Houzz Ideabook: 10 Ways to Entertain Kids on Rainy Days

Have you ever experienced kids "bouncing off the walls" when the weather outside is less than desirable?  In Michigan, we know this too well and let's be honest, it's not a pretty sight.  Here is a fun <a href="http://Houzz.com/">Houzz.com</a> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7458447/list/10-Ways-to-Entertain-Kids-on-Rainy-Days">ideabook</a> with options for indoor activities and locations in the home that will cure your kids cooped up feeling on a rainy day.  Be sure to check out our very own Kearney Hill stair nook that landed on this list!<br /><br /><script type="text/javascript"> var hzw_id=5348901;function hzwshow(id,v,delay){var showDiv=document.getElementById('hzexpand'+id);if(v){ position=function(element){ var p={x: element.offsetLeft || 0,y:element.offsetTop || 0};while(element=element.offsetParent){ p.x += element.offsetLeft;p.y += element.offsetTop;} return p;};var ref=document.getElementById('hzfooter'+id);var p=position(ref);var scrollX=(window.pageXOffset||(document.body.scrollLeft-10)||document.documentElement.scrollLeft);var x=Math.min(Math.max(p.x -(300-ref.offsetWidth)/2 ,scrollX),(window.innerWidth || document.body.clientWidth) + scrollX -300);var root=document.body;root.insertBefore(showDiv,root.firstChild);showDiv.style.top=(p.y + ref.offsetHeight + 3) + 'px';showDiv.style.left=x + 'px';} var timeout=window['hzwtimeout'+id];if(timeout) clearInterval(timeout);if(delay && !v){ window['hzwtimeout'+id]=setTimeout('hzwshow('+id+',false,false)',400);} else{ showDiv.style.display=v?'block':'none';} } </script><style type="text/css">#hzroot5348901 div {width:100%;}#hzfooter5348901 {line-height:normal;} #hzfooter5348901 a {text-decoration:none;} #hzfooter5348901 a:hover {text-decoration:underline;} #hzexpand5348901 {display:none;width:290px !important;position:absolute;background-color:#222;border:1px solid #888;padding:4px;padding-top:8px;padding-bottom:8px;text-align:left;font-family: arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;line-height:130%;z-index:100;} #hzexpand5348901 div {color:#eee !important;text-align:left;font-family: arial,sans-serif;font-size:11px;line-height:130%;} #hzexpand5348901 a {color:#ccc !important;text-decoration:none;} #hzexpand5348901 a:hover {text-decoration:underline;} #hzsection5348901 {margin-top:8px;} </style><br /><div id="hzroot5348901" style="border: 0; font-size: 12px; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: center; width: 300px;"><div style="font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 3px;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7458447/list/10-Ways-to-Entertain-Kids-on-Rainy-Days">10 Ways to Entertain Kids on Rainy Days</a></div><div style="border: 0; margin-bottom: 3px; margin: 0; padding: 0;"><iframe border="0" frameborder="0" id="HouzzWidget987247.172743082" name="HouzzWidget987247.172743082" scrolling="NO" src="http://www.houzz.com/jsGalleryWidget/gallery/7458447//new_window=yes/title_on=yes/width=300" style="border: 0 none; height: 275px; width: 300px;"></iframe></div><div id="hzfooter5348901" style="position: relative;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/">Houzz</a>- <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/kitchen">Kitchen Remodel</a>, <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/bathroom">Bathroom Remodel</a> and <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8952986735250444759#" onclick="return false;" onmouseout="hzwshow(5348901, false, true)" onmouseover="hzwshow(5348901, true)" style="text-decoration: underline;">More »</a></div><div style="position: relative;"><div id="hzexpand5348901" onmouseout="hzwshow(5348901, false, true)" onmouseover="hzwshow(5348901, true)" style="left: 0px; position: absolute;"><div id="hzsection5348901">Browse Furniture on Houzz- For Example:</div><div><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/armchairs">Armchairs</a> · <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/bar-carts">Bar Carts</a> · <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/chairs">Chairs</a> · <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/coffee-tables">Coffee Tables</a> · <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/dining-chair-cushions">Dining Chair Cushions</a> · <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/dining-chairs-and-benches">Dining Chairs And Benches</a> · <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/dining-tables">Dining Tables</a> · <a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/ottomans-and-cubes">Ottomans And Cubes</a> · </div></div></div></div>

Houzz Ideabook: 10 Ways to Entertain Kids on Rainy Days

Have you ever experienced kids "bouncing off the walls" when the weather outside is less than desirable?  In Michigan, we know thi...

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Room Guide: Master Suites that Up the Romance

<div style="text-align: left;">It's Valentines Day, which means most people are turning up the romantic volume in their life.  Does your master suite reflect that same va-va-voom?  A romantic room doesn't have to be filled to the brim with flowers and candles (although keep in mind, guys, those are <i>always</i> a good idea).  Here are few tips on upping the atmosphere of your master sanctuary.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><u>"I'm going to surround myself with wood.  Wood, Jerry! Wood!"</u></i></b>  (please tell me there are some Seinfeld lovers out there who know what I'm talking about)</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ok, so we aren't really talking about wall to wall, floor to ceiling wood, although that could work in the right circumstances.  We are referring to the power of wood architectural details and trimwork in a master suite design. Granted, we are an <i>architectural</i> firm, so perhaps we are a little biased, but we believe the introduction of wood textiles to the pallet can have a very calming effect.  Plus it looks gorgeous, and what's more romantic than that!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTzRoy-FTNRSxXzpX49iMlzvtk-MX6eTvN_zysBISp4V5k-CqQ0Ft1oSL60iwmI_KOrDh9dGbVCqA0blrIoIOOVOMhoBJqX2QlqvH7cEyPQjozIDH5yaLTRSEXVW33HxiILSgrgDmRONow/s1600/1_9022_6659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTzRoy-FTNRSxXzpX49iMlzvtk-MX6eTvN_zysBISp4V5k-CqQ0Ft1oSL60iwmI_KOrDh9dGbVCqA0blrIoIOOVOMhoBJqX2QlqvH7cEyPQjozIDH5yaLTRSEXVW33HxiILSgrgDmRONow/s320/1_9022_6659.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0tLti5USv4P2BBsltOieRGqq_eW6ywzTIyj6seTy_tlV0GXJvHG9HvKPM8Ernm2eh6bisV8wFDGneYe1VOvdcI-IkqzXWvoV1hcIl2vZ8k0Ex4GNBbRBrIxrcFQjU4tK3ikNBf_TfXMh/s1600/1_Master+Bedroom+-+161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0tLti5USv4P2BBsltOieRGqq_eW6ywzTIyj6seTy_tlV0GXJvHG9HvKPM8Ernm2eh6bisV8wFDGneYe1VOvdcI-IkqzXWvoV1hcIl2vZ8k0Ex4GNBbRBrIxrcFQjU4tK3ikNBf_TfXMh/s320/1_Master+Bedroom+-+161.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtT5vAHJudh_RRJUja8-f8F47OwardJn7l0an0AbMHSyRi7xjFSy-AxzjmzM2pOkxXFfxG2QKNJ2lCBhGahd9yHF91Vh2KnewHHMTm4w_UqxmivNaG9DrgtUw27I9hXdHg6R4Eu5335FS0/s1600/1-Master+Bedroom-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtT5vAHJudh_RRJUja8-f8F47OwardJn7l0an0AbMHSyRi7xjFSy-AxzjmzM2pOkxXFfxG2QKNJ2lCBhGahd9yHF91Vh2KnewHHMTm4w_UqxmivNaG9DrgtUw27I9hXdHg6R4Eu5335FS0/s320/1-Master+Bedroom-1.jpg" width="271" /></a></div><br /><b><i><u>Curvaceous-ness</u></i></b><br /><div>We love a curved wall or barrel ceiling.  We especially love a curved wall or barrel ceiling in the master suite.  They add an element of whimsy, which can feel very fairy-tale-like and enchanting.  Now <i>there's</i> a way to live happily ever after!  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TgUfjBo6Y1P2BJaVznaomWwcZxXpE60XsmfA61KJ9wx0Yv3FHarsTmSyBu3-WLDNrywug3fceJREgB8MFiSbWOA25GstInACrysky1AVkSpNCvB-fM0n3DvxF2x7_o4jmMbd0ocfzfTZ/s1600/2_Saur_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TgUfjBo6Y1P2BJaVznaomWwcZxXpE60XsmfA61KJ9wx0Yv3FHarsTmSyBu3-WLDNrywug3fceJREgB8MFiSbWOA25GstInACrysky1AVkSpNCvB-fM0n3DvxF2x7_o4jmMbd0ocfzfTZ/s320/2_Saur_11.jpg" width="218" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6cZnK1WokPNyefzHYEwXJVTBJNoXoUc2BLADtGBFCd6Wbl6rO3BxAy_2w1zXfwbFhha78jtOz5-4P-p390yxb-sm-BN_7GZkFHRxDhNii-_dAy1dosVY7b6Jl0ovG0gD1LslF78AYDZe/s1600/2_Saur_9b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN6cZnK1WokPNyefzHYEwXJVTBJNoXoUc2BLADtGBFCd6Wbl6rO3BxAy_2w1zXfwbFhha78jtOz5-4P-p390yxb-sm-BN_7GZkFHRxDhNii-_dAy1dosVY7b6Jl0ovG0gD1LslF78AYDZe/s320/2_Saur_9b.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSj8l3IbE4ykuCO5B_fVEdckzNIBAraXH-lwnOrLgr2xcY41o3LhgxfKtmeLgCtVPvJ6rxEud3nI2ZIqfHRdxsMrGa_ZfyqpmspShoGkr0WcqVglTaJffZYABH133hSCo-qEqtqXwSpFaU/s1600/2_Bahama_14b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSj8l3IbE4ykuCO5B_fVEdckzNIBAraXH-lwnOrLgr2xcY41o3LhgxfKtmeLgCtVPvJ6rxEud3nI2ZIqfHRdxsMrGa_ZfyqpmspShoGkr0WcqVglTaJffZYABH133hSCo-qEqtqXwSpFaU/s320/2_Bahama_14b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><u><br /></u></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><u>Take advantage of the views</u></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">If your master bedroom or bath have great views, embrace it!  Position the bed to make the most of the view and let nature make the ambiance.  The hues of a sunset are some of the most romantic light God created.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwmQ9w31iBa8VNcOCm8RL-LXq4O5kK6pL0oSCFBID6XfxavBRfkNd81rhz0iQ8n__EqFWTskNnuJzz49KN6qqeU4X_Bo_YJ_P8p0HZT2nLdYCDoU12JpXfZSTUXXEdhVAX4Iuqpxl49d_/s1600/3_JandernoaInt_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdwmQ9w31iBa8VNcOCm8RL-LXq4O5kK6pL0oSCFBID6XfxavBRfkNd81rhz0iQ8n__EqFWTskNnuJzz49KN6qqeU4X_Bo_YJ_P8p0HZT2nLdYCDoU12JpXfZSTUXXEdhVAX4Iuqpxl49d_/s320/3_JandernoaInt_12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNcrbWjd473368L_LFh8oPi0FKtSzh80V2Izj0d5pPi8FpJykbspw3tTFPei4R5qkrOel9jlYJ-iEaX2fWSn8s8eap7bIO-JM9AACrByDqub2h4ShhBwF4P-V-1Jq6f4vNADco3QWKhIhp/s1600/3_Harrold_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNcrbWjd473368L_LFh8oPi0FKtSzh80V2Izj0d5pPi8FpJykbspw3tTFPei4R5qkrOel9jlYJ-iEaX2fWSn8s8eap7bIO-JM9AACrByDqub2h4ShhBwF4P-V-1Jq6f4vNADco3QWKhIhp/s320/3_Harrold_8.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><b><i><u><br /></u></i></b><b><i><u>Textures</u></i></b> <br /><div><div>From mirrors to wallpaper to fabrics to furniture, the texture of the decor can reflect a sense of sophistication and relaxation.  Using a mixture of woods, natural fibers, and leathers all evoke a calm that turns the master suite into a retreat.  Metallics can often reflect beautiful light patterns in the room which are especially gorgeous by candle light. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUc1iZ6p9NoNIR-QpkOn0YA5B9sYphe0IqtmAbxF8S3TQ9KSrud4YHtzyKt5h-b25qPXBnwcDcSWfz9tjnb_nH2JDVRSIpUDMXDqn8IixQp4L8W8RkiWfzN7I4DusntTu4XNoHMTCUUvC/s1600/4_Bahama_13b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUc1iZ6p9NoNIR-QpkOn0YA5B9sYphe0IqtmAbxF8S3TQ9KSrud4YHtzyKt5h-b25qPXBnwcDcSWfz9tjnb_nH2JDVRSIpUDMXDqn8IixQp4L8W8RkiWfzN7I4DusntTu4XNoHMTCUUvC/s320/4_Bahama_13b.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqUd_LsgA9jsQMlk_tEMJNlJH8RkathGSnCrugiRVl7vRZ0VslVCgzsrwb0DXhO9snHl2aTOx2U1VsrAnby7DSxfggrA8TRKHf7kZZH6sNXStbR-xe4u92RI_SUNfOdkIV477bDzaoHLDG/s1600/4_Giusti_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqUd_LsgA9jsQMlk_tEMJNlJH8RkathGSnCrugiRVl7vRZ0VslVCgzsrwb0DXhO9snHl2aTOx2U1VsrAnby7DSxfggrA8TRKHf7kZZH6sNXStbR-xe4u92RI_SUNfOdkIV477bDzaoHLDG/s320/4_Giusti_10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div><b><i><u><br /></u></i></b></div></div><div><br /></div>

