Latest Home Ideas

Great Lake Story: Final Chapter

The Spring issue of <a href="http://www.mibluemag.com/">Michigan Blue Magazine</a> just came out and is jam-packed with good stuff! Read the final chapter of the 2011-2012 Great Lake Story with a pictorial tour of the model home in Harbor Shores. Check out our newest Lakestyle Cottage, the Chatham. And did you catch our latest ad on the back cover?<div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtwxKdgrI9FQZLCtDhLSejRsqXrJJVWQsGQB7ZJJrwJwxd8bXMd7vwrt9mKzFcoHZ0ihyelfWGx0sLbd-BV1hjsG0qWb6hWVij3M39LZxibXmvsoEuZTBr434usuUquGYw7jPJugoG9DS/s1600/01_Cover.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712385856501161794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtwxKdgrI9FQZLCtDhLSejRsqXrJJVWQsGQB7ZJJrwJwxd8bXMd7vwrt9mKzFcoHZ0ihyelfWGx0sLbd-BV1hjsG0qWb6hWVij3M39LZxibXmvsoEuZTBr434usuUquGYw7jPJugoG9DS/s320/01_Cover.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 254px; height: 320px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUEre8sTFJFXtVcMHBr1c0N0DbfOvSfOQx9MhY3gesixMxM1TOLE8PjoEVvNVHKc2NXcWmTSWdBs7XofGdcKY-1lQlpXs1qSHsEysuWGNBU6H6KwrYggwIR2wr5QCZPOfW0FbCiHXvJkM/s1600/02_GLS_Final_Chapter-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712385830264013298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUEre8sTFJFXtVcMHBr1c0N0DbfOvSfOQx9MhY3gesixMxM1TOLE8PjoEVvNVHKc2NXcWmTSWdBs7XofGdcKY-1lQlpXs1qSHsEysuWGNBU6H6KwrYggwIR2wr5QCZPOfW0FbCiHXvJkM/s320/02_GLS_Final_Chapter-1.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 265px; height: 320px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDXkqvQYfFo369wVTMbUMx-uGQGurWXQuC3jSKy6KVrg961XTIK8HlZkvQy5K4fSktfCVuZNVGiywOUAbQyuK_hpjZZKXyVVNPmeorFCZ-mp1E07HFUwKYE4EjZ0GKYffS1a4uUSp95Ld/s1600/03_GLS_Final_Chapter-2.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712385334782982370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDXkqvQYfFo369wVTMbUMx-uGQGurWXQuC3jSKy6KVrg961XTIK8HlZkvQy5K4fSktfCVuZNVGiywOUAbQyuK_hpjZZKXyVVNPmeorFCZ-mp1E07HFUwKYE4EjZ0GKYffS1a4uUSp95Ld/s320/03_GLS_Final_Chapter-2.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 194px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFk5EdEhs9M5T-hsSSzr7SxCCrk1OQFmLyZpGalus5unr7j376zBZcfOKhZfTPlPCHtk-WxcGtSqpqEa1cb0USFbNl4DtQTtjqk-8N-SYAd6Ulj1_B-i4MSzK7WmQ-UCBBR4ZdT8Ak0L9n/s1600/04_GLS_Final_Chapter-3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712385328699371826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFk5EdEhs9M5T-hsSSzr7SxCCrk1OQFmLyZpGalus5unr7j376zBZcfOKhZfTPlPCHtk-WxcGtSqpqEa1cb0USFbNl4DtQTtjqk-8N-SYAd6Ulj1_B-i4MSzK7WmQ-UCBBR4ZdT8Ak0L9n/s320/04_GLS_Final_Chapter-3.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 194px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTU3nQLn2QC0ibbN8m6AKr674S2GAjDyDGyqY_CnYyoQapw_FofmPiZofduGNTL7AhxKdlh4OxzhxWOh3KBsOwGYruLig0QNu6bYgJm4LrKw8LyTAToK2ETKvObFdRYXSKvcbW-Cga6JC/s1600/05_GLS_Final_Chapter-4.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712385315672095106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqTU3nQLn2QC0ibbN8m6AKr674S2GAjDyDGyqY_CnYyoQapw_FofmPiZofduGNTL7AhxKdlh4OxzhxWOh3KBsOwGYruLig0QNu6bYgJm4LrKw8LyTAToK2ETKvObFdRYXSKvcbW-Cga6JC/s320/05_GLS_Final_Chapter-4.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 194px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJmh5jco5xxXeNuQRIQ8CZDrB5E6UDc13odSZnV4nVea1Ixg4qODhhDEd8KYN0FIf6gvJu7eCM7OUU5HGZZ82eGI2GxNZQ6JeRavU9O42hxMNnwKEHeByjnUiM4YU_mEjqfCdmElH5JvRN/s1600/06_GLS_Final_Chapter-5.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712385300323592898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJmh5jco5xxXeNuQRIQ8CZDrB5E6UDc13odSZnV4nVea1Ixg4qODhhDEd8KYN0FIf6gvJu7eCM7OUU5HGZZ82eGI2GxNZQ6JeRavU9O42hxMNnwKEHeByjnUiM4YU_mEjqfCdmElH5JvRN/s320/06_GLS_Final_Chapter-5.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 194px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfbG2pnLlMkPC2kMDU5NgmM_7t_W6lT68kI-9CY4lOz8FaXuPQxc3OsV3LfcVIrQ8l8wJ0iED6uhW2EJCQUahTIY2LGxTS7dm_-6LLAlwFAAsBnqjRUS5KH0r2gqZPNsJ1jk9R00J1-Bw/s1600/07_GLS_Final_Chapter-6.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712385272218234210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZfbG2pnLlMkPC2kMDU5NgmM_7t_W6lT68kI-9CY4lOz8FaXuPQxc3OsV3LfcVIrQ8l8wJ0iED6uhW2EJCQUahTIY2LGxTS7dm_-6LLAlwFAAsBnqjRUS5KH0r2gqZPNsJ1jk9R00J1-Bw/s320/07_GLS_Final_Chapter-6.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 194px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqy3Kqh_odootSMIBRzvuLX_Up0tNlho4GoAVu2BrfDjChTdHU6eh5xO59a-JJTbMD79gNhN93bAiy3IddXqE0a7n-ABkVYJVnppia5leqFcxL2RD5JRBXbv2egNEI-8-BUOY2v49crdXc/s1600/08_GLS_Final_Chapter-7.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712383000119172178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqy3Kqh_odootSMIBRzvuLX_Up0tNlho4GoAVu2BrfDjChTdHU6eh5xO59a-JJTbMD79gNhN93bAiy3IddXqE0a7n-ABkVYJVnppia5leqFcxL2RD5JRBXbv2egNEI-8-BUOY2v49crdXc/s320/08_GLS_Final_Chapter-7.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 194px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPA4T5MPNLYyIwst6-k0HDYpEoVQmXE4ngGMkObEurF6Pqb4O3SpTAxnaHTBHVDOc973HN5n6RPd2wjDQwWno4mpPck87BEUOKAK6cHMvQro9VrjWXGLHeKQpUfSxEFnkNaIETxMeC99B/s1600/09_GLS_Final_Chapter-8.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712382973626061938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPA4T5MPNLYyIwst6-k0HDYpEoVQmXE4ngGMkObEurF6Pqb4O3SpTAxnaHTBHVDOc973HN5n6RPd2wjDQwWno4mpPck87BEUOKAK6cHMvQro9VrjWXGLHeKQpUfSxEFnkNaIETxMeC99B/s320/09_GLS_Final_Chapter-8.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 194px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSDsruPtQWM8V7bdxJa2v6obQrtDoUyh1f6XKmebW84sRgZnLSlAERlaGcnvloqNZzWLsQF0AXhOof-Npv7fSlTOCGGvdAiBbHgF4Nncier46fjBTxUtyzk0OXJLn3_eW_J1ACLKrPhyphenhyphenu/s1600/10_GLS_Final_Chapter-9.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712382942146570978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoSDsruPtQWM8V7bdxJa2v6obQrtDoUyh1f6XKmebW84sRgZnLSlAERlaGcnvloqNZzWLsQF0AXhOof-Npv7fSlTOCGGvdAiBbHgF4Nncier46fjBTxUtyzk0OXJLn3_eW_J1ACLKrPhyphenhyphenu/s320/10_GLS_Final_Chapter-9.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 265px; height: 320px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1g2H9bZN7KUxCFg1sXpZIT-QgveFaFQzUAWh2daI-_580AVPVaglQmsyvezIpP5TJNGWNNk5OUkR821uy1X_wNNteebScccEcKg8m9PC1JnLEZezcHT6U8p6-67W0zBxTkoOpTGKL5vly/s1600/11_Lakestyle_Cottage_Chatham.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712382932639645842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1g2H9bZN7KUxCFg1sXpZIT-QgveFaFQzUAWh2daI-_580AVPVaglQmsyvezIpP5TJNGWNNk5OUkR821uy1X_wNNteebScccEcKg8m9PC1JnLEZezcHT6U8p6-67W0zBxTkoOpTGKL5vly/s320/11_Lakestyle_Cottage_Chatham.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 262px; height: 320px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zhuj7XliYUF_N3h3iFK9VaN31TQ80dF_6svGYuEllHqldc6Unty2nNJPlffB07Avs8o0aJRVhWmfUs00iCLlL4wyhbNzna3WxeIVzBYPgFyP0abqb2uQCA8JVtJHXHjIYR1_IIK1ebRn/s1600/12_Back_cover.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712382917446061138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8zhuj7XliYUF_N3h3iFK9VaN31TQ80dF_6svGYuEllHqldc6Unty2nNJPlffB07Avs8o0aJRVhWmfUs00iCLlL4wyhbNzna3WxeIVzBYPgFyP0abqb2uQCA8JVtJHXHjIYR1_IIK1ebRn/s320/12_Back_cover.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 265px; height: 320px;" /></a><div><div><br /></div><div><i>We have posted the </i><a href="http://www.echobox.com/visbeen/publication_assets/2012/michigan_blue/Blue_Spring_gls_final.pdf?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=Link%2Bto%2Bfull%2Barticle%2Bfor%2BSpring%2BBlue%2BMag"><i>full article</i></a><i> on our website for ease of reading.</i></div></div></div><div><i><br /></i></div>

