"The power of finding beauty in the humblest things makes home happy and life lovely"- Louisa May Alcott
For those of you that love “home” as much as we do, we wanted to update you on what is happening in our world of creating places to call “home,” from the home to the land and to the experience of creating it.
A NOTE FROM MILLER MARRIOTT
As we head into the holiday season, we feel incredibly grateful for our discerning clients, the talent of our business partners & subcontractors, the communities we are collaborating with and our evolving team & business. We are fortunate to be able to do what we do and find joy in sharing the beauty, creativity and insight with you in this newsletter.
Custom architecture and design remain at the core of what we do. Each of our clients’ homes reflects their unique personalities and how diversely they live. In this newsletter, you get to peek inside one of these very special homes, “The Silver Lake”, a beautiful modern Tudor that translates the character and captures the rich history of the home originally residing on the property.
Beyond designing and building homes, our passion for creating timeless & unforgettable neighborhoods in the community is at the forefront of what we do. The positive momentum of three exclusive Miller Marriott neighborhoods in Delafield and Elm Grove continues into 2024. Charming, walkable, and populated with custom homes as special as our clients.
In addition to home design, building and development, there is always an opportunity to share our knowledge on everyday home design and home TLC. In this newsletter, our team is sharing their love for fireplaces and how to decorate them for the holidays. They are also sharing how to keep cabinetry looking new & fresh. For those of you wanting to understand the current market or shopping for an existing MM home, we hope you enjoy the real estate update.
HOME SPOTLIGHT: The silver Lake
Designing and building a home for an Interior Designer is the greatest complement, as it peaks everyone’s talents and creativity. Emily Frank of Frank & Co. and her husband Ryan Frank wanted to design a home that focused on capturing the rich history of the home that was there for decades, translating that character into a new home for their family. They now graciously welcome you into their family home. The details are too extensive to list, you just have to look. The exterior immediately gets your attention. Unique, sophisticated and intriguing, you cannot help wanting to see what is inside. Upon entering, you are captivated by the views and the perfect placement of this home on this very special property. And at the same time, you are enamored by every thoughtful detail, from the arches, to the pantry door repurposed from the original home’s front door. This home feels like a work of art that is also completely capable of comfortably raising a family and celebrating day-to-day life.
The steep gables and sweeping roof complemented by the arched doorway and round window accentuate the beautiful exterior elements of the traditional tudor style.
Archways are used to create a sense of grandeur and elegance in this space. They add interest and visual appeal and are a beautiful and timeless architectural element.
The large transoms and casement windows let in abundant light while providing picturesque lake views. The dark color of the alcove provides the classic contrast you would see in a modern tudor.
Salvaged architechtural treasures are incorporated throughout the home. The design of the kitchen infuses the storied past into the new home such as the original front door repurposed as the pantry door.
This warm and functional butler's pantry is a combination of a barrel ceiling, a marble countertop, and custom cabinetry. Together, these features create a transition space between rooms that feels connected yet private.
The windows are stooled and not cased, keeping with the classic tudor design. The large casement windows provide ample lighting and capture spectacular views of the lake.
Strong triangular and circular forms create architectural interest, while natural light fills the space. A two-story foyer with an arched doorway makes for a dramatic entrance and pays respect to the original home.
The strategic placement of the home maximizes the functionality of the lot allowing for rear garage storage and a walkout basement. A true lakeside retreat.
INTERIOR DESIGN SPOTLIGHT
Miller Marriott is passionate about fireplaces, Gas, Woodburning, Indoor, Outdoor, hearth/no hearth, beautiful surrounds. In this newsletter we are using one of our favorite topics to also introduce our talented new Lead Interior Designer, Erin Weil.
Erin’s professional design journey started with fashion, creating for renowned American retailers such as Lands’ End and Tommy Hilfiger. While loving the fashion, design and business world, she couldn’t deny her strong gravitation toward home design, specifically in building and remodeling. Then shortly after completing her first remodel, she launched the Grey Designer Creative Studios. It was here that Erin's passion for building, remodeling, and design found its roots.
Partnering with builders, real estate agents, and clients of her own, Erin has played a pivotal role in creating inspirational environments for those whom she has been fortunate to work with. Erin has left her creative mark on numerous projects, bringing homes to life from concept to completion.
