ACM Design Architecture & Interiors / Articles posted by Amy Conner-Murphy (Page 16)

Aging in Place and Architectural Design

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+...

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

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...

Blurring the Lines Between Inside and Out

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...

Your Asheville Home: Design with Reclaimed Items

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...

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

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...

Custom Windows for Your Home

[caption id="attachment_6715" align="aligncenter" width="1807"] Eyebrow Dormer Window at the English Cottage in Arden, NC[/caption]   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...

Maintain Your Home’s Value This Spring

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...

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

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...

Are you Planning to
Design and Build a Mountain Home?

If you’ve ever driven the Blue Ridge Parkway and dreamt of living in the Smoky Mountains or the Southern Appalachians, we’ve compiled a series of complimentary guides rich with information about designing a mountain home. Informed by our decades of experience as mountain home architects, we share expert advice about topics like building on steep slopes, terrain-specific building costs, and materials suited for withstanding the mountain weather. Our passion for creating personalized and heartfelt homes is apparent in all of our work and it is our pleasure to share our expertise with you in these free and informative guides.