Like many in the home building industry, Luce & Associates Architects & Designers thrived during the recent housing boom. 

As the market begins to correct itself and level out, some are concerned about the potential loss of business.  As a firm,

Luce & Associates is taking advantage of the slower market to explore new ideas and architectural trends. 

Luce & Associates has found that many current trends in

residential architecture involve resurrecting traditional ideas

into today’s market.  The inglenook as an architectural detail

was popular in 1920s bungalows, but is seeing a resurgence in

new home designs.  Most inglenooks were located adjacent to

the living room and were created with built in seating next to

the fireplace.  In current home designs, the inglenook has a

new twist.  It has completely replaced the little used living

room in many cases.  This allows for an expanded kitchen,

which, for many, has become one of the most important

rooms in the house not only for its functional purpose, but also as a prominent gathering place for family and friends when

entertaining.  Luce & Associates has used the inglenook to connect the breakfast area or kitchen and family room with a two-

way fireplace, drawing the focus of the home back to the family and finding time to spend together.  This partly divides open

floor plans while maintaining the flow and harmony and serves as an intimate place for the family to gather in the heart of

the house. 

In addition, homeowners are looking towards alternative spaces to house their hobbies and passions.  Finished basements

and attics are seamlessly incorporated into the overall design of the house and are experiencing a revival.  These spaces are

no longer just extra living space; they have become home gymnasiums, home theaters, poker lounges, martini bars, family

craft studios and much more.  Architectural details included in the plans of the home are helping to make these spaces more

functional and enjoyable.  A recent home design included a Vegas Lounge complete with a pool table and video poker in

addition to the conventional bar.  Family craft studios are spatially designed to bring families together with built-in craft

islands and reading nooks.  Home theaters have extra soundproofing and higher electronic capabilities catered to the

homeowner’s needs.  The design process explores a multitude of different possibilities to discover a style that best fits each

patron.  The end results are spaces which truly capture the client’s personality and lifestyle.

As the pace of life intensifies, individuals are looking to their homes as their sanctuary.  Architects are faced with the

challenge of creating spaces that have all the amenities each individual desires and are functional living spaces, ideal for

entertaining.  Inglenooks are the perfect detail for expanding the kitchen as a gathering place and increasing the amount of

space dedicated to the most frequently used rooms of the home.  Finished basements and attics help to maximize functional

space and are perfect for spaces catered specifically to the homeowner’s needs.  Luce & Associates has discovered that

understanding the homeowner’s passions in life is the key to discovering the ideal design for their house and allows them to

feel that same passion for their home.