You want your home to maintain its identity and your own personality, so stay true to the style of the home as well as the interior design and decor of your home.

The top areas of your home to highlight the architectural features and interior design elements are:

 
1-The Front Door: Show your guests a true “Welcome” with a beautifully decorated front door that not only shows your holiday spirit but highlights your front door at the same time. From wreaths, to garland to other decorations such as photo frames and wooden letters, these items are a great way to complement your front door and introduce the decor that encompasses your home

 

 
*Photo from MarthaStewart.com

 


 
2-Your Mantel: A great architectural feature of many homes is the fireplace mantel. Show off your own mantel by adding a wide arrangement of decorations that match your home’s interior decor as well as your Christmas tree. Using candles, mirrors, ornaments, lights, plants/flowers, Christmas cards, and of course the traditional stockings will impress your guests and bring attention to your mantel at the same time.

 

 
*Photo from HGTV.com

 
 


 
 
3-Stair Railing: Don’t overlook the stair railing of your home. Several ways to add sparkle to the stairs is by draping greenery and garland, adding bows and ribbon, or by hanging stockings or pinecones. The stairs are a dominant design feature of your home, so don’t forget to spruce it up as well.

 
 
 
*Photo from MarthaStewart.com

 

 

 
 
 
4-Windows: Many people don’t even think to decorate the interior windows of their home, but the windows are perfect for hanging garland, bows, lights and more. Show off your home’s unique style by adorning your windows this year!

 
 
 
 
 
*Photo from MarthaStewart.com

 
 


 
 
5-Bookshelves: Built-in or regular bookshelves shouldn’t be overlooked either. Add garland or hang a wreath on them to spread the holiday cheer and your guests won’t be disappointed.

 
 
*Photo from BHG.com

 
 


 
6-Pendant Lights: Another unique place to decorate is on pendant lights. Usually found in your kitchen and dining areas, pendant lights draped with garland will draw guests attention to the lights during those fabulous holiday parties.

 
 
 
*Photo from BHG.com

 
 
Just like you, your home has it’s own personality and style. Showcase your home this holiday season by decorating the top architectural and design elements of your home.

It’s been estimated that if you live to be 75, you will spend a total of 1.5 years of your life in the bathroom. Why wouldn’t you want to make this space a top priority when designing or redesigning your home?

Modern innovations have cleared the way for bathrooms to cater to our every need and desire while taking into consideration the new technologies. For example, toilets are no longer the simple necessities we’ve come to depend on. Ultra-modern toilets exhibit new specs like comfort design, high efficiency flushing systems, bidet and washlets, and even power lid systems and lighting built into the toilet’s design.

Simple shower heads have evolved to mimic “natural” influences, with the trend towards rain-head designs, ceiling mounted shower heads, waterfall showers, and even chromotherapy lighting. Taking it a step further, the shower heads are commonly accompanied by side jets and sprays. Complete shower systems even allow for hydro massage and full temperature control and monitoring at the press of a button.

Picking out your flooring could take a little longer with new heating systems to keep your feet toasty on the cold tile, stone or hardwood flooring. These radiant heating systems install easily under your flooring and make a big difference throughout the year, especially during the colder months.

For those who want televisions in the bathroom, you can now look into the mirror to watch your favorite shows and news. Recessed mirror TV’s are simple mirrors until turned on, then a TV appears within the mirror. This technology is an elegant way to save space without the clutter of a traditional television. The New York Times Company, R&D Lab has a new “Magic Mirror” in the works which showcases a human-computer interface with voice recognition to allow access the internet through the mirror. This new technology would allow you to check email, shop, access social networks and browse the web from the bathroom. Before long, we will be fully connected, regardless of the room we’re in.

ACM Design can help you from day one to design and build the bathroom refuge you’ve been dreaming about. For more information contact us at 828-684-9884.

View a video of Amy Conner-Murphy showcasing her work on HGTV Remodels here:

HGTV Online Video of ACM Design

Architecture and interior design professionals are regularly called upon to transform existing homes or to design new homes that satisfy the needs of aging homeowners. With universal design ideas and products, it’s becoming easier to custom design your home to meet the demands presented within every life stage. Innovative companies are developing products targeted towards the aging consumer from kitchen cabinet and countertop design, door handles more suited towards arthritic hands, shower and bath design for the aging, and more. As you begin thinking more about your future, take time to consider how your home’s design will effect your future. At ACM Design we help you plan ahead, designing a home that encompasses your lifestyle now as well as make your life as comfortable as possible in the coming years. We help incorporate design principals that extend beyond level entries and open floor plans, but create innovative solutions to designing the home of your future dreams.  Your home is more than bricks and mortar, it’s your refuge.  Why not make plans now to preserve your refuge for many years to come?

