Living Outdoors with Options

in Indoor Outdoor Spaces, Outdoor Living/by Lowell Management

The forecast for outdoor living is bright. Over the years space where you can connect with nature has evolved to include multiple options for a different experience in each sector. From a family playground to gatherings around the campfire, dedicated activity zones are on the rise. As we bring many of our indoor comforts outdoors, the possibilities to enjoy a healthy lifestyle expands.

A Captivating View

The outdoor experience begins indoors with a view to encourage reaching out to nature. This can often be directed and enhanced with the arrangement of garden elements, fencing, walls and trellises.

Blur the Boundaries

Oversized windows and glass doors ensure a year-round visual and emotional connection to nature. This retractable wall disappears to admit fresh air and sunlight for a seamless transition.

Natural Materials Unify Indoor & Outdoor Spaces

The use of natural elements, like plants, wood beams and stone flooring, connect interior and outdoor spaces by subtly guiding the eye along.

Al Fresco Dining

Living outdoors with options includes provisions for basic activities with a touch of style. Alfresco dining is enjoyed around the world, so why not include space at home. A location near the kitchen or outdoor kitchen is a plus.

Outdoor Living Rooms Extend the Day and the Season

Give everyone a reason to linger outdoors with a warm fire. This cozy focal point is the ideal place to wrap up a day filled with adventure and will even extend your outdoor season by a few months each year.

Open Air Entertaining

Multiple conversation areas are great for families and parties. Encourage guests to mingle and move about with a variety of seating options throughout the space.

Swim Up Bar & Grill

Create an at-home resort with features found at your favorite vacation destination.. A swim up bar and grill will keep guests cool on the sunniest day. And hosting duties are a breeze under the canopied outdoor kitchen.

Private Retreat

A private outdoor area can be nestled into even the most compact space for an inviting sanctuary. This patio with swing is adjacent to the primary bedroom for quiet time as the day is winding down.

Fire Pit Lounge

Sunset chats and storytelling are magical when shared around the fire pit. It’s where memories are made.

Visit our gallery for more outdoor inspiration.

Credits for this Lowell Custom Home

Interior Design Amy Storm & Company

Photo Stoffer Photography Interiors

Architect Michael Abraham Architecture

Seamless Indoor Outdoor Living for Wellness

in Design Ideas, Healthy Living, Indoor Outdoor Spaces/by Lowell Management

Nature and a connection to the outdoors is the best antidote for stress. The last Global Wellness Summit at the Breakers in Palm Beach focused on the benefits of looking outdoors to revitalize health. Nature and exterior environments can improve life balance. Building homes with seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces will encourage that connection. We don’t look at the outdoor space as separate when designing a home. It’s a continuation of the entire lifestyle concept. The most effective plans encourage fluidity between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Blurring the Lines with Retractable Walls

This home designed by architect Jason Bernard invites the outdoors in with a wall of folding glass doors.

Take Everyday Activities Outdoors to Prolong the Connection with Nature

Increasing your exposure to natural daylight is automatic when you move indoor activities outside. Cooking in this outdoor kitchen from Geneva Cabinet Company adds ambiance along with a delicious meal. Danver cabinetry is used for durability and good looks.

Outdoors is a Continuation of What’s Happening Indoors

Versatile seating arrangements can ease the flow of activity.

Incorporate Sensory Wellness

Capturing a beautiful view and fresh scents will provide an additional dimension to your outdoor experience.

Interior and Exterior Design

The scope of many interior design projects now includes outdoor spaces that support a unified look with fashionable weather-resistant furnishings.

Enjoy the natural flow of this entire Lowell Custom Home here.

For our favorite “how-to” tips when creating your outdoor living space click here.

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

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

Backyard Resort

in Design Ideas, Home Ideas, Indoor Outdoor Spaces/by Lowell Management

Why count down the days until your next vacation when you can relax in your own private backyard resort every day to summer!

After spending several blissful years in their Lowell Custom Home these homeowners decided to take it to the next level with some enticing property improvements. Take a look at how they created the perfect spot for relaxing and entertaining at home!

The Big Picture

It starts with a plan that includes space for your favorite pastimes. Use your most memorable resort as inspiration and then personalize the ideas to create a space where you can truly live your best life on a daily basis.

Outdoor Pool or Water Feature

A water feature will set the mood for relaxation. It can be a pool, spa or even a fountain for a multisensory experience that includes the cascading sounds of water.

