Custom Builder – Lundberg Builders, Inc.

What is Universal Design – Living in Place? Why Does It Matter?

We’re on a mission to make your spaces more people-friendly than ever.

You in?

Technically speaking, Universal Design refers to the design of buildings, products, and environments to make them accessible to all people, regardless of age, disability, or other factors. However, EVERYONE can benefit from Universal Design in their homes.

Why is Universal Design Important in Homes?

Families are sharing the responsibilities of home life.
Evolution of how responsibilities are carried out.
Average life expectancy continues to increase.
A typical family contains members of widely varying ages, sizes, and abilities.
We should not be forced to move because a house is not adaptable to family change.

What Does Living in Place with Universal Design Look Like?

Modernizing your home for Living in Place with Universal Design should not mean creating a clinical and cold atmosphere. Instead, it’s an inclusive approach for a better future. You can open your home to anyone and welcome them with attractive designs that WOW while gaining your own freedom to live the life you choose now, and well into the future.

Here are several of the modern conveniences that you can add to your home that make large impacts:

Whole-Home Modifications Include:

Accessible floating sink in a powder room, installed by Lundberg Builders and designed by 314 Design Studio.

Extended hand railings past the last step both at the top and bottom of the stairs. This allows you to hold your balance while getting on or off the last step.
Entrances and decks with flush thresholds and no steps accommodate wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers.
A shorter rise on stairs is easier to climb and easier on your joints.
Enlarged landings create space for setting down bags and personal belongings while opening the door.
Hardware that can be used with your hand, elbow, or knee include lever doorknobs, push plates on doors, rocker light switches, loop handles, and touch latches.
Video doorbells allow for added security and convenience.
Interior and Exterior Motion-sense lighting
Open floor plan concepts minimize hallways and tight spaces while maximizing the line of sight.
Stacked Closets with knock-out floors can later become an elevator shaft.
Wider doorways and hallways.
Front-loading washers and dryers with front controls on raised platforms reduce bending.

Bathroom Modifications Include:

Multiple showerheads, a curbless shower entry, and a walk-in bath make this bathroom accessible for any visitor. Built by Lundberg Builders, Inc. and designed by 314 Design Studio.

Larger curbless showers.
Adjustable hand-held showerheads.
Smart shower controls
Temperature-balanced valves
Walk-In tubs
Non-slip flooring
Taller toilets
Extra clearance around toilets and fixtures
Knee space under vanities and sinks
Extra blocking in walls for future grab bars (Grab bars can also double as towel bars).
Voice-lighted mirrors
Pocket doors.

Kitchen Modifications Include:

Kitchen, built by Lundberg Builders, Inc., with pull-out drawers and easy to reach appliances.

Touchless and single lever faucets make it easier to adjust water temperature and operate with a single hand or elbow.
Smart appliances
Hands-free voice-activated faucets
Larger cabinet pulls
Cabinets with adjustable and pull-down shelves, along with full-extension pull-out shelves and doors
Front or side controls on stoves allow for easy reach and lessen the risk of reaching over hot burners.
Wall ovens create knee space underneath and make transferring dishes from the oven to counter easier without lifting, reaching, or bending.
Dishwashers can be raised on platforms to reduce bending.
Multi-level kitchen countertops with open space underneath allow the cook to work while seated or for taller people to work without bending.
Induction cooktops and stoves offer a safer way to cook than electric or gas. They do not emit gas into the air, and they won’t catch objects, like dishcloths, on fire.
Drawer microwaves allow access without having to reach up above the counter or range like traditional microwaves.
A side-by-side refrigerator with pull-out shelves makes items easy to reach. An under-counter or drawer-type refrigerator can create access to taller items.

Where Should You Start to Create Your Space with Universal Design?

Lundberg Builders is more than a full-service residential contractor. We are your partner for creating the home of your dreams and your future. Our goal is to help you live in your home as long as possible. Our designers plan for both looks and practical needs. We want to ensure that your house looks amazing and that it will serve your needs well into the future. Your Universal Design starts with our Home Audit Checklist. This assessment gives us the opportunity to understand your specific needs and desires. Whether it’s new construction, a complete renovation, or remodeling a few rooms. The checklist helps to empower our design team to create a space that’s what you want today and what you need in the foreseeable future.

