Category: Home Renovation

Just because the summer is ending doesn’t mean that you can’t squeeze in time at your lake house. In fact, it may be the perfect time! The kids are back in school and busy lake hours have come to a sudden halt. How could anyone pass that up? The only difference is you’ll need to consider any re-decorating or designing that you want done for next summer. Feel inspired by following our tips to revamp your lake house in time for next summer’s hustle and bustle.

When you’re preparing for summer days spent at the lake house, it’s easy to ignore the chances of rain. Thankfully, you can always prepare your space for a fun day spent inside. By creating a large media room, everyone can cozy-up together for a movie while the rain drizzles down. To enhance the theater feel, consider adding black or navy drapes along the walls of your basement space. Also, consider incorporating stadium-type seating with wooden risers to sit in a staggered fashion. Most importantly, add cozy blankets and pillows!

Consider your options for how you’ll watch the movie. For example, you could use a large flat-screen television or a projector screen. If you choose the projector, be sure to place it somewhere near the ceiling so it doesn’t cast the shadow of someone’s head! Now you can pop the popcorn and gather ‘round to watch one of your favorite flicks!

Now is the time to think about Phantom’s motorized retractable screens for the ultimate protection against pesky bugs. If you and your family enjoy eating outdoors, then this is the best way to keep your dinner to yourselves. When they’re not in use, Phantom’s retractable screen system can disappear with the click of a button. Executive screens can fit a single opening as wide as 25 feet. Get your windows, doors and patio ready for next summer’s battle against bugs!

Do you sometimes find that more people end up at your lake house than you expected? In no time flat, a get-together of a few family members and friends can turn into an elaborate social event. As long as you have enough seating for everyone, this doesn’t have to be an issue. You’ll want to add a couple of large couches for the living room and extra seating to the kitchen area. Also, by including a large dining table and an island, people can relax with a cool drink.

You will also want to be sure to have plenty of space outside for guests. Since this is where people are going to be most frequently, ample seating is extra important. Try to get some chairs that are stackable so they can be stored in a garage, shed or even just on the deck so people can grab them when needed.

A built-in fire pit is a must for any lake house. There’s just no better way to spend your evening than roasting marshmallows! In your yard, you can install a fire pit with brick so that it’s easily contained and will be big enough to keep everyone cozy. Place a few comfortable chairs and campfire necessities around the fire so people can grab a blanket and enjoy the night.

Now is the time of the year when the crisp fall air begins to make its way across the country. With a few minor tweaks, transition your outdoor living spaces from summer to fall. You can follow these simple steps to create a warm, welcoming fall patio.

Accessories

Is your outdoor space filled with bright hues of turquoise, peach and yellow? It’s time to swap the tropical vibes for warm cozy colors! Consider burnt orange, golden yellow and rich red. These colors embrace the tones of fall, and they will make your outdoor patio the perfect oasis for the season. Switch out your rugs, pillows, seat cushions and décor to accompany the transition into fall. To further accent your beautiful space, add large candles in glass vases.

Bring In Warmth

Fire features are the perfect fall addition to an outdoor living space. While you can easily purchase space heaters to keep your patio toasty, actual fire features add a whole new element. Try these ideas:

• Built-in fireplace: Why not have a permanent fireplace? It’s a safe and striking addition to an outdoor space! However, make sure that you place it accordingly so there is plenty of open room for seating. If you have a dining table outside, plan to enjoy a meal without getting cold. Consider this as well if you are constructing a built-in fire pit.
• Chiminea: These small, effective fire pits are a great option for people who’d like move their fire feature around the patio. Although they don’t give as much warmth as larger fire features, chimineas are perfect for intimate settings.
• Gas fire pit: While the smell of burning wood adds character, it can also be a pain to constantly add more wood. Instead, you can opt for a gas fire pit, which can add a modern appeal to your outdoor living space. You can purchase a gas fire pit in virtually any shape or size. That way, you can plan the entire area exactly how you want it!

Seasonal Arrangements

If you have a green thumb, now is the ideal time to plant fall flowers outdoors. Add small planters around the space with yellow, orange and red arrangements. You can then utilize green shrubbery for a natural and calming aesthetic. Additionally, consider filling vases and containers with branches that don’t need sunlight or warmth to add an earthy feel. Once the season begins to really settle into fall, don’t forget about gourds and pumpkins as decor in your space. These are simple yet elegant and will add a cozy feel to your outdoor area with very little effort.

A Basket Of Comfort

If you spend most of television time on your patio, you may want to consider something to store thick blankets. You won’t want to keep these items outside with bugs and dust, but a lockable chest will keep them protected. You may even want to toss a couple cozy sweaters in there for those cold nights next to the bonfire!

While some home renovation projects can be accomplished on your own, remodeling can become quite complex. If you’re planning on adding onto your house, or changing the layout, homeowners quickly discover that hiring help can make all the difference. So, who do you call? A residential architect will bring your project to the next level, while minimizing the stress on you and your family.

Residential architects are certified to design building structures; therefore, they will be familiar with local building codes which you may not be. They will work with you to design a safe and aesthetically pleasing home. Whether you want a full addition or a simple outdoor living space, they will draw a unique design to suit your taste.

Just as with any professional, do your research before making a decision. Read reviews from other homeowners and look through pictures of the architect’s work to ensure their style matches your own. Once you narrow your search down to a handful of potential candidates, request their portfolio. Go through the designs and ask yourself questions. What features do you like from their work? Which do you not? Can you see yourself living in one of their designs?

Once you’ve hired a suitable choice- don’t step back! While they are the professional, it is ultimately your vision, so give them feedback! Be involved in the entire process and do your best to actively communicate what you want and what you would like to avoid. Give honest, constructive feedback as you start seeing preliminary sketches. If there is a certain technology or feature you would like to include in your home (like a retractable screen!) inform your architect in the very beginning. This way, they will be able to accommodate this feature in their design.

Although the architect is only responsible for designing and drawing the blueprints, many like to stick around for the entire building process. They will be invaluable to you during the project as they can help you to acquire permits and oversee construction. Some have construction administration background, and might be able to assist you with management of the contractors as well. It is best to discuss all this with the architect in the early stages (PS. They will charge you for the additional work!)

After they have completed the preliminary sketches, blueprints, and construction documents, ask them for recommendations on the next step. Architects have worked with different companies and individuals over the years and will be able to give you insider information on different contractors. Ask for an honest opinion. You may follow their recommendation to a tee, or choose to use it as a guideline.