Appliance Innovations You Should Know About

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The 2015 Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in Las Vegas was packed with appliance manufacturers featuring their latest and greatest products.  I browsed them all and compiled a list of the most impressive new appliance features that you should pay attention to.

SIDE OPEN OVEN:  Bosch’s 30 inch Benchmark Series Wall Ovens are available with side opening doors.  The ovens come in either right or left swing doors.  This is an option you should expect to see more of and one you may want to consider for your next wall oven.

The side opening door allows for easier transfer of heavy items in and out of the oven and when mounted at the appropriate height, it is accessible for those in wheelchairs.

 

SPEED MICROWAVE OVEN:  Everyone likes to save time, energy and space.  A speed microwave helps you do just that.  Instead of eating up valuable real estate in your kitchen with a built-in microwave and second convection oven, you can use a combination microwave/convection oven like the one made by Bosch.  

The ovens come in either 27 inch or 30 inch widths and the Bosch Benchmark series ovens are designed to align with one another in both vertical and horizontal configurations.  The sleek design also allows for a flush installation so the face of the appliance aligns with the face of your cabinets.

 

FRONT CONTROL 30 INCH GAS RANGES:  This may not sound exciting to many of you, but finding a 30″ gas range with front mount controls has been a difficult proposition that is finally getting a little easier.  Thermador and Frigidiaire both offer 30″ gas ranges with front controls.  From a design perspective, the front controls allow you to have a clean look with an uninterrupted backsplash; however, that’s not the only advantage.  Front mount controls also prevent you from reaching over hot elements or pans to reach the controls.

 

  

CUSTOM PANELED REFRIGERATOR/ FREEZER COLUMNS:  More and more homeowners are realizing the advantages of having full column freezers and refrigerators as opposed to a combination refrigerator/freezer.  As these products gain in popularity so do the design options.  Appliances designed to accept custom panels have swung the design door wide open.  Refrigeration design options are limitless with the new custom panel configurations offered by Thermador’s Freedom Collection.  The design below was featured at KBIS 2015 and includes custom made wood panels on the wine columns and custom made copper panels on the refrigerator and freezer columns.

 
The newly engineering hinges on the Thermador Freedom Collection refrigeration units allow them to support tremendous weight and still achieve a 115 degree swing.  This series of refrigeration columns have custom designed quartzite panels and handles.

Appliance innovations abound each and every year with a dizzying array of options, accessories and price points.  When you’re ready to upgrade your appliances or design your dream kitchen space, seek the advice of a professional who can help lead the way.

 

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From Dark to Dreamy: a Modest Kitchen Makeover with Bold Results

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Stained wood can add charm, warmth and richness to our homes, but it requires a certain level of balance to prevent it from becoming overwhelming, dark or oppressive.  The balance in this project had yet to be achieved, but there were elements worth saving that would help transform the space from dark to dreamy…

Stained floors, ceilings and cabinets coupled with dark red walls made the space feel tight and outdated.
While a small island formed an obstacle that interrupted the flow and function of the kitchen and didn’t provide a large enough prep surface.
The dual loaded galley style kitchen with center island created a bisected space with narrow working aisles leaving the eating area underutilized and inefficient.
The existing kitchen plan had tight circulation clearances and limited work surface.  Foot traffic from the Foyer flowed directly through the working area and in front of the often used refrigerator.  It was not conducive to entertaining or accommodating for multiple cooks.  The breakfast table was not needed, but better access to the dining room was.
The new design keeps the flow of traffic outside of the kitchen working area allowing us to eliminate the cabinetry on one side of the kitchen to increase aisle clearances, provide an open area in front of the refrigerator and improve the overall function of the kitchen.  Enlarging the opening to the Dining room creates connection to this previously separated space and makes entertaining an ease.  The long island provides ample work surface and a casual dining area.

