Browsing Tag

home design ideas

which-home-architecture-do-you-like-best

Would you like to design a residential space that matches your needs and preferences?

Whether you’re moving into a new home or re-designing your present abode, you need to know your options. As you plan your future home, you may consider a variety of home architecture styles.

From modern to classic designs, there’s plenty of variety on the market. Each home style serves the needs of a variety of families, so you need to do your research thoroughly.

To help you out, we’ve outlined some of the most common home architecture styles below. Let’s dive in.

Art Deco

Art Deco architecture is a style of home architecture that was popular in the 1930s. It features bold, geometric shapes, such as zigzags and chevrons, as well as bright colors and high ceilings. It also includes intricate metalwork on doors and windows.

Modern Art Deco home architecture often includes features like modern tubular steel construction. Art Deco homes often use bright, reflective glass and chrome accents for a more dramatic effect and increased curb appeal. 

Asian

In Asian countries, there is a wide range of home architecture styles to choose from. Each county has its style of home architecture with its unique features and characteristics.

In Japan, traditional homes often feature tatami mats. They have intricately painted sliding doors called fusuma. And it also features paper-thin walls called shoji.

In India, typical house styles include the Kerala-style nalukettu, which has traditional courtyards. There is also the Bengal-style muktanasthana. This type of Indian-style architecture includes large open spaces for lavish entertaining.

In China, the hutongsa traditional lane-style of houses is still popular. It features arched doorways, tiled roofs, courtyards, and gardens that connect the houses.

Craftsman 

Craftsman is a home design characterized by a balance between functionalism and ornamentation. The homes have clean lines and use natural materials, such as wood and stone. Furthermore, these homes emphasize comfort and warmth through natural lighting and ventilation.

They feature extensive use of exposed beams, columns, and rafters, as well as built-in cabinets and shelving. They also feature large porches that wrap around the house, providing shade and a place to relax. So if this type of design appeals to you, you are gonna need to work with people like this construction company to achieve its style.

Contemporary 

Contemporary homes combine clean lines, expansive windows, and simplistic, efficient designs. A contemporary design often features an open home floor plan which promotes airiness and increased light flow. These homes often use smooth surfaces, such as glass and metal, to achieve an air of modernity and sophistication. 

Mediterranean

The Mediterranean architectural style features a white stucco exterior and a red-hued tile roof. It has been popular for centuries in the Mediterranean Sea, Italy, Spain, and the Southwestern United States.

The style features bright, open floor plans, courtyards, patios, gardens, and arches. The interior design includes high ceilings, wood or tile floors, and arched doorways. Also common in this design are large windows allowing a great amount of natural light to enter the building. 

Modern

Modern home architecture is often sleek and airy. It utilizes advanced technologies like solar power and green insulation. Modern homes often feature floor-to-ceiling glass walls and surfaces. This maximizes the use of natural light and reduces energy costs.

Natural elements like stone, wood, metal, and glass elements can be mixed for unique, beautiful results. Unique materials and shapes can also be used to create modern focal points. 

Plantation

Plantation architecture refers to a style of home that was popularized in the 19th century in the Southern United States. It features column-adorned wraparound porches and tall ceilings with elaborate moldings. They are reminiscent of the grand estate homes of the French and Spanish colonists in the South.

Plantation homes are usually built on large properties. They incorporate the land’s landscaping and foliage into the design of the home. These homes were built to be durable and inviting.

Prairie

Prairie architecture is a style that draws inspiration from the natural beauty of the American Midwest region. It was first popularized in the early 20th century by influential architects such as Frank Lloyd Wright.

Prairie homes are typically two stories. They have steeply pitched roof lines, broad overhangs, and expansive windows to create an open, airy feel. Many of them feature an open floor plan, with public areas like the living room, dining room, and kitchen flowing smoothly into one another.

The façade will be brick or masonry and accented with large square columns for lavish detailing. The most distinguishing feature of Prairie architecture is its emphasis on horizontal lines. The overall effect is majestic and timeless.

