Tag: Architectural Features

Creating an Exterior Focal Point for Your Home

Your home’s exterior focal point is the first place your guests’ eyes will land when they approach your home. It is a fundamental design principle that the right focal point can create a positive first impression and even change a person’s mood. Many contemporary homes lack the impressive architectural features that are common with Victorian, Tudor, or Colonial styles. Nevertheless, there are ways to add architectural balance and a dramatic focal point to any ranch, split-level, or cottage-style home!

Deciding on a Focal Point for Curb Appeal

To choose the best focal point that will tie together your home’s landscape, your home’s architectural style, and your family’s personality, start by noting your home’s best features or what you like best about the exterior of your home. It could be a large bay window, porch columns, a blooming tree, or your lovely wooden double-entry doors.

Work with what you have! There are many ways to increase the drama and beauty of any part of your home’s exterior.

10 Ideas for an Exterior Focal Point

  1. Add a landscape feature like ornamental grass or decorative tree.
  2. Replace exterior door with double-entry doors or add a decorative element to the door.
  3. Install an architectural window – bay, bow, or arched
  4. Paint exterior trim or structural elements with a contrasting color.
  5. Add up-lighting at a tree or bushes.
  6. Create architectural balance with matching wall lanterns or potted plants.
  7. Change door numbers to a decorative font.
  8. Plant a flower bed that blooms three seasons.
  9. Replace walkway with paver stones or bring the Interior flooring out.
  10. Consider an ornamental fence or railing.

Creating a focal point at your home’s entry can be a budget-friendly project. Painting your front door, adding two large potted plants on each side, and attaching wall sconces or installing a post lantern at the stairs can add pizzazz and charm to any lackluster front entry.

For a striking makeover, partner with TAB Associates, an architectural firm that specializes in “architectural balance!” TAB Associates can help you create an exterior balance with permanent architectural features that fit both classic and modern home styles.

Interior Features to Add Architectural Flair to a Rustic Home

Interior features that add architectural flair to a rustic home

When working with Vail Valley and Smoky Mountain architects to design your dream home, picking out the interior elements that will eventually make your home stand out is part of the fun. If you’re going with a rustic-style home, the interior features you should consider may be a little more traditional, but they are sure to give your home-in-progress true personality.

Architectural Features to Consider for Your Rustic Home

Designing a rustic home is a lot of fun. You want the modern functionality and conveniences of a home built today — as well as the comforting attitude of a more “crudely” designed space from the past. Take a look at some interior design features that will add architectural flair to your rustic home design.

Vaulted Ceilings

Ceilings, as we know them (made mostly of drywall), were not common in older homes. Instead, you would oftentimes only see the unfinished underside of the roof. Vaulted ceilings open up a room and give it that country-style feel. You can go with drywall vaulted ceilings, of course, but it is more rustic to cover the vaulted ceiling with wood planks or board-and-batten siding.

Exposed Wood Beams

Exposed wood beams are something even modern and contemporary spaces have, which add a touch of overhead style. In a rustic home, these beams fit in so flawlessly, but they also bring rustic style into any space. Whether you are adding the beams to a vaulted or flat ceiling, this architectural feature adds a touch of rustic charm to any room. Plus, it is a great way to draw the eyes up from the floor and walls.

Stone Build-Ins

Imagine the pop of personality that comes with a built-in breakfast bar made with old weathered bricks or a stone fireplace that creates a focal point in your family room. Combining stone and wood is something that has been done in homes for centuries, and implementing stone in a built-in fashion is a surefire way to make your wooden features really stand out.

With a little creative thinking and a good architect on your team, your dream of a rustic-style home will come to life! Reach out to us at TAB Associates for help designing that very home of your dreams!