Great Lake Story: Final Chapter

The Spring issue of Michigan Blue Magazine just came out and is jam-packed with good stuff! Read the final chapter of the 2011-2012 Great L...

8:00 AM

Cottage & Lakefront Living Show - Detroit

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ieplldj61_0KDpW84PZ3lIHrogbbxAlYzpagdn_UviXpmUjEXgahDgeoNWTq9ATZnAnx_2ch320PJzl5-bShbban2MKMXUyCTSa-rAA3_pgKr7cWdpnY2XT73MbplVlrLSTrUxxAofMC/s1600/IMG_9612+Final.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5712403652971576642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ieplldj61_0KDpW84PZ3lIHrogbbxAlYzpagdn_UviXpmUjEXgahDgeoNWTq9ATZnAnx_2ch320PJzl5-bShbban2MKMXUyCTSa-rAA3_pgKr7cWdpnY2XT73MbplVlrLSTrUxxAofMC/s320/IMG_9612+Final.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 284px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.visbeen.biz/">Visbeen Associates, Inc.</a> has a booth at the <a href="http://www.showspan.com/CLD/Home.aspx">Cottage & Lakefront Living Show in Novi, MI</a> this weekend!  The show opens TODAY and goes through Sunday, so if you are in the area and want to meet with Wayne, he is there sketching LIVE!  He will also be speaking on the seminar stage of the show at 7:00pm on Saturday evening on the topic of waterfront design challenges & opportunities.</div><div><br /></div><div>Show hours are as follows...</div><div>Today, Feb 23.............2:00pm - 9:30pm</div><div>Friday, Feb 24.............2:00pm - 9:30pm</div><div>Saturday, Feb 25.........10:00am - 9:00pm</div><div>Sunday, Feb 26...........10:00am - 5:00pm</div><div><br /></div><div>We look forward to seeing you there!</div>

Cottage & Lakefront Living Show - Detroit

Visbeen Associates, Inc. has a booth at the Cottage & Lakefront Living Show in Novi, MI this weekend! The show opens TODAY and goes t...