The renovated kitchen is bright and beautiful.  We preserved the stained wood floors, kept the wood ceiling and lightened it with paint, replaced the cabinetry with a balanced combination of stained and painted cabinets and upgraded the counters and appliances.  The sink and range were left in their original positions to reduce cost, but they are integrated into the new design with such skill that they appear as if they are meant to be.
The elongated island provides separation between the working and entertaining areas of the space and provides a wonderful wide work surface with under counter storage accessible from each side.

The new pantry cabinets and dry bar provide ample and efficient storage space and beautifully anchor the end of the kitchen.

The gas range frees up space previously occupied by a wall oven and has an under counter microwave conveniently located next to it.  The counter-depth refrigerator looks sleek and stylish, but it is also very functional because it doesn’t protrude into the working aisle.

A prep sink located in the island with a flanking trash drawer creates the ultimate chopping and prep area.
New lighting and thoughtful details bring the space to life adding visual appeal and decorative highlights.
 New granite countertops with a radiused edge add to the beauty of the space and provide a durable work surface ideal for an active family.  
This new design provides the homeowner with a kitchen they love and an entertaining space that works for large and small groups every day of the week.  We were able to transform this dark space into a dreamy kitchen full of light and loveliness.

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Twice As Nice

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Sometimes you love your house but there’s just one or two things here or there you wish you could change.  Such was the case with this project.  Our client had a gorgeous, spacious home in a fantastic neighborhood, but there was only one full bath to be shared by three kids. The client desperately wanted two full bathrooms, but an addition was out of the question and reducing the size of  a bedroom or closet could do more harm than good.  That’s where a creative designer comes in handy.

We were able to redesign the existing hall bathroom in a way that allowed us to create one hall bath and one private bath without sacrificing bedroom space.

The existing hall bath had a combination shower/tub unit with a toilet on one side.

And a double vanity on the other side.

We began by removing the existing fixtures and finishes in the bath and part of the existing hallway.  We removed a linen closet and some other minor interior walls to make room for the new bathrooms.
By taking full advantage of a small amount of hallway space, we were able to provide the homeowner with two full baths instead of one.  Each bath has tiled showers, a toilet and vanity.  We were even able to provide a double vanity for the hall bath which is shared by two girls.
The hall bath is soft and serene with terrazzo flooring, crema marfil marble countertop, painted vanity, tiled shower walls with a hex tile accent panel and frameless shower enclosure.

 Details such as recessed tile niches and a porcelain shaving shelf help make the space as functional as it is beautiful.

The efficient design of the private bath has an open relaxing feel with it’s full glass corner shower, terrazzo tile floor, glossy tile wainscot, dark vanity and sleek chrome accessories.
The vanity has a marble top with undermount sink, polished chrome faucet and glossy white  backsplash.
The shower curb and side wall are topped with the same marble that is used on the vanity.  This helps to visually tie the elements together and provides a solid smooth surface to attach the shower surround.
By transforming a standard hall bath into two full baths, we have given this family the extra space they need and have added significant value to their home.  What was once a crowded overused bathroom is now twice as nice.

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An Entertainer’s Oasis

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Here is a photogaphic highlight tour of a recent kitchen renovation that transformed a simple, chopped-up kitchen and dining room into the ultimate entertaining space and gourmet kitchen.

BEFORE

This home originally had a very standard U-shaped kitchen with a breakfast area.
There was a raised bar, some updated appliances and finishes, but the space was too small for the family of six.  The homeowner’s dreamed of a space that would “Wow” friends and family, but they needed professional design help to make their dream a reality.
The dining room opened up into the kitchen, but was small, dark and boxed-in.
A narrow hall provided a desk alcove and access to the pantry, half-bath, garage and rear sunroom.
The sunroom was underutilized, but had the potential to be the most striking space in the house.
The ample sunlight and beautiful views were wasted on this catch-all space.

AFTER

By removing the interior walls that framed the original dining room and pantry closet, we were able to create a grand kitchen space with a striking center island.
We extended the U-shape of the kitchen across the entire space and added a low stone wall which serves as a raised bar space and perimeter wall for the new island.

