Porch Appeal

in Home Ideas, Outdoor Living, Porch/by Lowell Management

Front or back, the porch has a timeless charm that encourages relaxation and conversation. While the architectural appeal is timeless, we find ourselves truly enamored during the spring and summer months. Whatever the size of your home, there is always room to incorporate this welcoming respite.

The Entry Porch

This architectural feature will protect your entry from the elements while directing guests to the front door. It is a familiar option compatible with most home styles while lending a flattering first impression.

The Overhang Alcove

The extension of your roof line will create an intimate niche where you can enjoy the view and unwind.

Feelin’ the Breezeway

Linking spaces with a semi-enclosed area is a structural treat. It creates a place to catch a breeze without full exposure to the elements. Furnish with comfortable chairs or your outdoor kitchen equipment.

Wrap-Around Charm

There is not a better spot for an iconic pair of rocking chairs. Reminiscent of the good old days, the wrap around porch is ideal for escape or entertaining at home.

Protected Paradise

Protected with screening or Plexiglas panels, an Indoor-Outdoor living area creates an easy transition to you outdoor activities. To see some of our favorite indoor/outdoor spaces click here.

Sleeping Porch Arrangements

Popular in the early 20th century before air conditioning became the norm, these semi enclosed areas provided the most comfortable nights sleep. Now they are nostalgic additions, usually on the second floor, where you can catch a breeze or enjoy a peaceful nap.

Whether you’re looking to add character or expand living space, be sure to consider all of the possibilities a porch has to offer.

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

Pet Friendly Meets Style at Home

in Decorating ideas, Pet-Friendly Home/by Lowell Management

Can you lead a chic and stylish life with pets? Of course you can! There is no need to give up good looks for durability. And your efforts will be rewarded with endless love and daily snuggles!

Studies by Mayo Clinic show that pet ownership and cardiovascular health have a highly positive correlation. At the very least, our pets offer us hours of entertainment! Follow these tips for a home that will be comfortable for everyone with two to four legs.

Safe Space

We love the idea of this beautiful dutch door that allows fresh air flow while hampering any escape plans for pets (and children). This is a high interest area with the daily anticipation of Amazon and mail deliveries. A window near the door, like this transom, will provide a good view and a nice warm spot to sunbath. Of course, be sure pets are microchipped for an added layer of protection.

Transition Zone

Some days are just muddier than others. Having a transition space with a bench and hooks will help you suit up for every outdoor adventure. The tile and slab bench are ideal for easy clean up. Hooks created from novelty hardware hang leashes and jackets so you’re ready to grab-and-go. The under bench cubbies would be a great place to tuck in a basket of towels and even the water bowl.

Protective Wall Finish

Make the right choice in paint finish. At times your fur baby will need to just shake-it-off after a walk or bath, that’s when you’ll regret that flat paint. Choose eggshell or a satin for easy clean surfaces that will resist paw prints and slobber. Semi-gloss is tempting, but keep in mind that every scare or dent will show.

Pet Friendly Flooring

Hard surfaces are superior for their dirt and oops-resistant qualities. Stone, ceramic and laminate floors are all good choices. If you decide on the beauty of natural wood, stick to Oak or Mahogany for hardness. Be sure to have them sealed with a durable finish to minimize scratching. With carpeting or area rugs, use the best quality for your budget. Nylon and wool have solid reputations for a long life with easy cleaning. Even the most well-trained pet can have a sick day. Be prepared with a clean up kit and consider the latest washable indoor-outdoor area rugs.

Durable Fabrics

The smartest choice you can make for furnishings will include high performance fabric. In this day and age it’s easy with the choices available from reputable companies (Hello Sunbrella). The possibilities for your home are exciting and endless, like this nubby upholstery from Thibaut Design . One last tip on fabrics, skip the velvets and chenilles, then match up the color of your pets fur to your upholstery for stress-free maintenance.

Kitchens

The kitchen is an appealing exploration zone for our pets. Prevent mishaps by keeping counters and floors clear of food and breakables. Some foods are toxic for pets so it’s best to exercise extreme caution when they are in the home.

Bath Time

Depending on the size of your pet, you may undertake their grooming at home. Smaller dogs do well in a farmhouse sink, but our favorite solution for larger pets is this stainless steel walk in tub from Bath Tubs for Pets.

Yes You Can Have Nice Things

The secret to style is a durable finish and space for your furry friends to travel through the room with a path about the width of their tail swing. It’s a good idea to establish a play zone in your home with more open space. Store favorite toys and initiate play time here so your pets will learn that this is their happy place.

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

Lowell Wins Houzz 2020!

in Design Ideas, Home Ideas/by Lowell Management

We are beyond excited to announce that Lowell Custom Homes was awarded the Best Of Houzz 2020.

