Does Much of the Socializing Happens in the Kitchen?

Many families say that the majority of their family time and general socialization time is done in the kitchen.  This often happens because the people who do the cooking want to be involved in the conversations, and everyone tends to gravitate towards wherever the cook is preparing a meal.  If this happens in your family, an open floor plan may be perfect for you. You can wash the dishes, cook dinner and clean the kitchen all while chatting with the family and keeping an eye on the kids!  The kitchen is considered the heart of the home.

Do You Enjoy Entertaining?

If you love to entertain, there is no better option than an open floor plan. Rather than having small segments of people scattered all over the home, in an open floor plan people can mill around freely. As a host, you can keep up with all the guests every easily this way, too. Everybody is within your view at all times, and nobody will feel isolated.

Looking to create a new home with an architectural balance unique to your needs? Whether you want an open floor plan or an entirely different concept, TAB Associates can help. Give us a call to start planning your next home today!

The post Is An Open Floor Plan Right For You? appeared first on TAB Associates.

It seems that just about every architecture magazine cover you see these days is highlighting contemporary architecture styles. There’s a prevailing fascination with contemporary architectural design, and with good reason. Vail Valley architects gravitate toward this style due to some key stylistic factors. The following may offer some insights as to why contemporary design continues to be so fascinating:

Sleek Lines and Edges

The smooth transitions in contemporary design are pleasing to the eye and soothing to the soul. Inside and out, sleek lines and smooth edges make this style extremely inviting.

Symmetry and Balance

Contemporary architectural design is also harmonious in terms of color and design elements. Even if the structure isn’t literally symmetrical, there is an implied symmetry and balance in all of the elements used in contemporary architectural designs.

A Homage to Technology

The world around us keeps evolving and advancing in terms of technology. It isn’t surprising that modern architecture designs are now reflecting this. The use of high-sheen materials, brushed metals and high-tech accents reflect the world around us as it continues to expand and evolve.

Appealing Hybrids Are Emerging

Contemporary design also isn’t limited to just high-tech styles. Many new designs in effect offer a hybrid of new designs, as well as what has worked in past decades. The result is a compelling balance of classic and contemporary elements that can take architecture to new places.

TAB Associates is an architectural firm in Vail Valley that prides itself on finding balance in all areas of architectural design. The structure, program, construction, and cost of every project are all orchestrated to be in harmony.

Just like the rest of the modern world, architecture keeps evolving in highly compelling ways. Consult TAB Associates when you’re ready to make your design visions a reality. Your Vail Valley architects bring contemporary design and architectural balance together for you.

The post Why Is Contemporary Design So Fascinating? Vail Valley Architects Offer Some Insights appeared first on TAB Associates.

Here are three amazing and influential designs that can truly be called timeless.

Timeless Buildings

Fallingwater – Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece in the rural loveliness of southwestern Pennsylvania was built in 1935. It was named the “best all-time work of American architecture” by the American Institute of Architects and one of the 28 places a person should visit before they die by Smithsonian Magazine. It’s integration of the natural and the manmade, inspired by Japanese design, is its strength.

The Salk Institute – Architect Louis Kahn was commissioned to create the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in 1959 by Dr. Jonas Salk, who gifted the world with the vaccine for polio. Kahn studied the ascetic and austere designs of ancient monasteries to develop his vision of a space for intellectual pursuits. He used sparse concrete walls, glass, and natural lighting to create one of the world’s most unique building complexes.

St. Paul’s Cathedral – Designed in two stages during the 17th century by legendary English architect Christopher Wren as part of the massive rebuilding project after the Great Fire of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of the world’s great buildings, and has been inspiring architects for many generations.

But when it comes to timeless residential design, I believe that the Old World style is truly timeless.  Because if you cannot tell if it was built 100 years ago or yesterday, then it can be deemed timeless.  I also believe many log homes fall into this same category for the same reasons.

If you’re in need of a Vail Valley architectural firm to add the element of timelessness into your home, contact TAB Associates for a consultation.

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Movable Walls: Not New but Still Valuable

Folding walls can be used to divide a large room, such as a spacious living area. A folding or moveable wall can also be used as an outer wall that leads to the outside, to create a larger living and entertainment area. A glass wall is a thing of beauty. It allows you to have an expanded view of the outside without losing the energy efficiency of your home.  Here’s why.

