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We love the direction home design is taking and you will too! The special features we are building into homes are all about enhancing lifestyle. Say goodbye to cookie-cutter plans and welcome in the latest features that will have real staying power for your new or remodeled home.
Pick and choose exactly what makes you smile. This home for an avid auto collector creates a showcase where it can be enjoyed and shared effortlessly. Forget neatly stacking your treasured collections in a closet; use these special interests as a springboard for developing a home style that is meaningful to you.
We have always designed homes to be appreciated from every perspective, and now the appeal for 360o detailing is catching on. When equal attention is given to the side and back elevations, your everyday home experience becomes richer. While you’re at it, be sure stunning architecture does not get lost in the shadows. Landscape and exterior lighting is an essential element for any home plan.
Natural charm and flow characterize kitchens today where we like to cluster cabinet storage along one wall to keep the floor plan open and accessible. Popular Farmhouse and Industrial trends merge to create highly functional spaces for living and entertaining. Materials here and throughout the home blend natural honed surfaces with polished finishes. The interplay of texture is spellbinding and creates the perfecting setting for gatherings.
Smart features go undercover while serving up substantial savings. Energy efficient windows and insulation work with zoned heating and cooling systems to maximize a homes mechanical productivity. Automated and voice-activated systems monitor comfort levels with the added convenience of off-site monitoring.
We work hard, so creating playful outdoor space at home lets everyone enjoy free time without traveling to another location. Screened-In porches and outdoor kitchens are often joined by even more personalized features like putting greens and movie screens.
At home entertaining is on the rise and a central hub allows the host to be a part of the action. Whether your preferences leans towards a fully stocked cocktail bar, coffee bar or ice-cream social bar, the mission is convenience. A dedicated area with storage and proper supplies will turn a simple beverage into a special indulgence.
Color Turns Warm and MoodyHGTV and Pottery Barn may have caused you to forget about the warmer side of the color wheel, but that is about to change. Cool grays will still be important, but neutrals will move forward by including warm beige tones and occasionally a bit of brown. The freshest effects will be achieved when these colors are accented with saturated hues like Benjamin Moore’s 2017 Color of the Year – Shadow, and Pantones 2017 Color of the Year – Greenery.
Luxury takes a turn towards practical when it comes to indulging ourselves at home. Oh sure, a spa bath is nice, but nothing compares to a laundry room with a potting station or a mudroom lined with exquisite locker storage. Those highly functional areas can be fitted to perfection turning everyday chores into a delightful escape.
The majority of rooms featured in this post were photographed by Victoria McHugh Photography
Interior Design for the home featured is by The Design Coach Phillip Sassone
Interior Design for the laundry room and potting area featured in the last image and the Beverage Bar with metallic tile backsplash is by Elizabeth Drake of Drake Interiors, Ltd.
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Fads come and go, but trends in homebuilding can last for generations. These develop over time and respond to changes in lifestyle, innovations in materials and new technology. With this in mind, our goal is to bring you the latest trends that are sure to become timeless classics.
Effortless Luxury for Homes of All SizesThe well appointed home is in demand for homes of all sizes. Downsizing does not mean giving up the beautiful features empty nesters are accustomed to, even starter home buyers want to feel pampered. Open floorplans, custom woodwork, gourmet kitchens and statement lighting all detail the homes that are sized according to lifestyle needs, not neighborhoods.
Seasonal Living SpacesMove from the sunroom, to screened-in porch, to the pergola-covered patio with ease. Fluid transitions between indoor and outdoor living space has the ability to extend seasons for the year long appreciation of nature. These spaces often include fireplaces, entertainment technology, conversational seating, dining area and outdoor kitchens.
Multigenerational Space with Flexibility and Inclusive DesignExtended families under one roof are giving rise to homes with multiple bedroom suites for the comfort of everyone from aging parents or boomerang children. These homes are designed with large shared space to enhance family connections. Personalized private areas often features showers with seats and grab rails to insure safety and open space for easy navigation.
Today’s kitchens are connected to family life more than ever. The super-sized island is a multitasking essential with cabinetry in furniture-like finishes and smart appliances. Integrated equipment lends a streamline look to open floor plans. Luxury niche appliances satisfy the most serious chefs and include high performance ranges, steam ovens, warming drawers, metal range hoods and wine coolers. Emerging trends include kimchi refrigerators for preserving vegetables in keeping with Korean traditions and cultivators like the Urban Cultivator for fresh herbs.
