Popular Building Materials for Luxury Homes

Homes can be made from hundreds of different materials, but some are certainly more popular in certain kinds of architecture than others. These luxury building materials are popular choices in our mountain homes and vacation dwellings.

luxury home building materials
Source: TAB Associates

Timber gives homes a very natural look, especially when it is roughly hewn. We love timber for country-style homes with views of the mountains. It fits right in and almost makes you feel like you are stepping back in time.

Lime and gypsum are commonly used to build luxury homes. These natural materials are used to construct masonry, and although the can carry a hefty price tag, they look very sophisticated in a luxury home.

High-alumina cement is an extremely strong type of cement that stands up better to wear and tear than most standard cements. This makes it a common choice for luxury homes, especially in areas where homes must be able to withstand harsh weather.

At TAB Associates, we make homes and buildings in a wide array of styles using a range of materials. If you’re interested in using a material in your home that you don’t see on this list, contact us directly to discuss your project’s needs.

 

Luxury Home Trends: His and Hers Master Bathrooms

If you’re building a new home or remodeling yours, one design trend to consider is his and hers bathrooms. This new bathroom style allows you to share bathroom space, while also having your own private space away from your partner.

There are many different ways to adopt the his and hers bathroom configuration. In some homes, the bathroom is divided by a tall, mid-room wall that has a sink on either side of it for each partner. Separate toilets and dressing areas are located on either side of the room. Some his and hers bathrooms offer one shared shower stall or bathtub, while others have two showers.

Some his and hers baths are less divided than others. In one home, the designers placed a single luxury jacuzzi in the middle of the room for shared use, and placed separate sinks and dressing vanities on either side of the room. The symmetrical appearance, as with all his and her baths, is the key to the modern design look.

At TAB Associates, our talented architects can help you integrate the latest home trends into your design. Contact us to discuss your plans today.

Rising Home Trends: Sliding Barn Doors

Many people get stuck on the idea of traditional doors when designing their home, when in fact there are plenty of interesting alternatives. One of the most exciting home design trends is sliding barn doors. Used in your home’s interior, these doors offer many benefits and add a unique element to your decor.

Sliding barn doors allow you to save a lot of space. While traditional doors can take up to 9 square feet of space due to their swinging action, sliding barn doors only take up a few inches. They work well in large rooms where you want to preserve the spacious look. One disadvantage is that they are not as soundproof as traditional doors because they don’t close as tightly, so you’ll want to avoid using them in places where silence is valued.

Sliding barn doors pair well with a rustic home. They can be painted any color you please. Some have vertical panels that look very much like real barn doors, while others are more plain and elegant for your modern home.

Are you looking for qualified architects to help design your home? Contact TAB Associates, Inc. to learn more about our services.

How to Combine Your Laundry, Mud, and Butler Pantry

When building or designing a home, you often have to make compromises between rooms you really want and what’s realistic for your situation. A good way to do this without excluding dreams entirely is to combine rooms into one. Three rooms that you can consider combining are the laundry room, mud room, and pantry.

Everyone tends to want a pantry in their home because of course you need somewhere to store food. Butler pantries offer a great alternative to full-sized pantry rooms, as they’re essentially tall cabinets, and they come in many different varieties. Pick one out that matches your decor, and you’re set to go.

The butler pantry is easily placed within a room that you designate as the mud room and laundry room. Place your laundry facilities on one side of the room, the butler pantry in the corner nearest the kitchen, and use the other side of the room as a “mud room” to store sporting goods, shoes, and more. You just won’t want to get it too muddy since it’s shared use space.

TAB Associates, Inc. is dedicated to helping you find the most efficient designs for your home. Contact our talented architects and designers today.

Stunning Ideas for a Cozy Outdoor Fireplace

In the summer, you want to spend as much time as possible relaxing in the great outdoors with friends. Whether you are hosting a summer party or enjoying a quiet evening with loved ones, an outdoor fireplace can really set the mood. Here are a few ideas for making yours unique and interesting.

Outdoor Fireplace
Source: BHG.com
  • Construct a stone fireplace for a smooth, timeless look. You can even have it finished in stucco, which adds textural interest.
  • An assortment of stones in various sizes and shapes creates an artistic look for your fireplace. If you have a laid-back back yard, this is a great choice.
  • Herringbone brick calls a lot of attention to itself, which is great if your backyard lacks a focal point. A tall fireplace paired with brick pillars can make your patio look rustically modern.
  • Consider building a fireplace that contrasts your backyard in a certain way. For example, you could rely on brick with your otherwise concrete hardscaping, or choose a color of stucco that stands out against your home.

TAB Associates, Inc. is dedicated to helping you design and plan the home of your dreams. Contact us today for more information about our architectural services.

Luxury Home Trends: His and Hers Master Bathrooms

If you’re building a new home or remodeling yours, one design trend to consider is his and hers bathrooms. This new bathroom style allows you to share bathroom space, while also having your own private space away from your partner.