10:13 AM

Homes of our Forefathers

Since it is President's Day, we thought we would pay homage to our forefathers and their residences. Some are humble abodes and others are grand estates, but they are pieces of architecture that represent the people that have paved the way for this great country we live in and the freedoms we enjoy.<div><br /></div><div><b><u>George Washington, </u><i><u>Mt. Vernon</u></i></b></div><div>Now the most popular historic site in the US, George & Martha Washington called Mt. Vernon home for more than 40 years. Located along the Potomac River in Northern Virginia, this beautiful plantation, it's gardens and farms covered roughly 8,000 acres in the 18th century and is a lasting reminder of the life and legacy of the Father of Our Country.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="font-size:x-small;"><i>Sources:</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="font-size:x-small;"><i>http://www.mountvernon.org/#fragment-4</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="font-size:x-small;"><i>Image Source:</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="font-size:x-small;"><i>http://www.dhr.virginia.gov/registers/Counties/Fairfax/029-0054_MountVernon_VLR_4th_edition.jpg</i></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSA4_h1zw-jmb_rzYQy96S-lSdsapxB-lp5JAe0CqdcAFCwIGd63LoSXkW-EGD8kmAMjxI_8J8_nhbFmkHrLiFWq4BlStXVYMnPbtV6LuJpNU87rtLphvmJXzFg7Ciy2g_wnJBMGMDW8SO/s1600/01_Mt.+Vernon+029-0054_MountVernon_VLR_4th_edition.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709807703146700562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSA4_h1zw-jmb_rzYQy96S-lSdsapxB-lp5JAe0CqdcAFCwIGd63LoSXkW-EGD8kmAMjxI_8J8_nhbFmkHrLiFWq4BlStXVYMnPbtV6LuJpNU87rtLphvmJXzFg7Ciy2g_wnJBMGMDW8SO/s320/01_Mt.+Vernon+029-0054_MountVernon_VLR_4th_edition.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 234px;" /></a><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><b><u>John Adams, <i>Peacefield</i></u></b></div><div>Located in Quincy, Massachusetts, Peacefield was home to John Adams (2nd President) and John Quincy Adams (6th President). The oldest portion of the home was built in 1731 by a sugar-planter from Jamaica and was purchased by the Adams in 1787.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="font-size:x-small;"><i>Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peacefield</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="font-size:x-small;"><i>Image Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Old_House,_Quincy,_Massachusetts.JPG</i></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MsTjICRjkMly_lpBt2QC2QUYrGqAUz2GZCJOwhyMz6ez7zb6tvPvnnEk-0mGouf_eGacOtQ-9iHbJrW-06H-4OuWLNFnag-tVePKh8w6NxORCm0rlstzpiT_xjT2DTc06ntnHPA5XlvO/s1600/02_Old_House%252C_Quincy%252C_Massachusetts.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709807695101017810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MsTjICRjkMly_lpBt2QC2QUYrGqAUz2GZCJOwhyMz6ez7zb6tvPvnnEk-0mGouf_eGacOtQ-9iHbJrW-06H-4OuWLNFnag-tVePKh8w6NxORCm0rlstzpiT_xjT2DTc06ntnHPA5XlvO/s320/02_Old_House%252C_Quincy%252C_Massachusetts.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><b><u>Thomas Jefferson, <i>Monticello</i></u></b></div><div>Situated on a mountaintop outside Charlottesville, VA, Monticello, a 5,000-acre plantation was the home of Thomas Jefferson. It is the only historic house in the US on the United Nation's World Heritage List.</div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="font-size:x-small;">Source: http://www.monticello.org/</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="font-size:x-small;">Image source: http://www.virginiaisforkids.com/2008/thomas-jeffersons-monticello/</span></i></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Hd23HGHUGQqWlfFYl4IC5mjyoyeCGu7XhEYpDyu4iDckIUMsHQWsE9g1AjMcMiuqJ62Km6y9oiUzTV8cRGCVvnC1iZClyvIa3gAl0R5rM_FTjk2DspLDHXnNpnBEnqZM_-ZqmBk5KuPk/s1600/03_monticello.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709807689063158802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Hd23HGHUGQqWlfFYl4IC5mjyoyeCGu7XhEYpDyu4iDckIUMsHQWsE9g1AjMcMiuqJ62Km6y9oiUzTV8cRGCVvnC1iZClyvIa3gAl0R5rM_FTjk2DspLDHXnNpnBEnqZM_-ZqmBk5KuPk/s320/03_monticello.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><b><u>Abraham Lincoln</u></b></div><div>A place Lincoln called home for 17 years, this Greek Revival residence in Springfield, IL was the only house Lincoln ever owned. He was residing there when he was elected to the House of Representatives in 1846 and when he was elected to be the 16th President of the US in 1860.</div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="font-size:x-small;">Sources: http://www.nps.gov/liho/index.htm</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="font-size:x-small;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lincoln_Home_National_Historic_Site</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="font-size:x-small;">Image Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lincoln_Home_1.jpg</span></i></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7nMfpSSrVqV1D-wqOXAG1UFt6oIv_Km33mx6ULYNsnBcdrMgxbDuGyynu56okeHczXbCOF3iFRv89AZtXq52tEUFkAFx-L87Zymdjzw3r5UTFSFerH3yvYPn9NPeOld2uCpONXJz8357J/s1600/04_800px-Lincoln_Home_1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709807553325093362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7nMfpSSrVqV1D-wqOXAG1UFt6oIv_Km33mx6ULYNsnBcdrMgxbDuGyynu56okeHczXbCOF3iFRv89AZtXq52tEUFkAFx-L87Zymdjzw3r5UTFSFerH3yvYPn9NPeOld2uCpONXJz8357J/s320/04_800px-Lincoln_Home_1.