Posted in Green Building, Home Remodeling & Renovation on June 25th, 2010
by ACM Design - Be the first to comment
This year’s top products for home remodeling include energy efficient features like solar paneling and stylish solutions to common bathroom design dilemmas. Consult your custom home architect to see which of these options fits your home remodel.
Bathroom Design Innovations
Bathroom remodels are typically popular for their ability to severely increase your home’s resale value. But they are also popular for their ability to increase your enjoyment and relaxation in the space.
Products to watch out for when remodeling your home’s bathrooms include:
- Cleaner, more aesthetically pleasing drainage systems
- A wider range of stylish, durable tiling options
- A greater selection of high-design bathroom fixtures
- Recycled glass bathroom counter tops
Eco-Friendly Investments
While eco-friendly materials and appliances typically cost a bit more up front, the savings afforded over time are quickly converting more and more homeowners.
Some of the top eco-friendly innovations to consider working into your home remodel include:
- Tankless, energy efficient water heating systems
- Spray-in insulation to seal gaps and prevent heat loss
- Energy-efficient radiant flooring systems with programmable thermostats
- A wider range of affordable, rooftop solar paneling options
Posted in Interior Design on June 18th, 2010
by ACM Design - Be the first to comment
Green Home Design
Working with your custom home architect to design a lighting system that is catered to your lifestyle and floor plan is vital to the creating the right look and feel of your home’s interior. Here are some of the ways that lighting design can add life to your new or existing home:
Accentuating Artwork
Different mediums ranging from oil and acrylic canvases to intricate sculptures are typically best suited by various lighting modalities. For instance, oil paintings can be especially challenging to light due to the spectral highlights created when direct light is aimed at them, making broad-based lighting preferential.
Opening up an Area
While you may love the exterior of a 1920s bungalow, this older style of home is notorious for its hard-to-light interior. But working with a design firm can help bring modern lighting styles and techniques to create the light and airy environment you crave within your home.
Setting the Mood
Your floor plan and interior design of your home is based around its intended use, so why not accentuate those aspects with well-planned lighting techniques, placements and fixtures. Layering types of lighting like ambient, fixtures, task and mounted can make a world of difference in your home’s interior.
Greening Your Lighting
Finally, working with a custom home architect and designer can ensure that your home makes the best use of the latest in green lighting technology. The proper placement of energy saving bulbs, to the most efficient use of the fixtures, dimmers and timers can help save the planet and lower your monthly utility costs.
Posted in Custom Homes, Home Remodeling & Renovation on June 10th, 2010
by ACM Design - Be the first to comment
A new home build or remodel can be a very exciting time, but it can also be a stressful one. Having the right teams in place, however, like a reputable custom home architecture firm, can decrease your stress level while increasing the usability and value of your home.
Architects Add Value
The widely accepted opinion of the real estate industry is that architect-designed homes tend to be valued at as much of 50% more than comparable homes that utilize catalog plans or are builder-designed. With architect fees making up a much smaller percentage of your home’s value, the ROI can be quite a rewarding surprise.
Not to mention the obvious benefits of having a home that is custom tailored to meet the needs of your family, lifestyle and landscape. One of the most influential aspects of compatibility between a homeowner and a home architect is appreciation for a particular style of home. At ACM Design Architects we have an inclusive portfolio of homes that can help homeowners to identify which projects align most with their particular tastes.
Architects Increase Efficiency
Homes built from stock plans are notorious for their inclusion of unwanted or unusable space. A custom home architect can expertly plan for kitchen storage, closet space, and even energy efficiency of the layout, tailored to your furniture, design tastes and use. This in turn can increase the efficiency of the space, and lower the risk of unforeseen additional costs that would be required to make use of the space like storage systems, or furniture items to replace those that do not work with the space.
Ultimately, selecting an architecture firm to design your home may cost a bit more up front, but with the reduction of inefficiencies and increase in features that add comfort and value, your ROI will be far greater, and your home will be more attractive to buyers if you ever decide to sell.
Posted in Custom Homes on June 2nd, 2010
by ACM Design - Be the first to comment
At ACM Architects we understand that every homeowner has their own unique set of ideals and design preferences. We have years of experience working with people in Western North Carolina to help bring their vision to life, and since finding the right architecture firm for your home build is vital to the process, we’ve compiled some of our best insights to help you.
Getting Started
A great place to start is by finding out who the designers are behind some of your favorite homes in your area. Talk with friends, neighbors, relatives and ask about their experience and the outcome.
