More Than a Kitchen

in Home Ideas, Interior Design, Kitchen Design/by Lowell Management

More idyllic than a Nancy Meyers movie set, this fresh and fabulous kitchen design expresses the Lake Geneva lifestyle beautifully! We are excited to share the inspiring kitchen of a recently completed Lowell Custom Homes. A lake home aesthetic is firmly established by the talented interior designers at North Shore Nest. Photography by Aimée Mazzennga captures the rooms for all of us to appreciate.

The kitchen environment has evolved over time into a space where most of our home life happens. Square footage and amenities have both expanded. The result is a spacious design to accommodate our busy lifestyles. The freshest kitchen designs strike a balance between comfort and practicality.

Kitchen Design

Furniture quality cabinetry is the key to making it all work seamless. This home features custom cabinetry from Das Holz Haus, selected for their meticulous craftsmanship and superior finishing. Their motto, “. . . the most valuable tools are our hands” speaks to the integrity and construction of each piece.

Cooking is at the heart of any kitchen design and here a Lacanche range is the true centerpiece. Known for their superior performance among home cooks and professional chefs, these ranges are made to order deep in the Burgundy countryside of France. This work of art was created in French Blue with signature brass trim.

The range adds a distinctive charm to the kitchen along with a full height patterned backsplash. Reflecting the range finishes, a sophisticated blend of brass and nickel is applied throughout the kitchen for hardware, lighting, and trim.

Functionality in Kitchen Design

The kitchen has become the new living room. It is a family friendly space with designated areas for food prep, cooking, cleaning, working, and gathering together. It all began in the 80’s by taking down a wall. Now the open concept kitchen continues to mature with generous space permitting zones dedicated to specialized activities. This often includes expansive countertop work surfaces and a super-sized island or two.

The cabinetry is beautiful while supporting customized storage. A peek inside reveals expert planning by the kitchen designers at Geneva Cabinet Company in Lake Geneva. Impressive cabinet interiors house everything needed to keep a home running smoothly, even during the most hectic time of day.

The full height storage wall features (from left to right) a storage pantry with roll out shelving, the Miele Coffee System, multiple refrigerator drawers, built-in sideboard, and Sub Zero integrated 30″ refrigerator with 30″ freezer.

In addition to storage, the built-in niche presents a durable surface ideal for serving foods and beverages. The refrigerator drawers located in this section keep essentials like coffee cream, ice, and snacks within reach.

Floor to ceiling cabinetry takes advantage of the full wall height for storage while visually adding substance to this voluminous space. With cabinetry this efficient, every kitchen component is neatly tucked away to avoid clutter. Dexter has plenty of space to make himself comfortable while basking in a sunbeam.

Kitchen Islands

The kitchen island has progressed with the rest of the room to become a mainstay for family activity and entertaining.

In this home two very generous islands further define kitchen versatility. The inside island across from the range contains two dishwashers, two apron front sinks, a waste bin and compactor. The back of this unit boasts 18″ deep drawers for easy accessibility. The space between the two island is an entertainer’s dream. A microwave, warming drawer and more storage keeps everything within reach when serving friends and family. The public side of the outer island is finished with paneling and a countertop extension for casual dining and gathering.

And while the kitchen is an absolute dream, the adjacent dining room offers yet another dining alternative with sweeping views of the lake.

To see all of the impressive details of this Lowell Custom Home visit Poolside Paradise in our Featured Home Gallery.

Follow this link for more kitchen ideas.

The team at Lowell Custom Homes is ready to listen to your needs and help you develop the perfect plan for your lifestyle.

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

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Custom Home by Lowell Custom Homes

Interior Design by North Shore Nest

Photos by Aimée Mazzenga

Top Home Design Trends

in Home Ideas, Trends/by Lowell Management

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 for Comfort

in Decorating ideas, Design Ideas, Home Ideas, Trends/by Lowell Management

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.

Bedroom Design for a Good Night’s Sleep

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

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

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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

Creating a Sense of Peace and Joy at Home

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

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

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

(these are not affiliated links and 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

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

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

Home Remodeling with Emerging Trends

in Home Ideas, Remodeling, Trends/by Lowell Management

The Brady’s may have restored their home to its 1970’s glory, but most home remodels look to the future of design for inspiration. Lifestyle changes over the years have placed new demands on the home environment. Our goal is to help homeowner’s make updates that will evolve along with their ever changing needs.

Whether you’re remodeling to maximize the sale price of your home or stay in place with every conceivable comfort, these are the freshest home ideas to consider.

Nature with a Modern Vibe

Large windows and open spaces expand a room by letting the outdoors in. A stunning approach is to contrast nature with sleek modern forms that lend a sculpture- in-the-garden mood to the interior.

The Golden Touch

Gold tones have been resurrected in recent years and show no sign of phasing out. We are seeing it used throughout the home design in light fixtures, hardware and interior accent pieces. This warm metallic works very well with the predicted vibrant, neutral and warm tones seen on the latest Pantone color forecast for 2020.

Bold Beautiful Color

A step toward deep rich color is the perfect contrast to our modern neutral interiors. Save this look for extra impact in the intimate areas like the library, home office or even powder room.

Textured Elements

One of our favorite elements of interior design is often overlooked. The presence of texture in a room provides a rich backdrop for living. Subtle visual patterns on contrasting material play together beautifully to define a space. Wall paneling, fireplace stone and herringbone floors all add to the refined casual character of this room.

Tile Envy

We just can’t leave our subway tile alone when there are so many beautiful options available to artfully accent its classic appeal. Mixing and blending tile shapes and colors will take the common bath to the next level.

Leisure Spaces

There is no slow down in the trend to create entertainment areas in and around the home. These include spaces for the pursuit of specialized hobbies as well as escape and relaxation.

Small Rooms, Big Ideas

Whether it’s a powder room or laundry area, every space within the home deserves design attention. The intimate size gives you more freedom to venture outside of the box without fear.