Tag Archive for: custom home

The Character of a Home

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In any community a property with character stands out.  Picturesque Geneva Lake is the location of the latest home to join the iconic collection of Lowell Custom Homes. The distinctive design radiates character and charm.  In the first of a series of articles we are sharing this inspirational home and its eloquent style.  Starting with an overview, future articles will be devoted to the finely tuned details that make it a masterpiece.

Lowell Custom Homes collaborated with homeowners and designers at North Shore Nest to strike the perfect balance for lake home living.  The timeless coastal architecture is accentuated with impeccable design revealed in the photography of Aimée Mazzenga

Beginning with first impressions, this home promises relaxed luxury within.  Quality construction and authentic materials establish a foundation for the craftsmanship Lowell Custom Homes is known for.  Scott Lowell and his team explain it best here.

The character of a home is much more than the sum of its parts.  Each home is about feelings and emotional comfort.  It is about the right design in the right setting.  Architectural design should be unified with the natural environment and surrounding community.  Here the harmony begins at the point of entry as it eases from exterior to interior experience.  Detailed woodworking, feature ceilings and the spacious flow of rooms all contribute to a light and airy feel for the home.

Our response to a home is generated by how involved we become as we move through the space.  Shapes, lighting and color palette are all part of the character.  Here a sense of calm and order is expressed through the perfect symmetry of furnishings within the receptive living room space.

The living room merges seamlessly to a kitchen which features Das Holz Haus cabinetry from Geneva Cabinet Company. This truly is the heart of the home with beamed ceilings, custom range hood and an inviting island for meal prep and gatherings.  The custom cabinetry is furniture quality and offers abundant floor to ceiling storage with true divided mullioned glass.

The bright, uplifting feel is carried into the versatile dining area which serves throughout the day as an ideal place to feast and linger.  Friends and family can gather and set the mood from casual to formal while taking in the tranquil view of Geneva Lake.

Just beyond the main living space a change of pace is offered by an intimate study with wooded views.

Flooded with natural light, the bedroom suite is designed to start each day fully refreshed.

We leave you with this little teaser for the next article where we promise to feature the outdoor living spaces for this home.

Spoiler Alert – visit our Featured Gallery for a preview!

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Interior Design by North Shore Nest

Photos by Aimée Mazzenga

Lowell Wins Best of Walworth County!

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A heartfelt thank you to everyone who voted for us for the Best of Walworth County in 2021!

We are excited to announce that we are declared the winner as both

The Best New Home Builder

&

Best Home Remodeling Contractor

This is the finest endorsement for our entire Lowell team!

Each and every person at Lowell plays an essential role in the beautiful homes we build and remodel.  With over 40 years of experience, we pride ourselves in having the most dedicated staff! We are so honored as a company to also be voted as the Best Place To Work in the Geneva Lake area!

 

This is our 5th win as Best New Home Builder and our 1st as Best Home Remodeling Contractor.  We appreciate your community support and look forward to serving you in the years to come.

This video tour will show you some of our latest homes, then visit our website to be inspired by even more design ideas!

Contact the experts at Lowell Custom Homes to help plan your new home or remodeling project.

Connect here

or call 262-245-9030

Remodeling to Make it Yours

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The most exciting part of a new home is the opportunity to make it truly yours.  Our homeowners responded to the challenge after purchasing this classic lake front home.   With the help of their designer Phillip Sassano, The Design Coach  this classic beauty received a makeover that put the past 40 years behind.  Each design and remodeling decision honored the traditional aesthetic, then advanced the design with a modern spin to reflect the refreshing attitude of its new homeowners.   Compare these before-and-after pictures to see the dramatic results.   Then follow along to see how the outdoor environment was brought to life.

This home was reimagined and remodeled to fully appreciate and enjoy its lake front location.

 This luxurious property on the Geneva Lake was always impressive, but the new design establishes a more impressive link between the interior and exterior worlds.

First Impressions

A good first impression always says welcome.  We love the symmetry of the main house and how cheerful blue awnings and shutters unite the extensions.  Notice how the walkway to the main entrance has been reconfigured for a clean view of the front elevation.  Painting the exterior brick white was a bold and successful move.  Adding  blue accents nods towards a relaxed Mediterranean point of view.

Door Detail

A stunning new entry door with leaded glass sidelights not only updates, but elevates the style.

Party in the Back

 

While the front elevation maintains a refined character, a walk around back tells a relaxed fun-loving story.

Outdoor Rooms

Aligned perfectly with the coast of Geneva Lake, each of the outdoor spaces has a special purpose, while all offer stunning views.

