Tag Archive for: lake house

Pause for a Design Moment

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It’s the small details that create your home’s overall atmosphere.  Each element is a design moment that encourages you to pause and appreciate your living space.  Every quiet corner or special vignette will contribute to the overall character in a discreet but commanding manner.  Unique details come together to influence the overall character and quality of your home life.

Here we share a few of our favorites from a recently completed home in Lake Geneva.  The designers at North Shore Nest demonstrate a mastery for design composition that can stand alone as well as support the overall luxurious expression of this home.  Every design moment is captured by Photographer Aimée Mazzenga.

Depth Reduction

The crown molding, wallpapered ceiling and lantern lighting all rescue this hallway from obscurity.  Creating a print gallery on the back wall invites passage and creates a welcoming perspective.

Architectural Emphasis

Adding personality to a stairwell makes it more than a pass through. Board and batten walls are classic simplicity.

Artistic Still Life

Layering desirable shapes and objects appeals to our curious side creating a relaxed pause to investigate further.

Collectors Niche

Whether priceless artifacts or a beloved collection of objects, when gathered together in a niche their importance is elevated.

Bathed In Light

A metallic finish is famous for bouncing light around a room and reflecting objects for a mystic Monet moment.

Exit Strategy

Make that first and last impression noteworthy with a vignette that is attractive and useful.  Hooks and a bench make good use of space while playful wallcovering and deep contrasting trim keep it memorable.

Contact Lowell Custom Homes for help planning your new home or remodeling project.

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or call 262-245-9030

 

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Custom Home by Lowell Custom Homes

Interior Design by North Shore Nest

Photos by Aimée Mazzenga

Creating a Sense of Peace and Joy at Home

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If you cross organizer Maria Kondo with Zen Buddhist Shunmyo Masuno you will come up with an ideal philosophy to get through difficult times with a sense of peace and joy.  Add in a touch of wisdom from Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s Gift from the Sea and you’ll discover contentment that will guide you through challenging times, if not the rest of your life.

We were inspired by an excerpt from Masuno’s book The Art of Simple Living published on Houzz.    Imagine the trickle down effect that tidying up your physical space can have on calming your mind and eventually shaping your home into a space where you can live a more peaceful and joyous lifestyle.

Our favorite lessons

Declutter and discard what you don’t need, and in the future acquire only what you need and love.

Consider your home as a sanctuary and celebrate nature with outdoor spaces.

 

Simplify room arrangements to help create order in your mind.

Create a space to enjoy quiet time without intrusions from the outside world.  

Take advantage of unexpected down time to care for those you love.

Practice an end of day ritual to nourish yourself and create separation from the days events.

 

If you would like to explore more about creating order and how it can impact your sense of contentment,  check out the following books.

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

The Art of Simple Living by Shunmyo Masuno

Gift from the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Photography by Shanna Wolf/S.Photography

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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

 

 

 

Outdoor Living Checklist for Your Home

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When warm weather rolls around there is nothing like relaxing outdoors.  And when you have a special area at home dedicated to this pursuit, all is well with the world.  Take your outdoor living to the next level by following our checklist to fully enjoy your well deserved leisure time.

√  Start with the perfect backdrop for outdoor space, your home.  Wrap the same look around front to back with a cohesive mix of materials for a unified style message. Achieve this by repeating elements used in the foundation, siding and roof, as well as the architecture.  By this we mean don’t skimp on the back of your home, it all deserves the same attention to fine detail.

√  Let the outdoor experience begin by establishing views from the interior that will draw you outdoors.   Of course a lake helps, but even framing views of the lawn and landscape with distinctive windows is inviting.

 

√  Take your color cues from the natural surrounds and also from your home interior. Here a classic Blue and White combination is the perfect fit for a lakefront for home.

√  Go ahead and add a theme like this nautical motif.  Your outdoor space is the place to introduce a carefree  sense of whimsy.

√  Be sure to position your living area where you will experience the best views in every direction.  This could very well be to the side or even the front of your home in order to capture a “wow” moment. We have more tips on positioning your outdoor space here.

√  Include space for lounging alone or with friends and family.  Here the fire pit is upgraded to full fireplace status in an outdoor living room.  Extra backup from heat lamps will keep this area cozy into the evening and well throughout the chilly seasons.  This room even features retractable motorized screens for pest-free extension of your home.

√  When creating an outdoor room think of  protecting the area from the elements with partial walls or ceilings.  Here again choose compatible elements to create a visual flow from the interior while blending with the home exterior.  Keep it all low maintenance with durable outdoor fabrics and furnishing made to withstand the elements.

√  Set up a place for dining in close proximity to your outdoor kitchen and with easy access to the indoor kitchen.  A convenient flow between cooking and dining zones will allow the guests and chef to enjoy more quality time together.

√  Include rain-or-shine provisions for your indoor-outdoor area.    Gliding glass door panels and french doors create an easy transition between spaces so you can enjoy the outdoors even when the weather isn’t perfect.

 

We do also love a screened porch as an outdoor living option, read more about that here!

And a few more ideas for entertaining outdoors here!

To see more of the details for this lovely home click here.

