Style Guide: French Country

French Country is an Old World style of design that emerged in the US after the first world war when soldiers were coming back from Europe and building homes inspired by the cottages and manors of the French countryside.  French Country style homes have steeped pitched rooflines and place the main entrance of the home front and center.  Such symmetry is a common element both in exterior elevations and floor plans.  The materials used in this style reflect pastoral elements, like stone, wood, straw and botanicals.  Even the colors are naturally inspired, like lavenders, blues, oranges and reds.  The style combines the rustic and the refined, which can.  Ceilings may have rustic wood beams while wood furniture and elegant architectural elements may have hand carved details.  Its partly the dichotomy of those two ideas that make this style so sophisticated, yet comfortable and inviting.<br /><br />A few <a href="http://www.visbeen.biz/">Visbeen Architects</a>' designs with French pastoral flair...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-8ts9ggCQk30010wHjSNteJPVZxsiYQfKWRW1STMrbYwaWxnEKeSpQtOfsmEafL2VPGDPjFecyuCldMoWBkbnQhtaURiwACzAkcL-YN0XGntG1zrqJ9oFCaaOxCGyhqMRQf4k-Rjzwtd/s1600/1_Montrose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY-8ts9ggCQk30010wHjSNteJPVZxsiYQfKWRW1STMrbYwaWxnEKeSpQtOfsmEafL2VPGDPjFecyuCldMoWBkbnQhtaURiwACzAkcL-YN0XGntG1zrqJ9oFCaaOxCGyhqMRQf4k-Rjzwtd/s320/1_Montrose.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>Montrose</i></b>:  This incomparable Old World European home sets a new standard for design details and construction artistry.  Inspired by the palace halls of French royalty, this masterwork is unique in every way.  From the rugged permanence of the stone and brick walls to the decorative copper and wrought iron accents, the curb appeal of the home is immediately apparent. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVVqGq3OvBrvY7B9XRwthR5jRLr2nJ_MRdYndUzkKdNjhuKqKAcGpiF6rL-MzYRtKcz4YSGIakiTUcZxxcmenybK-6cT5snGJqtD6aJISdMQpYKjiLwHmCZvhmsIdMaswIR4b-3rMgUux/s1600/2_Claremont.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVVqGq3OvBrvY7B9XRwthR5jRLr2nJ_MRdYndUzkKdNjhuKqKAcGpiF6rL-MzYRtKcz4YSGIakiTUcZxxcmenybK-6cT5snGJqtD6aJISdMQpYKjiLwHmCZvhmsIdMaswIR4b-3rMgUux/s320/2_Claremont.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>Claremont</i></b>:  The charm of this single-level country-inspired design begins with the covered porch and continues as you step through the welcoming front door.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAuP4IK556DZkqEHDqLhiQsdV3nZ4IGEVFnQjFWmvEMzmQ1K8bB6YH9_ZLUeLOUQUw403zgGfsYuXmW4WyA_oMNc7u66gs2qXljsPrLnyeRXI4ne8oYzcng7xVNLhjOXMmXUkdGH9dsgZ/s1600/3_Muirfield.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAuP4IK556DZkqEHDqLhiQsdV3nZ4IGEVFnQjFWmvEMzmQ1K8bB6YH9_ZLUeLOUQUw403zgGfsYuXmW4WyA_oMNc7u66gs2qXljsPrLnyeRXI4ne8oYzcng7xVNLhjOXMmXUkdGH9dsgZ/s320/3_Muirfield.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMik2ll7HNazt3Um8_TZCsddAyDicv2KPIw3jZgxMrXRtgGJQR3SDcYYYu39dMmFdkYnN4e4H8dLLjNoB_HXDifzWGuTlT29N3TRoalJoHpyIiyU7SqT-_EjwRxT5e5kyKGvCsOqGj_dm/s1600/3_Muirfield(rear).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMik2ll7HNazt3Um8_TZCsddAyDicv2KPIw3jZgxMrXRtgGJQR3SDcYYYu39dMmFdkYnN4e4H8dLLjNoB_HXDifzWGuTlT29N3TRoalJoHpyIiyU7SqT-_EjwRxT5e5kyKGvCsOqGj_dm/s320/3_Muirfield(rear).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i>Muirfield</i></b>:  Luxury reigns in this French-inspired estate, with its distinctive Mansard roof, European-style stone façade and copper detailing.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcL3Ms8KkGMtz9HiZJl8GYe3r-LTieMM43808kwrPt-Mhql3xdDWUMtYTP8FVq6u6qhNEJadsDzlcx9IfvcRIvX0mILFsAqvy0a0Zk0AGH8ilxxy0RBxKlStd7TdyTJrJ7dsNVQeSPxTj/s1600/4_Parkland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcL3Ms8KkGMtz9HiZJl8GYe3r-LTieMM43808kwrPt-Mhql3xdDWUMtYTP8FVq6u6qhNEJadsDzlcx9IfvcRIvX0mILFsAqvy0a0Zk0AGH8ilxxy0RBxKlStd7TdyTJrJ7dsNVQeSPxTj/s320/4_Parkland.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>Parkland</i></b>:  The best of European cottage style is apparent in this charming five-bedroom, 3 1/2 bath home.  The exterior features stone accents, dormer windows and picturesque wooden shutters.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMw5DgoI7vfkWp3CACRGuQ_8oslhfnCr6_IJ_Y4aqV2b2bDaxsZAGkg9ltYLgwGfvlF_Zysdkfeknh2hsRA6gnUeGiww9s4je_vqpQe2AwZbwS5F6twTdMqi_2XFqFXy_1ClY9jJtIIAXm/s1600/5_Penhill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMw5DgoI7vfkWp3CACRGuQ_8oslhfnCr6_IJ_Y4aqV2b2bDaxsZAGkg9ltYLgwGfvlF_Zysdkfeknh2hsRA6gnUeGiww9s4je_vqpQe2AwZbwS5F6twTdMqi_2XFqFXy_1ClY9jJtIIAXm/s320/5_Penhill.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>Penhill</i></b>:  This picturesque yet luxurious design exhibits Old World details including stone, shingle, a charming cupola and wooden shutters similar to those found in cottages throughout the countryside of Europe.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdxwtsaEXAFQjsMJv4QTsBrAD0w9R1JQPnhcmIMEYhFYV7g9I5bONVCnYG2IUofPjs3VL8RdHynl74aE6II93xz1PK-4kUuJ029hxwKx-OOVJc9ufL6ot5nI6lM7HaHZNtrQaDg2Bs9rw/s1600/6_Barrington.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAdxwtsaEXAFQjsMJv4QTsBrAD0w9R1JQPnhcmIMEYhFYV7g9I5bONVCnYG2IUofPjs3VL8RdHynl74aE6II93xz1PK-4kUuJ029hxwKx-OOVJc9ufL6ot5nI6lM7HaHZNtrQaDg2Bs9rw/s320/6_Barrington.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>Barrington</i></b>:  Pitched and gabled rooflines and shuttered French doors point to this distinctive design's French origins.  Close your eyes and you may think you're in the south of France.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhahyphenhyphen-DdTjKnF_jReSZn9Maq1ZZDYKoKnLhCcMFKiukEejUtZkpjBDS4xEcSdbflii5kblznBDzP_G7TemP2j0n_cB98JaalaLv7gqKKAmWV02UNfwQHOgx1pL8-nJbj0zVJtnNGNzbeS/s1600/7_Oakhurst.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhahyphenhyphen-DdTjKnF_jReSZn9Maq1ZZDYKoKnLhCcMFKiukEejUtZkpjBDS4xEcSdbflii5kblznBDzP_G7TemP2j0n_cB98JaalaLv7gqKKAmWV02UNfwQHOgx1pL8-nJbj0zVJtnNGNzbeS/s320/7_Oakhurst.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>Oakhurst</i></b>:  Built around a stunning central courtyard, the three-bedroom, four-bath Oakhurst is a stand-out when it comes to style.