Designing Your Dream Lake Home
Is it your dream to build a home next to a lake? In Minnesota, a lake home will help you get the most out of the summer months. While the process of designing a lake home is demanding and challenging, it’s the first step in turning your dream into a reality. Read our blog for some inspiration to start dreaming up your lake home:
Integrate the Indoors and the Outdoors
Homes with luxurious patios, decks, and screened-in porches are common in lakeside homes and help bring the outdoors in. Design a breezy deck with railed balconies for views of the lake and surrounding landscape. Make your patio or deck a destination by defining different activity zones within the space. Carve out different spaces for amenities including; a stainless steel grill, pizza oven, and lounge seating.
Enhance the Views
Your lake home gives you the opportunity to connect with nature and the outdoors, so making the most of the breathtaking lake view is important. There is nothing quite as beautiful as water, and a lake home should have expansive windows so you can enjoy the view. Having an open floor plan with lots of windows in your lake home makes it easier to feel at one with nature by maximizing the view of the lake. By adding ceiling vaults, the different areas of the home are defined without compromising the floor plan’s smooth flow.
Enjoy the Water
Why build your dream lake home if you can’t enjoy the water? Do you want a natural shoreline, long dock, or retaining wall? Does your family swim or boat frequently? Consider your family’s lifestyle and what sort of beach access you all want. Add a patio or gazebo adjacent to your lake access, connected to a path with flowers to enjoy the water even when you’re not in, or on it. It’ll be the perfect space to celebrate with your family or friends or lounge during lazy summer Sundays.
Designing Your Dream Lake Home with Gordon James
Building and designing your dream lake home is not an average design or construction process. Consulting with a reputable builder with experience building waterfront custom homes should always be your first step. An experienced builder has the ability to guide you through the myriad of steps involved in building your dream lake home.
Gordon James has years of experience building luxury homes on waterfront property on Lake Minnetonka and surrounding areas. Partner with the professionals at Gordon James in Minnesota to start designing and planning your dream lake home. For more information, contact us at info@gordon-james.com or call us at 763-479-3117 today.
Steps to Creating a Guest Suite Oasis in Your Dream Home
If you’re considering designing your dream home or renovating your home, don’t forget the guest bedroom. After all, you want to be able to host your friends and family in the utmost comfort. For a weary traveler, a stylish guest room creates comfort a hotel can't match. A guest room should have the luxurious feel of a hotel with the charm of an inviting home, to create an inviting guest suite design, read our tips.
A Place to Put Their Things
No one wants to live out of a suitcase - even when it’s just a weekend getaway. Digging through wrinkled clothes looking for a hairdryer is the worst way to start the day. Instead, make sure there’s plenty of space for your guest to store away their things and hang their clothes with ample closet space, dressers, nightstands, and hangers. Consider creating a walk-in closet with mirrors or vanity seating so your guest can prepare for their nights out in style. Here’s the Gordon James guide to designing a walk-in closet or dressing room so your guests experience luxury and convenience whenever they open it.
A Place to Be Pampered
Guest bathrooms are often pushed into corners and shoved aside, but creating a luxurious retreat for guests elevates the space and improves their visit. While they’re away from home, a luxurious bathroom is a relaxing place to start their day and a soothing and serene place to end it. A single slipper chair, a spacious ottoman will encourage them to treat the room like a luxurious day spa. Here, they can sit back and relax after busy vacation days. If you’re looking for some more inspiration, take a look at these beautiful bathrooms.
A Place to Rest Their Head
Finding the ideal location for your guest bedroom is just as important as the design. Do your in-laws or parents visit you frequently and you don’t want them to climb stairs? Do you host out of town guests that need a quiet place to get some extra sleep? Read our blog on master bedroom locations and keep these in mind as you design your guest bedroom in your dream home.
Guest Oasis in Your Dream Home
Partner with the professionals at Gordon James in Minnesota to start designing and planning your guest oasis in the home of your dreams. Our dream homes are architecturally exciting and structurally robust, with elegant interiors and refined exteriors. They are designed by architects to mirror each client’s personality and lifestyle needs. The Gordon James team orchestrates the intricate process through which a confluence of people, events, talents, and dreams will produce perfect results – your dream home! For more information, contact us at info@gordon-james.com or call us at 763-479-3117 today.
