Bobby Berk Home

The Best Kitchen Countertops by Bobby Berk - Design Campus

noreply@blogger.com (BB) — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 21:53:00 +0000

Bobby Berk: When it comes to selecting kitchen countertops for your home, there is a daunting amount of choices. We’d like to go through a few of the most popular materials to make the task of picking a countertop material a little easier based on your design preferences, application and of course budget. Here are the best kitchen countertops and why:

Natural Stone Countertops ($$-$$$)
Granite ($$-$$$):
The most popular countertop material, is available in a wide array of colors. It’s cut into long thick slabs that require few (if any) seams. Most manufacturers make single-piece countertops that can be made up to 10 ft. long. The slabs are sealed with an impregnating sealer, which makes the stone resistant to stains from everyday wear. An annual seal is required, as well as require regular care. This includes selecting and using a stone cleaner as opposed to a more abrasive chemical cleaner when caring for your countertops. Stains should be wiped up quickly. You can expect to pay anywhere from $60 to $250 a sq. ft., depending on color, brand, and fabrication.

The Tom Kat Studio

Marble ($$$):
Marble is considered one of the most elegant and sophisticated countertop materials, and the veining intrinsic to the material is praised for its natural beauty. It is very durable, but porous, so it’s susceptible to stains. It can be polished or honed, but should be regularly sealed in order to prevent staining. Many homeowners will acquiesce to the required maintenance despite because of its beauty. $125-$250 a sq. ft.

Mim Design

Slate ($$$):
Comes in red, gray, green, black and purple. Some types of variegated purple slate has veining and shades of contrasting colors. It is very heavy due to its high density, although it is soft, so scratches can occur. These can be buffed out with steel wool. Slat can be fabricated into sinks to match the countertop, if desired. Slate is a great option for a low maintenance lifestyle or application, as it is a non-porous material and very easy to care for. It has a naturally matte appearance, but it can be made shiny with an application of lemon oil. Slate countertops cost from $100-$200 a sq. ft., depending on color, brand and fabrication.

Molitli Interieurmakers

Soapstone ($$):Typically dark, greenish-black or lighter green-grey. Can be fabricated into sinks to match the countertop. Soapstone is very porous, so it has to be sealed with mineral oil in order to reduce staining. Cracks can be expensive to fix, so the maintenance is important. It typically costs from $70-$100 a sq. ft.

Lauren Liess Interiors | Helen Norman Photography

Concrete ($$):
Pre-cast concrete is preferable to poured-in-place countertops, because they are honed, cured and sealed off site. They are typically 1.5” thick and available in slabs up to 10’ in length. The concrete mixture can be stained to a variety of colors by adding dye in the manufacturing process. This can make for some interesting finish options. Cracking is typically an issue with any concrete product, so the structure of the countertop is often fortified with mesh, rebar, or fiberglass product. Custom concrete countertops range in price from $85-100 a sq. ft.

HGTV Fixer Upper with Chip & Joanna Gaines | Rachel Whyte Photography

Plastic Laminate ($):
Plastic Laminate, also known as Formica, is an enduring and strong material that is made from layers of paper that are suffused with resin to form the hard surface layer. It’s available in endless colors and designs, but the matte finishes are the only ones you should specify for a countertop. Note that there are two thicknesses. The 1/16” thickness is for general purpose applications including countertops. The 1/32” is for vertical grade applications and backsplashes. It comes in sheets that range from smaller pieces at 2’x4’ up to 4’x8’. Larger wider sheets can be custom ordered from certain manufacturers. This is by far the most affordable material. You can buy pre-fabricated counters that are ready for installation and these can cost about $100 for an 8 ft. counter. Custom applications will range from $15-$25 a sq. ft.

Tri-State Stone & Tile, Inc.

Wood ($$-$$$):
Wood is a traditional countertop material that can really add warmth to a space. Many people have been concerned in the past with the viability of wood as a countertop material, because of its porous nature, however wood has been found to have more anti-bacterial effectiveness than plastic as a cutting surface. It does require maintenance to keep a good seal. Polyurethane can offer good protection for a few years, but it’s aesthetically preferable for many people who prefer to accentuate the natural beauty of the wood by using less chemically synthetic mineral oil. This treatment requires more maintenance and reapplication every 4-6 weeks is a deterrent to more low-maintenance lifestyles.

Despite woods higher degree of care, it is a great option for certain surfaces such as food prep areas, dining counters, and food chopping blocks. It is the only countertop material suggested for cutting and chopping. The most popular species of wood for countertop applications are rock maple, walnut, oak, cherry and teak. It should be protected from extra hot cookware, as it is prone to burn stains at very hot temperatures, but scratches can be sanded out.

Carl Mayfield Photography

The three forms of wood counter production include edge grain, end grain and wide plank. Edge grain are made from pieces of wood that are thin and long and glued together with the edge grain facing upwards. End grain countertops, or butcher blocks, are assembled from short, square pieces of wood with the end grain facing upwards. These are typically from 4-12” thick. Wide plank counters, the most traditional style, are made by gluing planks of wood together at the edges of the planks. These can be susceptible to warping or cracking if not properly and regularly maintained. Pre-fabricated countertops can be ordered at most lumber yards and wood dealers. 1.5” x 25” wide counters come in 8’ to 12’ lengths typically. Wood countertops vary in price depending on the species of wood, but can be comparable to natural stone and man made solid surface. Expect to pay anywhere form $35-$250 a sq. ft.

Stainless Steel ($$):
Stainless steel is beautiful, and extremely durable. It is resistant to rust and corrosion, and can withstand extreme heat (up to 800 degrees). Stainless steel countertops can be prone to scratches, so some people prefer to only use it on vertical surfaces as a backsplash. Either way, it can create a very clean, modern, industrial look, or go with something more traditional like a farm house kitchen. It can be prone to fingerprints and water stains, so it needs to be cleaned to maintain a nice appearance. You can’t use any caustic chemicals on it, including bleach cleaners, but it can be disinfected with a mixture of water and vinegar. Pre-fabricated stainless steel countertops are typically fabricated with a wood core, and can even be installed DIY, as you would with laminate. Prices range form $70-$150 a sq. ft.

Palmerston Design Consultants, Inc.

Ceramic Tile ($-$$):
Because of the grout lines in a ceramic tile application, many designers and builders have shifted away from tile for countertops. Tile is probably best used on backsplashes or auxiliary work surfaces such as an island, eat-at countertop, peninsulas, wet bars and butler pantries. Don’t use tile intended for wall applications, as it can easily leave cracks in your finished surface. Tile that is intended for counters or floors is best. Ceramic tile can be applied right to plywood or over laminate countertops. The best installation method is using a ¾” plywood with a ½” cement backer board. The cost will of course depend on the type of tile you select, but basic tile can be very affordable. The cost for installation will run between $30 and $50 a sq. ft. plus the cost of your tile.

Martha Hammond Houston Pride Realty

Man-Made Solid Surface Countertops ($$-$$$):
These materials, such as DuPont’s Corian, Wilsonart’s Gibraltar, and Aristech’s Avonite, are made of 100% acrylic, 100% polyester, or a combination of acrylic and polyester. These engineered countertops have properties that make them very durable and ideal for a lot of different applications. They come in almost any color imaginable, and can be customized to almost any design, including intricate inlay patterns. They are also made to look many types of other stone, and can be fabricated into sinks to match the countertop material.

Part of this category is quartz-composite materials such as DuPont’s Zodiaq, Silestone, Cambria and CaesarStone, which are just a few of the composite products on the market. Engineered stones like these are much harder and have a depth, clarity and luminance not found in other solid surfaces. Quartz composites cost slightly more than conventional man-made solid surface counters. The whole category is priced at $150-$200 a sq. ft. for solid-surface materials.

DuPont™ Corian®

How to Create a Functional Home Office by Bobby Berk - Design Campus

noreply@blogger.com (BB) — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 21:52:00 +0000

Bobby Berk: Nowadays, more than ever before, people are working from home and/or bring their work home with them in some capacity. Creating a functional office or workspace in your home will allow you to increase your productivity, whether you are taking care of general home management tasks, such as bill paying, or working out of your home office on a full-time basis.

You might have a child or teenager who uses your workspace to finish homework, or you may just like the idea of having an office set up in case you ever get around to starting that novel you always said you’d write. In any case, there are a few factors you might consider when you start to put together your home office. Read Bobby Berk’s advice on how to create a functional home office.

DESK

First, consider the type of work you’ll be doing in the space. Do you work primarily from a laptop, or do you have a larger PC or iMac that takes up even more work surface real estate? You’ll want to think about how the space will need to function and what type of special equipment, such as a printer, that you’ll need to keep out. Next you’ll want to assess what your horizontal work surface needs are. Some people prefer additional space to get crafty with physical projects that require a bit more room to spread out. If you’re a designer or other professional working with visual media, you’ll need more space to work! This could also include wall space, such as idea boards or pin boards. If you have more than one child doing homework, maybe you’ll want to consider a longer countertop or trestle-propped work surface so they can work side-by-side. For more basic work needs, or for smaller footprints where floor space is valuable, you may consider a wall mounted desk to open things up visually below your work surface. Take an honest appraisal of what these requirements are, and pick an appropriate desk or shelf size that will meet your current and future needs.