Room Guide: Master Suites that Up the Romance

It's Valentines Day, which means most people are turning up the romantic volume in their life.  Does your master suite reflect that same...

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Welcome to Grand Rapids, Bekins!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVFL12vNvjHCWq_9fBjM2JClNcLVsCTKDbKrYEWGCb_g4xtqal0elGa6LAANQhYsB1VfywmWYEyO73pR521_IILM7DuRw-ar5XZuNFcB42aB4IEzPDRKFb6AZBTQliE50W93HHmbUm0ha/s1600/01_bekins_logo_web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYVFL12vNvjHCWq_9fBjM2JClNcLVsCTKDbKrYEWGCb_g4xtqal0elGa6LAANQhYsB1VfywmWYEyO73pR521_IILM7DuRw-ar5XZuNFcB42aB4IEzPDRKFb6AZBTQliE50W93HHmbUm0ha/s1600/01_bekins_logo_web.jpg" /></a></div>If you have been following us on our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/visbeenassociates?ref=tn_tnmn">Facebook page</a>, you already know that our friends over at <a href="http://www.bekins.us/">Bekins</a> are now officially in Grand Rapids!  In December, they opened the doors to a new location we had the pleasure of designing.  This state of the art showroom features the latest in home appliances, entertainment electronics and home automation technologies.  Since it's founding in 1975, Bekins has grown to become the #1 electronics integrator in the state of Michigan and we were happy to partner with them on this new venture over in our neck of the woods! <br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Haven't had a chance to visit their showroom yet?  Check out these photos from the trade professionals open house they held last month. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHt_2x1iqWTjUxId80HYpzNzol2jeAEJlxLiLU4i622iF90ERE6HOesdr4BOf8ghnkWYxP5WvjQSxV63HwVBIuvnBPlQQNj9__LI1u5jQUYZuukd7PoP_Dk8Lt7l8kkxiyyq4i78RX8S05/s1600/02_IMG_2663+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHt_2x1iqWTjUxId80HYpzNzol2jeAEJlxLiLU4i622iF90ERE6HOesdr4BOf8ghnkWYxP5WvjQSxV63HwVBIuvnBPlQQNj9__LI1u5jQUYZuukd7PoP_Dk8Lt7l8kkxiyyq4i78RX8S05/s320/02_IMG_2663+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKMtEh86_whkCEjw3cxLLal3GWcSDkM_wz57pe1T92H0KSFQR63luFod6FktK6LplZfwmQ_DBy3NIgGD4310gT6harK9FBY9t0GlpPYSP3JJVdfqg5Fp9S3YEUognTYRvMJWKGKMw-GBg/s1600/03_IMG_2666+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRKMtEh86_whkCEjw3cxLLal3GWcSDkM_wz57pe1T92H0KSFQR63luFod6FktK6LplZfwmQ_DBy3NIgGD4310gT6harK9FBY9t0GlpPYSP3JJVdfqg5Fp9S3YEUognTYRvMJWKGKMw-GBg/s320/03_IMG_2666+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRLc2pJ2Cuxy6pOl50c7BL6QyFiqWkIKNVEbe6ynHUgVZHYNyTP71TIrhJ7sNR07oEalqebRWPytjwpnoLWHQUIw1bOAdz2mOk2k_upT_1_t2l_IoywttkNjh6w3_vCzd0sFeaAmja65-/s1600/04_IMG_2668.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihRLc2pJ2Cuxy6pOl50c7BL6QyFiqWkIKNVEbe6ynHUgVZHYNyTP71TIrhJ7sNR07oEalqebRWPytjwpnoLWHQUIw1bOAdz2mOk2k_upT_1_t2l_IoywttkNjh6w3_vCzd0sFeaAmja65-/s320/04_IMG_2668.JPG" width="228" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcw4i8GHz8c4M6EG1Jfc1pgLItY2Uo5BaHBqKShLdINl2-njSgWMVtJioi6Hf5eBc15m_cZALeodavKZDqg5CzjBbR2lEQD6YpptBZ0PtPXYZk3oNwRMjy8FGCHF-RZhnedxiU00wEF4EC/s1600/05_IMG_2674+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcw4i8GHz8c4M6EG1Jfc1pgLItY2Uo5BaHBqKShLdINl2-njSgWMVtJioi6Hf5eBc15m_cZALeodavKZDqg5CzjBbR2lEQD6YpptBZ0PtPXYZk3oNwRMjy8FGCHF-RZhnedxiU00wEF4EC/s320/05_IMG_2674+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VcOGmoJWBQfr3F3umTJXM4xasTfPDNzYoH7-eDYiuqGxTx-Vx1qh0oE4SQ61gc8MeFAlFIzOOtx9FLAqDHaPIMgEHV-uKA0Fg2xHPAGoAiaOvi4PxcsJIXRbw804PrB415vqjmasNm3R/s1600/06_IMG_2675+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VcOGmoJWBQfr3F3umTJXM4xasTfPDNzYoH7-eDYiuqGxTx-Vx1qh0oE4SQ61gc8MeFAlFIzOOtx9FLAqDHaPIMgEHV-uKA0Fg2xHPAGoAiaOvi4PxcsJIXRbw804PrB415vqjmasNm3R/s320/06_IMG_2675+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXyhqMV62_F67xtIG0cAb0PgyRb4TAM4q3OT_XMzp9PXY1_CcTT4FcWtfQVVBDBblI3WDosJXDB3vxGfK2mFC0tRfFbVaXdUA9K9rFtQTKc-oIGS2jzN3PMRVH3VVvANjoC6JxFUPS53U/s1600/08_IMG_2676+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFXyhqMV62_F67xtIG0cAb0PgyRb4TAM4q3OT_XMzp9PXY1_CcTT4FcWtfQVVBDBblI3WDosJXDB3vxGfK2mFC0tRfFbVaXdUA9K9rFtQTKc-oIGS2jzN3PMRVH3VVvANjoC6JxFUPS53U/s320/08_IMG_2676+-+Copy.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5-YIxJE-OZ5do1g5yi5Lc9WQDXRAoga-O84bKjLTaYt1hgpnV01xmpRmHZjA8ekBaetH7MLkpZIDyoL6hy4OLx7NW-7f4mx9ZBzOs9e3CN4G79QGR-552Xsocq7UhfzzJ_d6_WiL9_wX/s1600/07_IMG_2678+-+Copy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5-YIxJE-OZ5do1g5yi5Lc9WQDXRAoga-O84bKjLTaYt1hgpnV01xmpRmHZjA8ekBaetH7MLkpZIDyoL6hy4OLx7NW-7f4mx9ZBzOs9e3CN4G79QGR-552Xsocq7UhfzzJ_d6_WiL9_wX/s320/07_IMG_2678+-+Copy.JPG" width="228" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxfRT5bRdDjTfqpaGdEDYDLfvUOSk9lSuLpQ3cfsXs5LVFHKoXuHagSCluG7GQuNFD_hviGWQyqgygYVtSLHrzUUAD-7qa3hRYmhAWpxzwLice3EXUSk3SYxq562dUh_0SUaJ7798i26Vb/s1600/09_IMG_2736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxfRT5bRdDjTfqpaGdEDYDLfvUOSk9lSuLpQ3cfsXs5LVFHKoXuHagSCluG7GQuNFD_hviGWQyqgygYVtSLHrzUUAD-7qa3hRYmhAWpxzwLice3EXUSk3SYxq562dUh_0SUaJ7798i26Vb/s320/09_IMG_2736.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmA_nlOiHyxSGvmkan_eSYElHyMVXx9ZtYwHWGhBckwu23D8htzW7KY9yGjIkdjMk63i6F86FTnTZ7t7ETMtD_bclLD2gbLQQUkDv0LvPF9mgE4Su70HmO3kO_xoDPjcmuAVlTYs8B5k6/s1600/10_IMG_2680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvmA_nlOiHyxSGvmkan_eSYElHyMVXx9ZtYwHWGhBckwu23D8htzW7KY9yGjIkdjMk63i6F86FTnTZ7t7ETMtD_bclLD2gbLQQUkDv0LvPF9mgE4Su70HmO3kO_xoDPjcmuAVlTYs8B5k6/s320/10_IMG_2680.JPG" width="228" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHef2yM4CvKD7uNdwyoW4KaNsdx7H1Ot2wVgp3ws4jDDxfZxxis9RjrSB8Pctz-Thgi7zuuBi7zysLvcMgWaS78xKWwtArmy6fiUoh7H0LuIR-dIlTJDtOPCjemJj7TDUWGjmSnVinfYPB/s1600/11_IMG_2659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHef2yM4CvKD7uNdwyoW4KaNsdx7H1Ot2wVgp3ws4jDDxfZxxis9RjrSB8Pctz-Thgi7zuuBi7zysLvcMgWaS78xKWwtArmy6fiUoh7H0LuIR-dIlTJDtOPCjemJj7TDUWGjmSnVinfYPB/s320/11_IMG_2659.JPG" width="228" /></a></div><br />For more photos from this great event, please visit <a href="http://bekins.us/2013/01/trade-professionals-open-house/">Bekin's blog</a>.  You can also check out a <a href="http://bekins.us/2013/01/grand-rapids-showroom-virtual-tour/">virtual tour</a> of the entire showroom.<br /><br />For more information about Bekins, check out their <a href="http://www.bekins.us/">website</a> and our <a href="http://visbeen-associates-architects.blogspot.com/2012/03/vendor-spotlight-bekins.html">vendor spotlight</a> on this quality company.<br /><i><br /></i><i>Built by <a href="http://www.mikeschaapbuilders.com/">Mike Schaap Builders</a></i><br /><i><br /></i>

Welcome to Grand Rapids, Bekins!

If you have been following us on our  Facebook page , you already know that our friends over at  Bekins  are now officially in Grand Rapids!...

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Cabin Life: Do you need an Architect?

