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Your garage serves to protect your car from weather and keep it clean, but it’s also the perfect place for storing all of the things you don’t have room for inside. If you enjoy doing projects around the house, the garage can serve as a workshop, too.
Juggling your car, holiday decorations, a workshop, yard tools, kids toys, workout equipment, and everything else that eventually makes its way into the garage likely means that this space can easily become cluttered.
A messy garage can burden you with stress every time you look at it. Here are the best tips for keeping your garage organized.
Before you start organizing, clean your garage. Start fresh. Give yourself a clear mind and a clear space to imagine where things should go. This step can be boring and tedious, but it’s a great way to start.
Things you’ll need as you clean your garage may include the following:
Give your garage a deep cleaning. Clean up oil or chemical stains and cobwebs. Pick up loose bits that have fallen on the floor, such as nails or screws.
It’s recommended that you reserve a full weekend or two to tackle this project. It can be a large undertaking and be labor-intensive.
Make several categories for your possessions to go into.
This part can be tough. There may be items that you never use but aren’t ready to give up. Here, you must be honest with yourself. Do I still use this item? Is it worth holding onto?
Your garage holds so many different items. It can be where you store your car supplies, sports equipment, tools, and holiday decorations. Break up your garage into zones. Each section of your garage can be a zone for sports equipment, tools, decorations, camping gear, yard tools, etc. This will improve the flow of the garage and give every item a specific destination.
Shelving units are great for organizing and saving space. There are several ways to organize your things, including the following:
These are easily available and quick to set up. Customize it yourself by painting or fitting it to size. They’re great for hanging hooks, shelves, and organizers.
These can be bought premade or you can make yourself for a weekend DIY project. They’re popular for their sturdiness and wide variety of styles.
These are a simple yet effective way to hang up your items. Easily attachable to any surface, they can hold anything from a bicycle to a lawn rake, depending on their strength.
These are attached to the ceiling and provide you with more wall space. Store crates, bikes, ladders, and other items above you by handing them from from the ceiling. However, be careful not to interfere with your garage door’s operation. Also, make sure there’s enough clearance to avoid scraping your car.
For storing items, go with open shelving units over cabinets. According to This Old House, closed cabinets are easier to hide unorganized items and typically lead to more clutter.
After you’ve organized your garage, maintaining it can be difficult. But now you have a system for organizing. Each item has a place where it belongs. It takes self-control to put them back where they go. Take the time each season and go through your garage. Clean and reorganize the space to keep it decluttered all the time. By creating a routine, you’re able to properly maintain your hard work.
If you’re looking to create your dream home, contact us today. Our custom homes are energy efficient and built with the most attention to detail. Make your next house the home of your dreams with Landmark Fine Homes.
Finding a community that matches your lifestyle is difficult.
Adult living communities encompass that idea by providing easy access for exercise and a sense of community. Our Landmark Fine Homes active adult living communities offer that lifestyle. With four locations across the Oklahoma City metro, our communities are designed for active individuals seeking to remain socially and physically active.
An active adult community is a development designed for people who enjoy living life to the fullest. Our “Springs Communities” are not age restricted.
Active Adult Communities offer social activities as well. Many communities have monthly events designed to bring the community together. Our community residents can visit our Community Clubhouse for info on upcoming events, such as watching sporting events or fitness classes. This has set our communities apart. You will actually have the opportunity to get to know your neighbors. Many of our homes are designed with front porches that allows you to sit outside and meet them if you haven’t already at one of our events.
Many adult communities offer amenities for their residents. They typically offer lawn maintenance or gated entries. Our communities offer several of these benefits.
Communities are usually built near other public amenities as well, such as golf courses, medical facilities, restaurants and shopping centers.
Identify what you want in a community and make sure they align with your needs. Research the area and make sure it meets your preferences for travel. Visit multiple communities and weigh their pros and cons.
We have four communities located around the OKC metro. Each community is built with a community pool, fitness center, and large gathering place. At each location, there is a unique amenity, such as community gardens, stocked catch and release ponds, and pickle ball courts.
