Barn doors... still? Yes!
There are few trends that translate successfully across various design styles. Barn door hardware might be the exception to the rule.
There are few trends that translate successfully across various design styles. Barn door hardware might be the exception to the rule.
Haven't decorated yet? Three tips for keeping it simple and quick this Christmas.
Aside from the, “hello-I’m-red!” paint on this entry door, the first impression of this home is clean and crisp; DING-DING! Have we talked about feng shui in this blog? Maybe. Let’s discuss it again because this photo shows how to put feng shui into practice!
Cable railing began as a solution for exterior deck and stair systems in situations where an uninterrupted view of the landscape was important. Rather than looking between balusters to see the lake, forest or the backyard, the cables all but disappear. Today we see this system being adapted for interior stair systems. The overall look […]
Do you enjoy painting? We don't either... we'd rather be at the cabin.
Most interior designers I know, self included, have a love-hate relationship with trends. Mainly because trends don’t always apply to the design concept or work within the constraints of our client’s home, site or budget. We hate to say, “no, that won’t work,” but frankly, sometimes it doesn’t. Black exterior doors are not for every […]
In a previous blog we talked about the elements and principles of good design. This morning, while flipping through photos we’ve taken of finished projects, I stopped on this image. It’s a beautiful space and a gorgeous photo. Like all good design, if we spend just a few minutes thinking about those basic elements and […]
In the Midwest we’re looking for a change. Spring isn’t here yet but we’re ready for the snow to melt. We can’t wait to see the trees begin to bud and the grass begin to sprout. A change of scenery might be coming in the way of a trip to a beach but if you’re […]
From my office window, I can still see green grass. Any good Midwesterner, with half a lick of sense, will not be fooled by this abnormality in the second week of November. That green grass could become white at any moment! Starting around the day before Halloween, the ol’ Blizzard of ’91 is recollected and […]
The sound of leaves crunching underfoot and a chill in the air is Mother Nature’s signal that the holidays are coming. Has your “Honey-Do,” list reached an unreasonable length yet with indoor AND outdoor projects? Prioritizing can be a snap if you think top to bottom. Outside gets top priority because those of us […]
Once considered an impossibility in our buggy, Midwestern climate, outdoor spaces are getting a second round of consideration. Why subject yourself to one more dreaded mosquito when the sofa lies inside waiting to be visited? There are birds! A good breeze (sometimes)! A bonfire waiting to happen! And at dusk…stars! Add an ice cold beverage […]
When your home improvement budget has a limit, deciding where to invest your dollars can be challenging. A new bathroom? A kitchen upgrade? A finished basement? Lucky for you, a recent research project has made your home improvement budgeting quandry a little easier. Each year, the National Association of Realtors and Remodeling magazine join forces […]
Looking for an exterior door with a bigger view and more natural light? Good news! We’re adding one to our product offering and it’s smooth edges and wide glass are just two of the reasons we love it. It’s rare to find a door that offers the versatility Masonite’s Vista Grande does. With an 18% […]
“Color is a power which directly influences the soul.” – Wassily Kandinsky When I was a girl, I remember the first time I watched my grandmother prepare beets for a summer lunch. I exclaimed, “Grandma! Look at your hands? What will you do?” Everywhere the beet juice had run there was a trail of deep […]
Even a ten minute run-through of architectural history would include a study of the ancient column orders (or styles). What’s the big deal about columns, you ask? They are one of the few, enduring architectural elements utilized in every historical period across the globe since they were established in ancient Greece! There is, quite literally, […]
Open windows and sunshine-filled mornings can create a sense of delirium only a Midwesterner can fully understand. We’ve been tied up inside for a long, long while and it’s as though the captain of our ship just announced we are free to move about the cabin. No matter what the high temperature may be, the […]
If you had to guess, what hardware finish would you guess is the most popular? Satin nickel? Brass? While satin and aged brass finishes are making a slow but steady comeback, our three, most-popular-ordered-every-day-of-the-week finishes are: oil rubbed bronze, satin nickel and satin brass; in that order. And you thought I was kidding about brass! […]
1. Consider all other options. I type that only partially in jest. While it can be very cost effective to stay in your home during a remodeling project, there are significant trade-offs which might persuade you to re-evaluate you and your family’s happiness vs. monetary savings. The stress of having things un-done and out of […]
Last week’s blog included a drum-roll presentation of our #1 most requested color; Custom! Despite sticking to the facts, many of you didn’t like the answer. “Custom isn’t a color!” To satisfy our readers, we tabulated the numbers again but this time limited them to the paint and stain categories we offer within our color […]
The doors in this photo are taking their final run through prefinish and then leaving our plant for their intended locations throughout the Midwest today.
