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Are your clothes and accessories are works of art to you? Well give them the home they deserve! Walk in closets are no longer exclusively a perk of mansion living. While certainly a luxurious design detail can also be a hugely functional section of your home. The first thing to decide when considering walk in closet ideas is how to create the most functional space possible. These walk in closet design tips combine beauty, organization and that special feeling of luxury into one space.

Include different closet display elements to showcase your clothing and accessories.
A built-in vanity is a must have in a walk in closet.
Create a minimalist feel by installing doors that keep clothing hidden away.
Make sure there is a place for everything. A functional walk-in closet has plenty of storage options.
Your walk in should be a space that you want to spend time in.
The lighting in a walk in closet is everything. Combine different lighting options including backlighting, overhead and mood lighting.
Use mirrors on your closet doors to brighten the space up. In fact uses mirrors all over. You can not have too many mirrors in your closet.
Install an island as the catch-all for your smaller items.
Clothing boutiques can be great inspiration for your own walk in closet. Add elements you love from your favorite displays.
Drawers are the best way to store a variety of items in your closet.
A closet organized by color and length looks super organized and has an artistic appeal.
Add seating to your walk in closet.
You can use creative displays for shoes and accessories. Wall bars or open shelving highlights these pieces.
You can build up to make the most of your space. Install a ladder or have a step stool handy for easy access.
Choose white for your walk in closet. The simple color choice gives the illusion of a larger space and allows the cloths and accessories to do the talking.

Use these simple tricks to design the luxury walk in of your dreams.
To learn more about BlackRock Construction, our team and what we can build for you contact 802.861.1120 or info@blackrockus.com.

Do you want to know a secret? There IS no secret! Designers do not a list of hard and fast rules. They are simply creative types who love to imagine, dream and follow can their intuition to beauty. Sure there are some tricks and practices that make what they do successful but often they have learned from experience what works and what does not. Interior designers are just regular people with a knack for cool. Here are some known tips for you to use at home to make your living space better.

Pick the paint color last. Choosing paint is expensive and most people have favorite colors that they just can not wait to adorn their home with. Wait. You want the color that best complements your upholstery, artwork, and everything else. Your lighting also plays a huge factor in how paint color looks in your home. Wait to select your palette when your items are in the home and your lighting design is set.
Do not overcrowd the room. Resist filling a room with furniture. You don’t need to fill up a space with lots of furniture, it is a great feeling to maneuver a room with ease. Use your budget to buy quality pieces rather than a quantity of pieces.
Hang artwork at the right height. Okay I take it back, this is in fact a hard and fast rule! Artwork should hang at 57-60 inches from the floor, eye level. This applies even to rooms with very high ceilings, trust me you will not become taller because the ceilings are higher.
Avoid a theme. For example the “log cabin look”. You know, bear trinkets, plaid pillows, acorn etchings and details. This lacks individuality. Instead use a color palate to express your vision. In this case decorate with reds, browns and natural greens to create the vibe you desire subtly.
Ignore all principles in favor of creativity. This is my favorite tip. Guidelines gives people a good jumping off point for furnishing and decorating. Don’t get stuck behind these guidelines. Keep your decor personal and create a space that makes you smile and is comfortable.

To learn more about BlackRock Construction, our team and what we can build for you contact 802.861.1120 or info@blackrockus.com.

Kitchen backsplashes no longer to simply protect walls from spills and splatters. You now have a wide array of materials in a variety of price points to choose from. What is your kitchen style? Do you prefer a tile, wood or metal backsplash? Check out these five fabulous backsplash ideas that are affordable on any budget.

A popular choice for appliances and sinks is stainless steel. You can match these design details with an eye catching backsplash. Stainless steel is an inexpensive and attractive option for most kitchens. This modern look is heat and moisture resistant and easy to wipe clean.

Choose inexpensive beadboard for an easy DIY choice. It comes as plywood or fiberboard panels that can be easily painted. If you choose a contrasting paint color it will make a great statement and be a winning design detail.

Ceramic tile is a very common choice and for good reason. You can find tile in any style, color, pattern or shape. If you can dream it, they have probably made it. Ceramic tiles stand up to moisture, heat and are easy to wipe clean.

Mirror, mirror. Try a mirrored backsplash to add depth to the room. It is an unusual design that is not TOO out there. Mirrors are great light reflectors so this is a great option in a small or dark space.