Landmark Fine Homes currently offers four “Springs” communities to choose from:
Our communities are unique. We develop smaller communities so you’re not just another person in a sea of thousands. Our floor plans can also be modified to your preferences. No matter what stage you are in life, our homes can accommodate.
If you’re looking to create your dream home, contact us today. Our custom homes are energy efficient and built with the most attention to detail. Make your next house the home of your dreams with Landmark.
As new homes are being built, many homeowners are going with an open concept floor plan. Instead of walls separating each room, the main floor is opened up to one large space. Finding ways to separate it into functional areas is challenging, but can also be fun and has created all new ways to living. Here are some ways that you can get the most out of your open floor concept home.
An open concept floor plan consists of taking the main floor and opening it up to one big unified room. Traditional homes take away floor space with extra walls and hallways. Opening up the main floor gives you that space back. It also makes the home feel larger, as people often feel confined when in separate rooms.
Removing the walls creates a seamless flow from the living room to the kitchen. Without the walls, people can still feel connected to the action even if they’re in a different space. Great for entertaining, you’ll never feel left out from the action in an open floor plan home.
Many open concept plans have a variation of a combined living room, dining room, and kitchen. Usually, two of the three or even all three are combined.
If you’re deciding how to layout your next home, talk to one of our design coordinators who can help you create your dream home.
Area rugs are a simple and effective way to divide up rooms in an open space. Rugs come in all shapes in sizes. Adding one to a room can set a unique tone that’s different than another space in the home. Rugs can also offer a sense of inclusion in a particular space.
To get the most use out of area rugs, maintaining and caring for them is important. We recommend cleaning rugs several times a year to allow them to last a lifetime.
Stick to one palette when choosing a paint scheme. A good rule to follow is picking three to five colors for a space. Choose a white or light color, two neutrals, and two supporting colors. Stick to color families such pair whites to whites or blues to blues. Of course you can reserve one distinct color to give your palette some pop. This one can be used for accent walls.
Stay consistent with your tones. Coordinate your colors so they’re all the same intensity. Choosing different degrees of brightness can be difficult on the eyes. A family of soft neutral tones is a perfect start.
And, of course, you aren’t limited to just painting the wall. You also have archways, trim, ceilings, and cabinets that need some color too. Always look to add a little more color in every spot of your home.
Open floor plans create many opportunities for being creative with how you divide space.
Symmetry can be your best friend. Pairing a space with two sofas or chairs can create the perfect living room setup. Adding a large dining table with matching chairs can give your space that symmetrical and orderly look.
Make the kitchen island the centerpiece. Turn the island into an everyday dining area with barstools and an adjacent group of sofa and chairs to take away the formalness of the area and create a more casual look.
Create distinct corners in your space for specific purposes. For avid readers, create a cozy reading nook. Decorate the opposite corner, to your passion for music or another hobby. Although they’re in the same room, they won’t overlap with each other and clash.
Decorating your home is exciting. It can be that breath of fresh air your home needs. When decorating, always remember it’s your home. There isn’t a right or wrong way to style your home. Every person is unique and how you show off your style is different than your neighbors. Develop a space that’s relaxing and comfortable for you.
If you’re looking to create your dream home, contact us today. Our custom homes are energy efficient and built with the most attention to detail. Make your next house the home of your dreams with Landmark.
Reading nooks equipped with a comfy chair and blanket are the perfect way to escape for a while as you turn the pages of your favorite novel. Building a cozy reading nook is just that simple — all you need is a corner of your home and some decorations to get you in the mood to enjoy a good book.
If your goal this coming year is to read more, or even to read a book a month, adding a reading nook will help you relax after a long day and become immersed with your current book.
We sat down with one of our design selection coordinators, Rylee Flowers, to talk about ways to design the perfect reading nook for your home.
Your nook should reflect you. There’s no incorrect way of designing your space — it’s your space after all. Choose the style, patterns, and colors that’ll relax you as you read. Some may prefer a darker tone as they read a thriller novel. Others may like brighter spaces as they read a classic. Flowers believes the chair is the cornerstone of a perfect reading nook. Finding the perfect seating will help you get consumed in your next book.