Townhouse

Generally considered to be a type of row house, townhouses are often stacked in groups of two to four stories and have a multi-level roof. Typically there are rooms on every level, with a full or half bath and kitchen either on the first floor or basement level.

This design gives townhouses a unique and compact feel. So they are ideal for busy professionals and families living in crowded urban areas. 

Victorian 

Victorian home architecture is well-known for its grand and ornate architecture. It often features unique elements such as steeply pitched roofs and heavy, ornate front and back porches.

These homes are often constructed of brick or wood and painted in either bright or muted colors. They typically feature expansive bay or bow windows, tall ceilings, and a variety of decorative elements. This decoration can come in the form of columns, wreaths, and dentil molding.

Other features may include columns or pilasters with capitals, arched entrance ways, and ironwork. Inside, these homes often boast carved moldings, hardwood floors, and ornate fireplace mantels. 

Home Architecture Styles and Designs Fit for Your Needs

Home architecture is a reflection of the cultures, styles, and materials used in different regions and eras. That’s why each type of home architecture boasts its unique attributes. 

So if you’re starting to build a home, you should explore the different types of home architecture. This will help you select a style and shape that best suits your needs. Discovering the characteristics of each type of architecture is the first step in finding your family’s dream home! 

For more articles, check out the rest of our site.

0 comment
Share:
open-concept-home-what-is-a-barndominium

Many people remain unaware of an option open to them when they choose to build a home. However, the barndominium is an excellent choice for a variety of reasons. Don’t let the nickname barndo fool you or the fact that this housing option was created to allow caretakers to stay close to their animals. Today, it serves as the perfect solution for many people wishing to buy a home and design it the way they want. 

The Benefits of a Bardominium

The Barndominium works for a range of housing styles, including vacation rentals and luxury homes. What makes this the perfect residence in upscale rural areas known for their vineyards and expansive ranches? Why would a person wish to invest in a residence that is unlike anything they are familiar with in terms of the building methods used? These serve as only a few of the countless questions a person may have before deciding if this option is right for their needs. 

Customization

When a person chooses to construct a barndo, they find they have countless options available to them. The building often comes as nothing more than a shell with basic framing on the interior. As a result, the owner finds they can finish the interior however they desire. One person might want an open floor plan that allows the interior to be wide open other than bedrooms and bathrooms. Another individual may choose to have separate areas for each part of their daily life. It’s all a matter of what the owner wants and needs when it comes to the residence, as no two families are alike. 

Furthermore, companies now offer a do-it-yourself option that every potential buyer should consider. The construction team handles the basic tasks. They construct the metal shell, hook up the utilities, and handle tasks such as putting up the drywall. Once this work is complete, they turn the home over to the new owner. This individual then handles all of the remaining details, such as choosing the flooring and fixtures before having them installed. This ensures the home meets the owner’s needs and wishes in every way. 

Construction

People find they must wait months to have their new residence inhabitable when they choose to build from the ground up using conventional building methods. That isn’t the case when a person opts for a barndominium. Experienced crews can have the metal shell construction up in a fraction of the time. The homeowner can then take as long as they want or need to complete the interior of the residence. Doing so ensures the home is everything the owner dreamed of when starting the project and remains within their budget at the same time. They finish the home as money allows to ensure they get the perfect residence in every way. 

Durability

The metal used to create a barndo ensures the residence will last for decades. In fact, these materials come with a longer lifespan than conventional building materials. Homeowners know they are making an investment in the future that will provide a nice return on investment in the coming years. 

Flexibility

One reason people love barndos is the structure can be used as a home or combine elements of both a workplace and living space. It’s all a matter of what the individual wants and needs from their residence. As more people work from home today than ever before, it’s no wonder they are taking a second look at the barndominium option.