Many of us want a bold splash of color. This is an easy care solution to just that. Back-painted glass comes in thousands of custom colors. It is a really beautiful design technique, bringing an artistic element into your space. Not to mention so easy to clean!

Create your own work of art! Hand-paint a mural or design on plain white ceramic tiles. Once the painting is complete, the tiles must be glazed and fired in a kiln to hold the paint. This backsplash may be a little more labor intensive but all in the name of custom interior design.

Whether you are designing your new home or updating your current kitchen get inspired with these clever kitchen backsplash ideas.

To learn more about BlackRock Construction, our team and what we can build for you contact 802.861.1120 or info@blackrockus.com.

Colorado’s Vail Resorts plans to acquire Stowe Mountain Resort, Vermont’s century-old ski mountain.

Vail Resorts announced on Tuesday it will pay $50 million to acquire all mountain operations at Stowe Mountain Resort, a significant endorsement for Vermont’s ski culture.

The purchase conditions include food and beverage facilities and rental / lift offices on Mt. Mansfield and Spruce Peak. The Stowe Mountain Lodge, the Stowe Mountain Club, and the Stowe Country Club, among other properties, will continue to be owned by Mt. Mansfield Company under American International Group, Inc.

Vail Resorts owns many ski operations across the country and beyond, but Stowe Mountain Resort will be their first mountain resort on the east coast. Blaise Carrig, senior adviser to the mountain division at Vail, reports that there are no immediate plans to change Stowe. The company intends to honor Vermont’s history and maintain Stowe’s iconic east-coast feel.

Carrig said they expect to keep current Stowe employees but noted there will be organizational adjustments given Mt. Mansfield Company’s ownership of some mountain real estate.

Pending the acquisition closing, Vail Resorts plans to introduce the Epic Pass to Stowe for the 2017-2018 ski season. The pass includes unlimited skiing many Vail resorts for the price of $809, if purchased during preseason. This is a huge price drop compared to this year’s $1,860 adult pass at Stowe.

Located just minutes to Stowe Mountain Resort is the Stowe Highlands development built by BlackRock Construction and Development. The Stowe Highlands community features 11 luxury single-family homes on the Stowe Country Club Golf Course with easy access to I-89, Montpelier, and Burlington.

For more information about building at Stowe Highlands or designing a luxury home of your own with BlackRock Luxury, please contact Jay Mitiguy at Jay@HergGroup.com or 802.324.8500.

No matter where you put baskets; in cubbies, on shelves, under furniture, they store tons of stuff while adding charm to your decor. Here are 10 ways to use them.

1. Use baskets in the kitchen to hide secrets on open shelving. Baskets add a tidy look in the kitchen and create a warm uniformity within the space.

2. Tuck crafts and miscellaneous items away neatly in a study, spare room or childrens space. Use a simple book shelf and baskets to create an organized storage space. You can label them or stick a tag to the bottom of each bin for easy and hidden reference.

3. Baskets make great storage in the bathroom. Use a cloth basket rather whicker for bathroom supplies so it can handle getting wet and be easily cleaned.

4. Line baskets with fabric to match your room. This is a great trick to implement for under the coffee table storage in the livingroom. Want to hide tv remotes and the like but have easy access? Storage baskets are great for this.

5. Tuck baskets under a bench by the door. The area by your front door can get a bit cluttered if you are not careful. Use basket storage to hide dog leashes, hats and gloves as well as smaller apparel you want to have easy access to.

6. Create toy storage in your children’s rooms. Wall mounted cubbies with basket inserts make clean up time easy. Label each basket so your child can clean his or her room without much help.

7. Organize your pantry. Tall baskets are great for bulk pantry storage. Get baskets with handles to manage easily on a regular basis.

8. Bedside baskets. Place a bench at the foot of the bed with basket storage underneath. This is a great spot to store extra blankets, slippers and other nighttime necessities.

9. Organize your linen closet into baskets. Create a system for your linens that keeps them organized into itemized baskets. This way you can easily transport to and from the laundry room. Don’t forget to label them!

10. Free standing storage. Because a basket is a decorative piece they can placed around a home for storage without needing to be hidden away. Use a large basket next to the sofa to store throw blankets.

To learn more about BlackRock Construction, our team and what we can build for you contact 802.861.1120 or info@blackrockus.com.

