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This old proverb traces back to early French literature, and we find it especially meaningful during the holiday season. Whether applied to gift giving, people or even homes, the lesson is one of genuine appreciation.
We build homes with a smaller footprint for a variety of homeowner needs. Empty nesters, second homes, lot restrictions, or the need for easy accessibility, are all factors that can play into the square footage equation.
But don’t confuse smaller with a lack of luxury. In fact, scaled down homes like this little gem often emphasize details that define a new type of luxury. Quality, craftsmanship and a perfect fit are more significant than size for many of today’s homeowners.
And small certainly does not mean subtle when applied to architecture and design. Open floor plans with high ceilings give the illusion of unlimited space. Cue the soaring windows and the home expands beyond actual proportions.
A smaller home permits manageable splurges on elements that are most meaningful to each homeowner. Hand-scraped wood flooring, floor-to-ceiling built-in storage, and connoisseur appliances are all realistic investments when the square footage is moderate.
The reputation of Lowell Custom Homes was built on high quality construction, superior craftsmanship and detailed woodworking. The same standards of excellence are used on every home, regardless of size. Your needs may run towards a smaller package, but know that all of the good things you value will be inside.
Note from the owners of this cozy little cottage.
Flashback October 2015: Benjamin Moore names Simply White as the Color of the Year and we experienced a visual cleansing of the palette. We were swept away with the elegant simplicity of white. But this year, to remind us that there is no one-size-fits-all solution; Shadow, a deep amethyst, is named the 2017 Color of the Year. It is a sultry hue that will drive our sensibilities in a new direction for 2017.
Don’t worry if you’re not the dark brooding type, there is a full palette of complimentary colors introduced by Benjamin Moore to work beautifully with Shadow. And those of us who are clinging to the light airy ambiance of white will be pleased to note that it has not disappeared from our color radar.
While Benjamin Moore uses a dramatic entrance photo to entice us with Shadow’s moody nature, don’t let it frighten you. This sophisticated color can be introduced in small ways for an on-trend update. In fact the complex color composition of Shadow allows it to act as a neutral to be paired with colors you may already have at home.
The complete 2017 color direction includes delicate hues that can be accented by the gem stone qualities found at the deeper end of the palette. If you love drama, go ahead and wrap a room in you favorite passionate shade. For those of us who can’t commit, refresh your colors with accent and accessory pieces.
We’re not telling you to be a slave to fashion, in fact we love the classics. Think of this as a heads-up for colors that will be popping up in stores in 2017. Use what you love and give the others a knowing nod of recognition. Remember, every color and idea we know as a classic, began as a trend.
Shopping Links below
Shopping Links:Benjamin Moore Paints Color of the Year 2017
Geneva Cabinet Company
Trowbridge GalleryCharlotte Morgan Watercolour Tulips
Surya Rugs
Macy’s Bradbury Sofa
Ultimate Globe
LeCreuset Braiser in Amethyst
KitchenAid Mixer
Wood-Mode Cabinetry
Notting Hll Hardware
Merlin Glass
On an average day most rooms will contain 30,000 to 50,000 particles of dust larger than .05 microns. Remodeling activities can increase that to 700,000. Within 30 minutes of running our air scrubber the particles return to the normal 30,000 level. In one hour it is even lower at 16,000 particles.
David Adler Treat Cannister
Jenna MICHELE Dog Collars & Leash
Aplomb Designs Leash Holder
Karastan Smart Strand Carpeting
Company C Samantha Rug
BarkShop Toys
Kravet Furniture Allegro Chair
Fresh America by Annie Selke
Wood-Mode Cabinetry Pet Parlor
Wood-Mode available at Geneva Cabinet Company Lake Geneva, WI
Uncommon Goods Pet Toys
Indigo Home Chinoiserie Dog Bowls
Adore Custom Pet Beds
Pet Chatz Greet & Treat Videophone
When building a new home, choosing all of the parts and pieces that express your unique style is exciting. This can also be a bit overwhelming when you’re now sure about what you want your style to say. Having a good idea about the design and architecture you find appealing will help the entire process run smoothly.
A home can be architecturally faithful to a historic period, or reference a point in time with adaptations for modern lifestyles. We customize every home for the perfect balance of architecture, lifestyle and character. Browse through some of our favorite exteriors to help identify your style preferences. Then be sure to take the style quiz at the end to guide you in the selection of the perfect home for you and your family.
This historic charmer has its roots in New England with inspiration from Britain’s thatched cottages. Its popularity grew post World War II as a modestly priced option in housing. This style is a classic and can be expanded in size with upscale amenities.
An impressive comeback is in progress for the Craftsman Style, which emerged in 1905 from the Arts and Crafts Movement. This style is characterized by modest yet meaningful carpentry details and the use of natural materials. It is uniquely American with a nostalgic reference to the home kits sold in pattern books and catalogs.
Unpretentious and real, these homes are streamlined versions of Victorian or Colonial architecture. The pure form is based on need and efficiency rather than ornamentation. Uncomplicated lines make this style suitable for both country and urban aesthetics.
Complex and ornate, the Victorian home is rich with detail and covers popular styles from the Queen Ann, Gothic Revival, Italianate and Romanesque architectural periods.
Uniquely American, the Shingle style incorporates Queen Ann and Colonial Revival architecture with the costal free form character that originated along the shores of New England.
With humble beginning as early American one-room houses, the Dutch Colonial hosts highly efficient floor plan. Resembling a barn, the gambrel roof creates extra living space without adding a second story.
