Tag Archive for: building a new home

quiet luxury in Lake Geneva Wi

Quiet Luxury at Home

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From runway to home, the quiet luxury movement is intensifying!

Quiet luxury is defined by Vogue Magazine as a “non-trend trend” or “elevated basics”.   The aesthetic in fashion features the highest quality pieces with an understated presence. When applied to homes, this attitude is easy to understand by watching Lowell Custom Homes construction in action.  The focus is on superior materials and expert craftsmanship.

When citing this style, marketing analyst Pam Dazinger references the Succession series and explains,

“True luxury whispers, it never shouts.”

With that in mind we identified the elements that will help you communicate quiet luxury in your home.

Quiet Luxury is Always Appropriate

Interior Design by North Shore Nest, Photo by Aimee Mazzenga

LCH, Interior Design by North Shore Nest, Photo by Aimee Mazzenga

This entire movement is in sync with the principles of Elsie de Wolfe, founder of the interior design profession.    De Wolfe’s philosophy started with a goal, “A house that is like the life that goes with it, a house that gives us beauty as we understand it.”  She also famously warned, “You will express yourself in your house whether you want to or not.”  With that in mind, the first recommendation for quiet luxury is to create a home suitable for your lifestyle and location.

Prioritize Quality & Craftsmanship

Quiet luxury showcases natural materials, artistry and simplicity of style.  Sustainability is achieved by investing in craftsmanship that will survive generations.  Palettes are curated by combining personally soothing colors without interruption from showy displays.

Quiet Luxury is in the Details

Quiet Luxury LCH, Interior Design by Ann Kottler Home, Photo by Shanna Wolf

LCH, Interior Design by Ann Kottler Home, Photo by Shanna Wolf

Subtlety is an art. When it comes to architectural and interior design, details speak without shouting.  Quality materials and impeccable craftsmanship differentiate design in an understated manner.  This mood is about embracing the things you love in an environment that is relaxed and inviting.

Connection to Nature

quiet luxury Interior Design by Ann Kottler Home, Photo by Shanna Wolf Photography

LCH, Interior Design by Ann Kottler Home, Photo by Shanna Wolf Photography

The nurturing influence of the environment is key to this effort.  Creating a seamless flow between interior and exterior rooms lends a sense of tranquility.

Quiet Luxury is Confidence

Quiet Luxury, LCH, Interior Design by Ann Kottler Home, Photo by Shanna Wolf Photography

LCH, Interior Design by Ann Kottler Home, Photo by Shanna Wolf Photography

A well curated design reads as confidence.   There is no need to rely on the latest designer label or “it” item when decisions are based on desirable attributes.  This is one of the reasons we have relationships that span generations.  A Lowell Custom Home reflects an appreciation for quality and the discerning taste of our homeowners.

Visit our Gallery to be inspired.

Connect with Lowell Custom Homes here

or call 262-245-9030

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.

Connect here

or call 262-245-9030

 

Stay in touch by signing up for our blog alerts at the top of this page.  You will be notified by email when we publish our next article with the latest design ideas and inspirational projects!

(of course, we never share your personal information)

Custom Home by Lowell Custom Homes

Interior Design by North Shore Nest

Photos by Aimée Mazzenga

Lowell Wins Best of Walworth County!

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A heartfelt thank you to everyone who voted for us for the Best of Walworth County in 2021!

We are excited to announce that we are declared the winner as both

The Best New Home Builder

&

Best Home Remodeling Contractor

This is the finest endorsement for our entire Lowell team!

Each and every person at Lowell plays an essential role in the beautiful homes we build and remodel.  With over 40 years of experience, we pride ourselves in having the most dedicated staff! We are so honored as a company to also be voted as the Best Place To Work in the Geneva Lake area!

 

This is our 5th win as Best New Home Builder and our 1st as Best Home Remodeling Contractor.  We appreciate your community support and look forward to serving you in the years to come.

This video tour will show you some of our latest homes, then visit our website to be inspired by even more design ideas!

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

Connect here

or call 262-245-9030

Designing the Perfect Entry

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A little effort goes a long way when creating a beautiful first impression.  We like to start with curb appeal and carry it on through the entry of your home.  The entry is often passed over with design efforts jumping right into living spaces.  But keep in mind that the entry is highly visible. It is the perfect spot to create a memorable moment for you and your visitors.