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQYroad0Njiy7uhroOhKZIga8hxC2KMXM2Zxti6voEKiKtskG2EI9pzQTiANcHP33_smMYvwi3CLm1a1Pdv5gZl9DCxQ5KFTmPFAbKzzPiKfC7_jSVnqFkA85DCJ6Yk_T3aCWc2VKOnIjw/s1600/8_HotOffThePress(front).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQYroad0Njiy7uhroOhKZIga8hxC2KMXM2Zxti6voEKiKtskG2EI9pzQTiANcHP33_smMYvwi3CLm1a1Pdv5gZl9DCxQ5KFTmPFAbKzzPiKfC7_jSVnqFkA85DCJ6Yk_T3aCWc2VKOnIjw/s320/8_HotOffThePress(front).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnMU7lOayxItv1nMMC_Zv9QUT2__XRwt829h2C6gpYOCTIV-1QZnynmufLddD3XNLf3Zx3pXS8O058vX0ll0bmYDlADqCWxAUlxT8A8QsoGjL1yCCsxzbNyWBK9qF_BQE0fiBRkjQZqtfD/s1600/9_HotOffThePress(rear).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnMU7lOayxItv1nMMC_Zv9QUT2__XRwt829h2C6gpYOCTIV-1QZnynmufLddD3XNLf3Zx3pXS8O058vX0ll0bmYDlADqCWxAUlxT8A8QsoGjL1yCCsxzbNyWBK9qF_BQE0fiBRkjQZqtfD/s320/9_HotOffThePress(rear).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b><i>Hot off the press</i></b>: This stunning European-inspired residence boasts stone archways, wooden architectural details and steeply pitched rooflines that pay clear homage to manors of the French countryside.<br /><br />If you are looking to achieve the look of a French Country manor, here are a few products to consider...<br /><br /><br /><ul><li><b><i>Roofing</i></b>:  <a href="http://www.gaf.com/">GAF Roofing</a> has a Sienna line of shingles with rich appearance and clean lines that add distinction to any home at a fraction of the cost of traditional slate or wood shakes.  It has a custom color palette, stain guard protection and a lifetime ltd. warranty called Smart Choice.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1RvYmhWm_TsxHlIH_CeP5rw-cFTXcGP_tIAO0LERIrEb6MRfLlaW2vybvkIcZo2ML4_GUV3rt72oU0wWgzt2WymQQOzeC-fzVC64f9Kf-FKujMOq9HE9NSLiNoxbHQqCHlpa_YZ-xgMv/s1600/GAF_2011.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz1RvYmhWm_TsxHlIH_CeP5rw-cFTXcGP_tIAO0LERIrEb6MRfLlaW2vybvkIcZo2ML4_GUV3rt72oU0wWgzt2WymQQOzeC-fzVC64f9Kf-FKujMOq9HE9NSLiNoxbHQqCHlpa_YZ-xgMv/s1600/GAF_2011.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkW7NP-KPKyk8NGUHxm2mi8CyE4NwsrKeFSylTwTjqRQ3cQ2cxj3U2DodQgmo_xEwaIz-6ZK1K1xACo0aQMQ3s7zj0LDwnPl-LcOOw54kbojWIxKljNGxBjEsPSNVXbMAw_6qesc_4fGr4/s1600/10_GAF_SiennaShingle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkW7NP-KPKyk8NGUHxm2mi8CyE4NwsrKeFSylTwTjqRQ3cQ2cxj3U2DodQgmo_xEwaIz-6ZK1K1xACo0aQMQ3s7zj0LDwnPl-LcOOw54kbojWIxKljNGxBjEsPSNVXbMAw_6qesc_4fGr4/s1600/10_GAF_SiennaShingle.jpg" /></a></div><div><ul><li><i><b>Shutters</b></i>:  One of the key elements that give many French County homes their distinctive style is wood shutters.  <a href="http://www.timberlane.com/">Timberlane</a> offers a variety of custom made, wood shutters that fit perfectly with this style, especially, their board and batten designs. </li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAUjMDWCErPB4AVVqwJz4iy-KcL0Kuo2aiiDpywMQ-NW_KLFmvk__pLijXM-NkiWxo5YuIP1wZiOTgVcYJ_EWiAdaY6XhEjozd-JJ7klG3cQDBm8occWZop9-VcHAmU1h9ZYn5M9T0Iuq/s1600/11-timberlane-shutters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="80" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvAUjMDWCErPB4AVVqwJz4iy-KcL0Kuo2aiiDpywMQ-NW_KLFmvk__pLijXM-NkiWxo5YuIP1wZiOTgVcYJ_EWiAdaY6XhEjozd-JJ7klG3cQDBm8occWZop9-VcHAmU1h9ZYn5M9T0Iuq/s320/11-timberlane-shutters.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNcOQ6uuHN_PCcBfwLaDQNSouhmZz_WECiYRc62Lf7Jb-yUZFEQ89iy9Qd2V9OSrNXI5-fUK8BnaZI6lhx3KVDUFdRj6FPifb-Swf0iySmqV6PKb-fTSCA_XA44VPqEGBIH996Mad2QVM/s1600/12_Shutters.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcNcOQ6uuHN_PCcBfwLaDQNSouhmZz_WECiYRc62Lf7Jb-yUZFEQ89iy9Qd2V9OSrNXI5-fUK8BnaZI6lhx3KVDUFdRj6FPifb-Swf0iySmqV6PKb-fTSCA_XA44VPqEGBIH996Mad2QVM/s320/12_Shutters.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><ul><li><b><i>Doors</i></b>:  <a href="http://www.ciwood.com/">Craftsmen in Wood</a> has been blending old world craftsmanship and original design for over forty years, creating some of the finest custom wood doors and hardware in the business.  Their products represent quality and timeless beauty.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3VdMx6EaDRoluj-dBQbsjL-XZqZDXBclq7yDqr4kjt2m-QFcZW9Oa_g9nswkgw-r5c3DOLBe0W6EnlkxTvAviUI5ed5TsiUrL2g0Tu3gQj-nrFT-D0vV4y8L_YDon6Qb1kcFg0s5D0OyV/s1600/13_CiWood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3VdMx6EaDRoluj-dBQbsjL-XZqZDXBclq7yDqr4kjt2m-QFcZW9Oa_g9nswkgw-r5c3DOLBe0W6EnlkxTvAviUI5ed5TsiUrL2g0Tu3gQj-nrFT-D0vV4y8L_YDon6Qb1kcFg0s5D0OyV/s1600/13_CiWood.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFp0B6WMG8lOd5tXkIpico4CBkKBx-K_li4k93N5dv7KhSnWjPwIs5co0EDpAZun5h8Mzsi_MjHrebpLw2n9dSHY9mu7or32mEWGiP29N1dLNw8zcPZ5AGJdBG5Xe3T2AQ7uKfLcXBYza/s1600/14_CiWood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFp0B6WMG8lOd5tXkIpico4CBkKBx-K_li4k93N5dv7KhSnWjPwIs5co0EDpAZun5h8Mzsi_MjHrebpLw2n9dSHY9mu7or32mEWGiP29N1dLNw8zcPZ5AGJdBG5Xe3T2AQ7uKfLcXBYza/s1600/14_CiWood.jpg" /></a></div><div><ul><li><b><i>Exterior Lighting</i></b>:  Since 1945, <a href="http://www.bevolo.com/">Bevolo</a> has been manufacturing the highest quality traditional, antique, and custom designed hand-made lighting fixtures out of the French Quarter of New Orleans.  Today, they are the largest manufacturer of hand-made, open-flame copper lanterns in the world.  We have been spec'ing their lights for years because we know they add an authentic touch of style to the exterior of our French Country designs.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk3bTNaRt_DwW-HX-6ywvuz1gmpYcJEhWwPDzySMVyXYUEDsJBR4XqfLIbvh5p_pWQpSNxNt9OKSdjF8x0FopTQ5y_IM4_h8i72xaoVtI-rL8rmCRP0VnwKmI3vClkKiP9Y39m1HHJjD6W/s1600/15_Bevolo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk3bTNaRt_DwW-HX-6ywvuz1gmpYcJEhWwPDzySMVyXYUEDsJBR4XqfLIbvh5p_pWQpSNxNt9OKSdjF8x0FopTQ5y_IM4_h8i72xaoVtI-rL8rmCRP0VnwKmI3vClkKiP9Y39m1HHJjD6W/s1600/15_Bevolo.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbfSQqTeLhGV-GmMtUJFjenes9bo9cUChLwzN7DYRi2_EMN7rNC80eZDyceeIc4PDG2h0exvdUnFxNZ2w8MBE7o7lry8DERH6I_5SL717X95-WSU5GaHt7q2swVq4uutQUcv-4IBJ39zTe/s1600/16_Muirfield_BevoloLantern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbfSQqTeLhGV-GmMtUJFjenes9bo9cUChLwzN7DYRi2_EMN7rNC80eZDyceeIc4PDG2h0exvdUnFxNZ2w8MBE7o7lry8DERH6I_5SL717X95-WSU5GaHt7q2swVq4uutQUcv-4IBJ39zTe/s320/16_Muirfield_BevoloLantern.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div><br /><div><br /></div></div>