At 8,150 feet above sea level, Vail Valley, Colorado, offers expansive views of nature. A Vail Valley architect can add a sunroom onto your home’s exterior. In addition, they can install a movable glass wall. During winter, the wall can be opened to create more space and to take advantage of the warmth provided by the sunroom (or the sun in general). On the other hand, in summer, when the weather gets warmer, the glass wall can be closed to insulate your living room. That is just one way that an architect like TAB Associates can help design the perfect mix of indoor and outdoor space.

Kitchen Expansion Made Simple

Another good example of how to use a movable wall to increase your home’s space is to place moveable glass walls in the kitchen. By building an outdoor kitchen, you can open the wall and expand your kitchen area for parties, holidays and other events. Such a wall allows you to take full advantage of all of your living space, even those spaces that are outdoors.

To explore how an architect can add value and help improve the space in your home, visit TAB Associates online.

The post Movable Walls & the Inside/Outside Architectural Connection appeared first on TAB Associates.

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Fads come and go, but the classic principles of interior design never really change. The year 2016 has brought with it some interesting ideas for the home that blends together with contemporary technology, definition and schematics. Let us look at some new trends that can quickly implement new trends with promising effects.

Mix the Match

The same look in every room getting you down? – Not to fear. Add some ethnic flavor with accents that show decorative promise.

Optical illusions can never be old school and this year, the cluster of small mirrors intermingled with the larger ones transform a room dramatically to create a spacious look.

If you want to jazz things up with a mix of colors, bright color is in the news and can change the look and the ambiance of any room quick. What you need to look out for is to make sure that the lighting complements the schematics.

The old theme of the same old ceiling color has changed in design and temperament. Add a highlighted space on the ceiling with strategically positioned LED lighting.

Go for minimal and urban design in the kitchen by implementing an open kitchen. Use placement of tables and islands to change the dynamic to instill a sense of privacy, while still maintaining the open look.

The latest design that creates an aura of something different is the change in the bathroom tiles. Forget about the same old tiles, and fuse in some geometric shapes, ceramic tiles, or or stone murals.

Go the Distance

If you want to change the theme of the home, you have to be open to suggestions. However, be as open and descriptive as possible with a designer if you have a certain idea in mind. Blending two – contemporary and classic chic does change the dynamic. Add extra greenery and you have yourself a winner.

The post 2016 Interior Design Trends appeared first on TAB Associates.

Bathroom Interiors

Let’s begin with the bathroom interiors. It can be difficult and expensive to design bathrooms, especially master bathrooms. It means dealing with plumbing, ventilation and electrical systems and adhering to energy and water-saving codes according to your location.

In the New Year, independent toilet rooms will be the buzzword. These toilet rooms have the benefit of adding a touch of privacy to shared baths. Also, if you’re planning to renovate your bathroom in the coming year, go frameless for your shower enclosures. This is a crisper and cleaner look and allows the shower tiles to shine through!

Kitchen Designs

In 2016, as far as the interior design of kitchens is concerned, you will still have to ensure efficient storage facilities, and you can get back the tiles into your kitchen. In the New Year, kitchen renovations will be high on textured and colored tiles. You don’t necessarily need to install a very bright or strong color; neutrals will work well too. Take inspiration from European designs to renovate your home’s kitchen in 2016!

Darker Color Palettes

For the longest time, we have been observing mostly white home interiors including white floors, white walls, white ceilings, white upholstery and so on. This year, however, interior designers are predicting that there might be a transition towards darker and moodier hues. This means that homeowners planning a renovation can think about incorporating colors such as charcoal, navy, aubergine and hunter green into their home interiors. Use the colors on walls, ceilings or upholstery to add a touch of glamor to your home décor.

Combining Vintage and Contemporary

A key home renovation trend in the New Year will be the mixing of contemporary and vintage design elements while styling your home. When you combine furniture and other interior elements from various eras, it lends a more dynamic look to your space. In order to shop for good quality old furniture, visit antique stores, and add a touch of history to your home décor. It will also make your home look warmer and more welcoming.

It is a good idea to consult a professional before deciding on a particular home renovation idea for the New Year.

The post New Interior Renovation Trends for the New Year appeared first on TAB Associates.

Typically, all architecture is aimed at achieving some kind of balance with respect to the design, whether symmetrical or asymmetrical. While designing, certain theories and laws need to be taken into consideration.

If architecture has to have some balance, designers need to think about synchronizing elements so that each of them relates to the other. Ultimately, the aim is to build some sort of system. Balance is not just about the physical building being structurally and aesthetically sound. Architectural balance is achieved when a designer manages to design for all human senses.

