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In today’s fast-paced world, our outdoor spaces have become sanctuaries for relaxation and entertainment. Transforming these areas into the ultimate summer oasis requires a blend of creativity, meticulous detail, and a focus on both aesthetics and functionality. Luxurious outdoor living areas not only enhance your home’s value but also provide an exquisite retreat for family and friends. Here, we explore innovative ways to design these paradises, ensuring every aspect is thoughtfully considered.

Covered decks and patios offer a seamless extension of your indoor living space into the natural environment. Imagine a covered deck adorned with elegant, weather-resistant furnishings, creating a comfortable and inviting area to unwind. It is important to design spaces that compliment the architectural style of your home, ensuring a cohesive and balanced look. With options for integrated heating, cooling systems, and retractable screens, these spaces can be tailored to meet your specific needs, enhancing both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your outdoor haven.

Custom-built pergolas are another cornerstone of outdoor luxury, providing shade and structure while seamlessly blending with the natural environment. Pergolas create a verdant canopy that offers a cool respite from the summer sun. Adding in integrated lighting and retractable canopies, means these structures can be tailored to meet your specific needs, enhancing both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space.

Outdoor kitchens and cozy fire pits further elevate the outdoor living experience, transforming your backyard into a versatile entertainment hub. A custom-designed outdoor kitchen appliances, ample counter space, and stylish finishes will make outdoor cooking a joy. Paired with a cozy fire pit, these spaces become the perfect setting for evening gatherings, where you can enjoy a warm, inviting ambience long after the sun sets.

Creating the ultimate summer oasis is about more than just adding features to your outdoor space; it’s about crafting a cohesive and luxurious environment that enhances your lifestyle. With our team’s expertise in design, attention to every meticulous detail, and commitment to personalized service, we can help you transform your vision into reality, providing a stunning outdoor retreat that you and your guests will enjoy for years to come.

Welcome to Fairway Drive, a stunning testament to the artistry and precision of Boss Design and Heredity Homes. Nestled against the serene backdrop of the Derrick Golf and Winter Club, this custom home exudes modern elegance and exceptional craftsmanship. Every detail, from the meticulous exterior to the thoughtfully designed interiors, reflects our commitment to innovation and high-quality service.

As you approach Fairway Drive, the first thing you’ll notice is its striking exterior. Clean lines, feature lighting, and modern landscaping create a seamless blend of form and function, setting the tone for what lies within.

Stepping past the spacious stone wall entry, you are greeted by a large, open living and dining space that exemplifies the essence of modern living. The custom bar, adorned with wood slats, not only serves as a focal point but also introduces a design motif that is repeated throughout the home, ensuring a cohesive aesthetic.

The kitchen is a chef’s dream, boasting dark espresso cabinets that provide ample storage and a large island perfect for both meal prep and casual gatherings.

Moving into the main ensuite, you’ll find an oasis of earthy calmness, featuring the familiar wood slats, and modern lighting that enhance the tranquil atmosphere. The primary bedroom is a sanctuary unto itself, with a custom headboard that creates a striking feature wall, adding both texture and depth to the space.

Descending into the basement, you’ll discover a versatile entertainment haven. This area includes a gym, a custom bar, a pool table, and a rec space, offering endless opportunities for relaxation and recreation. Each element is meticulously detailed, ensuring that every aspect of the home is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional.

Fairway Drive is more than just a home; it’s a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship. The collaboration between Boss Design and Heredity Homes has resulted in a residence where every detail has been considered, and every element serves a purpose. From the modern exterior to the thoughtfully curated interiors, Fairway Drive is a testament to the power of teamwork, attention to detail, and personalized service. 

Embarking on a home renovation journey is an exciting venture, filled with the promise of transforming your living space into a reflection of your personal style and functional needs. However, the path to a successful renovation is paved with meticulous planning and informed decisions. Our team of experts is here to guide you through the process, from initial concept to final touches, making your dream home a reality.

Knowing what you want and establishing a clear budget are crucial steps in the renovation process. We encourage our clients to articulate their desires and priorities, enabling us to tailor our approach to meet their specific needs. Whether you envision a modern, minimalist space or a cozy, traditional haven, our team is adept at translating your ideas into a cohesive design plan. 