Furthermore, potential buyers find they can create a home that allows them to enjoy both indoor and outdoor living. They select those features that will be of most benefit to them. For example, one person might wish to have a rollup door on their residence to accommodate their classic car collection. Another buyer could select oversized windows throughout the home to enjoy the beauty of the landscape even when they must stay indoors. 

Creating the Perfect Residence

When designing a barndominium, individuals find they have flexibility. While certain rooms must be situated a particular way to accommodate utilities, the majority of the interior layout can be customized to meet the needs of the owner. Experts recommend planning the home around the way each room will be used. 

Once the square footage of the barndominium has been decided, it’s time to begin planning the interior. Many barndos feature a main living area with a loft area above this space. To ensure the home feels open and welcoming, many individuals opt for large windows and a wraparound deck. However, these serve as only two of the countless ways the barndo can be designed for the specific individual or family who will live there. 

Finishing the Barndominium

When the time comes to finish the interior of the residence, experts offer some advice that will benefit any new homeowner. They explain that color serves as the best way to make the house a home. When the residence contains a large, open space, add a colorful stripe that extends around the perimeter of the room. Doing so provides the area with an intimate feel. Countless individuals opt for an accent wall, as this helps provide the large open space with a focal point, and homeowners should consider making the ceiling the accent wall. 

Large furnishings serve as the perfect pieces for barndominiums. These furnishings include oversized chairs and sectionals, among other things. When placing the furniture, group pieces together to distinguish different living spaces. Many people tend to arrange their furniture in a way that leaves the residence looking like a furniture store. Using this technique that can be avoided. 

Allow the furnishings to tie the different areas of the home together. A single color palette across the different spaces serves as a great way to accomplish this goal. If you are concerned about becoming bored with this color, choose a neutral palette. By doing so, you can change up the look of the space simply by changing accessories in the different rooms. Add some new throw pillows or choose lamps in a different color to achieve this goal.

Area rugs serve as another great way to separate different living spaces in an open concept home. The rugs help to define the different areas and separate them. Again, try to keep the rugs in the same color palette for a look others will envy. 

Barndominiums serve as a great option for individuals looking to build a home. Speak to a builder today to learn whether this option meets your needs. Many people find it is exactly what they want for their new residence, as these structures have so much to offer. 

0 comment
Share:
home-redesign-due-to-the-pandemic

Even if you’re fortunate enough to have been unaffected by the pandemic, there’s no denying its impact on our daily lives. It changes the way we go about and walk outside, and how we interact with others. When businesses close, our options for leisure activities are limited.

The implications of communicable diseases have made people turn indoors more than ever. Employers have allowed us to work from home. Schools are exploring online learning as an alternative or supplement to the classroom. And whatever you need, from groceries and gadgets to disinfectant and kitchen appliances, you can buy online.

Many of these changes in our behavior can prove to be here for the long term. And with this lifestyle shift, an indoor design change will be helpful. Here’s how we can rethink our living spaces.

Design shifts through history

It’s a designer’s job to craft specific user experiences. Product designers will try to make things simple and functional so that you don’t need a manual, or refer to one as little as possible. Layout designers subtly guide your eye through the pages of a book or website, presenting information in the right hierarchy of importance.

The nature of design implies that it’s intimately connected to user behavior. Trends don’t just come and go on the collective whims of designers; they are tied to shifts in the values and perceptions of the people over time.

History has shown that during times of economic downturn, consumer behaviors will change. And in response, design adapts. The Great Depression saw a refinement of the Art Deco aesthetic into Streamline Moderne styles. Designers moved away from excess and began to emphasize practicality and affordability,

In a similar manner, the recent recession of 2008 had a strong influence on the design world. Even as it became clear to the millennial generation that job prospects were bleak and lifestyles less affordable than before, design shifted to accommodate their needs. Shabby chic and the DIY ethos were two closely related trends that blossomed as an outcome of these tough economic times.

