How Architectural Floor Plans Can Reinforce Feng Shui Principles

You may not realize it, but your Colorado home may already embody some key principles of Feng Shui that are found in architecture. Feng Shui is a Chinese concept that translates into “wind-water” in English. This ancient belief system is built on the foundation that harmony between spiritual forces can be attained by the positioning of structures or objects in our environment.

And these principles of Chi are not so far off from how architects build environments that have positive effects on its occupants. This is done by architectural design and can be as simple as the placement of a door, the positioning of windows, or the square footage allotted for areas of work versus areas of rest and contemplation.

Feng Shui Principles of Architecture

Physical Symmetry

Architectural balance is highly stressed in Feng shui architecture. A natural symmetry is found when the left side is a mirror image of the right side, with the entrance closely set at a center point. But sometimes that symmetry can be found in the interior spaces where the rooms on one side of the home are a mirror image of those on the other side. Of course, some homes are purposely designed to be asymmetrical. That is, the house will have different visual images on either side of the design.

Natural Ventilation and Daylighting

Comfort is key in a Feng Shui styled home. Large windows or window collections supply an abundance of natural lighting and the option for outdoor air to flow freely throughout the home. Less emphasis is placed on using air conditioning, and more emphasis is placed on designing the home to catch a maximum breeze throughout the day.

Orderly Spaces Without Clutter

The best foundation for a home that embodies Feng Shui principles is one with lots of storage space. Neat and orderly spaces add to the positive vibrations of the home. This can be accomplished with large closets and plenty of hidden storage space or by using secondary storage solutions such as baskets, shelving, and under-the-bed bins. The goal is to have a place for everything so the home can appear clutter free.

South-east Facing Beds

To harmonize the process of sleeping and waking, your bed should be faced in the right direction. Facing southward as much as possible is said to attract opposite poles while you sleep. This principle is thought to be mostly anecdotal because in China the climate enjoys warm winds from the south. Better principles from Feng Shui for sleeping include not sleeping near a door or with your head near a window.

For the best in architectural and interior design services, contact TAB Associates Vail Valley and Western North Carolina Architects to learn how great design leads to good living.

Is a Retrofit Right for You?

A retrofit can be a great way to improve an older home, adding amenities and custom features that increase everything from its resale value to its functionality. However, in some cases, it might actually be better to choose the new construction avenue, especially if the structure is energy deficient. We’ll look at the major factors to consider and how to approach the problem should you decide a retrofit is right for you.

Why Retrofits Are Popular

For the most part, you’re usually better off choosing a retrofit. Retrofits tend to give renovators more options because they can work within the existing infrastructure. It’s also the more cost-efficient option because it doesn’t require extensive replacement of the available systems.

Costs and Maintenance

Before you decide whether a retrofit is right for you though, you need to consider what it would take to bring the property up to code. Single-family homes are typically straightforward, but if you owned a duplex or larger property, the cost comparison might be closer than you think. If the structure needs a lot of work to meet modern-day standards, the process of retrofitting is potentially more expensive than starting from scratch. In addition, keep in mind that if you retrofit one area, such as the kitchen, it might make maintenance more expensive for the rest of the home.

Vail Valley and Western North Carolina Architects

If you’re searching for an architectural firm in Vail Valley or western North Carolina, it’s likely because you have a relatively big project to take on. Experts recommend approaching it one step at a time to get a sense of how each retrofit is benefitting the entire property. It helps to find someone who can take a closer look at the building and devise a plan for it. If you need help deciding where and how to retrofit your home, call TAB Associates today. Whether you need a more modern kitchen or a total redo, we’re here to find the best path forward.

Eco-Friendly Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

Your bathroom is one of the main areas of your home that boosts its value overall, so it’s good to make updates to it from time to time. If you’ve been thinking of doing a bathroom remodel, making a few eco-friendly changes could improve your home’s value even more. Keep the following bathroom remodeling ideas in mind for a more eco-friendly home.

Eco-Friendly Fixtures

If you’re planning on replacing the plumbing fixtures in your bathroom, such as your toilet, choose ones that are environmentally friendly. Consider getting a toilet that uses a much lower amount of water for flushing, which helps cut down on your household’s water usage. You can also look into getting a dual flush toilet that gives you the option to choose a lower or heavier setting for water flow. For sinks, consider getting low-flow faucets. These fixtures use considerably less water than standard faucets. We do not suggest using low flow shower heads because you will not enjoy your showering experience.