Your First Home Renovation
Do you have a long list of dreamy elements you want in your space? It might be time for some renovations. Whether you’re looking to increase the property value of your home ahead of a sale or closing on a house, there might be a renovation or remodeling project in your future. Here are some ideas to help you find inspiration for your first home renovation:
Maximize Your Existing Space
If you feel as though your home is crowded or you have young children, an open floor plan might be the perfect solution for your family. Are there walls dividing the rooms at the back of your house that be removed to create that coveted kitchen-great room? If you decide to extend your kitchen and great room, make sure the existing house flows into the extension so that your space, storage, and style needs are met.
Boost the Natural Light
If light is your main concern, a sunroom or screened in porch extension is an option for creating a space with ample light. However, an extension like this may reduce light in your existing spaces. Another option for boosting natural light is installing large windows, which transforms light levels in any room. If a sunroom or large windows aren’t in your design plan, consider installing ceiling lights that simulate outdoor lighting to create the ambience you want in your dream home.
Transform Your Bathroom
Renovating your bathroom is one of the best important investments you can make. Transforming your bathroom is a fresh way to invite daily joys into your life, nothing will lift your spirit like starting and ending your days in a room you love. From large, show-stopping bathtubs, walk-in showers with seating, and sleek vanity units, your bathroom should be curated to your wants. A spacious bathroom is a relaxing place to start your day and a soothing and serene place to end it. If you’re looking for more inspiration for your renovations, take a look at these beautiful bathrooms.
Remodel Your Kitchen
The kitchen is central to the home, whether you’re renovating your kitchen to help your home sell or to create the kitchen of your culinary dreams, your kitchen can showcase the latest in finishes, design ideas, and amenities featuring marble countertops, detailed custom cabinets, double islands, and spacious floor plans. Pro-grade appliances, thoughtful layouts, gorgeous lighting, architectural elements, and other luxurious elements all elevate your kitchen. Your kitchen is the heart of your home, so it needs to be stylish and functional; a place you can host company and hold intimate, family dinners. Look at these beautiful before and after kitchen transformations to discover ideas for your dream kitchen.
Finish Your Basement
Once upon a time, basements were reserved for storage or laundry and other lackluster house functions. No longer, converting these overlooked areas into something more is an excellent way to increase living space without adding extra footage to your home. The basement is an untapped oasis of potential for a home gym, luxury spa, bar, wine cellar, second kitchen, home office, or library. So, as you finish your basement, don’t rule out any of your dream ideas and glance at these luxurious basements for more ideas.
Renovate with Gordon James
Renovating your home can feel overwhelming and it takes time and patience, but if you partner with Gordon James you can achieve the home of your dreams - without moving. For inspiration, ideas, and advice visit Gordon James’ website to see a full range of luxury home interiors and exteriors.
Partner with the professionals at Gordon James in Minnesota to start renovating your dream home. For more information, contact us at info@gordon-james.com or call us at 763-479-3117 today.
Paint Brick the Right Way
Brick can bring a homey charm or an industrial modern feel to any room in your home. But what if your exposed brick wall doesn’t fit your interior design? There’s a simple solution; a few coats of paint. Whether it’s an entire wall or just the fireplace, painted brick can enhance a room or blend in by showcasing the material’s natural texture in a colorful, new way. Read Gordon James’ blog to learn how to paint brick, what tools you need, and how to prepare your project for success.
Tools and Materials
Before you begin, make sure you have the following tools and materials on hand:
- Paint roller
- Masonry or latex paint
- Latex primer
- Drop cloths
- Painter's tape
- Wire scrub brush
- Soap
- Water
- Paintbrush
Prepare the Brick
Before you paint the brick wall, make sure it’s thoroughly cleaned; scrub the wall with soapy water and a wire brush to remove any dirt or efflorescence (streaky white deposits). Once your brick is cleaned, let it dry completely before painting. Check for cracks or structural problems that might require professional attention, and tape any areas you aren’t going to paint.
