The Best General Contractors in Louisville

FROM GENERAL CONTRACTORS MAGAZINE! THANK YOU FOR THIS HONOR!

1) Wolford Built Homes

Website | 502.228.5885 | 7804 Springfarm Glen Drive PO Box 767 Prospect, KY 40059

Wolford Built Homes is one of Louisville’s premier luxury custom home builder and remodeler. The company was established in 1974 by Ron Wolford, a registered home builder that has built over 700 projects in Louisville and Northern Kentucky. He has won many awards including The Home Builders Association of Louisville’s Tour of Remodeled Homes “Best of” and was featured on the international TV show Cribs. The company’s homes have also been featured in Homearama and The Dream Factories’ “Dream House”, an 800-square foot traditional home with four bedrooms, four and a half baths, a master suite, a finished lower level and a three-car garage. The firm also received multiple awards from the Home Builders Association of Louisville including the 2012 Best Builder/Remodeler, Best Model Home, Best Remodeling Project Over $100k, and Best Home Design under $1.2M.

Throughout the years, the company remains one of the area’s finest luxury custom home builders that incorporates the latest trends in home design with traditional architecture and details perfectly blended with innovative technology.

https://www.generalcontractors.org/the-best-general-contractors-in-louisville-kentucky/

French Interior Design Ideas

This beautiful French style home is located in the heart of West Texas. The expansive single story 4,300 square foot floor plan was designed by Brit Jones Interiors and architect Tyler Gentry, of 17 Services. It was built by Scott Lane Homes.

You are immediately greeted with a stunning staircase leading you into a foyer filled with unique and one-of-a-kind french antiques. The interiors also feature a neutral color palate with pops of soft blue and traditional furniture styles.

I haven’t seen a tailored home like this one in some time and I really think you guys will love it as much as I do.

This French-style home exudes timeless architectural details and plenty of curb-appeal.

The home features a foyer, dining, living, kitchen, den, 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms and 2 half baths, den, playroom, private office, large mudroom with wrapping room, courtyard and expansive lawn in front and back.

 Shutters

Shutters are rough cedar painted in Annie Sloan Duck Egg Blue and made to look weathered with sand paper. The homeowner painted them herself!

Front Door

Black steel and glass front doors are custom made – 10 foot tall.

Brick

Exterior Brick: Mangum Brick in Country French color with white mortar.

Stucco

Instead of regular stucco the homeonwer did a “brick slurry” where they did the stucco over the brick in a hand finish instead of a sprayed finish. Color is a custom tan finish.

Trim Color

Dark Exterior Trim Paint Color: Sherwin Williams Seal Skin.

Roof

Roof is Tamko Thunderstorm Grey.

Windows

Windows are Pella Aluminum clad in bronze.

Stone

Exterior stone is Castlerock stone in a mix of cream and white with white mortar.

Lighting

Front Lanterns are Troy Larchmont Lanterns in hand forged iron in Age Pewter finish.

Welcome Home!

The black steel double doors open to a stunning French foyer.

Foyer Paint Color

White French Interior Paint Color: Sherwin Williams Alabaster.

Chandelier: Aidan Gray

Sconces: Aidan Gray

Blue Chair

The blue foyer chair is a French antique.

Antique Door

The barn door in the foyer is a true antique door from France.

Get the Look:

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Drapery

The window coverings are custom drapes and shades from Susan Cannon at Budget Blinds. They are drapes on French radius rods with motorized wove. Brittany, the homeowner, loves her them!

Chairs and ottoman are from Wisteria.

Similar Side Table: here .

Details

Foyer drapes are a French Blue with a custom embroidered banding on a French rod.

Dream Kitchen & Dining Room

This French-country kitchen and dining room are full of beauty and character.

Dining table and bench are Classic Home Furniture. Similar here (table & bench).

Dining Chairs

Wingback Dining Chair: Wayfair

Side Chairs: World Market. Similar here, here & here.

Similar Vase: here (large).

Kitchen

Isn’t this one of the most beautiful French kitchens you have ever seen?! Its design and choice of materials are impeccable.

Backsplash

The herringbone backsplash is reclaimed bricks from a building in Chicago. The homeowner took it all the way up the wall to make it more dramatic with the custom cast stone vent hood.

Cabinet pulls can be found here.

Lighting

Kitchen Lighting: Feiss.

Kitchen Hood

Kitchen vent hood is sprayed cast stone material that is custom-made in place.

Countertop

Kitchen countertop is Honed Arabescato Marble.

Similar Counterstools: here, here, here & here.

Get the Look:

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Hardware

Kitchen Hardware: Jeffrey Alexander Pulls and the Durham knobs for perimeter.

Cabinetry

Cabinets are Pine, shaker style cabinet door with a beveled edge. Cabinet paint color is Sherwin Williams Alabaster.

Kitchen Sink: Rohl.

Appliance Pull: Here.

Faucet

Kitchen Faucet: Danze Opulence Satin Nickel.

Hardwood

Hardwood Flooring: Hill Country Innovations Coastal Dunes Collection in color Cape Cod.

Similar Plaid Pillows: Here & Here.

Kitchen Pantry Cabinet Color

Paint Color: Uncertain Gray by Sherwin Williams.

Lighting

Industrial Farmhouse Lighting: Lighting is Hammered Copper one light pendant from Nebraska Furniture. Similar here.

Beams

The kitchen ceiling features stained wood grid ceiling.

Arch

A brick archway divides the kitchen area from the living room.

Living Room Ceiling

The living room features cathedral ceiling with beam.

Chandelier: Quorum.

Layout

The picture above gives us an idea of the layout; arches lead to foyer, next to a sitting area, dining room, kitchen and pantry on far left (by the refrigerator).

Patio Door

A large slide door with transoms opens to the patio.

Paint Color & Furniture

Wall & Trim Color: Alabaster by Sherwin Williams SW 7008.