STORAGE

You will want to have some tidy storage solutions. This could factor into your selection of a desk, which might include drawers for supplies and perhaps a file drawer. Open shelving above your desk is a great place for magazine files, boxes of paper and other supplies, and of course accessories. Make sure that your storage is ample and organized, and that similar boxes and files are used to create a cohesive, open storage look. Some people prefer to use a couple of matching open shelving units that flank their work chair to prop up a horizontal board or counter which becomes the work surface. Make sure the top of the work surface is the appropriate height at 29”-30” from the floor.

STYLE

Make sure your work-space reflects your personality. Add decorative flare that speaks to you. You can layer materials that contrast with your wall surface. One fun idea, is to use cork sheets to cover the wall behind your desk. They’re pretty affordable and sold on numerous online retail stores. This allows for endless photo and memo pinning and a fun, customized textural element that is also great for absorbing sound. You can also put up a bulletin board or mood board that gives you inspiration. You can also use a dry erase board, a calendar or some other type of collage. A large or small piece of artwork can create a focal point to anchor your space, or you can pin magazine clippings or vintage post cards in an artistic arrangement. If you only use shelving and don’t have room for a board, a picture or two in a frame will personalize the look, or a shelf full of leaning frames. A couple of pops of color will enliven your office and give you a boost of energy in your space. Regardless of how you decorate, the happier you are to work there, the more productive you will be.

Tina Hellberg

SEATING

When you select an office chair, be sure to consider the amount of time you will be using your work-space. If you have to sit for long hours, something with better ergonomic design including proper back support and adjustable armrests and seat height will allow for longer sustained work periods, especially for someone working full time from home. Office chairs can be expensive, but work injuries resulting from bad posture are no joke! We think a good chair is definitely worth the investment. Consider whether you need to roll on a hard surface or carpeting, as some wheels work better on either of these surfaces, but not necessarily great on both. The chair you select can often be the most sculptural piece in the office set up, so pick something that you love, and that gives your space some added personality.

LIGHTING

Lastly, consider using a good task light and make sure that general lighting is sufficient to reduce strain on your eyes and give you ample light to see what you’re working on. One of the things that makes even a well-organized and decorated work space look cluttered is a mess of cords. There are lots of cord management products that help hide cords, including wall strips and under-desk cord management solutions. Don’t skip this step, which can be a bit tricky to figure out how to deal with, but the initial investment in time and money will ultimately make all the difference!!

Making a Small Room Appear Larger - Design Campus

noreply@blogger.com (BB) — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 21:51:00 +0000

When it comes to designing and decorating small spaces, there are a few tried and true tips the best designers use to make a room appear much larger than it actually is. Some of these techniques go against common logic, so let’s take a look at these methods, including misconceptions about making your spaces feel bigger. Here are Bobby Berk‘s top 10 tips on making a small room appear larger.

1. CeilingsOne misconception people have is that a dark ceiling feels visually impeding. We’ve had great success with dark or wallpapered ceilings, as the eye is drawn upward which gives the effect of a more vertically expansive space. Keeping walls and flooring light reflects more light and makes the space feel larger. Dark colors can make a room feel cozier, as more light is absorbed. Dark colors can work in small spaces, but lighter walls will definitely make the space feel bigger than dark colors will.

2. ScalingMake sure the pieces you select are in scale with the room. One large piece such as a sectional that spans the width of the wall, or a large etagere or display piece can actually fill the room, giving the effect of more space. This is another counterintuitive technique, but it can be successful if you stick to one large piece in lieu of several smaller ones with the same function (such as several chairs as opposed to a sectional). Don’t crowd the room with lots of large pieces however. Consider smaller scaled end tables and chairs.

3. Base SelectionAnother note about the pieces you select; Use chairs, sofas tables etc. that have legs rather than solid bases or skirts. Being able to see under and through pieces makes the room feel visually extensive. This effect can also be achieved with wall-hung desks, open shelving, and lucite pieces. If you don’t have a lot of room, consider a translucent glass coffee table or one with open storage below, for instance. When you can see through it, it will trick the eye into believing there’s more room. Sometimes using all pieces with legs can make for a ͞leggy͟ arrangement that looks visually cluttered on the lower plane of the space, so consider one solid or skirted sofa base and other open or legged pieces but avoid that too-many-legs trap. A pedestal base table such as the iconic Saarinen tulip table is a great solution to this pitfall.

4. Storage
If you can pick furniture with double-duty uses or storage, you will effectively reduce visual clutter, give yourself ample storage for things you don’t always want out, and reduce the number of pieces required in the room. Consider decorative boxes to store smaller trinkets.

5. Mirrors
Mirrors reflect light and make the space look visually twice as big. Consider a large mirror or arrangement of several mirrors to further open the space.

6. Float
Consider floating furniture. Sometimes we like to think that if we push everything to a wall it will leave as much space as possible in the center of the room, but floating pieces a bit away from the wall or doing a seating arrangement in the center of the room can allow visual room and/or physical circulation that create a nice open effect. Utilize a space plan that gives the small space flow.

7. Windows
Don’t use heavy window treatments which can tend to impede visual space. Opt for roman shades, or go Dutch! If you must use curtains, make sure to hang them high. The closer the ceiling, the taller the space will feel.

8. Stripe Effect
Horizontal stripes can have the effect of making a room feel more expansive on the horizontal plane, while vertical stripes make a room look taller. This can be achieved on the floor with a rug as well.

9. Scheme
If you stick to a controlled color palette, the room won’t feel so chopped up. You can go monochromatic or tertiary, but keep it light, airy and cohesive. Your staple furniture pieces should be neutral, and you can layer with patterned pillows and art. Make sure there are a variety of finishes and textures to make your space interesting in a subtle fashion.

10. Pathways
Hallways and adjacent rooms should be airy and consistent in color to visually flow from space to space.

Designing Model Homes with HGTV's Bobby Berk - Design Campus

noreply@blogger.com (BB) — Fri, 01 Jul 2016 21:50:00 +0000

Designing Model Homes with HGTV's Bobby Berk - Design Campus: We at Bobby Berk Interiors Design have been doing some design work for home builders lately, and we thought it would be a good idea to share some of the things we’ve learned about designing model homes. There is surprisingly little information on the subject. In some ways, the process is a lot like designing a space for a private residential client, and there’s a large degree of crossover where the basics are concerned. In other ways, model homes create some unique design challenges and your approach should be a little different. In merchandising a model home, you have to consider the fact that you are presenting a product that is intended to appeal to a particular buyer profile and demographic. If you do your job right, the space should have an appeal that will not alienate buyers, but invite a large base of tastes to see the potential of a particular floor plan, which will in turn translate into sales for the building company.

The first thing that we recommend when you begin your programming and fact gathering is to research the builder. What kind of homes do they already sell? What is the price point in the development where they’re building and how does this compare to other home product in the area? Is this a luxury product or mid-level? What is the buyer profile in that neighborhood? Are there a lot of younger families? Is it an age-qualified development? What other homes are available nearby, and if there are models for these developments, it might behoove you to go and tour those developments to see what the other designers have done in that market. Take stock of what they are doing well and make notes about what you think needs improvement. These are all good things to keep in mind when you begin the design process.

Another important thing to consider, is that home builders will try to upsell options to their buyers, which come at a higher cost than the standard finishes and fixtures. You will want to showcase the types of upgrades that are available to buyers and really wow them with some of the more luxe finish options. Because a model home is really an opportunity to inject some features that are intended to wow buyers and sell them a lifestyle, you may even consider putting some special features in the home that are not necessarily options. We did some ceiling treatments in our last model, for example, that were prohibitive on a production scale, but that our builder client wanted to show in the model anyways. You will have to have a discussion with your builder to decide how best to strike the balance between showcasing options that buyers will be able to purchase for their own homes, and design features that are not necessarily appropriate for production. When it comes to flooring, cabinets, fixtures and other materials, obtain a list of the vendors that the builder offers their buyers. A lot of times, the builder will have good working relationships with these vendors and use these relationships to try to get as much product donated for the model homes as possible. This saves the builder on costs, as the vendors are usually happy to offer product under the umbrella of marketing costs, since showing these products in the model will generate sales of their products. You will likely be using many of these products, so be sure to get in touch with these vendors through the builder to obtain sample product. You will want to put together a small but thorough material library for the project, and this can help get your creative wheels spinning when you see what type of choices are available to you. Sometimes a vendor may be limited in selection, which we have run into. If they don’t have decorative tile that packs an impactful enough punch, for instance, you may want to explore some other designer choices. Don’t let your designs suffer, because of a lack of choices.