The following picture shows our three-panel interior doors in warm palettes. The color on the walls, the color of the prefinish stain and other finishes in the room are all from the warm end of the color spectrum.
In the Midwest, we are nuts about daylight; literally. Without it we establish something un-affectionately referred to as “cabin fever.” Talking to ourselves, becoming short with each other, sleeping for 14 hours because it’s dark at 5pm…these are the maladies of winter; some would say, “a gentle form of torture.” In just a few weeks, […]
The holidays are approaching and throughout the United States, uncles will be cracking corny jokes and mothers will be crowding the kitchen. Families will gather, friends will congregate and inevitably, memories will be recounted over a glass of wine or at the dinner table. We have a fancy word for this sentimentality for the past; […]
If your Fall To Do List, included replacing the front door, it’s not too late… yet! Mine will be replaced in the upcoming weeks and I’m looking forward to an updated and fully-functioning front door. One that doesn’t drag on our tile floor and will keep us cozy, and heat efficient, all winter long. To […]
It seems we are often worried about not having enough. Not enough time and not enough money and never enough space, “could you give me another closet?” Architect and author Sarah Susanka calls it, “the fear of too smallness.” Prior to the recession this concept was evident everywhere. “Why add 10’ when we could add […]
Painted cabinets and millwork is not a new trend. It gained popularity during the recession because of its very attractive price point. Plus, there are few things more enjoyable than a clean, bright, spanking-new kitchen in the whitest of whites! And while trends do come and go, paint is sticking around…at least a little while […]
Last night autumn arrived, quietly, but with plenty of notice from our weather forecasters. Per the usual (like the good Minnesotans we are) we met autumn at the door with surprise, scorn and concern. The change we feel is much more than just temperature. In our astute Midwestern minds, fall is the reminder that the […]
No matter where I am now, I notice millwork. Aside from the overall quality of light and the design concept for any given space, my eye goes directly to the doors and trim. Surprising? Maybe. I mean, there would appear to be very few changes in the world of doors and millwork. While it is […]
It’s that time of year… when all moms and dads breathe a sweet sigh of relief. Back-to-school we go! At our house, the home office-school work space is getting a clean out and re-work. Whether you’re getting students ready for school and homework or your own work area needs a little update, below is a […]
A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to see the first house my great, great grandfather Gjermund made when he came to Minnesota in the late 1880’s. All that’s left of it today is a sunken, rectangular space in the side of a hill, nestled in a little valley in northern Kandiyohi County. There […]
91% of ALL purchases in the home building industry are made by women, not just decisions but actual purchases. What does your lumberyard showroom look like? According to Forbes magazine, we have 7 seconds to make a first impression and 90% of what we say is non-verbal! Chances are good that before your customer is […]
Summer is not over. And you are free to enjoy it for as long as you are willing to call it summer. At our house, we make guesses as to what day will be the last day we eat outside at the table on the patio. Because as long as we are able to eat […]
This was going to be an article about the vibrant colors of summer and painted front doors. But today I helped a friend make a decision about a new piece of artwork over the lunch hour. She had arranged to see a piece by local artist, Michael Schmidt and needed help deciding which one to […]
Of the many fathers I know (including my own) there are few who haven’t built or helped to build a deck. To date, I can recall witnessing at least six deck installations in the last twenty-some years. That seems like a lot; particularly since none of those installations were happening at my house! When I […]
The question might instead be, “what is your current door costing you?” The exterior of your home communicates a message to every person that walks, bikes or drives past. What does your home say about you and what would it cost to improve upon your front entry system? Local, Twin Cities realtor, Brian Gute (along […]
It’s the 21st century and we are gluttons for information. We seek it out and it finds us immediately via our “smart,” devices in the form of pictures, tweets, videos, blog, posts and pins. Back in the old days, we read newspapers, magazines and listened to radio shows to be informed and inspired. Today, the […]