Sofas are Bernhardt.

Chairs are Lee Furniture.

Get the Look:

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Powder Room

Countertop is Honed Arabescato Marble.

Cabinet Paint Color

Cabinet Color: Pewter Tankard Sherwin Williams.

Hardware: Anthropologie.

Grey Den

This rustic den features reclaimed wood ceiling and brick flooring. Breathtaking!

Den sofa is Mayo Furniture.

Ceiling Details

Note from the Designer: “The ceiling in the den is reclaimed barn wood beams over regular cedar planks that my husband distressed himself with nails, chains, and hammers”. – Brittany Jones.

Reading Nook Lighting

Reading Nook Lighting: Savoy House.

Den chairs are Century Furniture. Similar here, here & here.

Brick Flooring

Brick Flooring: Reclaimed bricks from an old building in Chicago. The designer/homeowner found the bricks from a vendor in Waco, Texas who sources the brick directly from a brick cutter in Chicago.

Laundry Room

The laundry room also features brick flooring.

Countertop: Polished “Shadow” Quartzite.

Hardware: Jeffrey Alexander.

Daughter’s Bedroom

The color palette of this bedroom is a dream!

Bedding

Bedding is a mix of Pottery Barn, and Bella Notte.

Chandelier

White Chandelier: Home Depot gold chandelier that the designer redid with chalk paint and added pearl strands from her wedding. Similar here.

Window

Window Treatment: Custom blush velvet cornice, white sheer drapes over a white and cream woven wood shades.

Bathroom Paint Color

Best White: Sherwin Williams SW 7008 Alabaster.

Lighting: Feiss.

Bathroom Tray Decor

Perfection!

Mirror & Sconces

Bathroom Mirror: similar here.

Sconces: Pottery Barn.

Bathroom Hardware

Bathroom Cabinet Hardware: Top Knobs.

French Master Bedroom

Bedding is RH and Ballard Designs.

Window Treatment: Woven wood shades under white linen drapes.

Chandelier

Chandelier is Regina Andrew.

Paint Color

Trim and wall color is Sherwin Williams Alabaster.

Barn Door

The barn door is a custom designed door from a local carpenter and painted by the designer in Annie Sloan – custom mix of Duck Egg Blue, Old White, French Linen, and Coco.

Master Bathroom

Bathroom Faucet: Danze.

Countertop: Polished Arabescato Marble.

Cabinet Hardware

Bathroom Cabinet Hardware: Restoration Hardware.

Bathroom Chandelier

Terracotta Ballerina 6 light chandelier.

 Neutral Hues

How stunning is this bathroom? Notice the wall tile and the linen drapes.

Tub Surround Tile: Handmade white subway tile with a polished white finish. Similar here.

Master Bathroom Floor: Emser Tile Pietre Del Nord in color Maine with matte finish.

Interior Design & Photography: Brit Jones Interiors ( Instagram).

Inspiring Color Palette

Timeless Paint Colors: Sherwin Williams Alabaster. Benjamin Moore Bird’s Egg. Sherwin Williams Agreeable Gray. Sherwin Williams Watery. Sherwin-Williams Silver Strand. Benjamin Moore White Sand.

 

How to Design a Plan for Your New Home or Remodel

Building or renovating a house? Follow these 6 steps to draw up a plan that delivers the goods…

Most importantly…..

What you need and what you think you want are not the same thing.

Before you can even begin to design your own home (or design anything for that matter), you need to establish a clear brief for the project. This is more than just a wish list — it covers all aspects of the project: size, appearance, location, orientation, sensory qualities, cost, construction methods and much more. Let’s take a look at writing a brief in detail.

Archier

Your written brief will form the foundation of your entire house design. It is a description of your design objectives, which you will refer back to constantly and, as such, requires careful consideration.

The step-by-step process outlined below is the method I use to create briefs for every project I do. Whether you are designing a new house or extending an existing one, the approach is the same. Work through the steps, and by the end you will have not only a comprehensive and detailed brief but also a greater understanding of what it is you need rather than simply what you want.

Don’t worry about getting it right the first time; there will be plenty of opportunities to refine it later. What matters is that you get everything out of your head and down on paper so that the project can start to move forward.

SHED Architecture & Design

1. Compile a list of “likes” and then analyze them. The first step in designing your own home is to establish the sort of house you want to create and why. You should begin by collecting images of all the things you like and that speak to you about the type of home you want to create. I find Houzz to be the best tool for this because you can easily share your list and collaborate with other family members.

Browse images on Houzz for inspiration

m3architecture

Now this is where it starts to get interesting. Take each of the images you have chosen and look at it more closely. For each one, ask yourself what it is specifically that attracted you to the image, and note it down. It could be obvious, such as a particular material or shape, or it could be something less tangible, such as a feeling of comfort you infer from the image.

Can you picture yourself living in the room or house in the photo? If so, how does it feel to be there? Ask yourself what it is about that feeling that you want to emulate in your own home. It’s important to try to draw out the qualities that you want your home to have, rather than simply gathering shiny images of how you want it to look.

S&K Group

2. Look more closely at how you live. Now it’s time to look critically at how you live in your current home. It doesn’t matter if you own a house, rent an apartment or sleep on your parents’ sofa. We all inhabit space, and we all do it in slightly different ways.

Ask yourself the following questions about your current living situation. Spend some time on each one and be as critical as you can:

• What do you like about where you live and what don’t you like?
• Which rooms do you prefer to spend time in and which do you rarely use?
• What is it specifically that you like and dislike about these spaces?
• Which functions of your lifestyle do you feel are well-addressed and which ones are not?
• If you could improve just one thing, what would it be, regardless of cost and practicality?

3rdSpace

Next, make a list of all the items you own that will require storage in your new home, including the amount of space required for each and the best location for it. Don’t underestimate storage; it can make or break even the best-designed homes.

