Tag Archive for: comfort

Designing for Comfort

This is the season to prioritize comfort.  The evenings come early, and the morning air can be brutal.  Instead of just hunkering down, it’s the ideal time to celebrate home life with some extra attention to our well-being.  The Danish call this attitude Hygge, we call it the essence of home.

You can heighten the feeling of comfort in small ways or go big with a whole house refresh. Either way, here are some of our favorite ideas to up the cozy-factor this winter.

Natural Materials

Natural and authentic materials help us feel grounded. A stone fireplace, architectural beams, and natural wood tones are soothing.  Even accessories added to your kitchen counter or cocktail table will create a mood.  One of our favorite places for cozy touches is Summer Made in Lake Geneva.

Soft Furnishings

Simple additions go a long way to warm up a room.  Bulky knit throws, area rugs, toss pillows and overstuffed furniture all nurture the spirit. A good place to start your shopping for the Lake Geneva winter vibe is Paper Dolls Home Furnishings.

Warm Color & Texture

Natural colors tend to lean warmer and when combined with the texture of knotty wood paneling, the effect surrounds you in security.

Layering Pattern

Pattern fills a room,  and when layer upon layer is applied the comfort factor rises.  Upholstered headboards and lush layers of bedding compound the visual effect.

Quiet Moments

When everyone is forced to stay close to home, it pays off to have an at-home-retreat.  A quiet place where you can hang a do-not-disturb sign and enjoy a bath, sauna, or favorite chair with a good book.  You’ll love this list of book club favorites.

 

Fireplace Gatherings

Taking the chill off around the fireplace is a time honored tradition.  Arranging comfy furniture in a cluster around the hearth will facilitate warm and friendly conversations.

 

Inviting Spaces

Rooms that are pulled together are always more inviting.  Coordinated by color and designed with good circulation space, people will not hesitate to enter and put their feet up.

Scented Spaces

Engage all of the senses with a fragrance that will enhance memories.  Evergreen, bayberry, zesty orange, and cinnamon will keep you filled with warmth.

 

Embrace Friluftsliv – The Outdoor Extension of Hygge

 

Friluftsliv follows the Danish Hygge trends with the Norwegian cultural concept that promotes “free air life”.   Spending time outdoors during the winter season has been shown to improve physical and mental health and reduce stress.  Even if you’re not up for a long walk, a warm cup of cocoa on your screened porch will do wonders to reduce stress.

 

Daily Rituals

Relying on daily routine can give structure to otherwise endless days.  Light a candle, call a friend, have an afternoon tea  . . .   taking the time to tune into your sense of calm during the winter will provide a sense of balance throughout the season.

 

So, stopping fighting the urge to ward off winter and start working with it to enjoy the warmhearted memories you’re now creating.

 

 

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.

262-245-9030

 

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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.