See more outdoor living ideas here.

Multiple Seating Areas

Sun or shade, active or quiet, multiple seating areas are the ideal way to accommodate the days activities with options to suit your mood.

Outdoor Kitchen

No one wants to be confined to the kitchen and miss summertime fun, so keep meals simple and bring the cook outdoors. This outdoor kitchen was created with cabinetry from Danver Luxury Stainless Steel Outdoor Kitchens and designed by Geneva Cabinet Company, LLC. We love the summer cool-down tips on the Geneva Cabinet blog, read them here!

AlFresco Dining

One of the most satisfying part of a resort vacation is dining outdoors. This protected dining niche is conveniently located near the outdoor kitchen and acts as an extension of the indoor living room. It even has motorized retractable screens from Midwest Screen that are there when you need them and disappear when you don’t.

Warm It Up Outdoors

The outdoor fire pit or fireplace is perfect for extending your day . Take the chill out of the air with an intimate seating arrangement then get ready to toast s’mores. A fire feature will extend your fair-weather season while keeping the bugs away. This cozy gas fire pit is low maintenance and well integrated into the landscape.

Light the Way

Subtle lighting along the way lends a resort feel to your property by adding ambiance while guiding you safely along the path.

Enjoy Your Favorite Pastimes

Feel like a pro with your own backyard putting green, bocce ball court or croquet court. The idea is to make space in your life for the things you love, and then create a convenient space where you can enjoy them more often.

Quality Outdoor Time At Home

You will start relaxing as soon as you pull in the driveway when you have an outdoor space like this!

For a complete outdoor living checklist click 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

Outdoor Living Checklist for Your Home

in Design Ideas, Home Ideas, Indoor Outdoor Spaces, Outdoor Living/by Lowell Management

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

Screened Porches – Bug Free Outdoor Bliss

in Indoor Outdoor Spaces, Outdoor Living/by Lowell Management

The fine art of “porching” may have been introduced in the south, but here in the Midwest we expand the tradition with protective panache. Even the official Porch Sitters Union approves of the screened-in variety. It is a highly respected option offering a laid back defense against bugs and weather conditions.

Ideal Location for Your Porch

To help you identify the perfect location for your screened porch click here.. The idea is to achieve a seamless indoor-outdoor connection where you can enjoy nature without pesky bugs or excessive heat. Depending on construction, this could be a year round extension of your home’s living and entertaining space.

The Anatomy of a Screened Porch

Overhead – The most appealing roof design is an extension of your home architecture. A well constructed roof will offer protection from the elements with a shed, hip or gabled style. The materials should be high quality as well as compatible with the main structure. This home received all new roofing that features long lasting composition shake shingle from DaVinci Roofscapes.

Enclosure – Full screening will promote a lovely cross breeze while the addition of windows can provide year round comfort for the space. A large variety of window styles will work. One of the latest trends is to install a glass wall of windows that folds back for an unobstructed view.

Interior – Architectural details can take this space from elementary to enchanting. Here we feature a beadboard ceiling, arched corbels and versatile lighting for after sunset. Ceiling fans and fireplaces are popular additions as well.

Underfoot – Moisture seal is imperative as a base layer before construction begins. From there the flooring material should be durable with a level and visually pleasing transition from interior rooms.

Final Touches

Comfortable seating will complete your indoor-outdoor space. Use sturdy pieces and fabrics for easy care and stress-free entertaining and relaxation. Durable fabrics like those from Sunbrella are a modern miracle that will help you weather the elements in style. Be sure to include drink tables, a place to prop up your feet and some perky accents, plants and flowers.

Here’s to all of the ways our home can help us celebrate the spring & summer season!

Fun facts about this home:

This home was originally built by Lowell Custom Homes and designed by M & E Architects. The renovations in 2018 are by Lowell Custom Homes with architect Todd Cauffman and General Manager/Project Superintendent Rich Kinter.

To see more of the lovely details visit our gallery by clicking here.

Photography is by Shanna Wolf, S.Photography and Styling

The new roof is by DaVinci Roofscapes and features a long lasting composition shake shingle.

Here is a better look at the new kitchen by Geneva Cabinet Company, LLC which features cabinetry from Plato Woodwork, Inc.