You will also want to consider each architect’s experience building in your area as well as the home styles they are well versed in. Another great factor to consider is eco-friendly designing experience. Finding an architect who has completed a Certified North Carolina’s HealthyBuilt Home will mean that not only is the firm up-to-date on the latest in green technologies, but will also leave a lighter footprint.
Meet and Greet
Now that you have narrowed your list down to a few key players, you will want to spend some time getting to know each firm. A home build can take months, so you will want to be sure that the lines of communication are open between you and your home architect. Any conflicts that arise in the initial meeting could be good indications of things to come. So be sure to meet with firms until you find one who you believe understands your vision and will be open and honest with you to bring that creation to life.
Track Record
Even if an architect utterly impresses you, it may be good to know whether their prior design projects went smoothly as planned. Ask for references. Look for a firm who has a track record of being on time, on budget and easy to work with. With the right teams in place, your home build can be exciting, not stressful.
Posted in Home Remodeling & Renovation on May 24th, 2010
by kristen - Be the first to comment
Dogs and cats are cherished family members to an estimated six out of ten households in America. Often home owners are considering features to accommodate animal friends with enhanced creature comforts in designs for both new homes and renovations. ACM Design Architects is known for our luxurious and comfortable Western North Carolina home designs, many of which include pet-friendly ideas.
Here are some possibilities for incorporating creature features into your new home or renovation design:
Feeding Stations
Even if your cat or dog laps up every last morsel, feeding areas can get messy. It may also be difficult to find a location in your existing home that can weather the frequent cleanup of a pet’s eating area. So many homeowners are thinking ahead and having feeding stations incorporated into kitchens or mud rooms. Some even have water lines installed for easy water bowl refills.
Washing Stations
Big dogs are a joy to be around, but they can track in a lot of dirt and allergens if not bathed as often as needed. Incorporating a low-level (no lifting required) dog shower into your mud room or garage can help reduce the strain of heavy lifting and offers easy clean-up.
Bathroom Stations
For those who adore their indoor cats, but can’t live with the look of a bulky litter box, cabinets can be designed or modified to include small openings that can cleverly hide the box from everyone but the cat.
Pet Doors
Pet doors have been around for years, but these days there are more options than ever to allow access in walls, doors, and even screen doors.
Posted in Home Remodeling & Renovation on May 14th, 2010
by ACM Design - Be the first to comment
Economic changes to the housing market over recent years have resulted in an increase in home renovations. Instead of buying a home, allowing it to appreciate and then selling it for a pricier new pad, home owners are finding that less costly home renovations overseen by a trusted home architect are ultimately better for their bottom line.
Planning to spend several more years in your existing home can be made much more accommodating by a kitchen overhaul, a master bath re-do or an attic conversion. And don’t forget about eco-friendly upgrades like energy efficient windows, appliances and insulation which may also qualify you for tax credits.
With renovations on the rise, what are some of the most popular and cost-effective upgrades?
Opening Up the Kitchen Area
Often older homes have boxed off or isolated kitchens, but taking down a dividing wall can cost as little as a couple thousand dollars and create a much more open floor plan. With the popularity of open floor plans seemingly here to stay, if someday you do decide to sell, the open kitchen can help appease buyers.
Opting for Energy Efficient Appliances
Energy saving appliances are in such great demand these days, that prices are even comparable to energy wasting alternatives, plus energy efficient appliances will save you tons of money over time on utility costs. Not to mention the possible tax credits you may qualify for.
Smaller is Better
While years past had homeowners opting for everything in bigger sizes, people are realizing that larger houses also mean higher utility and maintenance costs over time. Smaller spaces with open floor plans can offer the same comfort for a fraction of the cost. Many architects are even seeing a shift in how homeowners choose to renovate. Instead of increasing the size of a room, owners are choosing to use the original footprint, only with a more open feel and layout.
Posted in Interior Design on April 30th, 2010
by ACM Design - Be the first to comment
Several factors go into the appliance buying process, of these, the top concerns include energy efficiency, performance, style and price. Working closely with your talented home design firm can help ensure that your new appliances fit perfectly with your new home and meet all of your requirements.
Here are some of the top advantages to look for in today’s kitchen appliance selection:
Efficiency
It’s no surprise that appliances today are the more energy efficient than ever, but did you know that their efficiency is so high that a new refrigerator can use up less energy than a light bulb? This means that not only are greener appliances getting cheaper as the demand for them increases, but they will also save you more money over time than ever.