Custom designed cabinetry houses the Wolf  wall ovens with furniture front warming drawer.  The pantry cabinet conveniently flanks the wall ovens to one side while a prep surface, coffee station with built-in Thermador coffee maker and microwave drawer are located on the other side.

The stainless steel gas Wolf range top with custom designed hood is centered in the space providing a dramatic focal point.  The light colored hood and pull-out spice columns contrast with the richly stained base cabinets.  The professional series glass front built-in Wolf refrigerator has a prep area to one side and a pantry cabinet with furniture front freezer drawers on the other side.

A recessed coffered ceiling visually defines the central kitchen space, creates depth and height to the traditional 8′-0″ high ceilings and adds expertly crafted warmth and detailing to the space.

The working area of the island houses a large stainless steel farm sink with industrial styled faucet, stainless steel dishwasher and under counter ice maker.

 
Each end of the stone island wall is highlighted with an elegant elliptical arch niche with glass tile background, glass shelves and accent lighting.  A stainless steel Scotsman ice maker provides a continuous supply of miniature ice nuggets.

The built-in Wolf deep fryer is conveniently located next to the range top and provides and ideal area to prepare the family’s favorite deep fried cuisine.
 

An inset tile frame with glass tile herringbone pattern frames the stainless steel pot filler and provides an elegant detail for the range top backsplash.

Each side of the range top contains a concealed spice column, putting often used spices and oils at the fingertips of the chef.  A sleek microwave drawer is a brilliant solution for housing this much needed appliance.

A glass front beverage fridge anchors the oversized eat-in island keeping guests in need of a new beverage out of the main kitchen prep area.

An elliptical arched bridge support lends an open airy feel to the grand eat-in island and provides a unique level of detail and creativity.

 
The new Dining room takes full advantage of the natural daylight and dramatic views as seen through the ribbon of sliding windows.

A custom designed buffet with mirrored back panel and flanking stone plinths supporting elegant tapered columns provides visual separation between the kitchen and dining spaces.

A recessed dome accents the center of the dining space and adds dramatic flare to the artistic chandelier.  On the kitchen side of the dining buffet a mirrored front cabinet conceals a flat screen TV.

 
 

With the push of a button, the concealed electric TV lift raises the large screen TV into place providing a wonderful area of entertainment in full view of the entire kitchen.

We were able to design the ultimate entertainer’s oasis for our client.  In their own words, “Kimberly took the time to listen to our wants and needs and then she put them into reality. She gave us lots of options until we all agreed on the perfect plan for us! Our kitchen is magnificent, Kimberly was very thorough with every detail.”

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Budgeting for a Bathroom Renovation

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Bathroom renovations top the list of the most common home renovation project types.  Whether your bathroom renovation is sparked by a leaking or burst pipe or by a desire to upgrade your finishes and fixtures, the process is still the same.  First you will need a plan of attack (that’s where professional designers-like myself- come into play), then you will need to select you finishes, fixtures, and accessories; and finally you will need to hire the right building professionals to make your renovation a reality.  

To help you establish a budget the National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends you break down your renovation costs into eleven categories:

1.)  Design:  4%

Photo courtesy of Kustom Home Design
 Hiring a professional designer will ensure your investment is as beautiful as it is functional.
Photo courtesy of Kustom Home Design
 Detailed drawings help the contractor stay on time and in budget.

2.)  Installation:  20%
 The largest chunk of your budget will pay for skilled labor costs so you have plumbing and tile that won’t leak or crack.

 3.)  Fixtures:  15%

Photo courtesy of Kustom Home Design
Photo courtesy of Kustom Home Design
Plumbing fixtures like showers and tubs are an important design element and they should account for a large portion of the budget.

4.)  Cabinetry & Hardware:  16%

Photo courtesy of Kustom Home Design
Cabinetry and hardware, such as knobs & pulls, make up a significant amount of a bathroom budget while also making a significant visual impact.