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" /></a><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><b><u>Ulysses S. Grant</u></b></div><div>This brick Italianate residence, designed by William Dennison, was originally constructed in 1860 for Galena, IL's former city clerk, Alexander J. Jackson, but was purchased for Grant by a small group of local republicans. The purchase prices was $2,500.</div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="font-size:x-small;">Sources: http://www.granthome.com/</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="font-size:x-small;">Image Source: http://www.dwhike.com/History/Galena-IL-7-8-08/20/356641386_jttCi-S-1.jpg</span></i></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMb4C2UKP13TeQvyfMSWlxFloaECyuoSwnW_6CdcfVA55eEqOiSRnfeUIIvLvgw6Vc8RuG_5fgWG_xap1t9_4YSavQk5H0W9wQHsAC2-2i5pEN1XQ3ml3cjykIcHyddwPnIz9jGY6V3E8g/s1600/05_356641386_jttCi-S-1.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709807549267920994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMb4C2UKP13TeQvyfMSWlxFloaECyuoSwnW_6CdcfVA55eEqOiSRnfeUIIvLvgw6Vc8RuG_5fgWG_xap1t9_4YSavQk5H0W9wQHsAC2-2i5pEN1XQ3ml3cjykIcHyddwPnIz9jGY6V3E8g/s320/05_356641386_jttCi-S-1.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><b><u>Theodore Roosevelt, <i>Sagamore Hill</i></u></b></div><div>Located in Cove Neck, NY on Long Island, this Shingle-style, Queen Anne home was designed by New York architect Lamb & Rich for the Roosevelts and was completed in 1886. It was known as the "Summer White House" and Roosevelt died there in January 1919.</div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="font-size:x-small;">Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sagamore_Hill_(house)</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="font-size:x-small;">Image Source: http://www.theodore-roosevelt.com/trsahi.html</span></i></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUL4qJ9epISYcyNG6ROLLR4ns1K4-f1J2LlWIMgeRAcmiIoHO6cSSHeZZDJ1paKKK4OYGZ8FkaoSOTe2K2HdZEItgR-7UYgTNAcwgcrQtp4zh6MdQImuzbagvJSOFsAql1IC9nNV2gnbo/s1600/06_trsahimain.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709807542508262098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUL4qJ9epISYcyNG6ROLLR4ns1K4-f1J2LlWIMgeRAcmiIoHO6cSSHeZZDJ1paKKK4OYGZ8FkaoSOTe2K2HdZEItgR-7UYgTNAcwgcrQtp4zh6MdQImuzbagvJSOFsAql1IC9nNV2gnbo/s320/06_trsahimain.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 222px;" /></a><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><b><u>John F. Kennedy</u></b></div><div>JFK used the main house of the Kennedy Compound in Hyannis Port, Mass. as the base of his 1960 presidential campaign. Originally constructed in 1904, Joseph Kennedy (JFK's father) purchased and remodeled it to suit his family. Two weeks ago, it was announced that the compound would be donated to charity.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="font-size:x-small;">Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kennedy_Compound</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="font-size:x-small;">Image Source: http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/08/26/home_for_a_big_family/</span></div><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6PT8kCDRtZ-eeiEnQfMtyzLdD1Sv6xDcnvmGG07GTkoyhwX3GZV4vjqHdVU5KSfRwBCQczTPVPfJIrIYZBd8avAmegaT592KPWVM6Az4x6pE1nBBR2vs2HG7SlF1FuJzZqTBy2NtE0Ey/s1600/07_539w.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709807539285418610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6PT8kCDRtZ-eeiEnQfMtyzLdD1Sv6xDcnvmGG07GTkoyhwX3GZV4vjqHdVU5KSfRwBCQczTPVPfJIrIYZBd8avAmegaT592KPWVM6Az4x6pE1nBBR2vs2HG7SlF1FuJzZqTBy2NtE0Ey/s320/07_539w.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" /></a><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><b><u>Gerald R. Ford</u></b></div><div>Our hometown hero resided in this humble abode with his mother from 1913-1917 after moving from Omaha, NE, where he was born Leslie Lynch King, Jr.  It wasn't until his mother remarried Gerald Rudolff Ford in 1916 that they started calling him Gerald Rudolph Ford, Jr.  This bungalow is on Prospect Ave on the Southeast side of Grand Rapids.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="font-size:x-small;"><i>Source: http://www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov/avproj/hseries/homes.asp</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="font-size:x-small;"><i>Image Source: http://www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov/avproj/hseries/homes.asp</i></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6M-CFP6ZkGMeMm0SF7deGrKwVTLNSHQa0lL5J4FyDju6DOFHfpEkAOaSg-EHpxF8hHY39w9sOBMP0DZPZjwcQX1_Hu9HCadIe95vz1TkeeO-nt_YeZ2dCpd3ySxouw7rp79PO2athkaWs/s1600/08_h31-1b.gif" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709807534705518210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6M-CFP6ZkGMeMm0SF7deGrKwVTLNSHQa0lL5J4FyDju6DOFHfpEkAOaSg-EHpxF8hHY39w9sOBMP0DZPZjwcQX1_Hu9HCadIe95vz1TkeeO-nt_YeZ2dCpd3ySxouw7rp79PO2athkaWs/s320/08_h31-1b.gif" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 252px;" /></a><br /><br /><div>I wonder which future president is living in one of our homes right now? <span class="Apple-style-span"  style="font-size:x-large;">☺</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="font-size:x-large;"></span><br /><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div><b><u><br /></u></b></div></div>

Homes of our Forefathers

Since it is President's Day, we thought we would pay homage to our forefathers and their residences. Some are humble abodes and others a...

