Tag Archive for: curb appeal

Gatherings Making memories at home for the holidays

Gatherings – A Time When Memories Are Made

Memorable gatherings, great and small, begin in a home that radiates warmth.  Sharing the comforts of your home is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give for the holidays. While daily lifestyle takes precedence in home design, here are a few features that are truly appreciated by guests.

Lowell Custom Homes entry door

Welcoming Entry

Before the doorbell rings your home is making its first impression.  The character of this home is reminiscent of a French Country Chateau with exterior lighting that glows to guide visitors forward.   The richly stained and subtly arched entry doors are framed by curved corbels and surrounded by dimensional stone work.  For more inviting exterior ideas click here!

Lowell Custom Homes Lake Geneva Wi Interior entry door

Balance

Guests are reassured by a sense of balance.  The beautiful symmetry of this living room plays a gracious role communicating comfort.

Lowell Custom Homes a entry flow into open living

Inviting Flow

Unobstructed views and an open floor plan encourage a relaxed flow throughout the home.

Lowell Custom Homes open concept floor plan

Lovely Scale & Proportion

Scale is more important than size when creating a welcoming room.  This floor to ceiling stone fireplace is perfectly at home in a room that can support its dramatic presence with ample ceiling volume.   View more ideally proportioned interiors in our gallery by clicking here.

owell Custom Homes options for intimacy cozy den

Options for Intimacy

Large formal rooms are lovely, but at times a scaled down room is just right for more intimate gatherings.  Here, fine handcrafted details are perfectly proportioned for a more personal setting.

Lowell Custom Homes versitility open or close spaces versitility

Versatile and Multifunctional

We all love an open kitchen, but at times you just want to pull the curtain, or in this case the pocket door, on the chaos.   Built-in versatility is the key to spaces that perform day-to-day as well as when entertaining.  This kitchen can be a place for meal preparations, casual dining, or mingling.

Lowell Custom Homes island party in front business in the back

Party in the Front, Business in the Back

Function is a priority, especially in kitchen design.  Here a dramatic oversized island is part of the design by Geneva Cabinet Company, LLC.  At first glance you’ll notice show-stopping good looks, but a peek around to the back side exposes easy-to-access storage, wide open work surface and undercounted appliances.

Lowell Custom Homes behind the scenes convenience and staging area

Staging Area

Behind the scenes at any great event is a well executed plan.  This spacious laundry room can double as a butler’s pantry while thoughtfully designed cabinet interiors are a thing of beauty every day.

Lowell Custom Homes indoor outdoor

Seasonal Transitions

A protected indoor-outdoor area is appreciated by many guests.  This screened in room offers comfort and style along with a little fresh air.

Time to Unwind

And finally, after the last air-kiss good-night, every homeowner deserves a place to unwind and reminisce about the exciting events of the day.

Lowell Custom Homes place to rejuvanate after entertaining and careing for others

That should include the privacy of a Master Bedroom and Bath Suite as the perfect place to rejuvenate for the next round of holiday festivities.

We send our heartfelt thanks

to our customers and all of those who follow

our activities as we build these lovely homes,

always,

and especially this holiday season!

 

This home was originally built by Lowell Custom Homes and designed by M & E Architects.  The renovations in 2018 are by Lowell Custom Homes with architect Todd Cauffman and General Manager/Project Superintendent Rich Kinter.

To see more of the lovely details visit our Houzz portfolio by clicking here.

Photography is by Shanna Wolf, S.Photography and Styling

The new roof is by DaVinci Roofscapes and features a long lasting composition shake shingle.

The kitchen by Geneva Cabinet Company, LLC features cabinetry fromPlato Woodwork, Inc.

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

before and after kitchen remodel by lowell custom homes

The Most Popular Rooms to Renovate

Move over kitchen and bath, this year living quarters will dominate home remodeling requests according to the Houzz & Home Renovation Report. Houzz is one of the leading home and design resource sites in the country. Lowell Custom Homes is a regular contributor to many of the Houzz studies evaluating trends and the latest news in home building and remodeling.
This year’s research reveals the unexpected popularity of improvements to general living areas. The forecast for 2018 also predicts that homeowners will tackle multiple room renovations at one time.  Surprisingly, the master bedroom and laundry are leading the way with a growth in average spending of 23% and 24% respectively.

Kitchen Renovation
kitchen renovation by Lowell Custom Homes Before and After

While the desire for kitchen and bath renovations remains consistent, a shift in homeowner thinking places the new focus on living spaces that will have real lifestyle impact.

Renovation of Living Space

Living room remodel Before and After by Lowell Custom Homes in Lake Geneva
Before and After Living room remodel by Lake Geneva Builder Lowell Custom Homes
The study reveals, and we can confirm based on our current projects, that the main motivation to remodel is improved design and function.   Customization is at the top of everyone’s list when making design decisions. It is about making the space personal and relatable for the needs of each homeowner.

Renovation of Master Bedroom Suite

Master Bedroom suite remodel by lake geneva builder lowell custom homes
Remodeling the master bedroom and the master suite is moving further in the direction of comfort and privacy. While the concept is not new, the increased demand for an at home getaway is noteworthy. More and more homeowners are craving privacy within their home. There is a high desire for what can be seen as an in-home mental health escape for writing, meditation or just some quality me-time.

Laundry Room Renovation

remodel laundry room by lake geneva builder lowell custom homes
Laundry room renovations are becoming more extensive and the space devoted to this utility is growing larger. It has evolved into a multi-purpose area that just happen to have the laundry located inside. Easy access is a key factor for updates to this workspace along with the ability to share storage and countertops for projects.