Finally, sit and watch how people move around in your current living spaces. Can you identify any conflicts that could be avoided in your new home? This is especially common in kitchens and bathrooms, where a lot of activity takes place.

schulberg demkiw architects

3. Draw up a list of spaces. You are now ready to start compiling a list of the rooms you hope to include in your new home. This is not as easy as it sounds. Lots of “what if” questions, doubts and uncertainty will start to crop up. This is normal and an integral part of the design process. Just keep going.

I would urge you not to dwell on these doubts for too long. Accept that you don’t have all the answers at this stage, and move on. It’s more important to identify the right questions so that you can address them as the design progresses.

Don’t worry about budget or practicalities just yet. There will be plenty of time to downsize if and when it becomes necessary. Be as extravagant as you like. This list is simply a draft of what it is you want — or rather what you think you want. It will be subject to plenty of adjustment before it is finalized, so don’t stress over it too much.

Lynn Gaffney Architect, PLLC

Be sure to consider the entire range of activities you would like your building to host. Think in terms of what the house can do for you, and try to envision any future needs you might have. Don’t forget to include outdoor living spaces in this list.

If you are planning an addition or refurbishment project, include both the existing spaces you want to keep and the additional spaces you want to create.

Read more about doing an addition

Archier

4. Analyze the list. Next, look at each of the rooms on your list in turn, using a separate page or document for each, and consider the following questions:

• What specific activities will normally happen in this space (for a kitchen, this may be eating or socializing in addition to cooking)?
• What furniture will you want to put in the spaces you are going to design? Include any built-in storage you think you may need. Look back at your storage list and make sure you include the storage requirements for each room.
• Can you categorize the room in some way? Would you call it a public or a private space? Is it open or closed, inward- or outward-looking? Will it be a primary or secondary space in your home?
• Can you combine two or more of the rooms on your list? Consider multifunctional spaces that can serve different purposes at different times. This is a great way to start to rationalize your list.

• Now revisit the qualities and feelings you identified from your list of likes, as well your analysis of the rooms you enjoy spending time in. What qualities do you want each of the rooms on your list to have? This may include access to natural light at certain times of the day, or feelings of spaciousness, comfort, warmth, serenity or cleanliness, for example. Think about rooms in your current home that you rarely use and make sure you aren’t simply replicating them in your new home.

ZeroEnergy Design

5. Establish big-picture goals and priorities for the project. You should now have a good handle on the specifics of each room. It’s time to take a step back and think about the project as a whole. As with any project, it’s important to establish a clear list of goals from the outset. These goals will help guide the decision-making process as you move forward, and form a handy touchstone when you face difficult choices or conflicting opinions.

They might be environmental goals, such as minimizing energy use or water consumption, or economic goals, such as maximizing affordability and minimizing ongoing maintenance costs. Your goals could also be personal ones, such as allowing for flexibility toward any future lifestyle changes or creating the perfect place to hold lavish dinner parties. Think of your goals as the values you want your final design to embody.

Fearns Studio

Finally, consider what relationship each room might have to another one. You might want a kitchen to be close to a dining area or to open onto the garden, for example. Alternatively, you might want to locate the bedrooms away from the main living area to ensure that they are quieter and more private.

Note it all down; you can’t write too much on all this stuff. Be as expansive and as specific as you like, but prioritize each item into “nonnegotiable,” “important” and “nice to have.”

Angus Mackenzie Architect

6. Finalize your list and address common mistakes. The last step in this process is about bringing it all together. You should have an overview of the rooms you think you need and their relationship to one another, as well as a fairly detailed description of what each room should contain and how it should feel.

There are, however, some very common mistakes people make during this process. Take one last look at your list to make sure you aren’t guilty of any of the following:

• Focusing too much on aesthetics. Instead, think more about quality, comfort and functionality. Trust me, looks can come later.
• Thinking purely room by room. Be sure you have set real goals and values for your whole project from the outset. A good designer is able to focus on the little details without forgetting the bigger picture.

schulberg demkiw architects

• Not considering all family members’ thoughts and feelings. Although you may be the one leading the design, don’t forget the other occupants of your home. The more they are invested in the process, the richer the design will become.
• Trying too hard to “keep up with the Joneses.” Just because your neighbors have a hot tub on the roof doesn’t mean you have to have one too. Stick to your specific needs and those of your family, and forget what everyone else is doing.
• Not considering the future. If this process is going to be worthwhile, your design needs to have flexibility to allow it to grow with you and your family. None of us know what the future holds, so aim for a design that can easily adapt should your circumstances change.

John Lum Architecture, Inc. AIA

Thank you to Houzz and

Mark Gregory

So You Want to Build: 7 Steps to Creating a New Home

Get the house you envision — and even enjoy the process — by following this architect’s guide to building a new home

Whether building new or renovating an existing structure, creating a new home is a journey of discovering who you are, what you want, how you want to live and where you want to be. It’s a chance for you to define your relationship to the world, to your family and to yourself. Creating a home is more than building “three bedrooms, 2½ bathrooms.” It is so much more than the sum of a few parts.

As with any journey, you’ll want to do some research and plan your trip. You’ll want to have a sense of what the end result should be and how much it’ll cost. And while you’ll no doubt be able to go it alone, having a seasoned and experienced guide show you the way will likely mean a more enjoyable, more enriching and overall better journey.

Let’s look at the steps, in chronological order, involved in creating a home.

Starting a project? Find an architect, general contractor, home builder or design-build firm to start

Neumann Mendro Andrulaitis Architects LLP

Lauren Mikus

1. Set goals. Creating a new home for yourself is all about setting goals and taking the steps to achieve those goals. You’ll want to establish the answers to a whole host of questions so that you can set these goals.

Goal setting requires satisfying both left- and right-brain activities. So your list of goals will include two sides: a practical, meat-and-potatoes side and an emotional, ice-cream-and-pie side. Each is important, and each needs to be recognized so that the end result will reflect a totality.

