Architectural Trends | Page 5 of 11

Modern Interior Trends for 2015

Eco-friendly materials like stone, metal, and wood are becoming more and more popular in interior design.

As the times change, the prevailing fashions change with them. Interior design is no exception to this rule, meaning that successful interior design is reliant on keeping up with the latest in interior design trends.

Here are some of the interior design trends that promise to be big in 2015:

Eco-consciousness has become more and more important, so it should come as no surprise to learn that natural materials such as stone, metal, and wood are becoming more and more popular in interior design.
Likewise, interest in natural themes has exploded. Examples range from vivid colors and floral decorations to indoor water features and larger windows to let in the light.
More and more interior designers are mixing old and new styles to create stunning but nonetheless comfortable spaces. The combination of the rustic and the retro with the classic and the luxurious makes for excellent complements and contrasts.
At the same time, spaces are becoming more versatile to cater to a range of needs.

Please check out our projects to see how we can put these and other design trends to good use. If you have other inquiries related to our services, please contact us at your earliest convenience.

Allow TAB Associates to Upgrade Your Home Office

Our architects are experts at designing office spaces that work with you, rather than against you, by integrating these and other design ideas.

Upgrading your home office can increase your productivity and make you more comfortable in your workspace. Our architects are experts at designing office spaces that work with you, rather than against you, by integrating these and other design ideas:

A good home office offers plenty of space, so clients can take a seat if they stop by for a visit.
When placing the furniture in the room, it’s essential to consider workflow. Do you move from the computer to a writing desk often? If so, the pathway between the two should be open. Do you frequently grab books of a bookshelf? Then, making that shelf easily accessible is essential.
Forget about bland, boring colors, and paint your home office a color that you find relaxing and inspiring. You’ll be more creative in a space with lively color. Try seafoam green, orange, or even cobalt blue.
Place your office in a space where there’s a great view out the window. Sometimes, you need to stare into a beautiful outdoor space to give your ideas time to develop and to give your eyes a rest.

Are you looking for Vail architects to help create the perfect home office? Contact TAB Associates; we’d love to help.

Top Reasons to Hire An Architect For Your Next Project

Since a home is more than the sum of its parts, an architect is needed to make sure that structural choices will not cause harm elsewhere in the home.

Construction is a complicated and time-consuming endeavor, meaning that both skill and experience are needed to keep mistakes to a minimum. Since even small mistakes in either building or renovating a home can result in significant expenses, the services of an architect are more necessities than luxuries.

Consider these reasons to hire an architect:

Architects possess a more comprehensive set of skills than designers. This makes them particularly well-suited to both more unusual and more challenging tasks.
A home is more than the sum of its parts. This is problematic because a change in one part can cause further changes in other parts of the home. An architect is needed to make sure that structural choices will not cause harm elsewhere in the home.
The neglect of even seemingly unimportant details can lead to serious problems down the road. Hire an architect if you want attention to the details.
Over time, architects accrue both connections and experience working with other experts in the construction industry. These connections ensure that the construction process will flow that much more smoothly for their clients.

To learn more about finding the best Vail Valley architect for your dream home, please contact The Architectural Balance.

Cabin Homes Interior Design Ideas

A cabin's well-lived-in appearance encourages you to make use of its interior as you please, whereas its too-perfect counterparts can make you afraid of scratching their finish. — A cabin’s well-lived-in appearance encourages you to make use of its interior as you please, whereas its too-perfect counterparts can make you afraid of scratching their finish.

Made using a combination of stone, wood, and other natural materials, cabins can project a cozy and comfortable atmosphere that is sure to soothe even the most frazzled occupants. With cabins as with other homes, good interior design is essential to ensuring their overall success.

Put these interior design ideas for a cabin style home to good use:

Much of a cabin’s charm lies in its well-lived-in appearance. This encourages you to make use of its interior as you please, whereas its too-perfect counterparts can make you afraid of scratching their finish. Both weathered surfaces and warm stained wood are useful for creating this impression of casual comfort.
Cabins often come with nooks and crannies that can be turned into functional spaces with built-in furniture. Combined with a window to the outside, such locations make excellent work-spaces.
Although wood in its natural colors is useful for creating a warm and welcoming impression, some people like to paint it white for a bright and airy look that is well-suited to crowded spaces.
Hardwood flooring is a must, but rugs can balance them with softness.

Please contact us at The Architectural Balance to learn more about the latest trends in interior design for a cabin like appearance.

Add A Touch of Elegance to Your Home With Wooden Ceilings

Much of wood's appeal lies in the rich colors and patterns laid out upon their surfaces, which makes the building material beautiful but not ostentatious. — Much of wood’s appeal lies in the rich colors and patterns laid out upon their surfaces, which makes the building material beautiful but not ostentatious.

In this as in other matters, you can choose out of a number of building materials when it comes to the ceiling of your home. However, if you are interested in something that is both beautiful and elegant without being impractical, there are few choices as good as wooden ceilings.

Much of wood’s appeal lies in the rich colors and patterns laid out upon their surfaces, which makes the building material beautiful but not ostentatious. At the same time, wood lends warmth to the room, which is perfect if you are searching for something to sooth the senses.
Of course, it is also important to mention that wood is versatile, meaning that not all wooden ceilings have to consist of planks lined up in a row. For example, if you are interested in something more luxurious, then you may be interested in a wooden ceiling with carved details. Alternatively, if you use reclaimed wood, their weathered surfaces can contribute to the creation of a cozier and more comfortable atmosphere.
When it comes to wooden ceilings, the possibilities are truly limitless. Realize that a wooden ceiling will psychologically lower the ceiling height due to its darker than most drywall color and make the room feel more intimate.

