Javic Homes Blog

An Inside Look at Luxury Closets

By Lana Bingham, Marketing Assistant

Whether big, beautiful or bizarre…luxury closets contain similar design characteristics.

Well Planned – Being a custom home builder in Tampa, we are well aware of the intricate planning process that is required to create a custom closet. Designers must take a thorough look at inventory before creating building plans, as 120 pairs of shoes can take up a great deal of closet space.

Center Island – This is the staple of many designer closets, containing drawers stocked full of jewelry, undergarments, and random apparel accessories. Besides being convenient for organization, the island can also accommodate a hideaway laundry basket.

Sitting Area – Although this area would have to be the least used component of a closet (with the exception of a place to sit while putting on your shoes), homeowners place chairs, ottomans, loveseats and even couches inside their closets. The sitting area is however a favorite among four-legged family members.

Systematized – Nobody wants to spend time rummaging through disorderly collections of dresses, purses and suits. Designer closets typically contain color-coordinated clothing categories: daywear, evening wear, sleepwear, intimates, shoes, handbags, neckties and accessories.

Built to Reflect Personality – A single female’s closet can often resemble something found in “Sex in the City”, with chandelier lighting and light pink upholstery. While a bachelor’s closet will instead consist of dark wood panels and more room for hanging pants and suits. Designers always keep character traits in mind; yet couple’s closets are made to incorporate both personalities. For a greater look into the closet remodeling process, visit AlliKriste, a custom cabinet designer in Florida.

High Tech –More and more closets are being wired for electronic capabilities, ranging from motion-sensor lighting to entertainment systems to security surveillance. Looking for the latest in closet technology? Scientists are currently in the midst of developing an “internet closet” that allows you to determine whether or not a new article of clothing will match well with your existing wardrobe. This virtual closet will use smart tags to read and collect what you currently have in your closet, and then make fashion suggestions.

Not Just For Parents – Lavish closets are no longer just for mom and dad, now more homeowners are opting for designer closets in their children’s rooms. However, these closets are built more for storage and organization rather than spacious luxury.

A great deal of inspiration and planning go into creating and designing custom closets. Be sure to select a designer that respects your vision as well as your wardrobe.

Follow us on our Blog & Social Networks -

Javic Blog:  http://javichomes.wordpress.com/

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/javichomes

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/#!/javichomes

YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/user/jondsolomon?feature=mhum

Custom Colors: What Paint Choice Reveals About Your Home

Looking to brighten up your walls with a fresh coat of paint? Or perhaps you just moved into a new home and are in need of some color? Before you slap paint on the walls, be sure to look into what effect colors can have on you and your home.

Got the Blues? Light blue is a popular color for coastal homes, comparing with the ocean or a cloudless sky (try “Fountain” blue by Sherwin Williams). Painting a room in a light blue hue will create a tranquil atmosphere, while dark blue (“Naval”) can suggest deep meaning and insight (save this one for a bathroom, bedroom or home office).

“Yay” For Yellow – The color of sunshine omits a cheery feeling in the home; light yellow is a universal paint choice as it works well in any room of the house. “Lemon Twist” will give you an optimistic high-energy vibe, serving as a mood booster.

Going Green – This earthy color is an ideal choice for bathrooms, “cool” colors will make the room feel more spacious. Neutral greens (“Tansy”) compliment both dark-stained woods and whites. Or use “Shamrock” if you’re looking for a bolder shade.

Pretty Pastels – Pinks, lavenders, or any color that can be found in an Easter basket work well in children’s rooms. Cool light colors and unique patterns will provoke an enjoyable living and learning environment.

Oranges and Apples – Orange and red are warm colors used to make a room seem smaller and more intimate. These colors often reflect a daring or inspired personality. Red is a popular choice in dining rooms to create an enclosed atmosphere that stimulates warm conversation, we like “Cherry Tomato” red.

Nearly Neutral –These colors are often selected due to their “safety feature” and ability to evoke a conservative and simplistic feeling. Neutrals pair well with bright colors and are a great way to test out color choice within your home. If you are hesitant about painting an entire room midnight blue, try using it on an accent wall, then paint the remaining walls gray. Or you can try a color triad, incorporating three complimentary colors in one room or area.

As a Tampa home builder, we get to see and inspire many unique color pallets within our custom homes. If you are interested in building a custom home and would like to speak to our interior designer about color options, contact us.

Follow us on our Blog & Social Networks -

Javic Blog:  http://javichomes.wordpress.com/

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/javichomes

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/#!/javichomes

YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/user/jondsolomon?feature=mhum

Presidents Day or Washington’s Birthday?

I’m willing to bet that few young people realize that Presidents Day was originally designed as a holiday to celebrate George Washington on his birthday.  Actually, I think most people believe it’s simply one of the better shopping days of the year with retailers offering some rock bottom prices.

I’m no historian, but back in the late 1800s, Washington’s birthday officially became a national holiday.  After all, he was one of our greatest Presidents and had one of the greatest roles in the founding of our nation and creating our Constitution.   So for about a hundred years, we celebrated and remembered him each February.   Then in the 1960s, Congress wanted to change Washington’s birthday to Presidents Day, in order to have a day to celebrate all presidents, but the bill never passed Congress.  So officially, today is still Washington’s Birthday.