Questions to ask:
• What do you want to achieve?
• Where do you want to be?
• What will this cost?
• Can it really be achieved?
• Does plan A make sense?
• What’s plan B?

2. Establish a budget. While a budget should be in any goal statement, it’s such an important piece that it’s included here as a separate task. When making your budget, of course you’ll begin with what you can afford, and how the cost of your house fits in with your overall plans for the future. When you’re ready to get down to details, include everything that will go into the project: the cost of the land, local fees and taxes, design and engineering fees, construction of not just the home but the landscape, plus furniture and decorating.

And don’t forget a healthy contingency. As with any complex project, things will happen, and the road from point A to point B will have a detour or two. Make sure that these little side trips won’t send you over the edge.A spreadsheet program such as Excel is a good tool to use for developing a budget, as you can continuously update and modify it as you work your way through the project.

8 ways to stick to your budget

Randy Brown

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3. Find some land — or a neglected older house. Where do you want to be? How do you want to live? What are you looking for? Maybe you want that house in the mountains or with the ocean view, but it’s not in the cards right now, for economic or other reasons. No matter; you’ll likely be able to reinvent yourself later. For now, it’s the burbs with the good schools or some other place. The point is, find a spot on the globe that you can claim as your own and build what will be a home.

And maybe that land isn’t a few acres that’s never been trampled on. Maybe it’s an existing house that’s just old and tired and has suffered some neglect. The house whispers to you that it really does want to shed those avocado-colored appliances, that shag carpeting and those single-pane windows, and you know you’re the person to do that.

So take heart if you decide to transform that sow’s ear into a silk purse. You’ll be amazed at the transformation that can take place.

4. Assemble a team. While you might think you can go it alone, assembling a team of tried and true professionals is the better approach. After all, you wouldn’t represent yourself in court. So why wouldn’t you entrust your single largest investment to an experienced team that won’t be learning on your dime?

An architect and a builder (if not one and the same) are going to be your most important team members. These people will act as guide, therapist, advocate and counselor throughout the journey that creating your home is. And, as with all good professionals, the right guide can ensure that the journey is all the more enjoyable.

As you embark on this journey, you will likely want to add team members. A kitchen and bath designer, perhaps; maybe an interior designer, too. Certainly a landscape architect, who shouldn’t be the last person hired when all the money is gone; you want to create a beautiful yard that will complement the house.

5. Plan, plan and plan some more. Every large project I’ve ever worked on has had this one thing in common. The owner, whether a private developer, government agency or corporate entity, knew the importance of planning the project in detail before starting to build.

These owners knew that moving walls on paper is a whole lot cheaper than moving walls after they’re built. So embark on a robust planning and design phase.

• Play the “what if?” game. Sometimes the first answer is the right answer, sometimes it’s the 31st. Just remember not to settle until you’ve explored all the possibilities; you don’t want to say after the project has been built, “We should have done …”
• Go big or go home. And I don’t mean big as in size (that’s a whole separate discussion), but big as in big ideas. Building a home, be it from scratch or a renovation, is an exercise in making something that’s yours. So dream big and have grand plans. There will be time enough to deal with the realities of budget, zoning and codes. Don’t sweat the small stuff for now.
• Sweat the small stuff. Decisions, decisions, decisions. You’ll be asked to make many — more than you can imagine. Just remember that God is in the details, so make sure that the details are there so that your home will be uniquely your own and speak to who you are.

6 drawings on the way to a dream home

Phil Kean Designs

6. Accept the inevitable. You’ve made the plans, gotten the permits and secured the money; now the only thing left to do is build your house. You’ve accounted for everything, so it should all come together as smooth as silk. Easy, right?

Oddly enough, stuff happens. That’s a given. How you and your team react to these hiccups will be important. My advice is to stay calm, keep your sense of humor and work with your team to address the issue. This is where having the right team in place can pay dividends. An architect, a builder and others who can work together and share ideas without criticizing one another will go a long way to helping you keep your sanity.

Some tips for staying sane during construction:

• Don’t change your mind. Early on make all of the decisions you have to, select all of your finishes and don’t change your mind. Yes, you’ll be enticed by that new thing that comes along. Just remember that once construction starts, it’ll cost you time, money and perhaps a trip or two to a therapist if you change your mind.
• Turn a deaf ear to the goings-on. Every construction site is filled with workers complaining. After all, who doesn’t complain about his or her job? Who hasn’t wanted to vent about the boss? The best thing you can do is ignore it. Don’t worry; if it really is an issue, you’ll be told about it.

What contractors want you to know about building

Andrea Swan – Swan Architecture

7. Enjoy your new home. You’ve worked hard and spent more than a few dollars to create your new home, so enjoy it to the max.

Revel in the way the light falls across a room and how it changes with the seasons. Find unexpected places to talk with family members.

Discover how this place gives shape to your life and allows you to become the person you want to be.

In the end you’ll be amazed that your new house is so much more than the sum of just its three bedrooms, living room and so on. It’s the place you get to call home and make uniquely yours.

Thank you to Houzz and

Bud Dietrich, AIA

Groom Your Rooms With Kentucky Derby Decor

 It’s time to run for the roses! Celebrate the Kentucky Derby at home with decorative touches that evoke the Bluegrass State

 

It’s not the only marquee horse race in the country, but there’s something about the Kentucky Derby that conjures up a singular sense of romance and refinement. Where I live it’s a major cause for celebration — never mind that two whole states stand between Birmingham, Alabama, and Churchill Downs. I know countless folks here in town who can’t wait to break out their picture hats and pearl chokers, uncap the Maker’s Mark and invite friends for viewing parties on that first weekend in May.

So as long as everyone’s in the spirit, I thought, why not take it one step farther? Try these ideas for adding a little Kentucky style to your home. Long after the winner’s rose garland has wilted, you’ll remain at the peak of bluegrass chic.