Trends after a recession

We’re little more than a decade removed from that last recession. And the aesthetic trends it helped spawn are still flourishing. Thus, with the pandemic having triggered another recession, it’s reasonable to expect that design will continue to evolve along those same lines.

Due to financial difficulties, both on the consumer side and within the design industry itself, people value the DIY approach as a low-cost way of making things look good. Blemishes and flaws speak to authenticity, frugality, and sustainability.

We can expect the trend of overall minimalism to continue as people move away from consumerism. Spending more time at home, you’ll inevitably learn more about what you can and can’t live without. As people lose jobs and overseas manufacturing returns onshore, we’ll want to support locally made products more than ever.

Sustainability also ties into the need for nature that many people feel during a time of lockdowns and social distancing. We’ll continue to bring plants and natural materials into our homes as they become office spaces. They help us to deal with stress; growing herbs or vegetables in an indoor garden can also prove attractive for cost-saving reasons.

Your response to the pandemic

You can adjust to the pandemic in terms of health measures. This can be as simple as placing hand disinfectant in every room, or it can involve extensive improvements to your ventilation. HEPA filters, and HVAC systems that use less recirculated air, can reduce the presence of disease-spreading particles in the air.

More practically, you might want to adapt your home for improved functionality. We’re missing a lot of things due to the impact of the pandemic. A kitchen upgrade, for one, can help offset the closure of local restaurants by elevating the home cooking and dining experience. Multi-functional spaces within the home can also help to address those lost comforts.

For instance, if you haven’t been able to hit the gym lately, rolling out a yoga mat in your room might not yield the desired experience. Try bringing more dedicated fitness equipment into one of your existing spaces. You could even combine it with your home office, as the ability to hold video calls can also connect you to fellow fitness enthusiasts and online trainers.

Ultimately, design trends reflect the needs of a wide swath of the population and how designers respond to those voices. But when it comes to how you live and go about redesigning your home, you have the final word on such matters. No one else is more keenly attuned to your needs.

0 comment
Share:
friday-favourites-large-clocks

Friday Favourites this week ….Large clocks!  They are one of our favourite ways to add wall decor to a space.  Large Wall mounted clocks are a great way to fill up an empty wall space but they are also very useful! You can hang these clocks on their own or even add one to a gallery wall. There are so many styles of wall clocks, so you will be sure to find one that suits your style.

Decorating with Large Clocks

Here are some great inspiration images for how you can decorate with an over sized clock.

Photo credit : Magnolia Market

This area is perfect for serving drinks and snacks in this ‘bunk room’.  The aged finish of the large clock adds character to this space and the light contrast with the wall colour is soothing and fresh.

Photo credit : Kirkland’s

This oversized roman numeral wall clock has a touch of a traditional feel but pair with with more casual pieces like the natural wood console table at this entry and some farmhouse textures – it looks more relaxed plus have the clock leaning (instead of wall mounting it) makes it look less formal. Clocks at an entry is beautiful but also practical!

This is a model townhome we styled just recently… and we used a large farmhouse style clock for above the fireplace.  We love the galvanized metal trim and the rustic rope (plus it was easy to hang).  Its fills up this fireplace wall space and the round shape adds some softness to the room as well.

Shop large Clocks

We have rounded up some of our favourite large clocks from various stores that we love for the home

The Dresden Wall Clock – available at Urban Barn – is one of our favourites! We love the painted wood plank detail, the antique trim finish and the roman numerals add another aged feel to this piece.

This Industrial style Wall clock is available on Amazon and the simplicity of this clock is a perfect piece to add to a space with some loft inspiration with an industrial look – this would look great mounted on a brick wall.

This Iron Tower Large Wall Clock from Wayfair would be a great additional to a traditional style space or even a farmhouse look.  We love the simplicity of this piece and in the oversized scale it adds great presence to any room.

We love design elements that are beautiful but also practical….do you have a clock in your space? Maybe it’s time to add one …

LOOKBOOK FOR WALL CLOCKS…

0 comment
Share: