It seems like we never want to admit we're getting older.  Its something that's hard to escape and with it comes changes to our bodies.  What once was easy becomes more difficult.  With the help of newer technology and smart upgrades to our livings spaces, many people are able to stay in their homes longer.  Here are a few things to keep in mind if you're renovating your home.

1 - Reduce or eliminate changes in levels.
Whether its a house, townhouse, or condo many homes have multiple levels within them.  As we age mobility can become reduced.  Sometimes use of a cane, walker or wheelchair is needed to help us get around.  Reducing the amount of stairs or changes in levels can have a large impact on maintaining our independence.  This can be accomplished by raising floors or repurposing rooms so that sleeping rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms are all on the same level.

Alright, so you want to sound boujee at your next cocktail party or whiskey on the porch (because we're Southern), and you need some topics to make things more interesting. We got you. Here are a few architects to slip into conversation when there is a lull in the talking.  (Note: If you're an architect yourself, these should be old news)
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Number 1 - Frank Lloyd Wright 
You're probably familiar with the most famous architect of our lifetime.  Frank Lloyd Wright designed everything from buildings to chairs to stained glass windows.  One of his best known structures is Falling Water in Bear Run, PA which was designed for a wealthy department store owner, Edgar Kaufmann.  It has many of Wright's calling card features: concrete cantilevers, lower ceilings and horizontal projections are all used in this house. 

​A lesser known project was Wright's Usonian houses which were made for those earning a "modest salary."  These houses are sprinkled throughout the US and were meant to allow a middle class family to have a well designed abode.  Sometimes clients would mail Wright a land survey and he'd sent back house plans.
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For more info on Wright's Usonian homes, HERE is a link to a good article by DWELL (which I love).

Beautiful architecture changes the world, and you don't need to design an Olympic stadium to make a difference. Whether you are building a home, opening a restaurant, expanding your dental office, remodeling a yoga studio, building an addition to your private school, or anything in between--you have the power to create something special. If you're in our area and looking to partner with an architect in Winchester, Frederick County, Northern Virginia, DC, Maryland or West Virginia, contact Four Square Architects today to see how we can help. 

I don't know what it is about kitchens that keeps us posting on Instagram, reading "before and after" stories, and ripping out pages of magazines--but we cannot stop loving them.  One of the most used rooms in your house is your kitchen.  

We have likely all lived in a place (or three) that had a really terrible kitchen. It made us dream of ripping it out and replacing it with something that is not only functional, spacious and clean, but uniquely "us."  Here at Four Square Architects we'd like to share some of our favorite kitchens that you may love too.

Whether or not you love modern kitchens, the light brought in by the partial height walls is fantastic.  The concrete countertop, subway tile with contrasting grout and use of stainless steel splashes give this kitchen an industrial feel.  The dark brown cabinets keep the kitchen from feeling too cold. 
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This kitchen island is flooded with light from three sets of French doors.  On a warming evening these doors can be opened to feel like you are dining al fresco.  The subway tiles and marble counter gives this kitchen a more classic feel.

Built-in cabinets are always an added bonus in a house.  Here, they are no exception when anchoring the kitchen island.  Painted brick gives this kitchen an industrial feel while the warm, yellow wood on the cabinets keep it feeling warm and cheery.  As an added bonus, the built-ins have glass to display cook books and other fun "kitcheny" goods.

If space allows, having a walk in butler's panty is a perfect way to hide all those appliances that need to be kept on the counter.  Here, providing a sliding door with a pop of color keeps a neutral palete from feeling boring.  We also love the grey painted cabinets and white counter.  When choosing white counters, look at manmade options that don't stain as easily as natural stone.  Ceasarstone and Silestone are two great options.
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Contrasting colors can look fresh, but they are sometimes too jarring to look at on a day-to-day basis.  Adding wood through open shelving and using penny tile with multiple shades of grey in the backsplash help blend light and dark together. 


If you want to discuss options on how to make your kitchen work for you, give Four Square Architects a call.  Located in Winchester, Virginia we travel all around Northern Virginia, Maryland and West Virginia providing architecture, design, and consulting support.

The stairs are always seen as a means to go up or go down.  Sometimes they are carpeted.  Sometimes they are painted.  They can turn.  They can wind.  They can be a straight shot.  They get us from one level to another.  The point: we mainly focus attention on the aesthetics of the step and not the overall use of the stair.  

We often overlook what is below them.  Utilizing the space beneath the stairs can add extra storage, create a cozy nook, or showcase some of your favorite tchotchkes.  Here at Four Square Architects, we have compiled some of our favorite images illustrating use of this (under)utilized area. 

The front entry welcomes visitors by displaying collectibles.  Dividing the shelves with a larger platform can both act as a bench and separate collectibles from the more pragmatic, hidden storage below.

The custom drawers shown above hide away day-to-day items, while adding additional charm.

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When converting under-utilized space, consider adding doors to close off the area, quickly tidying the spce when guests come over.  Above a bar is tucked away under the stairs and can be closed off when not in use.

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With today's cool gadgets and kitchen must-haves, the kitchen never seems to have enough storage space.  A clever pantry is hidden below the stairs.  Built in lighting helps the owner read labels and make the space appear bigger.

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If you'd rather have additional counter space, consider adding base cabinets and a counter.  If space allows, upper cabinets can be added as well.  Again, providing a light source keeps the space from feeling gloomy.

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Finally, if you don't have space for a home office, consider creating one under the stairs.  You can make it small and cozy by carving into the stairs or you can make it light and airy by pulling part of the desk out and extending it past corners.


If you want advice or additional ideas to maximize the space under your stairs, give Four Square Architects a call. Based in Winchester, Virginia, we work with clients in Northern Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia, and throughout Maryland.