5.)  Countertops:  7%

Photo courtesy of Kustom Home Design
 Countertop prices vary dramatically depending on the material selected, but they usually account for 7% of the budget.

6.)  Lighting and Ventilation:  5%

Photo courtesy of Kustom Home Design
Photo courtesy of Kustom Home Design

  Wall sconces, recessed lighting, accent lights, exhaust fans, and pendant lights make up 5% of the budget.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.)  Flooring:  9%

Photo courtesy of Kustom Home Design

 Tile flooring works well in bathrooms, but if  you heat your tile floor expect this portion of your budget to increase.

8.)  Doors & Windows:  4%

Photo courtesy of Kustom Home Design
Photo courtesy of Kustom Home Design








Don’t forget about the cost of new doors or windows while developing your renovation budget.

 

 

9.)  Walls & Ceilings:  5%

Photo courtesy of Kustom Home Design

10.)  Faucets & Plumbing:  14%

Photo courtesy of Kustom Home Design
 Faucets, plumbing controls and mixing valves are all important and expensive parts of your bathroom renovation.

11.)  Other:  1%

Photo courtesy of Kustom Home Design
 Somewhere along the way you will find a unique item, design element or product you won’t want to live without.

The average bathroom renovation cost is $16,000.  In my experience, guest or kid’s baths tend to cost between $15,000 – $20,000 while master baths usually cost between $20,000-$35,000.  You can spend less than these amounts and you can certainly spend more; however, you should try to budget 5%-10% of your home’s value on a bathroom renovation.

 If you are considering a renovation project in the Upstate of SC and you don’t know where to start or how to proceed, contact Kustom Home Design for a free initial consultation.  We are in the business of making your renovation dreams a reality.

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Masterful Bath Design Reckognizes Aging Isn’t an Option, It’s a Priviledge

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AFTER
BEFORE

A gentleman attending my Universal Design class which is geared towards helping people understand our changing needs as we age and how our homes can be designed to respond to these needs in beautiful ways had a problem.  He and his wife had done their homework and had planned ahead.  They bought a single level patio home in a newer development that was intended to be used by seniors or others with accessibility concerns.  The only problem was that the master bathroom was designed just like every other bathroom of it’s time – large garden tub, tiny dark shower, cramped water closet, low vanity cabinet, cold tile floor and harsh overhead lighting.  He wanted to know what I could do to help make the bathroom work for them now and in the future.

Existing Shower

   
Existing Tub

So we embarked on a journey to develop a design that would accept and respond to a person’s changing physical, cognitive and emotional needs that result from the privilege of aging.  I first identified many areas of concern such as the need for multiple area rugs (huge tripping/slipping hazard), a dark inaccessible shower, a deep soaking tub with no grab bars and a large window that can cause serious injury if someone slips in the tub and falls against it, a tight water closet with a narrow door and more.  After a series of meetings and design reviews, we came away with a wonderful plan.

New Luxury Shower Full of Stylish Safety Elements

The tub was removed because it was rarely used and the guest bath still had a tub.  The shower was enlarged and made much safer and more accessible.  We incorporated all of these elements in the new shower:

·         Wide door for easy maneuvering
·         Slip resistant tiles and grab bars
·         Recessed niches to keep soap and shampoo off the floor where it can spill and cause slipping
·         Exhaust fan with a heater to minimize the discomfort of drafts associated with large open showers
·         Overhead, waterproof lighting to prevent corrosion and bursting of the light bulb
·         Two shower heads including one hand held device
·         Open floor space for a removable bench or shower seat

Best of all, though, the shower is now luxurious and beautiful.