Bobby Berk Model Home – photographed by Christopher Mayer

Nowadays, people expect to be able to customize their homes. Builders are starting to take note of the value in making their home product as customizable as possible. This especially appeals to millennials, which are a large and emerging demographic that designers and builders need to consider. Customization has really become important to most buyers in general, though. Although the days of cookie-cutter homes with a sea of beige carpet and granite are thankfully coming to an end, a model home is not exactly the place for wild design experimentation either. Remember that when you’re selling the idea of a lifestyle through your designs, you want to get buyers emotionally connected to the space. The best way to do this, without alienating too many personal aesthetics with an overly-niche design, is to stick with neutral fabrics and colors on beds and sofas. Bring in print with pillows, throws, rugs and curtains. This also makes it easier to change a look up with greater ease in the future. A controlled color palette is often a good idea, as it makes the transitions from room to room more seamless. Typically, greys, blues, earth tones, creams, whites and blacks are a good jumping off place to build around, and then you can bring in accent colors to give character to different rooms. Buyers will expect to see a pulled together and “decorated” space, but that doesn’t mean kitsch or corny design schemes.

One of the things that we love about working with builders is that unlike a typical client/designer relationship, there is usually much less back and forth over specific selections. There is a larger degree of trust on behalf of a corporate builder client, and this makes the process of the selection of furnishings and finishes more expedient and an all around easier task. There is also a shared interest in getting the project finished in a timely manner, and you will have a team of professionals that are very knowledgeable at your disposable. It’s definitely a welcome change of pace to be working so directly with the construction team and have that type of open communication, especially when you’re working through any special challenges or need assistance in executing a design idea. Typically you will have an assigned superintendent that will be your point of contact during the construction process. There are also a number of other people that get involved, from marketing staff, to purchasing people, landscapers, etc. Builders don’t always put together a “cheat sheet” with everyone’s role on the project, so if they don’t have something like that for you when you start on with them, ask someone to list the people you’ll be working with. This way, you’ll know who to go to with questions or issues that are sure to arise. It will make your life much easier if you establish all your contacts from the beginning, as you will no doubt be copied on hundreds if not thousands of emails over the course of the project.

Also consider how many models they are producing for a community. Are you doing all of the models? Are there other designers doing different models on the project? Establish a story for each floor plan. Consider the context of the architectural style and location of the home. Is it a Spanish or Mediterranean home? (Please God, not another Faux-Tuscan house!) Are you designing for the desert? The mountains? The beach? Or a simple suburban backdrop? Maybe the builders want to showcase a particular architectural style? Are the models different architecturally? Maybe the builder would like to do one floor plan that is more contemporary, maybe one that is more transitional and one that is more traditional. Find out what they’re looking for and make sure that each model has its own distinct character and that there is variety between the collective floor plans. One things that a lot of designers have done in the past is to pick one color and that becomes the strict accent for the entire home. This one’s the blue home. That one’s the orange one. This family has a daughter with a pink room that likes ballet, and a son with a blue room that likes cars. As much as you want to sell an aspirational lifestyle to buyers, I would try to steer clear of doing something too expected like this. When kids get emotionally involved after falling in love with what would potentially be “their room,” it can indeed drive parents to fall in love with a home as well, but kids these days have a wide range of interests and the trite and expected “pink and blue trap” might not be the best approach. Try a design that is a little more gender neutral, and that is more age-neutral. A more sophisticated child’s room is one that a teen could also see themselves in and something that kids could potentially grow into.

Bobby Berk Model Home – photographed by Christopher Mayer

Not only do you have to make the kids happy, assuming you design some kids rooms, but you also have to make adults get excited about their potential spaces: the master suite and closet. We had to push for custom closet in the past, as some models will have the most basic closet solutions that come standard. We’re talking a basic painted MDF shelf and wooden dowel rod– not the most impressive thing to see in a model, and certainly difficult to accessorize and make attractive. Try to get your builder to see the value in addressing every space, including the closet! Be sure to accessorize with pretty clothing, including a few dresses, shoes, men’s dress shirts, nice shopping bags, and attractive baskets that help a closet look well organized. To the aesthetic of the master suite, we would encourage something that isn’t overtly feminine. Women might have a lot of say when it comes to matters of the home, and they may lean very feminine, but men will certainly have a say as well, so finding the right aesthetic is a fine line.

It’s really hard to find good affordable bedding. We would encourage designers to consider having custom bedding made. It makes it so much easier to pull together a scheme when you can customize your bedding to your design. You don’t even have to typically use sheets underneath your comforters, unless a really layered style is what you’re after. You can typically get away with pulling the comforter all the way up, eliminating the need for sheets. If you do use a sheet, grab something cheap at Ikea or another budget friendly retailer. Use a lot of pillows, and create a plush and inviting bed. Remember that mattresses should be as affordably sourced as possible. The budget should extend to things that people can actually see. We’ve even seen beds that are constructed out of a box or that don’t have a headboard or frame, but we like to use real furniture whenever possible. Someone may try to sit on the bed, and you don’t want it to be fake or hard. Another consideration is that models are sometimes sold furnished after a community sells out, so it might be wise to make sure that everything you design is functional for actual use.

You will probably be designing on a fairly conservative budget, and you’ll need to choose where to spend your money. When it comes to accessories, sometimes larger accessories can be more impactful and appear less cluttered than a slew of little accessories. It’s also potentially cheaper to decorate with a couple large pieces than a lot of smaller ones. We have also found that smaller accessories have a way of “walking off,” so this will ensure that things stay where they’re intended. Be prepared to glue down silverware to placemats, washcloths to baskets etc. If you’re going to do smaller framed prints, sometimes you can even take high-res image files to a printer and have them printed, rather than paying top dollar for prints through a dealer. It depends on the piece, obviously, but this could be a good way to save on costs. Another potential cost-saving tip is to consider how you dress your windows. You can sometimes get away with doing a single curtain panel on either side of a large glass slider or bank of windows rather than doing multiple panels, since the curtains will be open anyways. You just need enough curtain to frame the window. When it comes to finding books, try the dollar store. You can remove the sleeves to make the books look less busy and more non-descript. It’s much easier to fill a shelf with dollar books than drop hundreds of dollars on them. Keep things like this in mind!

All in all, be sure to inject each room with color, pattern, texture and shine in order to make things feel well-layered and visually interesting.

As designers, you already have a lexicon of knowledge. Designing for a model doesn’t necessarily require reinvention of the wheel, but there are distinct things to consider. Hopefully we’ve given you a little food for thought! These types of design projects are truly a pleasure to work on. The construction timeline is typically accelerated, so you’ll be able to turn out an entire home much faster than you might for a private client. Models are great portfolio builders and you can generate additional business from buyers that tour your models. Once you get a good working relationship with a builder, they become the gift that keeps on giving, and you’ll often be brought on for more and more projects. There are some designers who make handsome livings just on designing model homes. If you’re interested in doing some model homes, put together a marketing package and pitch yourself to builders in your area. Good luck and happy designing!

4 Ways to Perk Up Your Outdoor Spaces With Color - Houzz article by Jennifer Ott

noreply@blogger.com (BB) — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 19:26:00 +0000

Go beyond plantings with these ideas for bringing bold hues to the exterior of your home.

Spring has arrived, which means summer isn’t too far behind. If your outdoor hangout needs sprucing up, now’s the time to hatch a plan for improvements. Plants and flowers are one of the best ways to add color, but you can also perk up the space with paint, furniture and accessories. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Le jardinet

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1. Accent wall. Most people think of an accent wall as something you add only to interiors, but it’s also a terrific way to introduce a burst of eye-catching color on the outside of your home. What I love about exterior accent walls is that you can go a lot bolder than you might on the inside. This is because the area probably gets flooded with natural light, which softens and lightens the hue.

Exteriors By Chad Robert

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Greet visitors to your home with a splash of a warm, vibrant shade, such as this zesty orange. This color would be tricky to pull off on the entire exterior of most homes, but on a fence or small section of wall, it’s a delightful dose of fun color.

Gregg Hodson Interior Design

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2. Textiles. Of course, paint isn’t the only way to bring color outside. There’s an abundance of color and pattern options in outdoor-grade fabrics. Again, think about going somewhat bold. This vibrant lime green coordinates nicely with the natural greens in the landscape.

The Cousins

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This mostly neutral outdoor kitchen gets a fantastic boost of color from the canopy panels. It’s a good idea to stick to neutrals for the materials and finishes that are more costly and difficult to change, since they’ll likely age much better than if they’re in a trendy shade. Outdoor fabric isn’t necessarily cheap, but it’ll need to be replaced eventually — probably sooner than the more resilient materials used — so why not be a bit adventurous? The mix of neutral gray with a trendier yellow-green is a nice combination here.

Bobby Berk Home

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3. Furniture. Another vehicle for introducing color to your outdoor dining or lounge area is via furniture. I’m definitely seeing a trend toward more boldly hued outdoor furniture and furnishings. They’ll really stand out if most of the other materials in the space are of the neutral variety. Bobby used this colorful dining table and chairs from Fermob as well as their fun orange bar cart.

