Category: custom home building

2019 Home Design Trends in Review

Award-winning custom home we built on the Eastern Shore.

Taking stock of research from home building and design industry experts, we’ve cherry picked articles from the past year to deliver you an overview of the hottest trends and most valuable features you can build into your new custom home, remodel or renovation. 

Most Popular Home Styles in 2019

Better Homes & Gardens reports that Cape Cod, Country French, Colonial, Victorian, Tudor, Craftsman, Cottage, Mediterranean, Traditional Ranch and Contemporary are the 10 Most Popular House Styles in architecture. 

Outdoor Living Gains Momentum

We receive a lot of requests for deck and porch additions from homeowners who want to enjoy more of the outdoors year-round.

The outdoor living trend is evolving with how we live. “Improved indoor-outdoor connections” top the Best in American Living’s Trends That Impress for 2019 and Beyond.

Screened porches off the kitchen and living rooms in this custom built home are designed with lift- and-slide glass doors that in an instant connect indoor kitchen and dining area with the outdoors for maximum enjoyment of the river views and breezes.

The article also lists “quiet but purposeful architecture” at the top of their trends in architecture list. Homeowners favor cleaner lines on both the interior and exterior and form with purpose, such as floor-to-ceiling windows.

White, Stone and Open Design Reign in the Kitchen

In a report entitled, What Home Buyers Really Want, 2019 Edition, the  National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) surveyed 4,000 home buyers who ranked 175 home features on which they based their home purchasing choice.  According to the survey, 86% of home buyers prefer their kitchen and dining room to be completely or partially open. Top finishes include stainless steel appliances (67%), granite or natural stone kitchen countertops (57%) and white kitchen cabinetry (32%).

2019 Most Popular Bathroom Feature: The Linen Closet 

Beautiful bathroom we built in Baltimore. This renovation project was featured in Home & Design Magazine!

Survey respondents chose a linen closet as their top desired bathroom feature! While it may not be the most obvious feature, it’s certainly speaks to homebuyers’ desire for ample storage. Contractor magazine covered the study, reporting also higher-end fixture installations in the bathroom, such as wall-mounted sinks, faucets and toilets.

2019 Top Renovations that Pay Off 

Remodeling magazine’s 2019 Cost Vs. Value Report compares average costs for 22 remodeling projects with the value those projects retain at resale in that region. Kitchen and bathroom remodels dominate, but upscale master suite additions, patios, metal roof upgrades and Age-in-Place accessibility features also prove a high return on investment.  Click here to reveal the Top 10 projects for highest resale value in the South Atlantic 2019 (that includes Maryland).

This year and every year, Lundberg Builders has worked closely with our clients to help them design and build the home, remodel, or renovation that honors the way they live. And while reviewing trends is fun and helps us to discover new ideas, ultimately, we know our job as custom builders is to help you realize your unique vision. We look forward to working with you on your next project!

Reasons Why Architectural Details Matter

If you have ever driven through a great neighborhood and remarked about the quality of it, most likely it’s because you recognized the beauty and the appeal of the homes built there. We are fortunate to have many such neighborhoods here on the Eastern Shore and in neighboring Annapolis. Was it an awesome front door and window package, the presentation of a front porch, or the proper use of decorative corbels that caught your eye?

Like separating the men from the boys, homes that possess architectural details-are usually the best homes on the block—or at least they have the potential to be the best. Here are three reasons why and four examples of homes that hit the mark. (All photos courtesy of Lundberg Builders)

