Tag Archive for: outdoor kitchen

Outdoor living space

Living Outdoors with Options

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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

Inviting View for outdoor living

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

Retractable window wall for seamless transition outdoors

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

outdoor living with options living room kitchen diningThe 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

outdoor living with options for 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

outdoor living with options using natural materials for transition

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

living outdoors with options for 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

living outdoors with options canopied kitchen

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

living outdoors with private retreat area

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

outdoor fire pit overlooking lake view

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

 

 

Entertaining Outdoors

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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.
Lowell Custom Homes Welcome entry with bright flowers

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

Infused water summer entertaining

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.

Lowell Custom Homes open up to the outdoors retractable wall blur the lines to outdoorsBlur the indoor-outdoor line with architectural features like this retractable wall of glass.  It offers a seamless transition to the sunshine and fresh air.

Lowell Custom Homes Comfortable seating for outdoor entertaining

Be sure to include comfortable seating where conversations can flow.

Lowell Custom Homes outdoor kitchen

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.

Lowell Custom Homes Lake Geneva Wi outdoor activity zones

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.

Lowell Custom Homes encourage mingling when entertaining outdoors

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

Lowell Custom Homes winding down around the fire pit

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

Lowell Custom Homes move it indoors to a screened in porch for mosquito free zone

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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before and after kitchen remodel by lowell custom homes

The Most Popular Rooms to Renovate

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Move over kitchen and bath, this year living quarters will dominate home remodeling requests according to the Houzz & Home Renovation Report. Houzz is one of the leading home and design resource sites in the country. Lowell Custom Homes is a regular contributor to many of the Houzz studies evaluating trends and the latest news in home building and remodeling.
This year’s research reveals the unexpected popularity of improvements to general living areas. The forecast for 2018 also predicts that homeowners will tackle multiple room renovations at one time.  Surprisingly, the master bedroom and laundry are leading the way with a growth in average spending of 23% and 24% respectively.

Kitchen Renovation
kitchen renovation by Lowell Custom Homes Before and After

While the desire for kitchen and bath renovations remains consistent, a shift in homeowner thinking places the new focus on living spaces that will have real lifestyle impact.

Renovation of Living Space

Living room remodel Before and After by Lowell Custom Homes in Lake Geneva
Before and After Living room remodel by Lake Geneva Builder Lowell Custom Homes
The study reveals, and we can confirm based on our current projects, that the main motivation to remodel is improved design and function.   Customization is at the top of everyone’s list when making design decisions. It is about making the space personal and relatable for the needs of each homeowner.

Renovation of Master Bedroom Suite

Master Bedroom suite remodel by lake geneva builder lowell custom homes
Remodeling the master bedroom and the master suite is moving further in the direction of comfort and privacy. While the concept is not new, the increased demand for an at home getaway is noteworthy. More and more homeowners are craving privacy within their home. There is a high desire for what can be seen as an in-home mental health escape for writing, meditation or just some quality me-time.

Laundry Room Renovation

remodel laundry room by lake geneva builder lowell custom homes
Laundry room renovations are becoming more extensive and the space devoted to this utility is growing larger. It has evolved into a multi-purpose area that just happen to have the laundry located inside. Easy access is a key factor for updates to this workspace along with the ability to share storage and countertops for projects.

Exterior Renovation
Before and After exterior home remodel by lake geneva builder lowell custom homes

Exterior improvements closely follow interior renovations in popularity.  Curb appeal, or lake appeal in this case, is a priority.  Remodeling often includes indoor-outdoor living space with special amenities like an outdoor kitchen or even an outdoor shower.
Outdoor shower remodeled home exterior by lake geneva builder lowell custom homes
From first-time buyers to seasoned homeowners, remodeling has become the way to have a home that will provide for all of your needs, without having to move.
You can read more about how to decide if you should build or remodel here  and 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 will answer all of your questions and guide you every step of the way!

Lowell Custom Homes

262.245.9030

Interior Design of Laundry Room by Elizabeth Drake Interiors

Photography Credits Josh Z Photography and Victoria McHugh Photography

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Low Maintenance Essentials for Easy Indoor-Outdoor Living

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There is so much to look forward to at this time of year! Engaging outdoor spaces will help you celebrate the season, but not if you are burdened with upkeep. While indoor-outdoor living is a hot trend, low-maintenance design is essential for maximum enjoyment. Our tips for choosing the ideal location are listed in Creating Attractive Outdoor Living Spaces. Once that decision is made, these easy care ideas will add enough leisure time for you to truly enjoy your summertime happy place.