Erin Weil on holiday fireplaces...
Now that we are getting into the cooler months and the night sky has that bitter chill, we have all come to know. We begin our transition in to spend more time cozied up by a fire. Here at Miller Marriott, we are passionate about beautiful fireplaces. They are a statement piece of the home, and part of our home’s story. Unlike some parts of the country, fireplaces serve a purpose for us Wisconsinites in the cooler months; they are a beacon of light and warmth for us and to our home.
With the holiday season upon us, we love to make our fireplaces extra cozy and add a bit of holiday cheer!
- Faux or Fresh Greenery: Start with nice full greenery as the base to build from, faux, fresh or a mix of the two are great bases for garland. Our mantle pictured below holds an array of fresh greens like magnolia branches, juniper berries, and Carolina sapphire cyprus - the best part - it smells amazing! Helpful hint: be sure to consider how warm your mantel will get, you do not want faux to melt onto the mantel. For fresh greenery, be sure it’s very fresh and not already dried out, misting daily can keep your greenery looking fresh.
- Anchor Piece: Adding an anchor piece such as a mirror, or holiday/ winter print creates balance. Many of you may have a TV as your anchor, today smart TVs make it easy to set a print. Choosing a winter or holiday scene is a fun way to create a great anchor piece.
- Layers: (The fun part) Choose a handful of assorted items such as trees, houses, candles in clear or frosted vases, or smaller snowy winter prints. The key is to create an assortment of different heights, tones, textures, and elements such as glitter, or metallics.
HOME MAINTENANCE
As the weather gets cooler, we typically have more time to focus on indoor home projects. An easy way to make your kitchen appear fresh is with cabinet maintenance. Your kitchen cabinets are one of the most important investments in your home. They provide storage, functionality, and style. However, they are also susceptible to damage from accidents, spills, and everyday wear and tear. It is important to take care of your kitchen cabinets to keep them looking their best and lasting for many years to come. In order to do so, we have put together a comprehensive list of helpful hints to keep your cabinets beautiful.
- Clean your cabinets regularly. Use a mild soap, like Dawn dish soap, and water solution to wipe down the doors and shelves. Pay special attention to areas that are prone to grease and grime, such as around the stove, sink, and garbage pull out.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners. These can damage the finish of your cabinets.
- Protect your cabinets from moisture. Wipe up spills immediately, paying special attention to cabinets below your sink.
- Use shelf liners to protect your shelves from scratches and stains.
- Tighten all hardware and cabinet hinges and replace loose screws.
- Adjust and align doors as needed to prevent rubbing. There are various online tutorials if you need any guidance while doing this.
- Repair damage promptly. If your cabinets are damaged, don't wait to fix them. The longer you wait, the more likely the damage is to become worse.
If your cabinets are damaged, you may want to consider professional repair. Professional repair services can fix a variety of damage, including scratches, dents, and chipped paint. If you are unsure how to repair or upgrade your kitchen cabinets, it is always a good idea to contact the manufacturer. They may be able to provide you with touch-up resources or recommend a qualified professional. By following these tips, you can keep your kitchen cabinets looking and functioning their best for many years to come.
TEAM UPDATE
To create exceptional homes and developments and provide a truly enjoyable experience for our clients, we must have a talented and diversly professional team that is passionate about their work, each other, the community and our clients. We believe in providing our clients with a seamless wing-to-wing experience, from real estate services to design to construction.
Over the last few months, we have expanded our team in order to continue to provide our clients with the best possible experience. We are happy to introduce them briefly in this newsletter. Please see their bio’s on our website.
DEVELOPMENT INFORMATION
Miller Marriott is changing the way neighborhoods are built. We take great pride in creating thoughtful developments while respecting the land we are building on. Our developments are more than just homes, they are communities where people can come together and thrive. We have been honored to create the new neighborhood next to St. Johns Military academy, Beacon Hill. Working closely with the municipality, we were able to create a neighborhood that aesthetically is in keeping with St. Johns and allows for smaller footprints for clients that want to be close to downtown Delafield but do not want a large piece of land to care for.
Beacon Hill - Delafield
Beacon Hill of Delafield is located at the north end of St. John’s Northwestern Academies, artfully developed to create a walkable and social neighborhood that continues the growth and success of Delafield.