Style Guide: French Country

French Country is an Old World style of design that emerged in the US after the first world war when soldiers were coming back from Europe a...

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Michigan Blue: A Great Lake Story Preview & Lakestyle Cottage

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULaIZYXT4FkS82sYeDBWkrq9OvCLY3_cP7eKA_p-P-SsGP4BJeXvbnGqc0LmELSkgC-xptE06OOxkshOLoDX7mx_StcGl1dMyxtu57iIm1KqC750h-rOqrPXW7x5gtsUx_y_JU-fQbG4O/s1600/Blue_Spring_2013_Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgULaIZYXT4FkS82sYeDBWkrq9OvCLY3_cP7eKA_p-P-SsGP4BJeXvbnGqc0LmELSkgC-xptE06OOxkshOLoDX7mx_StcGl1dMyxtu57iIm1KqC750h-rOqrPXW7x5gtsUx_y_JU-fQbG4O/s320/Blue_Spring_2013_Cover.jpg" width="264" /></a></div>The Spring issue of <a href="http://www.mibluemag.com/">Michigan BLUE Magazine</a> is out.  That's right, SPRING!  Ah, I can almost smell the daffodils now.  Get into the season with this lovely new issue, featuring our lakestyle cottage, the Tamlane.  This modest sized stone and log cabin is a beautiful retreat, with rustic, fairytale style.  Also included in this issue is a little sneak peak of the next Great Lake Story that begins in their cottages issue. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrdtP9K0gfRVWvaEL8NQbKMXmuX5VVm-O82tOgmviirJcGMZLX-V7zcvDyOM42NV92CinccM-Y2s64PAp94v9e2F2krMNms3C3jxHMzWxm2wAde9RM9nlWmng_7PZdIpVCNuVvRA9OsZ2/s1600/Lakestyle_Tamlane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrdtP9K0gfRVWvaEL8NQbKMXmuX5VVm-O82tOgmviirJcGMZLX-V7zcvDyOM42NV92CinccM-Y2s64PAp94v9e2F2krMNms3C3jxHMzWxm2wAde9RM9nlWmng_7PZdIpVCNuVvRA9OsZ2/s320/Lakestyle_Tamlane.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4x_960ZfvytDgfq_DEyqm8N7tu2pEFArRlrEEJiHtf16NJCsMJM52zND2HfHXDK93cpRDYBEOqqgSLtgSvN8-T8ccDl-s_gx3IrxEe9egGuCICGvIVixnRL-aF3K2UHn2Mkd3KqJKxxb_/s1600/GLS_Preview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4x_960ZfvytDgfq_DEyqm8N7tu2pEFArRlrEEJiHtf16NJCsMJM52zND2HfHXDK93cpRDYBEOqqgSLtgSvN8-T8ccDl-s_gx3IrxEe9egGuCICGvIVixnRL-aF3K2UHn2Mkd3KqJKxxb_/s320/GLS_Preview.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmoOqMFPi8QHui8lV_5q1rCnHsN30mhdu711_cVFqHBlJWmXZ7RoMfoT0El3lHdNXCi_UNozT3Z56cow4FlJomXIx96iktH9_50PkAPHJwI46BY8VBGLdZZ6J5LAJ06ycDRFzP3hcdv0b/s1600/Blue_Spring_2013_BackCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmoOqMFPi8QHui8lV_5q1rCnHsN30mhdu711_cVFqHBlJWmXZ7RoMfoT0El3lHdNXCi_UNozT3Z56cow4FlJomXIx96iktH9_50PkAPHJwI46BY8VBGLdZZ6J5LAJ06ycDRFzP3hcdv0b/s320/Blue_Spring_2013_BackCover.jpg" width="264" /></a></div><br /><i>Want more information on how Carlton Shores pushes the limits in lakefront living?  Check out our <a href="http://visbeen-associates-architects.blogspot.com/2011/12/carlton-shores.html">blog post feature</a> on this contemporary twist to the American lodge.</i><br /><i><br /></i>

Michigan Blue: A Great Lake Story Preview & Lakestyle Cottage

The Spring issue of Michigan BLUE Magazine is out.  That's right, SPRING!  Ah, I can almost smell the daffodils now.  Get into the seas...

