ACM Design, Asheville Architects

Last Minute Decorating Ideas for Your Holiday Weekend

Amy Conner-Murphy — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:32:26 +0000

Decorating for the holidays is a great opportunity to showcase or highlight the architecture features of your home. As the holiday weekend nears, we wanted to take a moment to showcase some of the top ways to decorate your home this season so guests can not only marvel at your great sense of style but at your home’s beautiful architecture.

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.

Innovative Bathroom Design

Amy Conner-Murphy — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:25:56 +0000

Quite often it’s the unseen elements that aid in creating a space of relation and rejuvenation in bathroom design.

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

Aging in Place and Architectural Design

Amy Conner-Murphy — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 17:22:49 +0000

Often defined as the “ability to live in one’s own home – wherever that might be – for as long as confidently and comfortably possible,” the term “Aging in Place” will play a significant role in the lives of millions of people over the coming years. According to the US Census, there will be a 71% increase in the 60+ population from 2005 to 2020. This means that by 2020, an estimated almost 74 million people will be over the age of 60. As a result, the consumer marketplace has already started to evolve to meet the needs and demands of these buyers.

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?

The Dog (and Cat) Days of Summer: Pet Friendly Home Design

Amy Conner-Murphy — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 13:30:06 +0000

Although the “dog days of summer” are almost behind us, it bears mentioning how homeowners are reinventing the standards of custom home design when it comes to pet-friendly designs. Homeowners are turning it up a notch and taking into account their canine or feline (or other pets) family members when designing their custom homes. With approximately 62% of US households having a pet, it’s clear that pets play a significant role in the American life. The over 72 Million homeowners have started to demand more and more products and services centered around their pet residents.The traditional pet doors and pet gates are just the basics when thinking about pet friendly design; what about flooring, furniture, central VAC, and cabinet design? We’ve compiled a list below of important design features your new home or renovation should include if you aim to keep “Fido” happy:

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.

Blurring the Lines Between Inside and Out

Amy Conner-Murphy — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 16:32:18 +0000

From renovations to custom new home construction, homeowners are asking for the latest in architectural trends to complete their projects. More and more, homeowners want to expand their living spaces to the outdoors, blurring the line between the inside of a home and its exterior. Increasingly, high performance liftslides and bifolding doors are being installed in large openings allowing a homeowner the options of having a full glass view that is protected from the elements to be completely open to nature.

Sliding windows and doors are transforming the design, feel, and function of residential spaces. Here at ACM Design, we have extensive experience on a project utilizing both liftslide and bifolding exterior doors as a main design feature on the home’s facade, allowing the homeowners to experience the full pleasures of nature from the convenience of home. The “convertible” ability of these doors is a modern approach to architectural design, lending itself to satisfy both the interior and exterior desires of the home’s residents.

Whether you are building a new custom home or renovating your existing home, exploring new trends in architecture like liftslides and bifolding doors can open up a whole world of possibilities in customizing your dwelling. At ACM Design, our team specializes in designing a home built around you and your lifestyle. Contact us to find out how we can incorporate the latest trends in your style of choice. For more information on these doors, check out the links below:

*Photo from Weiland Sliding Doors and Windows

Your Asheville Home: Design with Reclaimed Items

Amy Conner-Murphy — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 03:37:54 +0000

Stepping away from the cookie cutter lifestyle and designing your home’s interiors into a place that reflects your personality, inspiration and way of living is becoming more and more the norm. Your home is your sanctuary; Why would you want your walls and rooms to resemble or mirror that of a home furnishings catalog or someone else’s sanctuary? While magazines and catalogs can provide plenty of inspiration, digging inside your own lifestyle and tastes is where you’ll find your own sense of style. As design shifts more towards individuality, we’re finding homeowners searching for antiques and reclaimed materials to complete their homes.

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.

Outdoor Kitchens & Living Spaces…Expanding the Square Footage of Your Home

Amy Conner-Murphy — Fri, 13 May 2011 17:21:18 +0000

Going beyond your tried and true stand alone grill, homeowners are designing outside the box (or outside the home) and seeking refuge in their own backyard retreats. As an extension to the home, outdoor living spaces are increasing in popularity as modern conveniences such as outdoor televisions and refrigerators help homeowners grow the livable space their home and site have to offer.