Beacon Hill of Delafield will provide a quaint community feel that complements the mix of historic and new architecture throughout Delafield. All elements of the neighborhood and its homes will reflect the high-quality construction and architectural style that Miller Marriott is known for, creating a timeless and beautiful community that pays respect to historic St. John’s Northwestern Academies.
Our love of land, homes and community continues to translate into opportunities to create unforgettable neighborhoods. We are excited to announce two additional Miller Marriott exclusive developments, Delafield Park Way and Caroline Heights in Elm Grove.
Caroline Heights - Elm Grove
Caroline Heights - Elm Grove, (previously School Sisters of Notre Dame), is a rare opportunity to build a new home in the heart of the timeless and charming community of Elm Grove. Consisting of 21 single-family homes walkable to the heart of Elm Grove’s downtown. These new homes are being designed and built with the timeless character synonymous with the community.
Delafield Park Way
Delafield Park Way is located off Main St. and N. Lapham Peak Rd. with 29 beautifully wooded single family home sites. This land, rich in history, is transitioning to a classicly charming neighborhood, neatly tucked away and at the same time walkable to downtown Delafield.
Soar above the Delafield Park Way in this drone video below, and experience the beauty of this walkable community from a bird's-eye view.
If you are looking for land to call home, check out the vetted land link, where our real estate professionals are locating the best places to build. Or call us to get the latest.
MILLER MARRIOTT REALTY: Fall/Winter Update on Real Estate
As with everything real estate, ever changing!
As the temperatures drop, the Metro Milwaukee real estate market continues to evolve in Fall/Winter 2023. Here's an update on the latest trends and developments in the area, with a specific focus on new construction:
The Metro Milwaukee real estate market remains competitive, with a persistent shortage of available homes. Low inventory levels continue to keep buyer demand high. Well-priced and move-in-ready homes continue to sell quickly. However, there are fewer buyers making offers than 6 months ago, so properties that are aggressively priced or need work are sitting without offers.
One notable trend shaping the Metro Milwaukee real estate market this season is the surge in new construction projects. Builders and developers have been responding to the high demand for housing by initiating new residential developments. New construction offers prospective buyers the opportunity to own a brand-new, energy-efficient, and customizable home, which has been particularly appealing in the current market.
Home prices in the Metro Milwaukee area have continued to appreciate, albeit at a smaller increment compared to previous years. This is partly due to rising interest rates, affordability concerns, and concern that the economy could be softening. Given the leveling off of home prices, the market has become more balanced with respect to buyers and sellers as compared with the seller-friendly market of the past 24-36 months.
The impact of remote work remains a significant factor in the Metro Milwaukee real estate market. Many employees continue to have flexible work arrangements, allowing them to consider a wider range of locations for their homes. Commute times and proximity to offices have become less critical factors for some buyers.
While the market is remains competitive for buyers, some experts predict a gradual easing of demand in the coming months if interest rates rise further. The Metro Milwaukee real estate market is expected to remain strong as compared to other large cities, with new construction projects playing a pivotal role in meeting the housing needs of the growing population.
In conclusion, Fall/Winter 2023 is characterized by continued low inventory and uncertainty about what is to come in the housing market regarding mortgage rates and the economy. New construction offers a promising avenue for prospective homeowners to find modern and customizable housing options, contributing significantly to the evolving landscape of the Metro Milwaukee real estate market. As always, it's essential for both buyers and sellers to stay informed, work with experienced real estate professionals, and carefully assess their goals and priorities in this dynamic market. Our team at Miller Marriott is available to help at any stage.
Miller Marriott Properties For Sale
2023 Modern Tudor, The Pineberry
2024 model in Beacon Hill - Delafield, The Nantucket.
Beacon Hill - Delafield, The Cypress.
UPCOMING EVENTS
We have a variety of events planned at our 2023 Modern Tudor home, The Pineberry. The home has been beautifully curated by G-Home in Elm Grove. Laura Gorensen and her team continue to exceed our expectations furnishing our models and working with clients. Below are the dates/times of open houses coming up. We encourage everyone to come and see this beautiful new home for themselves.
Saturday, November 18th from 1-3PM
Saturday, December 2nd from 11AM-1PM
Saturday, December 9th from 11AM-1PM
Saturday, December 16th from 11AM-1PM