Tips to Help You Choose Proper Outdoor Furnishings for Eichlers

Decorate Your Patio and Garden in Style!

Are you planning to update the atrium, patio or garden of your Eichler home? When selecting furniture and accessories, it is important to (a) maintain a good balance between old and new, and (b) keep the flow between indoor and outdoor living. The size, scale, materials and colors of your outdoor furniture and accessories are critical to preserving the integrity of the mid-century modern design. Choose with the same care as you would for rooms inside your house. Here is some valuable advice from our team on selecting proper outdoor furnishings for Eichlers.

5 Key Considerations for Furnishing Eichler Atriums, Patios and Gardens

• Function: First, determine how you will use the outdoor space. Are you looking to entertain guests or create a tranquil spot for you and your family to relax? Perhaps it’s both! Do you have the space to create distinct areas or will you need to add seating when entertaining a group? Answering these important questions will make it easier to decide on what type of furniture to look for.
• Space: The amount of space available will impact how much furniture you can accommodate and indicate appropriate sizing. Keep in mind that there should be enough room to move around. After all, Eichler homes are known for their unmistakable ‘less is more’ design.
• Scale: Bulky pieces will overwhelm and crowd a compact space while small ones will get lost in a large area. Big furniture also seems out of place in an intimate setting. Take a moment to reflect on the surrounding landscape before you select chairs, tables and other accessories. For instance, square and rectangular tables are ideal for spaces located close to your home. Oval and round ones, on the other hand, are better suited to irregular-shaped areas and can seat more people. Remember that chairs and side tables must have some degree of mobility as you are likely to move them around.
• Style and material: New or vintage—which look is better? The answer is subjective and depends on your personal style. However, note that period pieces can be expensive and difficult to maintain. Modern vintage creations offer the best of both worlds with classic designs in low-maintenance materials. Smart and playful contemporary furniture is also a stylish option. Whatever you choose, keep it simple and casual. Cast aluminum, fiberglass, wire mesh, etc., there are a host of materials that look elegant, complement the Eichler design and can be used indoors and outdoors.
• Accessories: Go for a splash of color and a little whimsy in your planters and outdoor art. For example, pottery with architectural forms will make a handsome addition to your patio or garden and accent the simple lines of your furniture.

Hire Eichler Home Remodeling Experts to Revitalize Your Outdoors

As Eichler remodeling specialists, we are adept at maintaining a fine balance between the mid-century modern charm and contemporary luxuries. Whether you are upgrading your entire home or renovating the outdoor area, you can count on us to make your dreams come true.

With an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, we continue to serve a growing roster of happy customers across Silicon Valley, including in Palo Alto, Los Altos, San Jose, Cupertino, Mountain View and Sunnyvale, CA. 

Contact us online to learn more about proper outdoor furnishings for Eichlers.

Consider How Architects Work with Home Remodelers

Tips to Make Your Renovation Project A Success

Are you planning a home makeover? Whether you are thinking about building reconstruction, a change of layout and floor plans, room additions, or other changes, your Silicon Valley home deserves the expert skills of an architect and a remodeling contractor. Homeowners are often unsure about hiring a professional to design the remodel as they may consider it unnecessary. To make an informed decision, it is important to understand how architects work with home remodelers.

3 Reasons You May Require an Architect to Remodel Your Home

1. Design expertise: The bigger the remodeling project, the more likely you will require a building design professional to bring your dream home to life. In addition to providing designs based on your vision and needs, an architect can ensure that the upcoming changes harmonize with the existing structure. Simply put, you can expect that aesthetics, functionality and safety are all integral to the remodeling plan.
2. Paperwork: Many municipalities require special permits for changes to building structure and floorplans. Adhering to building codes is critical for your safety and for protecting your home investment. An architect can help you prepare the necessary documentation for acquiring building permits. More importantly, you have expert help on hand to resolve any design or structural issues that may arise.
3. Project management: You can hire an architect to prepare the design plans and obtain the required permits or to manage the entire rebuild/renovation project. This can include hiring contractors to work on the remodel and overseeing the project to completion. End to end services will cost you more and may not always be necessary. To save money and ensure the best results, look for an experienced remodeling company who will work with your architectural plans.

