Home Feature: Simonton

Our newly finished project Simonton has recently been photographed on  beautiful summer day. Check out the photos of this spectacular home here and on our website.

A home this stately could be found nestled comfortably in the English countryside. The “Simonton” boasts a stone façade, towering rooflines, and graceful arches. 

Sprawling across the property, the home features a separate wing for the main level master suite. The interior focal point is the dramatic dining room, which faces the front of the house and opens out onto the front porch. The study, large family room and back patio offer additional gathering places, along with the kitchen’s island and table seating. 

Three bedroom suites fill the upper level, each with a private bathroom. Two loft areas open to the floor below, giving the home a grand, spacious atmosphere.

 

Bunkroom: A Room for Guests and Kids

Bunk rooms add additional sleeping space for homeowners to accommodate guests or growing families. There are many designs unique to homes due depending on space available and number of additional members to accommodate. Lofted, hanging, built-in and bunk walls are among a few of the designs commonly seen in homes. Below are a few custom bunk rooms designed by Visbeen Architects. 

This traditionally designed bunk room saves space with stacked bunks built into the wall to maximize playing room and matching the craftsman style seen through out the home. 

Blaine

These maple hanging bunks have a sleek design that adds a uniqueness to this boys bedroom. 

Stafford

This bunk room is tucked away in the upper level to utilize the additional space for guests in this space conscious home.

Breezy Point

These dark wood, sleigh style beds, give this bunk room a formal feel adding a unique touch with custom painted names to personalize each bed. 

Westchester

In a vacation home designed for two families space is limited. The 4 bed bunk room has enough space for the kids and their guests. The stairs between the bunks eliminates the need for a ladder which maximizes floor space. 

Allenwood

With limited space, built-in bunks allow this home to accommodate additional guests and provide under-bed storage.

Sheridan

The built-in bunks are in the hallway of the guest suite which add additional space for guests while staying on vacation. 

Kearney Hill

Drafter, Rhyse Altman Published

We are very proud to announce that Architectural Drafter, Rhyse Altman, was published in the most recent publication of the Classicist. Rhyse, a Grand Rapids Native, is one of the newest members of the Visbeen Architects team. He studied Architecture at Judson University in Elgin, IL where he received his Masters Degree in Architecture. After, he worked in Washington D.C. and Alexandria, VA for award winning architects before coming to work at Visbeen. 

Grand Rapids, MI City Hall Concept

The Classicist is a publication of the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the classical tradition in architecture, urbanism and their allied arts. 

Congratulations Rhyse!

Home Entertainment Spaces: In Home Bars

A growing trend is in home design is having ample entertainment spaces indoors and out. Having a bar in your home can help bring the party to life by mixing up cocktails. Why go anywhere else for adult fun when you can enjoy a homemade cocktail in the comfort of your own home with a full stocked bar with the ingredients of your choice.

The granite countertops and wood finishes can be seen throughout the home and it created an seamless flow between the levels of the home.

This Craftsman style bar is finished with dark wood cabinets and coffered ceilings for a traditional look.

A built in bar can provide all of the in home fun without increasing the footprint of the home. 

A contemporary take on a home bar with a tile backsplash and mis-matched pendant lights as a unique, artistic feature. 

 This boat inspired bar is decked out complete with a keg tap, wine cooler perfect for the captain of your own ship.

Tap into this wine cellar/ bar and break out a bottle of your favorite wine to make each get together a fun and unique experience. 

Right Sized Cottages

In the attempt to create a simpler life, design trends are moving in the direction of the less-is-more philosophy. These lake homes live up to the expectations of having a home that is smaller in square footage but live large in the home by taking advantage of all of the available space. 

 “Breezy Point” is a wonderful example of American craftsmanship. The cottage, with its quaint symmetry and use of authentic materials, is reminiscent of a simpler time. Offering ample outdoor living space, the home is designed to sit comfortably on the water. 

 

Good things come in small packages, as "Tricklebrook" proves. This compact yet charming design packs a lot of personality into an efficient plan that is perfect for a tight city or waterfront lot. This classic, All-American bungalow design, the exterior features interesting roof lines with overhangs, stone and shingle accents and abundant windows designed both to let in maximum natural sunlight as well as take full advantage of the lakefront views.

“Summer Haven” is a wonderful example of American craftsmanship. The cottage, with its quaint symmetry and use of authentic materials, is reminiscent of a simpler time. Offering ample outdoor living space, the home is designed to sit comfortably on the water. 

Much like its inviting name, "Driftwood" brings to mind images of summer getaways by the water. Small and smart, this compact yet cozy design offers many amenities usually found in much larger homes but is perfect for narrow waterfront or tight city lots.

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