Lundberg Builders, Inc. and 314 Design Studio, LLC are your home design and renovation partners. Working together to create your dream space for now and the future.

This blog was written by Tyler Marold, UDPC. Residential Designer/Drafter for Lundberg Builders, Inc.

COASTAL FIRST FLOOR REMODEL

Previous clients of ours were looking to remodel their 2nd home, a Wye Riverfront property in Queenstown, Maryland. They had owned the home for 16 years, and as they were looking toward retirement and living there full time, they wanted to “spruce it up a bit”.

As the homeowners began to evaluate the current state of their home, they recognized that while the kitchen had functioned perfectly well for many years, it had become outdated and didn’t reflect their current style. After talking with neighbors and flipping through home magazines for inspiration, they decided to call in the experts: Reithlingshoefer Design Studio (RDS) for the architectural and interior design; 314 Design Studio as the kitchen and bath designer, with Lundberg Builders leading the custom construction.

The sprucing up that was originally planned ultimately became a much larger whole first floor remodel project after RDS recommended removing a dividing wall from the kitchen to open up the floor plan and to expand and re-orient the dining and living spaces to better support large gatherings on the first floor with the kitchen as the driving force and central hub for the homeowners love of entertaining.

BEFORE PHOTO: Showing wall that was chosen for removal to open up the floor plan to move the dining area to the main living space — BEFORE PHOTO: Showing kitchen and living space dividing wall that was removed to open up the floor plan and create more space for a formal dining area in the main living space

AFTER PHOTO: Showing wall removed and open floor plan concept

AFTER PHOTO: Showing new dining area — AFTER PHOTO: Showing new formal dining area to replace eat-in kitchen

In addition to the demolition of the original fireplace, which was situated in the corner of the living room, a new fireplace was designed and built along with custom bookshelves and cabinets for storage.

BEFORE: The original fireplace was awkwardly placed in the corner of the room.

AFTER: Custom designed fireplace centered in the living room, flanked symmetrically by custom built bookcases and cabinetry.

The team at 314 Design Studio worked closely and collaboratively with RDS and the client to help make selections on the countertops, custom island, cabinetry, range hood, appliances, lighting, accents and finishes, and Lundberg Builder kept the final construction moving forward with careful construction management and meticulous custom craftsmanship.

The gorgeous cobalt custom built multi-level island was designed to create a focal point, with designated prep area, eating and entertaining space. The custom range hood adds modern drama to the overarching blue, white and brass maritime look and feel of the design.

Hodgdon_201118_9516_gotts kitchen — AFTER PHOTO – KITCHEN

The window above the sink is new, which opens up to the screened porch, and now allows a beautiful view while cleaning up, as well as more natural light into the kitchen. Plato custom cabinetry is taken ceiling height to draw the eye up.

VIEW INTO SCREENED PORCH FROM NEW KITCHEN WINDOW — AFTER: View into screened porch from new interior kitchen window

One of the client’s favorite new spaces is the sitting area
that was created in the old eat in kitchen area. New swivel chairs, a
large ottoman on casters and good lighting provide a
comfortable area to take in the gorgeous view while enjoying a
cup of coffee and the morning paper.

Hodgdon_201118_9530_gotts sitting area — AFTER PHOTO – SITTING AREA FOR MORNING COFFEE, A FAVORITE SPACE FOR THE HOMEOWNERS

Beyond the kitchen is a combined mudroom and laundry room, replete with a small desk area, convenient for making shopping lists, replying to emails, paying bills, or writing thank you notes.

What project are you dreaming about that would help you live life to the fullest and better meet your lifestyle needs? We’d love to hear from you. Remodeling is best approached with a team of professionals, and most importantly, designers, architects and the custom craftsman that can honor your vision and bring it to life. Call us at 410-643-3334 and tell us about it!

