December is the time of year when most of us gather together to celebrate for one reason or another, when loved ones come from far and near to add another page to your family's Story. No matter what the traditions, there’s excitement in the air. By young and old, the home is decorated to mark the occasion and commemorate the completion of another year. Is your home living up to your dreams for the holiday?

For many, the reality of your holiday is rarely the same as your ultimate vision. Perhaps by Christmas, you hoped for a larger living room with ample space for your over-sized tree and abundant presents. Or the overwhelming stress of your in-laws staying for a week, and your guest bath hasn’t been renovated. And no one wants to hear from Uncle Bob about the draft in the guest bedroom!

While it’s too late to construct your dream wish list for this holiday season, it is the perfect time to begin your project planning for next December. The design of your dream home is the perfect gift from Santa.

Create the story of your home

Imagine the scene: Snow is falling, the room is aglow from the crackling fire, stockings are hung from the mantel, the scent of Frazier fir fills the air, twinkling lights and family heirloom ornaments adorn the tree, brightly wrapped gifts are carefully placed under the tree. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows you glimpse the frozen lake with a new layer of freshly fallen snow glistening in the sunlight. In mere moments, children will race down the new stairs eager to see what Santa delivered. Plenty of space for the family, in the spacious yet cozy family room of your dreams. Your knowing smile is a subtle reminder you made all the right design decisions. This is what Christmas should be.

Memories made in the kitchen

Cookies shaped with vintage cutters, decorated in red and white, sit on Grammie’s crystal platter for everyone to enjoy. The warm aroma of cinnamon and gingerbread wafts in the air while powdered sugar drapes the countertop after finishing the pizzelles. Remnants of this morning’s homemade cinnamon rolls from Aunt Diana’s recipe are filling the undercounter drawer dishwasher. Ingredients for tonight’s turkey feast are spread across the ample island as The Nutcracker Suite drifts softly through the whole-house audio system.

A kitchen that allows you and your family to bake and cook together is one where memories are made. Favorite foods and special treats complete the holiday experience. But it’s more than the food itself, it’s the process of creation, the act of working together, the singing with the aunts while cleaning the kitchen afterward. Where stories are told of past and present. The wreath is hung on the beautifully trimmed stove hood, the candles decorate the gleaming marble counter. Your home is designed to create memories your children will cherish and share with their own children and grandchildren. These are memories to last a lifetime.

Exterior design is as important as inside

Your dream home is more than the interior spaces. Your luxurious wrap-around porch to enjoy on steamy summer nights easily transforms to a winter wonderland with warm yellow lights, rails wrapped with garland and big red bows, a balsam wreath on the front door and single candles in each of your new windows. A driveway and sidewalk lined with luminaria completes the spirit or the season. If your family is anything like mine, you’ll hop in the mini-van with hot cocoa and drive around town “oohing” and “aahing” at the beautifully decorated homes.

But your home is your favorite, without a doubt. Your experienced, licensed architect guided you through the lengthy design and construction process, customizing each and every decision for you and your family’s Legacy Home. Turning on the lights, you stand back with your family and admire your home, content and relaxed. Yes, you think, Santa brought me everything I wanted.

Celebrate the holidays in your dream home

Each family has its own history, customs and traditions. Honoring your unique family history sets the stage for the creation of new memories – your Story.  When surrounded by loved ones in a home you love, holidays are even more special. It’s a time of magic and for wishes to come true. Every design begins with a story. Let us tell your story. 

If you are ready to create memories for your family and add another page to your family history by designing your dream home, contact us at 630.346.1620.