Hire Eichler Home Remodeling Experts to Realize Your Dream Space

As home renovators and Eichler remodeling specialists, we work closely with local architects to bring your dream space to life. Whether you are looking to add another level or just a family room, or want to change the layout of the ground floor, our aim is to create a home that you will love and be proud of. How involved you and your architect want to be in the rebuild process is entirely up to you; we follow a flexible approach to suit your preference.

Count on the team at Flegel’s Construction Co. to pay attention to the smallest details and provide quality touches that will distinguish your home. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction, we continue to serve a growing roster of happy customers across Silicon Valley, including in Palo Alto, Los Altos, San Jose, Cupertino, Mountain View and Sunnyvale, CA. 

Contact us online to learn more about how architects work with home remodelers and let’s discuss your renovation project today.

Join us on June 9^th for the 2018 Silicon Valley Modern Home Tour. Be sure to see our project “Sunnymount Avenue” along the route!

For more information, tickets and a tour map, click here.

About the Modern Architecture + Design Society and Home Tour Series

For a decade, the Modern Architecture + Design Society has been bringing enthusiasts up close and personal with the architects and designers that create these  modern masterpieces, and the homeowners that open their doors to share your visions with our communities.

The Modern Architecture + Design Society (MA+DS) Modern Home Tour Series is THE annual showcase of the most innovative and groundbreaking private residences, highlighting unique approaches to modern architecture, design, and art.

Developed, curated, and produced by internationally-recognized architecture and fine art photographer James Leasure and MA+DS partner Kenneth Shallcross, this year’s slate of events promises to be bigger and better than ever!

With thousands of people participating and millions more being exposed through social media, the 2018 Tour Series is one of the best ways to reach modern architecture, design and lifestyle enthusiasts throughout North America.

Tips to Preserve Your Eichler Home’s Architectural Style

Are you a proud owner of an Eichler home in Silicon Valley? Make sure your upcoming renovation project maintains the authentic, characteristic style you love. Maintaining the characteristic horizontal and vertical planes that offer the best of indoor-outdoor living can be challenging for those unfamiliar with the “California modern” building concept. Look for a renovation contractor with the required experience and expertise in this unique modernist style. Here is a quick overview of this architectural style to help you plan your remodel.

3 Key Features You Want to Protect in Your Eichler Home

• Modernist style: Clean lines and minimal ornamentation define these coveted tract homes of the 1950s and 60s. Any ornately carved additions such as crown molding would be out of place with the mid-century modern styling. Careful selection of flooring and ceiling materials, wall colors and furnishings can help update the look of your home without risking a mismatch of distinct styles.
• Indoor-outdoor feel: The skylights, glass walls (large windows and doors), a continuous ceiling and low-slung gabled roof are characteristic of the easy California lifestyle. Any renovations to your structure must aim to preserve this original vision and flow.
• Spacious floor plan: The open concept kitchen, living and dining areas were meant to create a roomy, airy feel and facilitate interaction. Any room additions to accommodate a growing family should ideally maintain the open concept design. For instance, adding solid walled partitions for privacy will take away the openness. Glass walls and sliding doors are better choices for partitioning living spaces.

Any backyard renovations, including fencing and garden sheds or extra rooms, should also keep in mind clean lines, flat or sloped roofs and large windows for your Silicon Valley home.

Successful Renovations by Eichler Home Remodeling Experts

Whether you plan to add rooms, windows, a gourmet kitchen or a luxurious ensuite, trust that we will seamlessly match the past with the present in your dream home. You can count on us to skillfully incorporate modern floorplans and conveniences into your home while preserving the original features. As Eichler remodeling specialists, we understand the challenges of installing modern comforts and energy-efficient systems into homes without a basement, attic and crawlspace.

We are happy to collaborate with your designer/architect to create a home that meets your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences. With a deep commitment to quality workmanship and customer service, we have a growing roster of happy customers across Silicon Valley, including in Palo Alto, Los Altos, San Jose, Cupertino, Mountain View and Sunnyvale, CA. 

Contact us online to learn more about Eichler homes’ architectural style and discuss your renovation project.

Nearly 50 years after the architectural style came into being, modernist “Eichlers” continue to be in high demand among Silicon Valley homebuyers. The unmistakable design exemplifies the indoor-outdoor lifestyle afforded by California’s moderate coastal climate. These homes are remarkable for their clean lines, open spaces and plenty of light. If you are planning a remodel, it might help you to learn more about what makes an Eichler Home an “Eichler” before you discuss the project details with your home renovation company.