  1. When building or remodeling, careful consideration of the level of detail is essential to create a template for consistency throughout your home.
  2. Well-conceived architectural details ensure that your completed home project is authentic.
  3. Value. One little word that says it all. Detail helps build value into your property from Day One—and working with a custom builder will not only help ensure your home is built to last; your builder can work with you to maximize its value over time.
In size, in scope, and in limitless detail, this custom Lundberg-built home delivers appealing visual impact. This architecturally well-detailed home exterior fits well in its surroundings and uses specific materials to create details that meld the interior and exterior beautifully. Note how the exterior stone plays off the natural outdoor elements and then appears again inside the home.
This classic 18th century townhouse remodel by Lundberg Builders provides a perfect example of authenticity in architectural detail. While it has been updated to provide modern convenience, it remains true to its historic roots inside and out.
This amazing home on the Wye River (top) and the Bay traditional home (below) proves that no matter the style, period, or type of home, its specific architectural detail will stand the test of time and no-doubt continue to grab the eye of passers-by for many years to come

In summary, by choosing the right materials and methods, keeping an eye on aesthetics, quality, and livability over the long-term, then balancing that with your home’s long-term life cycle cost, you will gain not just pride of place, but peace of mind.

Come and share your love of architectural details with us. Contact Lundberg Builders at 410-643-3334, Lundberg Builders, Inc. is located at 314 Main St., Stevensville, MD. Visit us online at www.lundbergbuilders.com.

 

All Fall In! How Customization, Architectural Detail and 17 Kinds of Wood Created the House That Brad Built

If you’re a lover of the full, four-season experience that living in the mid-Atlantic provides, you probably embrace a wide-range of autumnal delights: apple-picking, cider sipping and fall getaways, where you can experience the warmth and ambiance of rustic living.

Fortunately, the owner of Lundberg Builders, Brad Lundberg, has the ultimate inspiration for autumn adventures; his own rustic retreat that blends inspired architecture with creature comforts. Let’s take a tour of his wooded West Virginia hideaway and perhaps even get inspired to build your own!


Brad Lundberg’s father originally chose this location on Alpine Lake in Terra Alta, West Virginia, decades ago. Building on the rustic retreat began in 2005.

Custom is the keyword of this cozy dwelling. The one-of kind live-edge front door was carved from one of the property’s black walnut trees.

The kitchen island was crafted from a four-inch thick slice of a spalted maple tree.

A soaring beamed ceiling in the living room is highlighted with a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace.

The home boasts two traditional bedrooms, an additional loft, lower level and screened porch sleeping areas; accommodating up to a dozen people in one visit.

The cabin is also a no-drywall zone featuring 17 different species of wood, including cherry, maple, wormy chestnut, pine, oak and hickory.

The screened porch is a favorite place for wildlife viewing. “The deer are plentiful and just about walk up to you if you have an apple or deer corn,” says Lundberg, who adds this family also spots and occasional black bear looking for bird feeders or garbage cans left out. “Turkeys, ground hogs, chipmunks and fox – all make it very interesting.”

Lundberg credits wife, Gail, and architect Bob Moreland with the execution of their rustic escape which he says is not just used for fall retreats. “All times of the year are great and very different. Gail and I can go for a quiet weekend – read and hike, or it can get wild with a bunch of grandkids running everywhere,” Lundberg says. With lots of snow in the winter, we have a variety of sizes of show shoes, toboggans, sleds, etc.”

The summer months, he adds, are perfect for canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and checking out the surrounding areas. Along with impromptu family gatherings, the cabin has also been the sight of numerous Fourth of July celebrations, and even a couple of weddings.

“Gail and I spent a lot of time working on the details together and we couldn’t be happier with the result.”

Ready to start building some family memories of your own with a custom-built, architecturally exciting home that reflects your personality and your lifestyle? Contact Lundberg Builders at 410-643-3334 or visit lundbergbuilders.com. Lundberg Builders, Inc. is located at 314 Main St., Stevensville, MD.

 

 

 

 

 

Curb Appeal Series: Adore The Door!

If windows are said to be the eyes of the home, your front door could very well be considered entry to the soul of your home. Your approach to and choice of a front door surely sets the tone for your home…and here, where the salt air and Bay breezes abound, you will also want that door to be as functional as it is beautiful.How can you make sure that happens? Consider the three primary aspects you will need to address: Safety, Durability and Curb Appeal. (Photo by Lisa J. Gotto)

Safety –the Number One thing your door needs to do is keep your family secure within the walls of your home and keep the criminal element out.