This American icon is rooted in the 1600’s and continually adapts to lifestyle trends. Using classic Colonial or Tudor architecture as inspiration, these homes present a formal façade to the public while integrating comfortable living areas behind the scenes.
European style homes suggest features from Country French and English Tudor homes dating back to the 18th century. The emphasis is on high quality finishes, and large scale spaces for a luxurious experience.
Whimsical features often add to the storybook appeal of cottage style homes. The intimate scale features romantic details borrowed from medieval times. It is the perfect starter or vacation home that can be enlarged and still maintain its charm.
Image Credit: Style Quiz from Homegoods
Image Credit: Realtor Magazine
Building or remodeling a home is one of life’s most rewarding experiences. The more you know about the process, the more you will enjoy the journey.
This overview will walk you through the home building stages, step-by-step, with images from one of our stunning new homes. Then visit the LOWELL Process Page to view more of our homes in various stages of construction.
Step 1. Design & Pre-ConstructionSo much work is going on behind the scenes before construction even begins. This is the time to gather a team of experts to help you address your wish list in a way that supports well-informed decisions. The in-house team at Lowell has an AIA architect, interior designer, project manager and full supportive staff on hand to guide homeowners through the entire process.
Step 2. Site Preparation and Foundation WorkClearing growth, rocks and debris from the lot allows the building site to be properly leveled and excavated. Utilities will be run to the home site at this time. Foundation footings are formed and poured, followed by the foundation walls. Once concrete is cured, waterproofing is applied, and drains are installed. Sewer and water will be tapped before the basement or first floor slab is poured.
Step 3. FramingWalls, floor and roof systems are constructed to form a shell for the home. Sheathing is used to cover the exterior walls and roof. A moisture shielding house wrap is used to form a protective barrier. Exterior windows and doors are installed allowing for interior work to begin. This is the first opportunity to actually experience the size and shape of each new room.
Step 4. Interior Rough-In Plumbing, Electric & HVACWith the protective shell complete, a schedule is masterminded. Multiple trades people will operate simultaneously to build the inner workings of each home. Undercover mechanical systems are installed for electric, plumbing, heating and air conditioning. Computer and entertainment networks, security systems and smart home wiring are placed at this time.
Step 5. Insulation, Drywall, TapingInsulation is installed on exterior walls, attics, basements and crawl spaces to maximize the thermal performance (R-value) of each home. Once the rough-in of plumbing and electric is complete, drywall is hung and seams are taped and sanded. A prime coat of paint is applied to walls.
Step 6. Exterior FinishingWhile the interior developments, the exterior materials and finishes are installed to further protect and define the structure. Stone, masonry, shingles, siding and trim work all add to the architectural details that give a home its unique identity.
Step 7. Interior Millwork & Finish MaterialsHardwood and hard surface flooring is now installed. Trim, moldings, interior doors and custom millwork will be completed. Specialty finishes and the final paint selections are applied. HVAC equipment and electrical systems are completed.
Step 8. Kitchen & BathCabinetry, plumbing fixtures, and tile will be installed and connected. Shower doors, lighting and switches are placed, and trim details are applied.
Step 9. Interior Detailing & Finish WorkAll of the beautiful decisions made before construction are now apparent as you see the finishing touches installed in each room. Lighting, hardware and millwork are finalized to complete the vision.
Step 10. Final WalkthroughThis is the day everyone looks forward to! Lowell conducts ongoing inspections throughout the construction process while working with building code officials. Every home will meet and exceed all of the health and safety codes. The final walkthrough is an opportunity for us to explain the operation and maintenance features throughout the home. Any minor items in need of attention are placed on a Punch List to be completed a.s.a.p.
Summary of the Building Process for New Homes or Remodeling Projects.
Shopping Links Below
We all want our homes to sparkle, but few of us are giddy enough to dedicate time to housework on a beautiful spring day.
We have the perfect solution for you! Skip routine cleaning tasks and focus on the details that are overlooked most of the year. Set your own pace by choosing one task and performing it through your entire home, or working room by room to complete the list. Either way, you and your home will have a fresh outlook for spring.
You will not be able to clean without clearing the landscape of clutter. But treat organization tasks separately as a different project. Right now put it away, pass it on or toss it out. Then mark your calendar to clean and organize one closet per room per month to prevent clutter from ever happening again.
All year long there is dust collecting on ceilings, light fixtures, ceiling fans and on top of cabinets and window moldings. 
Be brave and get up there or use an extension duster to tackle it. Forget about all of that risky advice for spraying chandeliers to drip dry. Try a pair of dusting gloves for a smarter and easier approach.
Your windows to the world need to be transparent to let in all of that beautiful springtime daylight.
Martha’s window washing video 
will help your technique. Then attend to window treatments by dusting or vacuuming with a soft brush. If needed, dry clean or wash according to fabric instructions. Your new dusting gloves will come in handy for blinds and shutters.
Side note: You do not lose any points for hiring professionals.
Task 4 – Appliance UpkeepThese workhorses keep our lives running smoothly, but suffer from gunk build up. Vacuum and wash the floor behind and under each slide-in appliance. Follow manufacturer instructions to clean refrigerator coils and vents, clean out the dryer hose, and remove fabric softener build up from the lint trap. This is also a good time to change air filters and batteries in your smoke detectors.
Empty the contents of your refrigerator and medicine cabinet, then only replace those items you use.
Sorry Fish Oil Gummies, it’s just not working.
Click image for link to printable pages
Click Image for a printable calendar on Bright Nest
