Any of my past clients who have requested a balcony off of their bedroom knows: I’m going to push back on it.

Everyone who dreams of a balcony always paints the picture that they will get their morning coffee and go enjoy it on the balcony.

Now let’s look at the reality of that:

You get up.

You shower, get dressed.

You go downstairs.

You get your coffee.

Are you really going to all the way back upstairs just so you can drink your coffee on your balcony? Would you not just go out to your patio on the main level to do that? Or sit on your comfy couch instead?

I joke that unless there is a coffee machine right in your room on a timer, it’s just not going to work the way you think it will.

Well, today someone took my joke to heart.

With a coffee machine on a timer, the freshly brewed cup can wake you up instead of that annoying alarm. Then sip it as you go through the morning motions of getting ready for the day. This was the one time I said ‘okay, a balcony makes sense’.

Juxtaposition is my soul sister. Here’s another take on it if you don’t want to go opposite in colour:

The rough texture of the stone vs the smooth brick bring contrast to the eye even though they are close in colour.

Try the ‘contrast in textures’ technique when choosing exterior materials for YOUR new home.

New property sizes are getting smaller, but your new home’s style doesn’t need to be compromised. Just check out this modern farmhouse home that is only 39′-6″ wide!

Bathrooms are becoming an area where people go to unwind. A spa at home, if you will.

This one is no exception:

With a curb-less shower, windows up high that allow light in but keep privacy, and a large soaker tub against a feature wall – not to mention the open floor space – this bathroom allows these homeowners to enjoy some time to themselves.

Here we are with another edition of Colour Changes Everything. Below you’ll see the same house done two different ways. The first version chooses a more modern linear brick with modern touches in the garage door and the entry door, whereas the second version goes a more traditional approach with a red-toned brick and board and batten siding.

Both versions set the tone for what you’ll find inside, and even influence the style of landscaping.