Install A His & Hers Walk-In Closet

Everyone knows how frustrating it can be to battle over space in a shared closet, walk-in or not. It’s difficult to make the most of a cramped, dark closet that doesn’t have enough space for all of your clothing, accessories, and miscellaneous items. If you are prepared to renovate, consider transforming your small master bedroom closet into a modern-day his and hers styled closet. Maximize every inch of your closet with these helpful tips.

Divide Space

The first thing you should do when you start designing your walk-in closet is to distinguish clear sides of the closet. Be realistic when dividing up space, if one person has more clothes, shoes, or accessories that need space should be reflected in the design of the closet. Once you have your dimensions, your builder will be able to tailor your space to your exact needs.

Utilize shelving and baskets

Storage tools will be your best friend when it comes to organizing your his & hers closet. They’re a great way to organize jewelry racks, ties, hats, socks, and any other small item that doesn’t necessarily need to be hung up or take up an entire drawer. For maximum organization, you can even label baskets and shelves.

Make The Most Of Empty Space

Adjusting the hanging space in a closet to fit your clothes will do wonders for making the most of the space. Most closets are designed with one single rod and shelf at the top, which leaves large gaps of unused storage below your clothes and often a large unused block above the upper shelf. You can double your storage by including double hanging sections that feature an upper and lower rod in the same vertical section.

Don’t Forget The Little Things

When designing your closet, small additions can make a world of difference. Use a wardrobe rod to stage your outfits for the next day or incorporate a jewelry rack to organize your favorite pieces.

Conclusion

A His & Hers closet can make a world of difference in the organization of your home. If you have questions about updating your closet, contact us today!

November 29, 2021 0

Should You Include a Skylight in Your Home?

If you’re looking for more natural sunlight in a living room, to heat up a bedroom, or have better ventilation in your home, you’ve probably thought about installing a skylight. You might not be sure if a skylight is the right investment for you. We’ve created this guide of benefits and drawbacks to take into consideration when deciding whether or not a skylight is a good fit for your home.

Pros of Skylights

Improved Ventilation For Your Space

Skylight windows can be opened to let in fresh air, which aids with cross ventilation. Especially in stuffy rooms, skylights can cool down the space and freshen up the air without the costs of other ventilation methods, such as air conditioning

Saving on Energy Costs

Skylights can be useful in both the heating and cooling of your space. They can warm up areas of your home that are cold and stuffy due to inadequate lighting as well as provide heat during the daytime. Energy costs can pile up quickly, so a skylight is a great alternative. Just make sure the skylight you choose to install features laminated glass and is leakproof!

Aesthetic Changes Increase Home Value

Skylights are a popular and sought-after cosmetic enhancement. They can add value to your home if you ever decide to put it on the market, as they provide a natural light that creates a beautiful ambiance.

Make a Room Feel Bigger

Skylights often have the potential to make a room feel more spacious. They also allow for beautiful views of the night sky.

Cons of Skylights

Improper Placement

The placement of a skylight is crucial to its effectiveness in the aforementioned benefits above. Make sure to consult a professional about the placement of your skylight

Too Much Light

Sometimes, the placement of the skylight brings in too much light or heat during the day. Proper consultation could help fix this potential problem, making sure you install a skylight in an area that will fit your needs without letting a space get too hot or cold.

Cleaning Issues

Skylights can be difficult and sometimes downright unsafe to clean. From the inside, you’ll likely have to use a ladder to clean. From the outside, you’re likely to have leaves and branches fall on the skylight from time to time, and getting on the roof to brush them off can be a pain.

Conclusion

There are several compelling arguments for and against skylights. Here at the Horton Group, we’re here to assist you with considerations to make when deciding to install a skylight as well as proper installation techniques.