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

Remodeling – A Story with a Fairy Tale Ending

in Indoor Outdoor Spaces, Remodeling/by Lowell Management

Do you get a kick out of those remodeling horror stories? Then stop reading because this is more of a remodeling fairy tale!

It all begins in a not so far away land near Lake Geneva. A stately but dated home starts it’s transformation at the entry by correcting a medieval door which was completely exposed to the elements. (While medieval works in fairy tales, it’s not ideal for a lake house.) A new welcoming covered porch completes the front elevation with other gracious architectural details.

On the interior an equally impressive makeover was in progress. In the kitchen, walls were taken down to open up the space to the family room.

The dark 80’s oak cabinets were replaced with bright white and gray painted cabinetry from Medallion Cabinetry with kitchen design by Geneva Cabinet Company.

A small walk-in pantry flanked by two tall glass-front cabinets provide additional storage and eliminate the need for wall cabinets in order to maximize lake views.

Meanwhile the formal living room was taken down to the studs. The load-bearing wall was removed and a new I-beam installed. The fireplace was trimmed to the ceiling and the dark brick painted pale gray.

On the second story the guest bedroom had a ceiling that was just too spectacular to remove. We preserved it and updated it with high gloss white paint for a fresh look in keeping with the new character of the home.

All drywall and floor sheathing on this 2nd floor was replaced before new wool carpet was laid. The crowning accent was a delicate chandelier to replace the tired ceiling fan.

The family room and staircase were not neglected during this enchanting makeover.

But the real drama is saved for the lake side elevation of the home’s exterior.

More than a cosmetic makeover was needed. This exterior suffered damage from water that had seeped in under the siding and all soffits and facia. Once repaired a screened porch was added to the back of the house with access to the family room and kitchen. This allowed for a balcony off of the 2nd floor master bedroom. A delightful outdoor kitchen by Danver was added to complete the lakeside living space.

We are happy to report that homeowners and the entire Lowell team lived happily ever after!

Special thanks to our homeowners for the pleasure of working together (and the pizza parties) !

When it’s time to build or remodel, just ask us how you can create your own fairy tale ending.

262-245-9030

Photography by Josh Zuelke Josh Z Photography
Kitchen by Joyce Zuelke for Geneva Cabinet Company
Superintendent Rich Kinter for Lowell Custom Homes
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Entertaining Outdoors

in Design Ideas, Home Entertainment, Indoor Outdoor Spaces, Outdoor Living/by Lowell Management

The best part of summer is taking your favorite activities outdoors, especially when it comes to entertaining. We like to plan a home in advance with features that will help homeowners live a relaxed lifestyle that is at-one-with-nature. Our favorite features encourage a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces. Whether entertaining a crowd or squeezing in a little extra me-time, a well designed home will expand your space with outdoor areas where you can truly connect to the great outdoors.

Start at the entry by rolling out the welcome mat with brightly colored flowers.

Next offer your guests this summer’s beverage sensation, flavor infused water! Yes, it is as easy as it looks with these recipes from the FoodNetwork.

Blur the indoor-outdoor line with architectural features like this retractable wall of glass. It offers a seamless transition to the sunshine and fresh air.

Be sure to include comfortable seating where conversations can flow.

An outdoor kitchen lets the host enjoy the party while taking care of the culinary needs of the guests. You’ll love this design guide from Geneva Cabinet Company.

Create activity zones for dining, conversation and play-time in order to offer a variety of entertainment options. Be sure to include an area with a bit of shade.

Keep it interesting by spreading the refreshments around your outdoor space, drinks on the porch, appetizers on the patio, deserts by fireplace . . . mingle, mingle.

Wind the party down naturally with mood lighting, lanterns and a cozy fire pit for story-telling and reminiscing.

Finally move the gathering to a screened in porch for a mosquito free night-cap.

The team at Lowell Custom Homes is full of ideas to help you enjoy your home from season to season. 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!

Lowell Custom Homes

262-245-9030

Photography by:
Shanna Wolf, Victoria McHugh, & Josh Zuelke

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Outdoor Living Spaces – The Best Ideas for Your Home

in Design Ideas, Home Ideas, Indoor Outdoor Spaces, Outdoor Living/by Lowell Management

The great outdoors is calling. Alfresco dining, entertaining friends or just lounging under a clear sky . . . the best home design will create gracious indoor-outdoor living space where you can truly embrace the spring and summer months.
Get inspired by stunning outdoor ideas from these Lowell Custom Homes, and then create a space to complement your personal indoor-outdoor lifestyle.