You can still enjoy some great sales today, but take a few minutes to appreciate what Washington, Lincoln and many of our great Presidents gave to our country.  If you’d like to learn more about them, visit http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/ and enjoy Washington’s Birthday and Presidents Day!

Follow us on our Blog & Social Networks -

Javic Blog:  http://javichomes.wordpress.com/

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/javichomes

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/#!/javichomes

YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/user/jondsolomon?feature=mhum

Great Ideas at the 2012 International Builders Show

By Missi McCombs, Javic Homes Designer

The International Builders Show was recently held in Orlando, Florida.  This show is the largest builders’ show in the world with over 800 different exhibitors showcasing their products.  We joined over 50,000 folks in the building industry at the show, with our goal to look for inspirational ideas and new products for custom homes in Tampa and St. Pete.  Of all of the products we saw my favorite innovative ideas ranged from simple/cost effective to wow factor extravagance.

I am almost embarrassed to admit that my favorite new idea has nothing to do with design and would cost less than $50.  But, check out this new electrical outlet that you can plug your smart phone directly into to charge.  We equip many of our custom homes with charging stations.  And, why add more outlets when you can utilize just one.  Now that’s a SMART idea!

Another smart and functional idea that I loved was new doors that could be used for pantries or mudrooms that act as the command center for the home.  This door from Masonite features a chalkboard that you can express your creative side by drawing with the kids, to tracking the week’s grocery list.  This door combines the fun and function of a magnetic blackboard with a genuine stile and rail door.

Having just started the design process for a contemporary home on Snell Isle, my eye was drawn to many products that offer sleek design. The traditional 36″ fireplace is no longer your only option for gas fireplaces.  Loved the rectangular fireplace, but at a cost of over $5000 you may choose to stick with the classic.

The International Builders’ Show gives manufacturers the chance to showcase unique items that truly add the WOW factor to a custom home.  We can’t wait to see what new ideas and inspirations are going to be featured at the 2013 show in Las Vegas!

Follow us on our Blog & Social Networks -

Javic Blog: http://javichomes.wordpress.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/javichomes

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/javichomes

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/jon-solomon/4/547/660

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/jondsolomon?feature=mhum

Love Is in the Bay: Romantic Activities in Tampa

By Lana Bingham, Marketing Assistant

Since today is Valentine’s Day, we have decided to list a few fun and romantic activities around Tampa Bay! Whether you’re searching for heart-pounding thrills or a candlelight dinner for two, Tampa Bay offers a romantic setting for everyone.

Since it opened in 1956, Bern’s Steakhouse has been considered one of the most romantic places to dine in the area. Bern’s offers custom sized steaks, the world’s largest wine collection (Sommeliers included), outstanding hospitality and unique dining areas (a separate dessert room and a “Cave du Fromage”). Having gained vast amounts of national attention for their first-class dining experience, it is no wonder why Bern’s is Tampa Bay’s choice spot for Valentine’s dates and engagement proposals.

The St. Pete Pier provides a great venue for both day and nighttime romance. Spend the day visiting the Pier’s Florida-style shops or gazing at underwater creatures at the aquarium. You can also sail away on a Dolphin Cruise or rent a boat for a romantic two-person voyage. End your date with dinner at the Columbia Restaurant, known for its breathtaking waterfront views of Tampa Bay.

The Starlight Dining Cruise offers delectable cuisine and live entertainment.  Set sail, then dine, drink and dance with your date, all while taking in the beautiful sights of Tampa Bay.

St. Pete Beach is the perfect setting to take a sunset stroll with your significant other. Don’t forget to stop by the Don CeSar Resort for a delicious treat at their old-fashioned ice cream parlor.

If you are in need of a little more excitement, why not take your date horseback riding at Amber Glen Equestrian Center in Pinellas Park. With 25 miles of trails and local beach riding, it is an ideal date spot.

At Old Hyde Park Village in Tampa, you can wander through the shops or visit the CineBistro Movie Theater, which offers much more than peanuts and popcorn. You and your date can indulge a Crème Brule trio or Pan Seared Salmon while sharing a bottle of Champagne.

Don’t forget, the Florida State Fair is in Tampa from February 9^th – 20^th.  Live entertainment, thrilling amusement rides, a petting zoo and mouth-watering concession food makes for an entertaining date night. On Valentine’s Day admission is only $5 (after 5:00pm).

As you can see, Tampa Bay has romantic places for everyone all year. So take advantage of it today or any other romantic day.

Follow us on our Blog & Social Networks -

Javic Blog: http://javichomes.wordpress.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/javichomes

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/javichomes

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/jon-solomon/4/547/660

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/jondsolomon?feature=mhum

Battle of the Brands: Top Appliances in the Kitchen

Even for those of us who are highly brand loyal, it can be overwhelming when making a selection on kitchen appliances for your home. We desire products that are innovative, efficient, long-lasting and compatible with our kitchen’s design elements. The following brands will suit your home perfectly, providing you with the best balance of performance and value.

