FREE Shingles Offer!

Are you in need of a new roof? A building product manufacturer that we work with is offering our clients, fans and followers a sweet deal for FREE SHINGLES! They are testing two new roofing products and are looking for homes that are French Country, Craftsman or Mediterranean styles as candidates for free shingles to be installed in mid- to late-October! If you would like to be considered for this great opportunity, please email a picture of your home to info@visbeen.biz or post it to our facebook page (www.facebook.com/visbeenassociates) and we would be happy to connect you with the company!

Thinking Outside the Box

We received an email forward (they DO still exist!) with some quirky photo examples of architectural, interior design and other design elements that think outside the box, so we thought we would pass it along.

How do you think outside the box?

Fetching & Functional Built-Ins: Part Three

In part three of our fetching and functional built-in series, we will focus on built-ins that enhance entertainment in the home. Entertaining friends and family and the preparation that goes into their visit can be a streamlined and improved experience when elements are built-in. Check out these Visbeen Associates' designed built-ins that make throwing a party a delight instead of a chore.

Let's start by looking at built-in bars, some of the most fun built-ins for us to design.

The flow of Inverness' built-in bar and lounge into the lower level family room creates an open entertaining space where partygoers can get refreshments at the bar and still mingle.

No need for party decorations in the pub area of the Blaine. The bar and built-ins surrounding it creates a relaxing entertainment area with style - notice the unexpected element of stained glass windows into the adjacent wine cellar, allowing for ample storage of libations for all tastes.

The lower level wet bar of the South Haven is built into the otherwise unused space under the stairs, keeping floorspace clear and refreshments organized.

The dark colors and rich detailing of the Wainsborough's wet bar and wine cellar add elegance to this otherwise casual entertaining area.

The unexpected pop of color, flat panel cabinetry and open, table-like built-in bar all work together to create a contemporary feel to the classically-inspired Pemberley's wet bar.

Rustic elements combined with openness to the lower level lounge area and sports court create a true man-cave feeling for Pinehurst's built-in bar, perfect for entertaining the boys.

This modern built-in bar is tucked away in the corner of the barrel-vaulted ceiling gathering room of the Rylestone, allowing for a separated prep space and refreshment center for catered parties.

Sometimes, the grill master of a party can feel like an outcast, having to leave the guests to slave over the party fare. But these built-in grilles keep the guests and cooks together with style.

Pemberley's built-in outdoor kitchen in the screened porch creates a space where guests and host can make the most of seasonal ambience, even during the food preparation.

Traverse's outdoor built-in grill brings the guests outside to join the host in enjoying the home's expansive patio and surrounding lakefront view.

The retractable screens of the Truxton's porch create an entertaining and cooking space ready for all weather.

Located just off of the kitchen, Ingleside's built-in grille is the perfect place for the griller to set up shop and still enjoy the party, allowing them to easily go between the kitchen food preparation area and outdoor entertaining space.

Man Space fit for a Dad

With this weekend being Father's Day, we got to thinking about what today's dads want. From our experience, their own space in the home is ideal. Whether that is the perfect man cave, a garage with room for their toys or workbench, a home theater with surround sound that can shake the walls or a trophy room to showcase their prize-winning catches and adventures, they deserve a place to call their own in the home. Here are a few examples of great man spaces in a few of Visbeen Associates' designs.

So if you are looking for ideas for dad on his day, maybe he would like a space to call his own. Happy Father's Day!

Here is a room for this man-of-the-home's hunting equipment storage

What about a room like this one to organize all of his gear? That seems like a gift to the man AND woman of the house!

Here is a great example of a trophy room displaying this homeowner's hunting adventures

Theater room complete with theater seating and surround sound

A perfect hangout for dad and his buddies during football season, or any sport season for that matter

Your typical billiards game room, right?

Not so much - behind those doors was an indoor golf range perfect for dad!

Man's Best Friend or King of the Castle?

Do you have a special pet that rules your roost? Check out these fun home features that Visbeen Associates designed especially for the man's best friend that has a very special place in their owner's castle (not to mention their heart).

The team of Visbeen Associates and DeHaan Homes created these first three doggie elements of the Duneside (currently in the Spring Parade of Homes - don't forget to check it out!)...