November 15, 2021 0

Install a Spiral Staircase

Many homes can benefit from installing a spiral staircase. They’re a versatile design option that can work well in homes with open floor plans as well as ones without extra space to spare. Installing a spiral staircase can add a simple yet sophisticated element to any home. We’ve outlined a couple of reasons that you should consider investing in a spiral staircase.

Seamless Installation

Spiral staircases are a lot more affordable than one might think. Some people even choose to order the materials in a kit to install them by themselves! They are easier to assemble than regular stairs and often much cheaper.

Add Value to Your Home

Spiral staircases are very attractive to architects and homebuyers alike. While they are relatively inexpensive to install, they are one of the most desired elements that boost the value of a home.

Save Space

Spiral staircases can be put in where other types of staircases may not fit, such as cottages or apartments. Even when it’s not a top priority to save space when selecting a staircase, they can make the largest of rooms feel even more spacious.

Versatile

Spiral staircases are known to compliment almost every interior. The material and color used in the construction of spiral staircases can vary greatly while still preserving the aesthetic of your space. Wood, glass, and iron are all elements that you can feature in your spiral staircase.

Conclusion:

Spiral staircases have stood the test of time and have continually stayed popular in a variety of different home styles. If you’re looking for a customizable and aesthetically pleasing update to your home, a spiral staircase might be the perfect option for you. Want to start a project with us? Get to know some of our skilled professionals and give us a call at 203-624-6873.

November 8, 2021 0

The Benefits of Recessed Lighting

Lighting is one of the most important things to consider when renovating or updating a home. Apart from improving the way a home looks and feels, the right lighting can increase the value of a property. While chandeliers, wall mount fixtures, and track lights are all right for certain spaces in your home, recessed lighting is the right choice for anyone looking to brighten up a space without installing a fixture that extends into a room and changes elements of its decor. Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of adding recessed lighting to your home.

Increase the Value of Your Home

Recent data from the most popular U.S. home trends suggests that homes with recessed lighting receive around 1,110 views per listing on real estate websites, which is higher than any other top 10 home trend. It’s also been reported that on average, homes with recessed lighting are more likely to sell above list price.

Illusion of Space

Recessed lights naturally make a room feel bigger because there is less physical space being taken up with light cans being set into the ceiling. Different types of trim can also cast more light around the room, especially when spaced further away from the wall and other fixtures.

Highlight Aspects of Your home

When installing recessed lighting, you’re able to highlight specific designs or aesthetics of your home. Use a recessed light to shed light on an art piece, unique structural feature, or special collection. Recessed light can also act as a spotlight in a home office or kitchen.

Safety

The casing of a recessed light keeps it safe and out of reach of children and pets, as opposed to hanging light fixtures.

Versatility

Recessed lighting has many options that you can choose from to customize your lighting setup. A few things you can consider when customizing your recessed lighting:

Fixture sizes: based on the height of the ceiling & size of the area you want to light.
Light Bulb Type: control temperature, cost, lifespan, and intensity of light.
Trim styles: an eyeball trim can help with wall-wash lighting, while a flat trim is ideal for a minimalist finish.

Conclusion:

Recessed lighting allows you to upgrade your home in a way that’s both stylish and discreet. The Horton Group has been serving the Northeastern United States for over 20 years, and we’d love to help you, too. Want to start a project with us? Get to know some of our skilled professionals and give us a call at 203-624-6873.

November 1, 2021 0

Look For Credentials When Hiring

If you’re planning a home remodel and want to hire a professional, then you’ve likely heard some horror stories.

No one wants to be taken advantage of – whether it’s your time, money, and especially not your home. When researching contractors in the area, make sure you look at their credentials just as much as their portfolio online. A pretty picture is nothing without a few testimonials.

Remodeling professionals have the training, experience, skills, and solid references. Homeowners can hire the best remodeler for the job by checking credentials and choosing the most qualified candidate.

