Thursday, November 17, 2011

Houzz on Fire!

I was recently at the "Capture, Communicate, Create" event at the W Hotel in Minneapolis where Liza Hausman from Houzz was the featured guest.  If you have never heard of Houzz you should probably check it out.

Houzz is quickly becoming a leading destination site for home design enthusiasts.  It features over 200,000 high quality interior and exterior photos that have been uploaded by the original designers.  This makes Houzz the Internet's largest database of design and decorating ideas.



Houzz has a number of features for homeowners, but I think the coolest is that you can create your own ideabooks.  It's the modern day version of the old "cut and paste scrapbook" from magazines. Preparing to build a new home or take on a major remodeling?  Create an ideabook and share it with your Architect. In my own practice I love ideabooks because it helps me to understand my clients tastes and preferences. With this information I can design something new and fresh, but in a vein I know my client will love.

So do check it out.  You can view the Ron Brenner Architects Houzz page at http://www.houzz.com/ron-brenner-architects.  


And please don't forget to like us!

Monday, November 7, 2011

Pretty Places to Sit




Loving all these spots to have a quick bite or to curl up with a good book...look around, there is always a spot for a small chair and table !

Saturday, November 5, 2011

traditional yet contemporary home design

Over at ron brenner architects I am doing some design work for new clients of mine.  They are looking for a home that blends the contemporary with the traditional; something that is both yesterday and today.  I presented the following three concepts.

A double gable scheme.  This form being familiar without being common.  

Shed on shed scheme.  Here I utilized a classic saltbox colonial roof form; blended with a more contemporary arrangement of windows and use of color.

Gable on saltbox scheme.  The full front gable is an unusual variation.  Side bumpout and "link" between house and garage is clad with metal

My clients were very happy with the alternatives.  In my next article I'll show you which scheme they chose; along with the developments we have made since then.


Which scheme do you prefer?

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Pottery Barn Sneak Peak Christmas





I always love what Pottery Barn does for the holidays, but this year I REALLY like it ! That first picture ? Forget about it !! This year I already purchased the deer pillow. I waited too long last year and they were snapped up. Love the nostalgic feel it gives off...(just click the title of this post to take you to all things holiday at Pottery Barn.)

Monday, October 10, 2011

latest design by ron brenner architects

I just wanted to give you a sneak preview of a new home designed by ron brenner architects.  The new modestly sized home is illustrated below.

The design is a modern interpretation - blending elements from the classic american farmhouse and the arts and crafts. 

Ron had this to say about the home:  "The design process we use is always very collaborative.  In this case Mark Sova (from Main Street Builders) developed an initial concept floor plan.  We took that and performed a number of massing studies in order to determine the best possible form for the plan.  Then we developed a pleasing fenestration.  The result is a modern interpretation of a Midwestern Farmhouse".

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Simple Living Rooms




Hello ! Sorry about my long time between post. Had some family stuff to deal with, but I'm back ! Just some eye candy today so I can get back into the swing of things ! Enjoy !

Saturday, October 1, 2011

granny flat featured in forbes


A few years ago I (ron brenner architects) designed an above garage studio apartment for the father (grandpa) of a client of mine.  The apartment was featured in a new book called In Laws, Out Laws and Granny Flats.  I have included a couple of images here.

Now Forbes.com  has picked up on the idea.  Check out the article by Ashlea Ebeling at 10 Chic Granny Flats.