Outdoor Living Done Right

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architecture, builders, building, CT homes, custom building, entertaining outdoors, home design, lighting, lighting ideas, luxury home, MILTON, Milton Development, new home, outdoor decor, outdoor fireplace, outdoor furnishings, outdoor lighting, Outdoor living, outdoor spaces, patio decorations, patio ideas, poolside style

Photo: Shelterinteriordesigns.com

Outdoor living spaces are different from indoor living spaces in one very important way – they are outdoors! You will want to consider the elements that are indigenous to your home’s exterior environment in order to create outdoor spaces that are perfectly situated and framed by natural beauty. Start by assessing your primary use for the spot: will this be for entertaining or your own daily relaxation, and are you expecting this space to be used for one season, two, three or four?

Photo: Elmueble.com

The right seating arrangements are as important outdoors as in. You want to create areas that are comfy and accommodating while also visually inviting. Pay attention to the amount of open space around seating to balance the flow and maximize the expansive ambience of being outside. Aligning furniture within an area to maximize function is important, but you’ll also want to take a step back to see if the overall grouping is aesthetically pleasing.

Photo: Better Homes & Gardens

Pops of color in pillows and furniture are a good way to add character and visual interest. For easier maintenance, opt for mold resistant fabrics that won’t fade in the sun. A great rug is an easy shortcut to defining a space, and you can find plenty of handsome options that are designed for outdoor use. Keep the everyday setup simple but flexible. You can always bring out additional touches and décor when entertaining.

Photo: GQ

Quality landscape lighting allows you to set a scene at the flick of a switch. But it is also fun to customize the mood with candles and lanterns. And of course it is hard to top the allure of sitting around an actual fire. An outdoor fire pit creates an instant destination for delightful conversation and a natural sense of entertainment. Al fresco marshmallows or hot dogs, anyone?

What else does your dream exterior include? For many, a pool or spa adds greatly to the experience of enjoying the outdoors. The style and design you select may depend on your ideal usage, which could be anything from entertaining friends to lounging in the sun on a lazy afternoon, or playing water games with the kids – whatever floats YOUR pool float!

Milton Colonial

When it comes to outdoor living, regardless of what you already have or what you plan to build, the idea is to get outside and savor the warmer weather and beauty of nature as the temperatures rise. Don’t forget the sunscreen!

Milton: It’s in the Details

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architecture, attention to detail, builders, building, CT homes, custom building, custom details, custom home, custom home design, design details, doors, dream home, home design, innovative design, inspiring details, millwork, MILTON, Milton colonial, Milton Development, mirrors, new construction, new home, outdoor spaces

At Milton, we believe that there is nothing better than attention to detail. Thoughtful details are the hallmark of quality construction and exquisite finishing touches often mark the difference between good and the best. Part of the fun in designing your own dream home comes in exploring what speaks to you personally and compiling a wish list and collection of images that inspire you. Architectural details that you admire can be customized to reflect your own tastes and ideal aesthetic.

What does your dream style look like? Hint: finely detailed does not have to mean ornate. Beautiful design is often stunningly simple but with luxe elements and meticulous attention to detail. This bathroom with precise millwork and beautiful limestone floors is a great example:

Photo: Canadian House and Home

We also love the inclusion of the side wall mirror in the bathroom to help expand the space.

Generous mirrors easily lend a sense of indulgence to a room while at the same time enhancing functionality. Closet doors are a great place to add them!

Photo: Home Improvement Ideas

Speaking of doors, this is a key opportunity to make a striking statement, both inside and out. A beautifully designed front door is like a smile – a welcoming first impression for your house.

Milton New England Transitional

Doors can be used creatively to create welcoming spaces outside of the home as well. Bold and graphic cedar fence doors really set the mood in this Southampton garden:

Photo: House Beautiful

Inside, quality hardware and fixtures contribute greatly to innovative design. You can use them to create contrast and a visual counterpoint, or to continue a theme. We love how the circular hardware complements the graphic appeal of this bathroom:

Photo: Houzz

The right furnishings are important as well. A chorus of similar shapes can create harmony and make a room feel complete. In this bedroom, the square angled side tables combine with the square pattern of the silver leaf framed headboard to provide a sense of tranquility and order.

Photo: Architectural Digest

Think of your ultimate goal for a room and select details that will complement that objective. Remember that they can be whatever you want them to be as long as they are well executed. Meticulous attention to detail will make all the difference in your final product – enjoy the process and don’t be afraid to mix it up. We’d love to see what is inspiring you!