Cabinetry and custom kitchen hood: Plato Custom Cabinetry via 314 Design Studio

Countertops: In Home Stone – quartz composite

Refrigerator – separate unit subzero and freezer

Flooring– Tuckahoe Hardwoods -European white oak – ¾ inch, sanded finished engineered hardwood

Farmhouse Sink and Faucet – Kohler

The Home Improvement Process

Jesse Goodroe, Lundberg Builders’ Project Consultant

Given we are all staying home a lot more these days, you may have decided it’s time to make some home improvements. Maybe you want to expand or open up your living space, create a more functional kitchen or update a bathroom, build a dedicated office, or add a workshop, guest house or outdoor space. Whatever your project, you will likely need assistance from a professional on the design and construction. But where to start? Below we outline our system in working with a client to familiarize you with the process, help you begin to plan, and to highlight some important tips on how to ensure success: on time, on budget and on goal with the project you had imagined.

The first step is to call and schedule an appointment with us to tell us about your project. Typically clients have some general ideas in mind as to style or selections that will help us understand your overall vision for the project and help us to guide you to achieve it.

After our initial meeting, we will develop a rough budget for the project. Once approved, we move to our construction agreement.

Lundberg Builders’ screened in porch for a client on the Eastern Shore

If the project requires drawings, Lundberg Builder’s in-house designer will visit your home to take on-site measurements ‘, and then draft the design. Once the drawings are approved, we will develop a detailed 23 division estimate.

Once the final estimate is approved, the permitting process begins, if required. Permitting typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete and can take longer in certain circumstances. This is why we advise to get your project started as early as possible. In other words, if you are looking forward to enjoying a new porch or deck in the spring, it’s time to get started today!

Lundberg Builders’ new deck and railing for a client on the Eastern Shore

Our supervisor will then provide a tentative schedule for all construction divisions. He will handle all of the scheduling of contractors, ordering of the materials and every other aspect of project management. This makes the process smooth and consistent for you to have one main point of contact with us no matter what subcontractor is onsite working.

At all phases you can expect a very transparent and collaborative process. You can expect weekly on-site meetings with our supervisor for job progress reports, making selections, and addressing any changes or unforeseen issues. We have a wealth of community-based vendors we can suggest to help you source the right materials. For any kitchen and bath design needs, we suggest working with our award-winning affiliate company, 314 Design Studio.

314 Design Studio and Lundberg Builders collaborated on this stunning kitchen remodel for a client on the Eastern Shore

The supervisor will tightly manage the timeline of when materials should be ordered for on-time delivery for each phase of the construction. This is important for you to keep in mind as selection choices ideally should be made in a prompt fashion. As many of the selections that can be made in advance, the better and more efficiently a project will be completed. Selections like cabinets, for instance, have to be custom built, requiring 4-10 weeks for delivery.

Once your project has been completed, we will have a final review to ensure your complete satisfaction. We want you to know that our services and relationship with you extend beyond the completion of any single project. We hope to continue our relationship as part of the Lundberg family of happy customers. We’re here for you should any needs arise – from handyman work to remodels to designing and building your next custom home, we sincerely look forward to hearing from you and learning more about your next dream home project.

Modern Farmhouse Design Details

Modern Farmhouse – Courtesy of James Hardie

American Farmhouse home design has always been a common, classic style in our architectural history, originating with the first American colonists. However, with the rise in popularity of HGTV’s Fixer Upper show starring Joanna Gaines and her husband, Chip, farmhouse style has enjoyed a significant revival and further evolved with a new twist now known as “Modern Farmhouse”. Below we review what builder elements you can use to design your new construction or remodel with quintessential Modern Farmhouse style. (Main photo above – Modern Farmhouse, photo courtesy of James Hardie).

Vertical siding

Applying vertical lap or Board and Batten siding in a light (typically white) monochromatic exterior color is unmistakably Modern Farmhouse. It also helps accentuate the rectangular shape of the home while drawing the eye to the standing seam metal roof. This often will often also make the house appear taller as well.

Black window casings

Black windows are the height of chic right now. Black casings help add drama and modernity that defines today’s Modern Farmhouse. When black windows are paired with matching furnishes in the room they really make a room pop. They also add stunning contrast to the light colors typically associated with the farmhouse aesthetic.

Standing seam metal roof

Standing seam metal roofs are more expensive initially, but the cost pays off in the long run as a more durable and long-lasting roofing material. This type of metal roof system will less likely cause roof leaks in the future. Also, with not having the hardware exposed, it leaves the roof with a clean hard line finished look.