Paint the Brick
First, apply a latex primer to the brick. If there are multiple areas of the brick affected by efflorescence or mildew, make sure to apply multiple coats and let the primer dry. After applying the primer, take your roller or brush and apply a masonry or latex paint to the brick. If you’re painting a fireplace, make sure you’re using a heat-proof paint! Many painting professionals use paint sprayers, but rollers and brushes that are made for textured surfaces also work well.
Bring on the Paint Buckets!
Whether you’re going for a fearless and fun dark hue or a crisp and clean white paint, look for inspiration that suits your style and home. The beauty of brick is the quality of its architectural building material; it brings history into your interior and will never go out of style. Use Gordon James’ tips, and your brick wall will bring a fresh, new look to your home.
Partner with the professionals at Gordon James in Minnesota to renovate your interior and transform it into your dream home. For more information, contact us at info@gordon-james.com or call us at 763-479-3117 today.
Luxurious Outdoor Living, Year-Round
Outdoor living is a luxury, especially as the weather grows warmer. Whether you’re dreaming of a tiny terrace adjacent to your master bedroom, or large outdoor living room, you need a space that’ll serve your family year-round. Discover the latest trend in architecture blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor living; so you can enjoy the outdoors, year-round.
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Indoor and Outdoor Sunrooms
To elevate your open concept floor plan, redefine indoor and outdoor boundaries with sliding glass doors, which allow for a seamless transition between the spaces. Glass sliding doors are more than convenient, they give your home an open and immaculate view of your yard. Blend your outdoor spaces with your indoor spaces with thermal, solar-reflective glass walls, windows, and doors that can be opened or closed depending on the season.
Nothing creates a brighter space than a large, floor-to-ceiling glass wall to the outdoors. If you want more privacy, an expansive glass skylight with stairs leading to your roof is a luxurious alternative. The more natural light you add into your home blends your outdoor and indoor spaces seamlessly throughout the seasons.
Balconies and Patios Are The New Backyards
Many hotels and restaurants have luxurious patios and balconies where guests can relax and take in the view; now, this trend is moving residential. While a large “yard” on the patio is a great idea for homes with small or uneven yards, many people choose to use their balconies or patios for the added luxury and privacy they bring.
A beautifully furnished terrace is a basic build for an outdoor space. Some homeowners design an outdoor kitchen or bar space with a countertop, grill, and sink for summer dinners and drinks with friends and family. For those with a green thumb, gardens on the patio provide a peaceful escape while also increasing the value of your property.
Whether you decide on a green balcony, complete with a garden, or lounge furniture, the outdoor space will become your favorite place for all the lounging, dining, and entertaining you can fit into the summer.
Design Your Outdoor and Indoor Spaces with Gordon James
To enjoy the outdoors in Minnesota year-round, create spaces that blur the boundaries between inside and out. This way, you can fully enjoy summer after a harsh winter, and when winter comes, you can still enjoy a view of the outdoors from the warmth of your dream home.
Our dream homes are architecturally exciting and structurally robust, with elegant indoor spaces and refined exterior spaces. They are designed by architects to mirror each client’s personality and lifestyle needs. The Gordon James team orchestrates the intricate process through which a confluence of people, events, talents, and dreams will produce perfect results – your dream home!
Partner with the professionals at Gordon James in Minnesota to start designing and planning your dream home. For more information, contact us at info@gordon-james.com or call us at 763-479-3117 today.
Designing a Functional and Stylish Dining Room
Whether you tend toward hosting intimate dinner-parties or going all-out for the holidays, a well-designed dining room is needed to help best entertain your guests while also serving as a daily communal space for your family. We at Gordon James have compiled a list of ideas to help you design a functional and stylish dining room that’s ready to fit the way your gather and entertain:
Consider the Location and Aesthetic
Your dining room is more than just a place to enjoy a meal: it serves an a representation of how your family serves others. For this reason, it is important to consider the location and aesthetic of your dining room when designing to account for space, functionality, and aesthetic as an extension of your home:
- Traditional Formal Dining Room: The traditional dining room typically has limited access, with only one entrance into an alcoved area off of the kitchen or living room. The closed access of the room creates a formal, yet cozy, feel to the room. This dining room location is wonderful for large families, groups of friends, or hosting for the holidays.