<div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwr0YfeJ4mTsVU0OVF6sL0L-gXe1pXDEO5b_sCBB5Hj7zq3mzOIogfyguTfUQf70eM6C4Z9HcE9ouCtBKFbvD3Cv-RtHgnG4p68Ujd-clkwA_z-kLXz7U1Ki_4Y2ff5-RMSvbySzVh_KfS/s1600/CabinLife_March_2013_Dogtrot_Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwr0YfeJ4mTsVU0OVF6sL0L-gXe1pXDEO5b_sCBB5Hj7zq3mzOIogfyguTfUQf70eM6C4Z9HcE9ouCtBKFbvD3Cv-RtHgnG4p68Ujd-clkwA_z-kLXz7U1Ki_4Y2ff5-RMSvbySzVh_KfS/s320/CabinLife_March_2013_Dogtrot_Cover.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://www.cabinlife.com/">Cabin Life</a>'s March issue is on the stands and features a great article titled "Do you need an Architect?" The article poses the question that, as you may have guessed, we would respond in most situations a resounding "yes!"  But don't just take our word for it, check out this unbiased article to read about the advantages to the services an architect provides, a general look at our profession and some tips for working with an architect. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAB5HCmZv6nt3CdWWWCwHjdBI0WFF5gnQafn_VCpoYaE1MspDO8e8MPXNNoXhp63ubs9pEEnkEDq-sHNfQlff94VhggauEmy3uIO3tzzJEBKK-gubfwXKKrDYekP7XNg5yA_PQ2HuDdAsA/s1600/p1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAB5HCmZv6nt3CdWWWCwHjdBI0WFF5gnQafn_VCpoYaE1MspDO8e8MPXNNoXhp63ubs9pEEnkEDq-sHNfQlff94VhggauEmy3uIO3tzzJEBKK-gubfwXKKrDYekP7XNg5yA_PQ2HuDdAsA/s320/p1.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKuqqFnG5-6LY-81U1rjzUkHMctYuPWQ83-hmwr2b_Z3-Go_WBcTCsm_46rlJkiN3rEKBChuB9zZrrxst-Bw6NCkmdyVdSnsvqj57dK83iB8QjCDwuhIYKrvHv402wMKy0UHAj032rd4u/s1600/p2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIKuqqFnG5-6LY-81U1rjzUkHMctYuPWQ83-hmwr2b_Z3-Go_WBcTCsm_46rlJkiN3rEKBChuB9zZrrxst-Bw6NCkmdyVdSnsvqj57dK83iB8QjCDwuhIYKrvHv402wMKy0UHAj032rd4u/s320/p2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibl2krus6QoTSHBkpB0VLCghoX1CWLhFgO7PMF_I-hcXRQ0ClECdbsrUs26K1uZ6V8AMhek4fRMD7gjvt7HGSVulqsNp0hY3tUlcysjaoLLvXWU-vAt4Cg-rVjNqIz2SgnHVdGVg7Yl76c/s1600/p3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibl2krus6QoTSHBkpB0VLCghoX1CWLhFgO7PMF_I-hcXRQ0ClECdbsrUs26K1uZ6V8AMhek4fRMD7gjvt7HGSVulqsNp0hY3tUlcysjaoLLvXWU-vAt4Cg-rVjNqIz2SgnHVdGVg7Yl76c/s320/p3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Also in this issue, you will find a sweet little Dogtrot log cabin of ours in the Dreams on Paper section.  This Appalachian-style log cabin built with square-hewn logs is designed to become a classic dogtrot structure (a roofed passage similar to a breezeway; esp: one connecting two parts of a cabin) with an optional addition to the original building. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKyrk77hXS4jT4CNs77qGw2G5U22Qrbh6ywmZhA0y-jIXymhbCVTn5K3JFJ4Fn-bar1wFtWlt8oBTNHwu6-4mP0Pq4HYQVAarFplt_iCdHt1vuOBACNQrGt7hoHbzpyfDTKnIwUArHst4/s1600/Dogtrot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKyrk77hXS4jT4CNs77qGw2G5U22Qrbh6ywmZhA0y-jIXymhbCVTn5K3JFJ4Fn-bar1wFtWlt8oBTNHwu6-4mP0Pq4HYQVAarFplt_iCdHt1vuOBACNQrGt7hoHbzpyfDTKnIwUArHst4/s320/Dogtrot.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />

Cabin Life: Do you need an Architect?

  Cabin Life 's March issue is on the stands and features a great article titled "Do you need an Architect?" The article poses...

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Grand Rapids Magazine Design Home 2013: Wow! What a design!

February's issue of <a href="http://www.grmag.com/">Grand Rapids Magazine</a> continues the Design Home 2013 story with an in depth look at the design of the Heartsworth and what makes it stand out.  What will give it the 'WOW' factor.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDby-D-UyEbHrp42YLuBxU2p0VEVjgSRRalSIC3mkK2tmgSVffSkjrJRLtFf5y6Y4VYaRZiXqfk9eW7lGheOf-TBN8O5xkx4zhbWJ--PySnwi-4h_ARS04yUDJhiHLj9R_FYcGJzf91EX1/s1600/Cover_Feb_2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDby-D-UyEbHrp42YLuBxU2p0VEVjgSRRalSIC3mkK2tmgSVffSkjrJRLtFf5y6Y4VYaRZiXqfk9eW7lGheOf-TBN8O5xkx4zhbWJ--PySnwi-4h_ARS04yUDJhiHLj9R_FYcGJzf91EX1/s320/Cover_Feb_2013.jpg" width="245" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDby-D-UyEbHrp42YLuBxU2p0VEVjgSRRalSIC3mkK2tmgSVffSkjrJRLtFf5y6Y4VYaRZiXqfk9eW7lGheOf-TBN8O5xkx4zhbWJ--PySnwi-4h_ARS04yUDJhiHLj9R_FYcGJzf91EX1/s1600/Cover_Feb_2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0s9api1fgCFL_ejYEMPGaVSdLQyTrF7-Ih2NfTZhQU9TNVC2ANLZswrIKbzh2uKPtWTIzlNID4KX5S82pZ4lZNYCwezP39yudWRGMAUq_yyXd64jPJ5oF1865cVMNwikOnuKzJKTwO8G/s1600/p1-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ0s9api1fgCFL_ejYEMPGaVSdLQyTrF7-Ih2NfTZhQU9TNVC2ANLZswrIKbzh2uKPtWTIzlNID4KX5S82pZ4lZNYCwezP39yudWRGMAUq_yyXd64jPJ5oF1865cVMNwikOnuKzJKTwO8G/s320/p1-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><i>In case you missed it, check out our blog post on January's issue of Grand Rapids Magazine, where the Design Home 2013 story began: <a href="http://visbeen-associates-architects.blogspot.com/2013/01/grand-rapids-magazine-adventure-begins.html">The Adventure Begins</a>.</i></div></div>