Importance of Symmetry and Asymmetry in Architectural Design

Symmetry is one way to achieve architectural balance. This means having a mirror image around a pivotal or primary axis. This is quite common in architecture, especially classical architecture. The symmetry could be radial as well.

Designers can also aim for approximate symmetry. This does not involve a mirror image. However, the elements built on one of the sides of the central axis get roughly imitated on the other.

Lastly, balance in architecture could be asymmetrical as well. Designers might find this more challenging to achieve. This could present a more intriguing view but if not done correctly, it can make all the individual parts look fine, the system as a whole could appear awkward. Asymmetrical architectural balance is usually considered as casual while symmetrical balance seems more formal.

In either case, form should follow function so manipulating the function to achieve symmetry is sometimes not true to the architecture.

The post How Balance Ties Into Architecture appeared first on TAB Associates.

Do a bit of research- Before you begin to design your home, it is best to look around and expose yourself to interior design and existing architectural trends to decide what you want.

Preferred mode of communication- Once you hire your Architect, establish the most efficient form of communication between you both. The frequency and speed of response will be based upon whether you choose emails, text messages, voice calls and so on.

Make a schedule- Once the preferred mode of communication is established, make a weekly schedule so that you and your Architect can plan the meetings accordingly.

Take it one step at a time- It is not conducive to go into the details of what you need from a home right at the beginning. Start with a solid idea and then build up from there.

Ask for 3D views- Architects are experts at seeing 3D even when they are looking at 2D images. Ask for a 3D version so that your visions are aligned.

Make sure that you understand everything- Although architects will try their best to make themselves understood, they may use some terminology that you’re unfamiliar with. Get clarity on any confusion, no matter how small.

Get cost estimates for each design- A design may look great but before you set your heart to it, check how much money it will take to build it.  this may require a builder being involved in the early stages to acquire solid budgets.

Show your architect a lot of pictures- Most of the time, your ideas cannot be communicated through words as you do not know the terminology. Show your Architect plenty of pictures of designs so that he or she knows exactly what you want.  It is important to also show your Architect pictures of what you do not like.  In this way, they can get in your head and understand your desires.

Write everything down- Taking notes at the end of a meeting will ensure that you and your architect are on the same page at all times.

Collaborate with your Architect and builder- At every design stage, try to collaborate between the builder and the Architect so that the designs can be feasible and beautiful at the same time.

With a little bit of effort from your side, you should be able to use the talent of your Architect to build your dream home!

The post 10 Tips to Effectively Communicate with your Architect appeared first on TAB Associates.

Architecture should be beautiful, but that beauty should come from the remarkable feelings of balance one experiences when looking at or walking through a space. That is not to say there is not room for personalization. Once balance is achieved with the larger elements, the little details of the architectural design are often used to give it some character. These details can be used to evoke the architect’s personal tastes or the preferences of the client.

Often, the zen-like balance of notable architectural designs comes from their simplicity. There are so many different forms of simplicity. From flowing, natural-looking structures to ones made from rigid geometric forms, each achieves balance in its own way. Often, it’s about experiencing that piece in its context, not as a solo work of art.

To learn more about zen and balance in architecture, contact TAB Associates. We aim to create designs that capture their function and the client’s essence.

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• American house styles grew from a blend of British, French, and Spanish styles that were brought over by settlers. Homes started off small, and as the nation grew, home sizes increased. Regional differences also developed, with Northeastern homes being great forts to block out winter weather and Southern homes featuring tall windows to capture cooler breeze.
• In the 18th century, the Greek Revival style brought pillars to the American home design, and in the later 19th century, the Shingle style introduced banded, horizontal elements and larger openings between rooms. Frank Lloyd Wright brought the Craftsman style to the forefront of American architecture, paving the way for the use of natural materials.
• Now, modern American homes are becoming more geometrical and minimalist in design. However, many homeowners still built on the classic designs of the 18th, 19th, and 20th century to create their own, updated versions of these truly American homes.

If you’re ready to start designing your American home, contact TAB Associates to discuss your project today.

The post Contemporary American Home Design Across the Years appeared first on TAB Associates.

• Know your budget going in. This makes it easier to choose materials that you can reasonably afford throughout the project, rather than leaving you on a tight budget and forcing you to skimp at the end.
• Pay attention to measurements. Sometimes, it’s not possible to fit everything in a space without it feeling overly cluttered, so prioritize and know what you’re willing to do without.
• Think about the lighting scheme. With the wrong lighting, an otherwise beautiful place can look dull.