Energy-Efficient Lighting

If your bathroom remodeling plans include upgrading your lighting, make the switch to energy-efficient lights. LED lighting fixtures for bathrooms provide plenty of light while also reducing the amount of energy you use. Another option is to have motion-sensor bathroom lights installed that turn on when you enter the room and shut off when you leave. Proper placement of these motion-sensor switches is imperative or you will have the lighting going off while you are still using the bathroom. Energy-efficient bathroom lights are available in a wide range of styles, including overhead lights and wall sconce lights.

Sustainable Flooring

If you’re thinking of having a new floor put into your bathroom, consider sustainable materials rather than traditional ones. Bamboo and hardwood that are responsibly sourced are a couple of options to consider. If you prefer something other than wood for your bathroom due to moisture concerns, look into other sustainable options, such as ceramic tiles.

If you’re interested in making changes or upgrades to your bathroom, please contact our Vail Valley and western North Carolina architects for more information. We can help you get started on your bathroom remodeling project.

TAB Associates – Creating Beauty Through Architectural Balance

Balance is found throughout much of nature, where the yin and yang of ecosystems, ebbs and flows of water, and symmetry of plants all create and enhance beauty. In architecture, balance also plays an important role in creating beautiful structures. This is the core philosophy on which the philosophy of architectural balance is developed.

Creating Balance Within Structures

Architectural balance is a design philosophy that focuses on maintaining equilibrium across a structure. This may be symmetry in some cases, with certain phases in architectural history certainly prioritizing symmetry. Balance doesn’t necessarily have to be symmetrical, however.

For example, a maple leaf in nature is beautiful in part because it is symmetrical. A brook that meanders down through passages in rock and dirt can also be beautiful, even though such a brook is virtually never perfectly symmetrical. Its twists and turns create balance rather than symmetry.

Similarly, structures with perfectly symmetrical facades may look nice — but so too can something with different elements that are situated to create overall balance. Doors, windows, porches and entryways don’t have to be exactly the same.

Lending Freedom to Architectural Expression

This type of architectural philosophy is effective in two distinct ways.

First, balance allows architects and building designers more freedom of expression within a building’s design. When elements don’t have to be exactly identical, there are more ways to orient a structure’s design.

Second, balance also helps ensure all elements of a building’s design are noticed. When no one side overpowers the other, the entire ensemble of architectural elements can be appreciated.

Design a Building with Balance

At TAB Associates, we’re a Vail Valley and Western North Carolina architectural firm that specializes in this type of design. For help creating a beautiful building or structure that showcases balance, contact us to discuss your project!

4 Modern Nursery Design Ideas for New Parents

Designing a nursery can be exciting, albeit a little stressful of a job. It is a space that calls for some style, playfulness, and that perfect dose of calm. It is, after all, going to be your little one’s first room, and any space that welcomes them into this world should be warm, inviting and simply wonderful. Apart from that, it also needs to be functional for all those late-night feedings and nappy changes. Here are a few design ideas that will help you create a nursery that anyone would fall in love with: Continue reading 4 Modern Nursery Design Ideas for New Parents

Three Reasons This Vail Valley, CO & Western NC Architectural Firm Is Your Best Choice!

indoor architecture

Life often moves fast.  In this life, we are each challenged to find ways to attempt to create a lasting legacy.  Shaping our shared external environment by creating physical structures is one way that we can share ourselves with the world beyond our years.  Sometimes you just need a place to live, work, and play.

TAB Associates has the experienced, balanced architectural approach you need!

Three Reasons TAB Associates In Vail Valley, Colorado & Western North Carolina Is The Architectural Design Firm You Need

We Design Structures For You

With over 30 years of experience and more than $600 million in development properties, we have proven our expertise! Over the years, we have been intricate partners in creating single and multi-family houses, as well as properties in resort, commercial, medical, and institutional categories.  Our company’s mission is to build properties to reflect our customers, not our egos.