New Watercloset with Wide Pocket Door
Existing Watercloset

 

The watercloset was too narrow with a slender door opening that would make the space inaccessible if a walker or wheelchair were ever needed.  To make the space functional, yet still private we used these solutions:

 ·         Enlarged the size of the water closet
·         Made the door a wide pocket door
·         Added grab bars, a comfort height toilet, and better lighting
·         Used removable furniture for storage that can be removed if a wheelchair is needed in the future

Existing Vanity Cabinet

The existing vanity was too low, outdated and had hard to use fixtures and hardware.  We custom designed vanities with the following design solutions:

·         Raised heights to allow for  more comfortable reach and reduced back strain
·         Faucets with lever handle controls for ease of use
·         Extra tall toe kick to allow for temporary use of a wheelchair
·          D-shaped cabinet pulls for ease of use
New Vanity Cabinets

The plant shelf allows the clients to enjoy their irises and provides a discreet place for the hamper without the expense of a built-in hamper cabinet.  The new sconces provide better lighting and an updated feel.

Lastly, to get rid of the area rugs and mats, we installed electric radiant heating elements beneath the new tile flooring to allow for warm floors and no tripping hazards.  The programmable thermostat allows the clients to control the temperature and set times for the floor to be heated or unheated.  Waking up to a warm bathroom floor is a small comfort that makes a big difference.

By making these changes to their master bathroom, my clients have insured that they will be able to live in their home longer and more safely.  They have made an invaluable investment, not only in their home, but more importantly in their independence.

To learn more about the effects that aging has on the way we live in our homes and ways we can accommodate this inevitable change and wonderful privilege with practical universal design strategies, contact our office for your personal design consultation or attend one of my universal design classes.

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Master on the Main

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In the 1970’s a group of architects, designers and engineers began to develop a series of guidelines meant to revolutionize the design of our cities, towns and homes.  They sought an approach to design that would make the built environment more useful to more people for a greater period of time.  They gave voice to the concept of Universal Design.
Now, here we are forty years later and you probably have never heard of Universal Design and you probably don’t care to now.  So I’ll spare you the history lesson, but I will say that even if you haven’t heard of it, you are seeing the concepts of Universal Design infiltrate your home.
Master Bedroom Addition on the Main Level
One of the most commonly requested additions onto a home is the addition of a master bedroom and bathroom located on the main level.  Homeowners have begun to realize the benefits of such an arrangement.  They see the value of having a bedroom space that is accessible without going up or down a flight of stairs or one that is removed from the other bedrooms to provide privacy.  They see what designers who ascribe to universal design concepts have seen all along; that a home with accessible living and sleeping spaces has a much greater appeal to a much wider audience.
This is why most new homes being constructed in the United States have a master bedroom suite on the main level of the home.  It makes good sense and serves a family well through all seasons of life.  For example, when a young family moves into a home, they typically want all the bedrooms grouped on the same level of the house so the parents have easy access to the children.  They also realize that when they have overnight guests, it is best for the guests to be removed from the sometimes chaotic nighttime rituals of young children.  A separated bedroom on the main level of the house is perfect for guests and for aging grandparents to use while visiting.  When the kids have grown and developed their independence, the parents often find that some separation is good for everyone and they move into the main level bedroom suite.  Planned correctly, this main level master suite can also make late night sneak-ins and sneak-outs more difficult.  Finally, when the kids have moved out and now send monthly stipends to their cherished parents, the parents can remain comfortably in their main level bedroom suite.  They don’t even have to heat or cool the upstairs until their children and grandchildren arrive for a visit.  When they do arrive they all get to stay upstairs and the parents maintain their privacy and sanity in their main level bedroom.  Sounds great, right?  Well, this client thought so.

Master Bath Addition on the Main Level
Curbless Shower is Accessible
Here is an example of a renovation project to add a master suite onto the main level of the house.  The homeowners wanted a master suite on the main even though they have a young child whom they want to be near right now.  So this new bedroom suite currently serves as the guest suite for visitors and occasionally a retreat from a snoring spouse.  The bedroom is open and airy with a vaulted ceiling and timber beam accents.  The bay window helps to flood the space with natural light.   
The adjoining bathroom is designed for two.  The double vanity is spacious and provides great storage space.  The walk-in closet is accessible from the bathroom and the shower floor is recessed to allow a zero threshold entry.  The skylight provides natural lighting while maintaining privacy.  Multiple shower heads and a built-in bench seat in the over sized shower provide a soothing place to just sit and relax.
Master Suite Addition
Bench Seat for Relaxing
Everything the homeowner needs to live and thrive in this home for years and years to come has been provided.  This simple, yet well designed addition will serve the needs of this family both now and in the future.  It is a design that is customized to the personality and character of the homeowner, yet it takes advantage of universal design elements that can be applied to most any project you have in mind.

