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Building Trends

What is a Barndominium? A Unique Blend of Rustic Charm and Modern Living

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What is a Barndominium? A Unique Blend of Rustic Charm and Modern Living

If you’ve been exploring custom home options, you may have come across the term barndominium. While the name might sound a little unusual, barndominiums—often called barndos—are gaining popularity as a stylish, cost-effective, and flexible way to build a home. So, what exactly is a barndominium, and why are so many people choosing to build them? Let’s dive into this unique housing trend.

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Cost Efficiencies to Consider When Building a New Home

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Cost Efficiencies to Consider When Building a New Home

Building a new home is an exciting journey, but managing costs effectively is crucial to ensure you stay within your budget without compromising on quality. One of the best ways to keep costs under control is to focus on efficiencies that offer long-term value. Whether it's through energy savings, smart design choices, or material selection, here are some key cost efficiencies to consider when building your new home.

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Key Features That Make a Home Sustainable in Southwest Michigan

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Key Features That Make a Home Sustainable in Southwest Michigan

Building a new home in Southwest Michigan offers a unique opportunity to incorporate sustainable features that can significantly reduce environmental impact and increase energy efficiency. As a home builder committed to sustainability, we believe that incorporating the right elements can create a comfortable, eco-friendly living space. Here are key features that make a home sustainable in Southwest Michigan.

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Product Review: View Rail Cable Railing

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Product Review: View Rail Cable Railing

When it comes to enhancing the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your home, few upgrades match the impact of a modern railing system. Among the many options available, Viewrail Cable Railing stands out as a top choice for homeowners seeking a blend of elegance, durability, and ease of maintenance. In this review, we delve into the features that make Viewrail Cable Railing an excellent investment for your home.

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Navigating High Interest Rates and Rising Material Costs: Is Now the Right Time to Build Your New Home?

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Navigating High Interest Rates and Rising Material Costs: Is Now the Right Time to Build Your New Home?

Building a new home is a monumental decision that hinges on a multitude of factors, including economic conditions. With the current landscape marked by high interest rates and escalating material costs, prospective homeowners may be grappling with the question of whether now is the opportune moment to embark on their new home construction journey. In this article, we'll delve into the intricacies of this dilemma, weighing the pros and cons to help you make an informed choice. [read more]

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Decoding Home Styles

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Decoding Home Styles

The world of home design is a tapestry of diverse styles, each with its own unique characteristics and influences. From classic elegance to contemporary minimalism, understanding the differences between various home styles can help homeowners make informed decisions when designing or renovating their dream homes. In this blog post, we'll decode nine popular home styles: Traditional, Transitional, Farmhouse, Mediterranean, Modern, Contemporary, Midcentury, Craftsman, and Coastal, to help you discover the one that best suits your tastes and lifestyle. [read more]

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5 Key Trends in Building a New Custom Home in Southwest Michigan

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5 Key Trends in Building a New Custom Home in Southwest Michigan

Crafting a custom home in Southwest Michigan is an opportunity to weave your lifestyle and preferences into every nook and cranny. The trends in home construction and design are ever-evolving, shaping the way these homes are envisioned and built. In this article, we delve into the top five trends currently dominating the landscape of custom home construction in Southwest Michigan. [read more]

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AdvanTech Zip System: The Superior Solution for New Home Construction

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AdvanTech Zip System: The Superior Solution for New Home Construction

When it comes to building a new home, choosing the right materials is crucial for long-lasting durability and exceptional performance. One revolutionary product that has gained significant recognition in the construction industry is the AdvanTech Zip System. This innovative sheathing and weather barrier system offers numerous benefits, from enhanced moisture protection to improved energy efficiency. In this blog post, we'll explore the advantages of the AdvanTech Zip System and why it has become the go-to choice for new home construction.

Unmatched Moisture Protection:

Moisture damage is a significant concern in any construction project. The AdvanTech Zip System is designed to provide superior moisture protection, keeping your new home safe and dry. The engineered wood sheathing acts as a barrier against water infiltration, preventing leaks and potential damage to the structure. The integrated tape system ensures a seamless and watertight seal, minimizing the risk of moisture-related issues such as rot, mold, and mildew.

Exceptional Strength and Durability:

The AdvanTech Zip System is built to withstand the elements and provide long-lasting durability. The engineered wood panels are highly resistant to warping, delamination, and buckling, ensuring structural integrity over time. This strength translates into a solid and reliable foundation for your new home, offering peace of mind and reducing the need for costly repairs or replacements down the line.

Energy Efficiency and Air Tightness:

The AdvanTech Zip System excels in improving energy efficiency and maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. The integrated tape system not only provides moisture protection but also helps create an airtight building envelope. By minimizing air leakage, the system reduces energy loss, prevents drafts, and enhances thermal performance. This translates into lower heating and cooling costs, increased energy savings, and a more sustainable home.

Time and Labor Savings:

One of the notable advantages of the AdvanTech Zip System is its streamlined installation process, leading to significant time and labor savings. The panels are easy to handle and install, allowing for efficient construction timelines. The integrated tape system eliminates the need for separate taping or sealing, reducing labor-intensive tasks and improving overall construction productivity. With the AdvanTech Zip System, builders can achieve faster project completion without compromising quality.

Proven Performance and Warranties:

The AdvanTech Zip System has a strong track record of performance and reliability. It undergoes rigorous testing and has proven its durability and resistance to various weather conditions. Additionally, the system is backed by comprehensive warranties, providing homeowners and builders with confidence in its quality and long-term protection.

