House Trend: More Playful Homes

The playful Hip Cottage with Basement.

According to a RealtorMag.com article by Barbara Ballinger, more playful homes are what people want.  Why?  "Americans work harder now than ever, with many delaying retirement or starting second careers, so they want their homes to be a refuge and a place to unwind."

Adding that playful aspect to a house is something we know how to do.

Basement bonus room with kitchenette.

We design small homes for those looking to downsize, yet retain that playful space to relax. After deciding on a footprint for the necessary rooms, like the living room, kitchen, bedrooms, and baths, we look for ways to increase the enjoyment of your home life.  Adding a basement bonus room to a small house provides a place to unwind after the pressures of the day.  A theater room, billiards table, ping pong table or just a cushy couch and tv provide a place to loosen up and relax.  By adding a kitchenette to the room you've increased the opportunities.   
Example:  The Hip Cottage with Basement Foundation.

Porches Cottage with Roof Deck

We design homes that take advantage of the space under your house as well as above it.  If you're able to, building a basement under your house provides a place for a recreation or bonus room, as mentioned above.  Another way to add playfulness to your home is to build a roof deck above it.  A roof deck provides a place to watch the sunset or entertain guests at a dinner party with a spectacular view.  It's a spot to grill, a location to soak up the sun, or a place just sit and unwind.
Example:  The Lookout Cottage with Basement Foundation and the Porches Cottage with Roof Deck.

Backyard putting green by Carolina Custom Putting Greens.

Some of the ways you can get a more playful home is dependent on the lot you buy.  Look for one where you can have fun things like a backyard pool, your own putting green, a fire pit, install that pizza oven you've always wanted, or landscape the beautiful gardens you've seen in magazines.


If you're interested in designing or remodeling your home to add more playfulness to it, let us help you create a design at www.mcleodarchitect.com.  Or view our architect designed house plans, including the cottages mentioned above, at www.southerncottages.com.

Top 5 Home Theaters

Home theaters have increased in popularity the last few years and we can see why.  They are a comfortable place to relax, unwind, and get the movie theater experience without leaving your home.  Here are our top five home theaters we're pining for. 


Home Theater #1
Traditional

Traditional Home Theater by El Segundo Home Media Design & Installation Interior Technologies

This home theater has all the features of a classic movie theater from 'back in the day'.  Chandelier ceiling, plush seats, wall sconces, and decorative trim around the curtained screen take us back to yesteryear, but with a stylish modern feel.  Although not cheap, a similar lush purple leather-textured wall paper can be purchased online.  The decorative wall trim at the curtain can be fabricated by a skilled cabinetmaker.


Home Theater #2
The Night's Sky

Traditional Home Theater by San Francisco Home Media Design & Installation VIA – San Francisco 

No more longing for the days when you could go to a drive-in because this home theater brings the outdoor movie experience inside.  Watch a movie in surround sound and comfortable seating while sitting under the night's sky.  Major bonus: no bugs.  The sky effect can be painted, attached with an adhesive mural, achieved by a lighting expert, or a combination of all of the above.  Fiber optic lights would produce effective night time stars.

Home Theater #3
Art Deco

Traditional Home Theater by Los Angeles Home Media Design & Installation Roberts Home Audio and Video Inc.

Say goodbye to wall sconces because this theater sets the mood with lighting that spans across the walls and ceilings.  With the Art Deco detailing on the lights, we're transported back to the time of The Great Gatsby.  These fantastically ornamented lights are offset by dark gray walls, floors, seating and curtains to bring a delicate touch to this chic theater. 


Home Theater #4
Natural Elements

Contemporary Home Theater by Sterling Home Media Design & Installation Encore Custom Audio Video

This home theater takes a tip from Mother Nature by using earth tones and natural textures to create a room that is visually appealing and very comfortable.  The brown leather theater seats are soft and inviting.  The two-tone paint compliments the seats and bring you down to earth.  The highlight of this room is the wave-patterned panels on the ceiling. (They also make an appearance on the walls as pilasters.)  Reminiscent of rippling water, these interlocking panels from Modular Arts make this textured feature possible.


Home Theater #5
Retro Suite

Contemporary Home Theater by South East Interior Designers & Decorators FiSHER iD

From the hip color scheme to the retro wall panels this home theater is swanky.  The purple, aqua and green couches have a dual job: they provide plentiful seating and create visual excitement in what could be a bland room.  The diamond art on the wall provides interest, lighting and possibly sound absorption.  The clean lines of these elements work together to provide a design that stands out from the rest on this list.


Which of these five home theaters is your favorite?  Maybe you have your own ideas for what makes the perfect theater.  Let us know.  We would love to hear from you!

Disclaimer: Southern Cottages House Plans and Michael R. McLeod Architect, PA did not design any of these rooms.  Click the picture to find these rooms on Houzz.