Grand Rapids Magazine Design Home 2013: Wow! What a design!

February's issue of Grand Rapids Magazine continues the Design Home 2013 story with an in depth look at the design of the Heartsworth a...

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Style Guide: Mediterranean

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As the name suggests, the Mediterranean style originated in European countries north of the Mediterranean Sea - Greece, Spain, and Italy.  </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Graphite MM';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Most of the preeminent architects of the age were primarily known for painting and sculpture, skills which </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">they often put to good use in the decoration of the palaces they were designing for their wealthy patrons.  </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Bramante was to distinguish himself in ecclesiastical architecture enjoying papal patronage for his long career.  </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Sangallo, Michelangelo, Rafael, Michelozzi and others executed many domestic designs for palaces in both </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">urban and rural environments to complete a resume that includes both public and private architecture.  </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Private courtyards were a defining feature of the urban </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">palaces of the time in an effort to reproduce in miniature the grand gardens of the country estates.  </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The style is characterized by visual elements like arched windows and doorways, low-pitched roof lines covered in tiles, and stucco walls. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Intricate stone details can also be found throughout interior and exterior elements.</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Take a look at a few famous modern day mediterranean style homes you may recognize....</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwwwoX8kWewbVbbBQy193glIMQjOn9s5YpcAKZ4oH9zPqPhhflVbhhgSRcbZxOophyhFXobzmq81qAx43V4VN1gctQVLuIlMpPcZERNIWdRFPn9gEyHATbIt2BSraGbuB_L7sNZQOVBXYq/s1600/01_item0.rendition.slideshowHorizontal.hosl01_cher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwwwoX8kWewbVbbBQy193glIMQjOn9s5YpcAKZ4oH9zPqPhhflVbhhgSRcbZxOophyhFXobzmq81qAx43V4VN1gctQVLuIlMpPcZERNIWdRFPn9gEyHATbIt2BSraGbuB_L7sNZQOVBXYq/s320/01_item0.rendition.slideshowHorizontal.hosl01_cher.jpg" width="320" /></span></i></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/decor/2010-10/malibu_homes_slideshow_slideshow_item2_3"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">via</span></a></i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Okay, so maybe this isn't exactly "attainable," but Cher's massive Italian Renaissance Malibu estate is a good example of modern day Mediterranean architecture.  It was up for sale a few years back for a whopping $45 Million.</span></i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6tCq0EEAAQJbrNYRfxZDME1YhxmT5q0XCdN7rwHE1WDJYo_8F2b7-BoT1i-GD_FDh9H9_xKqRz1WCTplOeIJ969Qo60F1pUKVz8xGMCNJnKEdOVqq4J3bZh2HnVsE_S3B67OCRxSiP_M/s1600/02_0113171-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_6tCq0EEAAQJbrNYRfxZDME1YhxmT5q0XCdN7rwHE1WDJYo_8F2b7-BoT1i-GD_FDh9H9_xKqRz1WCTplOeIJ969Qo60F1pUKVz8xGMCNJnKEdOVqq4J3bZh2HnVsE_S3B67OCRxSiP_M/s320/02_0113171-15.jpg" width="320" /></span></i></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><a href="http://www.luxist.com/2010/02/01/diandra-douglas-in-montecito-estate-of-the-day/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">via</span></a></i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Michael Douglas' ex-wife Diandra Douglas resides in the Mediterranean style home built in the 1920's that the couple had purchased in 1979 for $275,000 in Montecito. </span></i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7e145WTSKzReKSKedJ0IF_3EGPmiISwj4Puftkmg7JInNE5a6enNMSIhb29MftpeVEOWyFLOg1R12O02wchsqUf1pKAg4stM6ByJw2dEv0HcsRLppunE3WUNtGmZQ2xjVAe_wFmEsuubm/s1600/03_111332869180837.peg.txt.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7e145WTSKzReKSKedJ0IF_3EGPmiISwj4Puftkmg7JInNE5a6enNMSIhb29MftpeVEOWyFLOg1R12O02wchsqUf1pKAg4stM6ByJw2dEv0HcsRLppunE3WUNtGmZQ2xjVAe_wFmEsuubm/s320/03_111332869180837.peg.txt.jpeg" width="320" /></span></i></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.deasypenner.com/property/photos/2923/1369-east-altadena-drive"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">via</span></i></a></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">A villa-style home designed by Reginald Johnson in 1915, the renowned architect of the Biltmore Hotel.</span></i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And here are a few <a href="http://www.visbeen.biz/">Visbeen Architects</a>' designed Mediterranean abodes...