Emerson Outdoor Design

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Classic Adirondack chairs get a modern twist with a peppy hue. What a beautiful spot to enjoy the setting sun, and its own gorgeous tones, at the end of the day.

Kathleen Shaeffer Design, Exterior Spaces

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Even just the smallest hit of vivid color can have a huge impact. I love this patio for its creative mix of hues. These stools can also serve as side tables, making them a flexible and low-commitment way to bring a dash of color to the space.

CAROLE MEYER

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4. Artwork. Borrow ideas from your interior decor to dress up your outdoor spaces. Artwork that can withstand the elements is a fantastic addition to an outdoor lounge. This is another fairly low-commitment way to bring interesting color to your outdoor hangout.

The Room Illuminated

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Just about anything can be rejuvenated with a fresh coat of paint. With that in mind, you don’t need to spend a fortune on artwork and accessories if your budget won’t allow it. Select weather-tolerant objects that have an interesting form, and paint them a fun shade for an affordable and personal display.

The millennial starter home: it's here!

noreply@blogger.com (BB) — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 20:25:00 +0000

Bobby Berk, Designer, CEO of Bobby Berk Home, recently designed homes in Las Vegas with a very targeted audience in mind: Millennials. Yep! Everyone’s favorite generation to hate on is ready to buy home #1, and Berk is ready for them. As creative director for the Responsive Homes project, Berk designed adaptable floorpans with smart tech capabilities (of course) and eco-friendly elements. The homes aren’t just designed for millennials, they were designed by one, too!

Reeve Mid-Century Coffee Table, Marble/Walnut

west elm

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Granger

park studio

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How did this project come about?

Hanley Wood of Builder Magazine contacted me through Ketchum PR, and was looking for a designer whom they felt represented the millennial demographic. They wanted to tap into this demographic and produce homes that showcased features that appealed to millennial buyers. The project was to be featured at the International Builder Show. For the construction team, they partnered with Pardee’s Vegas division. They called me up, we had a meeting, and a partnership was born!

Splash Coat Rack

Blu Dot

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Sauna 4' Bench

Modway Furniture

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What is the key difference in building homes specifically for millennials vs. homes built for the public at large?

Millennials are a very savvy and choosey bunch. With all of the information they have at their fingertips, they are able to research and educate themselves more than any generation before. They are looking for customization, high end finishes (or high design on a budget), flexible layouts with income potential, and adjacency to alternate forms of transportation and community parks and recreation.

What do millennials look for in their first home purchase that stands out from other generational groups?

One, they’re looking for something that doesn’t look cookie cutter and mass-produced. This raises the question, how can builders inject details and customizable options into their homes that not only allow them to turn a profit, but not look like what everyone else out there is doing? There are some simple ways to inject good design without breaking the bank. An example that comes to mind is the simple subway tile that we used in the farmhouse. We took the most basic, inexpensive white subway tile, added a dark grout, and it gives it a graphic punch. The dark grout is the same price as white grout, and it really makes the kitchen. This isn’t a new idea, but you don’t see it much in production builds.

Two, Millennials want something affordable. There are so many TV shows out there about renovating to provide income potential, but what about new builds that offer an income suite already built-in? This income opportunity can potentially take the sting out of taking on a new mortgage, and builders need to get on board this idea. Think Airbnb, think roommates, think mother-in-law suite. Not only do they want this flexible space, but they want more entertaining space in general. This includes space to entertain outdoors. You can see in both homes that we extended the entertaining space to the outdoors and there is a sense of continuation between indoors and out. This is why we carried the same tile flooring outside in both plans.

What, other than the millennial lifestyle, inspired these designs?

I was inspired by what I DIDN’T see in the Las Vegas area. There is so much of the (what I like to call) “Faux-Tuscan” aesthetic in Vegas. The codes out here only allow for a specific type of architecture, with a lean lexicon of allowable architectural elements and even paint colors. So much of what has been done in the building industry in this area has been like a machine that keeps turning out the same stuff year after year. We wanted to still think regionally, considering the local climate and context, but really push the envelope with the style of these homes. What we came up with is two distinct experiments with the same millennial marketing theme. The first home references a bit more of the traditional, but with a modern twist on a farmhouse. The second is more of a backdrop for a collection of modern art. I think they both make maximum use of space, while providing a lot of options for occupants where the layouts are concerned.

The Vardo Arm Chair

Control Brand

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What component of these designs are you most proud of?

I love that the homes feel even larger than they are. Our use of a consistent material palette and cohesive schemes that carry throughout both homes make them feel so expansive. My favorite features from each home are unique. I love the warmth and coziness of the farmhouse, which despite its homey charm still feels quite grand. In the large house, I have to say I love the master suite. The black hex tile really made that space feel so graphic and modern, and yet so sexy!

What was the greatest challenge in coming up with these concepts?

We wanted to specify materials, furniture and art that was actually at an affordable price point that millennials could potentially purchase at this stage of their lives. Everything we chose spoke to that demographic, so it was a challenge not wanting to go over the top, but still keeping it cool, stylish, and yet feasible.

What is the best reaction you've had to these homes so far?

Someone coming through said, “You know, I think these homes are just perfect! When can I move in?” That made me smile.

Threshold Metal Round Side Table

Target

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Large House
Furniture:
Blue Dot, CB2, RS Barcelona, Oeuf, Fermob
Lighting:
Kichler, Andrew Neyer

Small House
Furniture:
West Elm, Roost, Custom
Lighting:
Kichler, West Elm, Restoration Hardware

Modern Homes Designed for Millennials - Design Milk

noreply@blogger.com (BB) — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 20:53:00 +0000

Modern Homes Designed for Millennials

Posted by Jaime Derringer on 01.27.16 in Architecture, Interior Design, Main

View The Photo Gallery

Pardee Homes is up to something right outside of Las Vegas. They’re building a new neighborhood in the Henderson, Nevada, but this neighborhood has a handful of homes unlike any seen on the market right now—and we got a first-hand look. Enlisting the help of “millennial designer” Bobby Berk of Bobby Berk Home alongside architect Bassenian Lagoni and landscape architects, AndersonBaron, they’ve redesigned a selection of homes to cater toward millennial buyers: a 2,145-square-foot Contemporary Farmhouse and a 3,194-square-foot Contemporary Transitional home that they’re calling the Responsive Home Project. We had lots of questions. What’s a millennial buyer and a responsive home? What’s so different about these buyers, and how are these homes different from those in any other planned community? We asked Bobby Berk to tell us more:
Tell me what a community specifically geared toward Millennials means?
A community geared toward millenials is one that offers a connectedness to that community. This generation is looking for public parks, recreation areas, and adjacency to alternate forms of transportation such as zip car stations, and rail and bus access. Gen Yers are typically drawn to urban and suburban areas and single-family homes. Outdoor space and pet friendly neighborhoods are a must. Lots of sidewalks and walking trails for active adults and kids make getting exercise safe and easy. It’s also important that there be a retail aspect to these communities. People don’t want to drive 20 minutes to get coffee or go to the store. If they feel cut off, they won’t want to buy in that area.
When looking for that first home, millennials are scared of the cost factor and mortgage obligation. Having seen the bottom fall out of everything in 2008, they want to be sure they can handle the responsibility through thick and thin. This is why we’ve made these homes responsive.

Contemporary farmhouse exterior

Contemporary farmhouse

What’s a Responsive Home? What does that mean?
A Responsive Home is one that responds to millenials needs, and offers them income opportunities. It also responds as a family grows. Instead of worrying about needing to move to a house with one more bedroom after an initial investment, extra family rooms and lofts can be turned into extra bedrooms by simply adding a wall and a door instead of looking for a whole new home. “Responsive” also means that the house is fully automated. These homes utilized a Savant system, which allows full automation from an iPad or smart device. From lighting, music, and television, to smart whirlpool appliances, the system allows full control at the touch of button. You could even restart your laundry from your phone on the other side of the country.

Contemporary farmhouse

Contemporary farmhouse side yard

What are Millennials looking for when it comes to space?
Millennials are looking for even more entertaining space than previous generations. Both indoors and out. One of the appeals of living outside of super urban, high-rent areas with little space is that you can actually have friends over to entertain. This is something people desire more and more.

Contemporary farmhouse

What kinds of things do Millenials consider when buying a home?
Millennials are looking for flexible space. Pardee utilizes these great “Gen-Smart” Suites, which are spaces with separate kitchenettes and side entrances that offer a connection to the main living space, but can also be closed off for privacy. This type of space that’s already thought into the layout of a new build offers a place for a loved one to age in place, or come and stay for an extended period of time comfortably. It could be a separately rented roommate situation, or even serve as a completely sealed off apartment as strictly an income space. Nowadays, people do short term rentals on Airbnb, and this allows for any of the above options and more.