Great Garage Ideas

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architecture, builders, building, custom building, custom home, custom home design, design, design details, dream garage, garage, garage ideas, garage organization, luxury homes, MILTON, Milton Development, modern home, new construction, organization, perfect garage

For many of us, our garages serve primarily as parking spots and storage depositories. While we pass through these spaces multiple times a day, it is easy to neglect them from a visual perspective. Yet given how much focus we put on the right finish and attention to detail throughout the design of our homes, why shouldn’t we give our garages the same attention? At Milton, we believe that the perfectly outfitted garage is as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside. You don’t need to be afraid to open the doors!

Modern Colonial by Milton

The most important step to a well organized garage is to get clutter off the floors. Bringing as much as possible up and into designated sections and systems conserves space and makes everything easier to find.

Image courtesy: Elle Decor

Cabinets are our favorite way to reclaim the serenity of a space. Custom built cabinets provide the cleanest look and greatest efficiency. We love natural woods for longterm performance and durability or the modern look of metal, like stainless steel.

Image courtesy PremierGarage.com

A more casual alternative that provides fun flexibility for easy labeling (and relabeling!) can be achieved with chalkboard paint. Give your kids each their own cabinet and inspire them to put their things away.

Image courtesy Better Homes & Gardens

Bikes deserve their own designated parking spaces. Racks are great to add vertical capacity and can be cleverly placed around a variety of space restrictions.

Image courtesy Martha Stewart

Want an immediate solution to tidy things up and hide some of the visual chaos? There is always the good old curtain trick!

Image courtesy Better Homes & Gardens

For flooring, think easy to maintain, stain resistant, and durable. Yet there is no need to sacrifice beauty in the garage - pick a surface that adds style and complements the rest of your home.

Image courtesy PremierGarage.com

Once you’ve allocated space for tools and all of the kids’ toys and equipment, don’t forget to leave room for your own favorite toys and hobbies – a gardener’s corner is a popular option.

Image courtesy Martha Stewart

The opportunities are endless. Car collectors may find inspiration in the Italian jewelry scion Nicola Bulgari’s garage bedroom, which overlooks a birds-eye view of his prized collection:

Image courtesy Architectural Digest

Or you can take creative liberties in an entirely different direction – who said a garage has to house cars? Check out this former garage that has been converted to a trendy but family friendly lounge. It’s your space – do what you want with it!

Image courtesy Houzz.com

Anything is possible. Have fun dreaming, and let us know how we can help!

Selecting the Right Builder

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architecture, builders, building, craftsmanship, CT homes, custom building, custom home, custom home design, dream house, home building process, home design, interior design, living space, luxury home, luxury homes, MILTON, Milton Development, modern home, new construction, new home, professional builders, quality construction, renovations, the right builder

Living in your dream house is easier than you might think. Though we’d love for you to select Milton, we are here to help in whatever way we can so here are some expert tips to help guide your decision.

PLANNING: When building a new home, you have the opportunity to create floor plans customized to your own family’s needs.  Finding the right site for new construction or finding the ideal site on an existing property is an important consideration. If you’re looking for renovations, you have an opportunity to dramatically improve your quality of life by customizing your environment to how you live, work, play and dream.

Ground floor of a Milton New England Transitional

Make sure your builder asks questions like, “what is your typical day like?” and “what is most frustrating about your current home?” They should meet with every member of your family and get to know what they like and don’t like so you have a living space that is not only livable but lovable for everyone!

Work stations in a Milton colonial

You want an expert to help you navigate through the myriad of options and address concerns like energy efficiency and durability of materials, and of course compliance with all applicable codes and regulations – so make sure you have someone with years of experience building quality homes.

CONSTRUCTION: We all want the best, and good quality construction is critical. Many good builders offer a package of services. The quality of the offered services will have a critical effect on your enjoyment of the house. Warrantees, design, architecture…all things that you need to take in to consideration.  Make sure the builder is properly licensed and insured, and expect solid communication: everything should be clearly spelled out in terms of work components and timelines.

It’s all about the details in this Milton New England transitional

Quality craftsmanship is the most important part of your investment – artisan details speak for themselves! Make sure you contact references, look through their client photos and even visit a site to see the final product. Make sure you choose the references – the last three projects they worked on and the timeline they worked on them (this will give you an idea that their work is consistent and you are in control of who you talk to rather than just be introduced to their happiest clients.)

DESIGN: Design makes the difference, both inside and out. Working with a well-rounded builder provides a true advantage here. Do they offer a design center that stocks samples, from plumbing fixtures and tiles to built-ins and trim details for your review in one convenient location?