Richard Taylor Architects

 

Drive through Kentucky and you’ll see miles of simple plank fences like this one, marking the boundaries of the thoroughbred farms that blanket the countryside. Fun fact: Traditionally, fences painted white signified wealth — they sent a subtle message that the farm’s owners could afford to repaint every year or two. Natural wood or brown-painted fences were considered a cut below. Who knew?

Archer & Buchanan Architecture, Ltd.

 

This split-rail fence is a rustic relative of the plank version. Its rough-hewn profile marries perfectly with the stone barn in the background.

 

When they’re not filled with crushed ice and bourbon, silver julep cups — the cocktail vehicle of choice at Derby time — turn into household workhorses (yikes, that pun came from nowhere). This trio holds petite bouquets, but you’ll see julep cups used as pencil holders, jewelry catchalls and decorative displays. Bonus points if they bear your monogram in a well-mannered script.

 

OK, so it’s from a horse show and not a race, but this loving cup certainly belongs in Derby-inspired decor. The julep cup is a small but vital supporting player in the little group of vessels.

BROWN DAVIS INTERIORS, INC.

 

When the horses have run for the roses and the lucky winner is draped with the garland, rose bouquets tucked around your house will add to the festive air. This one looks right at home amid a formal china cabinet.

McKay Flooring Ltd

 

Besides bluegrass, Kentucky is known for one other big B: bourbon. The walls and floors in this space are cloaked in salvaged whisky barrels (just pretend they bear a Wild Turkey or Woodford Reserve logo). Who could get enough of that rich, mellow sheen?

McKay Flooring Ltd

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Here’s a gorgeous detail from the whisky barrel wood above. Each plank has its own unique character, so you’re guaranteed a one-of-a-kind look.

Rough Linen

 

What’s the Kentucky Derby without hats? This sweetly simple pink number transitions from head to wall when the race is run. It won’t be the most flamboyant topper in the crowd, but it won’t look garish hanging on the hook, either.

 

A collection of straw bonnets perched on this rack feels sprightly and spring-fresh enough for Derby day and beyond.

Alan Mascord Design Associates Inc

 

And finally, the star of the show: equestrian accents. A well-weathered saddle and horse blanket perch beneath barn-inspired ceiling beams, so striking that they read as a single piece of sculpture.

See the rest of this home

Anthony Baratta LLC

 

In a more conventional home, these would be hunting prints. Horse images make for a pleasant surprise and add a note of gentleman’s-farm chic to this grand foyer.

Thank you to Houzz for the great information!!!!

Lisa Frederick

Kitchen Watch: Trends, Products and Lifestyle Elements

Modern Kitchens Reflect a Desire for Personality, Honest Materials, Healthy Living and Control

The evolution of the modern kitchen has finally hit a design crescendo. The following design directions reflect a greater desire for control, ease, and environmental sensitivity within the home that appears to be increasingly common among a diverse range of homeowners. Whether any or all of the possibilities below fully develop into future design concepts for kitchens or vary a bit — as many trends do — depend on regional influences and budgetary considerations.

Searl Lamaster Howe Architects

Lifestyle at home: Homes have become kitchen-centric, with kitchens serving as a family’s venue for leisure, work, and entertaining in addition to its utilitarian roles. Homeowners are willing to devote a greater share of thought, square footage, and budget to design kitchens that will ease this lifestyle integration. Moving forward, designers will seek to create more unified, holistic concepts for lifestyle-inclusive kitchen environments.

Kitchen Designs by Ken Kelly, Inc. (CKD, CBD, CR)

Personality-driven design: Many homeowners, not satisfied with cookie-cutter kitchens, are choosing to put a personal stamp on their designs to create unique spaces that showcase their aesthetic preferences and personalities. Consumers are savvier than ever about the options available to them, and they will continue to demand ever-more-personalized designs.

Tina Kuhlmann

Personality-driven design: Reflecting the kitchen’s shift from pure utility to venue for comfort and expression, elements like lighting fixtures, countertops, and hardware are getting the custom treatment with personalized touches, such as countertops embedded with favorite objects or motifs, or whimsical cabinet knobs.

Health and wellness: Going beyond simple conservation of resources, green design in the kitchen now puts a greater emphasis on healthy living. It is primarily driven by the farm-to-table movement and homeowners’ desire to live within an environment that supports their families’ health.

LDa Architecture & Interiors

Health and wellness: Indoor air quality is becoming more important to homeowners, so low- or no-VOC finishes, paints, sealants, and cabinetry materials are increasingly being incorporated into kitchens, as well as ventilation and filtration systems. Also, appliance industry groups currently are developing lifecycle-based sustainability standards for home appliances such as microwaves and refrigerators, which will add a new dimension to appliance performance.

HartmanBaldwin Design/Build

Honest use of materials: Stone’s natural veining is highly valued, and finish preferences have shifted toward honed rather than polished, to let the stone’s raw texture shine. A wider range of metals is being used, from stainless steel to polished nickel to bronzes and brasses with living finishes.

Honest use of materials: Natural materials are able to retain their own voices in today’s kitchens, rather than being muted by unnatural treatments. Wood cabinetry may be painted, but the preference is now for a hand-applied finish that allows brush marks and the material’s original grain to show through, for example.

Mark English Architects, AIA

Honest use of materials: Repurposing pieces in the kitchen area is popular, too. A bench that used to sit in an entry area can easily tuck into to a kitchen niche, giving a personal twist over a newly purchased piece.

Kenneth Fromme

Technological innovation: As the separation between kitchens and living rooms continues to disappear, homeowners are showing a greater preference for integrating and concealing utilitarian elements such as appliances using the aforementioned natural materials. This will be supported by technological advances.