Are you classic or bold with your home design? Show your style outside your home, draw inspiration from these exterior paint color schemes that offer serious curb appeal and tell the world what exquisite taste you have.

Brown + Gray + Yellow-Gold

A neutral palette of brown, gray and gold expresses a modern aesthetic. Choose the lightest brown to cover the majority of the home, and use darker accent colors to highlight the home’s architectural details.

Yellow + Cinnamon Brown + Pure White

This a great combination for a beach house or home with lots of natural sunlight. The sun warms the yellow creating a lovely glow, paint the front door cinnamon to ground the home and use white accents on the windows to create a crisp and clean vibe.

White Putty + Taupe + Olive Green

Classic American homes like a Craftsman look great in a neutral color palette. This is simple, sophisticated combination. Choose a soft taupe exterior with an accent of olive and white to pair perfectly with a natural landscape.

Green + Celestial Blue + White

A sweet trend in paint selection is to pair the home with the natural surroundings. A traditional home’s with a soft pine green base pops with an accent of sky blue and a creamy white door.

Slate Gray + White + Deep Turquoise

A blue-gray color palette tells the world you are sophisticated and elegant. Accented this combination with white trim for truly regal curb appeal. For a touch of fun paint the front door a dark almost navy turquoise to compliment the slate gray.

Taupe + Beige + Brown + Brick Red

Root your home into its landscape with an earthy palette of taupe, beige, brown and red. Select muted hues to blend more naturally.

Peach + Reddish Brown + Cream

In the style of the old Victorian home this color palette is soothing and simple. Paint the siding warm peach while using the red-tinted brown and cream for the trim.

Gray + White + Moss Green

This combo has American Craftsman written all over it. A warm, neutral palette in gray and white is welcoming and friendly. Make the porch pop with the unexpected touch of painting its floor a natural green.

Classic Black + White

Be timeless with a black and white palette. This is one color scheme that will definitely not go out of style.

White + Dark Chocolate

A twist on the classic black and white. This combo is great for high contrast landscapes. The beauty of this color combo? Any accent color can be chosen for outdoor furniture and decorations.

To learn more about BlackRock Construction, our team and what we can build for you contact 802.861.1120 or info@blackrockus.com.

Cleaning … everyone’s favorite topic. And those hard to reach spots, WHY? When it comes to cleaning the complicated spots in your home, do you find yourself giving up before you have even started? Here are a few tricks to mark even the most complicated and hard to reach spots ‘no biggie’ on your to do list!

The blinds. Time to channel grandma and slip on a pair of white cotton gloves. Dip the fingertips of one hand into a solution of equal parts warm water and white vinegar and run your fingers through each slat, re-dip as needed. Use a dryer sheet to dry and voila! As an added bonus the residue on the dryer sheet will help repel dust in the future.

The ceiling fan. First make sure it is OFF and everyone in the house knows to keep it that way. Cover the floor below the fan with an old sheet or drop cloth. Fill a spray bottle with water and 2 tablespoons of white vinegar and spritz generously into an old pillowcase. Use a ladder to reach the blades and place the case over each one rubbing them clean, the dirt and dust will get caught inside. Cool trick right!

The mattress. Working directly over the mattress, pour baking soda into a sieve. Sprinkle the soda evenly over the mattress which will draw out dirt and odors. Leave the baking soda in place and re-make the bed with clean sheets. Leave in place for one full wear and simply vacuum up next time you change the sheets.

The radiator. This clean only needs to be performed as needed or twice a year. First, make sure everything is dry. Then, dust between the radiator fins with a bottle brush and make sure to vacuum up all debris so it doesn’t going back into the air. So simple and can save you from allergens in the air as well the additional cost accrued by slow working equipment.

The garbage disposal. Here’s how to clean this hard to reach breeding ground for bacteria. Pour 3 tablespoons of Borax inside, let it sit for one hour, and then flush with hot water. If you have lingering odors that won’t go away and want to make sure you keep blades sharp, freeze ½ cup of white vinegar mixed with water in an ice-cube tray, toss in a few cubes, and turn on the disposal. To break up grease deposits, feed the disposal a small fruit pit or a chicken bone every now and then. Does this sound a bit bizarre? Try it, it really works!

You are now five steps closer to a cleaner home.

To learn more about BlackRock Construction, our team and what we can build for you contact 802.861.1120 or info@blackrockus.com.