Coco Chanel, one of the most influential designers of the 20th century said, “In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.” With eyes closed, what comes to mind when you hear the words, “stained millwork.” Open your eyes and try to describe what you saw first. Was it a big, old Victorian house […]
How do we keep that sky both blue and clean? What is environmental stewardship and why do we care? Just about everything we do as humans contributes something positive or negative to our environment. Earth is habitable because of two cycles within our ecosystem; the carbon and hydro cycles. Within this process the earth recycles […]
Prairie Style homes look as though they meld with the landscape. If you’re driving too fast or you blink, you might miss one. Granted they are few and far between but the style was imagined and inspired in the American Midwest. If you’re going to happen upon one, your chances are better in Illinois, Wisconsin, […]
There are some rather large piles of snow in my yard. Whether yours looks the same or has just the remnants of a snowman left to melt, April is the ideal time to begin shopping for a new exterior door system. In fact, you’d be ahead of the rest if you considered the door style, […]
The 80’s are back, have you heard? It’s been said that John Hughes films only get better with time and chances are very good that half of the homes in your neighborhood contain a Rubik’s cube; even if it is at the bottom of a box in the attic. Hopefully, we can get our 80’s […]
Barn doors are a trend that is sweeping the nation while offering many style options as well as outstanding functionality.
Does the daily grind have you stuck in an all-too-familiar loop; one day blending into the next? We may have that in common. Yesterday’s schedule included stops in Mankato, Mendota Heights, Edina, back to Minnetonka and then over to Roseville. Lately, more time is spent in the car than at home; with or without a […]
You’ve likely observed that the best way to teach any person born after let’s say…1980, is to set them in front of an instructional video. Forget about 35-page instruction manuals; watch from your smart phone or your laptop or your iPad and you won’t have to try to figure out what that universal stick person […]
At some point in the history of the world, a tree became something more than just one part of a forest. It was collected or knocked down and used as a tipi pole; a bent frame for a wigwam; a stick frame for a farmhouse. Did you know the oldest wood saw known to man […]
Our goal is to provide you with the best quality prefinished millwork we can in a timely manner while also being stewards of the environment we all share.
They’re big, they’re beautiful; they’re Victorian. No matter what town you live in, chances are good you’ve driven past a Victorian style home. In every small town, there at least a few, likely built at the turn of the century by your city’s founder, doctor, banker or railroad magnate. Simply put, they are the more […]
Selecting the color for the exterior of your home can be daunting, especially without the assistance of a design professional.
Contrary to our 21st century understanding of this much loved holiday, Oktoberfest was not actually a celebration of beer. In the last 200 years it has evolved just a tiny bit from the original party plan.
Just as there is Fashion Week in London and in New York, this coming weekend could aptly be referred to as Home Design Week in Minnesota! If you live within an hour of the Twin Cities and west, you have the unique advantage of not one…not two …but three home tours going on; likely in […]
Our goal is to provide you with the best quality prefinished millwork in a timely manner while also being stewards of the environment we all share.
Maybe there is a place somewhere in the middle, where technology and human interatction complement each other? You're in good hands at www.bayerbuilt.com with millwork solutions at your fingertips!
What does your front door color say about you?
Spring is as good a time as any to stock our shelves with new offerings for your upcoming project. With that... (drum roll, please)... we are excited to announce these new Elite and Designer Series additions to our Stock Product Offering!
“Have nothing in your home which you do not know to be useful or perceive as beautiful.” - William Morris
Because staircases are so often centrally located in our homes, they are a natural place to focus on detailing. With a wide variety of newel posts, spindles and handrails, it’s easy to come up with a look that is unique to your home and that carries the architectural details from the exterior of your home into the interior.