Venegas and Company

Technological innovation: Technology also will enable seamless aging-in-place design and the incorporation of electronic displays and control panels, as well as lighting, into kitchen surfaces — countertops in particular. Further product innovations and electronic advances will make wireless/plugless countertop appliance operation a reality.

Thank you to Houzz for the great information!

Colorado Style

Plenty of color and art, plus a sense of adventurousness, wind through the contemporary renovation of this Denver family’s 1908 home

Jake and Christa Rost wanted four core values to shine through in their 1908 bungalow in Denver: family, community, creativity and an adventurous spirit. Partnering with Larry Kagiyama of Diagram C Interior Design, the couple thoughtfully designed and renovated their space with these ideals in mind.

To make the house their own, “We began renovating immediately,” Christa says. “I was pregnant with our first son, Alex, so the project definitely presented its challenges. Our biggest design dilemma was opening up the first floor and removing a wall that was 60 percent of the house load.” The couple then gave Kagiyama a general direction, with their art, travels and children serving as inspiration for the inviting color palette.Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Jake and Christa Rost; sons Alex (4 years old) and Henry (6 months)
Location: Congress Park, Denver
Size and style: 3,800 square feet; 4 bedrooms; 3.5 baths
That’s interesting: The home was featured on HGTV’s Bang for Your Buck.

Lauren Mikus

The kitchen features a 36-inch Wolf dual range stove top and a Kenmore dishwasher and refrigerator. All of the cabinetry is part of the Ikea Akurum/Rationell system, which helped keep the kitchen design within budget.

Lauren Mikus

“My top kitchen design priorities were to increase storage and counter space,” Christa says. “We love entertaining, and everyone congregates around the island. It makes me happy I can cook and still be a part of the party.”

The custom island features a zebra wood countertop.

Lauren Mikus

A colorful glass mosaic kitchen backsplash complements the concrete countertops. Its blue and olive hues add an element of visual surprise.

Lauren Mikus

The dining area, adjacent to the kitchen, is part of one large, shared space. Christa chose a fun, low-maintenance dining table she could enjoy with the kids. The lovely blue chest in the corner is a refurbished piece from retailer Serendipity in Longmont, Colorado.

Dining table: Brocade Home

Lauren Mikus

Christa and Jake extended the mosaic glass tile from the kitchen backsplash to the fireplace in the living room. They use this room for lounging in the evenings while reading the newspaper. Most of the artwork, including the piece above the fireplace, came from creative friends.

Lauren Mikus

This tufted ottoman cocktail table was purchased from local retailer HW Home. The Rosts love to read, and the tray serves as a perfect place for their latest magazines and books.

Lauren Mikus

The family badly needed additional storage prior to the renovation. These closets across from the family room in the entryway store winter coats and toys.

Lauren Mikus

The Rost home is full of photographs and unique keepsakes. A metal occasional table to the side of the sofa holds a lamp Kagiyama found at Urban Lights in Denver.

Lauren Mikus

In this renovated bathroom, used by the whole family, Ikea cabinetry from the Akurum/Rationell system is paired with a mirror from Brocade Home. Christa finds warm gray soothing and loves the contemporary feel of the tile on the back wall and floor.

Christa and Jake’s next project is renovating the guest bedroom into a master suite with a large bathroom and walk-in closet.

Lauren Mikus

The wooden train set and a charming red rocking horse are the focal points in Alex’s colorful bedroom. The tower of stacked books allows for easy nighttime reading; bedtime always includes at least two stories. Alex’s current favorite is a pop-up book about monsters.

Lauren Mikus

Kagiyama chose a bold blue color palette to transition with Alex over the years. Storage units keep toys tucked away but handy.

Bedding: Owl Duvet Set by DwellStudio

Lauren Mikus

Henry’s nursery is outfitted with Flor modular carpeting, also used in Alex’s room. The replaceable carpet tiles provide a great sense of peace for Jake and Christa, since they don’t have to worry about occasional messes.

Orange stool: Design Within Reach

Lauren Mikus

The master bedroom is compact, but the Rosts make it work. Jake uses the closet in this room, and Christa’s belongings occupy the larger closet in the guest bedroom. The original wallpaper is still intact, but Christa would like eventually to swap it out. Another project on the couple’s wish list is to create a master suite on the second floor and a guest suite/office on the third floor.

Lamp: Candice Olson Collection

Lauren Mikus

Jake’s study in the basement is packed with framed graphic prints, most from artist friend Rick Griffith of Matter Studio. Although this area functions primarily as Jake’s personal space, the cozy sectional is a popular spot for the Rost family, who do most of their movie watching here. Otherwise, you can find Jake delving into his fly-fishing books and records in this space.

Lauren Mikus

“Rick is an old friend of ours,” Christa says. “He’s a brilliant graphic designer who has a letterpress and screen printing studio downtown. As a designer myself, I was drawn to that particular series. The Denver Art Museum recently purchased pieces from him for their permanent collection, so I suspect it will be harder for us to afford his artwork soon!”

Lauren Mikus

Across the hall from Jake’s study is Alex’s craft room. This playful area serves as storage for additional toys and games. Floating shelves maximize the space and display Alex’s artwork.

Lauren Mikus

This first-floor guest bathroom features a mirror from Brocade Home. The textured tile backsplash mimics crocodile skin.

Lauren Mikus

The afternoon sun makes the front porch a destination in spring and summer. Christa and Jake made a decision early on to enhance curb appeal by laying all new sod in the front yard. Five years later, the lawn is thriving and inviting.

Lauren Mikus

The exterior of the home remains in its original state. The previous homeowner belongs to the Denver Historic Society and had the dwelling designated as a historic Denver home. A swing hangs from the front porch, perfect for views of the large trees and charming neighborhood.

“What we love most about Denver is the fact that it is a small town with big-city amenities,” Christa says. The couple especially loves being able to spend time skiing on the nearby slopes with their sons.

Another Colorado Tours:
Creative Denver Studio

Thank you to Houzz for this great information!