When it comes to refrigerators and freezers, Sub-Zero is a renowned favorite. Although their appearance is often contemporary in design and style, they are well-equipped for optimum food preservation. Sub-Zero’s refrigeration is recognized for its dual refrigeration technology and sleek glass door model. Their wine storage coolers and under-counter refrigerators are also quite popular. General Electric is another brand favorite found in the kitchen, preferably Monogram and Cafe. Their new fully integrated (and customizable) refrigerators and dishwashers are already best sellers.  GE’s stainless steel warming drawer and bar refrigerator (with ice maker) are other great kitchen additions. Much like GE’s product-line, Frigidaire also offers high-quality appliances, ranging from smart technology refrigerators to double oven ranges.

Wolf (Sub-zero’s cooking counterpart) is a top choice for ovens, ranges and cooktops. Wolf’s induction cooktops are a great choice for conserving energy, using electric-magnetic fields for heating. Their new convection steam oven has also become a big hit, making meal preparation easier, healthier and more accurate.  The Viking brand is well-known for their high-end ovens, ranges and ventilation systems. They offer a wide variety of styles and designs, including wall, chimney and island hoods, as well as rear down drafts and custom ventilation systems. Viking’s inventive trash compactor is another convenient kitchen appliance.

Fisher Paykel’s uniquely designed dish drawer takes “washing the dishes” to a whole new level; featuring single touch programming, flood prevention, adjustable racks and higher drawers for loading and unloading dishes. Their multiple temperature control cooling drawer is another product that no kitchen should be without.

The Delta Touch2O faucet allows you to “tap” your kitchen’s water source on or off, making kitchen clean-up a breeze. No more soiled hands making bigger messes; this high-tech faucet also features a multi-flow spray system which conserves water and cuts down on germs and kitchen clean-up.

One of the many benefits of building a custom kitchen is that you not only get to design your own layout, color patterns and finishes, but you also get to choose your appliances. As a Tampa custom home builder, Javic Homes works with you to select high-quality appliances while still ensuring pricing that matches your budget. New homes are built with many of the above brands, as well as many other amenities found outside of the kitchen. If you are interested in building a custom home or remodeling your kitchen, contact us.

Follow us on our Blog & Social Networks -

Javic Blog:  http://javichomes.wordpress.com/

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/javichomes

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/#!/javichomes

LinkedIn:  http://www.linkedin.com/pub/jon-solomon/4/547/660

YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/user/jondsolomon?feature=mhum

15 Questions You Must Ask BEFORE Choosing A Builder

Making the committment to build a custom home is a big deal.  Choosing the builder can be an even bigger deal.  There are a lot of questions that you should ask, but we have developed a  Report of the 15 Questions You Must Ask BEFORE Choosing A Builder.

You’ll sleep better once you’ve asked these questions, so before you interview Tampa home builders, receive our free report via email by CLICKING HERE or on the image below.

Follow us on our Blog & Social Networks -

Javic Blog:  http://javichomes.wordpress.com/

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/javichomes

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/#!/javichomes

LinkedIn:  http://www.linkedin.com/pub/jon-solomon/4/547/660

YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/user/jondsolomon?feature=mhum

It’s Raining Cats and Dogs In Tampa Bay

By Missi McCombs, Javic Homes Designer

February is Responsible Pet Owner’s Month!  Having just added a new member to our family, I can attest to the fact that a puppy is a lot like having a baby.  We thought long and hard about whether our family was ready for the responsibility of training, feeding, playing and taking care of our sweet (albeit rambunctious) bundle of joy!  However, as a designer and neat freak I was not mentally prepared for all of the stuff!  It is amazing how quickly a pet’s stuff can add up.  In order to truly be a responsible pet owner, consider storage options, specific places for your pet to eat, and take care of necessities.

Dedicate a place for all of your pet supplies that are close to where you actually use them.  Keep the leashes you use most frequently hanging by the door for easy access.  Place the food in a cabinet close to their eating area.  And, store toys in a bin or basket where you usually play with your pet.

Pets, just as their human counter-parts, are creatures of habit.  So, it is best to designate one place in your home for eating and sleeping.  When it comes to eating, plan ahead for the mess that they will inevitably make.  I love this idea in the picture that incorporates pet bowls into your cabinet design.  But, if that isn’t feasible at least use a special placemat to protect your floors!

And…don’t forget to protect your floors from all types of spills and such!  As a tampa custom home builder we have worked with many home owners to develop a design that is pet friendly.  Designing everything from built-in cat litter boxes in laundry rooms to doggy doors to accommodate all sizes of dogs.

If you are lucky enough to get to design and build your own custom home, or perhaps re-model a kitchen or laundry room area, make sure that you consider all members of the family in your functional design plan.

Follow us on our Blog & Social Networks -

Javic Blog:  http://javichomes.wordpress.com/

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/javichomes

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/#!/javichomes

LinkedIn:  http://www.linkedin.com/pub/jon-solomon/4/547/660

YouTube:  http://www.youtube.com/user/jondsolomon?feature=mhum