Contemporary farmhouse outdoor room

Contemporary transitional home exterior

Contemporary transitional yard

Contemporary transitional

What are some things that have been phased out in a home for the Millenial?
One of the things that we know we’re starting to phase out in our own designs is excessively large master suites and closets. Millenials would rather that potential space be allocated to shared living space, as so little time is spent in sleeping chambers. There’s little need for gargantuan closets and bedrooms if you could use that square footage to get an extra bedroom or larger living room or loft. They want space that is thoughtful and efficiently maximized.
Let’s talk about design: what interior elements are they in search of from materials to finishes?
Everyone’s aesthetic is different. There isn’t a “universal” aesthetic for millennials as a group. However, one thing we have noticed is that millennials want durable materials. As to the flooring, we’ve specifically picked tile that can be carried from indoors to the outdoor space to make the homes feel more expansive and ease the transition from indoor to out. Wood-look tile floor is indestructible, and requires little maintenance, yet still offers a warm layer that evokes classic wood-plank flooring. Millennials want things that require little maintenance, because they don’t always have lots of time. Materials that offer high design, and are easy on the wallet for both the upfront costs and long-term maintenance are ideal.

Contemporary transitional

Contemporary transitional yard

Contemporary transitional

How about exterior space: what kind of yards work best for young families and professionals?
We have definitely gotten away from putting grass everywhere. It’s just not sustainable. Life-like turf can be a good choice, and still give the feel of a traditional yard. In general, Millenials want yards that require little maintenance. We utilized many elevated planters in the backyards of both homes, because they provide a space to grow plants like lettuce, green onions or herbs. Millennials want to know where their food comes from, and the concept of farm-to-table is something that people desire if they can get it affordably and easily. These flexible landscape options offer gardening opportunities without a large irrigation or time expenditure. When it comes to yards, millennials still want something beautiful, but something easy. We have to think about how things function, not just how they look.
Thanks, Bobby! The homes will be ready in Spring 2016. Contact Pardee Homes for more details.
Photos by Brett Beyer Photography.

Governors Island's New Rolling Hills Will Open This Summer

noreply@blogger.com (BB) — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 20:51:00 +0000

Thursday, January 21, 2016, by Amy Plitt

When Governors Island reopens to the public this summer, it'll have one very new, big attraction: the Hills, four sloping slabs of land totaling 10 acres, each of which has a specific purpose. Some are meant for active use—Slide Hill is pretty self-explanatory, and at 40 feet high, it'll have the city's longest slide—while others are intended to show off Governors Island's unique vantage point. The tallest of the four, Outlook Hill, will rise 70 feet over the island and have views of the Statue of Liberty, New York Harbor, and the Manhattan skyline.
New York City Parks and Turner Construction Co went to Celebrity Designer Bobby Berk when it came time to sourcing the furniture that will outfit these amazing spaces. Bobby chose pieces from Fermob and Loll Designs for their modern, cool design and superior quality.

In addition to all that, the 10 acres of parkland includes "43,000 new shrubs, more than 860 new trees, four slides, pedestrian paths, [and] lawns." The new section is part of the Governors Island master plan, which was designed by Dutch firm West 8 and has led to the addition of now-popular sites like Hammock Grove and the revamped Liggett Terrace. Though no exact opening date has been set yet for the Hills (the rest of the park opens May 28), they will debut a year ahead of schedule—a rarity for civic improvements in NYC.
↓ Slide Hill in January 2016, and a rendering what it will look like upon completion.

Show only beforeShow only after

↓ Discovery Hill in January 2016, and a rendering what it will look like upon completion.

Show only beforeShow only after

↓ Granite Scramble on Outlook Hill in January 2016, and what it will look like upon completion.

Show only beforeShow only after

↓ Liberty Moment in January 2016, and what it will look like upon completion.

Whirlpool Corporation Arms Builders with Millennial Insights, Innovative Products at International Builders Show 2016

noreply@blogger.com (BB) — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 20:46:00 +0000

Whirlpool Corporation Arms Builders with Millennial Insights, Innovative Products at International Builders Show 2016

Jenn-Air, KitchenAid and Whirlpool brand appliances featured in Responsive Home project

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 20, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The world's leading global manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances will showcase some of its most innovative products at the International Builders Show from Jan. 19-21, and provide builders with exclusive insights into the vital role millennials play in the home building market.

"By arming builders with the powerful insights they need to sell to the largest growing demographic and by designing purposeful appliances that meet the needs of the consumer, Whirlpool Corporation continues to be a strong appliance partner for builders," said Bob Bergeth, general manager of Contract Builder Sales at Whirlpool Corporation.
Millennials will make up 35 percent of home buyers in 2016 and their purchase habits have given them trend-setter status for many of the top kitchen and laundry appliances. To help the company understand the young professional age group in terms of motivations and barriers to a home purchase and the importance of specific household design elements, Whirlpool Corporation partnered with TRI Pointe Group, Metrostudy, Hanley Wood and Ketchum Global Research & Analytics (KGRA) on a study as part of the Builder TRI Pointe Responsive Home project.
Key findings:

Outdoor space is the No. 1 "must-have," followed by an open kitchen
53 percent of respondents classified an open kitchen as an essential home feature
Customization is very appealing to the majority of millennials
On average, they will spend one-fifth of their home-buying budget on customizations suited to their needs
While renovations can be intimidating, the majority are willing to renovate
On average, millennial home buyers plan to spend 22 percent of their total budget on renovations

The data is brought to life at this year's show with the actualization of the Responsive Home project: a Contemporary Farmhouse and Contemporary Transitional home, located in the Inspirada master planned community in Henderson, Nev.
Based on detailed market research, the two homes incorporate the design and features most desirable to the millennial demographic. Built by the TRI Pointe Group's Pardee Homes unit, designed by architecture firm Bassenian Lagoni with Design Director Bobby Berk, the Responsive Home is equipped with the latest products from Whirlpool Corporation brands.
Highlights include:

Jenn-Air® Connected 30" Double Wall Oven with V2 ^TM Vertical Dual-Fan Convection System: As the desire for connectivity and customization increases, this sleek, dual convection wall oven features wireless connectivity and an app for IOS and Android devices that gives users control of the oven's functions and performance.* Among many features accessible via the app is the Jenn-Air® Culinary Center, an interactive, image-driven system that uses the oven's advanced cooking system, a series of precise algorithms, and chef-tested cooking programs to give cooks the ultimate control in achieving desired results. A "My Creations" feature allows users to save the settings for their favorite recipes.
Jenn-Air® TriFecta^TMDishwasher: At just 46 dBA, the dishwasher works quietly in a completely open kitchen. Its powerful, yet quiet performance combines a host of thoughtful features, including a built-in water softener.
Whirlpool®HybridCare™ Heat Pump Dryer: Compared to typical dryers that use large amounts of energy in the form of venting hot, moist air, this dryer is a ventless heat pump dryer that uses a refrigeration system to dry and recycle the same air. When using the Eco Dry setting, the dryer uses up to 73 percent less energy** utilizing a revolutionary refrigeration system to dry and recycle the same air.

The Whirlpool Corporation Global Consumer Design centers study the cultures, behaviors and needs of consumers of all ages around the world, and have learned the various ways millennials have sparked changes in the appliance market. These consumers are bringing an optimism that influences design and leads to a willingness to take chances, creating the need for additional options and demand for an experience through their appliances, such as with new colors.
"We know there is a strong demand for an open concept in homes, which includes integration with appliances beyond the kitchen," said Pat Schiavone, vice president, Global Consumer Design, who will also be on hand to share additional design preferences at the show.
"Home floor plans have changed, and Whirlpool Corporation helps builders adjust to the open concept with new design options and appliances that adjust to the environment, such as the remarkably quiet Jenn-Air® TriFecta^TMDishwasher that's only 46 decibels," he said.
Show attendees can experience the latest product innovations and gain additional insights at booth P1.9 in the Outdoor Exhibits area and at the two Responsive Homes, open to the public for tours at Pardee Homes at Inspirada, 3077 Lascari Avenue Henderson, NV 89044.
For more information, visit the Whirlpool Corporation at insideadvantage.com and follow @WhirlpoolCorp.
*Requires Wifi and account creation. App features and functionality subject to change. Subject to Terms of Service available at: www.jennair.com/connect. Data rates may apply.
**Compared to pre-2004 traditional dryers, when paired with a matching washer, Normal cycle, electric only.
ABOUT WHIRLPOOL CORPORATIONWhirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is the number one major appliance manufacturer in the world, with approximately $20 billion in annual sales, 100,000 employees and 70 manufacturing and technology research centers throughout the world. The company markets Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, Consul, Brastemp, Amana, Bauknecht, Jenn-Air, Indesit and other major brand names in more than 170 countries. Additional information about the company can be found at whirlpoolcorp.com, or find us on Twitter at @WhirlpoolCorp.

Responsive Homes: Beautiful Design Meets Sustainable Living

noreply@blogger.com (BB) — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 19:53:00 +0000

Responsive Homes: Beautiful Design Meets Sustainable Living

January 25, 2016 by Arianne Bellizaire

Bobby Berk is fun, hip and cool, but don’t let his East Coast/West Coast swagger fool you. The guy is at the top of his game!