The Elegance of Experience: Old Pieces in New Places

Just because a house is brand new doesn’t mean it should flaunt its youth. While new homes have their charms – warranties, modern technology, central air – they often lack a certain je ne sais quoi that old homes, for all their leaky pipes and exposed radiators, have in spades.

Fortunately, newer homes warm right up when they’re decorated with interesting older pieces. Furniture with a story. Accessories with soul. I think that there’s a lot to be said for mixing cool old pieces with brand spanking new construction. You start with a clean slate and end up with the best of both worlds.

Here are some great examples of spaces that mix the best of old and new:

Dufner Heighes Inc

This room’s clean lines, stainless steel appliances and simple green and white dishes displayed as art look fresh, current and new. But the rich wood table and the rugged log basket seem decades old. In a more traditional setting, the table (and flowers) might seem fussy. Without them, the room could seem cold. But together, they create a welcoming, calm kitchen.

I might even take the “old” here a step further, giving the rug more of a starring role. I love its traditional pattern and the way it’s faded with use, but I might have chosen a larger rug with even deeper colors to perk up the room’s palette a bit.

These shiny floors tell one story, but the creaky old lockers beg to differ. New space sheen is taken off of this room with warm colors – I love the rusty shade of the chair – and cool vintage school lockers. Not only do they add personality, they also provide a great place to store extra books, magazines or DVDs.

The doors in this room are fantastic, too. They could be old and rehabbed or brand new – either way, they’re perfect, offering privacy while maintaining a feeling of openness. Architectural salvage warehouses are a great place for finds like these doors and the lockers. They’re full of hidden gems with tons of personality and history.

Abelow Sherman Architects LLC

Often, offices in new homes get the short end of the stick when it comes to decor. Because they’re hidden away, they’re an afterthought and end up with a random selection of furniture, piles of paperwork and way too many electrical cords. But wouldn’t it be better to work in a space that’s as thoughtful and attractive as the rest of the house?

This is the kind of room that’s conducive to really great work. New floors and neat white walls are a perfect match for an organic, rough wood counter acting as a desk. Sleek architectural lines and modern chairs keep the room feeling uncluttered while the shelves, full of pottery, photos and souvenirs, tell a thousand stories.

Kerrie L. Kelly

Adding personality to a new space doesn’t require blanketing the house with antiques. One tiny detail – like the carving on a dining room chair – can lend gravitas to a whole room.

Here, paired with art that’s modern and expressive, but subtle in terms of color, and simple table accessories, the chair seems like it has a story to tell – one much older than anything else in the room.

Susan M. Davis

I absolutely love this image for the story it tells about the homeowners’ priorities and care. The new tile backsplash juxtaposed with rough wood shelves and an antique glass-front cabinet is the best of both worlds – modern tile products and technology meet old school quality construction.

Plus, the colors are fantastic. The beige tile and buttery yellow wall are neutral but interesting, and the rich green-blue of the cabinet is totally unexpected and great with the gorgeous gold glassware inside.

Careful details like the 19th century Karabagh carpet soften the edges on a brand new room. At the same time, the decor doesn’t go overboard, screaming “antique.” The fussy patterns of the carpet are offset by modern furniture with simple lines and funky, but understated, art.

The one thing I’d change about this space is the lighting. I like the simple, modern sconces, but the track lighting doesn’t do the rest of the room justice. It’s too informal for a space like this, and seems like an afterthought. A great vintage chandelier – something sort of masculine, nothing too fussy – would really tie this room together.

Doyle McCullar Fine Interiors

Chandeliers are like the fairy godmothers of decorating – they can transform a room from too shiny and new to established and beautiful with just the flick of a dimmer switch. This rock crystal example is ornate and nearly over the top, but it lends exactly the right amount of gravitas to an otherwise brand new room.

Thoughtful tableware is also a great – and not necessarily expensive – way to add elegance and class to a new space. Even a new, modern table feels established when it’s topped with an impressive candelabra. These white accessories are perfect for this space – they dress up the table but don’t compete with the chandelier.

Tons of built-ins are a key attraction in this newly renovated brownstone and a great example of the benefits of new construction. The cabinets and bench are pretty and functional.

But the real star here is the table. Its rough finish adds the perfect touch of rustic history to the understated, minimal room. It’s easy to imagine years of family gatherings around this piece of furniture.

I also love the black and white photograph. Family photos make every room more special, and sticking with black and white really works with the room’s clean, neutral palette. This is a calming space.

That said, I might add a bright throw pillow or two on the bench. Something in yellow or a pink-red would add some energy to the space without sacrificing its peaceful vibe.

Rossington Architecture

Besides looking incredibly comfortable, these chairs add graceful age to a minimal new space. The chairs’ lines are modern – I love the straight arms – but the leather is warm and welcoming and looks lived in. Overall, the space looks comfortable – but not sloppy.

I would, however, add a rug to warm up these wood floors just a bit. Maybe something full of texture, like a flokati rug. I’d keep the windows curtainless, though – I like the way the sharp angles of the window echo the lines of the chairs.

Lucky dog. This space is amazing – and fairly easy to replicate. The basic lines of mid-century furniture, like this night table and the fantasic lamp, are a great match for new construction.

Here, they’re kept from looking too stark thanks to the rest of the decor. The wallpaper adds depth and the bed is full of crazy textures. I love the idea of the fuzzy, cozy bedspread and sexy leather pillows. A couple of neat, cotton-coverered throw pillows are a surprisingly simple addition that ties the whole look together. The wild mix of textures and careful balance of warm and cool colors adds up to a space that really works.

Thank you to Houzz for the great information!!!!!