Regardless of the industry we find ourselves working within at some point every day you are exposed to color trends. Found on billboards, next year’s car model or at your local nail salon these palettes are heavily influencing your thought process. They encourage you to feel, buy or connect with someone or something. And those color combinations change every year!
The pressure to have it all together is magnified during the holiday season. Keeping everyone happy, looking their best, getting everyone to behave, the food, the house, the gifts...augh! It can all be so overwhelming. I hate to quote something from Facebook but there was a message floating around that stuck in my head. It went “Don’t compare your behind the scenes life with someone’s highlight reel”.
The weather is a little more crisp these days and the snow has begun to fall (although thankfully it isn’t sticking around just yet) which means the holiday season is nearly upon us. The weeks from Halloween to Thanksgiving to Christmas seems to flash by faster and faster each year. It is a magical time spent with family and friends so don't spend it stressing, here are some tips to help get your home ready...
We talk a lot about infusing our homes with character, encouraging everyone to avoid “cookie cutter” and builder grade and finding new life in old spaces or things. Pinterest, while one of the best web sites ever, can overwhelm even the most organized of people. After you’ve pinned your ideas there is not enough time in the day to complete them all. A friend once said to me, “I get depressed when I go home, because my house doesn’t look anything like my Pinterest house.” Projects around the house, whether inspired by a home magazine or your imagination can be overwhelming.
There is a chill in the air and frost on the ground which can only mean one thing – Fall is here. And with that it’s time to get your home ready for Halloween. Halloween is one of those holidays for which you should go all at. All the neighborhood kids will be out in their costumes make sure your house is one to remember.
Today’s devices not only make us more accessible, but if used correctly can help to make our work for more efficient as well. With that notion in mind here are 8 smartphone apps (available on both Android and iPhone devices) that we recommend you check out. Some are specifically designed for those in our industry; others will just help you to keep things organized.
On a recent trip to Chicago, I spent an afternoon walking through one of the neighborhoods north of city center and found myself on a street which was a veritable dictionary of architectural style! Side by side, Victorian, Colonial, Art Nouveau and Modern styled brownstones stood; intermingling with each other in the most polite way!
The leaves are starting to change and fall is coming, which means it is time to think about fall home maintenance. A little checkup now can make a big difference over the winter, so take the long weekend and make sure that your house is ready for the change of seasons.
Last week we talked about going green and some ways for you to easily do your part. Many homes, and business are working to go green on a daily basis. And with the building industry striving to established competitive difference and long-term benefits, green building is taking hold in many facets.
Even if you don’t buy in to “green practices” or sustainability, the concept of green should just be about common sense. Shouldn’t we want to use less natural resources? Don’t we want to have cars that are more efficient? If I am able shouldn’t I use my bike to go three blocks to a farmers market to buy jam
Energy efficiency is incredibly important - especially during hot summer months. However not everything you hear about energy efficiency is true, here are 5 energy efficiency myths busted.
Energy efficiency is incredibly important - especially during hot summer months. Here are some helpful hints to help keep your house running efficiently.
Do you ever notice the occasional, “slow-down and drive-by,” in your neighborhood? Whether it’s a visitor looking for house numbers or a leisurely onlooker, deep down we are all voyeurs. It’s unavoidable. Look at the quantity of home shows and tours from spring through fall if you don’t believe me. We absolutely love to know what the insides of each other’s homes look like.
One of the best trends in home design is the development of the outdoor living space. If your dining room is too small for your extended family or you don’t have a good reading nook in the house, what better way to add value to your home than to create these spaces in your yard. Pulling these spaces together often requires a good deal of planning, a lot of muscle and vision. The big payoff is entertaining and relaxing in your own backyard oasis.
Exterior details - columns, mouldings, deck rails, rooflines, eaves, porches - should all include characteristics that mirror the foundational architectural details on your home. From Craftsman to Traditional styles, exterior columns provide architectural character and style to any home. At a glance, many exterior columns may seem similar. However, there are big differences in the design, size, design, and construction of most exterior columns.
The paint trend for 2012 seems to be bedded in earthtones, but with all the colors to choose from it’s nearly impossible to choose just one. Well if you are looking for a little help getting started here are our favorite colors for 2012 from Sherwin Williams.