Just 3% of the 2.5 million home design and building professionals on Houzz receive a Best of Houzz Award each year. This is five years in a row that Lowell has received such special recognition! We thank all of the participants for choosing our projects!

Here are our most loved and inspirational pictures of the year!

A nostalgic Potting Shed using reclaimed material from Heritage Beam and Board

See the full home here.

An Idyllic Screened in Porch

See the full home here.

This Open and Inviting Living Room

See the full home here.

A Home with Street and Lake Appeal

See the full home here.

A Lakeside Conservatory

See the full home here.

This Nautical Guest Bunk Room

See the full home here.

A Chic & Relaxing Library

See the full home here.

This Kitchen Collaboration with Geneva Cabinet Company

See the full home here.

Finally a Basement Renovation with years of popularity on Houzz.

See the full home here

Follow us on Houzz to view all of our custom home and remodeling projects. Remember to create Ideabooks where you can save your Lowell favorites! This is our favorite way to fashion a personal Look Book for inspiration with future design and remodeling projects.

Houzz is the largest residential database in the USA and around the world. They connect millions of people with ideas and resources for their home projects, large and small. We love being a part of this network and hope you’ll visit our Houzz portfolio right here.

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

(of course we never share your personal information)

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!

Lowell Custom Homes

262.245.9030

Easy Elegance Leads Home Trends

in Home Ideas, Trends/by Lowell Management

Luxury has been redefined for the coming decade. People now want luxury to be a part of their everyday life in small comforting ways. This means something different for each home, but all must have high quality construction as the foundation. Discover how this new idea luxury can guide you to making the home improvement decisions that you will love for a lifetime.

Easy elegance

Lowell is in the midst of redefining luxury living. Their homes strike the perfect balance between stunning architecture and seamless operation. This often includes a welcoming floorplan with easy transitions, especially between indoor and outdoor spaces.

It’s not about creating a single Instagram moment, the goal is an exquisite and durable home so everyone can focus on the fun side of living in the Geneva Lake area.

Functional Beauty

The design of a Lowell home is never forced or out of character with lifestyle. Each has a unique appeal that conforms to the functional needs of its family. This can mean anything from dripping wet kids and pets running in and out of the house to a sophisticated cocktails party around the outdoor fireplace. Kitchens with luxury appliances are about value, not status. Upscale amenities offer efficiency and timesaving contributions for the entire household. Flexi-fridges have compartments that switch back and forth from refrigerator to freezer to easily accommodate party platters. Advanced refrigeration keeps food fresh longer for weekend to weekend visitors. And more efficient ranges and convection ovens speed up cook time so there is more time for fun.

A Story of Wellness

A sense of calm and wellness is at the core of Geneva Lake living and Lowell answers this desire by manifesting a comforting atmosphere in their homes. Open spaces, charming vistas and organic materials that are sustainable, as well as attractive, all play a role. Lowell homes incorporate an abundance of natural light, high performance air and water systems and ample kitchens designed to be the hub of a healthy way of life. These homes are tuned-in for the freshest approach to wellness including tech-free zones to that encourage togetherness and physical activity.

Conscientious Construction & Deconstruction

There are many old homes and cabin properties in and around Geneva Lake. When these don’t meet present day building codes or suit the needs of the homeowner, Lowell is proud to be a part of the process that includes deconstruction with the donation of good materials before rebuilding on the property.

Deconstruction, Reuse, Recycle – The Alternative to Demolition.

Our team coordinates with Habitat for Humanity on behalf of our homeowners to arrange for deconstruction and material donation. We even like to give the community a heads up when highly desirable materials like this Pecky Cypress are on their way to the sales floor at Milwaukee Restore

Recognizing that sustainable design is not just about recycled material, it is about building high quality lasting structures that will stand the test of time. We do this by having our homes built by the finest local craftsman featuring locally sourced materials when possible.

The team at Lowell supports homeowner’s in the gratifying journey of designing and building a new home. Our in-house experts include an AIA architect, interior designer, project manager and full support staff, all working to ensure a stress-free and rewarding homebuilding experience.

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!

Lowell Custom Homes

262.245.9030

Holiday Entertaining to Suit Your Mood

in Custom Builder, Holiday Decorating, Home Entertainment/by Lowell Management

Stop googling party ideas and start enjoying the holidays. Plan a gathering that perfectly suits your mood, your resources and your level of holiday energy. Low stress is the key. Your friends and family will love you just for hosting any type of get-together. Keep in mind, the most successful events will take advantage of the special features in your home.

Start by making a list of every idea and recipe you’ve every wanted to try, then grab a cup of coffee and scratch off most of the ideas. Save just a few items that will show your guests that you think they are special. We have three entertainment modes for you to consider. Match one up to your holiday mood and let the party flow naturally!