Ask about these credentials when hiring a professional remodeler:

Insurance and Licensing

All professional home remodelers should be insured and able to display a certificate proving possession of insurance. While not all states require remodelers to be licensed, the ones that do, contractors are mandated to share proof of licensure. Up-to-date insurance and licensing demonstrate that the remodeling firm is in good standing.

Education

The most skilled professional remodelers not only have experience on the job but education. There are many ways contractors continue their education and numerous certifications, designations one can hold. Find a professional who continues to invest in professional development to keep their remodeling and business skills sharp and better serves their customers.

References and Reviews

Happy homeowners enjoy sharing their good experiences and appreciation of their newly upgraded space. Take a look at reviews online, or ask friends and neighbors for their referrals.

Business Skills

Experienced remodelers know how to manage their business, which provides stability and security for their customers. These professionals will provide a written contract for a home remodeling project, a scheduled timeline, and guarantees and warranties for their work.

Another vital sign of honest business practices from a remodeler is outlining a clear payment schedule and not requiring large amounts of cash upfront. Professional remodelers should also have a good reputation with the Better Business Bureau and a good credit report, indicating stable business operations.

Association Membership

Many successful remodelers are members of trade associations like the National Association of Home Builders because it offers business resources and continuing education. Membership also provides opportunities for professional growth and expanding knowledge of the remodeling industry.

Conduct thorough research when hiring a professional home remodeler so that you hire someone with good credentials. Verifying intelligent business practices and remodeling experts will better ensure that your home remodel will be completed successfully and safely. Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry rather than trusting someone’s word.

August 30, 2021 0

Tips for Designing a Multi-Generational Home

Multi-generational living can be challenging. You want everyone to have their privacy and space, all under one roof. If you are currently living with multiple generations in your home, or anticipate this situation in the future, here are some tips to design a living space that works for everyone.

Design Your Home with Accessibility in Mind

With multiple generations under one roof, you’ll want to make sure the living space is accessible to the oldest of the household’s members.

Make sure you have spaces wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs. Build bedroom suites on the ground floor, so people with mobility challenges won’t need to navigate stairs. If you have a large budget, you can even consider motorized countertops or cabinets that can adjust height to accommodate everyone’s needs.

Design your bathroom with safety in mind. Choose step-in showers, rather than a bathtub that an elderly person will struggle to climb into. Install handrails or seats in the showers.

Lastly, make sure there is ample lighting in the house for older members who may have trouble seeing. Adjustable lighting is a great option to make everyone happy.

Design Private Spaces and Communal Spaces

There will be times where you’ll want to spend time with your family members, and times where you’ll want some privacy. This can be difficult to achieve in a multigenerational home, but there are solutions. You can build a separate suite in the basement, or even elsewhere on your property like a guest cottage. You can also consider separate entrances into the home, so every generation feels like they have a space of their own.

You’ll want some communal and accessible open-concept spaces, but you’ll also want some separate rooms for privacy. Pocket doors are a great solution to accomplish something in-between open and private. With a lot of people in the house, you’ll also definitely want to make sure your rooms are well-soundproofed.

Maximize Your Indoor and Outdoor Space

With a full house, it’s essential to maximize every inch of your home. Design plenty of creative storage solutions. Lots of people means lots of stuff!

Even if you don’t have extra family members living with you NOW, you can design for your FUTURE needs if you anticipate you will one day have extra members in your household. Design your spare rooms to meet standard bedroom requirements so that they can be used as bedrooms later, even if you’re currently using them as an office or exercise room.

If you have the yard space, designing a spacious, comfortable outdoor courtyard or deck where the whole family can come together for bonding time while having their private spaces indoors is a great way to achieve balance between alone time and social time.

Conclusion:

Living in a multigenerational home can be a challenge, but creating a harmonious living environment starts with the design of your house. It is important to design a space that is physically accessible to every member of the household, and that accommodates both togetherness and privacy.

Need help coming up with a design that fits your multi-generational needs? Get in touch today.

