Last week we talked about the Death of Stainless Steel in your kitchen, and this week, I guess we can talk about another dying feature... the Dining Room.  Rarely over the last 10 years, in either Custom Homes, or Remodeling have we built or even designed a true formal dining room.  Maybe it is a trend towards more multi-function space, such as the typical large great room, eating area, kitchen area that you see in most modern homes.  Part of the reason that dining rooms have declined in popularity, is that they only serve one purpose, and after you put the dining room table in there, there is not much room left for anything else.  There are creative ways to design a formal dining space that still can serve many purposes, and doesn't waste space in the home.  If you are thinking about Building  a New Custom Home, or Renovating your existing Cape Cod home, contact us today to find out how we can help!

Universal design is a popular concept in home planning.  It was known over the years as "aging in place" or "accessible" design.  The Universal Design program takes a more broad approach to dealing with issues associated with an aging population. Considerations range from hallway and door widths, to kitchen layouts and appliance selections. The bottom line is this: with some smart planning for your new home, or renovation project, you can have a space that will be liveable for every stage of your life.  Here is an article from housingzone.com that discusses the new trends and ideas in universal design: Universal Design

If you want to find out how Universal Design ideas might work in your new home contact us by clicking below:

   Designing a home can be a fun and exciting process. Here at REEF, since we are a Design / Build firm, our customers are involved in every step of the  the design process, from a blank page to a highly detailed desgin.  However, once the house is built, the decorating choices inside can have a dramatic impact on the overall heel of the home.  We found a great article from Decoist.com that provides some simple rules for interior decor.  Choosing colors and furnishings that enhance the space is just as important as designing the overall floor plan.  

Click here for the full article: http://www.decoist.com/2012-08-27/3-basic-home-decor-rules-you-may-have-forgotten/

HOME DESIGN Apps for your

iPhone and Android

If you woke up this morning, smiled and thought, 'I would really love a more technologically saavy way to design and decorate my house', then you may be happy to know that Home Design Applications available for your Iphone, Ipad or Android Device have arrived en masse.

Follow the link below to learn about a some of my favorites using Android technology:

1. Home Design

2. Home Architecture and Design

3. Interior Design Gallery HD

http://www.androidzoom.com/users/wprice/list/favorites

If you are an Iphone and Ipad users I recommend trying http://home3dapp.com/

I have only used this application briefly, but was very impressed with its capabilities.  It is also user friendly. 

Have fun with the design and photo galleries!

DESIGN BUILD

   On Cape Cod, everyone always thinks of shingled, traditionally styled homes.  However, there are a number of modern-styled homes, especially on the outer Cape. Custom Home Builders often look to modern styling to identify trends, and new and innovative ways to use materials. We came across this slideshow of homes that recently won the George Matsumoto competiton for modern design in California.  These homes are stunning, innovative, and remarkably simple in their form. Click Here to view the slideshow:

http://www.builderonline.com/design/modernist-house-design-competition-winners.aspx

If you are thinking of designing a modern home, please contact REEF today... and see what we can do for you!

   Professional Builder Magazine recently published their "Design Innovation Repoort" which was developed with leaders in residential design from across the country.  There were 15 key points in this report, many of which make a lot of sense, and can provide some inspiration for your next New Home, Remodeling or Renovation Project. 

See the full article here: http://www.housingzone.com/design/15-great-ideas-leaders-residential-design

    Creating an appealing home has a number of factors. Overall design, lot location, and exterior details can all contribute to an attractive home.  The elements of an attractive home should be balanced in mass and scale, and present a coordinated appearance.   We found an interesting article from Housingzone.com that discusses the 3 key elements to creating a stunning custom home.  This article highlights massing, fenestration, and detailing as the most important factors that contribute to an attractive custom home.  Even the smallest house can have exceptional curb appeal with some well placed windows and doors, and some small details like shutters. 

Click here to read the full article: http://www.housingzone.com/blog/3-key-elements-creating-stunning-curb-appeal

  In the past, REEF has always promoted new and exciting designs, products and features for new homes, renovation and remodeling.  So today, we thought we might try something different. We came across a very interesting article on MSN Real Estate that talks about 10 home trends that are quickly losing popularity.  Ranging from things like 2-story living rooms, to fancy jetted tubs, this article highlights the trends that builders and realtors are seeing across the country.  Custom homes often become a mix of features that customers have seen and liked elsewhere, but some of those choices don't make practical sense over the long term. 

Click below to see the article, you might be surprised: http://realestate.msn.com/kiss-these-10-once-popular-home-features-goodbye?#2