Cozy & Casual

This is a no-spanx-allowed fuzzy sweater gathering around your inviting fireplace.

Pairs well with . . .

Spiked Hot Cocoa and Charcuterie

Cocktails and Conversation

Your open floor plan lets everyone mingle as conversations flow around the unique touches you collected, like this floating magnetic cocktail table.

Pairs well with . . .

Mistletoe Margaritas and Cranberry Tarts

Dining and Delicacies

The ambiance of your formal dining area enchants guests for the ultimate dinner party experience.

Pairs well with . . .

Cranberry Champagne Mimosas and your finest china

In any mode, plan and prepare in advance as much as possible. There are a surprising number of make-ahead recipes that look like you’ve been grinding away all day. Then just choose one or two simple holiday decor ideas and your guests will feel welcomed.

Happy Holidays from all of us at

Lowell Custom Homes!

Building a new home or remodeling should be an exciting adventure and our team of experts is available to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way!

We always love hearing from you and are happy to discuss your personal home projects!

262.245.9030

Shower vs Tub Debate – Showers Wins!

in Accessibility, Bathroom Design, Building a New Home, Design Ideas, Home Ideas, Remodeling/by Lowell Management

We are not going to get in the middle of any over/under toilet paper roll debate, but when it comes to bathing we have the stats!

According to a recent Houzz survey, outdated and and old bathrooms are highest on the renovation wish list. And when it comes to building a new home, a luxurious walk-in shower is a must. From a space planning perspective, the shower offers a versatile on-trend design opportunities. It achieves high marks for ease and accessibility for young and old. This makes it an natural choice when planning for every stage of life, including aging-in-place.

Oh sure, there are plenty who admire a luxurious soaking tub, but real life demands are leading the trend towards ditching the bathtub in favor of sumptuous shower. This is especially true if space is a factor. When you consider that a shower will conserve water and time, along with the magnificent new plumbing fixtures, showers win.

If you need further convincing, browse through our collection of crave-worthy compartments!

Statement Tile

Fabulous Fixtures & Invisible Drains

Grab Hold & Have a Seat

Zero Threshold Safety

Artistic Installation

Spa Splendor

Vibrant Pattern

And Chromatherapy

In the past the real estate community insisted on at least one tub in the home for resale value, but that attitude is changing. The bottom line is to determine what is best for your space and budget, then make the best decision for your lifestyle.

Building a new home or remodeling should be an exciting adventure and our team of experts is available to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way!

We always love hearing from you and are happy to discuss your personal home projects!

Lowell Custom Homes

262.245.9030

Projects feature tile from Bella Tile and Stone, Lake Geneva, WI

Photos by Shanna Wolf/S.Photography and Styling

Lowell Wins as Best of Walworth County!

in Best of Walworth County, Custom Builder, News/by Lowell Management

Update!

Thank you for all of your support and votes! We won!

It is an honor to be nominated again this year for The Best of Walworth County in two categories!

New Home Builder & Home Remodeler

We are so thankful for all of the people who helped us win the past two years and would appreciate your support again in 2019! You can click on this link through October 27th to vote for us and all of your favorite Walworth County businesses. When you vote in at least 10 categories you will automatically be registered for a chance to win an Amazon Echo and $75 gift card. This friendly completion results in a helpful guide for residents and visitors when the winners are listed in a special section of The Gazette.

We invite you to visit our Project Gallery by clicking here to see the beautiful quality and design of each Lowell Custom Home.

Or just take a minute to learn about us directly from Scott Lowell.

Join in the fun as we race win The Best of Walworth County

New Home Builder

&

Home Remodeler!

Stay tuned for the exciting results & best of luck to all of the participants!

Lowell Custom Homes

262.245.9030

Call or Click Here to Contact Us

Lake Appeal! Featured in Great Lakes By Design

in Architecture, Building a New Home, Custom Builder, Design Ideas, Indoor Outdoor Spaces, Trends/by Lowell Management

Hot off the press!

Thank you Great Lakes By Design Magazine for featuring the stunning Lake Geneva home by Lowell Custom Homes in your latest issue. Working with our delightful homeowners and the talented Alexander Design Group, Inc. we think this home is the ultimate expression of timeless relaxed luxury in Lake Geneva.

Read it right here and enjoy all of the details that compose this lovely lakefront landmark!

You can see many more of our homes in and around Lake Geneva and by clicking 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 is available to answer your questions and guide you every step of the way!

Lowell Custom Homes

262.245.9030

Home Improvements Lift Your Spirit & Home Value

in Before and After, Custom Builder, Remodeling/by Lowell Management

Of course, home improvements will increase the value of your home, but the lift to your spirit is priceless!

