Category: custom homes

From security, to lighting, to entertainment, homeownership has never looked smarter. That’s because the intelligent home technology industry is booming with amazing advancements! In the last few years, home automation products have become increasingly sophisticated. And, in 2017, we will see the applications and technology continue to evolve. Below Clarum looks at some of the latest home automation technology that you may want to consider including in your modern home. Explore modern home technology and innovation Zone-based smart thermostats While Smart thermostats have been around...


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You’ve probably heard and read about high-performance and passive-inspired houses being built in California and beyond. However, you may still have a lot of questions about what these terms actually mean. In this blog post, we’ll answer questions such as: “What exactly is a high-performance home?” “What does it mean to be passive inspired?” “What are the benefits of passive-inspired home construction?” If you’re planning to build a custom home or renovate your current abode, these types of homes give you an amazing opportunity to transform the way you live. Read...


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At the end of a long day, there’s nothing better than to go into your bedroom and have it be the perfect blend of function, style, relaxation, and elegance. To ensure you get the rest you need and to spend time in a room you can feel proud of, it’s essential to plan the elements of your modern bedroom. At Clarum, we collaborate with our clients to create their bedrooms into perfect, peaceful havens that allows families to rejuvenate. Below are five design features to consider as you plan your modern custom bedrooms. How to find modern serenity in your bedroom 1. Count on modern...


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Entertain people in style You love to entertain guests -- and naturally, you would like to have a home that is warm, inviting, and comfortable for hosting people in exactly the way that is best for you. Whether you love to throw elegant cocktail parties, regularly invite a few people over for gourmet dinners, or host large soirees with many people, there are ways to build your modern homes into a space that is perfect for your entertainment style. To plan your house as your ideal entertaining center, start off by asking yourself the following questions: How many people do I typically...


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Come home to your ideal retreat Palo Alto is a beautiful place. But let’s face it – most of us have busy, over-scheduled lives with a lot of time spent behind a computer and in our car, commuting. After a busy workday, there’s nothing better than coming home to an environment where you know you will be able to find peace, comfort, and relaxation. So, when you are planning the design of your new modern home, it’s crucial to work with your builder to incorporate elements that will create your ideal sanctuary. Below are tips for creating a living environment that is a perfect retreat...


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Extend your living space outdoors One of the reasons we all love Palo Alto is for its gorgeous weather. We live in a city that gets – on average – 261 sunny days each year. This beautiful weather motivates us to get outside as much as we can. So, it’s important when planning the construction of your modern home to think about how to extend your living space outdoors. The right design will turn your outside areas into an oasis that’s so comfortable, inviting, and relaxing, you’ll never want to leave! At Clarum, we encourage our clients to think about their outdoor spaces throughout...


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In our last blog post, we discussed how LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification can bring your home to the next level. Between improved indoor air quality, greater energy efficiency, and even increased owner satisfaction, attaining this accreditation makes sense for eco-conscious consumers.     In part two of this LEED blog series, we’ll dive into what you should anticipate during the certification process and hear from the experts how to best navigate the process. The LEED certification process: What to expect While LEED certification involves...


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Green homebuilding is on the rise. Since 2005, the green share of new single family residential construction has grown dramatically – increasing more than 20 percent since 2005. In Silicon Valley and Palo Alto, some residents are taking green homes one step further. Increasingly, this population is striving to make measurable, innovative, and lasting differences through LEED certification – the highest standard of green homebuilding. Read more to learn more about this innovative certification and how LEED standards can help take green homebuilding to the next level. Setting the highest...


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Here’s some good news: according to the US Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, the United States’ energy consumption per household is down 10 percent since 1980. This data is especially impressive considering that our homes are larger and contain more devices than ever before. One of the secrets behind this impressive statistic? Technological innovation in homebuilding. Thanks to breakthroughs from governmental, academic, and sustainable homebuilding organizations and companies, the equipment we use in our homes is more energy-efficient than ever. At Clarum, we help our clients...


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On average, Palo Alto sees 261 sunny days each year – about 30 percent more than the average American city. It’s no doubt that this weather motivates Silicon Valley residents to get outside. But the sunlight also benefits you indoors – as long your home is built strategically. The truth is, natural light is a key element to any modern home. In contrast to harsh and distracting artificial lamps, modern homes intentionally bring in optimal levels of natural light, enhancing the comfort and beauty of the living space. At Clarum, we encourage our clients to think about natural light...


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