Sliding barn doors

Photo credit courtesy of Sun Mountain Custom Doors (www.sunmountaindoor.com).

Sliding barn doors are everywhere right now as the Rustic Farmhouse look trend continues. In my experience with clients, sliding barn doors are desirable over traditional pocket doors because they allow a homeowner to gain more room in a space with the bonus of adding character as architectural décor while still retaining their functional purpose as a door to separate and define spaces. We’re even seeing now riffs on the solid wood sliding barn door in new transparent “french door-esque” glass and frame versions which up the ante on fresh and modern. The image above is a double barn door (Sun Mountain Design SQ-0100-D001-HX), with crossbucks, made of Reclaimed Barnwood with Clear Coat finish.

Exposed Beams

Having Exposed beams in your project also adds drama and character to your Modern Farmhouse home. These beams can be structural if you had an old barn that was then turned into a house, which would be called a Timber Frame. The most common construction now is Stick frame which includes smaller beams and metal fasteners. You can still achieve this beam look by adding exposed beams for purely aesthetic aim. These beams can either show off the beautiful raw wood grain, or showcase a salvaged or reclaimed wood. You can also paint or stain them to match the ceiling or to provide a contrast. Exposed beams also do not have to be made of wood at all. Steel or other materials can also be used and either left as is, or finished with a wrap made from reclaimed barnwood or even hardwood flooring.

Tongue and groove paneling, ship lap and Buttboard

When you walk into an old farmhouse, you typically won’t see drywall, but rather wood planks on the wall. The Modern Farmhouse often comes with not only exposed beams on the ceiling, but the treatment of the ceiling itself is often a focal point, utilizing tongue and groove paneling. Adding wood planks to either the walls or ceiling of your Modern Farmhouse adds a rustic, cozy and crafted home feeling that adds dimension and depth of interest with the layering of building textures.

So what happens when you want to incorporate some Modern Farmhouse builder elements but also really love elements from other styles of home? This is often how new twists like Modern Farmhouse come into fruition in the first place. Styles marry and evolve into something new. This also is exactly why homeowners choose to work with us! As a custom builder, we aren’t boxed into a specific home design plan. We also know the rules of different architectural styles but are not afraid to break them to fulfill your wish list! We look forward to helping you design and build a home that is custom-made for YOU!

Reasons Why Architectural Details Matter

If you have ever driven through a great neighborhood and remarked about the quality of it, most likely it’s because you recognized the beauty and the appeal of the homes built there. We are fortunate to have many such neighborhoods here on the Eastern Shore and in neighboring Annapolis. Was it an awesome front door and window package, the presentation of a front porch, or the proper use of decorative corbels that caught your eye?

Like separating the men from the boys, homes that possess architectural details-are usually the best homes on the block—or at least they have the potential to be the best. Here are three reasons why and four examples of homes that hit the mark. (All photos courtesy of Lundberg Builders)

When building or remodeling, careful consideration of the level of detail is essential to create a template for consistency throughout your home.
Well-conceived architectural details ensure that your completed home project is authentic.
Value. One little word that says it all. Detail helps build value into your property from Day One—and working with a custom builder will not only help ensure your home is built to last; your builder can work with you to maximize its value over time.

In size, in scope, and in limitless detail, this custom Lundberg-built home delivers appealing visual impact. This architecturally well-detailed home exterior fits well in its surroundings and uses specific materials to create details that meld the interior and exterior beautifully. Note how the exterior stone plays off the natural outdoor elements and then appears again inside the home.

This classic 18th century townhouse remodel by Lundberg Builders provides a perfect example of authenticity in architectural detail. While it has been updated to provide modern convenience, it remains true to its historic roots inside and out.

This amazing home on the Wye River (top) and the Bay traditional home (below) proves that no matter the style, period, or type of home, its specific architectural detail will stand the test of time and no-doubt continue to grab the eye of passers-by for many years to come

In summary, by choosing the right materials and methods, keeping an eye on aesthetics, quality, and livability over the long-term, then balancing that with your home’s long-term life cycle cost, you will gain not just pride of place, but peace of mind.