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Lake Home & Cabin Show: Chicago

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfo4ued_pCPOUs-SoAN9N0T5rqgylQD1AJgazK7lNUVR4emI3pHlkUlBb5GrUpVfsHPEu-vJDa_dCtCc6BCmLHK2ahA7dbW3l5VdPOy5Pz3_Abvupk8BTtI0kDMDMpf3nQpfQ1qP6aQl6/s1600/header_left.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="81" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidfo4ued_pCPOUs-SoAN9N0T5rqgylQD1AJgazK7lNUVR4emI3pHlkUlBb5GrUpVfsHPEu-vJDa_dCtCc6BCmLHK2ahA7dbW3l5VdPOy5Pz3_Abvupk8BTtI0kDMDMpf3nQpfQ1qP6aQl6/s320/header_left.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEkvHX0_Ywu6tAj4V08JUsaZJY4JMgfCwBBMtCTIenZAzi8gqpx0TbwqaMT8P6wIMYw_cNBR0QxMkrXRuXMqdG9GkOSz9xQ_p0RYToKwHTZc_wLdHMRUGmfPkOnAz5lXdp3q8NlnaKGzX/s1600/Wayne+IMG_2342+(cropped).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmEkvHX0_Ywu6tAj4V08JUsaZJY4JMgfCwBBMtCTIenZAzi8gqpx0TbwqaMT8P6wIMYw_cNBR0QxMkrXRuXMqdG9GkOSz9xQ_p0RYToKwHTZc_wLdHMRUGmfPkOnAz5lXdp3q8NlnaKGzX/s320/Wayne+IMG_2342+(cropped).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />It's the start of trade show season for us over here at <a href="http://www.visbeen.biz/">Visbeen</a>, and we are kicking this year off at <a href="http://www.lakehomeandcabinshow.com/chicago/general-show-information">Chicago's Lake Home & Cabin Show</a>, which begins TODAY!  Now in its 9th year, the Lake Home & Cabin Show is Chicagoland's only show that specializes in vacation homes and the second home lifestyle.  If you own a lake home, cottage or cabin or you want to own one, this is a truly unique event you'll want to visit.  Exhibitors include builders, custom products, accessories and publications, sporting gear, outdoor and marine equipment, landscaping and lakeshore maintenance, and of course architects, like us!  Wayne will be there sketching LIVE, so if you are in the area this weekend, please stop by for your chance to have a design consultation with our firm.  The show details are as follows:<br /><br /><b><i>Visbeen Architects' booth: <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">#404</span></i></b><br /><i><b><u><br /></u></b></i><i><b><u>Hours</u></b></i><br /><i>Friday, February 22:  2pm-8pm</i><br /><i>Saturday, February 23:  10am-6pm</i><br /><i>Sunday, February 24:  10am-4pm</i><br /><br /><b><i><u>Location</u></i></b><br /><i>Schaumburg Convention Center  |  Schaumburg, IL</i><br /><i>1551 Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg, IL 60173</i><br /><br />We look forward to a great show and seeing you there!<br /><br /><br />

Lake Home & Cabin Show: Chicago

It's the start of trade show season for us over here at Visbeen , and we are kicking this year off at Chicago's Lake Home & Cabi...

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Shore Magazine: Gull Lake home designed for lakeside living and entertaining

