Getting to Know the Red House Team

Getting to Know the Red House Team

We’ve put together some questions for the team to learn about their interests and tastes in design and build. At the end of the day, we all seem to just want a cozy home that is functional and stands the test of time! Let’s dive in and see how some of the team responded!

How would you define a “forever home”?


It is a home that transcend life changes, like a growing family or retirement. It is designed to grow with you over a long period of time.
Enough space, with flexibility for changes when the time comes for change.
A home that is both functional and cozy
A place that encompasses all the comforts of family and supports the gathering of love ones. A forever home should welcome all people and support all the activities that go along with such gatherings. Indoor and outdoor space and the intermingling of both should accentuate the feeling of warmth and love.
A place to comfortably raise a family
A home that fits all of your style & needs
A forever home refers to a house where someone intends to live for a long time, with the desire to settle down and not move anytime soon—if ever

What is more important to you: function or style? Why?


They are equally important, but it also depends on the purpose of the space. The function, or how you use the space comes first. Style must come second, but should always be considered. The greatest moments in design are when you find a stylish and practical solution for a problem. For example, our client wanted to hide an electrical panel that was prominently displayed in the living room of their apartment. We designed a fluted panel system and created a curved wall to disguise the panel, retain hidden access to it, and give the client a gorgeous design moment that turned an eyesore into a a highlight of the room.
Function because no matter what you can always add style to function at the end of the day with plenty of different options. How something works day to day is far more important to me, especially if I plan to actually use it.
Function. Want to be able to use all possible spaces to enjoy the home.
Through the history of architecture I believe that the best design combines elements of both. Frank Lloyd Wright was famous for building in furniture into his designs so that it couldn’t be moved no matter what the needs were. Most would agree that his architecture was the pinnacle of early 20th century modern design but function was certainly not the aim. I believe the balance achieved by mingling sentimental pieces with cool design and efficient layouts can meld both function and style and should be the goal.
I think both are equally important. Good design should be practical and beautiful
Function because you can focus on style all day but if the space does not work functionally then it will cause frustration
For me, function is the most important aspect. While style trends may change and sometimes become dull, functionality remains essential and invaluable.

Pick Your Dream Backyard

 

Well, I guess it’s safe to say there are no future farmers in our midst! It looks as though we’ve all found our rightful place here in the ocean state!

How do you feel about the role of design-build firms in shaping neighborhoods and communities?


Design-build brings a thoughtfulness to the aesthetic and function of a space that elevates it beyond what a traditional contractor or remodeling company can do.
I think they are essential especially when it comes to providing updates to older homes. Things change so much over the years, and when a house starts to become “unloved” it’s usually because it needs some updates. Whether that is a new heating and cooling system, an updated functional kitchen, or just a new layout, I think design-build is very important.
I think it is great for communities so that people can have their forever homes. It is nice when neighborhoods are filled with long term residents as it makes an impact on the overall community and how it is taken care of.
Our work has a large impact on people’s day to day lives
I feel they can play a big role in sapping neighborhoods and communities due to the fact that the designers care about matching the surrounding styles to fit in rather than something that does not fit and feels out of place.
I believe it fosters trust and creates a closer connection with clients, making it a highly promising idea

In your opinion, what materials or choices are essential for a home built to last?


Natural materials – wood, cedar shakes, natural stone tile and countertops. And custom cabinetry
Solid foundation, multiple bathrooms, and a functional kitchen. These rooms are the most used, and need to be as functional as possible. I would also add in there a forced air, or good cooling and heating system, with great insulation, especially with the crazy temperature changes.
Quality materials are essential
Insulation plays a major role is a home. If they home is not properly insulated then there could be spaces that no one wants to use and renders the space useless.
Masonry, tiles, wood

Pick your favorite style

 

 

Which alternative style home would you live in?

 

What’s one design or construction trend you personally love and would like to see stick around?


wood-toned cabinets. The shade can change overtime, but they bring a warmth to the space that painted cabinets do not. I also love the current trend of arches and curves bringing a more organic and personal feel.
Solar Panels and galley sinks.
I prefer an open floor design.
Metal roofs
I love to explore Minimalism, using openings and natural finishes, as wood, stone and glass.

Are there any eco-friendly materials or practices you’re personally excited about?


I like to stick to the basics. Choose natural materials – stone and wood – whenever possible.
Solar panels, if you have the correct systems to make the most out of it.
Stickbulb. They take discarded trees from New York City and turn them into elegant light fixtures

I am excited for the development of solar technology. I fell that large strides could be made to the technology that could greatly benefit not just the homeowner but the planet as well.

Bamboo products

What would be your top priorities if you were designing a sustainable home?


After living in a 1950s home for many years with no exterior wall insulation, I would focus on air sealing and insulation.
Not honestly sure, I would need to do some research.
Energy efficient appliances and green roofing material
Solar orientation, passive heating/cooling, and rainwater collection
Utilizing the surrounds as much as possible
My top priorities are water reuse, solar energy, and smart openings designed to maximize natural sunlight.

What would you transform your basement into?

 

What’s your favorite room in your home, and why do you feel most comfortable there?


I change my furniture and rotate my art collection regularly, but currently I like my living room. I just got a nice, soft leather chair and ottoman that just look, smell, and feel amazing.
Our kitchen/living room space. It has plenty of room to watch over my busy toddler, while cooking and baking meals I love. Everything has a home in a cabinet, and place it belongs. Our island with stools, offers a great place to eat, and have conversations while working in the kitchen.
My favorite room in my home is our Family room. I love this space because it has everything I need i.e. cozy living room with fireplace, mini bar, access to sun room, a full kitchen and bath. I don’t have to leave far to have access to the things I need at home.
My living room because it has the most windows and the natural lighting is nice
The living room is special to me because it’s where my family gathers and enjoys the warmth of sunlight. For me the living room is the cover sheet of my house, always.

You won $500,000 and can either invest in a dream remodel in your current home or move. What would you do?


MOVE!!! I need more bedrooms for my children and although my house could use an addition, the neighborhood doesn’t support the investment. More than that, I don’t see myself staying in this area long term. If I did, I wouldn’t care about the ROI for resale. The ROI is unimportant if you want to stay.
Tough question. If it was in the budget at this point to move into Massachusetts I would, but the house would need to be similar to what I already own. If it wasn’t in the budget, I would finish our entire basement, into a game room/hangout space, and small gym.
renovate the master bedroom
I would buy a house immediately so we could stop renting and sharing a yard
For now, I’d buy a new house, if possible remodeling that in a clean & light mode.

Do you have any projects you are currently planning or working on in your home now? Tell us about them!


Right this moment, we are replacing an exterior door and discovered rot, so now we need to replace some hardwood flooring, trim, and exterior siding that we weren’t planning on before. I am getting a taste of what it’s like to be one of our clients when these unknowns pop up during construction! It’s scary and stressful.
Just finished getting my toddler’s room painted, and set up for her big girl room; and we are now painting the babies nursey.
Not at this time.
I am still settling my home with functional furniture, since I am renting, but I’m mainly saving resources to be a home owner as soon as we can. But I’d love to have a house with extra rooms for receive guests & family.

Choose One!

 

Lastly, please settle the debate: do you decorate for the Holidays before or after Thanksgiving?

 

 

 

Thanks for stopping in and getting to know some of our team a little bit better!

Let us know what else you’re curious about knowing from a design build team! Email us jlabriola@redhousecb.com

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