7:00 AM

Room Guide: Gourmet Kitchens, Part 1

Our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/visbeenassociates">facebook poll</a> from Valentine's Day determined that the #1 feature people would love to have in their dream home is a gourmet kitchen. Here are a few of our all-time favorite Visbeen Associates' designed kitchens with fun features to keep in mind when designing this valuable space.  Stay tuned to our blog as we continue part two of this room guide next month!<div><br /></div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b>Ingleside</b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">The carefully crafted kitchen of the Ingleside was designed to recapture the character of the past with every convenience available of the present.</div></span></i></b></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkPRmPNqPc2s9O0LX1hgmaCtipMFOQwltmMhx9AiAfW8bvGG8Dbv0kaQGimggpJciL3brqO70VlXkVBSqN7krSUnKRrKmwUtYyWjwl_CkjXzUghoMFwG_9Ytfe8YAamI_uduKsX5p9Oni/s1600/01_Kitchen_1c.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709850323184709154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUkPRmPNqPc2s9O0LX1hgmaCtipMFOQwltmMhx9AiAfW8bvGG8Dbv0kaQGimggpJciL3brqO70VlXkVBSqN7krSUnKRrKmwUtYyWjwl_CkjXzUghoMFwG_9Ytfe8YAamI_uduKsX5p9Oni/s320/01_Kitchen_1c.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 242px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><div><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><div><b><i>Two Creeks</i></b></div><div>Curves make a dramatic statement in Two Creek's traditional kitchen. The range hood's sinuous lines complement the adjacent window's graceful arch. The alder wood of the island and custom cabinetry plays off the cherry ceiling and walnut floors for a warm, comfortable feel. Rich granite countertops offer a beautiful surface for prep work and entertaining. The windows above the sink - on an east-facing wall - capture sunrise views. Even the island prep sink contributes decorative elements to the traditional kitchen. A niche behind the range offers storage for spices, oils, and other cooking essentials. A light color scheme and an earthy mix of materials help the kitchen reflect the traditional style found in the rest of the home.</div><div style="text-align: right;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="font-size:small;">- Excerpts from Better Homes and Gardens, </span></i></div><div style="text-align: right;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="font-size:small;">Kitchen and Bath Ideas Magazine, Nov/Dec 2009, </span></i></div><div style="text-align: right;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="font-size:small;">"Golden Glow" written by Khristi Zimmeth</span></i></div></span></i></b></div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp3W81R9roAiFjcsyNJEj6erC8G-mCICsVT2WZuMK-jtoNP8K8ZzodX9FeNwBS3PlbpEMiRcNmhnxJFZVp-scs2jEP_AeeFMn1bIm9kVbT8LRg2kYFRs8esUzgYT0tQKKhrykVw6167nXv/s1600/02_TwoCreeks_26.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709850314562791570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp3W81R9roAiFjcsyNJEj6erC8G-mCICsVT2WZuMK-jtoNP8K8ZzodX9FeNwBS3PlbpEMiRcNmhnxJFZVp-scs2jEP_AeeFMn1bIm9kVbT8LRg2kYFRs8esUzgYT0tQKKhrykVw6167nXv/s320/02_TwoCreeks_26.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 279px; height: 320px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0Kphrl-M8OwHnBKUmRnJsgCgLwOwyQ_p7LYeF-qqXyyHNAgXU8NyAEYrRW3wvgnx4aL9ZApAF06N-fhYRfojOU3lAP1HGIfe3oAeXlEI-exxSWW99mykyMdXWh3pKP7ACWEOahZ-onIc/s1600/03_TwoCreeks_37.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709850037638869682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0Kphrl-M8OwHnBKUmRnJsgCgLwOwyQ_p7LYeF-qqXyyHNAgXU8NyAEYrRW3wvgnx4aL9ZApAF06N-fhYRfojOU3lAP1HGIfe3oAeXlEI-exxSWW99mykyMdXWh3pKP7ACWEOahZ-onIc/s320/03_TwoCreeks_37.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 290px;" /></a><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>Pemberley</i></b></div><div>Through a series of openings and intriguing angels, key living spaces unfold from the elongated, unique octagonal shaped space, which literally serves as the hub of the home. A quartz topped split island anchors the room, while a butler's pantry with additional sink and dishwasher to assist during entertaining.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFpUTAX2nJPt_-fJW2qiXVtpMRVN0lnI3JEH9RaIOqVyUTitjD5g_BIuG2feOKvazJs30n6F0QtPoVjY-CiM_0qOBULV-lUTUnrlsVSIjmrc4UqOYNMxss47VrS6U9GaaM3CgUm6Dluo2Z/s1600/04_Pemberley_Kitchen.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709850031167217826" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFpUTAX2nJPt_-fJW2qiXVtpMRVN0lnI3JEH9RaIOqVyUTitjD5g_BIuG2feOKvazJs30n6F0QtPoVjY-CiM_0qOBULV-lUTUnrlsVSIjmrc4UqOYNMxss47VrS6U9GaaM3CgUm6Dluo2Z/s320/04_Pemberley_Kitchen.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" /></a><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>Sunset View</i></b></div><div>The open flow of Sunset View's kitchen into the adjacent spaces makes for easy entertaining. This kitchen has a view of the dining room, lounge area, formal dining and hearth room, not to mention a great view of the lake!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw7FLEkMzEDDJ2Tf2R6G2ex3azIYwDdO8dxyVeY7ysm4mof7z_ob5N1eBgnkKoanJYUC05XahXcN9ADFnDZkiqeXMaQZH83w5dMygi3W_G-FdnRa3HE3iaHhBoQMFjQ0Ar8crmaI366S7G/s1600/05_SunsetView_24.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709850026517857154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw7FLEkMzEDDJ2Tf2R6G2ex3azIYwDdO8dxyVeY7ysm4mof7z_ob5N1eBgnkKoanJYUC05XahXcN9ADFnDZkiqeXMaQZH83w5dMygi3W_G-FdnRa3HE3iaHhBoQMFjQ0Ar8crmaI366S7G/s320/05_SunsetView_24.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 215px;" /></a><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>Old Woods Manor</i></b></div><div>The Kitchen of this grand estate boasts coffered ceiling, abundant windows overlooking the woods beyond, dramatic Old World crown moldings and an adjacent catering kitchen to allow ample prep space for large party entertaining. A kitchen of this grandeur features the level of quality generally found in homes of the past.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJTCzlju6GBLG-JKYubNm3LGyaAg1woWDMcux58fYZlN06b_AfaVrfv7Mj_KbdRVMZvdurPtXTq6BWgqLS6strtgZp_F1cQcU3aOJCIf5gQX1gBTOMzVSU7pEbE1FJQVwoOvHF_sGxpMp/s1600/06_OldWoodsManorInt_7.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5709850020850037026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJTCzlju6GBLG-JKYubNm3LGyaAg1woWDMcux58fYZlN06b_AfaVrfv7Mj_KbdRVMZvdurPtXTq6BWgqLS6strtgZp_F1cQcU3aOJCIf5gQX1gBTOMzVSU7pEbE1FJQVwoOvHF_sGxpMp/s320/06_OldWoodsManorInt_7.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" /></a><div><div  style=" margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="font-family:Arial;"><u><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="font-family:Papyrus;"><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></i></span></span></span></span></p></u></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-left: 0.25in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="font-family:Arial;"><u>  </u></span></div></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="font-family:'American Typewriter';">     </span></div><div><div>     </div></div>