TAB Associates recently partook in a remodeling project at a huge log home in Bachelor Gulch. We added extra bathrooms, a workout space, and a theater to the space, and we also completely remodeled the master bathroom. In the process, we and the building’s owners payed close attention to the tips above, which ensured that everything came out beautifully and the home flowed well upon completion.

Contact us to learn more about this and our other projects.

The post What You Should Know Before Embarking on a Remodeling Journey appeared first on TAB Associates.

Consider, for instance, a home with a very minimalist exterior — clean lines, only two materials, and parallel geometry. You would expect the interior of the home to have the same elements, and if it does, the building would be said to feel authentic. On the other hand, if the home’s interior were cluttered with complex patterns and the use of multiple materials, the space would not feel authentic.

Another good example would be a children’s room that is decorated with bright colors and geometric patterns. If the window frames were painted bright red or blue, this would feel authentic. On the other hand, carefully hewn wooden, rustic window frames would not have an authentic feel. Authenticity in architecture is similar to the concept of unity — everything should have the same “character.”

If you’re thinking of building a home with architectural authenticity, then contact TAB Associates to learn more about our design services.

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A large portal may consist of floors, walls and ceilings that extend past an exterior wall to create a sort of porch for residents to spend time on.

One of the most stunning architectural trends that is popping up in homes across the country is portals. Put simply, portals are exterior elements, such as walls and floors, that extend past the exterior walls of the home to encapsulate pockets or frames.

A large portal may consist of floors, walls and ceilings that extend past an exterior wall to create a sort of porch for residents to spend time on. In some cases, a large portal may wrap around the corner of a home, creating substantial outdoor living space.

Portals can also be integrated as balconies. A middle floor can be extended, along with a roof, to create a projection of an upper floor. Add a railing, and you have a comfortable outdoor space.

Of course, some portals are small. A little wooden portal on the back of a home can serve as a miniature garden, where you can house potted plants and a few patio chairs. Extending just the floor and walls, but not the roof, results in an open-air design.

The experts at TAB Associates can help you integrate the latest architectural trends into your space. Contact us to learn more about our services.

The post Modernist Architectural Trends: Portals appeared first on TAB Associates.

The Craftsman style honors the use of natural materials and handmade elements, such as wood, stone, and brick.

Some architectural styles come and go, but others stay stylish forever. The Craftsman style is here to stay, and if you’re looking to create a timeless home that will look just as appealing in a few decades as it does today, Craftsman is a good choice.

The Craftsman style honors the use of natural materials and handmade elements. Traditionally, Craftsman homes are designed from mixed natural materials — typically wood, stone and brick.

Exterior elements of a Craftsman home include a low-pitched roof, overhangs supported by tapered pillars, a large front porch, and partially paned doors. Windows on Craftsman homes typically feature four or six panes up top, and a single pane on the bottom. The rafter tails are often exposed. and foundations are generally made from exposed brick, stone, or a combination of both.

Interior elements of a Craftsman home include an open floor plan, use of plenty of natural wood to create crown molding and wide baseboards, and double wooden doors that swing widely into rooms. Tall ceilings are also common.

Contact TAB Associates to start discussing your Craftsman home today. We’d love to tell you more about our design services.

The post Craftsman Style Architecture Is a Timeless Trend appeared first on TAB Associates.

The rustic designs of log cabins, farmhouses, and country cottages are becoming more and more popular in today’s design world.

Log cabins, farmhouses, and country cottages — they’re coming back today with a more modern twist. Rustic designs are increasing in popularity, but where do their beginnings lie?

Cabin homes, made mostly from natural lumber, were originally built by stacking notched logs. The logs tended to warp and expand over time, so early settlers would seal them together with a mixture of mud or clay, mixed with straw.

Cottages can be traced back to several origins. Early cottages were built along beaches in America and in Victorian England. The features they shared were bright, airy interiors, small size, and clapboard siding. Often vacation homes, cottages were designed for seasonal use.

Farmhouses were usually constructed from a variety of natural materials — whatever was available at the time. Wide plank flooring, fieldstone fire places, and roughly hewn ceiling beams were elements still used in farmhouses today. Farmhouses had big porches as these originally served as places to kick boots off and enjoy a view of the fields.

Are you ready to adopt today’s rustic look as your own? Contact TAB Associates to learn more about the rustic cabins, cottages and farmhouses we have built for prior clients and can also build for you.