- Four-Season Dining Room: Consider building your dining room in a four-season room, with floor-to-ceiling windows. The extra-lighting of the room helps to make it more inviting and less stuffy than a traditional dining room. Because of this, the design is perfect for families with small children or who enjoy ‘vacation home’ dining with a view.
- Pass-Through Dining Room: A pass-through dining room with two entryways on either wall. Perfect for hosting luncheons, dinners, or cocktail parties, this set-up allows guests to easily pass from room to room, typically offering a great flow in transitioning guests from a living room happy hour, and allowing you as hosts to sneak away to the kitchen without disruption.
- Great Room Dining: Even if you have a separate area allotted for your dining room, a large great room can be an impressive and accessible multipurpose space dining space. Having a second dining table in your living room allows for convenient and casual dining. If you have small children you want to keep an eye on or want your dinner parties to allow people to mix their seating options, this location is ideal.
Create a Tone with Colors
Your dining room paint color sets the atmosphere for family gatherings and parties, so consider what tone you wish to strike. If you host evening parties and you’re going for drama, try a deep and dark shade, like Frédéric Malle’s black dining room in New York. If you hold family dinners frequently and you’re going for serene, try a pastel or neutral shade, such as these rooms. Adding choice color to your dining room makes every meal memorable.
Set the Ambiance with Lights
An eye-catching light fixture always elevates a room. The best dining room lighting plans are carefully designed with your meal patterns and aesthetic in mind. If you have a long, large table, install a chandelier above to balance the room proportionally; if you have a shorter table, try an arc floor lamp. Coordinate with your construction team to ensure that your lighting fixture is installed with a dimmer function; then, with a simple press of a lever or turning of a knob, you can adjust the light. This way, your chandelier or lamp can achieve that warm, dim glow that mimics candlelight and sets the perfect mood.
Entertain in Style
With these design tips, your dining room will make every meal a memorable one. Partner with the professionals at Gordon James in Minnesota to create your custom dining room in your dream home, and design every room to best serve your family, style, and function. For more information, contact us at info@gordon-james.com or call us at 763-479-3117 today.
Finding Your Ideal Master Bedroom Location in Your Custom Home
As you build your dream home, finding the ideal location for your master bedroom is just as important as flooring, design, and upgrades. After all, you’ll spend over one third of your life in this room relaxing. Even though everyone has a different dream master bedroom in mind, keep these locations in mind as you design your home.
Back Master Bedroom
One of the best locations for a master bedroom is in the back of the house. It’s hidden from the main traffic of the house and cocooned in a safe, private area for you to enjoy. As it’s far from the noise of the street and other rooms, it can be one of the quietest places in the house. You’ll have less visitors since you’re further from the other bedrooms in the house and you don’t have to worry about street lights or headlights disrupting your sleep.
Front Master Bedroom
A master bedroom in the front of the house is not only convenient but also provides a private view of your front yard. You can see visitors coming to your door and neighborhood activity, giving you peace of mind. In the front of your house you’ll be closer to your children, the kitchen, and great room.
First Floor
Depending on your family’s current’s needs, a master bedroom on the first floor is a luxurious option that parents often appreciate. If you have older kids, parents living with you, or frequently host overnight guests, a master bedroom on the first floor might be an attractive option. On the first floor as you won’t hear slamming doors, loud music, or conversations coming from the second floor.
Besides being quieter, a master suite on the first floor means you don’t have to climb the stairs each night. A bedroom on the first floor can also increase your home's resale value.
Second Floor
A master bedroom on the second floor not only allows more space for the common areas on the first floor but also gives you a relaxing refuge so you can escape the noise downstairs. A bedroom on the second floor shields you from noises from the great room and the kitchen. And if you’re still looking to maintain your privacy, place your master bedroom at one end of the hall on the second floor.
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Build You Dream Bedroom with Gordon James
Whether your master bedroom is small or large, your house design is modern or classic: your master bedroom should be your favorite space in your home. Partner with the professionals at Gordon James in Minnesota to create your dream master bedroom in your dream home. For more information, contact us at info@gordon-james.com or call us at 763-479-3117 today.
