TAB Associates INC. in Edwards | Page 5 of 8

How to Work With a High Ceiling

As the ceiling in your home reaches for the sky it can be difficult to determine the proper way to decorate it, and make all the pieces in the room fit together to create a comfortable ambiance. When working with high ceilings, you should consider the following tips:

Working with high ceilings — Source: TAB Associates

To make the room feel cozier, bring elements down from up high. Long curtains, chandeliers and hanging lights should be used to fill the space so that it doesn’t feel empty.

Splurge on carpentry and decorative features. These provide texture and a sense of balance to the room. They also help to break up the space and make it more inviting. Integrating exposed beams, arches, trusses and other elements into the home design is a fantastic way to accentuate your personal style and complete the space. These also bring the virtual ceiling down to a more intimate level.

Use colors carefully. Darker colors nearer the ceiling will provide a sense of depth to the room, while floor to ceiling coloring can be used to create a contrast that gives the room definition.

For the finest home design services in Colorado, be sure to contact us at TAB Associates, Inc. today.

Three Tips for a Successful Basement Renovation

Renovating a basement is an exciting project that can transform the space into a comfortable retreat from the world outside. Here are three tips that will help make the process easier and will all but guarantee the basement of your dreams:

tips for basement design — Source: TAB Associate’s Portofilio

Give the basement some height. By making sure you have enough headroom in your basement, you’ll help open the space up and keep it from feeling like a cave. If this isn’t structurally possible, then use tricks such as lighting and exposed beams to create an artificial sense of height. If you can, add high windows or transoms to the exterior to get deep penetrating light into the space.

Style and Features. Choose a style and features that fit into your lifestyle and will accentuate the space. Basements are fabulous places to install everything from spare bedrooms to pool rooms and home theaters. Decide which elements you would like to add and plan accordingly.

Get creative. Pipes, columns, ductwork, and other structural elements are both unsightly and take up space that can close your basement in. Don’t be afraid to rework these elements and hide them so that they don’t detract from the appearance of the basement.

For more basement renovation tips and suggestions, contact us at TAB Associates, Inc. and we will be happy to answer your questions.

Considerations When Designing a New Home

Planning a new home is a task that may seem daunting, but is worth your time. One of the most important things to remember, especially if it will be completed in stages, is that all the construction needs to be cohesive. You don’t want to ruin a good home design by not having everything fit together.

tips to improve home design — Source: TAB Associate’s Portfolio

Always use a master plan. This helps save a lot of time and ensure better results, because you’ll be dealing with your home as a whole. You won’t need to worry about whether the master bedroom blends with the loft, or whether the staircase will look good in the entry area.

Make sure you keep the entire home site in mind during the planning phase. Issues such as whether you intend to add a pool or guesthouse at a later date need to be considered to avoid further troubles.

Know which parts of planning a new home need to come first in your case. Handling the most pressing parts of the construction first will make the rest of it go more smoothly.

TAB offers the planning services you need for a great home, contact us to learn more.

Keys to Designing a Small Bathroom

A small bathroom space can be challenging. There are a variety of ways to make your small space seem bigger.

Traditional Bathroom by Edwards Architects & Designers TAB ASSOCIATES INC via Houzz

When it comes to small bathroom designs windows are an option, if your willing to use heavily frosted glass. However, if your bathroom is located on the top floor, you should look into having a skylight installed. The skylight provides you with natural light and creates the illusion of space. If the skylight is operable, even better. This is the best way to get rid of shower mist. If it faces south it is a great way to get some free heat from direct solar gain. This is especially beneficial during the winter months; otherwise, it may need a shade on it.

If a skylight isn’t an option, you should consider the possibility of having a coffered/tray ceiling placed over the space. This type of ceiling makes the room feel bigger and helps with air flow, if the tray is vented to the attic.

When working with small bathroom designs, resist the impulse to place the bathroom sink right in the middle of your counter space. By utilizing a corner sink, the bathroom will feel less cramped and more counter space will be created. The best sinks will be ones that have deep basin and plenty of under cabinet storage.

When it comes to tiling the tub/shower space, glass tile is your best choice. These tiles make the space look bigger and brighter than it actually is.

Bring Beauty Into the Home with Stone

There is no denying the beauty of stacked stone walls. Used for both the interior and exterior, the subtle colors and expressive texture of the stone create a visual and expressive design.

Stacked stone is unique in its 3-dimensional composition. Expressive stones of various colors and textures are created as modules, attached to backing and can be installed much like tiles. There is no need to grout dry stacked stones which results in smooth, uninterrupted lines.

Traditional Kitchen by Edwards Architects & Designers TAB ASSOCIATES INC via Houzz

The uses and locations for stacked stone is limitless when creating or redesigning a specific area. The modules make a dramatic backdrop to focal points in the home such as a fireplace or a kitchen stove surround. The stones also serve as a stand alone accent wall to enhance the texture of decorative accessories emphasizing wood, glass or metal fixtures.

Used to create a wall in a luxury bath, stacked stones add an element of relaxation and serenity when coupled with soothing hues from the palette.

From bold stone columns to colored stones that reflect the golden glints from the sunlight, stacked stones add the finishing touch to any design.

Clients can rely on the more than 30 years of experience at TAB Associates, Inc to design and construct projects on time and on budget.

The Philosophy Behind TAB Associates

When the services of an experienced Vail Valley architect are needed to bring a vision to life, the designers at TAB Associates, Inc. have the insight, energy, one-on-one understanding of a client’s desires and an extensive creative palette to do a thorough job.