Balanced Architectural Design

Once we set our egos aside, we were able to focus on a balanced architectural approach. We pride ourselves on our ability to combine the customers’ vision, site circumstances, and our experience.  Using these three factors, we can create structures that are practical, functional, and aesthetically pleasing.

One-Stop-Shop From Idea To Ribbon Cutting

Unless you work in architecture or construction, you do not spend your life building structures. Because projects are equally immense, intense and have a variety of unknowns, many people recall this process as one of the most stressful events in their lives. That is why we manage the entire building process for our customers.  We become our client’s point of contact from the first consultation through the entire design phase, and ending with the various construction contractors. Selecting TAB means getting the structure you want with minimal stress attached!

Don’t Delay Building Your Dreams

Don’t hesitate to leave your mark on the world. We provide a balanced architectural approach to creating the facility you need.  Contact TAB Associates today for your free consultation!

In Balance With the Environment: Green Homes

In Balance With the Environment: Green Homes

In practicing architectural balance in Vail Valley and in Western North Carolina, a big consideration is always striking the perfect balance of fully incorporating the natural beauty of the landscape and exterior spaces with the design of the interior. Balancing nature with our homes can also extend beyond design as more and more people are embracing green homes. Choosing to go green with your home can mean many things, but let’s look at a few trends that we’ve been seeing.

Smart Homes for Energy Efficiency

Smart homes have become all the rage. They give us the opportunity to manage and monitor our homes like never before. Interestingly, the advantages aren’t just based on the convenience of being able to control our homes with an app on our phone. By being able to better regulate thermostats and lights, it’s much easier to maximize energy efficiency. There are many opportunities to introduce smart appliances into your home at any time, but while building it is worth considering linking the HVAC or heating systems to Wi-Fi.

Solar Panels

Solar panels don’t just provide an alternative to carbon-based fuel for our heating and electricity, they can give a homeowner energy independence from the grid! Many people imagine solar panels to be a compromise to a home’s design; clunky panels that are plunked down regardless of what the chosen architectural style. Now that’s no longer the case, and solar panels can be carefully incorporated into the design, adding to the architecture balance.

Window Walls

In the past, sustainable building meant using small windows. Now those who want to live in green homes can enjoy entire walls of windows with improvements to glazing and insulation.

If you’d like to learn more about incorporating green features into your home, then get in touch with us! We love sharing our expertise on all aspects of architecture in Vail Valley, Avon, Edwards, Beaver Creek, and in Western North Carolina!

What Is Architectural Balance?

Home located in Red Sky Ranch

In all different forms of design, having balance is key. In regards to architectural balance, this essentially means the balance of design from an architectural standpoint. From the color choices to the shapes and sizes of roofs and pillars, these all help to determine the level of balance between architectural pieces.

How Balance is Used

While there are many factors about architectural design that are different from other pieces of design, balance is a common goal that many designers set out to achieve. It’s important to note that balance isn’t required when designing something. Works of art are very subjective, and they can have multiple meanings. However, studies prove that balanced design is more pleasing to the eye — and that couldn’t be more true than it is in architecture. If you notice a building that isn’t balanced, it probably isn’t too appealing.

Characteristics to Consider

Every building that you see, whether it’s two months old or 200 years old, was probably built with architectural balance in mind. A key thing to remember about this type of balance is that these architectural elements [more than likely] serve a functional purpose too. For instance, a roof might be slanted a certain way for water control, or a window may be placed in a certain location to bring in more light. That being said, these architectural designers not only have to think about what’s balanced from a design standpoint, but how the building keeps that balance while still being functional.  Being functional is of utmost importance.

TAB Associates Can Help

When it comes to sustaining architectural balance, TAB Associates does not disappoint. Our architectural firm in Vail Valley, Colorado and in Apple Valley in the Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina, specializes in the design of cozy cabins, functional educational buildings, contemporary homes, large residential properties, and much more! Our Vail Valley and Apple Valley architects have decades of experience creating pieces of art that make dreams come true. Contact our team today so we can help bring your architectural visions to life!

And remember, we pride ourselves in bringing:

  • Balance within design,
  • Balance between design & program,
  • Balance between design & construction,
  • Balance between construction cost and budget.