Kitchen by Geneva Cabinet Company
Healthy Homes – Clean LivingA clean aesthetic is highly desirable and designs are evolving to incorporate low maintenance finishes that advance the cause. Quartz countertops with antibacterial properties are growing in popularity along with stainless steel countertops and large-scale tile with fewer grout lines. Air and water purification systems and natural materials work together to reduce toxins in the home along with streamline design where dust can’t hide.
Relaxed and Farmhouse EntriesThe farmhouse tradition of practicality is driving the trend for relaxes entries that focus on convenience. Open cubbies provide visible storage that eliminates the frantic search for keys. Additional storage under built-in benches keep shoes and boots tidy while preventing outside dirt from being tracked inside. Charging stations are often included to keep electronics in sight and ready to go.
Flexible Dining RoomDining is an art to be shared with friends and family. For this reason many are not willing to give up on the idea of a formal dining room. We have the perfect solution with open floor plans where the dining area can be adjusted to suite an intimate dinner party or grand affair.
Eclectic Mash UpMix and match principles apply throughout the home and are most evident in the kitchen. Combinations feature complimentary styles and colors for cabinetry along with various countertop materials assigned by use. Quartz, soapstone and hand scraped woods compete with granite for the most popular position. Metallic finishes for hardware and tile inserts includes gold, copper and platinum along with the traditional chrome and steel.
Authentic Materials and CraftsmanshipAppreciation for handcrafted work from local artisans and locally sourced material is on the rise. It goes beyond the sustainability factor and speaks to a newfound respect for the time-honored skills of our neighbors. Repurposed and locally sourced materials carry a highly trusted reassurance of quality.
Leisure Spaces and Getaway RoomsWhen it’s time to relax we want a space that transports us from the daily grind to a relaxing retreat. Home hobby spaces can be as peaceful as a meditation room or as active an arcade. Many are self-sustaining with a refreshment area and private bath. These spaces vary from a basketball court that is just down the hall to a freestanding boathouse or poolside cabana.
Kitchen by Geneva Cabinet Company
How excited are you about the 2016 Color of the Year?
Even if you have not been breathless with anticipation, there is a value to watching as the 2016 Colors of the Year develop into trends that help you freshen up the look of your home.
There is not much controversy between the two leading paint companies, Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams. Both select a version of white consistent with the current cultural desire for calm and simplicity.
Benjamin Moore Simply White Video Sherwin Williams Alabaster Video
From the standpoint of architectural integrity and composition, we agree with the importance of the color white in all of its variations.
However, when Pantone pioneered two interacting Colors of the Year 2016, Rose Quartz & Serenity, a new understanding of color direction emerged.
Pantone Colors of the Year 2016 Video
Layer subtle shades of white to create dimension and refined nuance.
Define architecture with white as a brilliant contrast to exterior color and material schemes.
Create restful space by applying the meditative quality of white or a pastel.
Energize by contrasting a bold wall color with crisp white trim.
Emphasize texture and enhance natural rustic materials with the calming contrast of white.
Home is the place where holiday celebrations begin. Whether you are entertaining a crowd or planning quiet family time, preparing your home with decorative touches will add meaning and special memories to the holiday season.
Today we are going take you through a LOWELL custom home to demonstrate opportunities and ideas you can use to set the mood in your own home.
Remember you can do as much or as little as you like, the intention is what makes it meaningful.
For “how-to” information on these ideas and more, go to our special Pinterest board:
Room images are from Lowell Management Services, Inc.
All other images are via Pinterest where you can locate the source, recipes and DIY information: Lowell Home for the Holidays!
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
Geneva Deck, Surya Outdoor Textiles, Sunbrella Fabrics
Geneva Deck, Ecosmartfire, Brown Jordan Furniture
Lowell Management, Anacara Company Furniture, Varaschin Furniture
Just in time for spring, reports from Fashion Week are announcing the latest trends from the runway! The desire to be surrounded at home by these same fresh style and color combinations is just natural. Fortunately the lag time that used to exist between fashion and home décor has almost vanished. Here we translate the top designer looks to help you achieve immediate gratification when refreshing your home this spring with runway inspiration.