Come and share your love of architectural details with us. Contact Lundberg Builders at 410-643-3334, Lundberg Builders, Inc. is located at 314 Main St., Stevensville, MD. Visit us online at www.lundbergbuilders.com.

All Fall In! How Customization, Architectural Detail and 17 Kinds of Wood Created the House That Brad Built

If you’re a lover of the full, four-season experience that living in the mid-Atlantic provides, you probably embrace a wide-range of autumnal delights: apple-picking, cider sipping and fall getaways, where you can experience the warmth and ambiance of rustic living.

Fortunately, the owner of Lundberg Builders, Brad Lundberg, has the ultimate inspiration for autumn adventures; his own rustic retreat that blends inspired architecture with creature comforts. Let’s take a tour of his wooded West Virginia hideaway and perhaps even get inspired to build your own!

Brad Lundberg’s father originally chose this location on Alpine Lake in Terra Alta, West Virginia, decades ago. Building on the rustic retreat began in 2005.

Custom is the keyword of this cozy dwelling. The one-of kind live-edge front door was carved from one of the property’s black walnut trees.

The kitchen island was crafted from a four-inch thick slice of a spalted maple tree.

A soaring beamed ceiling in the living room is highlighted with a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace.

The home boasts two traditional bedrooms, an additional loft, lower level and screened porch sleeping areas; accommodating up to a dozen people in one visit.

The cabin is also a no-drywall zone featuring 17 different species of wood, including cherry, maple, wormy chestnut, pine, oak and hickory.

The screened porch is a favorite place for wildlife viewing. “The deer are plentiful and just about walk up to you if you have an apple or deer corn,” says Lundberg, who adds this family also spots and occasional black bear looking for bird feeders or garbage cans left out. “Turkeys, ground hogs, chipmunks and fox – all make it very interesting.”

Lundberg credits wife, Gail, and architect Bob Moreland with the execution of their rustic escape which he says is not just used for fall retreats. “All times of the year are great and very different. Gail and I can go for a quiet weekend – read and hike, or it can get wild with a bunch of grandkids running everywhere,” Lundberg says. With lots of snow in the winter, we have a variety of sizes of show shoes, toboggans, sleds, etc.”

The summer months, he adds, are perfect for canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and checking out the surrounding areas. Along with impromptu family gatherings, the cabin has also been the sight of numerous Fourth of July celebrations, and even a couple of weddings.

“Gail and I spent a lot of time working on the details together and we couldn’t be happier with the result.”

Ready to start building some family memories of your own with a custom-built, architecturally exciting home that reflects your personality and your lifestyle? Contact Lundberg Builders at 410-643-3334 or visit lundbergbuilders.com. Lundberg Builders, Inc. is located at 314 Main St., Stevensville, MD.

The Romance & Rustic Ambiance of She Sheds and Sleeping Porches

A secret space. A quiet place. A restful repose for a hectic day. Don’t you want that? We do!

Whether you are fortunate enough to have an existing structure on your property or opt to buy a basic shed and “she” —or even “he” it up for a reflective outdoor space for male repose, this alternative outdoor concept seems to complement the inherent charm of living on the Eastern Shore perfectly. (Photos courtesy of Janis Nicolay and Living Vintage)

Go For Cozy!

Probably the greatest advantage of this luxe shed trend is the fun you can have with the creative process. This could be the perfect opportunity to pull some great heirlooms or yard sale finds from the attic and put them to good use. It could also be the chance you’ve been waiting for to address a worn out building on your property that needs some love.

Even if you have a ruin of an old farmhouse, cabin or greenhouse on your property, you can consult with your builder and design professional to see how it can be salvaged and turned into additional “pride of place” space.

The pros can make sure your shed design provides ample natural light, any custom touches you desire and addresses the way you wish to use the space.

Once you have a basic, sound structure (some shed dwellers opt to run electricity for small lamps or even space heating) then the fun really begins as you take the space and make it “all about you.” The key is to surround yourself with everything that you love and items that inspire you! (Photos courtesy of Finding Silver Pennies, Janis Nicolay and The Painted Home.)