Outdoor Kitchen

Location is everything when adding an outdoor kitchen.  Here it is positioned perfectly to serve multiple outdoor and indoor dining areas.

Screened In Room

The screened in room offers a protected option with easy flow between indoor and outdoor living spaces.

Pool or Spa Day

No need to decide when using efficient one-piece swimming pool construction and dropping in a spa to the side.

Big Little Details

New windows, awnings, and roof shingles work together to boost energy efficiency for the home

Architectural Elements

New lighting, a spiral staircase and corbels add to the refined elegance of this architecture.

Pop of Color

Colorful accents from the floral landscape to the back door fuse the overall outdoor experience.

Step inside by following this link to see even more of this delightful home remodel.

To see this full home inside and out click here.

Contact the experts at Lowell Custom Homes to help plan your next new home or remodeling project.

Contact us here

or call 262-245-9030

 

Photography by S.Photography/Shanna Wolf

 

Top Home Design Trends

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Several factors influence the direction of home design.   When the predictions from multiple sources agree,  we know we have the winning ideas!  Ultimately, it’s not about trends, but about how people really want to live.   Our trend list includes the ideas that we feel will add value, style and comfort to your home.

Function First

Convenience is critical.  After a year of adapting our homes to serve us in a variety of unforeseen circumstances, most agree to the power of versatility.  Future home design will allow for flexibility while providing a balance between open and private spaces.

Curves Ahead

Curves made a big impression at High Point Furniture Market this year. We see the softened lines as a way to take the hard edge off of furniture and architecture for a more inviting presentation.

Keep It Natural

Natural materials remind us of our connection to the environment.  They are often responsible for beautiful texture in the most eco-friendly way.

Cocktail Hour

From bar carts to dedicated space, we’ve developed a new appreciation for the home bar experience.  In the Geneva Lakes area,  it’s the perfect way to wind down or turn up the fun.

Classic Minimalism

This trend is part of movement to simplify and focus on one artistically designed shape.  The intention is to promote calm and allow space to breath.

 

Working From Home

We’ve learned how to integrate work and homework into our space.   The best solutions involve a quiet space with some privacy as well as ergonomic comfort.

Bold Color Used As A Neutral

Neutrals are here to stay, but we are redefining the category.   A large dose of one bold color can softened the edges of a room and read as a neutral.

Seamless Indoor Outdoor Transitions

We mentioned this trend in last months blog and are happy to see its continued growth.  This Nana window opens up the kitchen to the screened in porch with endless entertaining possibilities.

This beautiful home is brought to you by our delightful homeowners

and

the dedicated team at Lowell Custom Homes!

Cabinetry by Geneva Cabinet Company

Photography by Shanna Wolf/S Photography

Contact the experts at Lowell Custom Homes to help plan your next new home or remodeling project.

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

Designing the Perfect Entry

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A little effort goes a long way when creating a beautiful first impression.  We like to start with curb appeal and carry it on through the entry of your home.  The entry is often passed over with design efforts jumping right into living spaces.  But keep in mind that the entry is highly visible. It is the perfect spot to create a memorable moment for you and your visitors.

Start with the Door

The character of your entry door carries from the exterior to the interior of your home.  It must coordinate with both points of view, so choose wisely.  It should be architecturally compatible with your home design and provide the security and insulation appropriate for your location.

Light the Way

Illuminate this space with options that allow versatility.  A stunning chandelier is always appropriate, then consider adding sconces and even tabletop lighting to allow you to adjust the levels of light according to your needs and mood.

Define with Area Rugs

Add warmth with the texture of area rugs and runners.  They will define the entry and move people in the right direction down the hall.

Include a Statement Piece

One piece can set the stage for the entire home by introducing the style and mood of your rooms.  Keep the entry open and unfussy but don’t be afraid to use a substantial furniture piece when space allows.  A mirror is always nice for allowing last minute touch ups when coming or going.

Provide Seating

This is a small courtesy for guests, especially in the midwest where visitors often come weighed down with boots, coats or umbrellas.  It can be a chair, bench or even a small settee.  All that is required is a place to rest a person or package once entering your home.

 

Share A Bit of Yourself

Make it your own by including bits and pieces of your favorite things.  This is a peek into your personality with favorite collections, art or decor.

Ample Storage

The need for entry storage is a given, and the standard closet provides nicely.  Also consider solutions to expand storage with built-ins or furniture that provides storage drawers.

Don’t Forget Secondary Points of Entry

Don’t neglect the more common entry that you and your family use on a daily basis.  It should be just as appealing as the guest entry, and even more functional with storage for coats, shoes and packages.