A Modern Farmhouse in the Hamptons

An architect’s son brings a lifetime’s worth of lessons into play in this sleek, spacious farmhouse-style home in New York

his Houzz profile shows, Jeff Chmielewski is an architect’s son. Growing tired of what he saw as lackluster design in the Bridgehampton community of Long Island, New York, Chmielewski designed and built the farmhouse he now shares with his family — all without formal design training. He attributes its success to his decades of exposure to all things architectural and, of course, a little bit of help from his father. “I spent months drawing and laying out the residence,” he says, “faxing my sketches to my dad and getting CAD files back in return.”

Chmielewski is proud of his home, a farmhouse perched at the top of a field near Bridgehampton’s Main Street. Built with traditional bones and modern shapes, it’s filled with items that reflect his discerning taste. “I wanted to be very conscious of the surrounding environment — the Bridgehampton Historical Society is located on the other side of the field that the house sits on. But at the same time, I love the light and openness of modern architecture and needed a compromise,” says Chmielewski.

Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Jeff and Angela Chmielewski and baby Chase
Location: Bridgehampton, New York
Size: 4,800 square feet
That’s Interesting: Chmielewski is writing a book on home design and building called The 80/20 House.

Chmielewski sited the windows of the main living spaces on the southern side of the house, allowing plenty of light to warm the space. The passive solar heat generated by the southern exposure helps keep the house warm in the cold winter months. In the summer, the house stays cool in the shade of trees surrounding the property.

The house is clad in cedar shingles, divided-light windows and a metal barn roof in homage to Bridgehampton’s potato farming and agrarian roots. Chmielewski chose cable railings for the balconies because they disappear into the shingles when seen from afar and don’t obstruct the view.

A single potted orchid provides the only flora inside the house, which is surrounded by vegetation. Chmielewski bought the vintage Scandinavian chair from a brocante store called Guéridon. “The chair is one of a pair; it doesn’t have any labels or markings, but they are similar to the Falcon Chair by Sigurd Resell,” he says.

Chmielewski retreats to this reading nook during his downtime. “It’s a great place to read a book and enjoy the view,” he says. Each window panel has two independent parts; the bottom sections open and allow the breeze to cool the space in the summer months.

Windows: Lincoln Windows

The kitchen’s open floor plan, unadorned windows, and floating cabinets and shelves, plus the clean, simple lines of the décor, enlarge the space visually.

“We have guests visit us almost every weekend,” says Chmielewski. “Our kitchen is open and visible from the dining area, living room and screened porch, so no one ever feels left out. From May to November we buy all of our produce from the local farmers’ stands.” He and his wife have never had a get-together catered. “We do our own cooking and try to get everyone involved.”

A reclaimed wood table with a modern glass top and antique chairs occupy the dining room. Chmielewski, a self-professed math geek, designed the wood-burning fireplace as an expression of the golden ratio, widely considered the most aesthetically pleasing proportion.

Browse thousands of fireplace designs

“How the light hits the home throughout the day, how the floor plan flows from room to room, and how each room relates to one another — getting these elements right will make more of a difference than anything else when you design and build a home,” says Chmielewski. Wife Angela (above) reclines and watches over their baby, Chase, as dusk approaches.

Beanbag: Roche Bobois; pumpkin sofa and rug: Ligne Roset; mounted photograph: Jeff Chmielewski; stools: Eames Walnut Stools

When asked about the stark and clean interior spaces of his home (bathroom and bedroom images above), Chmielewski waxes philosophical. “It’s important to leave unadorned spaces in any new home. We have our whole lives to gather beautiful things, and you need to leave some places to add the things you find along the way.”

Thank you to Houzz for this great info and contributor:

Cathy Lara

Bathroom Trends: Open Vanity Storage

Give Your Bath Functional Storage and Extra Style Points, Too

The open storage trend started with kitchen cabinets exposing stylishly organized dish and glassware. This trend has now moved to the bathroom. After all, bathrooms can always use another way to make an added style statement since they tend to be more utilitarian areas. This look can be achieved in both modern and traditional homes. Not only does it look great, but it also helps create a more open look to those tight bathroom spaces! Here are some great tips on ways to successfully achieve an open vanity look.

Lori Shaffer

If you have a long open run, adding some symmetry will help to create an organized and balanced look to the space. Folded towels help to soften the space creating added warmth and visual comfort.

AMI Designs

Utilizing baskets to contain smaller items is key in keeping a clean look. The baskets used in this space coordinate nicely with the overall finishes of the bathroom without stealing the show.

John Maniscalco Architecture

Create a spa-like look by lining up rolling towels. Displaying crisp white towels helps set the mood for the bathroom, giving it a clean look. And there are few places better for a clean look than the bathroom.

Jennifer Brouwer (Jennifer Brouwer Design Inc)

More traditional and transitional spaces can benefit from an open vanity. Opening up some shelves instantly gives you the illusion of more space. The light-colored box storage helps to contain smaller items and offers some contrast to the dark heavy wood.

Prestige Custom Building & Construction, Inc.

Smaller vanities and powder baths can also look fantastic with an open vanity! Imagine this space with a floor-to-countertop doors and drawers. It would appear incredibly closed in and lack style. By giving this vanity furniture-like legs and open shelving, you immediately get the feel of more space.

Schnarr Craftsmen Inc

In smaller bathrooms where there is a lack of counter space, homeowners can use an open vanity space to display items that are typically placed on countertops, like tissue boxes, cotton swabs and other toiletries.

Ana Williamson Architect

Displaying additional rolls of toilet tissue is not always a great look in a guest bath, but when discretely displayed in an open vanity you can give your guests peace of mind when the last square gets used and keep them from riffling through your doors and drawers.

Beth Dotolo, ASID, RID, NCIDQ

In guest bathrooms, like this one where storage isn’t important, it can be nice to simply leave the space open to create the look of more space. Guests can then use the space underneath however they need to.

The open vanity is a trend I don’t see soon disappearing for two reasons: It offers the illusion of more space and gives you extra opportunity to be creative and stylishly functional.

Thank you to Houzz for the great information!