Conclusion:

Choosing the right building materials is essential for constructing a new home that stands the test of time. The AdvanTech Zip System offers a comprehensive solution, combining superior moisture protection, strength, energy efficiency, and ease of installation. With its exceptional performance and proven track record, this innovative system has become a top choice for builders and homeowners alike. By incorporating the AdvanTech Zip System into your new home construction, you can ensure a resilient, energy-efficient, and long-lasting living space that exceeds your expectations.

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Paint Color Trends of 2021

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Paint Color Trends of 2021

read time ~ 4 minutes

Thanks to 2020, our homes wear many hats.

What was once a place of relaxation is now the hub for all things living. Home is now our gym, our classroom, our office, our favorite restaurant, our kids' playground and our weekend getaway.

The chaos of 2020 and this change in the definition of "home" as we know it prompted the color trends of 2021. These trends feature creating a home environment where we can feel comfortable, soothed and at ease. 

Overall, we see a lot of warm, nature-infused tones to invite calm into our space and create a steady base from where we can add bursts of color to inspire joy and optimism in our lives.

Comfort. Calm. Creativity. Joy. Doesn't that pretty much sum up what we're craving in 2021? 

We think so. 

Let's step into the anticipation of 2021 and experience these color trends of the year ahead that could inspire new designs in your own home.

New year, new bedroom paint. Isn't that what the kids say these days?


BENJAMIN MOORE

The Benjamin Moore Color of the Year 2021, Aegean Teal, is a hue that beckons you to savor the small moments. 

Here's how they describe it: "Celebrate the simple pleasures -- think the faded rumple of linen sheets in the morning and perfectly ripened fruits on the windowsill. The twelve hues in the palette radiate warmth and wellbeing. These are colors that make your home feel even more like home. Settle in."

Well, if that doesn't make you want to sip your coffee slowly at your kitchen table with a warm pastry to keep you company while your walls set the mood for you, we don't know what will.

Benjamin Moore's 2021 color palette invites presence. Its blend from familiar neutrals to earthy tones stall and expand the seemingly mundane, yet sacred moments that make up our lives.

For a strong sense of serenity and comfort, pair Aegean Teal with any of these hues to elevate your home.

Love it so much you just want your home transformed already?! C.E. Lee Decorating Center is your new go-to consultant when it comes to design. They have the Benjamin Moore products you need to make this 2021 color palette come to life in your space!


SHERWIN WILLIAMS

Sherwin Williams chose a sophisticated Urbane Bronze as their color of the year 2021. 

“The pandemic has caused us to seek comfort in our surroundings and be mindful of how we’re living,” says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing. “As a result, the focus in design and color has shifted to building relaxing sanctuaries within our existing spaces and interior paint colors can help accomplish this feeling. Urbane Bronze creates a sense of calm while making us feel safe and secure.”

Royal in nature, this color is noted by Wadden to work especially well in kitchen spaces. Got darker cabinet colors? Or metallic shades dispersed throughout your kitchen? Urbane Bronze is the perfect color partner to sophisticate your space.

But hey, maybe you already love your kitchen color. After all, you painted it the color of the year 2020 for heaven's sake!

We get it. Urbane Bronze is gorgeous not only in the kitchen, but also a great choice for an accent wall, an outdoor shed (which Wadden did herself) or any space where you want to highlight an architectural design, like behind your fireplace. 

Balance and rhythm. Balance and rhythm in design, in our routine and in our lives is the core message Sherwin Williams wants to send with their choice for the color of the year 2021. 

To shop Urbane Bronze and more, visit Sherwin Williams in South Bend, Granger or Niles!


BEHR

Behr's color trends of 2021 highlight warmth and restoration. In their palette of 21 hues, we see a lot of subtle, neutral tones and "restorative blues and greens" to "elevate comfort" in our homes, as well as bold, rich hues that inspire optimism. 

Versatility ties these hues together. We're in a global moment where our homes are being just about everything we need them to be for us. With an emphasis on versatility and personalization, Behr's palette gives the freedom to update any space exactly how we want it and need it.

When uncertainty erupts, we crave familiarity and comfort. These hues give us that, and more. If it's not a wall to paint, these colors work well for doors, trim and cabinets. 


PPG PAINTS

PPG Paint's color trends of the year 2021 orbit around a central theme: transcend

In their words, these colors are "intended for the person who wants to fully embrace mindfulness and intention" as "the color trio celebrates beauty of all kinds and relates to those who prioritize wellness in mind, body and spirit."

Their versatility allows for each of them to either take on a supporting or dominant role in a space. These natural hues are grounding, nostalgic and fresh, offering relief and support to the tired working man or woman, mom or dad, or anyone who needs a space to unwind.


DULUX

Brave Ground is Dulux's choice for color of the year 2021. This shade "connects back to nature and the simple things. A warm, earthy tone, it creates a feeling of stability, growth and potential."

It's timeless. Subtle. Relaxing. 

Brave Ground is complimentary and practical, and pairs especially well with warmer tones to bring a balanced energy to any space. Designed for the person who wants a solid, foundational color in their home as 2020 has forced us to muster up the courage to embrace change, to reassess what really matters and to work together to build a better future.


Regardless of the visual variety we see in the paint color trends of 2021, the intention behind them remains consistent: that in 2021, we'll seek to design our homes with colors that give us comfort and calm, inspire creativity and cultivate joy.

What do you think of the color trends of 2021? Like what you see? We think they set a great foundation for design in the new year with the balance of warmth and optimism. 2021 - we're ready for you!

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