Display your favorite books you’ve read or want to read by adding a bookshelf to your nook Bookshelves are perfect for storing your collection, especially in small spaces. Seeing your “must-reads” displayed in a beautiful fashion can also serve as motivation to finish that book you’re currently on. When entertaining guests, your novel collection can be a great conversation starter and a way to give and receive book recommendations.
Every reading nook needs some light. Add a decorative lamp or candles to add ambiance to your spot. Create your reading spot next to a large window for natural lighting. There’s nothing better than getting lost in a book with a cup of coffee and warm sunlight.
Your nook doesn’t need too much space. A chair and a lamp will work perfectly. Instead of an empty corner in your home, add a chair or comfy seat. Add a lamp for the perfect lighting and you’re all set. Don’t ignore that empty corner in your bedroom or living room — add a purpose to it!
Flowers believes your reading nook doesn’t actually need to be a nook. You can use any unused corner of your home. Add a cozy chair and a few items that bring your joy to make the space a perfect reading spot.
With Landmark Fines Home, you can add a dedicated nook in your next custom home. Speak with one of our designers to create the perfect alcove or corner for reading and we can help you design the perfect reading space. Every person’s style is different, so let us help you make the space you’ve been dreaming of.
Reading nooks are the perfect way to getaway. Find an alcove or corner in your home that’s not being used and decorate it. Find a comfy chair, add some lighting, and make it your own. Combining these elements will create a beautiful and relaxing space for reading and enjoyment.
If a reading nook is on your must-have list for your next home, contact us today. Check out our floor plans to find the perfect spot for reading or view our current homes for sale.
Building your custom home is exciting but can be overwhelming. At Landmark Fine Homes, we make sure to keep the excitement and simplicity throughout the project. Here, our customer selection coordinators are the experts in interior designing.
Below, we’ll explain our process of designing your home and highlight some the things to keep in mind when planning.
After you have signed the paperwork, you’ll meet with our customer selections team. The team helps you through the design process, whether that’s choosing the right colors to choosing the right tile. Their mission is to bring your dream home to life.
As a customer selections coordinator, they’re present to simplify your design experience. With expert advice and experience, they can help design the home of your dreams.
Once you agree to your floor plan and you sign the contract, our selections team will meet you to begin the design process. You’ll meet with the team and discuss your styles and what you envision in your ideal home. Normally, there are three design meetings.
In the first meeting, the team will go over the exterior design. Here, they’ll focus on exterior such as gutters. The following meetings will center around interior design. Here, they’ll help you decide on things such as flooring, countertops, cabinets, and much more. Depending on the size of the home, you may meet multiple times.
We asked our designers, Kayla McKinney, Rylee Flowers, and Megan Barnard, to share what they love most about designing each home.
“The greatest part is seeing the final product, especially on homes that offer different styles we don’t always see,” said our design team. “The building process can be stressful and overwhelming, but it’s always worth it when we put our big red Landmark bow on their front door and snap a picture of their excitement as they close on the home of their dreams.”
Another aspect our designers love is the new trend of moody color schemes. Most homebuyers tend to stick with white walls, white trim, and all things bright, but some customers prefer the opposite.
There’s always compromise. Our home buyers will have a vision in mind, but our designers may think differently.
“It’s always challenging holding back your input,” said our design team “We have to remind ourselves constantly that we’re not designing our own personal home. We have to learn to set our own personal style aside and adapt to the customer’s style.”
Over the years, our coordinators have seen a shift in home design. Kaitlin Scorsone, Vice President of Estimating and Design, said she is seeing a shift in styles. Instead of painted cabinetry and trim, more homeowners are choosing to stain their cabinets and pair that with a lighter wall color to keep it cozy for years to come.
Our coordinators love to help you design your home. From each tile in your kitchen to the downspouts outside, we want to make your home perfect. Each step of the way, our designers are excited to help you design your vision.
If you’re looking to create your dream home, contact us today. Our custom homes are energy efficient and built with the most attention to detail in mind. Make your next house, the home of your dreams with Landmark.
Bar carts are both stylish and the center of a party. Dress them up with your favorite liquors and add your favorite glassware and they make for the perfect feature to add to any den or living room. With many different styles, there’s a bar cart that’ll fit your aesthetic.