From outdoor kitchens, dining terraces, living spaces and pools, your backyard oasis can be as spacious or as cozy as you dream it to be. For many, the outdoor focus is on the kitchen where the design is often similar to the configuration required for main house kitchens. Outdoor kitchens now accommodate traditional fixtures like sinks, refrigerators, grills, pizza ovens, wine coolers, cabinets and storage compartments. It’s important to keep in mind the workflow, foot traffic and function when defining the space, designing an outdoor kitchen is not a project to take lightly or without the expertise of a professional.

Other enhancements to your outdoor space can include a firepit or fireplace, dining terrace, shade gazebo or pergola, pavilion, water features, pools, and spas. There are endless possibilities when designing a space adaptable to not only your relaxing needs but your entertaining as well. Whether your remodeling or building new, your outdoor “floor plan” should have the same attention to detail as your main house to ensure you utilize your site’s full potential while adhering to the restrictions your landscape can present. The team at ACM Design has the experience designing homes and outdoor spaces around the needs of clients throughout the entire Asheville and Western North Carolina region. For your custom home or renovation, contact ACM Design to see how our design experience is unmatched.

Custom Windows for Your Home

Amy Conner-Murphy — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 14:40:45 +0000

Often overlooked, windows are an important feature to every home. They can satisfy both function and aesthetics while adding to the value of your home. It’s easy to see windows as a cost, but when you consider them more of an investment, you see their true worth.

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.

Maintain Your Home’s Value This Spring

Amy Conner-Murphy — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 03:22:06 +0000

Spring 2011 has finally arrived with warmer temperatures, beautiful flowers, and greener foliage. As you awaken from winter, ready to renew your spirits, don’t overlook your home. Renew your dwelling and maintain it’s value at the same time. Take “Spring Cleaning” up a notch this year with these tips:

Exterior Maintenance: Look at your home’s exterior. Power-wash decks and siding, and make necessary repairs to paint and stain. Clean out gutters and downspouts to prevent moisture buildup. Check roof for repairs that are needed.

Windows & Doors: Find any cracks or open areas and seal with caulk to prevent intrusion of the elements.

Lawn & Yard: Rake leaves, trim trees and get rid of unwanted vines or plants that are too close to the exterior of your home. Take a moment to check for holes/openings that pests can enter your home through.

Inside Check: Examine your plumbing, appliances, and AC unit for leaks, clogs, cracks, corrosion and buildup. Start changing your air filter monthly to improve performance. Give your carpet a thorough cleaning and check grout in tiles for cracks to repair before a bigger problem occurs.

Organize & Purge: Get your interior organized and purge those unwanted items. Start fresh this year with a fresh interior.

Home Related Tax Write-Offs You Don’t Want to Overlook

Amy Conner-Murphy — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 12:56:09 +0000

As a homeowner, don’t overlook some possible areas of tax deductions you could qualify for. Researching the IRS guidelines is important, as everyone is not automatically eligible. www.IRS.gov

Home Office Deduction: Working out of your home has become more commonplace and the IRS has certain deductions you can take on your taxes relating to the home office. Some qualifying deductions include office equipment and software, fees charged to accounts, and even a percentage of home utilities such as phone and internet used for business.

Home Improvement and Energy Credits: Check out the IRS website for a list of home improvement credits you may qualify for if you made any renovations or home improvements that reduced your energy consumption. Maximum credits available are $1500 (30% of total cost).

Mortgage Interest & Property Taxes: The costs of owning a home are great, but luckily you can write off some of these expenses at tax time. Your mortgage interest may be deductible if the loan balance is up to $1,000,000. Also take a look to see if you qualify for PMI (Private mortgage insurance) deductions. In most cases, the amount you pay in property taxes each year is fully deductible.

Moving & Selling Costs: If 2010 brought about the sale of your home and a relocation you may be eligible for tax write offs that relate to the costs associated with these. You may quality for deducting selling costs (those associated with the sale of your home) such as broker fees, inspection fees, title insurance and other costs. If a new job caused your relocation (50+ miles away), travel fees such as moving costs, expenses for lodging, storage fees, etc. could be deductible.

Be sure to contact your tax preparer to confirm which home-related tax advantages apply to your specific situation.