Durability –no matter the material you choose for the door, as a homeowner you need to make peace with the fact that it will require some amount of periodic maintenance to ensure long-term reliability.

Curb Appeal –Finally, the fun stuff! What’s great about today’s doors, is that you need not sacrifice form for function. So, go ahead-think about what the door on your dream home looks like and then talk to your builder and home design pro. They can help you choose the right material and craft the look you desire.

Answering the Wood, Steel or Fiberglass Question

 Like the door above, for many homeowners only the look of wood will do. It’s a warm, earthy material…and truly some of the most inviting entryways are those that are showcased in wood. Wood choices include oak, cherry, walnut, mahogany, maple, and fir.(Photo courtesy of Shabby & Charme)

Solid wood doors make an awesome canvas for color, especially softwood varieties, such western hemlock or pine. So if you are going for the wood look, keep in mind that these doors are best installed in areas that have a degree of protection like an overhang or a portico so they are somewhat shielded for the elements. If you are concerned about wood’s natural tendency to shrink or warp, you may wish to compromise and choose a stock wood door that offers a veneer skin over an engineered wood core.

There are ways to keep warping at bay. This includes purchasing a door that was stored properly prior to installation and treating the door with a minimum of two coats of a good quality exterior solvent-borne or water-borne clear finish. Adding a polyurethane sealant and polishing your door twice annually should be part of a regular maintenance plan.

Choosing a steel door is wise if maintenance is something you would prefer not to have to do as often. While just the word “steel” may sound cold, your front door and entryway does not have to look that way.

With a variety of colors, glass insets and detail work available, your steel door can say “welcome” just as well—and as warm—as any wood door. Steel also provides a step up in safety aspect department. Steel is the strongest of the three materials and the inner frames of these doors are generally constructed of wood or steel—again the strongest option. This is also a cozier option than you may think, as the interior cavities of steel doors are filled with high-density foam insulation, so they are energy-efficient, as well. (Photo courtesy of wanhaptoori.com)

While dings and dents can occur over time, they can be addressed with basic sand paper, a putty fill and a paint-over. Expect some paint touch-ups as part of regular maintenance with this option.

Fiberglass doors can also be warm and versatile.

The image above proves you can still make a statement and create tons of curb appeal with a dream door that also prizes practicality. A fiberglass door can do a great job of mimicking the look and feel of a solid wood door. Even in the harshest climates fiberglass does well requiring just periodic resealing. Most of these doors are made with a core of polyurethane-foam insulation over a framework of wooden stiles and rails, and then covered with a molded fiberglass skin. fiberglass door. This option is highly durable and virtually maintenance-free. So, if wood was your dream but that option is not a practical one for your home, fiberglass could be the answer. (Photo courtesy of Codel Entry Systems)

Remember, when choosing your door, the standard about making that all-important first impression, because curb appeal is still king! Look for more door tips in our upcoming newsletter and for the next blog in our Curb Appeal series coming in September!

If you’re ready to start your front door project, call us today to schedule a no-cost consultation (410) 643-4040, or feel free to drop-in at your convenience; we are open 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

 

5 Ways to Bring More Hygge into Your Bedroom This Winter

So, what’s this word “hygge” all about? Hygge refers to a Danish lifestyle concept that dates back to 19th century Scandinavia. Pronounced “hoo-ga,” the Danes believe there is much to be gained by creating cozy living spaces and surroundings that speak to simpler and even smaller creature comforts. Think ski lodge-cool, soft-as-a-cotton-ball socks, and the comfort of warm and steamy beverages on our coldest winter days. These are all elements and examples of living “Hygge”.

Let’s see what happens when we apply this way of thinking to décor and design to our most basic retreat –the bedroom.