Built-in kennels under the coat closet of the rear entry for the two canines of this home

A pocket dog gate keeps the pooch from certain areas of the home without having to resort to those unsightly baby gates!

Pocket door into the kitchen with an open window upper portion keeps doggies in without blocking the view

A built-in bed and dutch door turns this laundry room into a doggy sanctuary while the owners are out

This carriage house is complete with a dog shower fit for the king or queen pup of the home

Waterfront Design: Challenges & Opportunities

Next week Thursday, April 28, Wayne Visbeen will be leading a free educational seminar hosted by the Grand Valley Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Wayne will present a pictorial essay on the design challenges and opportunities of waterfront living. Topics will range from site considerations and restrictions to functionality and aesthetics. Whether you're an architect or a waterfront enthusiast, you will find this presentation educational and entertaining.

Location: UICA, 41 Sheldon Blvd SE, Grand Rapids, MI

Time: 6:00p - Cocktail social hour with appetizers

7:00p-8:00p - Lecture

Cost: FREE so don't miss it!

Vendor Spotlight: Diane Hasso, Faux-Real, LLC Decorative Painting

Visbeen Associates has worked on numerous projects with Diane Hasso, of Faux-Real, LLC, a decorative painting business specializing in creative surface design of interior spaces, furnishings, fixtures, and accessories. Since 2001, Faux-Real, LLC has offered a complete range of design and finishing services from wall and ceiling treatments, to cabinet artwork and murals, to fireplace, mantel and stove hood treatments. As the owner and chief designer, Hasso works directly with clients, architects and builders on unique designs that enhance existing architecture and can take a space from ordinary to extraordinary. Her work can be seen in commercial and office spaces as well as high-end homes, including Visbeen Associates' designs like Legacy Woods, Two Creeks, Westchester, Reynard and Wiltshire, as seen in the photos below. Her decorative painting and creative finishes have also been featured in the "Parade of Homes" in Grand Rapids and in such publications as Better Homes & Gardens and Grand Rapids Magazine.

Hasso has studied with world renowned Master Artists and also has training in specialty product lines. She currently teaches faux painting classes and is an instructor for Just Once Classes. She has enjoyed volunteering to teach classes for Home Repair services and donating her time for the Boys & Girls Club of Holland Showcase Homes in 2007 and 2009.

Visit Faux-Real, LLC's website today to learn more information about their services or to contact Diane Hasso.

Legacy Woods kitchen with Old World Italian Plaster wall finish

Legacy Woods great room skipped trowel with soft vanilla metallic paint for light reflection with soft brown glaze

Two Creeks kitchen cove ceilings

Two Creeks master bathroom ceiling in custom color metallic plaster

Westchester dining room ceiling custom finish

Reynard living room custom multi-colored and multi-layered metallic plaster on barrel ceiling

Reynard custom finish on MDF block wall in back entry

Wiltshire hand painting work on boy's playhouse

Congratulations, David!

We are proud to announce that our Senior Designer, David Lorenz' responsibilities have expanded into managing his own projects. He will continue to use his gifts in designing, drafting and illustrating a variety of both residential and commercial projects.

Congratulations, David!

Here are a few examples of David's watercolor masterpieces...

Introducing...Megan TerVeen

Over the past month, you have met Visbeen Associates' staff members Wayne, Paul, Marcy, Lori, David, Angela, Jonathan and last, but not least, I would like to introduce myself! Here is a short bio about me:

Megan TerVeen is the Creative and Office Manager for Visbeen Associates. Her duties range from photography and social media to hospitality and web development. TerVeen, age 26, grew up in Grand Rapids and graduated with a degree in Business Communications from Calvin College. Along with organizational and management skills, she has a creative bent, allowing her to handle graphic design projects, photo editing and web layout for the firm. Her warm personality provides a friendly first impression of VAI.

Megan and her husband Chris have one child, a new baby named Aiden. Aside from working, she likes to bike, rollerblade, and run. Megan enjoys photography as a hobby, and plays the piano at her church.

Now you have met the entire Visbeen Associates team, with each talented member being an integral part of the success of our firm as a whole!