12/13/13

Smooth Continuity

The desire for an “open floor plan” is on the rise and a rather popular request from our homeowners.  The flexibility this design lends is often ideal to accommodate the fullness of our everyday lifestyles---from rushed meals to long discussions, tackling the family bills to gathering and entertaining with friends and family.  This versatile flow offers so much and really makes the walls that surround us feel like HOME.  It seems some of the most meaningful conversations and wondrous gatherings take place in these very spaces—it’s no wonder why our homeowners are so intrigued.

Here in our latest model plan the main floor has a very open feel as soon as you walk into the home.  The entry, great room, dining room and kitchen create one mass space but serve as individual spaces as well.

The home and these adjoining spaces is where life happens.  Having such spaces so grand in size allows as many or as little amounts of activity to take place—all at one time.  These spaces as a whole provide service, comfort, function and flexibility from the moment we enter the front door.   

In this pic you can see how the kitchen, dining room, and great room are all one space.  But as this space became furnished each space took on its own identity.


On another note, incorporating an open floor plan does not mean that each space can’t have an identity of its own.  From a design perspective you want your spaces to have subtle differences but talk to one another and allow for smooth continuity.  The best way to work with spaces that don’t have architectural boundaries or that are free flowing onto the next space is to use one consistent wall color throughout.  Once your spaces have structure or a grounded feature, accent colors can be applied.  Accent colors can be achieved by applying a new color to a focal wall of that particular space or through the room’s accessories.  Spaces can take on their own unique look simply by placing one accent color in one space and another in the next.  The key however is having a palette that allows coordination or flexibility for colors to come together thus making a pleasing first impression to the eye as a whole.



As you can see in first pic--the great room followed by the dining room and kitchen.  Each space is fashioned to coordinate with the next thus making all flow and very pleasing to the eye.

So indulge—and if you find yourself under pressure to make your house a home through reflections of your lifestyle—connect with us.  Great design. Great quality.



Happy Home.  Happy Life.

11/29/13

Happy Thanksgiving from Us to You

We are surrounded by simple and abundant blessings often overlooked and taken for granted:  So cheers to good health, family and friends, love and everlasting happiness.

Wishing you a belated Happy Thanksgiving  from us to you.

Oh and couldn't help myself in sharing---a little kid humor---kids say the darndest things---but speak such truth :)



Happy Home.  Happy Life.

11/15/13

Home-A-Rama 2014 Participation Introduction



Wendy and Jeff are thrilled to announce Heartwood Custom Homes  participation in the 2014 Home-A-Rama,  in Westfield’s premier custom home community, Brookside.  We’ll be busy at work this winter creating our dream home to share with the public in early  June 2014.  Save the date--

Brookside, is a charmed community, conveniently located on 161st just east of Carey Road just minutes from shopping, recreation, recognized golf courses and Westfield Washington Schools.  Proudly , Westfield High School has been identified as one of the most outstanding schools in the country.

By popular demand BAGI, Builder Association Greater Indiana,  has brought back this event – a great gage of the economic recovery in Central Indiana.  We entered the last and final Luxury Home-A-Rama - 2008 October in the Willows of Zionsville. Perhaps you remember our home? It won a number of awards including:  Best of Show, Best Curb Appeal, Best Interior Design, Best Lower Level, Best Outdoor Living, and Best Master Suite.

Luxury Home Exterior


   



Luxury Home Interior









This year we enter with an exciting twist – as we have sold the home to a lovely family who will collaborate with us on the journey.  We are a great fit – in fact our paths have crossed over the years – initially through our other building company – The Old Town Design Group and our interior design firm, Everything Home.  So off we go, the dig is underway and we’re busy making framing decisions, elevation tweaks, and layouts.   Selections will start soon.


We plan to share posts of our progress throughout – so follow our blog as the  Heartwood Custom Homes project is revealed. 

As always--- if you find yourself searching for a great location, great design, great quality, and a home as unique as you are please call to schedule your free consultation today! 

11/7/13

Color Inspiration---Latest Trends for 2014

Have you ever pondered the very idea of marrying colors together to develop a striking first impression--to establish the perfect environment to live in?  Absorbing all the possibilities can be taxing but Sherwin Williams takes on a heroic role relieving you of such burdens.  Sherwin Williams conveniently develops annually--colors that are trending.  Colors we see in nature, fashion, art & even in our feelings.  From the most popular hues they construct fabulous palettes and schemes. 
            For the upcoming year they developed four new palettes all drawn from various things driven from life and our surroundings.  All are distinct but compliment each other beautifully.
So today I share with you---drum roll please---Color Trends for 2014.  Believe me, after you take a look---your weekends will be booked solid---paint brush in hand--- refreshing and giving the walls and furniture a splash you knew it needed but never could put your finger on.
  Have a look---

Reasoned


Diaphanous


Curiosity


Intrinsic


For further details regarding palettes and specific colors simply search Sherwin Williams 2014 Color Forecast.