To learn more about the benefits of wooden ceilings in custom home design, please contact us at The Architectural Balance.

2014 Architectural Trends

When designing your new home, it’s important to consider not just classic designs and structures, but also modern trends. Here’s a look at some of the hottest architectural trends for 2014, some of which you may want to incorporate into your design.

designing a flex room — Source: TAB Associates

Flex Rooms – Flex rooms are rooms that can have a number of uses. For instance, you could use a room as a dining room when you have guests over, and a library during other hours of the day. All you need to make it happen is some ornate bookshelves, a beautiful table, and the right layout.

Health-Conscious Materials – Hypoallergenic materials and materials that don’t release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air are becoming increasingly popular. Wood stains, paints, and synthetic materials are being disregarded in favor of natural materials like wood and stone.

Innovative Storage Spaces – From drawers that pull out of the staircase, to cubbies hiding behind bookshelves, architects are creating clever ways to stash your items out of sight.

Are you looking for an experienced architect to help design the home of your dreams? Contact TAB Associates, Inc. to learn more about our services.

Plans to Build Your Own Home? Follow These Tips to Get Started

If you want to live in a home that fits your dreams and expectations in every way, then building your own home is a great choice. However, the process can be difficult if you don’t approach it in the right way. Follow these tips to build your own home successfully.

3D home rendering — Source: TAB Associates

Pick the right land. Consider the school district, access to public spaces, the community, neighbors… anything you’d consider if moving into an existing home. You’ll also need to look at grading and topology to make sure it will work with the style of home you wish to build.
Hire an excellent builder. Get plenty of references, and get a few estimates before choosing someone. You need a builder who is easy to work with, and who is clear about what’s included in their services and what is not. Make sure your builder is licensed.
Have your plans drawn up by an architect. Even if you choose stock plans rather than custom plans, you’ll know that everything is properly laid out. Choose an architect with plenty of experience designing residential structures.

To discuss your custom home plans and start building your dream home, contact the architects at TAB Associates, Inc.

Tips for Building a Cabin Home

Whether you plan to use it as a vacation home or as your primary dwelling, a log cabin home can create feelings of comfort and warmth. Use these tips when building a cabin home that’s perfect for your family.

building a log cabin — Source: TAB Associates

Don’t overlook the importance of log selection. All wood is not created equal. The better the logs you use to construct your cabin, the more attractive it will be and the longer it will last.
Remember to account for the settling of the wood when planning keyways, slip joints, and window installations.
Wiring a log home is not exactly like wiring a traditional drywall home. Hire an electrician who has experience working with log cabins for best results.
Get off to the right start with the right buildings plans. Work with an experienced architect to design a custom cabin, or purchase pre-made plans.
Remember that building codes may specific what you can and cannot do with your cabin’s structure. If you work with an architect who has experience building cabins, he or she should be familiar with these restrictions.

Contact the experts at TAB Associates, Inc. if you’re looking for help designing the perfect log cabin home.

Ideas for Building in the Charming Rustic Cabin Style

Rustic cabins are quaint, charming, and homey. If you’re thinking of having your own cabin built, either as a retreat or a primary home, keep these ideas in mind as you plan your floor plan and architectural design:

cabin style decor — Source: TAB Associates

Open lofts are the perfect complement to a rustic cabin home. You can use your loft as an extra bedroom, a relaxing library, or even a TV room.
While wood is the traditional choice for cabins, remember that you can work stone into your design. A beautiful stone chimney can make your cabin seem even cozier.
Cabins are places for families to spend time together. An open floor plan makes this easier, promoting conversation and interaction.
You’ll want to spend plenty of time relaxing outside when you’re at your cabin for a retreat. A spacious, wrap-around porch makes this possible.
Incorporate plenty of rustic wood into your interior to maintain the cabin-look indoors.
No cabin is complete without a beautiful mantle to display family heirlooms and treasures. Rustic brick and stone are great materials for your fireplace and mantel.

If you’re interested in building a cabin style home, contact TAB Associates, Inc. to learn more about our architectural services.

Ideas for Adding a Luxury Pool to Your Dream Home

A luxury swimming pool is an important feature of many people’s dream home. If you are adding an outdoor pool to your home, you have a lot of different pool design options to choose from, and many options contribute additional luxury to your home’s exterior. Our clients at TAB Associates can consider the following suggestions to find the right luxury swimming pool solutions for their homes:

luxury pool design — Source: TAB Associates

Working a pool in with landscaping– If you add landscaping to your yard when you have your pool put in, you can create an entire outdoor space that caters to the needs of your home’s residents and guests.
A pool and pergola– A patio surrounded by a pergola is an elegant place that can allow for relaxation after a swim.
Add a fountain– Water features such as fountains and waterfalls are great additions to a yard that complement a swimming pool.

Keep in touch with us at TAB Associates for more great design ideas for the home. We’re on Facebook and Twitter, so connect with us via social media or follow our blog to learn more!

If you’d like to learn more about luxury pool design possibilities, contact us at TAB Associates.