Having the proper tools is key to being able to do simple home repairs and odd jobs yourself. The long and the short of it is there are simply some essential tools that every home just must have. Here is our list of the essentials …

Drain Snake … this tool is IMPERATIVE. You can easily avoid a much larger plumbing bill if you simple DIY a clogged drain with this handy tool. 9 times out of 10 a backed up drain is a simple clog.
A ladder. No you may not need an extension ladder for your simple home project needs but a simple step ladder is a must.
A portable jump starter. This is an especially useful item to have at home if you life in the country. How many times have we all left the lights on and woken to a dead battery. Help yourself and keep one of these handy to easily get yourself on the road again.
A snow shovel. Two words … Vermont winter.
A X-ACTO knife kit. You will use this more than you would have imagined. Super Sharp and lightweight the X-ACTO is great for jobs from scraping tape or paint off a glass surface to getting the perfect cut from a roll of christmas wrap.
Wire Cutters. Yup, you will use these! Great for their namesake cutting wire and other too tough for scissors items in the home.
Duct Tape. This is literally the #1 most useful item to have at home.
A portable compressor. Save your breath! This handy item will inflate all your inflatables from tires to air mattresses.
A collection of bungee cords in various sizes and strengths.
A hand truck. While this may not be an item you use every day it sure will make a whale of a difference when you need it.

And now for the basic, no surprise here list!

A 50ft extension cord.
A measuring tape.
An adjustable wrench.
Pliers.
A hammer.
A box cutter.
A shop vac or vacuum capable of taking care of wet spills.
A plunger.
Needle nose pliers.
A tarp.
A high powered flashlight.
Glue. Super glue is nice … but try Bish’s Original tear Mender or Sticky Ass Glue instead.
A glue gun.
WD40
TWO screwdrivers … a flathead and phillips head are essential. And you must own both.

While not all of these tool items are what we would think of as conventional. They are all item you will find yourself saying “I wish I had …” on more than one occasion.

To learn more about BlackRock Construction, our team and what we can build for you contact 802.861.1120 or info@blackrockus.com.

BlackRock recently completed a large commercial project dubbed The ALZ. Spring Village at Essex, owned and operated by Woodbine Senior Living is a 50 plus bed closed facility for seniors living with Alzheimer’s. This was an exciting project to be a part of, the entire BlackRock team is proud to see such a high level of care brought to Essex, Vermont. As we look toward the future, we look forward to more builds like this one. Here are some trends to look for in assisted living.

Senior living options will become increasingly popular. While CCRC’s or continuing care retirement communities have been attractive to many aging adults in the past, we are seeing this interest growing. CCRC’s offer continuing care starting with completely independent living and include assisted living, and even nursing home-level care. Residents have access to the care that they need at each life stage without having to move facilities.

Memory care gets nostalgic. Memory care facilities are using sight, sound, and even smell to help dementia residents retrieve long-term memories. Grounds and living areas designed in styles from the eras they recognize like the 1950s and 1960s bring residents back to the familiar world of their youth. Often items associated with major milestones are placed throughout the facility, such as wedding apparel and baby dolls. Research shows that this type of memory care reduces agitation and anxiety. It can even improve memory in some cases.

Look for a trend in senior co-housing. Co-housing is an option that has some appeal for a growing number of older adults, it offers the privacy of a single-family home with a sense of community. The advantages of co-housing for seniors include, access to a communal group of caregivers and shared responsibilities easing the burden of some daily activities such as meal prep, yard work and other household chores.

Senior living will be environmentally conscious. Going green! Cost concerns continue to affect the assisted living industry and the economic advantages of going green are undeniable. A growing number of assisted living communities will embrace eco-friendly measures. This shift is also client driven as facilities that embrace the green movement will likely see an increase in resident populations as more eco-conscious people reach retirement age.

Personal living spaces will see improvements. Many assisted living communities will be adding amenities to attract more seniors to them. Additions like walk-in closets, spacious bathrooms, and fully equipped kitchenettes will living spaces feel more like home. Improvements will also move outside, landscaped gardens and beautiful architecture will be a focus to appeal to the eye and heart of residents.

BlackRock, in association with Hergenrother Industries, currently has opportunities for leasing, purchase and investment in these and other projects, ranging from individual unit purchases to investment fund opportunities.

http://www.essexreporter.com/caring-for-memory/

http://www.springvillageessex.com/

To learn more about BlackRock Construction, our team and what we can build for you contact 802.861.1120 or info@blackrockus.com.