July 19, 2021 0

6 Outdoor Design Ideas You’ll Love

Outdoor living spaces can be designed to fit your needs and style, and remain an important feature for homeowners and buyers alike. From hosting daytime gatherings to relaxing evenings, your property expands your living space and allows you to enjoy the outdoors.

Here are six design features to take your outdoor living space to the next level:

Patio Doors

Oversized doors leading out to your patio or deck extend your interior living space to the outdoors. French patio doors are easy to open, bifold doors can create a larger entrance, and multi-slide patio doors can extend the length of the wall, with panels that tuck into pockets. Each one of these options opens up your indoor and outdoor living spaces for entertaining or relaxing at home.

Covered Outdoor Area

A covered space creates more opportunities to be outside, whether the sun is shining so brightly you need shade, or a light rain begins. You can also create separate outdoor spaces, keeping one covered and others uncovered to meet everyone’s preferences. Awnings, gazebos, and screened porches are all options for covered outdoor space.

Outdoor Kitchen

If you love to entertain, an outdoor kitchen makes it more convenient to prep food and drinks while hosting, but also limits the number of times your guests walk in and out of the house.

Built-in cooking and prep stations provide everything you need to make meals outside, so you can enjoy your company and the weather.

Irrigation System

Beautiful landscaping can be admired throughout the warmer months, making your property a serene reatreat. An irrigation system allows you to maintain your landscaping with less maintenance, giving you more time to enjoy the outdoors.

Privacy

There are numerous ways to create privacy, no matter what type of property you own. Fencing, hedges, and landscaping can all create a private oasis for you to enjoy.

Fire Pits

An outdoor fire pit is a wonderful way to create ambiance in your outdoor living space. Whether you opt for a built-in or portable fire pit, you can cozy up on chilly evenings and extend the use of your outdoor space.

April 27, 2021 0

Most and Least Desirable Home Features

Every year, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) conducts a survey to determine what features home buyers look for in a home.

This year, priorities have shifted as people began to look for more space while adapting to remote working and learning.

Keep reading for more insights from NAHB’s 2021 What Home Buyers Really Want report.

Most Essential Home Features

According to the survey, in which 3,000 recent home shoppers and buyers participated in, there is a growing demand for more square footage. As people look to expand their living spaces, here are the features they consider most essential:

Home Feature	% Who Consider it Essential
Laundry Room	87%
Exterior Lighting	87%
Ceiling Fan	83%
Energy Star rated windows	83%
Patio	82%
Double Kitchen Sink (side-by-side)	81%
Walk-in Pantry	81%
Front Porch	81%
Energy Star rated appliances	81%
Hardwood Flooring	81%
Full Bath on the Main Level	80%
Energy-efficient lighting	80%

The survey didn’t stop with overall features. Below are top features, broken down by room.

Top Kitchen Features

Double sink (side-by-side)
Walk-in pantry
Table space for eating
Central island
Water filtration

Top Outdoor Features

Exterior lighting
Patio
Front porch
Rear porch
Deck

Top Accessibility Features

Full bath on the main level
Doorways at least 3 feet wide
Hallways at least 4 feet wide
Non-slip floor surfaces
An entrance without steps

Top Technology Features

Programmable thermostat
Security cameras
Video doorbell
Wireless home security system
Multi-zone HVAC system

Least Essential Home Features

In addition to noting what’s most important, buyers also provided input on what they consider turn-offs in a home. Here are the least desirable features in a home or complex:

Home Feature	% Who Consider it Least Desirable
Elevator	56%
Glass Walls	54%
Daycare Center in the Development	50%
Wine Cellar	48%
Pet Washing Station	47%
Roof partially or completely covered by plants	46%
Golf Course	46%
In-law suite	42%
Cork flooring (on the main level)	41%
Dual toilets in primary bath	40%

What features are a must-have in your next home?