Tips for Designing a Kid-Friendly Home
A beautiful, magazine-worthy, child-friendly home design is within your grasp with Gordon James. If your family home requires functionality without sacrificing style, here are a few tips for designing each common area to create a home that is both sophisticated and family-friendly.
The Great Room
Positioning your Great Room adjacent to your kitchen not only gives a communal feel to the gathering spaces in your home, but also offers a great vantage point. Consider this type of open floor plan; this way, if you’re making dinner, you can keep an eye on your children playing or doing homework. This flow and functionality brings your family together in unexpected ways that matter most.
Multi-functional, multi-generational gathering spaces don’t tidy themselves, however; unless you have a separate playroom, you’ll need some creative solutions to keep this space looking presentable while housing the kid’s toys. Find furniture that’s stylish and storage-friendly, like an ottoman or sofa with hidden storage. Set aside a few bookshelves or cupboards for all books and toys. Invest in furniture that is sleek and easy to clean, and style it with cushions and throws to show that the kids aren’t the only ones running the house.
The Kitchen
You will never regret investing in a kitchen island. A walk-around island adds flow and functionality to your kitchen space, allowing your kids to both buoy up to the counter or circulate the space as meals are being prepped or dishes are being washed. A double-entry galley is an alternative option that helps control the flow of foot-traffic in the kitchen while adding a unique showpiece to your kitchen’s design.
When selecting a countertop, consider investing in composite stone, such as Caesarstone, Smartstone or Essastone, as they are a mix of quartz and resin, and extremely durable. A new matt-finish laminate, AbsoluteMatte by Laminex, has a stylish, sleek look and a scratch-resistant, smudge proof finish. If you prefer a sleek, marble finish, which easily hides spills, you’ll need to practice proper maintenance.
A mid-mount wall oven is a safe option to protect your children from hot surfaces and provides convenience by saving your back when checking on dinner. And consider installing push-to-open drawers and cupboards in your cabinets to keep any curious young children out of select areas.
The Bathroom
A smart bathroom layout is crucial for safety and convenience; designing a “wet zone” can contain all the water-based activities and prevent your feet getting wet. To achieve this, consider installing a separate shower and bath, as opposed to a combination of the two. Factor in a landing area to dry off after exiting either, to help encourage the water to remain confined to one area.
For flooring, large-format tiles do away with excessive dirt-attracting grout, and are easy to maintain. There are designs, both modern and classic, to choose from, so you won’t feel like you are sacrificing style
A Home Designed For Your Family
Designing a kid-friendly house is all about planning your choices based on function, and staying specific to your aesthetic when it comes to form. Partner with the professionals at Gordon James in Minnesota to create your custom dream home, and design every room to best serve your family. For more information, contact us at info@gordon-james.com or call us at 763-479-3117 today.
Laundry Room Dos and Don’ts
While designing your dream house, it’s important not to forget the small details; your laundry room is the perfect example. Doing laundry is a daily routine, so you may as well wash and dry your clothes in a stylish space. Here are some dos and don’ts from Gordon James so you can create a peaceful, stylish, and relaxing oasis in your home.
Designing
- DO think about how you’ll use the space each day. For example, you may want a laundry room that functions as a mudroom as well or has a doggy shower for your furry friend. There are many custom options available for your family needs or wants.
- DON’T place your laundry room too close to bedrooms, the noise will keep you awake. Placing your laundry room on the main floor adjacent to the kitchen, mudroom, or garage is excellent for convenience.
- DO decide if you want a top or front loader. Top loaders are more common, but front loaders are more efficient, easier to clean and offer flexibility in placement. Especially if you’re trying to maximize your space, you should install a front loader.
- DON’T think you have to have a traditional “laundry room” dedicated only to laundry. The laundry room is not just a space for cleaning, but also for purification and peace, so your design is important. If you enjoy minimalistic interior design, maybe you’d prefer to hide your dryer in a closet or cabinet for a streamlined look. If you want a space to relax while waiting for your laundry, maybe you’d like to create a reading nook or install a wall-mounted TV.