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How to Prevent your “FLIP” from Becoming a “FLOP”

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“Flipping” a house or buying a home, fixing it up and reselling it right away is something almost everyone I talk to has thought about doing at one time or another.  You may have even dreamed of making it rich this way.  People watch TV shows like Flip This House, Property Ladder and Flipping Out and think to themselves, “Hey, I could do that!”  Many people try, but few succeed.  So, what determines if a project is a successful flip or an all-out flop?

Contrasting flooring cuts the space in half

The key to a successful flip is having the right team in place.  You need to have a knowledgeable realtor with foreclosure and short sale experience, a reliable lender who can actually lend money for properties that are not considered fully habitable, a design professional who can guide you into making the least amount of modifications for the most impact and a series of contractors and sub-contractors who can get the work done in a timely manner without sacrificing quality.  Of course, this is easier said than done.

Five contrasting wall colors is a Nightmare

The home we were buying was a foreclosure so the bank had “winterized” the home which meant they had all the pipes drained and all the utilities disconnected.  This is typical for foreclosures.  The problem is that your ability to inspect or have the home inspected is limited because you may not be able to get utility service restored until you own the property.  You are taking a risk by assuming the electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems are fully operable.  Another hurdle involved the financing of the project.

No carpet = Uninhabitable by banks
Since this home had all the carpeting on the second level removed, it was considered by conventional lenders to be uninhabitable.  Basically, most lenders will not loan you money on a home they consider to be uninhabitable because if you default on the loan they are stuck with a home that they would have to fix up to sell.  Sounds crazy right?  Well that’s way it is.  Conventional lenders who are required to abide by government regulations make it very difficult to obtain a loan on an investment property.  You will most likely need to find an alternate lender.

Once you have the secured the financing and purchased the home, the next critical decision is determining which renovations will net you the most profit.  This is where an experienced designer makes all the difference.  In order for you to ultimately sell your property quickly and for the amount you are asking, it needs to be renovated right.  There are minor changes that can net a major profit and there are major changes that can cost you more than you will get back.  Knowing the difference between the two will determine whether or not your project is a successful flip or a colossal flop.
In Desperate Need of a Finish Facelift
I see contractors make design mistakes time and again that cost them thousands of dollars because they wanted to save money by cutting out the designer or architect.  If you truly want to make money on a flip, you need to invest in an experienced professional designer who understands how to design a luxury home on a low income budget.  A good solid design will sell faster and for more money every time.

Quality Finishes and Appliances Make all the Difference
“Staging” Helps Buyers Feel at Home
When the project is complete, furnish and stage the home before listing the property.  Your designer or realtor will be able to guide you through this process.  By following these recommendations, you are far more likely to successfully flip your property rather than being stuck with a flop.

The Right Colors, Finishes and Light Fixtures Transforms this Outcast House into a Gorgeous Home

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MAN CAVE MADNESS

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Open &Airy Take on the Traditional Man Cave

The term “man cave” either inspires nostalgic longing and thoughts of frat-like freedom or it brings to mind the image of grown men refusing to grow up.  Either way, the term has been around since printed in a newspaper article in 1992 and the desire for an all male retreat has been around since God plucked a rib from Adam and created Man 2.0 also know as woman.  The only difference is that corporate America discovered a new demographic of consumers that they had not tapped into.  Thus the rise of the Man Cave in our culture.