Milton New England Colonial

Do they get your personal aesthetic? Are you going to have to do all the design grunt work or are you choosing a builder with a qualified team to provide assistance in making your visual dream a reality?

SERVICE: A good builder delivers extraordinary quality and stands by their work. References will attest to well-managed timelines, excellent service, and closely communicated budget expectations.

Landscaped pool at Milton built shingle style colonial

With Milton, you are hiring a team of professionals from architect to carpenter, cabinet maker, plumber, electrician, landscape architect and interior designer, all whom have an established background of successful experiences. Your comfort is key – both throughout the process and when it comes to enjoying the end product. Milton’s comprehensive commitment to doing whatever it takes to make you happy begins with your first visit and continues well after you move in.

We’d love to help you. Contact us today to set up a consultation.

Quick Holiday Decorating Ideas

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candles, cozy design, CT homes, custom home design, design details, entertaining outdoors, festive interiors, festive table settings, fireplaces, holiday decorating, holiday greens, MILTON, Milton Development, traditional with a twist, warm and luxe interiors

‘Tis the season to enjoy extra quality time at home with family and friends. To cozy up your rooms for toasty nights indoors and savor the festivities in style, we have a few tips sure to gratify any cravings for extra visual stimulation and indulgence.

Holiday décor often begins at the front door to make the entrance to your home feel extra welcoming. For many, a traditional wreath does the trick - but we think traditional with a twist is even better. How about a door decked out in something lush and luxe like soft moss?

Photo: Marthastewart.com

Likewise, boxwood wreaths and magnolia leaves along the mantle are always pretty, but you can also think out of the box and place holiday greenery creatively. We love the novelty of a bedecked chandelier in the kitchen.

Photo: Marthastewart.com

Throughout the home it can be helpful to take a step back and think about whether a room looks and feels as warm as it can. It’s easy to cozy up any setting with the addition of luxe accents and throws – think cashmere, wool, mohair and chenille in a richer color palette. For a seasonal touch, add a strategically placed bottle or two of elegant liqueur or a luxe box of chocolates for a subtle signal of indulgence.

Photo: Occa-home.co.uk

Any room with a fireplace is an obvious choice to become an inviting sanctuary on a snowy day or frosty night. Make sure there is plenty of comfortable furniture placed near the fire – even right up to the hearth. Then create a couple of seasonal focal points with just a few touches of embellishment – accents like berries and bright flowers easily brighten and add liveliness.

Photo: Houzz.com

Speaking of fireplaces, an outdoor firepit can turn a patio into more of an all-season living space and give you reason to sit and enjoy the view of your outdoor decorations. Just bring out some pillows and blankets when entertaining for extra comfort and coziness!

Photo: Restorationhardware.com

When it comes to entertaining, setting the table has long been a favorite way to inject creativity and artistic flair while making a holiday statement. Mixing traditional and untraditional elements within a theme or color story can create a visual feast for the senses. We like the incorporation of the Asian dishes with the more traditional pattern on this Hanukah table.

Photo: HGTV.com

A display of gifts is always a treat, regardless of which holiday you celebrate. If you don’t have a tree, try arranging packages in a tower on a table or cart.

Photo: HGTV.com

Not to be overlooked is the importance of the right lighting in bringing it all together. We recently shared some of Marybeth’s favorite light fixtures. During the holidays, make sure lighting is positioned around visual points of interest to illuminate what you most want to accent. Candles are a great way to add depth and texture along with seasonal fragrance. Create an interesting vignette by grouping candles with other décor in unexpected combinations.

Photo: Interiordesignfiles.com

The bottom line? Just do something that makes you smile. Take a minute to reminisce and resurrect a decorating tradition from your own childhood for an infustion of nostalgia and a reminder of places, experiences and family. Don’t worry if a temporary holiday addition contrasts with your overall decorating style. This is the time to mix the old with the new for a modern juxtaposition – sometimes it is the unexpected touch of whimsy that adds just the right amount of warmth and personality. Enjoy every minute!

Choosing the Right Light: Illuminating Ideas for Shorter Days

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architecture, best lighting fixtures, chandelier, CT homes, custom home, custom home design, design details, home design, interior design, lamp, lighting, lighting ideas, marybeth woods, MILTON, Milton Development, quality lighting, sconce

As we approach the December 21 winter solstice and our daylight hours continue to get shorter, this is the time of year when the right light in our homes adds so much to our comfort and sense of well being. As with all aspects of home design, the quality of lighting really matters. From acting as an architectural accent to setting the tone for an entire room, the right ambience begins with the right fixture. In this month’s email, Milton Architect and Decorator Marybeth Woods shares some of her current favorites; below are a few more.