Decorating
- DO decorate with intention. Laundry rooms deserve design love too, no matter how big or small. You need a space that’s stylish and functional. Shelves, hooks, hangers can all be practical and decorative pieces. Organize your detergent, hampers, and cleaning supplies in labeled, fancy, baskets or boxes so everything is at your fingertips.
- DON’T forget about lighting. Your laundry room may have a large, bright window, but you’ll want to add more lighting options. Too often laundry rooms have dim lighting, or worse, fluorescent lighting. Whether it’s a stylish pendant light, unique overhead lights, a retro mounted light, wall sconces, or chandelier, your lights can be functional and beautiful. Install a dimmer so you can adjust the lighting whenever you’re in the room to make it comfortable.
- DO choose a durable type of flooring that makes a statement. Laundry rooms need flooring similar to a bathroom to protect from moisture, but that doesn’t mean the floor can’t be fashionable. Custom tiling or patterns offer a functional and stylish option, it’s a great way to liven up your laundry room and make a design statement.
- DON’T be afraid to be creative. Your laundry room can be an elegant space bursting with personality. Consider adding colorful wallpaper, favorite artwork, painting your laundry room door a bright color, or adding a stylish chair for folding.
A Peaceful Oasis
Even though the laundry room is a small part of your dream home, it’s still important. So why not make it a peaceful escape? Partner with the professionals at Gordon James to create your custom dream home, and have every room in your house fit your personal aesthetic. For more information, contact us at info@gordon-james.com or call us at 763-479-3117 today.
Custom Closet Design and Organization Tips
A luxurious and tidy closet space is within your reach, full of personality without all the clutter. With a custom design and a personalized organization strategy, you can fall in love with your closet all over again. Here’s the Gordon James guide to designing and organizing a chic closet so you can experience joy whenever you open it.
Design
An efficient and elegant custom closet begins with a thoughtful design. The design should serve your needs, maximize storage space, express your style, and showcase your wardrobe. Ponder the following questions during the design process:
- What are your style needs?
- How do you plan to use your closet?
- What statement pieces do you want?
- What storage solutions have you previously tried?
- How much time do you spend dressing and doing your makeup?
These questions will help you determine if you want a walk-in, California, or hidden closet. If you want additional space for displaying your wardrobe and dressing, consider transforming an extra guest bedroom into a spacious and stylish closet. After you’ve worked out your initial design, you can move onto the personalization.
Organize
If you create places for each of your pieces, it makes it easier to clean your closet and creates a more sophisticated look. Separate out your accessories like jewelry, sunglasses, handbags to maintain an order to your closet. Try shelf dividers to keep your folded shirts from turning into a messy pile. Organize smaller pieces like jewelry on a jewelry tree to keep them from getting lost or damaged. Install a pegboard on the wall to display your handbags.
Display
Find a shoe rack, rail, or floating shelves that are adjustable to lift your shoes off the floor. This way the shallow space under your hanging clothes is used and your shoes are on display. Instead of placing your shoes side by side, place them heel to toe so more shoes are visible. If you don’t have the floor space, install racks on the back of your door. Love your stiletto collection? Consider hanging your stilettos outside of your closet to save closet space and showcase your style.
Streamline
The easiest way to streamline your closet is to throw out your wire and plastic hangers and invest in ones that match. Velvet hangers help ensure your clothes don’t slip off the hangers and protect your clothes from rips. Having monotone hangers ties your closet together and makes your clothes more visible. This not only ties your closet together but also highlights your wardrobe. Organize your clothing left to right, light to dark, for a visual appealing trick. If you have certain pieces you wear together hang them close together so you aren’t searching around your closet for pieces every morning.
Personalize
Your closet isn’t just a storage space. After your wardrobe is organized, consider the statement design elements you want to include. Upgrade your lighting with a stylish chandelier or lamp. Accent the room with ornate mirrors, inspiring pictures, individually painted walls, or fancy patterned wallpaper. Create a space in the center of the closet for fur stools, a loveseat, a vanity mirror, or an antique bench for extra comfort and elegance.
Enjoy
Designing your closet is an opportunity to express your style and personality. Find joy and peace in your closet, and partner with the professionals at Gordon James to create your ideal closet. For more information, contact us at info@gordon-james.com or call us at 763-479-3117 today.