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFcX9ddCWs2ujYEy0iEqmBMT3EQvcMAdqv2ePkoaNUPmQzzDsW2RwIe0zQKSf_wipmOZmi9klUL16IisF6AYmgX6Qe7F1ZzflW36dVmY3BQFI63q-SPKs9RPuK2leoMSdOFB7RCP3hiLxV/s1600/04_Domenico+LR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><img border="0" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFcX9ddCWs2ujYEy0iEqmBMT3EQvcMAdqv2ePkoaNUPmQzzDsW2RwIe0zQKSf_wipmOZmi9klUL16IisF6AYmgX6Qe7F1ZzflW36dVmY3BQFI63q-SPKs9RPuK2leoMSdOFB7RCP3hiLxV/s320/04_Domenico+LR.jpg" width="320" /></span></i></a></div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> The <a href="http://visbeen-associates-architects.blogspot.com/2012/10/grand-rapids-magazine-building-your.html">Domenico</a></span></i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtl3hKI6HpIGPSjSpZ99WaaodMoqoqx7OdtyY7n3bxOAaTIozOXePpfWZg5JMQLjlAkNxLVG1RdoB2FYoFM6x-k2w5cypNyiLayGSGHpAuZ0I_D6ToeahmaLxTMOJXyKADynoV3AU9RDtT/s1600/05_Legacy+Woods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtl3hKI6HpIGPSjSpZ99WaaodMoqoqx7OdtyY7n3bxOAaTIozOXePpfWZg5JMQLjlAkNxLVG1RdoB2FYoFM6x-k2w5cypNyiLayGSGHpAuZ0I_D6ToeahmaLxTMOJXyKADynoV3AU9RDtT/s320/05_Legacy+Woods.jpg" width="320" /></span></i></a></div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"> Legacy Woods</span></i><br /><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2nf9Y9XAkPss9nNB8T8jaif270SYr56WcHnfWp1_vuP2BlGQT50cAJ3DDonA2Wo4wYFM4IvdFk29F0Hv_Ejn_2kopWXBvNAxpK4xJ9toWwpO4DUyX8zvXrjR8ygHewvXkw87OMY7cuArd/s1600/06_Star+Coast+Villas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2nf9Y9XAkPss9nNB8T8jaif270SYr56WcHnfWp1_vuP2BlGQT50cAJ3DDonA2Wo4wYFM4IvdFk29F0Hv_Ejn_2kopWXBvNAxpK4xJ9toWwpO4DUyX8zvXrjR8ygHewvXkw87OMY7cuArd/s320/06_Star+Coast+Villas.jpg" width="237" /></span></i></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;">Star Coast Villas, a development in China</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0b5394;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you are looking to achieve the Mediterranean style, here are a few great products to consider:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>Roofing</b></i>: <a href="http://www.gaf.com/">GAF Roofing</a> has a designer shingle line called <a href="http://www.gaf.com/Roofing/Residential/Products/Shingles/Designer/Monaco">Monaco</a>.  It gives you the look of a genuine European tile roof at a fraction of the cost with the added bonus of a lifetime ltd transferable warranty with Smart Choice Protection for the first ten years.</span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMK3OdDel4XTAE5geht2_OG5Szfowxo8s7mXEBQq878BpBkxAp6rUNFKBOSGHD1pixTX6iXBZtsQ8CRazhd1VQnM9xYiWFNUvnplfHPifWppfkmrLSq9R19mbk0lPqXLdMd5G3SsLU2z_/s1600/07_Monaco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQMK3OdDel4XTAE5geht2_OG5Szfowxo8s7mXEBQq878BpBkxAp6rUNFKBOSGHD1pixTX6iXBZtsQ8CRazhd1VQnM9xYiWFNUvnplfHPifWppfkmrLSq9R19mbk0lPqXLdMd5G3SsLU2z_/s200/07_Monaco.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></span></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Fireplace / kitchen hood details</i></b>: <a href="http://tartarugadesign.com/">Tartaruga Design Inc.</a> offers historical European-inspired mantelpieces and kitchen hoods, impeccably crafted and hand-sculpted.  They offer nearly unlimited combinations of design variations, material choices and hand finishes, making each piece as unique as the properties they are made for.</span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41NTPNWmlTiq01NOITLF4ZgEboHX-mwfJa5cT5oreFnuxmW-5pjR9VxeHMmZdfdkzeG9Fjtjud_5LuE0ao--NquHn83SEky7MeNBIFNnpzHiigid5501vihwFoGxR3w1shWZmK2DjPTo-/s1600/Tartaruga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj41NTPNWmlTiq01NOITLF4ZgEboHX-mwfJa5cT5oreFnuxmW-5pjR9VxeHMmZdfdkzeG9Fjtjud_5LuE0ao--NquHn83SEky7MeNBIFNnpzHiigid5501vihwFoGxR3w1shWZmK2DjPTo-/s200/Tartaruga.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></span></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Stone details</i></b>:  <a href="http://www.haddonstone.com/Default.aspx">Haddonstone</a> is the leading manufacturor of cast stone building materials, making elements like quoins, keystones, balustrades, coping and capping, etc.</span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk9MHhqKWivF7pnKlUxMJKLV9-wez9VS6gdnWhdyAxbYi8t1-d_429AYLqA0e9d1vwDKiob5_xxL1aiwIpkw_lOiJhTbu4CTLA39oVK-vqiPc0mpS6sk2yufHIwprV6vwa5aYiIlo5j4dB/s1600/AI055ACS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk9MHhqKWivF7pnKlUxMJKLV9-wez9VS6gdnWhdyAxbYi8t1-d_429AYLqA0e9d1vwDKiob5_xxL1aiwIpkw_lOiJhTbu4CTLA39oVK-vqiPc0mpS6sk2yufHIwprV6vwa5aYiIlo5j4dB/s200/AI055ACS.jpg" width="163" /></a></span></span></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Windows</i></b>: <a href="http://www.loewen.com/">Loewen</a> windows offers a variety of window lines and even custom designs to perfectly fit every architectural style, including Mediterranean.</span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIT82G7neeTltuZ4n3OPlICbMwsjyFc4QXUNBRbQ8pVO3PmUOK-mQqrvhfUSIa5hu3ajI4CJ9BHX4ysLm_UgEK-nR77AZ5GbD4wLrg6QZQ41fgznnkNLU-3QIb0UPGlG4tsf1JGwuzeZF/s1600/black-2005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIT82G7neeTltuZ4n3OPlICbMwsjyFc4QXUNBRbQ8pVO3PmUOK-mQqrvhfUSIa5hu3ajI4CJ9BHX4ysLm_UgEK-nR77AZ5GbD4wLrg6QZQ41fgznnkNLU-3QIb0UPGlG4tsf1JGwuzeZF/s200/black-2005.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>

Style Guide: Mediterranean

As the name suggests, the Mediterranean style originated in European countries north of the Mediterranean Sea - Greece, Spain, and Italy.   ...