Traditional Exterior by Edwards Architects & Designers TAB ASSOCIATES INC via Houzz

TAB Associates goes above and beyond the norm to provide their clients with every possible need involved in planning, designing and building what the client wants, not what the architect wants. There’s no room for egos at TAB as the responsibility of the architect is blending the client’s desires with a doses of artistic expression brought to the table by the designer. There is also the scientific side of the equation, the technology that TAB brings to the table. These include building skin, insulation systems, glazing options, daylighting, solar, geo-thermal, HVAC systems, A/V systems, building automation, etc.

By listening to each client and keeping them involved in the project, every step of the way, TAB architects are able to balance the design with the program and construction ultimately finalizing the project by balancing the cost and budget.

TAB Associates is responsible for developing multiple properties including single homes, multi-family residences, resorts, and spiritual, medical, institutional and commercial architecture that met the needs of their clients.

With more than 30 years of experience, the architects at TAB Associates, Inc. have the know-how to turn a client’s dream into an innovative and realistic design.

Tips to Winterizing Your Home Before the Winter Cold Arrives

The seasons are slowly changing and that means it is time to start getting ready for much cooler temperatures as winter begins to arrive. While we think about reorganizing our wardrobes and having our vehicles inspected in anticipation for the colder season, we shouldn’t forget about our homes in the midst of our annual preparations.

Traditional Bathroom by Edwards Architects & Designers TAB ASSOCIATES INC via Houzz

Here are tips for winterizing a home that will help you get your house ready to face the snow, freezing rain, and plummeting temperatures:

Keep your gutters clean to prevent snow from accumulating where it can thaw and re-freeze. This allows it to seep into your roof.

Check doors, windows, ventilation ducts, electrical outlets, and other spaces for air leaks. Then seal them properly.

Have your furnace cleaned and inspected to ensure that it is working properly.

Make sure your plumbing is well-insulated to prevent freezing pipes when the temperature drops.

Take your hoses off the outside faucets (or sill cocks) so the water can drain from them and not freeze back in the wall. This will burst the pipe in the wall and when you turn the outside faucet on next spring, you will have a very wet inside wall.

If you wish to learn more about winterizing a home, our consultants at TAB Associates are available to answer your questions and offer suggestions. Contact us today and let us work with you to meet all of your architectural needs.

TAB Spotlight: The Catlin Residence

One of the projects that we here at TAB Associates have completed with pride is the Catlin Residence in Bachelor Gulch. Situated on a ski-in, ski-out lot, the 10,000 square foot house has breathtaking views of the mountains.

mountain home builder — Source: TAB Associates’ Official Website

With eight bedrooms, eight full baths, two half-baths, there are plenty of spaces in this open floor plan to enjoy, yet still maintain privacy throughout. The exterior features a heated in-ground pool and spa, fire pit, and water feature, and gas heat from overhead on most decks allows for outdoor activities in cool weather.

The interior boasts a wine room, hearth room, ski room in addition to the standard rooms in homes. The family room hosts a built-in bar, pool table, and large sitting area. Because of the open floor plan, it’s an ideal place for entertaining guests.

Unlike many homes in Bachelor Gulch which house the Master Bed suite on the Main Level, the Catlin Residence has its Master Suite including Master Living, Master Kitchen and Master Study in the Penthouse location with commanding views of the Gore Range and Beaver Creek Ski Mountain. In this way, the couple has every thing they need on their own level of the home up and away from the rest of this spectacular home.

The Catlin Residence is just one of our many home construction projects that demonstrates presenting what our clients want in an aesthetically pleasing manner, and helping to make each residence a dream home come true.

If this residence interests you, and you would like to learn more about TAB Associates, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.

Moving the Master Suite to the Attic

When you have the luxury of an attic with ample floor space and workable ceilings, it opens up numerous options on how the space can be converted from storage space to a livable environment. With the help of an experienced architect, redesigning your attic can not only add more floor space to your home; it also increases its market value.

The ideas for attic conversions are many. Just a few examples include adding a mini apartment for a college student, a spare bedroom for guests, an at home office, an in-law suite or a craft, hobby or sewing room. Part of the fun is in planning and designing the layout then watching as the attic takes on a life of its own.

Another option for homeowners is to turn the unused space of the attic into a gorgeous master suite. With careful planning, the attic can be turned into an oasis of privacy in the treetops. Utilizing every inch of space, adding a dormer, skylights or large windows, even a small patio, can turn your attic into a luxury suite.

TAB Associates has provided its expert services in planning and interior professional design to commercial and residential customers for over 30 years.

Architecture Should Reflect the Client

When it comes to learning how to choose an architect, there are a lot of different factors that can come into the process. But, before it gets overwhelming, there are a few basic principles to keep in mind that can serve as guidelines.

Choose someone who will listen. A sign of a good architect is a listener who will do what you like, without their own ego getting in the way. They can help realize your dreams, not the other way around.

Your architecture should reflect you — whether it’s a residence or business. A good architect understands that.

Find an architect who is as passionate about your individuality, as you are, and who can help you build your structure in a cooperative manner.

These tips on how to choose an architect can help you get the right designer for your dream home. At TAB Associates, we believe that the architect must set aside his or her ego in order to give our clients exactly the home they want. Remember, above all, you are the one who will live in that home and you should get exactly what you choose.