However, we also advocate for open-mindedness and flexibility. Often, the most striking and functional designs emerge from a willingness to explore new ideas and embrace creative possibilities. Our team’s expertise ensures that every suggestion is thoughtfully considered, balancing both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality.

Trusting the expertise of seasoned professionals is paramount in navigating the complexities of a home renovation. Our team, renowned for its out of the box thinking and commitment to excellence, brings both aesthetic and functional perspectives to the table. We believe that effective communication and collaboration are the cornerstones of a successful project. By fostering a partnership built on trust, we ensure that your vision is brought to life, while also incorporating our innovative solutions to enhance the overall design.

Preparing for a home renovation involves a harmonious blend of strategic planning, clear communication, and a collaborative spirit. By trusting in the expertise of our dedicated team, knowing your preferences and budget, and remaining open to innovative ideas, you set the stage for a transformative renovation experience. 

We specialize in designing custom homes tailored to each client’s unique vision and we understand the transformative power of natural light. It not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home but also boosts your mood and energy levels. Embracing the beauty of sunlight ensures that spaces are not just visually appealing but also functionally vibrant.

Site placement is the initial step in ensuring your home basks in as much natural light as possible. We always analyze the path of the sun across your property to position your home optimally. This involves considering key factors such as the orientation of the home. Through strategic placement, we can maximize sunlight exposure during the day, thus illuminating your home’s interior with soft, natural light and reducing the need for artificial lighting.

Another important factor to bringing the outside in are the window details. Our approach to window design is both art and science, considering not only the size and shape but also the placement of windows to enhance light intake while maintaining energy efficiency. Floor-to-ceiling windows, skylights, and transom windows are just a few options we explore to flood your home with light. 

However, we also understand that too much of a good thing can be overwhelming. Thus, our interiors team thoughtfully selects and recommends window coverings that balance light and privacy. Sheer curtains, adjustable blinds, and automated systems allow for the regulation of light entering the home, providing comfort and a sense of privacy.

Incorporating these elements into the design of your home not only maximizes natural light but also enhances your living experience. Our commitment is to design spaces that are not only visually stunning but also create healthier, happier inhabitants.

When it comes to designing a home, the roles of residential designers and interior designers play distinct yet complementary parts in creating a beautiful and functional space. Residential designers focus on the overall structure and layout of a home, including the architectural elements, floor plans, and exterior aesthetics. They are responsible for the big picture, ensuring that the design of the home meets the needs and preferences of the clients, while adhering to building codes and regulations.

Interior designers delve into the finer details of a space, such as choosing colour schemes, furniture, decor, and lighting. They are also experts in designing millwork details for fireplaces, ceiling details, and built-in cabinetry. Interior designers are skilled in creating cohesive and visually appealing interiors that reflect your style and personality. Our residential and interior designers work closely with clients to understand their preferences and lifestyle to curate spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and comfortable.

Boss Design stands out as a fully integrated design studio that excels in both residential and interior design services. With a team of talented residential and interior designers, Boss Design takes a holistic approach to design, ensuring that every aspect of a project is meticulously planned and executed. Whether it’s conceptualizing a new floor plan or selecting the perfect furnishings, Boss Design is dedicated to creating homes worth living in!

As you cruise down the street in an established neighbourhood in Edmonton, your eyes catch a glimpse of a charming infill home nestled between two traditional houses. The modern design of the infill home stands out against the backdrop of the older structures, its sleek lines and large windows exuding a sense of contemporary elegance. The infill home not only adds a fresh, stylish look to the street but also symbolizes growth, renewal, and a harmonious blend of the old and the new.

Infill homes are more popular than ever and there are many reasons why. Below, we explore some of the benefits of infill homes, as well as some challenges when designing and building this type of house.

Urban Benefits

Infill homes contribute to urban revitalization by filling in gaps within existing neighbourhoods, promoting density, and making more efficient use of land. This can help combat urban sprawl as well as preserve green spaces. Infill homes can also promote walkability, reduce our reliance on cars, and create a more sustainable urban environment.

Sustainable, Modern Design

Incorporating sustainable design features in infill homes, such as energy-efficient systems, can enhance the project’s long-term sustainability. Balancing the integration of modern features with the constraints of the existing site and neighborhood regulations requires careful planning and expertise from expert designers and builders.

Balancing New And Old

Infill homes blend modern design with the character of an established neighbourhood, creating a harmonious mix of old and new.