As you browse keep in mind the words of fashion leader Diane Von Furstenberg, “The most important thing, in both fashion and your home, is to know who you are and be true to that”
Nautical Chic
Utility and ease inspire this look that works so well for homes in Lake Geneva or any area to achieve the style simplicity of resort chic. You can create the same nautical mood with non-traditional colors and stripes as reported on the runway by InStyle. Introducing graphic stripes with creative color schemes is a stylish way to bring this trend to homes where the traditional blue/red/white theme doesn’t fit. Detailing with accents that feature marine brass or shipyard riveting will further an authentic atmosphere.
White and Wood
Nothing says warm weather like crisp bright white. This season proper white was softened on the runway by Balenciaga with unexpected accents like gym shoes or deep leathers for a less serious mood. We are taking the same approach in homes with the intentional contrast of interesting woods to highlight interior white finishes. The kitchen above features Plato Woodwork cabinetry by Geneva Cabinet Company and uses natural walnut counters. This introduces a bit of warmth and edginess to reduce the formality of otherwise traditional décor.
Sunshine Yellow
Opting for attention, bright yellow was featured on the runway by designers like Tory Burch. Cheerful and optimistic, yellow never fails to get noticed. At small dose of bright lemon yellow in accessories achieves the effect, think daffodils. Softer versions will create a gentle background for lively or traditional color schemes. Our country kitchen above uses mustard yellow as the perfect color statement.
Versatile Denim
Never far from the fashion front line, denim maintained its position as the go to fabric for casual comfort. Creative washed finishes and tailored silhouettes ruled the runway in the Sonia Rykiel collection. The application at home invites comfort and introduces a bit of street savvy style. Upholstery and soft goods can reflect appealing washed finishes. Even choosing a paint color in the range between pale chambray and dark wash will maintain the comfort connection.
Floral & Gingham
Floral prints and gingham checks appeared in the Diane Von Furstenberg collection as well as many others. The key to this trend is the vibrant colors along with a stylized pattern approach. Bringing this idea home means introducing saturated color inspired by garden flowers. White is an important element in the success of this look, providing the proper context for the colors to breath.
While fun to speculate about the “it” color for 2015, conflicting predictions from major color experts can be puzzling. Marsala, Coral Reef, Blue Paisley? How do you know which color to choose for a fresh new look for your home that will not feel dated in a few years?
We take away the color confusion with this easy guide. It is based on our analysis of the 2015 Color of the Year predictions by experts like Pantone, Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams and Color Marketing Group. Using the color expertise we bring to every home we build, we created 4 key palettes for you to reference. Rather than focusing on just one fashion color, let these color collections help you create your scheme. Simply select colors from the collection that speaks to the mood you love!
COLOR WHISPER
These chalky sheer colors will restore balance and promote a peaceful and restful environment.
MODERN CLASSICS
Stabilize your interior by referencing historic color palettes then tweaking them for an updated feel.
NATURE PRESERVE
The infusion of earth elements and the colors they represent is a way of grounding and connecting with nature.
CELEBRATING HOME
A sure way to brighten your day is to introduce a kaleidoscope of optimistic hues inspired by global images and lively floral gardens.
For more ideas and examples of how we use color check out our Portfolio pages http://lowellmanagement.com/living.html
*Digital color swatches used to demonstrate trends are Benjamin Moore proprietary colors via Pintrest. When choosing colors you must selected from actual paint samples available at your local paint store.*
Who is Pantone and why should you care?
Well, they are actually the international color authority on trends and color messages. Their research has been guiding the colors we see in fashion, architecture and home décor for over 40 years. Now that this earthy hue has been identified as the emerging “it” color, companies can refer to the Pantone system to be sure they are speaking a consistent color language. This helps in the development of new products so colors will be complimentary across industries.
At Lowell we often use this full bodied hue to ground neutral color schemes without overwhelming them. It also has the ability to add warmth to cooler schemes that feature blues and greens.
Watch for Marsala to act as a unifying element in 2015. It is a sophisticated and confident shade able to mix well with the existing colors you love. The nurturing aspect of this color makes it an ideal addition for kitchen and dining areas. We will see it featured prominently in new fabrics and tabletop items especially when floral patterns are featured. As new products are introduced the draw of Marsala is sure to intensify.
