Srote & Co Architects | Latest Completed Projects!

I can’t believe summer is already coming to a close! We have been quite busy here at Srote & Co Architects | Planners | Interiors! We have so many exciting new projects in various phases of design. While planning, drawings, sample ordering, pricing, etc. are all important steps in the home building/renovation process, nothing is more exciting than seeing the final product! Seeing your vision and plans come to fruition is a magical feeling!

Here’s a peek at a few projects we have completed this year.

SACKSTON PRAIRIE

This custom home architecture was planned and built based on a modern prairie style home design concept. I love the exterior of this home with its strong horizontal lines complimented by natural stone and stucco. Inside, the floor plan is open and the decor is cool and contemporary!

LAUREL FARMHOUSE

The essence of cool. This modern farmhouse design is clean and classic, yet modern and fun! Check out the floating staircase, beautiful planked fireplace and vaulted ceiling.

SUNSET HILLS OUTDOOR ADDITION

I’m sure this custom home addition design is getting lots of use this summer! It includes an extended garage with a large grotto located directly beneath it. Equipped with a bar, dining and lounge area, bathroom and changing room, this grotto has everything you need for a summer gathering.

TWIN FAWN CUSTOM

This custom design spec home is currently FOR SALE!  It is situated on a 1 acre level lot and offers over 5,000 sq ft of living space. It was completed with neutral finishes with textural interest to create a relaxing interior and serve as the perfect backdrop for future home owners.

We have quite a bit more in the works so stay tuned for another update in the future! Or check out our architecture and interior design portfolio.

A Well Lit Interior

Lighting is one of the most important considerations in your home. It sets the scene for experiences and emotional responses. When done incorrectly it can lead to eye-strain, fatigue, headaches and stress. When done correctly it can facilitate daily tasks, highlight architectural features in your home, expand spaces or create an intimate environment. There are 3 main types of lighting that should be considered in every environment – Ambient, Task and Accent. Lets break down these layers and show you some of our favorite examples of how to accomplish them in your home.

GENERALLY SPEAKING

Ambient Lighting is commonly referred to as general lighting. As the base layer of lighting it provides a blanket of overall illumination in a space, and is essential to any lighting plan. Its main function is to provide adequate lighting for visibility and safety to navigate throughout an area. In some cases it serves as the only light source, such as a laundry room or closet. Examples include recessed and track lighting, wall sconces and chandeliers.living room and breakfast room inteirors

THE TASK AT HAND

Task Lighting is a smaller, more concentrated light used to illuminate specific areas where a more intensive and directed light source is required. Island pendants, undercabinet lighting and a well placed desk lamp are the most common applications of task lighting. LED lighting on stairs

ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVES

Accent Lighting is used to highlight a specific object. It evokes feelings of meaning, creates drama and conveys importance of the object it illuminates. Most commonly it washes light over artwork and sculptures, bookcase displays and highlights architectural features in a home.paneled library with accent lighting

Hopefully this will shed some light on one of the most commonly overlooked aspect of interiors. We would love to see how you have incorporated lighting in your own spaces. Feel free to share!

Get It Together!

It’s already August, which means “back to school” is right around the corner! Getting in a new routine and organizing our daily lives can be a struggle. Here are a few tips that can help simplify the day-to-day.

Productivity Apps

apps copy

Wunderlist is an app that stores all types of to-do lists. I love that it allows you to share your lists and work collaboratively with friends and family (i.e. my husband and I share a grocery list, when he buys an item and checks it off the list, I am notified). It has also been a great way to help us organize our kitchen renovation project. I love hearing the satisfying chime as I check off a task.

Google Calendars is a great way to stay organized. Because I enjoy hand writing everything I used to keep a physical planner. However, I recently converted to Google Calendars and I will never look back. In addition to notifying you of upcoming events and estimating the drive time based on current traffic conditions, it also allows you to invite and send the event to others.

Cozi is an app geared toward organization for the whole family, including chores, groceries, upcoming events, etc. Its features allow multiple family members to manage appointments and schedules with one account, as well as organize and update shopping and to-do lists.

Create a Drop Zone

Whether you enter your house through a mudroom, laundry room, back entry, foyer or straight into the kitchen, it’s imperative to have a “drop zone” to corral the clutter. A designated place for shoes, coats, backpacks, mail and keys will keep your belongings organized and looking good.

Control Paper Piles

Establish a system to deal with mail and the piles of paper your kids will surely come home with on a daily basis! I really liked how Young House Love handles their paperwork. They keep a basket in their office and put the papers from their child’s backpack into it daily.  Every two-weeks, or once it is full, they go through the papers and decide what to file, what to display on their bulletin board, and what to toss.

iHeart Organizing is another great source for ANYTHING & EVERYTHING dealing with organization. To organize her children’s school work, she keeps a file box for each kid with folders for K-12.  She attaches their school pictures to the front of each folder and is very selective about what she saves. Read more here!

Do you have any tips for staying organized?  Any apps that you have found successful?  We would love to hear your ideas!