A Modern Minimalist New Build

This project is a custom home that we wrapped up last year. Custom homes are my favorite, because each client has a different style and vision, and I never know exactly what everything is going to look like until it’s all put together.

This is also the first project where we have used GE Cafe appliances, and I have to admit they are stunning. Check out the kitchen photos below to see for yourself!

Is this a staged home from a magazine? No, this is a real house right here in eastern Iowa. Can you find the fridge in that last photo? It blends right in!

The natural light in this home brings such a bright and fresh feel to every space!

The peacefulness of this primary bedroom and bathroom is something we all dream of! Private wooded views and bright sunlight make this ideal for some rest and recharge time!

A huge thank you to our clients for having the vision, and choosing us to bring it to life!

Until next time,

Rachael

Preparing Our Home For It's Next Chapter

When we built this home, almost 6 years ago, it was the first APS build from the ground up. Sure we had done additions, renovations, and the like, but never an entire home start to finish. It was a really large project, for such a small crew (Me & Adam), but we learned so much along the way.

We learned to challenge our limits, or perceived limits.

We learned to work together, even after we had worked all day at our ‘regular’ jobs.

We learned the hard truths about timelines, deadlines, and budgets that only experience with home building can bring.

We learned what we would, and would not, do again next time. If there was a next time.

Well, as it turns out, there is a next time.

We love this home and wish we could bring it with us to our acreage that we purchased last year, but sadly that is not possible.

We spent countless hours fussing over every detail of this home…from light switches to water filtration systems. We spent even more time personalizing it, with backsplashes, wainscotting, reclaimed flooring, and much more.

Then came the realization that we needed to move, and with that the need to de-personalize. It took us 6 months to prepare our house for the next owner, and finally I can say that mission has been accomplished.

And while it might no-longer feel quite like ‘home’, this house will always hold a special place in my heart.

On to the next project….moving!!

We’ll chat soon

-Rachael

Below are a few photos of recent projects at our home.

Iowa Winter Fun & Life in 2021

Hello 2021!

Iowa started off the new year with nearly a foot of snow. Exciting for those who like to play in the snow, but also challenging for those who remove the snow. Our household experienced both sides of this dilemma.

I am grateful we took some time to slow down and recharge over the holidays, we certainly needed that. If I could just have one week every quarter to sit at the beach and refill my cup, I think I could go on at this intense pace of life indefinitely! Not too much to ask, right? Ha!

In all seriousness, we are using the beginning of this year to organize our business to the highest level. I am a big advocate for efficiency, and gathering receipts for taxes has shown this is an area that is lacking (does anyone else have a large plastic tub full of paper to sort through?).

We have a couple large projects that will begin once the ground is un-frozen, until then its clean and purge time at home. Each year I feel the need to really minimalize my house around January/February. Maybe it stems from trying to get every last piece of glitter left over from Christmas, or just that I’m over the clutter of the holidays. Either way, it’s time for it to all leave my house and as a bonus I am reminded of what my kitchen counters look like. I consider it my yearly surprise. Here are a few photos!

Also, we will be selling our house soon to move to the farm, so I guess the clean and purge is currently serving two purposes! We don’t quite have our house plans finalized yet at the farm, and thus no start date, but there is not much that can be done right now in the frozen tundra of Iowa in January.

Speaking of that, it is supposed to snow again tonight so I had better tidy up some things outside. I hope this post finds you safe and healthy!

Talk soon!
-Rachael