Get ready for the season of entertaining by creating the perfect bar space for your home. Before you get started, here are a few tips for assembling the perfect bar cart.
You can find bar carts pretty much anywhere home decor is sold. Amazon, Wayfair, and Overstock are the most popular places to look at. Here are a few of our favorites.
Bar carts come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you prefer wood, metal, or plastic, there’s a cart for everyone. For a large collection of bottles, a cart with multiple shelves is perfect. Look for a cart with drawers if you have multiple tools for your drinks. Carts with wheels help to easily move your station throughout your home.
Find a cart that fits your style. For the skilled home-bartenders, look for one with more space and storage. If you want just a bottle of wine or a simple drink, the aesthetic is more important. For wine enthusiasts, look for a bar cart with wine glass holders for added storage.
There’s never a wrong answer, select a cart that reflects you and is functional in your home.
Now that you have your cart picked out, it’s time to stock it. Your bar cart doesn’t need to just include alcohol — it can be whatever you want it to be! A coffee station is a perfect way to start your mornings right. Add your Keurig or coffee machine to your bar cart and add your favorite coffees or teas to make your morning coffee routine more enjoyable.
But, bar carts are made to showcase your alcoholic libations, so we’ll start there. When assembling your bar cart, first start with the popular hard liquors:
This should cover all the popular drinks. There are other liquors you may want to use, such as rum and scotch, but these are a great start. Bottles also double as decoration with their unique designs, provide interesting textures and appeal to the room.
Most cocktail recipes call for a liqueur such as these:
Mixers are next. It’s important to always have these on hand:
Lastly, always keep a couple of lemons or limes on hand. Citrus flavors are a must-have. Other bitters to have are:
There are several tools that you need to make your bar cart complete. We suggest the following:
Show off your style with the glassware you choose to adorn your bar cart. You can display your simplistic taste with some ordinary but elegant glasses. Here are some of our favorites:
Or show your flair with some glasses with unique colors or patterns. Here are some of our favorites:
No bar cart is the same. Whether you want to display your coffee station or cocktail station, there’s no wrong way to build a bar cart. Decorate your cart how you want — let your personality shine through!.
If you’re looking to move and wanting a home that can entertain, contact us today. Our home designers are excited to work with you on building your dream home.
Making your home energy efficient can help you with monthly utilities but will also help you in the long run. Homeownership is expensive, with utilities, property taxes, and insurances all adding up. At Landmark, we look to make living easier as we incorporate energy efficiency in every home we build. Efficiency is important to us. Not only does it keep money in your pocket but we can also help provide a cleaner environment for our community. Here are several ways we make our homes energy efficient.
While we design your perfect home, we always keep energy efficiency in mind. Each of our homes are planned to meet or exceed the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) score. HERS is the national index for measuring a home’s energy efficiency performance.
“Anyone can say they build an energy-efficient home.” said Donna Thompson, Marketing Coordinator at Landmark Fine Homes. “Landmark Fine Homes hires a third party to test and certify our home meets and/or exceeds the requirements for the HERS Score calculated by the plan rater. After the test, you will receive a certificate to certify your home and its rating.”
Depending on the season, insulation can both keep your house warm and cool to help save you money on air conditioning and heating. Insulation also provides an added sound barrier to your home from outside noises such as traffic. A guard against moisture, insulation will also block water from entering the walls which can damage the foundation and lead to mold.
From an environmental standpoint, insulation can help reduce your carbon footprint. By reducing the use of your air conditioner unit, it won’t release as many chemicals into the environment.
Energy-efficient windows are a popular home improvement to help cut the cost of utility bills each month. However, they also serve an impact on the environment as they reduce your home’s emission rate. Investing in energy-efficient products can reduce energy use - and eventually fewer greenhouse gas emissions - by 25 to 30 percent, according to EnergySage. During the home planning, we consider how many windows and which direction they face toward the sun to minimize the sun’s heat.
Loose ductwork can contribute to hundreds of dollars added to your energy bill each year. Tightening your ductwork allows for more efficient airflow. By sealing your air ducts, you avoid heat and cool air from escaping. This provides a more cost-effective way to heat and cool your home. With less stress on your heating and air conditioning, you help reduce carbon emissions.