As always---Happy Home.  Happy Life.

10/24/13

Welcome to the Neighborhood...

Chalk another one up---we are happy to introduce one of the last homes going up within the Blackwell Park cul-de-sac just east of Carmel's Arts and Design District.

This soothing humble abode is stunning inside from the subtle colors, to the intricately detailed tile floors, and all the clean lines--who wouldn't want to retreat inside the walls of this luxurious craftsman style home?

Take a look for yourself---We will let you be the judge.

Featured Spaces.


Entrance.

Extremely spacious.  Sets the tone for the rest of the home.

Family Room.

Great focal wall---with central fireplace and storage support on either side.  Ideal place for entertaining and enjoying guests company as well as family time.

Fireplace.

More detailed view of the focal wall of the family room.  As you can see very simple, clean lined and possesses charm and sophistication.

Kitchen.

As you move through the family room you reach the kitchen or the hub of the house.  Very streamlined and lots of counter space as well as large appliances for those who enjoy being in the kitchen and taking on the chef role.

Master Bath.

In love--the master bath is quite a retreat.  So many beautiful elements and surfaces from the elegant tile flooring to the clean countertops and who could pass up on that amazing claw foot freestanding tub.

I knew you wouldnt be disappointed and all the other spaces of the home are just as fabulous as those featured.


The big picture-- homeowners are thrilled and very much looking forward to moving in and calling these brand new spaces their home.  To our new homeowners welcome to the Old Town Design Group Family and neighborhood!

Happy Home.  Happy Life.

10/7/13

Award Recognition: Best of Houzz 2013



As a delighted supporting design role to Heartwood Custom Homes, I am happy to announce that Heartwood has been recognized as one of Houzz’s Best of Houzz 2013.  The winning titles are given to top home pros in the Houzz professional communities.  Winners are selected in two categories: Design and Customer Satisfaction.

For those of you unfamiliar with Houzz---Houzz is the leading online site for home remodeling and design.  It is a direct connect, a social media if you will, that allows homeowners, design nuts and design professionals to communicate, visualize, and source.  It’s a great resource for home inspiration and also a direct communication tool to professionals.

I would highly recommend checking it out if you haven’t done so already.  Simply visit www.houzz.com. You can even begin following both Everything Home and Heartwood Custom Homes pages.  If you have any questions regarding any of the posted projects please feel free to leave a comment or contact us.


Happy Home. Happy Life.

5/22/13

Recap of Dream Taking Shape

Welcome Home.

The homeowners are pleased with the final product.  As their home started from the ground up---they are eager to get moved in to enjoy their vision---now reality.  They can't wait to call their friends neighbors and to take advantage of the developing Arts and Design District of Carmel, IN.  With a pleasing view of the Monon Trail just steps away from their front porch, they look forward to making it their home for years to come.  Our homeowners are looking forward to placing the finishing touches on the happy home :)

Have a look...

Dining Room


Great Room


Kitchen


Master Suite Bath


Millwork



Happy Home.  Happy Life.

5/3/13





It’s here – at last!!

I’m more than excited to launch my website -- Everything Home by Wendy Langston


Thanks to all my patient followers and to those I've yet to meet – a big welcome!!
 
If I can help with your next design project, please give me a call.


 Best,
Wendy Langston
Everything Home
317-446-4300
hchwlangston@gmail.com


4/3/13

Pleased to Announce-Repping of Hunter Douglas Window Coverings

We are pleased to announce that we are now repping Hunter Douglas Window Covering Products. 

For those who are unaware, Hunter Douglas brand products are designed, developed and custom assembled in the United States.  They have a variety of window covering options from shades to shutters and so much more.  Hunter Douglas was named 2013 Harris Poll EquiTrend Window Covering Brand of the Year.  And based on the recognition Hunter Douglas mentioned they are very honored that the study affirmed their position as the top window covering brand and one of the most admired and respected of all brands among American consumers.  And if that isn't enough additionally, as a company, they offer an exclusive Hunter Douglas Lifetime Guarantee instilling confidence and trust in their products, that of quality.

Thus far with our experiences in using Hunter Douglas products we have been very pleased and so have our clients.  The greatest thing about them is they have so much to offer and such a wide variety of product.  We look forward to using them for years to come and most definitely future development in new offerings.