Getting Some Zzz’s

And there’s another unique outdoor retreat…the sleeping porch, that might work well for some Eastern Shore dwellers with limited space on their existing property, the sleeping porch. In fact, if you have a screened-in porch, you could be well on your way to some serene and starry nights, or perhaps just naps, with this reminiscent summer camp-like option, that first became popular during the Victorian Era—the days before air conditioning.

Back then it was a matter of necessity, as it was too hot to sleep in the house at night, especially in the South. It was also a matter of health, as doctors regularly prescribed sleeping outside as a means of enhancing one’s immune system. (Photo courtesy of Coastal Living.)

Today sleeping porches are coming back into fashion as homeowners seek to get more use out of their hard-earned square footage and there are so many more materials suitable for outdoor living.

What you’ll need for a restful night’s sleep on your porch:

Invest in good, tightly woven screening material to keep bugs at bay. Privacy screening is also available but it can look darker and take away from the ambience you wish to create for your space. A great compromise would be to invest in polyester screening with an 18 x 14 mesh screen and then hang blinds or simple indoor/outdoor cabana-style curtains for extra privacy in the evening.
Make sure your roof structure is sound. While rain is likely to lull you to sleep, a soggy bedsheet is far from comfortable.
Install a ceiling fan to keep air circulating on muggy days.
For security, a low railing along the perimeter is recommended.
Consider furnishing with versatile pieces like a wicker day bed to provide a large enough place to sleep at night that can double as a comfortable seating area during the day. (Photo courtesy of Portage and Slain)

With proper planning, the right materials and sound professional advice you could be enjoying the benefits of a sleeping porch three seasons each year. If this sounds like a plan you wish to pursue, contact Lundberg Builders today at 410-643-3334 or visit lundbergbuilders.com. Lundberg Builders, Inc. is located at 314 Main St., Stevensville, MD.

5 Ways to Bring More Hygge into Your Bedroom This Winter

So, what’s this word “hygge” all about? Hygge refers to a Danish lifestyle concept that dates back to 19^th century Scandinavia. Pronounced “hoo-ga,” the Danes believe there is much to be gained by creating cozy living spaces and surroundings that speak to simpler and even smaller creature comforts. Think ski lodge-cool, soft-as-a-cotton-ball socks, and the comfort of warm and steamy beverages on our coldest winter days. These are all elements and examples of living “Hygge”.

Let’s see what happens when we apply this way of thinking to décor and design to our most basic retreat –the bedroom.

Play with Wall Texture

While plain drywall and standard art and shelving is practical, adding features like wood beams and wood wall accents changes a functional room into a sanctuary space that can transport you to another place. Reset your “head space” button with warm woods interspersed with other textures like stone and toss in a fur throw for a completely enveloping experience and perhaps, a well-earned, long winter’s nap. (Photo credit: Yellowstone Traditions)

Choose a Fireplace as Your Focal Point

Technology and advancements in in-home heating make in-bedroom fireplaces more convenient than ever. It seems a shame NOT to add this feature as a room focal point that can be all at once posh and practical. Be sure to research which heat source is best for you: gas, wood or even electric. Remember, there are varying levels of convenience depending on which energy source you choose—as it can actually mean the difference between “sawing wood” and chopping it. (Photo credit: cornerfireplaceideas.com)

Add a Romantic Seating Area

Create a soothing mood and get comfy before you even hit the sheets, by allowing enough room in your floor plan for a cozy seating area for reading, meditating or just plain conversing—remember conversation? Add books, aroma therapy candles, wine—whatever adds to a relaxing space. The most progressive floor plans even allow space for a wine or mini fridge and wet bar, for those nights when breaking the Zen zone by leaving the room is just not an option. (Photo credit: Inspired By Love)

Layer in Comfort Under Foot

It wasn’t that long ago that bedrooms were bastions of wall-to-wall carpet pile, and with good reason—comfort and warmth. Choosing a warm hardwood for this room can be just as cozy and practical (a great choice for the allergy-prone) when you add the right area rug, and maybe even layer in more texture with a faux animal skin in winter. How deliciously Danish! (Photo credit: New Pacific Direct, Inc.)