Align interior and exterior spaces for a seamless extension of your main living area. A fluid transition between indoor and outdoor rooms can be created with a disappearing wall of glass doors. An easily accessible patio will draw everyone outdoors, enlarge your living space, and extend your spring and summer season with gentle protection from the elements.

Balance your options with both open and intimate space. Just as a good interior space plan will provide areas for private and social activities, your outdoor rooms can offer alternatives that adapt to your needs throughout the day. Sun vs. Shade – Active vs. Restful – Entertainment vs. Retreat. You select the most suitable outdoor environment to match your mood.

Get in position to enjoy the view. Use your natural surroundings to create a focal point. Arrange outdoor furniture where everyone can appreciate the scenery. A beautiful garden, swimming pool, or outdoor fireplace can all serve as appealing points of interest.

Locate zones on your property according to use. No need to cram all outdoor living space against the house. Just anchor each zone with its own useful focal point. A boathouse services lake front activities, a cabana offers poolside convenience and an upscale shed will store hobby or gardening equipment.

Create an outdoor hub where essentials are clustered for convenience. Food preparation, dining table and entertainment equipment in one outdoor zone will let you enjoy the fresh air while hosting friends and family. An outdoor shower and self-serve refreshment bar can eliminate messy indoor traffic patterns and keep your home tidy.

Introduce a fire feature to cozy up your outdoor space after dark. S’mores and story telling around the fire pit or outdoor fireplace will create memories and start traditions to be passed on for generations.

Dress up your space with weather resistant products to compliment your indoor style and color palette. Create visual interest with light fixtures, fans, area rugs, and accessories to add indoor comfort to your outdoor experience.

The experts at Lowell Custom Homes can help you plan a home with the most natural flow between your indoor and outdoor environments.

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

Screened In Porch – Improving Nature

in Design Ideas, Indoor Outdoor Spaces, Outdoor Living, Trends/by Lowell Management

Does the idea of extending your summer sound appealing? A screened in porch will prolong your outdoor living season in the most civilized manner. No bugs, always a breeze from the ceiling fans, and overhead protection from the elements, what’s not to love! This cost effective feature lets you get a jump on summer and cling to every last day before winter arrives.

We build screened in porches and rooms where our homeowners can enjoy a close connection with nature. These areas deliver additional living space with the bonus of versatility. A place to unwind, entertain friends or shake up a boring dinnertime routine; the appeal is in its ability to become exactly what you need. The temporary charm of outdoor living releases you from the formalities created by four walls and encourages relaxation.
These screened-in fundamentals will guide you when setting up your own outdoor space.

Business in the front – party in the back.
Even the most stately homes can embrace the look of a screened in room. You’ll avoid the architectural mullet phenomenon by treating this feature with the same details as your home. Design your screened in space to reflect the overall character of your home.

Focus on the view

If you are fortunate enough to have a scenic view, take full advantage by positioning the location and elevation where you’ll have best perspective. When not emphasizing a long distance view, create an intimate view with the surrounding landscape.

Make a statement with the ceiling
Since transparent screening surrounds you with nature, the ceiling becomes a creative outlet for your style. Beadboard is one of our favorite treatments. Created from wood planking, this material can be rustic or polished in order to reflect your design aesthetic.

screened in porch lighting and ceiling fans

Ceiling Fans & Lighting for Mother Natures downtime
Well-placed ceiling fans will add a soft breeze to a motionless summer day. Use a fixture with contrasting finish to bring attention to a beautifully detailed ceiling. Match the ceiling color if you would like it to quietly disappear.
The same applies to lighting. But be sure to think beyond the typical porch fixture. Outdoor lighting technology offers stylish fixtures and even table lamps to satisfy all of your functional needs.

Take the chill off with a warm fire.
The fireplace is a natural gathering point and will transform your screened area into an extension of your home. The added warmth will allow you to truly extend your outdoor living season.

Furnishing for Comfort
Rugged or refined, your screened room should be finished off with the furniture pieces that will allow you to make the most of your outdoor season. Check our past post for tips on the most durable approach:
Low Maintenance Essentials for Easy Indoor-Outdoor Living

Summer Porch featuring a remote control ceiling fan