An old and outdated cooling system can cost you thousands of dollars a year. By choosing a more energy-efficient system, you cool your home for less money. When designing your home, we keep in mind what your heating and cooling system can efficiently handle. This allows us to ensure you’re cool during the summer months and warm during the fall and winter.
As we continue to build our communities, our goal is always the same. We always strive to build more beautiful and energy-efficient homes. Every step of our building process is mindful of our commitment toward a more sustainable future. By taking these steps, we make sure your home will save you money and a positive impact on the environment.
Contact us today if you’re looking to find a home more energy-efficient. Whether you have your own plan or you’re interested in one of ours, we’ll make sure your home is certified energy efficient.
After a while, a rug needs to be cleaned with more than just a vacuum. Dirt and dust will collect deep into an area rug where a vacuum just can’t reach. Luckily, there are several solutions to getting those pesky dirt particles out of your favorite rug. After all, area rugs are an investment for your space and must be handled with care. Depending on the type of rug, it’s important to take special precautions so as not to damage them. Here are several ways to clean your rugs and maintain them for many years to come.
Before you get started, there are a few things you’ll need:
Vacuum the topside and bottom of the rug. Collect as much loose dirt and debris as you can. If you have pets, use a brush attachment to collect any lingering pet hair.
Take the rug outside and prop it up against a railing or fence. Hit the rug with a broom to release any more dirt or dust that might be trapped — you want to hit the rug until there’s no more dust coming out of it. If your rug has a latex backing, hit it gently so you do not destroy the latex.
There are several cleaning products you can use to clean your rug. Also, look for what the rug manufacturer recommends for cleaning. But, whichever brand of shampoo you use, follow their specific directions for optimal cleaning. If rug shampoo isn’t an option, you can use dish soap or detergent, preferably mild formulas. Mix the detergent with warm, but not hot, water as hot water can shrink or fade the rug’s colors.
Before you begin scrubbing, spot test the shampoo in a corner to make sure it doesn’t bleed the rug’s colors. If the colors begin to bleed, take the rug to a dry cleaner.
If the colors don’t bleed, rinse the rug completely and begin to scrub. For scrubbing, use a soft bristle brush and work the solution into the rug.
Let the rug sit with the shampoo for five to 10 minutes before rinsing it off. Hose off the remaining solution until the water runs clear and no suds remain.
To completely remove any remaining water, use a wet-dry vacuum if you have one. If there isn’t one available, a squeegee will work. Make sure to squeegee in the direction of the nap (fibers).
After removing all excess water from your rug, let it dry outside. If leaving outside isn’t an option, a garage, or laundry room will work just as well. Let the rug lay completely flat on one side and allow it to dry completely. This may take up to 24 hours, but be patient with it. After one side is dry, flip it over and allow the other side to air out. Rushing the drying process can lead to mold growing in parts of the rug.
Place the rug back in its original position and vacuum one last time. You can also use a soft-bristled brush. This is done to loosen up the fibers in your rug that may have compacted during the scrubbing phase.
You’re all done and can enjoy your clean area rug once more!
A wool rug is handled similarly to a regular area rug, but more care and attention is needed to not damage the wool fibers.
Just like a standard rug, vacuum both sides of your rug to remove any loose dirt and dust. If your vacuum has a beater bar, remove it, if possible, as to not damage the wool fibers.
Take your rug outside and hit it with a broom. This is done to remove dirt and dust that are trapped in the fibers. Hit the rug until there are no remaining dirt and dust clouds.
Before washing your rug, slide your hand over the rug toward the soft direction. Make sure to wash the rug in the direction of the soft side. Also, it’s important to use a damp sponge rather than a soaked sponge as too much moisture can damage the rug’s fibers.
Mix a bucket of cold water with a teaspoon of laundry detergent made for wool. Dampen the sponge in the detergent solution and test it on a corner of the rug. If the colors bleed, take the rug to a dry cleaner. If they don’t bleed, continue to carefully wash the rug in small sections.
With a second bucket of cold water, dab the rug lightly, being careful not to soak the rug completely. Rinse away any remaining soap suds. Any soap left behind will attract mold.