Large Dormer Provides Seating Area and Natural Lighting

Regardless of what you call it, men have always sought a place of their own.  Today this space comes in many shapes and sizes and can be as unique as men themselves.  It can be located in a basement, an attic, a garage, a tree house or an out house.  The location is not as important as the fact that this space is typically all boy! 

Salvaged Bar & Reclaimed Pine Flooring
Tabletop Shuffle Board Spans the Stair

I recently had the privilege of working on one such retreat and found it to be a fun and rewarding experience.  In this project the homeowner wanted to build a detached two-car garage with an additional bay for a workroom.  He also wanted an upper level studio that would serve as his Man Cave.  We designed a structure that would blend with the existing home and created an easily accessible stair that could be closed off from the garage below.  We provided a half bath conveniently tucked underneath the stair.  The studio is a wide open space with access out onto a deck overlooking the golf course.  We added a dormer to provide a seating area and more natural lighting.  The vaulted ceiling helps make the space feel larger than it is and the tabletop shuffle board takes advantage of unused space by spanning across the stairwell. 

The flooring is reclaimed wide plank pine and the bar is a salvaged piece that fits beautifully in the space.  The homeowner is a graduate of North Carolina State University (in case you couldn’t tell), so that is the motif he chose to drive his decor.

 This man cave is not cave like at all, in fact is it quite airy and open with abundant natural light and high vaulted ceilings, but it a retreat for hanging out with friends and family (male and female) to enjoy sporting events, cocktails or just some good ole fashion conversation.

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Design Strategies to help you “Age In Place”

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A beautiful bench seat in the shower is desirable to all ages

One of the most traumatic and easily avoidable events faced by seniors in our society occurs when able minded homeowners feel forced to leave their homes because it is no longer accessible or safe for them to stay.  This scenario looms in the minds of hundreds of thousands of Americans and it’s reality is closing in faster and faster.

As of April 2010, 40.3 million Americans were over the age of 65.  They account for over 13% of the US population.  81% of these Americans own their own home and over 60% plan to remain in their homes for as long as they can.

The reality is; however, that most American homes are not designed to accommodate the unique needs of the elder population.  In fact, most homes cannot serve the needs of persons of any age who have temporary or long term disabilities.  Impairments due to the natural aging process begin as early as age 40 and gradually increase over the next few decades.  By the age of 75, 50% of people suffer from significant vision and hearing losses that contribute to social isolation, one of the most harmful factors affecting the health and well-being of seniors in our society.

The good news is that there are a series of adjustments that can be made to the majority of homes that will allow aging Americans or those with disabilities to remain in their homes, maintain their independence and increase the value and usability of their home all at the same time.  These principles can be applied to new or existing homes and they can be done for far less money than is required to move into an assisted living or nursing facility.

In Greenville, SC, a group of experts will come together during the Spring 2013 session to offer a unique series of courses dedicated to helping people who want to stay in their homes and live an independent life.  Through the OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) program located at Furman University, the course titled “There is No Place Like Home” will bring together panelist including Interim Healthcare, Kustom Home Design and a series of  legal, financial, and insurance experts to lead an 8 week course focusing on ways to keep homeowners in their homes.

As a professional designer with parents approaching this milestone I have first hand knowledge and experience with the sentiments and emotions that drive many of the hesitations, fears and decisions involved with charting a course for this stage of life.  It is for this reason that I have partnered with this group of dedicated professionals and have volunteered to lead the April 16th course by offering professional design insight, advice and strategies for seniors who wish to stay in their homes longer and more comfortably.   I will explore the changing needs of seniors, explain the design implications of such needs and apply Universal Design strategies to provide real world solutions for those who wish to “Age in Place”.  There are many challenges we all face with aging related issues, but with proper planning and professional direction staying in your home and maintaining your independence does not need to be one of them.

Registration for the course begins February 26, 2013 on the Furman University website  http://www.campusce.net/olliatfurman/category/category.aspx

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Located in Greenville, SC
Phone: 864.561.4103
E-mail address: inquiry@kustomhomedesign.com