<a href="http://www.nwitimes.com/niche/shore/">Shore Magazine</a> did a nice piece on our Gull Lake design, the <a href="http://visbeen-associates-architects.blogspot.com/2012/08/highfield.html">Highfield</a>.  If you haven't heard the story behind the design yet, check it out here...<br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"></span><br /><div class="title-block"><div class="kicker" style="margin-bottom: 10px;"><span class="label" style="background-color: #333333; border-bottom-left-radius: 3px 3px; border-bottom-right-radius: 3px 3px; border-top-left-radius: 3px 3px; border-top-right-radius: 3px 3px; color: white; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 1px; text-transform: uppercase;">GULL LAKE HOME</span></div><h1 style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #404040; font-family: 'PT Serif', serif; font-size: 40px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 46px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Gull Lake home designed for lakeside living and entertaining</h1></div><div id="left-rail-mega-ad"></div><div class="share clearfix" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(224, 224, 224); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(224, 224, 224); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 12px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 12px; zoom: 1;"><div class="left" style="float: left !important; margin-right: 10px;"><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style" style="max-width: 505px;"><a class="addthis_button_facebook_like at300b" fb:like:action="recommend" fb:like:href="http://www.nwitimes.com/niche/shore/home-and-garden/article_a42bd2ae-e8be-5b5b-b90c-3426d872c975.html" fb:like:layout="button_count" href="" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; 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-webkit-transition-delay: initial; -webkit-transition-duration: 0.1s; -webkit-transition-property: all; -webkit-transition-timing-function: linear; background-color: #e6e6e6; background-image: -webkit-gradient(linear, 0 0, 0 100%, from(rgb(255, 255, 255)), color-stop(0.25, rgb(255, 255, 255)), to(rgb(230, 230, 230))); background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-color: rgb(187, 187, 187); border-bottom-left-radius: 4px 4px; border-bottom-right-radius: 4px 4px; border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-top-left-radius: 4px 4px; border-top-right-radius: 4px 4px; border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; color: #333333; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; 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font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; left: 0px; line-height: 1; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px; position: absolute; top: 0px; width: 735px;"><li class="box-shadow selected" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgb(170, 170, 170) 0px 0px 3px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; height: 60px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 0px; opacity: 1; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 100px;"><a href="http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/nwitimes.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/d6/7d6b8575-218a-5c80-8e53-9850ed6b48a2/50f6e0d889f7c.preview-620.jpg" name="Provided" rel="" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" title="House 1"><img alt="House 1" src="http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/nwitimes.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/d6/7d6b8575-218a-5c80-8e53-9850ed6b48a2/50f6e0d8872d1.preview-100.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 100px;" /></a></li><li class="box-shadow" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgb(170, 170, 170) 0px 0px 3px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; height: 60px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 0px; opacity: 0.7; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 100px;"><a href="http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/nwitimes.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/b4/fb4c4d80-c093-52e1-99fd-b2aa799d43e6/50f6e0d9371bf.preview-620.jpg" name="Provided" rel="" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" title="House 2"><img alt="House 2" src="http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/nwitimes.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/f/b4/fb4c4d80-c093-52e1-99fd-b2aa799d43e6/50f6e0d934502.preview-100.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 100px;" /></a></li><li class="box-shadow" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgb(170, 170, 170) 0px 0px 3px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; height: 60px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 0px; opacity: 0.7; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 100px;"><a href="http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/nwitimes.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/e2/8e2e6059-da95-577b-ac9a-56c5b515fc69/50f6e0d76da46.preview-620.jpg" name="Provided" rel="" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" title="House 3"><img alt="House 3" src="http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/nwitimes.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/8/e2/8e2e6059-da95-577b-ac9a-56c5b515fc69/50f6e0d76a33b.preview-100.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 100px;" /></a></li><li class="box-shadow" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgb(170, 170, 170) 0px 0px 3px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; height: 60px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 0px; opacity: 0.7; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 100px;"><a href="http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/nwitimes.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/45/64512d0a-860f-531c-8f0b-1f1f24a6d0b1/50f6e0d7ad160.preview-620.jpg" name="Provided" rel="" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" title="House 4"><img alt="House 4" src="http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/nwitimes.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/6/45/64512d0a-860f-531c-8f0b-1f1f24a6d0b1/50f6e0d7aaf43.preview-100.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 100px;" /></a></li><li class="box-shadow" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgb(170, 170, 170) 0px 0px 3px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; height: 60px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 0px; opacity: 0.7; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 100px;"><a href="http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/nwitimes.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/81/58197e3d-5572-535c-9f31-083dd8e17823/50f6e0d6634d9.preview-620.jpg" name="Provided" rel="" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" title="House 5"><img alt="House 5" src="http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/nwitimes.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/5/81/58197e3d-5572-535c-9f31-083dd8e17823/50f6e0d660e5c.preview-100.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 100px;" /></a></li><li class="box-shadow" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgb(170, 170, 170) 0px 0px 3px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; height: 60px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 0px; opacity: 0.7; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 100px;"><a href="http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/nwitimes.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/bd/0bd556bf-df35-54ed-81f5-202024901b58/50f6e0d706a7f.preview-620.jpg" name="Provided" rel="" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" title="House 6"><img alt="House 6" src="http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/nwitimes.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/bd/0bd556bf-df35-54ed-81f5-202024901b58/50f6e0d703db5.preview-100.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 100px;" /></a></li><li class="box-shadow" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgb(170, 170, 170) 0px 0px 3px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; float: left; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; height: 60px; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 0px; opacity: 0.7; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 100px;"><a href="http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/nwitimes.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/13/0139c866-4360-557d-a89c-e3b559cefa49/50f6e0d825559.preview-620.jpg" name="Provided" rel="" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;" title="House 7"><img alt="House 7" src="http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/nwitimes.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/13/0139c866-4360-557d-a89c-e3b559cefa49/50f6e0d822ff4.preview-100.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; width: 100px;" /></a></li></ul></div><a class="buttons next" href="http://www.nwitimes.com/niche/shore/home-and-garden/gull-lake-home-designed-for-lakeside-living-and-entertaining/article_a42bd2ae-e8be-5b5b-b90c-3426d872c975.html#" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/nwitimes.com/content/tncms/live/components/lee_core_2/resources/images/scroller-btns.png); background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; display: block; float: left; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: inherit; height: 36px; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 593px; margin-right: -10px; margin-top: 17px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: absolute; text-decoration: none; text-indent: -9999px; width: 38px; z-index: 1;">»</a></div><div class="gallery-container" id="blox-gallery-container" style="margin-bottom: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; position: relative; text-align: center; width: 620px;"><div class="gallery-image dark-gradient" id="blox-gallery-image" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #222222; background-image: -webkit-gradient(linear, 0% 0%, 0% 100%, from(rgb(51, 51, 51)), to(rgb(34, 34, 34))); background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: repeat no-repeat; display: block; height: 596px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; max-height: 500px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; text-align: center;"><img alt="House 1" id="image-index-1" src="http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/nwitimes.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/7/d6/7d6b8575-218a-5c80-8e53-9850ed6b48a2/50f6e0d889f7c.preview-620.jpg" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; max-height: 500px; max-width: 620px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; z-index: 1;" /></div><div class="gallery-controls" id="blox-gallery-controls"></div><div class="gallery-caption-open clearfix" id="blox-gallery-caption-open" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: whitesmoke; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(238, 238, 238); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 15px; padding-right: 15px; padding-top: 11px; position: relative; text-align: left; zoom: 1;"><div class="gallery-caption text-shadow-light" id="blox-gallery-caption" style="text-shadow: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.597656) 0px 1px 0px;"><div class="photo-byline" style="background-color: black; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 21px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 0px; position: absolute; right: 0px; text-align: right; text-shadow: none; top: -22px;">Provided</div><div class="caption" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-size: 12px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"></div></div></div></div></div></div><div class="hnews hentry item"><div class="publish-meta clearfix" style="color: #7d7d7d; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 20px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 20px; zoom: 1;"><div class="date left" style="float: left !important; margin-right: 10px;"><span class="pubdate">February 19, 2013 12:00 am</span>  •  <span class="byline"><a href="http://www.nwitimes.com/search/?l=50&sd=desc&s=start_time&f=html&byline=Jane%20Ammeson" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;">Jane Ammeson</a></span></div><div class="comment-count right" style="float: right !important; margin-left: 10px;"><a class="blox-comment expand-comments" href="http://www.nwitimes.com/niche/shore/home-and-garden/gull-lake-home-designed-for-lakeside-living-and-entertaining/article_a42bd2ae-e8be-5b5b-b90c-3426d872c975.html#comments" id="comment_a42bd2ae-e8be-5b5b-b90c-3426d872c975" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span class="ui-icon ui-icon-comment" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-image: url(http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/nwitimes.com/content/tncms/live/components/lee_core_2/resources/images/calendar/ui-icons.png); background-origin: initial; background-position: -128px -96px; background-repeat: initial initial; display: block; float: left; height: 16px; text-indent: -9999px; width: 16px;"></span><span class="count">(0)</span> Comments</a></div></div><div class="asset-body clearfix" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(224, 224, 224); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; zoom: 1;"><aside class="grid_3 right" id="asset-related" style="display: inline; float: right !important; font-size: 12px; margin-left: 30px; margin-right: 0px; width: 220px;"><div id="asset-wskyscraper" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; width: 160px;"></div></aside><div class="asset-main"><div class="entry-content"><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">When it came time to design the house replacing the 3,000-square-foot summer home they’d enjoyed for 15 years, Mary and Kevin Beyer knew they wanted to take full advantage of their waterfront property on scenic Gull Lake in Hickory Corners, Michigan. But Mary Beyer wanted a home with a street presence while her husband opted for a home with a definitive lake presence.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">“They talked to different designers before working with us,” says Angela Mulder, director of sales and marketing for Visbeen Associates Inc., a Grand Rapids and Chicago based architectural firm which won 12 American Residential Design Awards (ARDA) last year.  “They weren’t happy with their ideas.”</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Wayne Visbeen, the AIA and IIDA certified president and founder of Visbeen Associates, was able to combine both visions to design Highfield, a $1 million 5,297-square-foot summer home built by Falcon Custom Homes and featured in the2012 Home Builders Association of Greater Kalamazoo’s 22nd Annual Parade of Homes.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">“The home was created for entertaining and to maximize the view of the lakes,” says Mulder about the five bedroom and four and a half bath house. “The couple have adult children so to give them privacy there’s a two bedroom   apartment over the garage.  Outdoor living is enhanced with screened in porches and Wayne designed a boat bar that literally looks like the rear of a boat complete with a fog machine where smoke comes out of a pipe. There’s also another boat bar outside.”</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">The boat bar, with its rich mahogany features, is a homage to the vintage watercraft of yesteryear before the advent of fiberglass. Other special touches include five stall and three stall garages as well as one with space enough to accommodate the necessary toys of lake living such as boats, fishing gear and watercrafts such as jet-skis. Two of three bedrooms have walk-outs and the master bedroom features a private deck overlooking the landscaped garden fronting the water. A screened in porch connects the dining room to the lakefront without impeding the view.  The kitchen, with its two level island, is great for entertaining and a walk-in pantry with its sliding door can hold all the viands necessary for feeding large crowds.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">The yard fronting the water has a stone pathway leading to the docks and almost every room in the home’s upstairs has a view of the lake. High ceilings, large windows, granite counters, white trim and warm toned colors accented with nautical themes which tie into the owners’ love of water make the home inviting rather than baronial. Heated hickory wood floors are a stylish way to keep feet from getting cold.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Though the original property was a heritage home, it also was definitely just for warm weather having no central heating and, awkwardly because of the way the ground slopes down to the water, access to the front meant walking down steps. The new home instead is multi-leveled with an indoor bridge providing easy access from the guest quarters and main street entrance to the lakeside living and entertainment areas.</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">“It’s a unique design even for us in the custom home business,” says Mulder. “It certainly is perfect for what the couple wanted.”</div><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div></div></div></div>