Performance
Home owners are more excited about high performance cookware than ever. These days cooking like a gourmet is popular idea to strive for, but did you know that newer appliances can aid you in doing so? Professional-grade appliances are more powerful and have built-in smart features to help make cooking like a pro a much easier task. Refrigerator drawers can be set to rapidly cool a new bottle of wine for the evening or Speedcook ovens can actually cook meals in far less time than usual.
Style
Stainless and black kitchen appliances are here to stay, though stylish colors and finishes are also beginning to appear. Shape has also undergone great evolution with items like dishwasher and freezer drawers seamlessly fitting under sleek countertops with little intrusion.
Your home design firm can help you to determine which appliances fit your particular needs, budget and kitchen style. But expect to get more bang for your appliance bucks than ever.
Posted in Custom Homes, Interior Design on April 22nd, 2010
by ACM Design - Be the first to comment
The Cliffs include some of the Carolinas’ most exclusive and unique communities in three distinct regions. ACM Design is proud to announce their selection as one of the highly qualified architectural and design firms by The Cliffs Signature Services to help mastermind your new dream home.
The Cliffs Signature Services aids property owners in navigating the home building process by researching and qualifying each and every builder, architectural designer and interior design firm as the most elite and accomplished of their region.
Choosing the right firm to meet and exceed your unique expectations and needs can be a grueling process. ACM Design is a renowned and proven architectural and interior design firm with both the experience and expertise to design your Western North Carolina dream home.
For more information about building your dream home in one of The Cliffs exclusive communities, please visit CliffsSignatureServices.com.
Posted in Custom Homes, Green Building on April 15th, 2010
by ACM Design - Be the first to comment
Green Home Design
While greening your home remodel is highly recommended, having your new home designed from the start with green in mind may prove more affordable and effective. Newer homes can even be easily retrofitted to accommodate popular green design elements like recycled glass tiles and bamboo flooring.
Here are some of the ways in which your custom home architect can incorporate green living into your new home from the ground up:
Orientation
The orientation of a home on its lot can have a huge impact on the home’s energy efficiency. Especially with Western North Carolina’s hilly landscapes, positioning the home offer sun in the winter and shade in the summer can reduce energy costs exponentially.
Foundation
There are many ways to manipulate a home’s temperature via good foundational planning. Some of the options include the incorporation of geothermal wells, insulated concrete and framed basement walls.
Windows and Doors
Proper placement of doors and windows can prevent overheating in the summer and too much heat loss in the winter. Your custom home architect will know just how to expertly locate doors and windows into your new home to avoid winter heat losses of up to 25%.
Layout and Design
Working with a custom home architect who is experienced in building HealthyBuilt Homes in Western North Carolina can ensure your home’s layout and design also contribute to its energy efficiency.
ACM Design Architects have years of experience expertly incorporating green appliances, materials and features into homes in the Asheville area. If you’re thinking about building a greener home, be sure to consult your home architect.
Posted in Custom Homes on April 9th, 2010
by ACM Design - Be the first to comment
ACM Designed Outdoor Room
One area of your new home you may not have thought to consult your home architect regarding is the outdoor space. But imagine enjoying a beautiful WNC evening with friends or family while the aroma of a fresh baked pizza fills the air from a blazing, brick outdoor pizza oven.
Outdoor rooms are getting more attention than ever and the benefits are many. Here are some popular styles of outdoor rooms that you may want to consider adding on to your new home.
Cooking Areas
There are many exciting ways to incorporate kitchen features into your outdoor space. Popular choices include adding a full bar with a sink, refrigerator/freezer, ice maker and dishwasher. Or you could go the more traditional route and incorporate a spacious built-in grill. You can even have a custom brick pizza oven built in for cooking and producing warmth.
Living Space
While many homeowners are choosing eco-friendly natural stone built-in seating, outdoor furniture options are many. Weatherproof couches, chairs and ottomans set warmly around a fire can create the comfort of indoors with the atmosphere of outdoors.
Landscaping
Think of the flowers, trees and shrubs as nature’s décor. Incorporating the right indigenous plants into your space is what will really make or break your outdoor room.
Drought-resistant native plants will cut down on maintenance time and costs, while also avoiding a sprinkler cycle drowning your dinner party.
At ACM Design we are familiar with the many landscapes and factors that go into planning the perfect outdoor space for your WNC home. Please contact us if you would like to see what we can do to maximize the potential of your outdoor room.