Let the rug dry completely before moving it back to its original place. To speed up the process, you can hang the rug or elevate it for better air circulation.
There are several ways to keep your rugs looking fresh and clean. Properly maintaining your rugs regularly preserves their lifetime and color. Here are some ways to keep them looking spotless.
Give your rugs a good shake once a month to loosen dirt and dust that has become embedded in the fibers. If the rug is too large to hold, you can roll it up and carry it outside to be dusted. Use a broom to beat out the dirt until there are no more dust clouds.
After removing the hard to get dirt and debris, use the vacuum cleaner to pick up the rest. Regular vacuuming should be done once or twice a month. If the rug is in a high foot traffic area, you may want to vacuum weekly.
Tackle stains before they linger too long. If you missed a stain, there’s still a way to remove it. Blot the stain with stain remover and then rinse. Avoid scrubbing the stain as it can damage the fibers of the rug and lead to more problems.
If treated well, your rug can last for generations. Your rugs are more than just an accent to a room, but an anecdote of your family’s history. It may be where your child took their first steps or your pet’s favorite spot to nap. By providing proper care, rugs can last a lifetime. To some, it may be a rug, but to a family, it can hold memories for decades to come.
Now that you’re equipped to properly care for your rugs, you’ll need a place to put them! If you’re looking for a new home, contact us today. Our expert home builders can show you plenty of custom floor plans and model homes to help you turn your dreams into reality.
There’s something to be said for home decorations that have lived a whole lifetime before they find their way to you.
Vintage sofas with hand-carved wooden legs and elaborately etched glass jugs used decades ago to sling wine in Italy don’t have that straight-from-the-store glimmer, but oh, the stories they could tell.
That’s the way Emily Reynolds of Anonyma Fine Art views artwork: Vintage and antique artwork offers a backstory and level of interest that can’t be matched by brand new or store-bought pieces.
“It’s that feeling of owning something that you know is one-of-a-kind versus mass-produced, that there are 5,000 more of floating around out there, or something digitally printed by a computer,” Reynolds said recently from inside her Oklahoma City art gallery. “It’s convenient to be able to order three of something and have it shipped in a week, but it’s not special. And if you have this beautiful home and you want to entertain, and you have striking, one-of-a-kind, interesting artwork, it’s going to spark conversation.”
Interest in antique artwork has exploded in the past year, with “antique artwork” finding its way onto many top trends roundups for 2020, like this piece from Good Housekeeping. If you’re like many others who are curious about growing their collections, read on to see Reynolds’ tips for incorporating antique artwork into your home, whether it’s newly built or lived in for ages.
Reynolds collects artwork by unidentified, untrained and under-recognized artists from all around the world. While you won’t find any van Goghs or Klimts on her walls, you will find oil paintings, sculptures and original prints you haven’t seen anywhere else.
“There’s still a lot of mystery to the pieces I collect,” she said. “I think that’s fun. Maybe the person who made it — who knows who they were — they might not have gotten the recognition that they deserved, but they were still very talented. I like that aspect.”
When it comes to antique artwork, the definition can be a little subjective. In the antique category, Reynolds places anything created before the early part of the 20th century. However, others might combine any “vintage,” or 20th century, artwork into the antique category as well.
Definitions aside, if you’re looking to incorporate artwork with a story to tell, consider Reynolds’ tips below.
Reynolds suggests looking online to recognize what you’re drawn to, but then find an art dealer to guide you to unique pieces you’ll love. Connecting with an art dealer will allow you to glean expertise from those in the industry while also seeing what pieces look like within your home before you buy. While you might gravitate toward certain types of pieces, you should also keep an open mind for artwork that might seem out of your comfort zone, or pieces you wouldn’t initially imagine in your home.
Reynolds thought back to a recent project with a couple who loved portraiture and owned a beautiful, remodeled home in Nichols Hills. After touring their home, taking photographs and jotting down dimensions, she returned with lots of portraits she knew the couple would like, but also a broad range of other artwork.
“You really do sometimes need to get things into someone’s home and literally put them into place,” she said. “They ended up buying artwork they said they never would have if I’d only sent them an image file and said ‘What about these for this spot?’ But seeing them in their home, with the colors of the room, the lighting and how they play off of other artwork, they could actually see they were right for the space.”