Photography is by Shanna Wolf, S.Photography and Styling

 

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 Design Lesson: Living in Harmony

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How is it that some homes overflow with lovely feelings of contentment while others are just “meh”? Often it is the result of an elusive quality known as harmony. Harmony is one of the most essential principles of design, but it often defies description. To achieve harmony, a delicate balance is needed between all of the other elements and principles of design.
Harmony at home Gussie pet fits perfectly into home design scheme
While we were gushing over Gussie at the latest photo shoot, we couldn’t help but notice the natural sense of harmony that flows throughout this home.   As the fluffiest member of the family,  she too fits right in with the welcoming composition. While we work closely with clients on architecture and material selections, the credit for achieving the complete sense of harmony goes to our brilliant homeowners! But . . . we are happy to tell you how it’s done.
Harmony is a complex formula that we can start to understand by looking at the basic elements of design. Individual factors like color, line, and proportion, can be described as either creating unity through sameness, or adding variety through contrast. Well balanced elements bring the most pleasing sense of order and relevance to the exterior and interior design of a home.

Harmony through Unity

Harmony Principle of Design Home Unity color scheme and material selection
When every part of a home has a general sense of order and belonging it is referred to as unity. In this home it starts with the consistent use of unsaturated light and airy colors to create a palette that is visually soothing.
Harmony Unity Character Bunkroom guest room lake home image Lowell Custom Homes Lake Geneva WI
Maintaining a consistent character will further the sense of harmony in home design. As a lakeside retreat, this home uses references to the nautical theme as well as natural materials to be beautifully in sync with the lake front setting. Playful details, like the porthole pantry window, lighting and hardware, join the guest bunk-room concept to lend a refreshing vacation atmosphere to this home.

Harmony through Variety

Harmony home design principle unity of character Lowell Custom Homes Lake Geneva WI
A subtle contrast in material selection plays an important role in alleviating monotony.   This allows the eye to pause on areas of interest, without a jarring transition.   Here the light ash flooring and weathered wood furnishings play well against the matt wall surface. While the color palette and character remain consistent, this contrast offers a healthy balance for the overall sense of harmony of the room.
Lowell Custom Homes Lake Geneva Wi Harmony through variety of texture in a home
Visual texture will also enhance the harmony of a home. Here architectural elements add moments of importance with a light hand that is consistent with the homes lake front character. The woodworking details include shiplap paneling, cabinetry and crown molding which all serve to introduce contrast to the smooth quartz countertops, shapely glass light fixtures and hardware. Every accessory is refined and displayed in keeping with a harmonious approach.
Lowell Custom Homes Harmony principle of design in home exterior material selection
Most importantly, the exterior of this home is thoughtfully planned to be in complete harmony with its lakefront setting. The natural stone foundation is a mix of lighter natural shades to support the refined selection of washed gray shingles and silvery white  trim. And just as nature likes to surprise us with pop of color, the peaceful exterior of this home is gently accented by a lovely shade of blue to reflect the sky and nearby waters.

You can see more of this delightful getaway in our last blog were we take you through the process of building, from the Tear down to Tranquility.  See our Houzz Portfolio for a  complete tour!  For a limited time the entire step-by-step process of this home’s evolution will be shown on the Lowell Custom Homes Project Gallery!

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!

We have been nominated for the

Best of Walworth County Award in the

New Home Builder and Home Remodeler categories!

We would appreciate your vote – just click here – Vote for Lowell Custom Homes!

Voting is open until October 15, 2017 

Lowell Custom Homes

262.245.9030

Photography by S.Photography & Styling, Lake Geneva, WI

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Bunks Room Lowell Custom Homes

Battle of the Bunks – Bunk Beds and Bunkrooms defeat the blow-up mattress!

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The latest trend making its way into the most stylish homes of Lake Geneva is reminiscent of pillow fights and childhood sleepovers. Bunk beds and even bunkrooms are becoming the guest quarters of choice. There is an appealing social factor to this trend that blends sleeping arrangements with the ability to spend quality time together. You are never too old for a sleepover!

Bunk Bed room at luxury hotel start trend in homes for guest room accommodations
Even boutique hotels are introducing bunk options. Not only is this attractive to families, but the luxurious feather bedding and 300+ thread count sheets draw big kid pajama parties and friend getaways.
For the Lake Geneva homeowner, bunks are the best way to maximize space without compromising style. Children, grandchildren and long-lost cousins can all have a place to rest for round-the-clock togetherness and good times.
Which bunk bed concept is the best fit for your home? Let’s look at the possibilities . . .
Lowell Custom Homes Bunk Room with open concept and built in bunk beds to sleep 4 to 6 people
An open and airy space with built-in bunks will transform one bedroom into a space for 4 – 6 houseguests. Keep the base bunk low to allow extra headroom for your full-grown bunkmates.

Playing with themes can add an element of intrigue for your guests.  We created enclosed bunks with The Design Coach, Phillip Sassano, to be more Orient-Express than summer camp. Each is like a mini room with privacy curtains, storage and individual lighting, all wrapped up in plushy velvet comfort.
Lowell Custom Homes Unused space can be transformed into a guest area when fitted with freestanding or built-in bunk beds.
Unused space can be transformed into a guest area when fitted with freestanding or built-in bunk beds. Consider an open niche, attic space, or even a generous hallway that can be lined with bunks.  Each cozy little cocoon will attract kids of all ages when it’s time to take a snooze.
Lowell Custom Homes
Encourage camp-like comradely, minus the swirlies, with an adjoining locker and shower room. Beautifully detailed bunks feature specialized lighting and easy access steps instead of a ladder for ageless appeal.

We have a dedicated staff of professionals including an AIA architect, Interior Designers & Construction Superintendents who  are all pleased to help you with your home projects!

We are just a call away at 262-245-9030

Lowell Custom Homes

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