rooms need to be near or next to other rooms? This is referred to as “adjacency” and having your spaces organized with convenient locations will save you time and energy in your day-to-day activities. The idea of an open vs. closed floor plan will start to form as you decide on the best relationships for your spaces. Entry points, traffic flow and storage spaces are all key considerations. The location of the storage space must be convenient to its use, serving pieces near the kitchen, coats near the entry, toys near the play space.
Energy Efficiency
As a builder we are using the most advanced materials and systems. In addition to this, floor plan design becomes an important part of the equation. The most active areas during the day should take advantage of natural lighting. This along with the careful placement of windows is referred to as “Daylighting”. Generous overhangs and abundant windows are just the start to floor plan design that will work with the mechanical systems to enhance the efficiency of your home.
Noise Control
Open spaces are great for the flow of activity, but noise will easily bounce through the room. If you need quiet zones, build in niche areas with walls or lower ceiling heights to help control the sound. Add to this the careful selection of materials for sound absorption and the combined effect will give you the alternatives you need for balance.
Private Spaces
How much privacy do you need and where do you need it? Even an open floor plan needs areas of privacy or intimacy. Analyze your needs in terms of the amount of quiet time you would like in your day and be sure your floor plan provides the space for you to retreat, study or work-at-home. In addition to this, be sure to consider the views into and out of each room to ensure that you have privacy from neighbors and street traffic.
Indoor Outdoor Living
Your access to the outdoors will be determined by the convenient location of exit points to the leisure areas on you property. This is a major consideration in the placement of your home on the lot. If you can see your property and the outdoor living spaces from indoors, you are more likely to go out and enjoy them. Create a natural flow between indoor and outdoor spaces with plentiful doors that open wide for activities like cooking, entertaining or playtime.
Multi-Generation Friendly, Aging In Place & Accessibility
Building our homes so they are accessible through the normal ups and downs of life is more important than ever. It’s not just about aging; the occasional injury or health condition can influence your appreciation of design factors like living on one level or easy to reach cabinets and appliances. Additionally, blended families are becoming more common and empty-nesters are not necessarily downsizing. Our longer and healthier life styles make it wise to add accessible features that will allow us to live independently in the homes we love.
Expert guidance is available to you. As a highly reputable and experienced builder, we encourage you to seek the help you need in making key floor plan decisions as you prepare to build a new home or remodel. We are available to answer any questions you may have and please visit us if you are in the Lake Geneva area!
Lowell Management
Lake Geneva, Wisconsin
262 245 9030

The Home Building Process

in Architecture, Building a New Home, Custom Builder, Design Ideas, How to Select a Builder, Remodeling/by Lowell Management

What to Know Before You Build

The process of remodeling or building your home is exciting, but can be stressful at times. Your best strategy is to educate yourself and select a builder with experience and a stellar reputation. The right builder will guide you through the process seamlessly and run interference before you are even aware of any problems.
A great place to become familiar with the homebuilding process is the “Current Construction” section of our Portfolio where you will see our daily behind-the-scenes activities. Here you can follow along as stunning custom homes take shape from the ground up.
Here to illustrate the earlier stages of building, is the stunning home featured in last month blog.

The Design Build Process

Having a builder with the patience to walk you through the building process is essential to your peace of mind. Every design and construction detail must be worked out in advance. The design process can take six months or more depending on the style and amenities you choose. There will be multiple meetings between you, your builder, designer, and architect with everyone focused on creating your unique space. Some builders even have a complete team in-house for you. Creating a stress-free experience for his homeowners is the main reason Scott Lowell assembled his team of experts at Lowell Management. You can be certain that everyone is pulling together. Their goal is to listen to homeowners and say yes to as many requests as possible.

Selecting the Perfect Site for Your New Home

What does going home look like to you? The home site will influence the design of your home. Equally important, your home’s architecture must be appropriate for the site and surrounding areas. The right location will validate your investment and provide years of happiness. An experienced builder will ensure the best combination suitable for your home site and style. Major considerations when selecting a lot include:

Level of activity or seclusion you desired
Views from multiple perspectives
How the home will be oriented on the lot to maximize natural light and protective barriers
Technical considerations such as elevation, slope, soil type, depth of soil, water table, etc.

In addition to the expertise required to evaluate a lot you are considering, Lowell has secured a number of beautiful home sites in the most desirable areas of Lake Geneva.
http://lowellmanagement.com/properties.html

Customizing Your Home

This is the reason you decide to build or remodel. The opportunity to have the exact home you’re dreaming of without compromise. Every detail, interior to exterior, will be designed just for you. Each nuance will set your home apart from the ordinary. Your preferences will come into play as your home design evolves. Major decisions will include:

open vs divided spaces
flow and adjacency of rooms
plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems
insulation and energy efficient systems
window and door options
interior and exterior materials
cabinetry, lighting and plumbing fixtures

An experienced builder will guide you through all options and help you evaluate the cost/benefit of each.

Plan Ahead to Minimize Changes

Do your best to include everything you want at the very beginning. Once construction is underway it may becomes difficult or costly to add to the plan. An experienced builder will be tuned into all possibilities during the planning stages. Keep an open mind and you are sure to benefit from a professionals experience.

Budget and Timeline Management

You want a builder with the ability to maintain ongoing open communication with you throughout the process. A contract detailing cost and possible contingencies will be agreed to by all parties along with a timeline compatible with the size and features of your home. You want a builder who understands what it takes to deliver your home on time and within budget. You will play a major role by making selections according to a timeline created to keep construction on schedule. Lowell maintains long term relationships with the most talented craftsmen and reliable suppliers who work together to avoid and efficiently resolve problems with the least amount of delay.

Exceptional Building Materials

You simply can not find the type of materials and finishes you see in dream homes at a big box home improvement store. Access to statement making material is a result of continuous research over time. Many exclusive sources will only work with the most reputable and established builders. Many specialty products take longer to receive, so professional planning and scheduling is vital to timely availability on site when needed.

Constant Supervision to Ensure Quality

Supervision during the construction of you home is essential to quality. Building codes and architectural specifications are fundamental to your health, safety and welfare at home. The permit process and scheduled inspections are calculated into your timeline. A professional builder respects the codes and will oversee every aspect of construction to make certain your well-being and investment are protected.

Builder Reputation is Everything

The perfect partner for your building or remodeling will have your best interests at heart. You want to select a builder who develops lasting relationships with customers. Reading what our customers say is a valuable lesson in the importance of trust and confidence.
http://lowellmanagement.com/testimonials.html
We wish you the best as you explore your options for building a new home or remodeling your space. Your questions and inquiries are always welcome, please let us know if there is any way we can help.