If anyone has interest please take a moment to view their fabulous products:

www.hunterdouglas.com

At a Glance- New Model Home

Well we are back in action and looking to drive interest by building our new model home by Old Town Design Group located in Cobblestone on the Monon.  We are very excited for we want to continue our perusal in creating unique designs and spaces custom to our business.  Our vision is to tie in some new design features with some old and genuinely grab peoples attention.  The model is being built in a prime location, right along the Monon Trail.  With out a doubt the home will be pleasing and also its surrounding setting.  It is located just minutes from downtown Carmel, Arts and Design District.  Please take a moment to view our progress thus far---

Family Room
 
 
 

Here we are viewing the future family room.  Through the number of windows integrated into the space we want to draw in as much natural light as possible.  There will be a prime focal point on the fireplace and flanking on either side incorporation of built in seating, making the space that much more functional for entertaining.

Future Kitchen
 

This space is a preview of the kitchen to come.  This space will reflect that of the rest of the home that being more relaxed and refreshed.

Butlers Pantry/ Bar
 

 
These images reflect that of the butlers pantry/bar.  We wish to set the tone by making a less formal butlers pantry.  A bit more original to the home and very playful.
 
Office/Study 
 

This space is going to be the future office/study.  We want to utilize the space by developing a unique desk design functional for at least two.  The accent of natural light will be lovely and the window most definitely helps draw people in.

Lounge
 

This space is located on the second level to the right of the stairs.  The lounge---serves as a very unique space to the home.  We hope to create a space that is inviting and maybe a bit more relaxed and intimate for the ceiling slopes drawing your eye in and down.  Can't wait to see it once complete!---So cozy!

Window Seat
 

This is another special feature to the home.  It is a window seat located on the stairs and in the air.  I could see this being a great place to hop up into and cozying up with a good book and some tea.  Even if your aren't the type it serves as a great focal point on the stairs.  Adds some softness and again more natural light.

All in all--- looking forward to seeing the finished product.  And as mentioned this will be a new model so when the time arises details will be released when open to public.  Happy Home. Happy Life.






Dream Taking Shape

After making the decision to build, our clients are so pleased to see their new home taking shape.  As their home has started from the ground up --she cant wait to get moved in for her good friend lives right next store.---How cool to be neighbors!  Sharing the white picket fence---so classic.  Additionally their home is in a great location.  Easily accessible to the developing Carmel, IN, Arts and Design District.  And to top it off a great view of the ever popular Monon Trail.  Here are some of the latest pics of their vision becoming a reality.

Dining Room
 

This view here is of the dining room.  It's a very luxurious space with lots of great natural light.  They will be so pleased once they move in at how much impact those windows give to the space.  Additionally, they have a very unique window seat being built-in on the back wall giving the space that much more interest.

Great Room
 

This space here is the great room.  It is connected to the dining space allowing there to be a very open vibe.  The fireplace will be quite a focal point for our clients helped decide on the very design of it and by the sounds of the final product it is going to look ---stunning!

Master Suite
 


Here you are viewing the Master Suite.  The master bedroom is located towards the front of the home with the master bathroom located off giving our homeowners a great space.  Its like a private getaway!  Additionally these spaces offer so much natural light our clients won't want to leave their home.

Lastly---

Millwork
 

As mentioned before this here is the unique built in window seat in the dining room.  Included will be storage.---Who doesn't like storage?  Its amazing how small millworking details can give a home such charm and character.

Can't wait to recap once project is complete! 

Happy Home.  Happy Life.





4/2/13

Entry Before & After

       The Importance of Arrival Space
 
 
The arrival space often sets the stage to charm us and leave a lasting impression.  The linking of spaces upon arrival allows us to move with ease and fluidity while feelings of comfort and safety overcome one as they connect to the space.   Many times we find our hectic selves entering, setting our things down and walking away.  Should this be the case we are left with nothing but clutter. ---And who are we kidding that is no way to make a first impression.  
 
 The entry serves purpose---a grounded location where eyes begin to wonder as far as justifying what was just endured to what one may soon encounter. 
 
Often times entry spaces just simply need a splash of color, texture, and a soothing light---and organization of course.  In the project we just completed we took a very drab looking entry and gave it character.  We simply added a mirror--allowing filtration of light, area rug---adding texture as well as subtle color, and lastly some simple accessories.  We gave the entry new life which  allows the arrival space to relate to the rest of the home.  And by all means now makes a great first impression.  We are so pleased with how the space turned out.
 
 Before
 



After
  


 

 You see its simple---the feelings of you as well as your guests begin at the door of the home so be sure to set a mood worthy of the character of the rest of your home, leaving impact instilled in all who enter.  Happy Home. Happy Life.