Bobby has been dubbed as a Celebrity designer and over the past nine years he has built an impressive lifestyle brand and retail line.

Because Bobby is a “millennial” who is known for his unique approach to modern design with his signature minimalist-meets-urban-sophistic aesthetic, he was tapped to lead the creative efforts for the the 2016 Responsive Homes.

I am so happy that I was able to tour the homes in person during my Modenus BlogTourKBIS trip to Las Vegas!

What is a Millenial?

The U.S. Census Bureau defines “Millennials” as those between the ages of 25- to 34-year-old age, and you might be surprised the know that this segment of the population represents the biggest share of new-home buyers in the U.S.!

However, increased anxiety about the high unemployment rate, staggering student loan debt, and higher credit card debt are some of the challenges that make this demographic shy to enter the buyers market.

What is a responsive home?

Bobby Berk describes a responsive home as one that interacts with its owners. It’s a home that rises up and responds to whatever stage of life the homeowner is in.

For example, the homes offer additional flex space at the front of the home that converts the porch to a play room for kids, a home office or a fitness room, and the second floor loft can be converted to an extra bedroom.

These homes are also designed to work well as short- or long-term rentals which means a higher value proposition for young buyers.

Key features include:

Adaptable floor plan options that give owners space for what they need now and flexibility for their future needs
Smart technology that features enabled automation and energy performance
Bold design finishes that provide a sophisticated look and feel for the young professional
Powerful indoor-outdoor flow to maximize entertaining and living space
Unique Design informed by key insights from the market

Click here to see a video tour:

Beautiful Design

The 2016 Responsive Homes are located in the picturesque Pardee Homes Bella Verdi neighborhood in the Inspirada master-planned community.

Both Responsive Home floor plans, the Contemporary Farmhouse and the Contemporary Transitional, blend livability with modern function.

What makes the design of these homes so cool is that they allow the homeowner to transition from indoor to outdoor living effortlessly with features like retractable doors that open the living room to the backyard, creating the ultimate home entertaining space!

The homes offer highly customized, evolution-over-time floor plans designed to transform as a homeowner’s needs change, and in a day and age where Uber and Airbnb have become staples for a growing millennial population, this home design option makes sense.

The Contemporary Farmhouse

The Contemporary Farmhouse is just over 2100 square feet and features three to four bedrooms with three and a half to four and a half bathrooms (depending on the options that the homeowner chooses), an optional 384-square-foot flat over the garage, AND a downstairs bedroom suite with a full bath, kitchenette, and an outside entrance—perfect for the college-aged sibling or live-in mother-in-law.

The Contemporary Transitional

The Contemporary Transitional is a bit larger at just over 3,000 square feet and offers four bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms. It also has a smaller, more private living space behind the garage that includes a covered private patio, small kitchen, full bath and optional adjoining fitness room!

All professional photos courtesy of Pardee Homes and Builder Magazine

Sustainable Living

Even more important to millennials than beautiful design is the incorporation of sustainable living elements like solar panels, LED lighting, and low-to-no-electric power bill!

Each garage features an electric car charger, and the roofs have smart sensors that detect recent rain and communicate to the garden irrigation system to conserve water.

The Key Players

The success of the design and build of the two Responsive Homes relied heavily on the effective partnership between several industry leaders: Pardee Homes, BUILDER Magazine Bassenian Lagoni, AndersonBaron, Western Window Systems, Broan-Nutone, Carrier, Daltile, DuPont Building Innovations, Eldorado Stone, Gerber, GoTour™ Interactive Video Home Tours by Avid Ratings, International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), James Hardie, Kichler Lighting, Jeld-Wen, LiftMaster, Pavestone, Rinnai, Savant, Schlage, Schneider Electric/Square D, Sherwin-Williams, SolarCity, Timberlake Cabinetry, Uponor, Weyerhaeuser, Whirlpool and, of course,celebrity designer Bobby Berk.

My Photos from the Grand Opening event:

It can be really hard to get good pictures of a show house because people are always milling around, and it’s hard to get a clear shot.
Here are a few photos to give you a feel of the vibe of the event and some other angles of the homes that aren’t reflected in the professional photography.

Special thanks to Bobby and his crew for the wonderful hospitality at the event. Looking forward to seeing more from him and more examples of this design concept!

Millennials, Allow Us to Present Your Dream House

noreply@blogger.com (BB) — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 19:49:00 +0000

by Kate Thorn on January 24, 2016

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Millennials have very specific ideas about what they do and don’t want — and real estate is no exception. A survey published last June by Pardee Home gave us a glimpse into what exactly millennials *do* want out of a home. They interviewed 503 people, ages 25-34, half of whom were already homeowners and half of whom were looking to buy within the next year. The survey showed that millennials want outdoor space, the ability to customize the interior (hello, Gen DIY) and all the urban conveniences but in a suburban setting. That seems like a pretty tall order, but Responsive Homes decided to put all those requests together into two millennial dream houses. See the incredible spaces below and get ready for some major home envy.

So what does a millennial-centered home design look like? The first Responsive Homes designed by Celebrity Designer, Bobby Berk have just been completed in Henderson, NV and are located close to Las Vegas. There are two models: a contemporary farmhouse and a contemporary transitional. Both homes are unique and totally customizable for each buyer.

The smaller of the two Responsive Homes is the 2,130-square-foot farmhouse. It boasts a $320,000 price tag that makes the prospect of home buying more attainable for those just starting their careers. The house also comes with room to expand in the future, with an upper-level loft area that can be converted into a bedroom and an optional flat over the garage for guests.

Even though it’s an affordable house, nothing feels cheap here. There are plenty of stylish, high-tech amenities that you’d usually never see in an entry-level home. The designers knew that millennials don’t want a “cookie-cutter home,” so they really focused on creating something unique with lots of modern and rustic touches.

The second, much larger home is a 3,194-square-foot transitional residence, which is targeted more toward the growing family. Millennials said more space is the biggest motivator to buy a home, but they still want to be close to recreation, walking trails and, of course, shopping.

Since outdoor activities and healthy living are a huge selling point for millennials, this $450,000 home boasts some serious outdoor living, including a covered private patio and the extra outdoor space and option to add a separate fitness room.

Combining with millennial-tailored design elements like adaptable floor plans, indoor-outdoor flow and bold design finishes, Responsive Homes has created two homes that they hope will satisfy millennials’ desire for tech-savvy and eco-friendly homes. Home tours are available to the public now. Vegas trip, anyone?
Calling all millennials! What do you think of these homes? Share your thoughts with us on Twitter @BritandCo!
(h/t Builder)

tags: architecture, Interior Design, millennials, study

About the author

Kate Thorn

Kate Thorn is an illustrator, foodie, photographer, and blogger at Create & Kate. She loves creating art, traveling, and all things chocolate. A native to the Great Northwest, she is currently living in London and pretending to be a mature grad student. Find Kate Thorn at http://createandkate.blogspot.com/.

How To Buy A Home And Have Someone Else Pay The Mortgage | Responsive Homes with Bobby Berk

noreply@blogger.com (BB) — Thu, 28 Jan 2016 19:42:00 +0000

How To Buy A Home And Have Someone Else Pay The Mortgage | Responsive Homes with Bobby Berk

We all have one - a vision of our very own dream home. A space to host the most fabulous parties, to live a meaningful and connected life, all the while easily entertaining both indoors and out. But paying the mortgage on that dream home can sometimes feel out of reach.

HOW THE RIGHT FLOOR PLAN CAN PAY YOUR MORTGAGE

Enter the brilliant space planning of the Responsive Homes we recently visited as a part of the Modenus BlogTourKBIS in Las Vegas. With interiors designed by Bobby Berk and built by Pardee Homes, these innovative spaces blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living with an apparent simplicity that belies their clever flexibility. But beyond designs that include sliding walls that open to invite the outdoors in, these unique floor plans offer homes that really can pay for themselves.

Targeted at Millennials, the Responsive Homes are uniquely designed with main floor "lock off" suites. The suites include a bedroom, bathroom, sitting area and small kitchenette that allow the homeowner to rent the space out to either a long term renter or - at higher short term rates - via online rental services like Airbnb.

Not only does the rental suite option make a new mortgage payment easier for Millenials in the short term, but it also offers a space that will flex with the needs of the home owner, evolving into a nanny suite, for example, when future kids come along. From bachelor parties to birthday parties, these houses will have no problem growing with their owners through the many seasons of life ahead.

What do you think? Are you inspired by this innovative approach to space planning, either for your own home, for a child's first home, or for an investment property? I'd love to hear from you in the comments!

And stay tuned for all of the many design finds I spotted at the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show. I've got lots of great highlights and exciting trends to share with you in the coming weeks!