Community Engagement

Working on infill projects often involves engaging with the local community to address concerns and gain support for the new development. Building good relationships with neighbours can be crucial in ensuring the project’s success and integration into the existing neighborhood.

Challenges

However, there are challenges that come with designing and building infill homes. One major con is the need to navigate through zoning regulations, building codes, and neighborhood restrictions that may limit the design possibilities. Working with a skilled design team that has experience designing infill homes is important to avoid additional headaches down the line.

When designing infill projects, we are careful to balance the desire for innovation with the need to respect the existing neighborhood. Residential designers play a major role in shaping the urban landscape, and creating homes that contribute positively to our communities while meeting the needs of future residents.

As residential home designers, we can attest that modern farmhouse style has become one of the most popular design trends in recent years. This style combines the classic charm of a farmhouse with modern, sleek elements. Here are some features that make a modern farmhouse styled home stand out, featuring our award winning  Lake Country project!

Firstly, the exterior of a modern farmhouse styled home usually features a balanced design with a gabled roof, modestly sized windows, and a welcoming front porch. These elements create a charming and inviting feel that is characteristic of the farmhouse style.

Secondly, the interior of a modern farmhouse styled home often features an open floor plan with plenty of natural light. The colour scheme is usually light and neutral, with pops of colour added in through decor, if desired. Elements such as exposed beams, and wood accents, add to the rustic charm of the home, while black windows are popular inclusions that create that modern look we are after.

Thirdly, modern farmhouse styled homes often include a mix of vintage and modern elements. This can be seen in the use of antique furniture pieces mixed with sleek, modern finishes. This creates a unique and eclectic feel that is both charming and contemporary.

A modern farmhouse styled home is a perfect blend of classic and contemporary design elements. It’s a style that exudes warmth, comfort, and a sense of timelessness. If you’re thinking of designing a home with this style, our firm are experts in incorporating these key features to create a modern farmhouse home worth living in.

So here you are, deciding to embark on one of the most thrilling journeys that a family is ever likely to take. For most people, designing and building a home is the largest single investment they ever make. Surprisingly though, many people begin this process with very little information and quickly become overwhelmed with decisions. All too often, these important decisions are made spontaneously with little consideration on how they may affect the future use of the home. Whether you have decided to design and build your first family home, or the retirement home of your dreams, this blog post outlines those very first considerations that need to be thought through.

Determine a Budget

The very first thing that should be considered when building a new home is budget. It is critical that a lot of attention be given to this area in the early stages, because clients and architects can easily get carried away with design ideas that may blow a budget out of the water. A house plan that is designed unrealistically large or with too many extras, is merely a waste of time and money. The client is left with an unfeasible plan that doesn’t coincide with their financial limitations. Sitting down and considering needs and affordability, either alone or with a builder, can save considerable set-backs. A builder is able to discuss how different sizes and options directly affect a budget.

Occasionally, other costs are overlooked when designing a house. Costs like landscaping, appliances, new furniture, window coverings, sales tax and even property taxes are important to factor in. This can cause an unexpected financial hardship in years to come, if they aren’t factored into the budget. Generally, the larger the house, the more expensive these “additional costs” are. Those points may call for a re-evaluation of the budget. Establishing a budget helps to initiate the design process and provide momentum to move forward. Clients doing research gain a lot of information and understanding. This enables them to make calculated decisions that not only work for today, but also for the days and years to come

Compile a Wish List

Ideas are everywhere! Resources such as magazines, books, show homes, and the internet will provide clients with countless options and inspiration to create their dream home.

Some items that could be included in a wish list are:

• Window styles—(bay windows, grille patterns, window geometry, colors, etc.)
• Fireplace designs—(stone work, mantles, hearths, interior/exterior, etc.)
• Interior details—(arches, niches, bulkheads, columns, etc.)
• Room styles—(dining room, great room, ensuite, theatre, etc.)
• Kitchen designs—(traditional, Victorian, modern, islands, cook tops, etc.)
• Stair orientations—(curved, open risers, angled, square, railings, etc.)
• Lighting ideas—(pot lighting, kitchen lighting, exterior lighting, etc.)
• Ceiling treatments—(vaulted ceilings, raised ceiling, tray ceilings, bulkheads, etc.)
• Exterior façade—(exterior finishes, roof designs, entrances, etc.)