Lowell Management, Geneva Deck, Ecosmartfire, Brown Jordan Outdoor Furniture


Fold back doors and generous windows will create an invisible threshold that encourages a beautiful connection with nature. Keep the merger agreeable and reduce housekeeping concerns with durable flooring and a clear path of travel.
Geneva Deck, Zuri Deck, Sunbrella Fabrics, Surya Outdoor rugs and pillows

Geneva Deck, Surya Outdoor Textiles, Sunbrella Fabrics


Decking is a popular choice for delivering indoor/outdoor convenience with a level platform to accommodate activities. If easy care is your driver, new materials like Zuri® premium decking which is used by  Geneva Deck  will grant you the gift of time. The exotic hardwood appearance unites with remarkable durability for years of minimal maintenance.
Ecosmart Geneva Deck Lowell Management

Geneva Deck, Ecosmartfire, Brown Jordan Furniture


Round out your outdoor entertaining by introducing the element of fire. Whether the purpose is heat or light, fire creates a natural gathering place. Outdoor bioethanol fireplaces by Ecosmart are weather resistant, portable and self-contained. This renewable energy source produces no embers, ash or soot. There is virtually no clean up and they can even be placed on decks. When the focus is food preparation, outdoor kitchen equipment housed in Stainless Steel and Powder Coated Cabinetry is the weather resistant answer to your easy clean up dreams.
Lowell Management, Varaschin, Anacara Company

Lowell Management, Anacara Company Furniture, Varaschin Furniture


Innovative materials are extending the life and upkeep of outdoor architectural details and furnishings. Powder coated metal, teak wood and aluminum-framed resin products add lasting color and texture to traditional pieces. Top designers are creating fabrics for Sunbella that can tolerate remarkable abuse and offer built in UV resistance. Even area rugs are venturing outdoors using these new technologies to warm up and define exterior rooms with the same detail we enjoy indoors.
Join us on Facebook all season for updates on our favorite products for your outdoor enjoyment.
Product Links:
http://genevadeck.com
http://www.sunbrella.com/en_us/
http://www.surya.com/outdoor/
http://www.ecosmartfire.com
http://www.anacaracompany.com/index.html
http://varaschin.it

Secret Indulgence, True Luxury

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Luxury isn’t about necessity; it’s about indulgence.  It’s about the wonderful privilege of making a choice between everyday and extraordinary.  For some this indulgence can be as simple as chocolate, for other it is a special place created for their personal pleasure.  Part of the fun is the secret status.  As custom builders we create beautiful homes with delightful secrets.
1 hidden room
To the casual observer, this is just an incredibly beautiful transition with finely detailed woodworking, gently curved bookcases, paneling, coffered ceiling and accent sconces. But wait, there’s more! A touch of the bookcase reveals the secret access to a private den to be shared only with a chosen few.
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The beauty of luxury is that you define it for yourself.   However, what women isn’t captivated with the idea of her very own Carrie Bradshaw closet?
 
 
DSC_1507
An under stair alcove presents the perfect opportunity for storage that displays a coveted collection.
 
hidden outdoor kitchen
Pay not attention to the gourmet kitchen behind the retractable stainless steel door!  Only revealed when culinary inspiration strikes, this outdoor kitchen will impress and entertain when its secret is shared.
 
Project2
We cater to fantasies for all ages.  This imaginative child’s play space brings new meaning to the term “Man Cave”.
 
hidden bedroom
While luxury is often defined in economic terms, we feel luxury is an emotional state as well.  Loft spaces have inherent intrigue.  Here we add a bit of romance with a rustic and intimate bedroom suggesting a tree house view.
 
1 hidden attic rooms
Your “Happy Place” does not have to be limited to your imagination. Our expertise and creative ideas help you add a little mystery and fun to your home by tucking secretly indulgent spaces into the forgotten nooks and crannies.

True luxury is building a home that holds a few secrets. . . just for you!

Creating Attractive Outdoor Living Spaces

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1 exterior deck and windo

“Spring is nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s Party!'”      Robin Williams

Longer days and calmer temperatures signal a return to outdoor living.  Using nature as a backdrop, the open-air space surrounding your home can provide hours of delight and relaxation.  Multiple studies have shown that just looking outdoors will activate the part of the brain related to thoughts of balance and happiness.  Take advantage of natures feel-good with the creation of al fresco spaces that will also enhance the square footage and value of your home.

The most successful outdoor space will be an extension of your homes interior style while blending with the surroundings.  A perfect plan will provide appealing and useful outdoor “rooms” as well as beautiful scenes when you look out the window.

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Where do you start? 

  • Our recommendation is to first make a list of any daily activities that would be pleasurable if moved outdoors.  Often relaxation tops the list, with entertainment, cooking and play space following closely.from website 20180008
  • Take inventory of your property and the available options to create outdoor rooms.  Consider exposure to the elements, the direction of sunlight and your desire for privacy vs. neighborhood interaction.  This will guide the placement of your outdoor living space to the front, side or back yard of your home.

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  • Next evaluate your floor plan and the most logical points for moving from indoors out.  The more convenient this transition, the more you will use your outdoor areas.  When building or remodeling, we like to feature specialty Nano (folding) or French Doors to visually diminish the indoor/outdoor line and encourage fluid movement.

Kaskel010

  • An informal sketch of your property showing home placement will allow you to designate logical active and calm areas.  Allow for entertaining and family fun as well quiet activities like reading, napping and gardening.

700 S. Shore Pool

  • Consider ways to lengthen the time you can enjoy spring and summer months by including the protection of a covered porch or three season room.

porch

  • Connect your outdoor living areas with landscaping, walkways and privacy screening than integrates the outdoor space with the overall architecture of your home.

1 sunroom two

  • Finally, remember that there are experts,  like those at Lowell Management,  with the expertise and ability to guide you in the planning and execution of your new home and remodeling projects.