Reynolds even met the couple at a local framing shop to advise on framing, matting and installation of the pieces they bought.
Next, figure out which locations in your home are most important to you. If you spend a lot of time in your family room, consider spotlighting some framed antique artwork above your mantel. Perhaps there’s another spot in your home that you pass by or look at frequently. Think about the room, the style and the color palette.
Introducing lots of antique artwork into an older home might make sense initially, but it could cause your home to feel more like a museum than an inviting space for your family to enjoy. Consider more modern work in an older home, to contrast with the architecture.
The same can be said for newly constructed homes having all-new artwork.
“Having an older piece of artwork, something that has craquelure on the surface of the painting, something that clearly has a history, it adds soul to the space and creates a nice tension between this brand new home with these really nice, brand new furnishings, and the older artwork.”
You’ll have much better luck filling your space with antique artwork you love if you take your time, Reynolds said.
“If you’re new to collecting and you want to put some older artwork in your home, I would avoid having that ‘get it all done in one fell swoop’ impulse; buy piece by piece instead,” she said, adding that it’s OK to buy two or three pieces at a time if they really speak to you.
“If you see something like that, truly, buy it, because it’ll be gone if it’s a one-of-a-kind piece.”
Diversity is key. If you’re leaning toward lots of colors, consider sprinkling in some black-and-white artwork like charcoal sketches or black-and-white photography that won’t fight with other colors.
Shoot for a variety of artists as well, whether that’s age, male versus female artists or country of origin. Their points of view and how they see the world will be different, making your art collection all the more interesting.
And lastly, mix up your media. Sure, incorporate paintings on canvas, but don’t forget drawings, sculptures and photographs.
Now that you’re equipped with the know-how to incorporate antique artwork into your home, get more style inspiration from our blog! Learn how to create your own audio room or decorate your nightstand.
People. That’s what drew the Brickmans to The Springs.
“Every couple who comes in just fits,” said Jim and Sharon Brickman. In other words, they’re part of a community — a group of people living in one place sharing a way of life. At Landmark Fine Homes, we’re known for our custom homes, but building communities is our real passion. With the construction of every home, we look to build upon the community that’s already there.
We know there are many housing developments to choose from when you’re looking to start a new life chapter — but not all put “community” at the heart of their mission. Read on to learn how and why our company creates communities and not just another development.
When a young family is looking to move, education is always a top priority. Schooling is an essential part of building and maintaining a thriving community. Most Landmark communities are located in Norman, Edmond , Mustang and Moore and boast some of the top school districts in the state. With every community built, we make sure each one is located near the best schools in the area.
Living in a community that encourages an active lifestyle is also a great benefit. We provide communities with walking trails, a fitness center, a community pool and much more. Emphasizing physical activity helps increase the lifetime and longevity of community members. Events held each month in the activity center help members feel connected to their neighbors and the rest of the community.
An Active Lifestyle Community allows residents to not only get acquainted with the residents in their neighborhood, but to make long-lasting friendships, said Donna Thompson, Landmark’s marketing coordinator.
“It also allows those who are interested in traveling the feeling of security knowing they live in a gated community where their lawns are mowed and neighbors they know who can help watch after things,” Thompson said.
In many Landmark communities, residents organize events. In Carrington Lakes, “Mom’s Council” is a group of moms who organize Easter egg hunts and Fourth of July parades for the community. The Springs at Native Plains has a community center, the Gathering Room, where people can watch the biggest sporting events together. Many communities feature a community pond that’s stocked for fishing, and The Springs at Skyline Trails offers a community garden.
The community feel is what attracted the Stapletons to her Landmark community.
“And (we love) the social aspect,” Michele Stapleton said. “I love how when you go for a walk in the evening you’re greeted by your neighbors. It feels like an extended family.”
At Landmark, we build more than just homes; we build communities. Our communities are close to shopping, entertainment and schools, and they offer dozens of amenities. When you choose Landmark, you’re not just investing in a home — you’re investing in a community. Contact us today to see if a Landmark community could be the right fit for you.