Room Guide: Gourmet Kitchens, Part 1

Our facebook poll from Valentine's Day determined that the #1 feature people would love to have in their dream home is a gourmet kitche...

12:00 PM

2011 Best in American Living Award Winners!

The Best in American Living Awards (BALA) has been a competition recognizing design excellence in the building industry for over 25 years. At the BALA awards ceremony this year (during the NAHB Inernational Builders' Show), 81 winners were honored for their innovation and creativity in 39 different categories, ranging from best custom and spec homes to best remodel and community designs. Visbeen Associates was awarded two BALAs, including a silver award for One-of-a-kind Custom Home up to 4,000 square feet.<div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThFQQYSs7433twz7f0WKzSNzUqPi3LX_e4oR7h2CsyXIVBy3ABf0hu_uU18knGm8OEnEqNDzc2Os8Xw-doF5hzLyyK1pTP7LpUGgAeZrwF8Lz_EQmFDKiyXOG4PlZ9B1UIKWKvp9VP3HI/s1600/01_Haverhill-front-Rendering.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708717838662193058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgThFQQYSs7433twz7f0WKzSNzUqPi3LX_e4oR7h2CsyXIVBy3ABf0hu_uU18knGm8OEnEqNDzc2Os8Xw-doF5hzLyyK1pTP7LpUGgAeZrwF8Lz_EQmFDKiyXOG4PlZ9B1UIKWKvp9VP3HI/s320/01_Haverhill-front-Rendering.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 131px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center; "><b><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="color:#000066;">Silver Award, One-of-a-kind Custom Home (up to 4,000 sq ft)</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center; "><i><b>Haverhill</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center; "><i>Architect: <a href="http://www.visbeen.biz">Visbeen Associates</a> • Builder: <a href="http://www.homesbyfalcon.com/">Falcon Custom Homes</a> • Interior Designer: <a href="http://www.galleryinteriors.com/">Gallery Interiors</a></i></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71PHv4KWmLjb_Ud8UQ3AnIE1Pehyphenhyphenpk8dy3gEF5PWSbeliHi9yOxmFcD0TyVuBesAGkisIj8ViqSLhUXKNl6ZD3isjC7iQlERSrKiWIlH2SqC6rTY74AesVZOnMY8dMlQEfokmYQ588joy/s1600/11_IMG_6954.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708717834061805938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71PHv4KWmLjb_Ud8UQ3AnIE1Pehyphenhyphenpk8dy3gEF5PWSbeliHi9yOxmFcD0TyVuBesAGkisIj8ViqSLhUXKNl6ZD3isjC7iQlERSrKiWIlH2SqC6rTY74AesVZOnMY8dMlQEfokmYQ588joy/s320/11_IMG_6954.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" /></a><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="color:#000066;">Silver Award, Remodeling Entire Home (over $250K per unit)</span></b></div><div><div style="text-align: center; "><i><b>Eagles End (Meadowview)</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center; "><i>Hardscape Architect: <a href="http://www.visbeen.biz">Visbeen Associates</a> • Architect: Bob Landman • Remodeler: <a href="http://www.creekside-construction.com/">Creekside Construction</a> • Interiors Designer: <a href="http://www.ashleycoledesign.com/">Ashley Cole Designs</a></i></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div></div></div>

2011 Best in American Living Award Winners!

The Best in American Living Awards (BALA) has been a competition recognizing design excellence in the building industry for over 25 years. A...

10:00 AM

Roofing tips from GAF and Designing Spaces

<div>As you know from <a href="http://visbeen-associates-architects.blogspot.com/2012/02/international-builders-show-2012.html?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=IBS%2Blink%2Bin%2BGAF%2BDesigning%2BSpaces%2Bshow%2Bpost">Monday's post</a>, Wayne Visbeen is currently working with <a href="http://www.gaf.com/">GAF Materials Corporation</a> as their National Spokesperson.  He is offering expert architectural design advice at their booth at the <a href="http://www.buildersshow.com/">International Builders' Show</a> this week.  GAF has some great roofing advice to offer us!  They were featured in a segment of the TV series <i>Designing Spaces.  </i>The show focuses on the many aspects of roofing and important factors that homeowners should consider when making decisions about their roofs.  Check it out!</div><div><br /></div><div><iframe width="400" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Z0tzlwjMk9A" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"   style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="line-height: 18px; font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="line-height: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="color:#666666;">Don't forget to stop by GAF's IBS booth today or tomorrow 10am-12pm or 2pm-4pm to visit with Wayne!</span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"   style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;color:#333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="line-height: 18px; font-size:-webkit-xxx-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"   style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);  line-height: normal;  font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:16px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>

Roofing tips from GAF and Designing Spaces

As you know from Monday's post , Wayne Visbeen is currently working with GAF Materials Corporation as their National Spokesperson. He ...