For more ideas to add curb appeal of your home check here

and here.

We invite you to stay in touch by signing up for our blog where we cover the latest design ideas and inspirational projects.

(There are not affiliate links and of course we never share your personal information)

 

Traditional Design Is Back!

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After two decades of Midcentury modern dominating the design universe, traditional is reemerging as a fresh and time-honored aesthetic.  While design styles always go through cycles, the advantage of traditional is that it’s a classic.  It is often the jumping off point for many other styles, so it blends easily when you are working towards a personally curated look.

Throughout history people are drawn to the familiar for security during uncertain times.  That may be partly responsible for the current resurgence, but there is also a new generation being exposed for the first time to these very livable interiors. Many homeowners were not in the audience to appreciate the classic rooms of Mario Buatta or Sister Parish.  Either way, this design movement is a refreshing way to incorporate planet-friendly elements with vintage and repurposed furnishings.  This is the look that will be known as the New-Traditional or Neo-Traditional for the next decade and beyond.  Sourcing favorites like 1st Dibs can provide unique character for these rooms.

But, just as today’s high waisted jeans are drastically different from 80’s Mom jeans, traditional design has evolved.  We are keeping the comfort and pleasing shapes while lifting the mood with lighter treatments of color, pattern and material.

Elements of the New Traditional or Neo-Traditional Style

Traditional style is timeless and pulls inspiration from the 18th and 19th century.

Architectural details like crown molding, ceiling beams and wood paneling add a determined but comforting mood when applied with a light touch.

Often traditional style will reference European decor in its detailings.   Featured here is one of our favorite homes showing traditional design with a French attitude. Formality can be taken up a notch or calmed down by the choice of furnishings. 

Rooms will often have a beautiful focal point like a stunning fireplace seen above, or even a mantel range hood as show in the kitchen below.

Neo-traditional is certainly not fussy.  In order to keep elements in check there will be a dash of modern with the European viewpoint.  Finely finished pieces can easily co-exist with natural and relaxed materials like linen, bamboo and rush. 

Beyond all visual combinations, the essence is comfort and easy living.

While the details may be finely crafted, the home will always respond to lifestyle demands.

 

We invite you to stay in touch by signing up for our blog where we cover the latest design ideas and inspirational projects.  

(There are not affiliate links and of course we never share your personal information)

Photography by Shanna Wolf/S.Photography

Designing for Comfort

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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

 

There are no affiliated links in any of our posts and we never share your personal information.  You can subscribe to our blog updates with no concerns.

Lowell Wins Best of Walworth County 2020!

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Lowell Wins the Best of Walworth County!

It an honor to be selected again this year as Walworth County’s

Best New Home Builder!

 

We are so grateful to our entire team at Lowell, all of our wonderful homeowners and our friends who participated in the voting!

This makes 4 years in a row that we are honored with the title of Best New Home Builder in Walworth County, with a bonus of runner up for Best Home Remodeler!

We would like to share some of the most recognized homes from our inspiration galleries on the Lowell Custom Homes Website and Houzz

We tallied up the most popular pictures in 2020 and present them here to inspire your next project.

Our most popular picture in 2020 (drumroll please)

this lovely lakefront home in the Queen Ann Shingle style.  You will not want to miss the tour of this entire home here.

Closely followed by two outdoor spaces with stunning appeal.

A beautiful lakeside conservatory, see the entire home here.

And surrounded by nature, this immensely popular screened in room

 

Keeping with the unofficial theme for 2020, comfort-at-home, it is no wonder that these cozy rooms placed at the top of our most popular list.

A beautifully detailed and sunny reading room in the most traditional style, see the full home here.

 

An open concept floorplan that leads to a cozy room with more privacy for reading, study or working at home. View the full home here.

 

And this exquisitely detailed den that is the perfect backdrop for zoom calls, see more here.

 

And finally, because after all we are a community that loves to welcome guests, this whimsical lakefront bunk room just waiting for the right time to entertain.

Thank you to everyone who honored us with your vote for this years Best of Walworth County Award!

You can find the greatest inspiration for your home on our website gallery or our portfolio on Houzz

Be sure to subscribe to our blog!  You will receive a notification as soon as we publish the latest news or trends for your home!  

We do not share any of the information you provide.

 

 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

 

Bedroom Design for a Good Night’s Sleep

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A good night’s sleep is known to influence the quality of your day.  Fortunately, studies show that the design of your bedroom can help you unwind and drift into a more restful sleep.  Take advantage of our helpful tips to wake refreshed and ready to face the day!