How to Add Character to the Exterior of Your Home

How to Add Character to the Exterior of Your Home

Many people tend to focus on interior features when thinking about their renovation project, but the exterior of your home shouldn’t be neglected! If you want a home that stands out, personalizing the exterior can be a great way to differentiate it from other homes in the area! Here are a few of the ways you can add style and your own unique touch to the outside of your home.

Create a Patio or Courtyard

One of the ways that you can add character to the exterior of your home is by creating a patio or courtyard in front of your home. Not only will this give your home a unique look, but it will provide you with an area to sit down and enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine! Your home will have added character as well as new functionality.

Dress Up or Change Out Your Garage Door

If your garage sits in front of your home, your garage door is something that you and passersby by will notice. While many people have plain white garage doors, there is no reason you cannot make changes to your garage door or replace it to make it more appealing and eye-catching. Consider using a faux wood door, painting your door, or adding carriage garage door hardware to really make your door stand out and positively accent the rest of your home.

Add Dormer Windows

Adding dormer windows can alter the exterior appearance of your home. Dormer windows can be added to help break up the appearance of a large and plain roof, as part of a build-out addition on your home or to help add more natural light to your home.

Are you looking for an architectural firm to help add character and style to the exterior of your home? Then turn to us here at Tab and Associates. We provide planning services, architecture services, and interior design services. Call us now to get started!

Increasing Your Home’s Value Through a Budget Bathroom Renovation

One of the most worthwhile DIY projects to take on in your home is a bathroom remodel. They can increase your own satisfaction, turning your ordinary bathroom into a luxurious spa, but also can add a great deal of value to your home if you are planning on selling it in the future. However, bathrooms also happen to be one of the most expensive home remodeling projects. By carefully planning your budget, focusing on a good return on investment, and knowing the difference between sub-projects you can take on the bathroom remodeling project of your dreams and drastically increase the value of your home, all while staying on or under budget!

Plan a Budget

The first thing you should do is plan out your budget. In order to do this, you’ll have to strike a balance between the amount of money you’ll spend on the project and the amount you’ll gain from it, whether in personal satisfaction or return on investment. To this end, you should focus on the projects that will add the most value to your home. Keep in mind that a good bathroom renovation will potentially increase your home’s value by up to 60 percent.

Once you have selected your projects, narrow them down even further by listing each individual component. For instance, if you want to add a new source of lighting, you’ll first need an electrician to wire the location. Next, you’ll have to pick the type of light source, keeping in mind that it should be protected from the warm steam of the shower, as well as the bulbs and switches.  Remember to include the cost of hiring a professional if the project will require more specialized services. You can research the average cost to hire professional electricians, plumbers, and other knowledgeable handymen online to get a ballpark estimate.

Finally, be sure to also account for the cost of tools and materials, like screws and washers.  You can reduce the cost of materials by checking online for savings and coupons for big-box retailers. Add the numbers up to find the total estimated cost of the project, then compare that with the amount of money you were hoping to spend. You may find that you’ll have to reduce the scope of the overall project — in that case, you will need to narrow down the list of subprojects to only the ones that add the most value.

What Projects Add Value?

Many years of research have shown that there are certain projects to be taken on in the bathroom that add a great deal of value in the eyes of potential buyers. Particularly for master bathrooms, installing multiple sinks makes it easier for couples to get ready in the morning.  Many people will pay more for added convenience.

Along the same lines, it can never hurt to add more storage for towels, toiletries, and other paraphernalia. Certain aesthetic touches are also worth taking on; good lighting, for instance, will make your bathroom seem cleaner and more inviting, while glass showers and floating vanities will give it a sleek, modern look. Also, you can save a lot of money by choosing to refinish your tub, shower, sink, and tile instead of completely replacing it.

Know When to Hire an Expert

Finally, even if you are a skilled DIYer, it’s important to know when you should call in an expert.  In general, you should hire a professional for anything that requires skilled, technical knowledge, like electrical or plumbing work. Never try to rewire a room yourself — electricity is extremely dangerous, particularly when water is nearby. Remember to always shop around for the best deal when hiring an expert; you can often find great deals through sites like Groupon.

Doing a bathroom remodel yourself is ambitious, but well within your capabilities! Save money on the project by looking for savings on supplies, choosing less expensive projects that add value, and shopping around for the best deal when hiring a professional.

Blog Written By: diyguys.net

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