7:29 AM

International Builder's Show 2012

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBruuMvdUsF3nRApmKujCAiCFu-Zzqkc7Yz25KwdPmya2unDmYyzD-_IxKm5GiPMR6unhffEeDccxtLEt9DZ33MtAdXj1AIr6HPrUTBkdmdgAk0rcdgx7IMIj1s1L-OYN56geX9w9eQ88E/s1600/GAF_2011.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706048272930631938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBruuMvdUsF3nRApmKujCAiCFu-Zzqkc7Yz25KwdPmya2unDmYyzD-_IxKm5GiPMR6unhffEeDccxtLEt9DZ33MtAdXj1AIr6HPrUTBkdmdgAk0rcdgx7IMIj1s1L-OYN56geX9w9eQ88E/s320/GAF_2011.jpeg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 279px; height: 254px;" /></a>It's time for the big <a href="http://www.buildersshow.com/">NAHB International Builders' Show</a>! Wayne Visbeen has teamed up with <a href="http://www.gaf.com/">GAF Corporation</a> as their national spokesperson and will be sketching LIVE in their booth at the show. GAF is North America's largest manufacturer of commercial and residential roofing and professional installers have made it the #1-selling brand of roofing.<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.visbeen.biz/">Visbeen Associates</a> has designed these homes specifically for GAF products...</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLS0TOb5E7Pmp9LMAonip18mYmaZOQEfvkR2S6kiZvpngLGnob84ilbd2TQmXzk4MxAI4p9e29Mpmy0cEVLc7KS3aD8n7H4PObDi6C5GrMjUq6j7FgC1gxW-7XcDE_Vg76M9JZTnzIlcvl/s1600/Sheffield-front-Rendering.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706048270419581394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLS0TOb5E7Pmp9LMAonip18mYmaZOQEfvkR2S6kiZvpngLGnob84ilbd2TQmXzk4MxAI4p9e29Mpmy0cEVLc7KS3aD8n7H4PObDi6C5GrMjUq6j7FgC1gxW-7XcDE_Vg76M9JZTnzIlcvl/s320/Sheffield-front-Rendering.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 200px;" /></a><i><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>Sheffield</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><br /></i></span></div></i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip97uDVzCLN4MBKlONRWYq3RtYynL3do267A60PvC9AvB2tMvRDE6x14ks8G6FLuy4uOn4pUpHH73fo85Pfn8smDf9-_zC36ayOb2Zyrj51_ipLmeNFCHvJFQOz825CCX61wrvfklnOqBb/s1600/Evanston-front-Rendering+%2528Golf+Course%2529.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706048261477295282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip97uDVzCLN4MBKlONRWYq3RtYynL3do267A60PvC9AvB2tMvRDE6x14ks8G6FLuy4uOn4pUpHH73fo85Pfn8smDf9-_zC36ayOb2Zyrj51_ipLmeNFCHvJFQOz825CCX61wrvfklnOqBb/s320/Evanston-front-Rendering+%2528Golf+Course%2529.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 174px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Evanston</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigu8deF6BdQ6t0T34WZmWe04A0j0oCsf3K43dyuay2rSfJ2KbAbyGqpmxrnAJoVnbvk_raW5DoWKZpXS8mu3mOp8nxlRIGL6-Q_BXJKFCpMm8SwWstRw7seGwADJ6IoaR-nPOY-uOxXAYg/s1600/Buckman-front-Rendering+%2528LR%2529.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706048259964684226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigu8deF6BdQ6t0T34WZmWe04A0j0oCsf3K43dyuay2rSfJ2KbAbyGqpmxrnAJoVnbvk_raW5DoWKZpXS8mu3mOp8nxlRIGL6-Q_BXJKFCpMm8SwWstRw7seGwADJ6IoaR-nPOY-uOxXAYg/s320/Buckman-front-Rendering+%2528LR%2529.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 163px;" /></a><i><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>Buckman</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><div style="text-align: left;">Come visit Wayne at GAF's IBS booth (see map)! He will be there the following times....</div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b>Wednesday, February 8 - Friday, February 10</b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">10:00am-12:00pm</div><div style="text-align: left;">2:00pm-4:00pm</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span></i></span></div></i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdNQmRi3dy0CzAYIuJI9k2-fkw6blP-gLAdejfWjGugiEkhtqUcLiEgrNr7IvmNdEoJQtRWBx_8uUPgojNlgsBPs4QBTn7SKfmSt1pGTKc8pRw32DO2_rh9ui3dMqESJlFKvsR0t0Fsrdo/s1600/Show+Map.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706048257436116146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdNQmRi3dy0CzAYIuJI9k2-fkw6blP-gLAdejfWjGugiEkhtqUcLiEgrNr7IvmNdEoJQtRWBx_8uUPgojNlgsBPs4QBTn7SKfmSt1pGTKc8pRw32DO2_rh9ui3dMqESJlFKvsR0t0Fsrdo/s320/Show+Map.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 137px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">We look forward to a great show and seeing you there!</div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>

International Builder's Show 2012

It's time for the big NAHB International Builders' Show ! Wayne Visbeen has teamed up with GAF Corporation as their national spokes...