Clutter Free Environment

Clear any clutter from your bedroom and make your bed every morning.  Order and visual appeal go a long way to relieve stress and worry, the leading cause for sleepless nights.  Even ancient Feng Shui principles point to the importance of clear space to enrich energy flow.  You don’t want to block good energy (or air flow) with piles unnecessary clutter around the room or under the bed.

Banish Electronics

Set a digital curfew for yourself.  The artificial blue light from our devices is known to suppress the release of melatonin, making it more difficult to fall asleep.  While it may be difficult to remove all electronics from the bedroom, make an effort to hide them away in a cabinet or bedside drawer.  Use an old-fashioned book with nightlight to wind down at the end of the day.

Peaceful Color & Pattern

This is not the room for a “pop-of-color”.  Cool colors are conducive to a peaceful night’s sleep.  The cooler side of the color wheel is known to lower blood-pressure and heart-rate, both will help you sleep better.  Blues, greens, and even pale yellows soon soft grey and beige tints to create a relaxing mood.  When selecting patterns, keep the energy level low with soft and subtle contrasts.

Linen Liaisons

It is more satisfying to make your bed when you have beautiful linens.  And turning down the bedding at the end of the day becomes part of your relaxation routine.    This helpful guide explains why sheeting choices are about more than thread count.  Choose the material and construction that satisfies your personal preference for a warm or cool nights sleep.

Do Not Disturb

Sound control will help you get to sleep and stay asleep.  Fabric surfaces including rugs, upholstered headboards and window treatments will stop sound from bouncing around the room. High quality building materials, like the Rockwool insulation Lowell is known for, will reduce sounds from outdoors and adjacent rooms.

Light Control

Flexibility is the key to light management in the bedroom.  If you do not want to be greeted by the morning light, a multi-layer treatment that includes a block out shade or drape will help you dream away to your hearts content.

Nightstand Essentials

Woodrow Nightstand, Pottery Barn

Once you get to bed, you want to stay there.  Nothing is as peaceful as an uncluttered nightstand that holds all of your sleep time essentials.  Water, a good book and a picture of your favorite travel destination will help you drift into a peaceful sleep.  Keep a notepad nearby to jot down late-night thoughts instead of losing sleep about forgetting.  Use the top drawer to store reading glasses, lavender essential oil, lotion, meds and that fancy new face roller.

Sweet Dreams

from

 

 

The Future of Home Design Post Covid-19

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The comforts of home have never been so appealing!  When uncertainty causes us to feel a little off-balance, our homes provide the security and serenity we need.  The Covid-19 derailment will eventually be resolved, but its valuable lessons have influenced home design for the future.   Our homes are evolving to provide the perfect solutions for a balanced life.  Here are some of our favorite ideas.

Floor Plan Versatility

The intelligence of open concept floorplans has been confirmed by their ability to adapt and be reconfigured.  Areas to work, study or exercise will be nestled into our most active rooms.  When our needs change, the rooms can revert back to their original plan.

More Storage for Self-Sufficiency

When your home becomes an island it’s critical to have provisions on hand.  A walk-in pantry has plenty of space for your latest Costco run while providing an organized space for storage.  Drawer allows for easy sorting and accessibility while open shelving keeps everything in sight.

Zoom Meeting Backdrop

When it’s possible to dedicate space for a home office, consider the acoustics, lighting and a sophisticated impression for video conferencing.

Private Outdoor Space

The popularity of outdoor living space will continue to soar and include luxury features like pools, spas and kitchens. Indoor-outdoor connections will always serves to calm, refresh and satisfy us.

Sanitation Station

While outdoor-to-indoor transitional space has always been desirable, the focus is now on surfaces that are easy to clean and disinfect.

Room for a Workout

You may find that less of a commute to work or school leaves more time for your daily workout.  As a self-care reminder set up a space with you favorite equipment to make it happen naturally.

Your Personal Getaway

When togetherness becomes overrated, create an in-home escape to help you get through the day.  It doesn’t have to be in the traditional sense of a man cave or she shed.    Everyday spaces, like this closet,  can become more inviting and luxurious with a little special treatment.

Nesting Details

Endless hours within your four walls may result in boredom unless you are looking at something beautiful.  There is a renewed interest in design and architecture as we now have more time to thoroughly examine our homes.  Finely crafted details will wrap you up in comfort.

 

Lowell Custom Homes is known for building and remodeling homes with a creative and customized approach.  We invite you to stay in touch by signing up for our blogs where we cover the latest design ideas and inspirational projects!

(There are no affiliated links in any of our posts and we never share your personal information.)

262.245.9030

 

Cabinetry by Geneva Cabinet Company

Photography by S.Photography/Shanna Wolf