Shore Magazine: Gull Lake home designed for lakeside living and entertaining

Shore Magazine did a nice piece on our Gull Lake design, the Highfield .  If you haven't heard the story behind the design yet, check i...

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Houzz Ideabook: 10 Ways to Entertain Kids on Rainy Days

Have you ever experienced kids "bouncing off the walls" when the weather outside is less than desirable?  In Michigan, we know this too well and let's be honest, it's not a pretty sight.  Here is a fun <a href="http://Houzz.com/">Houzz.com</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7458447/list/10-Ways-to-Entertain-Kids-on-Rainy-Days">ideabook</a> with options for indoor activities and locations in the home that will cure your kids cooped up feeling on a rainy day.  Be sure to check out our very own Kearney Hill stair nook that landed on this list!<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript"> var hzw_id=5348901;function hzwshow(id,v,delay){var showDiv=document.getElementById('hzexpand'+id);if(v){ position=function(element){ var p={x: element.offsetLeft || 0,y:element.offsetTop || 0};while(element=element.offsetParent){ p.x += element.offsetLeft;p.y += element.offsetTop;} return p;};var ref=document.getElementById('hzfooter'+id);var p=position(ref);var scrollX=(window.pageXOffset||(document.body.scrollLeft-10)||document.documentElement.scrollLeft);var x=Math.min(Math.max(p.x -(300-ref.offsetWidth)/2 ,scrollX),(window.innerWidth || document.body.clientWidth) + scrollX -300);var root=document.body;root.insertBefore(showDiv,root.firstChild);showDiv.style.top=(p.y + ref.offsetHeight + 3) + 'px';showDiv.style.left=x + 'px';} var timeout=window['hzwtimeout'+id];if(timeout) clearInterval(timeout);if(delay && !v){ window['hzwtimeout'+id]=setTimeout('hzwshow('+id+',false,false)',400);} else{ showDiv.style.display=v?'block':'none';} } </script><style type="text/css">#hzroot5348901 div {width:100%;}#hzfooter5348901 {line-height:normal;} #hzfooter5348901 a {text-decoration:none;} #hzfooter5348901 a:hover {text-decoration:underline;} #hzexpand5348901 {display:none;width:290px !important;position:absolute;background-color:#222;border:1px solid #888;padding:4px;padding-top:8px;padding-bottom:8px;text-align:left;font-family: arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;line-height:130%;z-index:100;} #hzexpand5348901 div {color:#eee !important;text-align:left;font-family: arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;line-height:130%;} #hzexpand5348901 a {color:#ccc !important;text-decoration:none;} #hzexpand5348901 a:hover {text-decoration:underline;} #hzsection5348901 {margin-top:8px;} </style><br /><div id="hzroot5348901" style="border: 0; font-size: 12px; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center; width: 300px;"><div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 3px;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7458447/list/10-Ways-to-Entertain-Kids-on-Rainy-Days">10 Ways to Entertain Kids on Rainy Days</a></div><div style="border: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; margin: 0; padding: 0;"><iframe border="0" frameborder="0" id="HouzzWidget987247.172743082" name="HouzzWidget987247.172743082" scrolling="NO" src="http://www.houzz.com/jsGalleryWidget/gallery/7458447//new_window=yes/title_on=yes/width=300" style="border: 0 none; height: 275px; width: 300px;"></iframe></div><div id="hzfooter5348901" style="position: relative;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/">Houzz</a>- <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/kitchen">Kitchen Remodel</a>, <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/bathroom">Bathroom Remodel</a> and <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8952986735250444759#" onclick="return false;" onmouseout="hzwshow(5348901, false, true)" onmouseover="hzwshow(5348901, true)" style="text-decoration: underline;">More »</a></div><div style="position: relative;"><div id="hzexpand5348901" onmouseout="hzwshow(5348901, false, true)" onmouseover="hzwshow(5348901, true)" style="left: 0px; position: absolute;"><div id="hzsection5348901">Browse Furniture on Houzz- For Example:</div><div><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/armchairs">Armchairs</a> · <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/bar-carts">Bar Carts</a> · <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/chairs">Chairs</a> · <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/coffee-tables">Coffee Tables</a> · <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/dining-chair-cushions">Dining Chair Cushions</a> · <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/dining-chairs-and-benches">Dining Chairs And Benches</a> · <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/dining-tables">Dining Tables</a> · <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/ottomans-and-cubes">Ottomans And Cubes</a> · </div></div></div></div>

Houzz Ideabook: 10 Ways to Entertain Kids on Rainy Days

Have you ever experienced kids "bouncing off the walls" when the weather outside is less than desirable?  In Michigan, we know thi...