Creating a wish list is a valuable exercise while designing a custom home or selecting a stock house plan. Before meeting with a designer, it is highly suggested that a client compile a list of everything they like and would want to have incorporated in their house. This will improve communication between the architect and the client, allowing the professional to offer advice and guidance about which items will compliment the overall design. Magazines and books will often showcase high-end finishes and options photographed by professional photographers. Therefore, it is important to exercise caution in what it might take to make those ideas a reality.

Decide on location and a site

Before beginning the design process, it is recommended, and sometimes necessary, to visit the building site. Every site provides unique conditions that can make a huge impact on how the potential house should be designed. Conditions such as orientation to the sun, slope of the land, attractive views, and neighboring homes need to be taken into consideration.

Knowing that the sun rises in the east, and then continues on a southerly course before setting in the west, can impact many design decisions in a home. The homeowner should consider which rooms they want to receive the morning, day and evening sun. In conjunction with room placement, the positioning of windows will maximize the amount of natural light and radiant heat entering the house. Grading and natural land contours may present opportunities for raised patios, deeper basement windows, and walkout basements. Depending on the slope of the land, it may be more practical to use a particular house style; whether it be a bungalow, bi-level, or two story. Many building sites provide attractive views of treed areas, parks, or green spaces. These should be taken advantage of when designing both the house layout and outdoor leisure spaces.

Construction within a city, town, or subdivision amplifies the importance of reviewing the site plan. Jurisdictions within these areas dictate guidelines which must be followed when designing a house. House width, depth, height, window size and placement, and site coverage, are all factors that the jurisdiction reviews before issuing permits. It is critical to be aware of what limitations each site presents in order to prevent setbacks that will cost the homeowner time and money.

On the flip side, sometimes a client has already selected their dream house plan before finding an appropriate location. If this is the case, it then becomes important to consider the above factors when looking for a potential building site. Although it is easy to become attached to a particular house plan, it is important not to ignore the advantages that a site offers. When elements on a building site are considered, the end result is a house that works in its surroundings, and surroundings that compliment the house.

While the process of building a custom house can feel daunting, it is important to take your time on these necessary steps to ensure the most positive outcome for you and your family. We encourage clients to come and speak to us early on in the process to help guide the conversations and become educated on undertaking this kind of investment of time and money.

Deciding on your design style is an essential part of taking on a design project. This is what gives a space its unique look and feel. While there are many different types of styles available to choose from, we have found many of our clients fall into one or some of each of these styles shared below. Among the most popular design styles today are Mid Century Modern, Farmhouse (both Traditional or Modern), Modern, and Traditional. Each of these styles has its own distinct characteristics that make them stand out. 

Mid Century Modern is a design style characterized by clean lines, organic shapes, and the use of natural materials such as wood, leather, and metal. This style is known for its functionality and simplicity. It often features bold colors and geometric patterns. The architecture plans in these types of homes often includes a wide and low footprint, with transom or floor to ceiling windows. The furniture in this style is often low to the ground and has a minimalist look.

Farmhouse design style is perfect for those who want a cozy and warm feel in their homes. This style features natural materials like wood, brick, and stone. The more modern farmhouse style is often characterized by a mix of vintage and modern elements, creating a rustic yet modern look, while the traditional farmhouse style will often incorporate a more french country feel with arches and detailed millwork. This style also features neutral colors like white, beige, and gray.

Modern design style is characterized by clean lines and simplicity. This style features neutral colors like white, black, and gray, but it often incorporates bold accents and bright colors. The furniture in this style is often sleek and minimalistic, with an emphasis on functionality. The architectural style of a modern home is often highlighted by straight, clean lines and a boxy appearance.

Traditional design style is known for its elegance and sophistication. It is characterized by classic and ornate details, and rich colors. This style often features wood paneling, molding, and intricate patterns. The furniture in this style is often grand and luxurious, with a focus on comfort and style.

There are many different design styles to choose from, each with its own unique features and characteristics –  And best of all, you don’t need to decide all the details on your own! Whether you prefer the simplicity of Mid Century Modern, the rustic charm of  a Farmhouse style, the sleekness of Modern design, or the elegance of a Traditional home, there is a style out there that will suit your taste and personality and we are experts in helping you decode your unique design style!

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