The most important things to consider when designing a commercial interior is efficiency, being cost-effective and creating a unique and thoughtful space.

Follow these simple trends to achieve the most of your commercial project.

Furniture Selection – Cost no longer drives this design element but rather functionality. Today’s trends reflect more and more ergonomic design, like adjustable arms on chairs and standing desks. Much like home design organic elements are making their way into furniture design and we are seeing lots of durable materials like woods, metals, and glass. Likely your clients will be looking for quality so why not offer it to them.
Geometric Patterns – Large (or super-scale) design patterns using geometric patterns are showing on trend. This vision expresses personality and makes a memorable impression.
Funky Combos – Designers are getting a little quirky with patterns and textures. Think mismatched tile or paint combinations and roll with this atheistic. This is a fun way to separate your space from the norm and stand out in the crowd.
Deep Colors – Referencing back to organic and natural elements being the flavor of the year the trend in commercial interior color is deep, cooling, natural tones. Charcoal, gray, ivory, stone, and taupe are a few colors that come to mind. Often a simple deep color palette is accented by a splash of the unexpected, bright orange or vivid blue to make a statement.
Open Floor Plans – The days of small isolated cubicles are behind us, today’s work space is light and friendly. Separate desks with low or transparent panels, or none at all. Keeping work space open promotes communication and the sharing of knowledge.

To learn more about BlackRock Construction, our team and what we can build for you contact 802.861.1120 or info@blackrockus.com. To learn more about Hergenrother Realty Commercial division contact Jay Mitiguy at 802.324.8500 or jay@herggroup.com.

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No matter where you put baskets; in cubbies, on shelves, under furniture, they store tons of stuff while adding charm to your decor. Here are 10 ways to use them.

1. Use baskets in the kitchen to hide secrets on open shelving. Baskets add a tidy look in the kitchen and create a warm uniformity within the space.

2. Tuck crafts and miscellaneous items away neatly in a study, spare room or childrens space. Use a simple book shelf and baskets to create an organized storage space. You can label them or stick a tag to the bottom of each bin for easy and hidden reference.

3. Baskets make great storage in the bathroom. Use a cloth basket rather whicker for bathroom supplies so it can handle getting wet and be easily cleaned.

4. Line baskets with fabric to match your room. This is a great trick to implement for under the coffee table storage in the livingroom. Want to hide tv remotes and the like but have easy access? Storage baskets are great for this.

5. Tuck baskets under a bench by the door. The area by your front door can get a bit cluttered if you are not careful. Use basket storage to hide dog leashes, hats and gloves as well as smaller apparel you want to have easy access to.

6. Create toy storage in your children’s rooms. Wall mounted cubbies with basket inserts make clean up time easy. Label each basket so your child can clean his or her room without much help.

7. Organize your pantry. Tall baskets are great for bulk pantry storage. Get baskets with handles to manage easily on a regular basis.

8. Bedside baskets. Place a bench at the foot of the bed with basket storage underneath. This is a great spot to store extra blankets, slippers and other nighttime necessities.

9. Organize your linen closet into baskets. Create a system for your linens that keeps them organized into itemized baskets. This way you can easily transport to and from the laundry room. Don’t forget to label them!

10. Free standing storage. Because a basket is a decorative piece they can placed around a home for storage without needing to be hidden away. Use a large basket next to the sofa to store throw blankets.

Are you classic or bold with your home design? Show your style outside your home, draw inspiration from these exterior paint color schemes that offer serious curb appeal and tell the world what exquisite taste you have.

Brown + Gray + Yellow-Gold

Yellow + Cinnamon Brown + Pure White

White Putty + Taupe + Olive Green

Green + Celestial Blue + White

Slate Gray + White + Deep Turquoise

Taupe + Beige + Brown + Brick Red

Peach + Reddish Brown + Cream

Gray + White + Moss Green

Classic Black + White

White + Dark Chocolate

You are now five steps closer to a cleaner home.

Having the proper tools is key to being able to do simple home repairs and odd jobs yourself. The long and the short of it is there are simply some essential tools that every home just must have. Here is our list of the essentials …

And now for the basic, no surprise here list!

While not all of these tool items are what we would think of as conventional. They are all item you will find yourself saying “I wish I had …” on more than one occasion.

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