Find this original post at http://www.thecuratedhouse.com/2016/01/how-to-buy-home-and-have-someone-else.html

Pardee Homes Chooses Millennial Designer Bobby Berk As Creative Director For Innovative Concept Homes To Debut At 2016 International Builders' Show

noreply@blogger.com (BB) — Thu, 16 Apr 2015 14:36:00 +0000

SOURCE Pardee Homes

LAS VEGAS, April 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Celebrity Millennial designer Bobby Berk has been chosen to provide interior design for the two home concept project dubbed "Responsive Homes" that will be showcased at the 2016 International Builders' Show in Las Vegas.

Pardee Homes, a member of the TRI Pointe Group, is collaborating with Hanley Wood's BUILDER magazine to develop and build the concept homes, designed to appeal to the nation's 77 million Millennials, as well as to homebuyers of all ages who want flexibility, design innovation, sustainability and smart technology in their new homes.

Who better than Bobby Berk, the nation's leading Millennial interior designer, to join the team that also includes Bassenian Lagoni Architects, Ketchum Research and Analytics, and Metrostudy.

Now 33, the founder of Bobby Berk Home already has nine years of experience in providing customers a unique approach to modern design and aesthetics by creating hip, minimalist urban luxury with mid-century modern and industrial-modern flair.

Berk describes a responsive home as a home that interacts with its owners, responding to their lifestyle and the way they want to live.

"Millennials want brands with a story, something they can relate to," Berk said. "They want a personal brand they can put a face to." He credits Martha Stewart as the pioneer of developing a relatable brand for interior home design.

"And like most homebuyers, Millennials want a quality product at a price they can afford," Berk said. "That's what my company does, and it fits in perfectly with what the Responsive Homes will be."

According to Pardee Nevada President Klif Andrews, the concept matches Pardee's positioning in the market as a premium brand at every price point, making higher-quality amenities and finishes standard compared to what most other builders offer in the same price point.

"I think the opportunity to be a part of this project is amazing," Berk said. "I've always wanted to be a part of a home project like this where we get to work on the project from the ground up. Most of the time we get the projects after the home or condo is already built, but with this it's very exciting to be able to take this head on from design, marketing and branding."

"Not to mention that this project is clearly one that I personally can relate to, thus I'm able to really immerse myself and potential buyers in everything that is Responsive Homes," said Berk.

As Creative Director, Berk will oversee all interior design as well as outdoor amenities in homes that celebrate the spirited Southwest indoor/outdoor lifestyle. He will also consult on landscaping and looks forward to working with dramatic desert-friendly plants.

Set for a January debut, the Responsive Homes will be located in the Pardee Homes Bella Verdi neighborhood in the Inspirada master-planned community, surrounded by 85 acres of parks and trails and wide open spaces.

Having built homes for more than 40,000 families in Southern Nevada since 1952, Pardee Homesalso built "The Ultimate Family Home," a Zero Energy Home, for the 2004 International Builders Show in Las Vegas.

Pardee Homes: One of the West's largest and longest-established builders, Pardee Homesmaintains a strong presence in the nation's leading homebuilding markets. Pardee creates communities where housing works in concert with other critical elements, including parks and schools. As a result, the company is recognized as a pioneer in master planning for quality of life, as well as a national leader in environmentally responsible development. Pardee continues to create new standards of living in new neighborhoods in Southern Nevada and Southern Californiaas a member of the TRI Pointe Group (NYSE:TPH), a family of premium regional homebuilders supported by the significant resources, economies of scale and thought leadership of a national foundation. Visit www.pardeehomes.com.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150415/198985

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pardee-homes-chooses-millennial-designer-bobby-berk-as-creative-director-for-innovative-concept-homes-to-debut-at-2016-international-builders-show-300066796.html

BOBBY BERK NAMED DESIGN DIRECTOR FOR RESPONSIVE HOME

noreply@blogger.com (BB) — Wed, 15 Apr 2015 23:13:00 +0000

The founder of Bobby Berk Home will bring first-hand knowledge of millennials to the TRI Pointe BUILDER venture, set for IBS 2016 in Las Vegas

By Lauren Hunter

Bobby Berk, founder of growing design firm Bobby Berk Home, is joining the team of innovative brands that will bring the 2016 Responsive Home to life. Berk will serve as design director for the two-home concept project, which BUILDER is developing with TRI Pointe Group's Pardee Homes and Bassenian Lagoni Architects. Berk's affinity for clean and modern design will complement the homes' flexible spaces, and help attract the millennial buyers for whom they are designed.

"I love taking design cues from midcentury to modern to industrial modern, and making homes livable as well," Berk says. "There are brands out there right now that are a literal translation of my grandmother's home, and others where the home feels like a museum and you can't kick back and enjoy it. Millennials are all about entertaining and having people over. We try to think about all of that and the way design helps makes a home livable."

Berk adds that millennials are drawn to brands with a story behind them, making Bobby Berk Home an ideal brand for the Responsive Home project. Berk came to New York City from Texas in 2003, working retail while fostering his dream of creating a new design brand. "Millennials really related to brands that have a name behind them, something they can put a face to," he says. "Martha Stewart was really the pioneer of that concept and when you were putting your home together with Martha Stewart's collections, it's like she's helping you. It all comes back to having a story. When people have friends over to their house and it comes up that their sofa was designed by a 33-year-old guy, it becomes relatable."

Midcentury modern design inspires Bobby Berk's projects and vignettes in Bobby Berk Home retail stores.

Berk's "affordable luxury" positioning is another aspect of the brand that millennials will appreciate. The first Bobby Berk Home retail store opened in 2007, followed by a market crash in 2008. "In that situation, we made the decision to make great design with products your grandchildren will fight over, and do it at an affordable price," Berk says. The concept matches Pardee Homes' positioning in the market as a premium brand at every price point, making higher-quality amenities and finishes standards compared to what builders offer in the same price point.

Berk will address all the interior design and outdoor furniture for both homes in the Responsive Home project, and will also consult on the project's landscaping. He says he look forward to bringing his brand of personalization to the concept homes.

"One of the things we try to do with product in our stores is to offer tailored choices to gives customers an element of customization without worry about making the wrong choice," Berk says. "To me, a responsive home is one that interacts with you, and it's important to a millennial that their home adapts to them, responding to your lifestyle and where you live."

Unique features of the Responsive Home will be revealed this spring, followed by a goal of breaking ground in June 2015 in the Inspirada master-planned community. The Responsive Home will debut during at the 2016 International Builders Show in Las Vegas. Visit Builder Online, or find the Responsive Home on Facebook to follow the project's progress.

Block Printed by Hand | Organic Bedding

noreply@blogger.com (BB) — Thu, 05 Feb 2015 22:34:00 +0000

Block printed by hand with carved wooden blocks, our printers have used this traditional Indian method for hundreds of years. Hand printed on luxuriously soft 100% organic Indian cotton, these will become softer with every wash and better with age. Because our organic bedding is hand dyed, and hand printed, no two are alike. This is what makes them extra special and unique.
Our modern bedding works great as either mixed, matched and layered. And as always, our bedding is all fair trade.

The Velvet Touch

noreply@blogger.com (BB) — Sat, 31 Jan 2015 16:22:00 +0000

Shop Houzz: The Velvet Touch

Velvet is popping up everywhere, from plush perches in the living room to cozy headboards for slumber. And here’s a little secret: While velvet looks and feels oh so luxe and decadent, it’s a smart upholstery choice when you have pets (especially clawing cats, since their little claws slide right off). This luscious velvet sofa from Gus Modern is sure to become your next crush.

Palm Springs Modernism Week with Bobby Berk and Christopher Kennedy

noreply@blogger.com (BB) — Thu, 15 Jan 2015 16:50:00 +0000

We're excited to announce an amazing collaboration with Bobby Berk and Christopher Kennedy on this years Palm Springs Modernism Week Compound. We're putting together an amazing Mid-Century Modern Home in the heart of Palm Springs sponsored by Traditional Home Magazine and California Homes Magazine.

7 Days of Giveaways

noreply@blogger.com (BB) — Wed, 10 Dec 2014 18:27:00 +0000

It's that time of year again! Time to win amazing home decor from Bobby Berk Home and Decorilla!

Day 1. Pablo Pixo Lamp

Day 2. Clocky Alarm Clock

Day 3. Seven Desk Lamp

Day 4. Love Grenade

Day 5. Figure 6.3 Pillow

Day 6. Gus Modern Saffron Pawn Stool

Day 7. Gold Design Package from Decorilla

Fall Furniture Sale - Save 20%

noreply@blogger.com (BB) — Fri, 10 Oct 2014 19:53:00 +0000

Our Annual Fall Furniture Sale Starts NOW!

Hurry in to save 20% off Bobby Berk and Gus Modern Living, Dining and Bedroom furniture.

Snag up our popular Gus Modern Jane Bi-Sectional at 20% off for only $2559!