Beautiful lighting lends depth and texture to an interior – think dynamic and dramatic or engaging and expressive; the goal is to create a sense of balance to complement the natural mood of a room. Today you’ll find plenty of options for every room in the house that do not compromise on design or functionality, especially important for rooms like the kitchen. In the living room, pick something you love and go for the wow factor with a statement chandelier that creates a strong visual focal point.

credit: www.athomearkansas.com

Marybeth’s pick: Iron Beaded Chandelier by Arteriors Home

Consider giving your existing light fixtures a makeover with new bulbs. Different bulbs produce different lighting effects and tones, from clean whites to cool blues to warm yellows, so you can customize the feel and intensity to your taste. At Milton, we are strong believers in the power of dimmers – changing a simple on/off switch to a dimmer creates a sudden new range of options, literally putting light control at your fingertips. Use these in every room of the house! Then change things up at a moment’s notice - make it softer and sexier by dimming to lower, flattering soft shadows and you’ll save on energy too!

Marybeth’s pick: Teardrop Sconce by Robert Sonneman.

For another easy quick update, sometimes all a lamp needs is a new shade. Just don’t forget that lamps and shades are all about proportion – for best results, bring the old shade (and/or lamp!) with you when you shop to make sure the size of your new shade will continue to complement the design of the lamp.

Marybeth’s pick: Clear Glass Table Lamp by Currey & Company

What are your own favorite fixtures and lighting techniques? We’d love to hear from you.

Wishing you all a light and bright holiday season!

Designing the Perfect Mudroom

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CT homes, custom building, custom home design, lauren zinzi, MILTON, Milton Development, mudroom accessories, mudroom design, mudroom floor plans, mudroom flooring, mudroom ideas, mudroom storage ideas, organization, the perfect mudroom

Nowhere do aesthetics and functionality need to come together as in the mudroom for the modern family. As a daily entry point into the home, the right mudroom should be a welcoming haven. Milton’s clients seek beautifully designed spaces providing convenience and ease, and the flexibility to grow with a family’s needs over time.

This month we share the floor plans for a new mudroom in a custom built Milton home for the Zinzi family, which will include smart features like a washroom with a shower for easy clean-up of kids, sports equipment, swimmers and dogs.

Lauren Zinzi with children Olive & Samuel

When designing a mudroom, think first and foremost about storage and providing a designated space for everything. This is where the right cubbies and receptacles come into play – you will want a careful balance of both open storage to grab on the go and concealed storage to hide clutter. Concealed storage should be easy to access – Milton makes these custom cubby baskets on wheels that do the trick nicely.

Maximize the amount of space at your fingertips with creative solutions to keep everything within reach. We like this built-in ladder that provides access at all heights.

photo from houzz.com

The right flooring materials set the stage for both beauty and practicality. Milton loves the classic and natural look of slate floors, which are more durable than many people think. Slate tends to wear well and doesn’t show dirt; consider matching the color of the grout to the slate for a seamless look and even less maintenance.

Milton custom colonial on Woody Lane

photo from MarthaStewart.com

Not to be forgotten are accessories that facilitate organization on the go like a conveniently located charging station and a bulletin board. Or think chalkboards, which are both practical and a great way to keep the kids creatively entertained while trying to get everyone out the door. For a built-in look, try chalkboard paint.

What works for your family? We’d love to hear from you on Facebook!

11 Blue Ribbon Drive, Westport

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CT homes, custom building, custom home design, design details, home tours, interior design, kitchen design, kitchen ideas, luxury homes, MILTON, Milton Development, modern kitchen, new construction, new home

This month Milton is showcasing 11 Blue Ribbon Drive, a stunning new 5 bedroom home in Westport, CT with a striking and sophisticated kitchen.

The modern kitchen has become a central hub for activity and a smartly designed kitchen has become a critical differentiator for the discerning home buyer. We focus on the kitchen this month because with kids back in school and the lazy days of summer behind us, many of us are busy reclaiming this favorite room as a haven for culinary inspiration and the strategic nourishment of our families.

Today’s family kitchen tends to serve as one part short order restaurant and one part household planning station, so it’s important to carve out the right space for both. Careful spacing between sink, counter and stove streamline activities for the chef. Meanwhile, a well placed desk station, bulletin board or organization corner can serve as command central for any busy family.