At the turn of the century, when immigrants were quickly moving west to stake their claims on rich farmland and an opportunity to make a new life in America, Minnesota lumber mills were working around the clock to produce timbers needed for new homes, big and small. The bankers, lawyers, iron, lumber and railroad barons whose travels had taken them to Europe and beyond built homes in the prevailing styles of the day.
Its spring which mean's its time to get started on your outdoor projects! What projects do you have lined up this year?
Now that you’ve seen examples of traditional mouldings, it’s time to compare and contrast with a more contemporary look. If your style falls somewhere in between, that’s o.k. too. There are many options to suit varying design concepts.
Last week we talked about the various parts and pieces called mouldings. This week we’re going to look more closely at the profile or cut of each of those pieces to determine what style home they’d look best within. To illustrate the detail we’re going to compare two drastically different rooms and the mouldings that have been used to provide such different effects.
Who is your favorite character from a recent book or movie? Think about them. What made them so memorable or interesting? Was it the fact that they looked and acted like everyone else? Or was is that they were specific and deliberate about everything they said or did?
To know what to do inside your home, step outside and stand in front of your home. What are the details you notice first?
Here are the answers to our matching game from earlier today. Were you able to match up which interior and exterior doors fit together architecturally?
The right color paint has the ability to completely transform a room and define the attitude, style and usage of the room. The same is true of the finish (stain or paint) that you apply to your doors and millwork. The type of finish and coloring you choose can help to enhance the style you are hoping to achieve and tie a room full of product together.
At the end of any organizing job, the last step is to close it up. You might close the lid, or the drawer or a pair of solid, wood doors. And with that final step your eyes no longer see clutter. Better yet, your brain doesn’t think mess. Because behind those doors is an organized haven. You can relax and move on to more enjoyable tasks. Your room has a fresh, new feel to it and you might feel compelled to repeat the process in another space.
The first step in a closet reorganization is to empty out your over-stuffed, over-worked, outdated closet and figure out what kind of space you have to work with.
Once again, it is January; the month when many of us make a resolution to accomplish any number of things which would make us a better person. When February is knocking at the door will we still be standing in the same habits, our lofty aspirations a silly, convoluted idea?
During the cold winter months we tend to spend most of our time indoors, looking at the same drab walls, same timeworn furniture, and same cluttered mess day after day. With the start of the new year right around the corner it is the perfect time to think about how you can freshen up and upgrade your home to make it more inviting and exciting.
There are so many material choices when gathering the supplies for a gingerbread house. Are you a traditionalist with strict guideline of gumdrops and graham crackers? Or are you interested in a pre-fab modern gingerbread house designed by an architect? Your gingerbread house can be a reflection of you, your personality, or your “secret” talents.
‘Tis the season when we open our homes, condos, apartments, cabins, and certainly our hearts to a “little extra.” Boxes of holiday decorations appear from out of our attics. Strands of twinkle lights, half working-half not, make their way out of the garage. Recipes reserved for a few nights of the year are unearthed from the back of the cupboard and we begin preparations for celebrations.
Each home is unique, but unity in style brings harmony to home decor. Architectural styles help to identify beautiful mouldings, doors, stair parts, and more that will complement your home. With that Thanksgiving holiday upon us, let’s take a look at a style that reflects the settlers of colonial America.
The “grand reveal” is a pivotal part of every successful make-over television show. There are emotions, the quick views of before and after photos, and the glory of a completed project. The reality of any project is often more difficult. The behind the scene footage is far less glamorous.
While we can all hope that the snow and below zero temperatures hold off for as long as possible, there is no denying that before we know it there will be icicles hanging from the our rooftops. Now, while the weather is still somewhat mild, is the perfect time to winterize your home and make preparations for the harsh temperatures and winter snowstorms. Here are 5 things you’ll want to make sure you do to prepare for your home of winter.
You take careful care and consideration to choose woods and finish colors that reflect the architectural style and character of your home, but it is also important to consider some of the components of your doors and millwork package that can also affect those selections. As such Bayer Built has been busy updating our selection of hardware components to bring you a wider selection of options in order to make your entry system the perfect match for you.