Subtle factors in our environment have a huge impact on the way we feel. At times the color of the wall, or just the fact that there is a wall, can dump us into a bad mood. Studies have shown that our feel-good endorphins increase when we are attracted to our environment. So get the positive feelings flowing with some home improvements!

Start with a review of our article Should You Remodel to see if it makes sense to update your current home. Then browse through these popular and often cost effective ideas.

Remove a Wall – Expand Your Space

Open floor plans are at the top of everyone’s wish list because they create a natural flow between key living spaces. Reworking the existing floorplan can provide an unrestricted social feel. In this case the kitchen was expanded by removing a wall to allow the homeowners a seamless connection between the kitchen and living room. The new space feels enormous without the old confining kitchen enclosure. Of course, you should seek the opinion of an expert before making any structural changes. For a few guidelines click here.

Updating Cabinetry & Countertops

Nothing dates a home more than a dingy and cramped kitchen. This fresh new layout designed by Geneva Cabinet Company, LLC. provides more efficient storage and open circulation. New cabinetry is by Shiloh with countertops by Cambria. A lovely stone backsplash from Bella Tile and Stone and artisan hardware complete the look with an air of sophistication for this newly efficient floorplan.

Improve Lighting

Finish off every room with proper lighting. It will instantly update and brighten the space. Think in terms of a balanced blend of light sources. Chandeliers are perfect for general lighting. Add dimmers to alter the mood. Supplement with recessed cans to focus on architectural features such as this fireplace wall. They also serve well as task lighting when strategically spaced in the kitchen. Note the additional sparkle added by crystals and the mirror!

Don’t forget the Bath

Baths can add an instant update, and one that is attractive will certainly improve your mood. It’s much nicer to start and end each day in a fresh bright space with beautiful lighting and good storage. Consider the various options for the redesign of your bath by reading this.

Here is a quick review of this latest project. Let it inspire you and call us to discuss future updates to your home.

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!

Lowell Custom Homes

262.245.9030

Call or Click Here to Contact Us

lowell custom homes conservatory craftsmen

Home Holds the Secret to Happiness

in Design Ideas, Healthy Living, Home Ideas, Trends/by Lowell Management

It turns out the key to happiness and the key to your front door is one in the same. Latest findings point to the well designed home as a significant factor in leading your best life. Home should be a sanctuary of self-care, and the team at Lowell Custom Homes has a few ideas to help you make that happen.

Time is the greatest luxury

Most of our leisure time is fragmented by interruptions from an email, text, or simply caring for others. Since you cannot make more time, it makes sense to make the most of it. That’s where the homes from Lowell excel. Their forward thinking floorplans and distinctive features conserve your time and energy. Known for interiors that weave spaces together seamlessly, our homes will help you move efficiently throughout the day.

You Had Us At Hello

Nothing invites happiness like a well designed entry. From landscaping to architectural details, this is where the journey begins. Our video explains the artistry behind the entry doors in this show-stopping home, with Lulu Belle and Tucker extending a warm welcome.

Togetherness

You cannot make more time, but “time deepening” will make the most of what you have. Face-to-face interactions are an essential part of happiness. A home that supports togetherness can be more rewarding than screen time. We love open floor plans were the kitchen is at the heart of the home. When the layout is spacious and the appliances are luxurious, the kitchen becomes an ideal place for multitasking and gathering.

Speaking of luxurious appointments, a range from La Cornue USA and custom hood by Raw Urth turn this kitchen into a real happy place! Cabinetry by Geneva Cabinet Company.

The den can be another favorite setting for togetherness. This room wraps you in the warmth of knotty alder with its architectural barrel vault ceiling for an intimate cocoon.

Enjoy the Journey

A recommended approach to happiness is to decelerate and enjoy the ride. Home design should accommodate a variety of interests with space to rejuvenate. We think you’ll enjoy a tour of the specialty areas in this newly completed Lake Geneva area home.

A potting shed created with reclaimed materials from Heritage Beam & Board

The workout room is located on the main floor for top of mind awareness.

A master bath exudes luxury with the positive energy from copper finishes.

The conservatory is a natural retreat for the avid gardener, this one is from Minnesota’s Conservatory Craftsmen

We are reminded of the great satisfaction of having guests when we browse the entertainment areas of this home. A nautical themed bunk and bath is perfect for Lake Geneva weekends. To see more of our favorite bunk rooms click here. And for tips on caring for your guests click here.

Even the tiniest guest receives a special place for precious overnight visits.

Did we leave anything out of this remarkable home? Oh yes, the wine cellar and sauna!

Now we’re talking happiness!

The home in this blog was featured on an interview with Todays Builder Television Show where builder Scott Lowell explains his “old-school” building methods that maintain the highest quality. Take a peek . . .

We believe in homes that are built to save you time, encourage togetherness and provide lasting contentment. We invite you to read the reviews from our happy homeowners right here.