Play with Wall Texture

While plain drywall and standard art and shelving is practical,  adding features like wood beams and wood wall accents changes a functional room into a sanctuary space that can transport you to another place. Reset your “head space” button with warm woods interspersed with other textures like stone and toss in a fur throw for a completely enveloping experience and perhaps, a well-earned, long winter’s nap. (Photo credit: Yellowstone Traditions)

Choose a Fireplace as Your Focal Point

Technology and advancements in in-home heating make in-bedroom fireplaces more convenient than ever. It seems a shame NOT to add this feature as a room focal point that can be all at once posh and practical. Be sure to research which heat source is best for you: gas, wood or even electric. Remember, there are varying levels of convenience depending on which energy source you choose—as it can actually mean the difference between “sawing wood” and chopping it. (Photo credit: cornerfireplaceideas.com)

Add a Romantic Seating Area

Create a soothing mood and get comfy before you even hit the sheets, by allowing enough room in your floor plan for a cozy seating area for reading, meditating or just plain conversing—remember conversation? Add books, aroma therapy candles, wine—whatever adds to a relaxing space. The most progressive floor plans even allow space for a wine or mini fridge and wet bar, for those nights when breaking the Zen zone by leaving the room is just not an option. (Photo credit: Inspired By Love)

Layer in Comfort Under Foot

It wasn’t that long ago that bedrooms were bastions of wall-to-wall carpet pile, and with good reason—comfort and warmth. Choosing a warm hardwood for this room can be just as cozy and practical (a great choice for the allergy-prone) when you add the right area rug, and maybe even layer in more texture with a faux animal skin in winter. How deliciously Danish! (Photo credit: New Pacific Direct, Inc.)

Go For Glow

Never underestimate the influence lighting has on a room, especially bedroom lighting. While classic, task lighting is desired for dressing and reading purposes, it’s not the only lighting option you should consider for this room. A bedroom with a Hygge vibe will exude a warm glow. Fortunately, now there are more romantic wall-mounted options than ever—as well as, on-trend, boutique pendant lighting that helps create the ambient environment and feeling of well-being so important for Hygge living. (Photo ©2016 Lisa J. Gotto)

Want to bring that sense of “hygge” into an existing bedroom or have a new one designed with this concept in mind? Lundberg Builders are ready to help you create cozy interiors for the winter and all year-round with the custom touches and timeless details that make a house a home.

Create your wish list and contact Lundberg Builders today at 410-643-3334 or visit lundbergbuilders.com. Lundberg Builders, Inc. is located at 314 Main St., Stevensville, MD.

 

 

 

 

WATERFRONT CUSTOM HOME – QUEENSTOWN

Annapolis-based, Bohl Architects called on Lundberg Builders to provide the building expertise needed to deliver on the promise of the stunning architectural design for their client’s new custom home in Queenstown, Maryland.  At the heart of the design was the homeowner’s desire to maximize and capture the spectacular views of their incredible Wye River front property.

The 7500 square-foot 4-bedroom contemporary home boasts notable custom features that required a remarkable level of craftsmanship and construction precision to execute the project flawlessly like the elliptical transom windows shown here in the front foyer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With that goal leading the vision for the project, the home was designed with an open floor plan that seamlessly connects indoor spaces with the outdoors. We imagine it may be a challenge to concentrate with an office view like this!

The waterfront side (rear) of the home overlooks the Wye River.  Screened porches on both the upper floors off the bedrooms and on the 2nd main floor off the kitchen and living rooms are built for maximum enjoyment of the Chesapeake lifestyle.

The elegant and ingenious design of the lift and slide glass panel wall system used on the porch (far right) was a labor of love and great care. The wall tracks are strategically hidden within the ceiling beams to essentially disappear when recessed!