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Builder Magazine: Mad for Trad

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The winners of the <a href="http://www.bestinamericanlivingawards.com/showpage_details.aspx?showpageID=9520">2013 Best in American Living Awards</a> affirm that traditional good looks still appeal to all kinds of buyers.  Our Best in the Midwest design, the <a href="http://visbeen-associates-architects.blogspot.com/2012/07/warren.html">Warren</a>, is included in this feature with the story behind the design.  Another great example of a truly beautiful home as unique as the family it was designed for.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRYlZw1FYBTCs0wMgMkQ6kjWLYOoPdaxcbb7oN-XrMjCAUCkHpvrv25oamuKW7mzWq4ZTrBsUcBSUV8LDfNPfPQfBJtMJGc37FYu30X7pQecq3B5E7ATng8pomayjzKvld87YkLxqOrDgg/s1600/Builder_Jan2013_Bala_Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRYlZw1FYBTCs0wMgMkQ6kjWLYOoPdaxcbb7oN-XrMjCAUCkHpvrv25oamuKW7mzWq4ZTrBsUcBSUV8LDfNPfPQfBJtMJGc37FYu30X7pQecq3B5E7ATng8pomayjzKvld87YkLxqOrDgg/s320/Builder_Jan2013_Bala_Cover.jpg" width="261" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyM9QjHc85IF3mbLTnfDHQlk8G5612UdM9K34ZYnz4Sg-QFGTLEwkYt6Tss0_S0FTrjYNUp-6BRUrCFlFIt8mAAkDKUNhd7WjRIw7oFSxz_vEpBW6wMsXB667eg6nc7or87vk6nnUGt3mx/s1600/Builder_Jan2013_Bala_p1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyM9QjHc85IF3mbLTnfDHQlk8G5612UdM9K34ZYnz4Sg-QFGTLEwkYt6Tss0_S0FTrjYNUp-6BRUrCFlFIt8mAAkDKUNhd7WjRIw7oFSxz_vEpBW6wMsXB667eg6nc7or87vk6nnUGt3mx/s320/Builder_Jan2013_Bala_p1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrDgPnU6R3fs5925tAov6pSQ2RvZAQ39t9Ur9QL3kSFMc-rHstZyXThrXqv8chkEPiO8-3BPmvRPt1NkbllZDVATdwjKfEgdBcbRChkDyyzWg2OnEXsPeaVb6vFYKVqDHksxC5utO4XSK/s1600/Builder_Jan2013_Bala_p2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrDgPnU6R3fs5925tAov6pSQ2RvZAQ39t9Ur9QL3kSFMc-rHstZyXThrXqv8chkEPiO8-3BPmvRPt1NkbllZDVATdwjKfEgdBcbRChkDyyzWg2OnEXsPeaVb6vFYKVqDHksxC5utO4XSK/s320/Builder_Jan2013_Bala_p2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAGf8aIhxDEy4PinDokcCGwwSG_B_YCWh-ZpeOX9qUQeAKKd2PlYL7nNX9xUmXkryRU4UgkK1FzWiGWOWnjS3YV4DAVoJx2bw5hrK6xQpO3SzoDfeV8ye5fwWo9VEDJbhdCxp21hMDWXsn/s1600/Builder_Jan2013_Bala_p3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAGf8aIhxDEy4PinDokcCGwwSG_B_YCWh-ZpeOX9qUQeAKKd2PlYL7nNX9xUmXkryRU4UgkK1FzWiGWOWnjS3YV4DAVoJx2bw5hrK6xQpO3SzoDfeV8ye5fwWo9VEDJbhdCxp21hMDWXsn/s320/Builder_Jan2013_Bala_p3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkDrJKfrsHzHzQujrFZH4ICSeZ-1FzBgwj3_MQMwyWWFsWH3e4QPsuStYmEoRTdcSp9uTFe0xeF4Bt_7O9JxzHDzohpFMgZQRrAK0pfAsrjQX1T0CJHZnwJddRJtH5frSZoxUx-RlHtTc/s1600/Builder_Jan2013_Bala_p4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkDrJKfrsHzHzQujrFZH4ICSeZ-1FzBgwj3_MQMwyWWFsWH3e4QPsuStYmEoRTdcSp9uTFe0xeF4Bt_7O9JxzHDzohpFMgZQRrAK0pfAsrjQX1T0CJHZnwJddRJtH5frSZoxUx-RlHtTc/s320/Builder_Jan2013_Bala_p4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8Z2vqSZRsnDFLu-S6G3gCC-4_SfghECgsmvk2KX0Y6yVFoR0ja5QlggMts4MhUtuRN-3bWd4gDa4kfDsQdrqbaY7rrnJ4wg3SN0N8Td-Kp7-imw4R01oz4VJKQnzseXxWIzjqiVol6kB/s1600/Builder_Jan2013_Bala_p5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8Z2vqSZRsnDFLu-S6G3gCC-4_SfghECgsmvk2KX0Y6yVFoR0ja5QlggMts4MhUtuRN-3bWd4gDa4kfDsQdrqbaY7rrnJ4wg3SN0N8Td-Kp7-imw4R01oz4VJKQnzseXxWIzjqiVol6kB/s320/Builder_Jan2013_Bala_p5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><i>To view the full article, <a href="http://www.echobox.com/visbeen/publication_assets/2013/builder/Builder_Jan2013_Bala.pdf">click here</a> to visit our website.</i><br /><br />

Builder Magazine: Mad for Trad

The winners of the 2013 Best in American Living Awards affirm that traditional good looks still appeal to all kinds of buyers.  Our Best in...

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