• Pet friendly construction materials
• Cabinets with pull-out food storage and bowl storage
• Bath/Shower units for pets in mudrooms/storage areas
• Pet beds/crates built into furniture design
• Fabrics that are durable, easy to clean and resistant to claws, paws, and fur.
• Paint finishes that are easy to clean such as semi-gloss or satin over flat
• Carpeting on stairs to prevent slipping; on wood flooring steer clear of the those that show scratches..all carpets should be stain resistant
• With furniture, take a look at metal framing and legs to prevent chew marks
• Central vacuum system to make cleanup a breeze
• Design should extend to the exterior of your home with pet friendly vegetation, fencing, and hardscapes that are gentle on the paws

The team at ACM Design takes time to clearly understand all the needs of our homeowners, from form and function to aesthetics and even pets. Our portfolio of work extends throughout WNC with testimonials speak that for themselves. For an architectural and design team with a personal commitment to your custom home or renovation project, contact ACM Design to get your dreams on track to become a reality.

Antique and architectural salvage shops are plentiful in and around the Asheville area, offering one-of-a-kind treasures, from antique beams and details, stained glass windows, furniture, art and accessories. Why not add an antique armoire to your bedroom, reclaimed beams in your kitchen, or a vintage glass vase to your dining room? It’s easy to blend the age old finds of yesteryear with the modernities plentiful today. Besides, it’s another way to live sustainable by; giving new life to an object which may otherwise rest in our landfills.

When buying windows for your new custom home or renovation, do your homework. Window technology has made great advancements towards improving efficiency, increasing durability and decreasing maintenance. From low emissivity, low conductivity spaces, Energy Star ratings, coatings and gas fillings and other technologies, windows are doing more now than ever.

One advancement, low emissivity, or Low-e, glass refers to the specialty coatings applied to the glass surface that reflect radiant infrared energy. This in turn keeps the radiant heat on the side of the glass which it originates from; the sun’s heat and damaging UV light is reflected out in the summer and your home’s heat is reflected back inside during the winter. Multiple panes of glass are used in Energy Star windows to increase efficiency, impact resistance, and sound insulation. Between these panes of glass, gas fillings such as argon, krypton or other gas, are used for their increased insulation capabilities over regular air.  Additionally, the material chosen for your windows affects the maintenance, durability and efficiency. Your window frames and sashes can vary in material from wood, fiberglass, vinyl and aluminum, each having their own pros and cons. For example, vinyl provides lower maintenance but cannot be painted, while wood frames can be painted or stained but result in more maintenance over time.

The style of windows available vary greatly, so be sure that your window choices match the architecture of your home. Simply replacing windows can create an entirely new look to your current home while improving efficiency and life your space. Because there are so many options available, take time to find out which window matches your home and your lifestyle. Remember to shop for windows as you would any other investment and take time to do your research.

Green is Here to Stay: Countless articles and press have focused on the green trends that surround us, and we think it’s safe to say that green is here to stay. As green becomes the new standard in home design and interiors, ecofriendly product choices and construction processes will dominate the industry.
Custom, Custom, Custom: The many years of adorning your home with “ready made” rooms from magazine pages and catalogs are disappearing, and we’re ready for 2011 to bring custom creations to the forefront of design. With cookie-cutter products out the window, handcrafted accents, custom cabinetry, one-of-a-kind furnishings and other unique products are taking our homes up a notch on the “personal” scale.
Bring the Outside In: We all love fresh air and natural light. This love is creating a push towards opening our homes to the outdoors. With skylights, more windows, expansive doors that open to the outdoors, and outdoor living spaces on the rise, 2011 will bring about a great change in how we alter our homes to incorporate the outside.
Homes Built Around Our Lifestyles: Housing trends show that more and more homeowners are scaling down the space in which they live. They are looking for smaller, more compact designs that place a greater emphasis of how we live. Kitchen and bedroom design are getting special attention as we craft these areas to optimize functionality and comfort.
Paint and Color: Take bold color off the walls and apply it to your accents. Rather than masking walls with bright colors, we are toning down the shades into a more traditional palette. Timeless hues are creating the perfect backdrop for vivid colors and patterns to appear in our accessories. Our ceilings are also getting a mild makeover as we are embellishing those with color also.
Enhancing the Interiors: Dress up your rooms with architectural accents such as crown moldings and columns and make your space appealing and comfortable with furnishings that reflect your personality. Don’t be afraid to mix it up a bit either; pairing old heirlooms with modern accents will create a charming space that’s a great conversation piece.

Quite simply, 2011 is all about personalizing your space while staying ecofriendly. You are the focus of your home and 2011 is the time to showcase your personality through the character of your home.

Asheville and Western North Carolina residents take steps each day to push our progress towards becoming a greener community. Through the use of green architecture in private residences, businesses and community buildings, our area is experiencing substantial growth in the number of green projects that are coming to fruition each and every day.

Architects are innovators in their industry and that is no exception when it comes to the green scene. By integrating green technologies such as solar panels, solar powered hot water systems, green roofs, daylighting, and more, area architects are going the extra mile to improve the future of our environment through environmentally friendly design practices.