10 Characteristic Features of Silicon Valley Homes built by Joseph Eichler

Real estate developer Joseph Eichler created these masterpieces in the 1950s and 60s, celebrating the American dream. Using innovative construction techniques, he broke away from traditional post-war, cookie-cutter designs. Middle-class suburban families were delighted with these elegant, moderately-priced homes. Here are some of the characteristic Eichler features that garnered national and international acclaim. 

1. Mid-century modern style with minimal ornamentation (blank street façade) that came to be known as “California modern”
2. Constructed from locally sourced materials like redwood and mahogany
3. Wood exteriors, entrances and paneling
4. Widely spaced posts and beams
5. Flat or low-sloped gabled roofs
6. Functional layout with a blend of public and private spaces
7. Atrium courtyard or foyer that straddles the indoors and outdoors and is typically lined with plants
8. Interiors with floor to ceiling windows and sliding glass doors that bring in unobstructed views of the outdoors and plenty of natural light
9. Open concept kitchen, dining and living areas with glass or no partitions
10. Built-in furnishings

Eichler Remodeling Experts Preserve Your Home’s Original Look

When you decide to update your Eichler home with the latest amenities and furnishings, you want to preserve its characteristic “California modern” style. As Eichler remodeling specialists, we know how to maintain the original vision and improve its functionality and comforts to match your current lifestyle. Whether you are interested in a more efficient floor plan, adding windows to brighten up the space, or installing a flush threshold, we are happy to work with your designer/architect to realize your vision. Give us the opportunity to transform the home you love into the home you’ll never want to leave. Our skills and customer service have earned us customers across Silicon Valley, including in Palo Alto, Los Altos, San Jose, Cupertino, Mountain View and Sunnyvale, CA.

Learn more about what makes an Eichler home an “Eichler”. Contact us online to discuss your remodeling project.

Eichler homes continue to be hot properties for families and individuals who appreciate a sleek, modern design. Emphasizing change, boldness and optimism, they typically consist of a U-shaped floor plan with an atrium, glass walls and radiant floor heaters. Spread across California (including the Bay Area), they embody home design flair and affordability. To learn more about Eichler homes, let’s look at who Joseph Eicher was and why his approach to custom home building has made such a huge and lasting impact.

The Man and the Philosophy Behind Eichler Homes

• Master builder: Developer Joseph Eichler (1900-1974) is credited with building nearly 11,000 single-family homes in California. Inspired by his own Frank Lloyd Wright home, he hired local modernist architects to design houses that were different from the cookie-cutter homes that other developers were building. According to eichlernetwork.com, he never held a hammer, wrench or saw, but that did not stop the successful Bronx-born businessman from becoming a master builder.
• Establishing modern standards: Houses built by Eichler Homes, Inc. have come to epitomize the Mid-Century Modern style of architecture that is still in demand today. With functional layouts, clean lines, distinctive roofs, big windows, open foyers and plenty of natural light, they introduced an appealing indoor-outdoor living style that was in stark contrast to the tract houses of that era. Industry experts credit Eichler with setting the tone for what we consider standard or desirable in a home today.
• Delivering style and affordability: Although they are highly-coveted architectural works of art, Eichler’s homes were built with both style and affordability in mind. At the time, the modern style was associated with luxurious custom homes rather than middle-class residences. Parents Magazine once said that an Eichler home was the best in the country for raising children!
• Remodeling potential: Over the years, Eichler-built homes have received numerous awards and continue to be in high demand. The clean lines offer plenty of remodeling potential. However, selecting the right contractor is key to adding modern comforts and efficiencies while retaining Joseph Eichler’s original vision. 

Eichler Home Remodelers Balance Traditional and Contemporary Style

By creating easily accessible outdoor spaces, incorporating large windows and walls of glass, providing expansive backyard views and so on, Joseph Eichler sought to bring homeowners closer to nature. Our remodeling specialists skillfully incorporate 21^st century floorplans and conveniences while keeping the most beloved features of your original Eichler intact.

As a residential contractor that has successfully completed hundreds of renovations, additions, and new homes, we believe in a client-first approach. Count on the experienced team at Flegel’s Construction to preserve the original Eichler vision while offering increased functionality and style for your home.

We have customers across Silicon Valley, including in Palo Alto, Los Altos, San Jose, Cupertino, Mountain View and Sunnyvale, CA. 

Contact us online to learn more about Joseph Eichler and discuss your custom home building or remodeling project.