The post The Genesis of Today’s Rustic Aesthetic appeared first on TAB Associates.

Your master bathroom should be a relaxing environment as well as a luxurious one.

It’s okay for the bathroom in your downstairs hallway to be designed mostly with basic function in mind, but you should want something more out of your master bathroom. This is your bathroom after all! It should be relaxing and comfortable and maybe even a little bit luxurious. You should get pleasure out of using your master bathroom. So how exactly do you do this? By turning it into a retreat!

First of all, if the bathroom is decorated with old wallpaper, get rid of this and give the space a fresh coat of paint. Then work on the floor. Consider adding heated flooring in order to make your bathroom as comfortable as possible – especially during those cooler winter months.

Install windows if possible that allow more natural light to flow in. If it’s not possible, think about installing a skylight. Go with a frameless glass shower enclosure in order to keep the bathroom spacious and to add a bit of elegance. When it comes to the color schemes, we recommend calm and refreshing colors, such as watery greens.

Use these tips to turn your master bathroom into a retreat. Contact us at TAB Associates for more bathroom design advice.

The post How to Make Your Master Bathroom Into a Retreat appeared first on TAB Associates.

Here are some transitional design tips to help you create the quintessential living room for your home.

Transitional design combined classic and modern design elements to create spaces that are both relaxing and sophisticated. If you love transitional style, consider implementing some of these living room designs into your home.

• Try pairing a more traditional color, such as beige, with a more modern pattern, such as thick stripes or criss-cross patterns. For example, an area rug in beige and cream offers perfect transitional appeal.
• Lamps add a warm, special touch to a living room. Give your space a transitional, modern look by choosing artistic lamps in bold colors like red or cobalt blue.
• Large windows allow light to shine into the room. For transitional designs, choose wide windows that extend almost, but not all of the way, to the floor.
• Built-in shelves and bookcases are a theme in more traditional styles. You can make them more modern or traditional by keeping them simple with geometric designs. Natural wood is a classic choice that coordinates with most any decor.

When you’re ready to update your living room in a more transitional style, contact TAB Associates. We’ll be happy to create a space that accentuates your own unique style.

The post How to Design and Elegant and Transitional Living Room appeared first on TAB Associates.

Here are a series of several small remodeling tips that can make a big impact on your next home remodeling project.

Sometimes it doesn’t take a full remodel to give your home a new and exciting look. These small remodeling ideas can make a big difference with little time and effort.

• Under-cabinet lighting can make your whole kitchen seem more welcoming and open. It also makes tasks like chopping onions and preparing late-night coffee easier.
• A dimmer switch can allow you to change the mood in your living and dining room with just a touch of the hand. Set the light low for a romantic evening, or turn it up for an exciting board game night.
• A motion-activated porch light is a great choice if you’re always fumbling for your keys in the dark. You’ll feel safe and secure, even when you get home late at night.
• Soft-close cabinets and drawers are a great addition to your kitchen. No more fighting with stuck drawers or knocking your head on cabinets that got left open.
• A built-in soap dispenser decreases the amount of clutter on your kitchen counter top, giving it a neater appearance.

If you’re interested in making these or other remodeling changes, contact TAB Associates to discuss your plans today.

The post Small Remodeling Touches That Can Make a Big Difference appeared first on TAB Associates.

Make a point to avoid underbudgeting, delaying decisions, and skimping on planning (among other things) for your next home remodel.

Remodeling do’s and remodeling don’ts abound when it comes to creating the perfect home. The following are some things we strongly recommend you don’t do as you plan your remodeling project.

• Don’t delay decisions. This adds time and expense to the project. Instead, get the information you need quickly and don’t hesitate to be decisive.
• Don’t bargain hunt. Bargain hunting for materials might save you a buck or two, but it probably won’t. Remember, contractors have relationships with suppliers that can save you even more.
• Don’t underbudget. Always plan a small contingency fund for unexpected expenses or small cost overruns. This will save you a great number of headaches.
• Don’t get in the way. Make sure your contractor can work free from distractions including kids, pets, and you. While you’ll no doubt be eager to see the work going on, try and limit your time on the job site.
• Don’t skimp on planning. The more planning you do, the better the finished remodel will look and feel.

The architects at Tab Associates, Inc. would be happy to discuss these “remodeling don’ts” with you. We invite you to contact us for more information, and to discuss the “remodeling do’s” we recommend.

The post Things to Avoid in Your Next Home Remodel appeared first on TAB Associates.