Traditional woods, such as Oak, Maple, and Cherry, have been favorites for home-builders because of their durability, resistance to rotting, and abundant availability. However, as homeowners look to have a more customized homes with extra personal touches other wood options, such as Poplar, Knotty or Red Alder, and Knotty and Clear Pine, have been growing […]
As a person begins specifying millwork for their home, it’s a common misconception that the wood species throughout the home should match. However, a great deal of interest can be gained by combining wood species within your millwork package.
Instantly increase your home’s value and curb appeal instantly with these 6 easy upgrades.
An older well-maintained, up-to-date home will have a higher value and more longevity for a family, than a comparable home that may be newer but is poorly maintained. As you plan your next remodel project keep these ideas in mind:
Instead of a mind numbing trip east to the water parks of yesteryear, why not hop in the car for a long weekend to see what you can see? The Midwest in the summer is beautiful; great grassy fields that stretch on forever, fire flies and incredible sunsets. Combine that with a slice of homemade pie from a local greasy spoon and you’re well on your way to inexpensive good times with your family. Of course, along the route, I hope you’ll stop in at one of the many historic homes that dot our landscape.
Ready to for a little home maintenance project put not sure if it pays to hire the work out to a professional? Consider how much time and effort you are willing to put into the project (as well as your skills) and assess whether it may pay off to hire the job out.
Consumers continue to see the value of owning a home - according to the Pew Research Center 81% of adults agree that buying a home is the best long-term investment a person can make, they just want to ensure that they are getting the best value for their investment. Low maintenance, cost-effective, complete packages will lead the market, as most homeowners will be willing to spend money on an upgrade if they see the value but are carefully evaluating their options.
Updates to your doors, mouldings, storage and more can have a tremendous effect on your home’s value and visual appeal – however, sometimes it’s hard to imagine what those updates will look like ahead of time.
There is substantial research to support an on-going trend in our society which impacts the design of homes across our country. Despite the continued battles Americans face with obesity, heart disease and cancer, we are living longer, healthier lives! According to the United States Census, the ratio of persons over 65 will more than double by the middle of this century to 80 million. More shocking, while in 1994 just 1 in 8 Americans were elderly, in the year 2030 that number will have become 1 in 5.
Poplar is like any great player in baseball’s minor leagues. When given the chance or opportunity to be called up to the big league, they have the ability to stand out, really come through for the team and gain momentum with fans.
Once disregarded as impossibility in our buggy Midwestern atmosphere, outdoor spaces are getting a second round of consideration. Why, you might ask, would one subject herself to one more dreaded mosquito when she could be indoors on the sofa? Because a big part of life is missed from the sofa. Haven’t you heard?
Haven't started your summer projects yet? Not sure where to start? Here's 12 ideas to get you started...
What kinds of projects are you starting this Summer?
Spring is the perfect opportunity for quality home maintenance. Annual care and maintenance will increase not only the longevity and beauty of your home but the value as well. You should perform repairs as the need arises but also try each year to add a little to the home’s attractiveness on the outside. Here are 10 easy repairs and maintenance projects to get you started this Spring.
How many doors are in your house? Which of them lock and which do not? Do they have pivot, ball bearing or pin hinges? Seldom do we think about the hardware in our homes, life is too busy to notice unless a handle is loose or not working. And yet, hardware helps us to secure our homes and pass from one room to the next.
As summer approaches much of our attention turns to outdoor living, specifically to enjoying the warm weather. A beautiful deck is the perfect upgrade to a home, it adds value and beauty – and is the perfect place to sit back, relax, and enjoy the summer heat.
Most people spend, on average, an hour a day looking for misplaced items. That means we lose 15 days a year to disorganization. But you can save yourself some of that time, by organizing your life – starting with your closets, pantry, garage, and other storage areas. Here are 7 must haves to get you started.
Styles, trends, fads… what are the differences between these commonly used words and what effects do any of these have on the look of our homes?
Some in our industry would consider it foolish to get excited about trends while the economy is still trying desperately to recover. I agree. Looking forward isn’t as exciting or as breathtaking as it was five years ago when budgets were healthy and homes were being built regularly.