NEW HOUSE

Our sister company, 314 Design Studio Kitchen and Bath Designers, worked with the homeowners to design this exquisite kitchen with extensive custom-built cabinetry meticulously crafted by Lundberg Builders.

 

How to Create an Impressive-Looking Focal Wall For Your Living Room

The living room is perhaps the most important room in your home as this is where you get to relax and spend quality time with your family. Many people spend a lot of time and money to make sure that their living room looks great, and designers often recommend investing in the living room if their client is on a tight decorating budget. One of the best things that you can do to refresh your living room is to create a focal wall, and depending on your preferences, your accent wall can be functional or decorative, or even both. Here are 5 ways that you can create an impressive-looking focal wall for your living room.

Use reclaimed wood15232137_1240942792653022_9031474608958469836_n

Barn walls or reclaimed wood, both real and faux, is immensely popular in home décor. Not only does reclaimed wood give your focal wall a warm and weathered look, but using this material will not harm the environment as it is a sustainable material for construction or remodeling. Have your builder cover your accent wall with reclaimed wood for a rustic look.

Embed a fireplace

Nothing is as luxurious and comforting as a fireplace in a living room. If you don’t care for a wood burning fireplace, consider embedding an ethanol fireplace insert in your living room focal wall. This type of fireplace will bathe your living room in warmth without smoke, bad odors, or particles that can be harmful to your health. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the smoke from wood burning contains particles that can cause health problems such as a runny nose and bronchitis. As an ethanol fireplace only need bio-ethanol fuel to feed the fire, it’s safer for your health than a regular fireplace. Read this great article on the Advantages of Ethanol Fire Pits Compared to Gas Fire Pits.

GG Gas Fireplace

Built-in shelving

If you want to display your books and collectibles, consider having built-in shelving room as a living room accent wall. You can either paint the accent wall and all the shelving attached to it the same color, or paint the shelving in white and the accent wall a bright color, like yellow, turquoise, or red.

Mirrors

To make a stylish statement, paint your accent wall in a dark color, such as navy blue, then hang a few decorative wall mirrors once the paint dries. Try to find mirrors with golden accents to give your living room a touch of opulence.

These are just a few ways to create an impressive-looking focal wall for your living room. Any of these tips will give your living room that wow factor that your family and friends will surely love.

Veneer and Stone Bi Level Home

Were nearing completion on this bi level home on the South River. The combination of wood and stone veneer siding truly makes this home stand out. Click on each image to see it enlarged.

Lawn Mower Safety

Springs here and that means more yard work for many families who are starting to plant gardens and tend to their yards.  Did you know that approximately 68,000 people are treated in emergency rooms for lawn mower-related injuries each year (AAOP)? Sadly more than 9,000 of them are children under age 18.

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“The overwhelming majority of these injuries result in amputations that require reattachment or reconstructive surgery,” says Rick Redett, M.D.

The majority of lawn mower-related injuries can be prevented by following a few safety guidelines and using common sense. Check out the list below for a few safety precautions you can take to prevent injuries.

 

  • Keep all children indoors while a power mower is in operationRight-Mower-Lawn
  • Do not allow children under 16 to use ride-on mowers
  • Do not allow children under 12 to walk behind mowers
  • Do not allow children to ride as passengers on ride-on mowers
  • Prevent injuries from flying objects, such as twigs and stones by cleaning the lawn before mowing begins
  • Use a collection bag for grass clippings or a plate that covers the opening where cut grass is released
  • Wear protective goggles and close-toed shoes when operating a mower or when near one
  • Turn off the mower immediately if you see a child running toward you. Children can fall and slip into the blade, especially if the grass is wet
  • Do not pull the mower backward or mow in reverse unless absolutely necessary
  • Always turn off the mower and wait for the blades to stop completely before removing the grass catcher, unclogging the discharge chute, or crossing gravel paths, roads, or other areas
  • Make sure that blade settings (to set the wheel height or dislodge debris) are done by an adult, with the mower off and the spark plug removed or disconnected