7:00 AM

Architectural Tutorial: Eyebrow Dormer

<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="color:#cc0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="font-size:100%;"><b>eyebrow dormer</b> </span><b>[ayh-</b>brou<b> dawr-</b>mer<b>]</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="color:#cc0000;">a dormer having a roof that is an upwardly curved </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="color:#cc0000;">continuation of the main roof plane.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="font-size:85%;"><i>source - http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/eyebrow</i></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Eyebrow dormers add a bit of distinction to a building's façade while providing a "curvaceous way to get some light" and ventilation to an upper level space. These types of dormers are not new to the architectural scene. They have been around since medieval times, seen on thatch-roofed cottages. Henry Hobson Richardson, "the father of the <a href="http://visbeen-associates-architects.blogspot.com/2011/04/architectural-tutorial-shingle-style.html?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=Blog&utm_campaign=Shingle%2BAT%2Blink%2Bin%2BEyebrow%2BDormer%2BAT">Shingle</a> style," pushed this design element into the architectural limelight in the late 1800s. These days, they can be seen on homes and buildings outside of just the Shingle style and can be designed in a variety of shapes and sizes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are some examples of <a href="http://www.visbeen.biz/">Visbeen Associates</a>' designed eyebrow dormers...</div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1XnimjA43xLGqbGHtBT09XQEDa4TuTqNNRMQgrznDrrXU0XZHLBwNQ03JwPduFtqQU70Dy1OndVTLC4ugxjDJ-FLqjaC-vrpCkfe6SRX2dExFzY5WKu2zSvaDJ4mekj-qbXqIhOboClK/s1600/01_VisbeenExterior_3c.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704612956332244994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1XnimjA43xLGqbGHtBT09XQEDa4TuTqNNRMQgrznDrrXU0XZHLBwNQ03JwPduFtqQU70Dy1OndVTLC4ugxjDJ-FLqjaC-vrpCkfe6SRX2dExFzY5WKu2zSvaDJ4mekj-qbXqIhOboClK/s320/01_VisbeenExterior_3c.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Ingleside</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYgLxvGscYxRHz7cUHHynJEwFjDIGWTvieOVlMIzaozcII1D8SDmvSLb9ToaBIrdLNYctjIR1s72rwFxTvPHT3928PpAewbzwl0dsZ4mVpEgTIz2VVC9kTPOMJaNBzUCOzdSjJt57P01Kl/s1600/02_Cambridge-front-Rendering+copy.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><i><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704612710045463986" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYgLxvGscYxRHz7cUHHynJEwFjDIGWTvieOVlMIzaozcII1D8SDmvSLb9ToaBIrdLNYctjIR1s72rwFxTvPHT3928PpAewbzwl0dsZ4mVpEgTIz2VVC9kTPOMJaNBzUCOzdSjJt57P01Kl/s320/02_Cambridge-front-Rendering+copy.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 195px;" /></i></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Cambridge</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOsyN5n7FmSOW1BBoG1oKYYmnnM7rSLSUDUzpGfj_i7Yz_AAIYXIew44kfQ2ocXz820kUX7eHEwwtzzsd9dOowE3_vVHfXps0NC0HYNDyD6mnoP9KDFqueov5tzIh79PugtN-AO7cT2nO/s1600/03_JDQ_5647.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><i><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704612706238096530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuOsyN5n7FmSOW1BBoG1oKYYmnnM7rSLSUDUzpGfj_i7Yz_AAIYXIew44kfQ2ocXz820kUX7eHEwwtzzsd9dOowE3_vVHfXps0NC0HYNDyD6mnoP9KDFqueov5tzIh79PugtN-AO7cT2nO/s320/03_JDQ_5647.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" /></i></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Traverse</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhopcgoqLlvLNnKpBgdB-pASteUzpIhSZidQNPpwgbre78hqfZRvWhjwGewTxpV1GRnGSI_2O_7QjI8Tc2I4AiOzBC6BNzX-TvBRtHwJfTqqYCh70XdxSM0CTnvdLMoaeA8fxJ28pJtF828/s1600/06_S1.1+-+Waverley+Front+Rendering.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><i><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704612698074336754" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhopcgoqLlvLNnKpBgdB-pASteUzpIhSZidQNPpwgbre78hqfZRvWhjwGewTxpV1GRnGSI_2O_7QjI8Tc2I4AiOzBC6BNzX-TvBRtHwJfTqqYCh70XdxSM0CTnvdLMoaeA8fxJ28pJtF828/s320/06_S1.1+-+Waverley+Front+Rendering.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 199px;" /></i></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Waverly</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-W1L3533wgStQ8Itg_N8ZsLXp8Hgr0p6nlqx9Rzm174HnI1JbEpHvEbqqPdeUhnnB7tXVYVCJr77MP8p9i20mpBOyIm14Qrj5SHlQCxwbju7wChROBupYHhe27fLLE8pyGg1JEA1as6K/s1600/05_BoshovenExt_10.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><i><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704612695042642770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-W1L3533wgStQ8Itg_N8ZsLXp8Hgr0p6nlqx9Rzm174HnI1JbEpHvEbqqPdeUhnnB7tXVYVCJr77MP8p9i20mpBOyIm14Qrj5SHlQCxwbju7wChROBupYHhe27fLLE8pyGg1JEA1as6K/s320/05_BoshovenExt_10.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" /></i></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Clareville</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha2SL7dCPe35TqGXEZtVFXB-cA4X1CRszhpkFYB6thSsspPnkNTY-ANnpI7CujWeZMxdzwDkWqUZOedUENxhVqltxWobQa6quE9rWlChK8RJY-T8xW1A1IAGSBaLUkFB9I82IjnU16VDNy/s1600/04_Rendering+%2528LR%2529.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><i><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704612669881570738" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha2SL7dCPe35TqGXEZtVFXB-cA4X1CRszhpkFYB6thSsspPnkNTY-ANnpI7CujWeZMxdzwDkWqUZOedUENxhVqltxWobQa6quE9rWlChK8RJY-T8xW1A1IAGSBaLUkFB9I82IjnU16VDNy/s320/04_Rendering+%2528LR%2529.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 254px;" /></i></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Summer</i> <i>Haven</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"  style="color:#cc0000;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><br /></div>Sources:<div>http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,357593,00.html</div>

Architectural Tutorial: Eyebrow Dormer

eyebrow dormer [ayh- brou dawr- mer ] a dormer having a roof that is an upwardly curved continuation of the main roof plane. source - http...

7:47 AM