Here’s a look at some of the commercial green architectural projects in Western North Carolina:

• Biltmore Park: Built around the focus of high density urban living, Biltmore Park has led the area in new construction centered around lessening our impact on the environment. Along with providing ample greenspace, architects and designers of the Biltmore Park condos and apartments utilized Energy Star appliances, water-saving fixtures, and large windows for natural light. Recently, the building located at 28 Schenck Parkway was also retrofitted with a new rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) array.
• Hilton Asheville: The Hilton Asheville has obtained LEED Silver Certification from its top-to-bottom earth friendly design. The hotel eliminates 25 tons of carbon dioxide each year due to a solar powered hot water system, cuts back on wastes with a hotelwide recycling program, uses Energy Star light bulbs and environmentally friendly cleaning products, and utilizes a linen reuse program.
• Buncombe County Schools: Buncombe County Schools are teaching students more about greener technologies through the design and build processes used in the new Intermediate Schools. The schools will utilize daylighting, efficient materials and finishes, highly efficient heating and cooling systems, low impact cleaners and sealers, and enhanced thermal insulation to lower energy consumption.
• The City of Asheville: Asheville has its own Office of Sustainability focused on cutting Asheville’s carbon footprint each year. So far Asheville’s initiative has added solar panels to city fire stations, upgraded City Hall lighting, re-engineered the Civic Center’s HVAC system, and established a comprehensive recycling program.
• Harrah’s Cherokee Casino: With a multi-million expansion on the boards, the casino is adding a little more green to the Cherokee landscape. Using green building practices and integrating a green roof are just a couple of the ways the casino is expanding with less impact.
• Jim Barkley, AB Tech & YWCA: Many local businesses, schools and community organizations are adding solar panels to utilize the sun’s natural energy. These eco-investments help cut energy costs and our impact on the environment. Solar panels have come a long way, now featuring a sleek, modern design.
• Fletcher Business Park: Announced in 2008, the Fletcher Business Park will be home of the world’s largest installation of solar-thermal heating-and-cooling technology. The business park will boast a 27,000 gallon water tank, 2.5 miles of steel piping and tubing, and 640 solar panels.

From local schools and successful businesses to private residences, we are getting a look at the new standards in green architecture.  As our community is a leading player in green architecture, we’re sure to see constant innovation and improvements in the products we use in our homes right here in the mountains.  Why not join your neighbors and increase the efficiency of your home while decreasing your carbon footprint. The ACM Design team are specialists in green architecture and are here to help you create the green home of your dreams. Contact us today to find out how your home can be eco-friendly too.

Finally, architects understand the importance of integrating green products and materials throughout your home, but also offer discernment about which green features garner the most impact, making “green” design even “smarter”. Green products and features can help lower your energy and water consumption, improve indoor air quality, and ultimately save you money, not to mention making a positive contribution to a cleaner environment. Your architect can offer advice on blending green appliances, flooring, windows, furnishings, fixtures, construction materials with more traditional products to effectively decrease your carbon footprint and impact on the environment in ways that make sense for your budget.

Smart design is all about being resourceful, yet designing for sustainability.  It can, however, be an overwhelming undertaking to tackle alone. Hiring a qualified architect to assist you with your project will save you time, money and headaches. At ACM Design smart design is our focus no matter whether we are designing your custom home or creating a clever renovation to your existing home. Contact us today to find out how we can blend smart design and your lifestyle into your vision of home.

Flooring: Take a look at your feet and if the carpet has had its better days then consider a few options. Invest in a good cleaning, install new carpet or even upgrade to wood flooring. There’s nothing like new plush carpet or beautiful wood flooring to welcome guests.

Appliances: Holidays are filled with family dinners and parties with friends. Upgrading your kitchen appliances will be worth the investment long after the hours you spend in the kitchen cooking that perfectly glazed turkey. With so many appliances available, careful research to determine your needs is important and always consider energy savings with Energy Star appliances. Don’t forget the laundry room, as this time of year offers great discounts on those appliances as well.

Entertainment: With a house full of loved ones, providing entertainment is a necessity. Upgrade that old TV to a larger flat panel television or even one of the new 3D televisions. If you have a space you’ve always wanted to convert to a more useful area, consider a media room. You can install a projection screen and even tie in your favorite video gaming system like the Wii to keep the family entertained for hours.

Bathroom Makeovers: If you’re looking for a quick room makeover consider the bathroom first. It’s a room most guests will visit, so upgrades will be noticed right away. The fasted and least expensive way to update a space is with new paint. A new mirror adds sparkle, especially when combined with a few holiday candles on the countertop. Installing a new faucet can add to that sparkle. If you are really ambitious, updating the cabinetry and countertops, or even the fixtures will completely change the space, a benefit you can enjoy all year long.

Don’t Forget the Details: Patching the cracks, painting over the scuff marks, replacing tired accents and fixing those drips, squeaks and drafts are easy to overlook day to day, but when corrected make a world of difference by adding freshness and sparkle to a holiday home.