Why Design Matters
You know that feeling when you first walk up to a luxury resort property? We’re talking that oohh, ahh, excited feeling that only deepens as you tour the property because the aesthetic extends everywhere. The landscaping is lush yet maintained, the lighting is soft, there’s a faint sound of a water feature, comfortable seating, little surprise vignettes are waiting to be found as you settle in, you feel welcomed and excited, and everything just sort of goes together while still feeling unique and special.
Alas, the power of good design.
Sure, a luxury resort level landscape is unattainable for most of us mere mortals (let alone above our yard maintenance skills!) but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for clusters of hodge-podge plants you’ve picked up here and there from your local garden center. Ranch homes can be aspirational too, but it takes a real vision.
Enter the Master Plan.
Take a closer look at the houses, hotels, buildings you most admire and you’ll start to see there’s consistency in the architectural details from the style of windows and doors, type of roof, color palette, lighting, plant types, hardscaping, etc.
The amazing thing about Pinterest, Instagram, even HGTV, is that our exposure and appreciation for all things design has expanded exponentially. Yet, all the choices can lead to analysis paralysis and then when we go to replace the bigger things - like windows, roof, gutters, hardscaping - we tend to replace like with like. By consulting a designer, you can open a world of possibilities for your home’s aesthetic by reimagining the materials you use to update your home. Long gone are the days where design services were reserved for those with a 10,000 SF house and an infinity pool overlooking the ocean. We appreciate ‘all the things’ can quickly add up in a budget and for the uninitiated, design services can seem an easy option to cut corners on. However, design services can range from the turnkey, white glove, total reveal moment ($$$$) to collaborating with a designer on an overall design guide that helps you make informed, intentional choices as you go on to execute your master plan, which could take years. Good design will save you money, time and aggravation over the long run.
Here’s an example of a master plan that reimagined a standard ranch home to a modern, tropical oasis. The design elements include a bronze metal roof, new bronze windows with horizontal simulated divided lights, stucco and warm white paint, new lighting and an entry door that allows plenty of light, new concrete stepping stone walkway that ties into the existing paved driveway and last but certainly not least, lush, tropical landscaping that provides interest, style and privacy.
Above: A Modern, Tropical Ranch Home Transformation
If you’re still on the fence, consider:
“Good design is like a refrigerator—when it works, no one notices, but when it doesn’t, it sure stinks.”
We’re very happy to chat about design service options and how we can collaborate to make your home look and feel like your own sanctuary. So, contact us today!