Tempaper and Bobby Berk Home Announce Collaboration Fall 2014

noreply@blogger.com (BB) — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 19:47:00 +0000

Press Contact:
Danielle Tighe
Marketing Coordinator 732.920.2654 Danielle@tempaperdesigns.com

For Immediate Release
Tempaper and Bobby Berk Home Announce Collaboration Fall 2014

LolliProps Inc. is excited to partner with Bobby Berk Home and bring the brands urban appeal to its consumers at the High Point Market this month.
(New York, N.Y., October 1, 2014)- Tempaper® has announced a new licensing partnership with Bobby Berk Home that will be introduced at the High Point Market from October 18th thru the 23rd. “Our first collection of modern wallpapers with Tempaper are fun, retro inspired prints that will make any space look like you have spent thousands on a designer.” said Bobby Berk, Founder and Creative Director of Bobby Berk Home. Within the new Tempaper by Bobby Berk Home collection you will find fabulous new patterns: Love, Bars, Retrogeo, Thermoscad.

“We are thrilled to be collaborating with Bobby. His fresh, modern designs compliment our alternative approach to decorating in a fun and lively way,” said Jennifer Matthews, Co-Founder and Design Director of Tempaper.
The Bobby Berk Home brand epitomizes minimal urban luxury and sophistication. Its modern design aesthetics and affordable products continue to set trends each year. Keeping consistent to what both brands embody, the Tempaper by Bobby Berk Home line will be sure to deliver a fresh and fun style inspired by pop art and modern elements. “When it was time for the Bobby Berk Home brand to evolve into additional home categories, Tempaper was the obvious choice for me. The synergy between our young, innovative brands makes for the perfect partnership. Our brands represent a new way of thinking for home design and we are always looking for new and exciting ways to bring amazing DIY designs to our customers at an affordable price,” added Bobby Berk.
Tempaper invites you to the International Home Furnishing Center (IHFC) InterHall 311 at High Point Market to shop the Bobby Berk Home collection; and over 25 new Tempaper designs, texture prints, and new Elements line. Tempaper Elements will provide the home décor market with a recycled, eco-friendly, self-adhesive wallpaper option.

Tempaper by Bobby Berk Home Price Point: Retail $125 per standard double roll 20.5” x 11 yards.

About Tempaper

Tempaper is a family-owned company started in NYC by set decorators. There was a clear need for Tempaper in the home decor market. Tempaper is the perfect solution for high-impact decorating without a long-term commitment. Unlike traditional wallpaper, Tempaper is self-adhesive allowing it to be applied and removed easier than traditional wallpaper. Tempaper has revolutionized the wall decor industry making wallpaper one of the most sought after decorating tools on the market. Now renters, sub-letters, homeowners and all small and large temporary and permanent decorating projects can utilize wallpaper.
Tempaper® is made in the USA, environmentally safe and friendly, uses water-based adhesive and inks, a biodegradable back liner, and is lead-free, phthalate-free and VOC-free. One roll covers approximately a 7ft. x 8ft. surface. For more information, visit www.tempaperdesigns.com
Tempaper Product Lines: Tempaper, Tempaper Elements, Tempaper By You, Tempaper Tots, Custom
About Bobby Berk Home
Bobby Berk’s rise to bonafide “IT” status in the home design world has more in common with being a rock star than it does a contemporary designer. Since 2006, Bobby Berk Home has consistently provided customers a unique approach to modern design aesthetics. Berk’s designs reflect a stylish and youthful spirit that perfectly fits any cool, relaxed lifestyle. His past season’s were inspired by mid-century modernism, taking ideas from the colors and shapes of the 50s, 60s, and 70s. At the age of only 30, Berk’s brand is beginning to gain national attention, and is on track to quickly become a household name. With growing popularity, Bobby Berk Home is attracting the attention of couture socialites, celebrities, and anyone else with impeccable taste, as it is Berk’s goal to offer affordable luxury without sacrificing quality or style.
Today, Bobby Berk's growing number of stores continue to influence the streets around them. Most known for their design authority, Bobby Berk Home Stores sell the finest furniture, bedding, bath products and home furnishings in the market today. Bobby Berk Home is a definitive resource of affordable luxury for everything bed, bath and home. To learn more about Bobby Berk Home please visit www.bobbyberkhome.com.

SURYA TO INTRODUCE HIP NEW COLLECTIONS FROM BOBBY BERK HOME AT HIGH POINT MARKET

noreply@blogger.com (BB) — Tue, 30 Sep 2014 21:50:00 +0000

SURYA TO INTRODUCE HIP NEW COLLECTIONS FROM BOBBY BERK HOME AT HIGH POINT MARKET9.30.14

CALHOUN, Ga. — Sept. 30, 2014 — Surya is set to launch an energetic new line of rugs and coordinating pillows from trendsetting home furnishings and decor brand Bobby Berk Home at the Fall 2014 High Point Market. Epitomizing minimalist urban luxury and featuring Bobby Berk Home’s signature mix of bold colors and modern design, the spirited collections reflect a stylish and youthful spirit well matched to laid-back lifestyles.

Debut collections include:

Mod Pop – Hand tufted of wool with carved details, these hip rugs feature retro designs reminiscent of the ‘70s brought to life with bright pops of color and bold graphic patterns.

Solid Bold – Fun and a touch of whimsy rule in this collection of hand-tufted cut pile and loop wool rugs with classic minimal forms and clean lines that take the floor in both vibrant hues and grounded neutrals.

Retro – Hand-woven of wool, these dynamic flatweave rugs grab attention with their eye-catching geometric designs, lending a sense of energy to modern spaces.

“I wanted to create a line of rugs for people like me who love color, but find it hard to locate great rugs with minimal or cool patterns,” said Bobby Berk, founder and creative director of Bobby Berk Home. “My collection for Surya marries simple patterns with amazing colors that bring life to a room without overwhelming the space, all while providing affordable options that don’t sacrifice quality or style.”

The Bobby Berk brand has been named one of the top rising design brands in the country and Berk’s retail locations regularly make the list of top furniture/design stores in the cities in which they are located.

“Bobby Berk’s youthful design aesthetic and fresh mix of urban-focused styles are a perfect complement to Surya’s existing collections as we continue to expand our offerings to meet the needs of a diverse range of lifestyles and budgets,” said Satya Tiwari, president, Surya. “We are excited to work with a designer like Bobby who not only brings great design to the forefront but is truly passionate about what he does.”

Added Berk, “When I was ready to partner with a brand to design my first rug collection, Surya was really the only option in my mind. Having gotten to know the company and their team over the last few years, I've learned that they ‘just get it.’ Surya's dedication to quality and service and incredible drive are impressive to say the least and I couldn't be more excited to see this partnership grow.”

Market attendees are invited to explore the new Bobby Berk Home line at Surya’s flagship showroom, Showplace 4100, which will be open daily during market from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Click here to view high res images of rugs and pillows from the collection.

About Bobby Berk Home
Bobby Berk Home is a definitive resource of affordable luxury for everything bed, bath and home. Since opening in 2006, BBH has emerged as a top source for beautiful modern furniture, accessories and décor via the discerning eye and impeccable style of founder Bobby Berk. At only 32, Berk has taken the world of modern design by storm online, and in his retail locations in New York City, Miami and Los Angeles.

The first BBH home furniture line is composed of upholstered sofas and sectionals, case goods, bedroom and dining room sets all designed and manufactured in the United States. The line is filled with fun shapes and colors and reflects Bobby’s goal of making everyone’s home a happy one. To learn more, visit www.BobbyBerkHome.com.

My Teapot

noreply@blogger.com (BB) — Tue, 22 Jul 2014 20:59:00 +0000

My Teapot (clipped to polyvore.com)

Lungo Watering Can

noreply@blogger.com (BB) — Tue, 22 Jul 2014 20:50:00 +0000

Lungo Watering Can (clipped to polyvore.com)

Drop Bucket

noreply@blogger.com (BB) — Tue, 22 Jul 2014 20:49:00 +0000

Drop Bucket (clipped to polyvore.com)

Gus* Modern Summer Upholstery Sale - Save 20% off Sofas, Sectionals, Chairs and Beds

noreply@blogger.com (BB) — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 16:58:00 +0000

It's that time of year again! Time to save 20% off Gus* Modern Sofas, Sectionals, Chairs and Beds.

For a limited time you will also receive our 5 Year Total Protection Plan complementary with any Gus Modern Upholstery purchase over $1200. Have peace of mind with your investment that even if your messy friends stain your sofa, we'll clean it and if it can't be clean we'll replace it. It doesn't get better than that, right?

http://www.bobbyberkhome.com/brands/3/1/gus-modern.html

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Millennials, Allow Us to Present Your Dream House

by Kate Thorn on January 24, 2016 FacebookTwitterGoogle+Email App

About the author

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SURYA TO INTRODUCE HIP NEW COLLECTIONS FROM BOBBY BERK HOME AT HIGH POINT MARKET

SURYA TO INTRODUCE HIP NEW COLLECTIONS FROM BOBBY BERK HOME AT HIGH POINT MARKET9.30.14

My Teapot

Lungo Watering Can

Drop Bucket

Gus* Modern Summer Upholstery Sale - Save 20% off Sofas, Sectionals, Chairs and Beds

by Kate Thorn on January 24, 2016

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