In This Issue:
Home Building Tips: Building "Green"
In an era of biodegradable packaging and recycled products, it's no wonder that earth-conscious homeowners are ready to implement enviromentally friendly features into their home. But while some 83% of consumers consider themselves at least somewhat of an enviromentalist, the extent to which this affects their home design varies greatly. For example, some homeowners may wish to incorporate every aspect of water conservation and solar energy technique that is available to them, while others may be happy not to clear-cut their property in preparation of their building endeavor.
To take full advantage of the options available to you, select a designer knowledgable in things such as solar energy, rainwater systems, insulated foundations and energy efficiency. You should also feel comfortable openly discussing your objectives and budget for your home.
For more information on how Pippin Home Designs can make your home design more enviromentally-friendly, email jenny@pippinhomedesigns.com.
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After over a year of providing you with tips, inside peeks at projects and industry news through our email newsletter, our newsletters have only become more informative. With the addition of our "Healthy Home" column and submissions from experts in various fields, we hope to continue offering you an informative and enjoyable newsletter. If you have suggestions on how we can improve our newsletter, or topics that you would like to see discussed here, please email us at newsletter@pippinhomedesigns.com. Thanks and enjoy!
- Jennifer B. Pippin, CPBD; Owner, Pippin Home Designs, Inc.
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Pippin's Projects: The Nantucket
 After partnering with John Shryock and Jay Johnstone to form Artisan Custom Homes in Davidson, Brad Remmey began his search for the perfect design for his new home in Lake Norman.
Brad and his wife, Ginny, were attracted to the distinctive look and feel of Nantucket and wanted a home designed to make the most of lake views and a private backyard, without overlooking a refined attention to interior detail.
The result of their ideas and Pippin's expertise is a beautiful custom home designed by Pippin Home Designs and crafted by Brad's own firm, Artisan Custom Homes.
Visit the Remmey's Home... »
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Designing Your Home: What can I expect from preliminary designs?
Whether your building endeavor involves a new home or renovations to an existing home, there is much work and anticipation prior to seeing what your home will look like. After all, a Designer is hired to harmonize your list of your needs, likes and ideas, so seeing those put together in a workable design is very exciting.
So, what exactly can you expect from this phase in the design process? Well, you might consider this a "rough draft" of your design. After compiling the "facts" (notes from previous meetings and site visits, etc.), a Designer will present you with a few options of how to incorporate the most important aspects of your home's functionality into an aestatically pleasing design that also works well with the property's natural surroundings.
Initially, you may not see design sketches of the exterior, as these are generally completed after a floor plan design has been selected from the initial options. However, as this important phase progresses, the fine details of your new design will emerge and you will soon be on your way to the next step in the process- Construction Drawings.
What can Pippin Home Designs, Inc. do for you? »
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Pippin Celebrates Grand Re-Opening
 It seems like only yesterday that we were considering the old gray house on Catawba Avenue as the future location of our offices. But, nearly a year later, we were ready to celebrate the Grand Re-Opening of our firm at the same location, but with a dramatically different look.
In addition to Ribbon Cutting ceremonies held by both the Lake Norman and Mooresville-South Iredell Chambers of Commerce, we were pleased to have in attendance some of our current and past clients. Also, many of our business associates and even some of the neighbors stopped by to see our new digs and congratulate Jenny on realizing her lifelong dream by renovating an older home to become her office.
Visit our offices- before, during and after the renovation! »
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The Healing Home: "Feng-Shui" Your Home's Exterior
 The personal space you call home, which belongs solely to you and your family, begins as you leave the road and turn into your driveway. This is the defining point that says to others, "you are only welcome here if invited." Your front yard and the front of your home say a lot about what kind of family you are. For instance, is your yard nicely landscaped, or are weeds creeping up among the uncut grass? Is there a birdbath or sundial strategically placed, or are toys and tools strewn haphazardly around? These outdoor things tell much about who lives inside.
As I've said before, your "gut feeling" is your most important sense. It can also be called first impression. Have you heard of the saying, "you never get a second chance to make a first impression"? It's true, because it's that first impression (or gut feeling) that scouts the space ahead and gives you feedback; and it sets the tone for everything else you see from that point.
Take a walk around your neighborhood and get a sense for your gut feeling about other homes near you. Then walk back and see what your new first impression is of your own front yard; you might be surprised what seeing your spaces with "fresh eyes" can tell you!
Next month I'll talk about the "feng shui way" to see your front door! - Valerie DeLong, Feng Shui Concepts, (704) 502-8814, valdelong@earthlink.net.
Learn more about feng-shui from a professional... »
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