March 30, 2021 1

A Look Inside the Whitfield Penthouse

Every unit at the Residences at 66 High Street is special. Designers worked with the owners to complete the Whitfield Penthouse, ensuring that every detail fits their vision.

Scroll through the slideshow to see the expectational craftsmanship in this unit!

Welcome to the Whitfield Penthouse! The foyer sets the tone for what lies ahead: stunning architectural details, spacious living areas, and elegance throughout.
An open floor plan, wall-to-wall windows, and coffered ceilings are highlights of the main living spaces.
The living room is spacious enough for multiple seating arrangements, including this quiet spot by the fireplace and piano.
Contrasting trim, oversized windows, and an elegant chandelier create a dining area fit for hosting dinner parties.
While open to the living room, the dining area has a private feel due to the darker chair rail and trim.
Main living areas extend to the gourmet kitchen and breakfast nook. The coffered ceilings and oversized windows continue, tying together the entire level.
The double-sided fireplace separates the living and dining rooms from the kitchen, while keeping a flow that is ideal for entertaining.
Here’s another view of the kitchen and causal dining area. Take a look at the statement lighting fixture above the table!
An extension of the kitchen, this station hosts everything you need for morning coffee and evening wine.
The oversized island offers another space to sit for casual meals or conversation, while enjoying breathtaking views.
This penthouse kitchen is equipped with top-of-the-line features: farmhouse sink, double oven range, warming drawer, and more.
This view gives you a peek inside the pantry…
…which offers plenty of space for storage and prep.
The guest ensuite provides a comfortable space for loved ones.
Shiplap walls give this bedroom a nautical feel.
The movie room has two levels: one for prepping snacks, one for relaxing in front of the big screen.
The master bedroom is filled with light with wall-to-wall windows.
While the master bath is a retreat with a soaking tub and walk-in shower.
What better way to take in the views? An oversized balcony overlooking the marsh and Long Island Sound is the perfect place to relax during warmer months.

Are you interested in learning more about the Residences at 66 High Street?

March 23, 2021 0

Kitchens at 66 High Street

From the historic Mill Building to brand new Whitfield and Leete Buildings, every kitchen at the Residences at 66 High Street is customized to meet the needs of the owners.

As the social hub of the home, today’s kitchen is a place that is on display in an open floor plan. To accommodate for both function and style, we’ve worked with incredible interior designers to achieve the goals of each resident.

Scroll through to take a look at some of the 66 High Street kitchens, and perhaps get some inspiration for your own!

Open shelving, modern light fixtures, and the contrast between blue cabinetry and wood accents make this kitchen one of a kind.
Surprise! Though this looks like a small kitchen, it is actually a walk-in pantry, complete with storage, sink, and extra refrigerator. We like to think of it as – a kitchen within the kitchen!
This kitchen, located in the historic Mill Building, utilizes space under the stairs and has an industrial vibe thanks to the incredible brick walls.
Two-toned cabinets create a visually appealing contrast in this kitchen. The large center island is ideal for casual dining and entertaining!
The exposed elements in this Mill Building add character to this kitchen. The white cabinetry and dark countertops add a timeless contrast that will be enjoyed for years to come.
Simple, clean design in this kitchen is highlighted by a center island with a butcher block top.
A wine fridge is a top request in kitchen designs. We love incorporating it into a large center island.
Neutrals remain popular in the kitchen, providing an open and bright feel.
Neutral doesn’t mean boring! Depending on the cabinetry, lighting, and hardware, you can achieve many different styles with neutral colors.
In this two-toned kitchen, the recessed ceiling and appliances that match cabinets are details that make a difference.
Aside from the layout, appliances can also be customized. Take a look at this built-in espresso machine!
Light colors aren’t the only neutrals. Grays and blues create a beautiful look in any space.
Another shade of blue here, coupled with natural countertops and a white backsplash, creates a soothing space.
Pops of color brighten up a neutral kitchen. With an island that extends into a casual dining table, this is a spot guests will have a hard time leaving.