Start with the Door

The character of your entry door carries from the exterior to the interior of your home.  It must coordinate with both points of view, so choose wisely.  It should be architecturally compatible with your home design and provide the security and insulation appropriate for your location.

Light the Way

Illuminate this space with options that allow versatility.  A stunning chandelier is always appropriate, then consider adding sconces and even tabletop lighting to allow you to adjust the levels of light according to your needs and mood.

Define with Area Rugs

Add warmth with the texture of area rugs and runners.  They will define the entry and move people in the right direction down the hall.

Include a Statement Piece

One piece can set the stage for the entire home by introducing the style and mood of your rooms.  Keep the entry open and unfussy but don’t be afraid to use a substantial furniture piece when space allows.  A mirror is always nice for allowing last minute touch ups when coming or going.

Provide Seating

This is a small courtesy for guests, especially in the midwest where visitors often come weighed down with boots, coats or umbrellas.  It can be a chair, bench or even a small settee.  All that is required is a place to rest a person or package once entering your home.

 

Share A Bit of Yourself

Make it your own by including bits and pieces of your favorite things.  This is a peek into your personality with favorite collections, art or decor.

Ample Storage

The need for entry storage is a given, and the standard closet provides nicely.  Also consider solutions to expand storage with built-ins or furniture that provides storage drawers.

Don’t Forget Secondary Points of Entry

Don’t neglect the more common entry that you and your family use on a daily basis.  It should be just as appealing as the guest entry, and even more functional with storage for coats, shoes and packages.

For more ideas to add curb appeal of your home check here

and here.

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

(There are not affiliate links and of course we never share your personal information)

 

Traditional Design Is Back!

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After two decades of Midcentury modern dominating the design universe, traditional is reemerging as a fresh and time-honored aesthetic.  While design styles always go through cycles, the advantage of traditional is that it’s a classic.  It is often the jumping off point for many other styles, so it blends easily when you are working towards a personally curated look.

Throughout history people are drawn to the familiar for security during uncertain times.  That may be partly responsible for the current resurgence, but there is also a new generation being exposed for the first time to these very livable interiors. Many homeowners were not in the audience to appreciate the classic rooms of Mario Buatta or Sister Parish.  Either way, this design movement is a refreshing way to incorporate planet-friendly elements with vintage and repurposed furnishings.  This is the look that will be known as the New-Traditional or Neo-Traditional for the next decade and beyond.  Sourcing favorites like 1st Dibs can provide unique character for these rooms.

But, just as today’s high waisted jeans are drastically different from 80’s Mom jeans, traditional design has evolved.  We are keeping the comfort and pleasing shapes while lifting the mood with lighter treatments of color, pattern and material.

Elements of the New Traditional or Neo-Traditional Style

Traditional style is timeless and pulls inspiration from the 18th and 19th century.

Architectural details like crown molding, ceiling beams and wood paneling add a determined but comforting mood when applied with a light touch.

Often traditional style will reference European decor in its detailings.   Featured here is one of our favorite homes showing traditional design with a French attitude. Formality can be taken up a notch or calmed down by the choice of furnishings. 

Rooms will often have a beautiful focal point like a stunning fireplace seen above, or even a mantel range hood as show in the kitchen below.

Neo-traditional is certainly not fussy.  In order to keep elements in check there will be a dash of modern with the European viewpoint.  Finely finished pieces can easily co-exist with natural and relaxed materials like linen, bamboo and rush. 

Beyond all visual combinations, the essence is comfort and easy living.

While the details may be finely crafted, the home will always respond to lifestyle demands.

 

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

(There are not affiliate links and of course we never share your personal information)

Photography by Shanna Wolf/S.Photography

Bedroom Design for a Good Night’s Sleep

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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

from

 

 

Easy Elegance Leads Home Trends

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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

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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!

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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

 

Lake Appeal! Featured in Great Lakes By Design

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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!

Great Lakes by Design Lowell Custom Home

 

Great Lakes By Design Lowell Custom Homes page 4

 

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