Exterior Renovation
Before and After exterior home remodel by lake geneva builder lowell custom homes

Exterior improvements closely follow interior renovations in popularity.  Curb appeal, or lake appeal in this case, is a priority.  Remodeling often includes indoor-outdoor living space with special amenities like an outdoor kitchen or even an outdoor shower.
Outdoor shower remodeled home exterior by lake geneva builder lowell custom homes
From first-time buyers to seasoned homeowners, remodeling has become the way to have a home that will provide for all of your needs, without having to move.
You can read more about how to decide if you should build or remodel here  and 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 will answer all of your questions and guide you every step of the way!

Lowell Custom Homes

262.245.9030

Interior Design of Laundry Room by Elizabeth Drake Interiors

Photography Credits Josh Z Photography and Victoria McHugh Photography

SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave
SaveSave

Holiday Curb Appeal for Your Home

We know . . . you’re busy! But we don’t want you to miss this delightfully simple way to boost your homes holiday curb appeal!
Holiday curb appeal for your home
It’s the wreath! In humble simplicity or embellished glory, the wreath is a lovely way to let visitors know you’re happy to see them.
holiday curb appeal for your home
We like to spread a little holiday cheer around every home that we have under construction. It’s a Lowell tradition to greet work crews and homeowners with a wreath to show our appreciation throughout the holiday season. (Our wreaths are from the Boy Scouts!)
Our favorite inspiration comes from natural greenery.   You can easily personalize your wreath with a few quick items from a craft store. Whether you do a full on Martha and make it from scratch, or just add to an au natural wreath from Costco, the results will be stunning!
told to make your holiday wreath

Personalize curb appeal with decor to complement your home’s architecture and style. Gather your clippers, some floral wire and be inspired!

Holiday curb appeal rustic wreath junipers pinecones berries

Natural Beauty

Add pinecones, holly and juniper branches, secure with floral wire.

Holiday curb appeal white christmas Ballard Designs

White Christmas

All of the above with a can of flocking spray.

Holiday curb appeal wreath traditional dried fruit and cinammonTraditional Welcome

Ok, this one takes a little more work, but the end result justifies the effort. Use twine to wrap bundles of cinnamon, pine cones and berries.  Then choose the easy road with Trader Joe’s Dried Orange Slices or do a Martha and dry your own.

Holiday curb appeal wreath embellished ornaments sparkle

Glamour Road

There is never too much sparkle for the holidays, so add ornaments with sprigs of greenery for a little more glitz.

Once you get started you’ll see that adding greenery is a lovely touch that can be accomplished in no time at all.  Gather the parts you need and just wait for the sun to shine for a pleasant installation.
You can even take it to the next level, like our homeowners, by adding a bit more greenery at architectural points of interest.
Holiday curb appeal NATURAL GREENERY ON MONUMENT
We love this because it highlights the stone monument at the homes entry with greenery that draws attention to custom etched copper plaques.   These were designed by our homeowners talented daughter using a brushed finish background and recessed lettering which was then given an overall oxidized copper finish.    The graphic symbolizes the wetlands and turtles surrounding their new home and makes this first holiday even more memorable!

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 to guide you every step of the way!

Lowell Custom Homes

262.245.9030

SaveSave
SaveSave

Curb Appeal

Gibson_Evening_Front_1_HR
Curb appeal is that “wow factor” that begins with the design of every home.  One of the secrets to our success is the attention we give to details during every phase of design and construction.  We want to share some of those details we consider so you too can elevate your home to neighborhood celebrity status.
You will have them at “hello” with a stunning drive that paves the way to your entry.  The driveway material and configuration should compliment the overall character of your home.  Straight drives support formality while curved hardscaping encourages a relaxed atmosphere.  Pavers, stone and decorative concrete can all elevate an imposing necessity to captivating pathway.
Curb Appeal  Details come into focus Lowell Management Lake Geneva Wisonsing
After that initial Ahhh moment, your homes details will come into focus.  We are especially fond of interesting roof lines that engage the eye.  Doors, windows, and woodworking must all be true to a homes overall style.  While function is a priority, there is no need to ignore good principles of balance and proportion when placing architectural features.  The exterior material selections offer an opportunity to further your stunning impression with a tasteful blends of color and texture.
exerior
The walkway should also support the general style of your home.  The same formality rules apply, along with an additional opportunity to include new statement materials.  Natural stone at this point will create a gentle transition for the eye as it moves from nature to the built environment.

The planted softscaping of shrubbery, lawn and flowers will strengthen that lasting impression.  The layout should help identify the path for visitors and lead them to your entry or entertainment destinations on the property. Plantings can intrigue as they allow the view to slowly unfold or present an instant Ta-DA moment.  Hearty plants are a wise choice near driveways to withstand winter clearing activities.

Features like columns, canopies, and porches all create points of reference and more opportunity to carry through on your homes period style.  Copulas, trellis and window boxes can be added in accordance with modern or traditional architecture.  When canopies or awnings are used to cover windows and doors there can be an energy saving bonus as they buffer sun and wind.

Curb appeal is enhanced at night with the tasteful illumination of architecture and landscape features.  Defining pathways and entry points with lighting is a safe and considerate way to welcome friends.  The added security is a noteworthy benefit for the entire neighborhood.
 
Finally we saved the most adaptable feature of every home for last.  The front door is the personality point to tell the world a little bit about who you are.  It can be a sneak peek at your homes interior style or a charming landmark for neighbors out on an evening stroll.
If you have a difficult time deciding on a door color, try this fun quiz for some guidance.
http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/23794956/list/Houzz-Quiz–What-Color-Should-Your-Front-Door-Be-
 
Here at Lowell we are known for building beautiful homes that make memorable first impressions.   Our key to captivating curb appeal is a consistent vision and we are here to share that expertise with you when you are ready to build or remodel.