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Room Guide: Master Suites that Up the Romance

<div style="text-align: left;">It's Valentines Day, which means most people are turning up the romantic volume in their life.  Does your master suite reflect that same va-va-voom?  A romantic room doesn't have to be filled to the brim with flowers and candles (although keep in mind, guys, those are <i>always</i> a good idea).  Here are few tips on upping the atmosphere of your master sanctuary.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><u>"I'm going to surround myself with wood.  Wood, Jerry! Wood!"</u></i></b>  (please tell me there are some Seinfeld lovers out there who know what I'm talking about)</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ok, so we aren't really talking about wall to wall, floor to ceiling wood, although that could work in the right circumstances.  We are referring to the power of wood architectural details and trimwork in a master suite design. Granted, we are an <i>architectural</i> firm, so perhaps we are a little biased, but we believe the introduction of wood textiles to the pallet can have a very calming effect.  Plus it looks gorgeous, and what's more romantic than that!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLE0-vvQCMlLuc8rWSxxPYd4XHdtWdDBg_dD0573IjexGm6KkHwt5P3HhZHBFFIyw1BrjgJyyNL2MblxJWnnQ9Pgy632HjtVYNNuXV-N1NZEiOpN4jO-Iav_INElWqYgiUCKsk939RCe43/s1600/1_9022_6659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLE0-vvQCMlLuc8rWSxxPYd4XHdtWdDBg_dD0573IjexGm6KkHwt5P3HhZHBFFIyw1BrjgJyyNL2MblxJWnnQ9Pgy632HjtVYNNuXV-N1NZEiOpN4jO-Iav_INElWqYgiUCKsk939RCe43/s320/1_9022_6659.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMx-1Sv9gWjjaZ8QYuSrL81eA_A7y69Yk9CaNPweSvoMv7cb2Ek1kkVxEeFMYuG5cr1xF4vVZ5x7Qw3RzQXyBhURvfsL-YQpuWjxNzFAQcEI7qklbopE4cp9nekzAPWQkC1X93bIrWzCyX/s1600/1_Master+Bedroom+-+161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMx-1Sv9gWjjaZ8QYuSrL81eA_A7y69Yk9CaNPweSvoMv7cb2Ek1kkVxEeFMYuG5cr1xF4vVZ5x7Qw3RzQXyBhURvfsL-YQpuWjxNzFAQcEI7qklbopE4cp9nekzAPWQkC1X93bIrWzCyX/s320/1_Master+Bedroom+-+161.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUt5yWVzy8_gswUKg3dVWEkVIfgIkTwWq0gGoALoesWLmNH7nl2F4cHsH-WGBugwEWlgdzOdp1_r4RANuLE2Nu6drd7-Q9scNvBvrpYsmRbtL1MP9N7ZAznISWaoyWT_cpzZxuLMHowCD/s1600/1-Master+Bedroom-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUt5yWVzy8_gswUKg3dVWEkVIfgIkTwWq0gGoALoesWLmNH7nl2F4cHsH-WGBugwEWlgdzOdp1_r4RANuLE2Nu6drd7-Q9scNvBvrpYsmRbtL1MP9N7ZAznISWaoyWT_cpzZxuLMHowCD/s320/1-Master+Bedroom-1.jpg" width="271" /></a></div><br /><b><i><u>Curvaceous-ness</u></i></b><br /><div>We love a curved wall or barrel ceiling.  We especially love a curved wall or barrel ceiling in the master suite.  They add an element of whimsy, which can feel very fairy-tale-like and enchanting.  Now <i>there's</i> a way to live happily ever after!  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vWB1gKq8pC7CEEpt2xkaILQt-xvRVdneP4G-y731M-wwDMG11Ipwq4rRsI3NkC-alJ9v3ZBGsVVDdqI9jhhzD8dVTQ8Sweiw1xP-hmBwB69IWTgzycwWw_F_EYrED7JZddU2d-aEuL-8/s1600/2_Saur_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vWB1gKq8pC7CEEpt2xkaILQt-xvRVdneP4G-y731M-wwDMG11Ipwq4rRsI3NkC-alJ9v3ZBGsVVDdqI9jhhzD8dVTQ8Sweiw1xP-hmBwB69IWTgzycwWw_F_EYrED7JZddU2d-aEuL-8/s320/2_Saur_11.jpg" width="218" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAqwOPCzDZUeLLfqJeZrAATeHJIP3rE9YEMFuZiWiaY9mIxhh34ywz0A_eogM0okLpEUin_oJkRErQblSFRg8BYUd1vQwg08KkFbbfT3i16g0UwneS3r-6l1Z2OHIIo7YrXoRFDC11ul7/s1600/2_Saur_9b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAqwOPCzDZUeLLfqJeZrAATeHJIP3rE9YEMFuZiWiaY9mIxhh34ywz0A_eogM0okLpEUin_oJkRErQblSFRg8BYUd1vQwg08KkFbbfT3i16g0UwneS3r-6l1Z2OHIIo7YrXoRFDC11ul7/s320/2_Saur_9b.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNen6QbhOy-VUhvFHnLXiRN4Hnw-4HRcIiJltwq9eLRaYGRuTUppz-zcHjkA0lUm8KSLELGu9d_NObIijNVQuFTELLJHK2JEt-OOnMAOyC_2q7mgNFIzIFrHsjL4NfjLn2TwjLXNKIQYkj/s1600/2_Bahama_14b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNen6QbhOy-VUhvFHnLXiRN4Hnw-4HRcIiJltwq9eLRaYGRuTUppz-zcHjkA0lUm8KSLELGu9d_NObIijNVQuFTELLJHK2JEt-OOnMAOyC_2q7mgNFIzIFrHsjL4NfjLn2TwjLXNKIQYkj/s320/2_Bahama_14b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><u><br /></u></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><u>Take advantage of the views</u></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">If your master bedroom or bath have great views, embrace it!  Position the bed to make the most of the view and let nature make the ambiance.  The hues of a sunset are some of the most romantic light God created.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUuj3ciqtPsyMUblOugmtzlt_9D0_i-Zg5qWRI9V29uxZ3Sr7Hs3D3nG7j5uPNU6lv4TVodJ9fDT-H33kn9tzU7nlJrkIEwKnCQxghi21pDjeyFuMLllqgaV10dKG_5sR0jlNkfeovFKO/s1600/3_JandernoaInt_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUuj3ciqtPsyMUblOugmtzlt_9D0_i-Zg5qWRI9V29uxZ3Sr7Hs3D3nG7j5uPNU6lv4TVodJ9fDT-H33kn9tzU7nlJrkIEwKnCQxghi21pDjeyFuMLllqgaV10dKG_5sR0jlNkfeovFKO/s320/3_JandernoaInt_12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIsD6WmpZ8ZNADg7nga8FYlT7ArPW2Kqu6AHcdjjLY6PXoiVu2G9FcKcsV5eMrwtFu9Yc4ZRgNNXZU2S7dv2YnxTy9H63vnhknh8ti7DeR6V-EdNeF2ttD2EXAVQ5LhzaFwyaZiOzk_Ry8/s1600/3_Harrold_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIsD6WmpZ8ZNADg7nga8FYlT7ArPW2Kqu6AHcdjjLY6PXoiVu2G9FcKcsV5eMrwtFu9Yc4ZRgNNXZU2S7dv2YnxTy9H63vnhknh8ti7DeR6V-EdNeF2ttD2EXAVQ5LhzaFwyaZiOzk_Ry8/s320/3_Harrold_8.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><b><i><u><br /></u></i></b><b><i><u>Textures</u></i></b> <br /><div><div>From mirrors to wallpaper to fabrics to furniture, the texture of the decor can reflect a sense of sophistication and relaxation.  Using a mixture of woods, natural fibers, and leathers all evoke a calm that turns the master suite into a retreat.  Metallics can often reflect beautiful light patterns in the room which are especially gorgeous by candle light. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5JxubfmSoNNIKvm0WxUd6PeczaMFPTLIhrceOVLFg3GFdsk6Edj63Qh7yfItrIfHEqh5_sIho4osSP1v5oa7mSPKe8V7wg14ateMO5dwxXyBSK8m9-scwhSsNJdRNonwFhbixpP1OcQ5l/s1600/4_Bahama_13b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5JxubfmSoNNIKvm0WxUd6PeczaMFPTLIhrceOVLFg3GFdsk6Edj63Qh7yfItrIfHEqh5_sIho4osSP1v5oa7mSPKe8V7wg14ateMO5dwxXyBSK8m9-scwhSsNJdRNonwFhbixpP1OcQ5l/s320/4_Bahama_13b.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdx4LMYvpArkKhAttDfa70Q0Q50Y9ZIlYyNAIbphPZeFVlNh65o6gvwRrFKYBQgrLzKGD0s3sqL_ce0qxXgBp-8PD_Bc6-meDM4JlLv61Aybl83Qm-2hjo-lINNoxxgCEq30hoKynovFI/s1600/4_Giusti_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwdx4LMYvpArkKhAttDfa70Q0Q50Y9ZIlYyNAIbphPZeFVlNh65o6gvwRrFKYBQgrLzKGD0s3sqL_ce0qxXgBp-8PD_Bc6-meDM4JlLv61Aybl83Qm-2hjo-lINNoxxgCEq30hoKynovFI/s320/4_Giusti_10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div><b><i><u><br /></u></i></b></div></div><div><br /></div>

