French Country is an Old World style of design that emerged in the US after the first world war when soldiers were coming back from Europe and building homes inspired by the cottages and manors of the French countryside. French Country style homes have steeped pitched rooflines and place the main entrance of the home front and center. Such symmetry is a common element both in exterior elevations and floor plans. The materials used in this style reflect pastoral elements, like stone, wood, straw and botanicals. Even the colors are naturally inspired, like lavenders, blues,...
Michigan Blue: A Great Lake Story Preview & Lakestyle Cottage
The Spring issue of Michigan BLUE Magazine is out. That's right, SPRING! Ah, I can almost smell the daffodils now. Get into the season with this lovely new issue, featuring our lakestyle cottage, the Tamlane. This modest sized stone and log cabin is a beautiful retreat, with rustic, fairytale style. Also included in this issue is a little sneak peak of the next Great Lake Story that begins in their cottages issue. Want more information on how Carlton Shores pushes the limits in lakefront living? Check out our blog post feature on this contemporary twist to the...
Lake Home & Cabin Show: Chicago
It's the start of trade show season for us over here at Visbeen, and we are kicking this year off at Chicago's Lake Home & Cabin Show, which begins TODAY! Now in its 9th year, the Lake Home & Cabin Show is Chicagoland's only show that specializes in vacation homes and the second home lifestyle. If you own a lake home, cottage or cabin or you want to own one, this is a truly unique event you'll want to visit. Exhibitors include builders, custom products, accessories and publications, sporting gear, outdoor and marine equipment, landscaping and lakeshore maintenance, and...
Interior wallpaper design flower motif
Interior wallpaper design flower mo...
Shore Magazine: Gull Lake home designed for lakeside living and entertaining
Shore Magazine did a nice piece on our Gull Lake design, the Highfield. If you haven't heard the story behind the design yet, check it out here...GULL LAKE HOMEGull Lake home designed for lakeside living and entertaining1Print Email»ProvidedFebruary 19, 2013 12:00 am • Jane Ammeson(0) CommentsWhen it came time to design the house replacing the 3,000-square-foot summer home they’d enjoyed for 15 years, Mary and Kevin Beyer knew they wanted to take full advantage of their waterfront property on scenic Gull Lake in Hickory Corners, Michigan. But Mary Beyer wanted...
Houzz Ideabook: 10 Ways to Entertain Kids on Rainy Days
Have you ever experienced kids "bouncing off the walls" when the weather outside is less than desirable? In Michigan, we know this too well and let's be honest, it's not a pretty sight. Here is a fun Houzz.com ideabook with options for indoor activities and locations in the home that will cure your kids cooped up feeling on a rainy day. Be sure to check out our very own Kearney Hill stair nook that landed on this list! var hzw_id=5348901;function hzwshow(id,v,delay){var showDiv=document.getElementById('hzexpand'+id);if(v){ position=function(element){ var p={x: element.offsetLeft...
Room Guide: Master Suites that Up the Romance
It's Valentines Day, which means most people are turning up the romantic volume in their life. Does your master suite reflect that same va-va-voom? A romantic room doesn't have to be filled to the brim with flowers and candles (although keep in mind, guys, those are always a good idea). Here are few tips on upping the atmosphere of your master sanctuary."I'm going to surround myself with wood. Wood, Jerry! Wood!" (please tell me there are some Seinfeld lovers out there who know what I'm talking about)Ok, so we aren't really talking about wall to wall,...
Labels:
master suites,
room guide,
Valentine's Day,
visbeen architects
Welcome to Grand Rapids, Bekins!
If you have been following us on our Facebook page, you already know that our friends over at Bekins are now officially in Grand Rapids! In December, they opened the doors to a new location we had the pleasure of designing. This state of the art showroom features the latest in home appliances, entertainment electronics and home automation technologies. Since it's founding in 1975, Bekins has grown to become the #1 electronics integrator in the state of Michigan and we were happy to partner with them on this new venture over in our neck of the woods! Haven't had...