Go For Glow

Never underestimate the influence lighting has on a room, especially bedroom lighting. While classic, task lighting is desired for dressing and reading purposes, it’s not the only lighting option you should consider for this room. A bedroom with a Hygge vibe will exude a warm glow. Fortunately, now there are more romantic wall-mounted options than ever—as well as, on-trend, boutique pendant lighting that helps create the ambient environment and feeling of well-being so important for Hygge living. (Photo ©2016 Lisa J. Gotto)

Want to bring that sense of “hygge” into an existing bedroom or have a new one designed with this concept in mind? Lundberg Builders are ready to help you create cozy interiors for the winter and all year-round with the custom touches and timeless details that make a house a home.

Create your wish list and contact Lundberg Builders today at 410-643-3334 or visit lundbergbuilders.com. Lundberg Builders, Inc. is located at 314 Main St., Stevensville, MD.

WATERFRONT CUSTOM HOME – QUEENSTOWN

Annapolis-based, Bohl Architects called on Lundberg Builders to provide the building expertise needed to deliver on the promise of the stunning architectural design for their client’s new custom home in Queenstown, Maryland. At the heart of the design was the homeowner’s desire to maximize and capture the spectacular views of their incredible Wye River front property.

The 7500 square-foot 4-bedroom contemporary home boasts notable custom features that required a remarkable level of craftsmanship and construction precision to execute the project flawlessly like the elliptical transom windows shown here in the front foyer.

With that goal leading the vision for the project, the home was designed with an open floor plan that seamlessly connects indoor spaces with the outdoors. We imagine it may be a challenge to concentrate with an office view like this!

The waterfront side (rear) of the home overlooks the Wye River. Screened porches on both the upper floors off the bedrooms and on the 2nd main floor off the kitchen and living rooms are built for maximum enjoyment of the Chesapeake lifestyle.

The elegant and ingenious design of the lift and slide glass panel wall system used on the porch (far right) was a labor of love and great care. The wall tracks are strategically hidden within the ceiling beams to essentially disappear when recessed!

Our sister company, 314 Design Studio Kitchen and Bath Designers, worked with the homeowners to design this exquisite kitchen with extensive custom-built cabinetry meticulously crafted by Lundberg Builders.

How to Create an Impressive-Looking Focal Wall For Your Living Room

The living room is perhaps the most important room in your home as this is where you get to relax and spend quality time with your family. Many people spend a lot of time and money to make sure that their living room looks great, and designers often recommend investing in the living room if their client is on a tight decorating budget. One of the best things that you can do to refresh your living room is to create a focal wall, and depending on your preferences, your accent wall can be functional or decorative, or even both. Here are 5 ways that you can create an impressive-looking focal wall for your living room.

Use reclaimed wood

Barn walls or reclaimed wood, both real and faux, is immensely popular in home décor. Not only does reclaimed wood give your focal wall a warm and weathered look, but using this material will not harm the environment as it is a sustainable material for construction or remodeling. Have your builder cover your accent wall with reclaimed wood for a rustic look.

Embed a fireplace

Nothing is as luxurious and comforting as a fireplace in a living room. If you don’t care for a wood burning fireplace, consider embedding an ethanol fireplace insert in your living room focal wall. This type of fireplace will bathe your living room in warmth without smoke, bad odors, or particles that can be harmful to your health. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the smoke from wood burning contains particles that can cause health problems such as a runny nose and bronchitis. As an ethanol fireplace only need bio-ethanol fuel to feed the fire, it’s safer for your health than a regular fireplace. Read this great article on the Advantages of Ethanol Fire Pits Compared to Gas Fire Pits.



Built-in shelving

If you want to display your books and collectibles, consider having built-in shelving room as a living room accent wall. You can either paint the accent wall and all the shelving attached to it the same color, or paint the shelving in white and the accent wall a bright color, like yellow, turquoise, or red.

Mirrors

To make a stylish statement, paint your accent wall in a dark color, such as navy blue, then hang a few decorative wall mirrors once the paint dries. Try to find mirrors with golden accents to give your living room a touch of opulence.

These are just a few ways to create an impressive-looking focal wall for your living room. Any of these tips will give your living room that wow factor that your family and friends will surely love.