Room Guide: Master Suites that Up the Romance

It's Valentines Day, which means most people are turning up the romantic volume in their life.  Does your master suite reflect that same...

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Welcome to Grand Rapids, Bekins!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWL4Q5-1e8KvjW-hfZ6gBnqtt7UbjP86i34JObMfJjlqhzvI5jD09hrePUMxvcKwe1Y0N81QxDSpHOKpcDMDF-S4qcyVEIeAY-vu9QmqBSnWpvSz-pG-4wysCzyNYR2PdaAL4X1UzRQmD9/s1600/01_bekins_logo_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWL4Q5-1e8KvjW-hfZ6gBnqtt7UbjP86i34JObMfJjlqhzvI5jD09hrePUMxvcKwe1Y0N81QxDSpHOKpcDMDF-S4qcyVEIeAY-vu9QmqBSnWpvSz-pG-4wysCzyNYR2PdaAL4X1UzRQmD9/s1600/01_bekins_logo_web.jpg" /></a></div>If you have been following us on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/visbeenassociates?ref=tn_tnmn">Facebook page</a>, you already know that our friends over at <a href="http://www.bekins.us/">Bekins</a> are now officially in Grand Rapids!  In December, they opened the doors to a new location we had the pleasure of designing.  This state of the art showroom features the latest in home appliances, entertainment electronics and home automation technologies.  Since it's founding in 1975, Bekins has grown to become the #1 electronics integrator in the state of Michigan and we were happy to partner with them on this new venture over in our neck of the woods! <br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Haven't had a chance to visit their showroom yet?  Check out these photos from the trade professionals open house they held last month. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7IfQxHvxv-ib3QNNVF26cUceODLc3RZo7hmjewoq37wdgfKfmCz1y4NM1G9m5RIIAAhisxpSIlOelitKkvSuf9ScniPMHlEj_nMOh1MPoywGwesxo08RT-bQVmIsmfcOSveKqRNwc5FV/s1600/02_IMG_2663+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7IfQxHvxv-ib3QNNVF26cUceODLc3RZo7hmjewoq37wdgfKfmCz1y4NM1G9m5RIIAAhisxpSIlOelitKkvSuf9ScniPMHlEj_nMOh1MPoywGwesxo08RT-bQVmIsmfcOSveKqRNwc5FV/s320/02_IMG_2663+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdLYGZgbwxlptYLtk6jt6rSb2JoZJ_A6c0GB-9IZpMX2o8Tsg0G4dlUA9mcdfS-0C5zWcMjE1oYCYw9fLo2UO_loLaH4J2NHjOCKMFDDnfvQKYMvREt4H8P5eIxxqlt9Tr-oy6w9h_Qq_/s1600/11_IMG_2659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdLYGZgbwxlptYLtk6jt6rSb2JoZJ_A6c0GB-9IZpMX2o8Tsg0G4dlUA9mcdfS-0C5zWcMjE1oYCYw9fLo2UO_loLaH4J2NHjOCKMFDDnfvQKYMvREt4H8P5eIxxqlt9Tr-oy6w9h_Qq_/s320/11_IMG_2659.JPG" width="228" /></a></div><br />For more photos from this great event, please visit <a href="http://bekins.us/2013/01/trade-professionals-open-house/">Bekin's blog</a>.  You can also check out a <a href="http://bekins.us/2013/01/grand-rapids-showroom-virtual-tour/">virtual tour</a> of the entire showroom.<br /><br />For more information about Bekins, check out their <a href="http://www.bekins.us/">website</a> and our <a href="http://visbeen-associates-architects.blogspot.com/2012/03/vendor-spotlight-bekins.html">vendor spotlight</a> on this quality company.<br /><i><br /></i><i>Built by <a href="http://www.mikeschaapbuilders.com/">Mike Schaap Builders</a></i><br /><i><br /></i>

Welcome to Grand Rapids, Bekins!

If you have been following us on our  Facebook page , you already know that our friends over at  Bekins  are now officially in Grand Rapids!...

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