Make the most of your own space by thinking about your household’s unique needs first and then developing an environment to serve them. Lots of kids and lots of activities? Find a beautiful bulletin board and post a color-coordinated calendar. Drowning in school and community paperwork? Add color coordinated folders (make sure to pick colors that make you happy!) and place them within easy access. Inspired by more recipes than you have real time to tackle? Bookmark your favorites, then set up an in-kitchen ipad station so your technology is ready to work for you on a moment’s notice. Or reclaim an underutilized corner by creating a niche for your laptop and daily paperwork.

Two of our favorite finds this month:

Maximize your leverage of technology in the kitchen with this iPad stand that lends itself nicely to any recipe:

Charge and connect in a snap with these easy to adapt power/USB outlets:

Creating Beautiful Spaces for Your Children within Your Home

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CT homes, custom building, custom home, design, designing kids spaces, home design, interior design, kids rooms, luxury home, MILTON, Milton Development, new home, playrooms

A child’s room can be one of the most challenging, and yet the most enjoyable rooms in the house to design, plan and decorate. Create a beautiful space for your child, where he or she can indulge in their creative spirits and play for hours, while still expressing your personal style.

There are many ways to personalize each space designated for children using patterns, themes and colors in everything from the furniture to bedding, fixtures and lighting, and even architectural design. The possibilities are endless!

Playrooms serve to be the most magical havens, where kids dream, learn, imagine and grow. Treat your children to a sanctuary that’s all their own, with kid-sized playroom furniture including a mini-kitchen, table and chair sets, a Victorian dollhouse, sofa and love seats, rockers and a puppet theater. Add inspiring toys, stimulating wall colors and décor to accent your overall theme that will truly bring out your child’s personality. And, just because it’s a child’s playroom doesn’t mean it has to be a mess. Playroom storage options range from custom toy bins and toy chests shaped like castles and trucks, to storage benches that provide pretty seating as well.

Every parent wants their children to have a space where he or she can rest, learn, play and most importantly be themselves. Create a special bedroom for your child using calming colors accented with plush pillows and blankets. Personalize the space with your child’s name, initials or monogram by adding wooden or framed wall letters, one of the most popular décor addition’s to nurseries and kids’ rooms. Finish off the space with the perfect lighting, a feature that can be both decorative and functional.

Not ready to give up your entire basement to the kids? Share the space by creating a relaxing atmosphere that’s suitable for both your children and the adults. Shown in the picture above, a family from Long Island designed a huge couch where everyone in the family could lounge and even nap together, and added two TV’s on opposite walls so the whole family could play at the same time.

Dividing the basement into several designated spaces allows everyone in the family to take advantage and enjoy the area. Designate one space for the kids, adding colorful cubbies with low enough spaces for even the youngest child to store his or her toys; and a short, long desk where they can draw and work on arts and crafts. Leave the rest of the space for the adults, whether it is an in-home gym (seen in the picture below), wine cellar or entertainment area. Using one color palate will help unify the spaces, keeping a flow throughout the basement.

Outdoor Spaces as True Extensions of The Home – 3 Tips on What Makes a Great Outdoor Entertaining Area

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architecture, builders, building, CT homes, custom building, custom home, design, entertaining outdoors, home tours, interview, luxury home, MILTON, Milton Development, modern home, new construction, new home, outdoor spaces, patio decorations, patio ideas, traditional home

At MILTON we believe that outdoor spaces are quickly moving in a popular direction, popping up as true extensions of the home, providing a comfortable, inviting and functional entertainment retreat. We were recently reading one of our favorite websites, houzz.com, and discovered a great article by Sandy Koepke.  If you’re in the midst of planning your patio, deck or yard for lots of festivities this summer, here are three tips on what makes a great outdoor entertaining area.

1. Consider the Infrastructure: this is especially important if you’re planning on creating an outdoor kitchen area or family room. Introduce a gas line, water, or electrical work before anything else.
2. Aim for Accessibility: when it comes to making an outside area work as an extension of the home, Sandy recommends upping the accessibility – make it easy to get outdoors and work towards good flow by using lots of windows and doors. Access to the outside should look and feel completely effortless.
3. Create an Enclosed Space: An enclosure, whether it be a pergola, walls or salvaged windows and doors, gives a sense of place without taking away the fact that you are outdoors.

We incorporated the outdoor living on the third floor of our new home on Buena Vista we are building a spacious outdoor deck with a fireplace, so the homeowners can enjoy a outdoor retreat year round.  For more information on Buena Vista please CLICK HERE.

What will your outdoor retreat be used for this summer? Let us know on the Milton Development Facebook Wall, linked HERE.