There are many different ways to adopt the his and hers bathroom configuration. In some homes, the bathroom is divided by a tall, mid-room wall that has a sink on either side of it for each partner. Separate toilets and dressing areas are located on either side of the room. Some his and hers bathrooms offer one shared shower stall or bathtub, while others have two showers.

Some his and hers baths are less divided than others. In one home, the designers placed a single luxury jacuzzi in the middle of the room for shared use, and placed separate sinks and dressing vanities on either side of the room. The symmetrical appearance, as with all his and her baths, is the key to the modern design look.

At TAB Associates, our talented architects can help you integrate the latest home trends into your design. Contact us to discuss your plans today.

How to Combine Your Laundry, Mud, and Butler Pantry

When building or designing a home, you often have to make compromises between rooms you really want and what’s realistic for your situation. A good way to do this without excluding dreams entirely is to combine your rooms into one. Three rooms that you can consider combining are the laundry room, mud room, and pantry.

Everyone tends to want a pantry in their home. Of course, you need somewhere to store food. Butler pantries offer a great alternative to full-size pantry rooms. They’re essentially tall cabinets, and they come in many different varieties. Pick one out that matches your decor, and you’re set to go.

The butler pantry is easily placed within a room that you designate as the mud room and laundry room. Place your laundry facilities on one side of the room, the butler pantry in the corner nearest the kitchen, and use the other side of the room as a “mud room” to store sporting goods, shoes, and more. You just won’t want to get it too muddy since it’s shared use space.

TAB Associates, Inc. is dedicated to helping you find the most efficient designs for your home. Contact our talented architects and designers today.

The Secret to a Great Home Is a Great Design Process

When it comes to designing a home, good planning leads to good design. Consider our steps below to start your home design process off right.

House planning tips
Source: TAB Associates
House planning tips
Source: TAB Associates
  • Personal planning. When designing a home, don’t immediately run to design books to find out what you need. The home design process begins with you. Consider what things you would like to see in your home, including size and types of rooms. A good starting point is thinking about what was missing from your previous residence.  This will help you develop a good program.  We take the program and develop a conceptual design on the site.  We are 3 dimensional puzzle builders.
  • Room design. Room design is a fundamental part of the home and where a majority of time will be spent. For example, would you like lounge space built into the bedrooms or would your prefer a different room in which to relax? Such considerations will significantly alter the home’s presentation.
  • Topography.Considering the landscape of your home and its environment is important. Many homeowners want to avoid the cost of a land surveyor, but the land analysis proves to be indispensable when determining how you can build upon the land and which direction you are likely to face external elements.  Also the views need to be shot on the survey so they can be properly incorporated into the design.  We always design on the site so the home blends into the site appropriately.

If you are designing a home, contact us at TAB Associates to discuss the home planning and design process with our trained architects.

Ways to Incorporate Your Side Yard Into Your Home Design

A side yard won’t quite support a swimming pool, but it’s large enough to fulfill a function on your property. If you are building a home, consider which elements you may be able to fulfill outside of the home, such as an entertainment or dining area. Design the side yard while simultaneously building your home to make the best use of your property.

  • Extra kitchen space. If you entertain guests often, but like do so outside, consider incorporating a cooking area into your kitchen design. When building the home, design a structure that can support a small outdoor kitchen and cooktop area.
  • Dining underneath the stars. Do you live in area with welcoming evening weather? Choose a long table and chairs to create an intimate outdoor dining setting. Opt for a more informal dining area in the home.
  • Reading Nook. Do you need a place to enjoy coffee and a good book? Create a comforting book nook with an arbor, plush seating and a crushed stone pathway over-layed with wood or stone walkway.

Are you building a home and in need of some guidance to bridge the interior and exterior design? Contact us at TAB Associates to discuss your building needs.

Three Trending Luxury Home Features to Include In Your Design

If you are designing the home of your dreams to suit your lifestyle and needs, consider trending luxury home features that you would like to include in your home. Luxury homes go above and beyond superior comfort and design. What truly sets luxury homes apart are the unique features and experiences that the home’s well-planned design provides.

Luxury amenities for your home
Source: TAB Associates
  • Wellness. Health and wellness are certain components in a luxury lifestyle and trending luxury home features include spa bathrooms complete with saunas, walk-in showers and grand spa bathtubs. Small features like mood-lighting and towel warmers also add to the space.
  • Large urban spaces. Homeowners want to enjoy proximity to the city without sacrificing space. Giving each lifestyle component a dedicated space in the home is fundamental to the luxury lifestyle. There is no need to share spaces.
  • Rooftop lounge. Luxury homeowners extend luxury beyond the basic needs of a comfortable place to enjoy a meal and lay one’s head. In addition, luxury entertainment hubs such as a rooftop terrace are key. Include an outdoor fireplace, herb garden or dining area.

Would you like to design your residence with trending luxury home features? Contact us at TAB Associates to discuss your new home today.