Monthly Archives: January 2013


Choosing the Light for You!

 

“Design is defined by light and shade, and appropriate lighting is enormously important.”

–Albert Hadley, The Story of America’s Preeminent Interior Designer

Sometimes we put light in the dark. We get preoccupied with carefully selecting the most  suitable furniture and wall colours and leave this “enormously important” element for the end! Although a good couch or rug can dramatically change the vibe of a room, lighting will make the biggest difference at the end of the day (literally). Think about how you feel in a dimly lit coffee shop compared to a café with natural lighting. Where would you rather meet with a friend? Are you more productive with brighter lighting?

Whether you’re choosing lighting for the first time or looking for a cost-effective reno, light is enormously important! Here are a few tips to help you choose appropriate lighting for your taste and space!

When shopping for lighting, you essentially have 3 styles to choose from: contemporary/modern, traditional, and transitional. The style you choose is really a matter of personal preference. Each style can be manipulated to achieve the appropriate atmosphere for your room.

Contemporary/modern is characterized by clean, minimalistic design and draws from vintage elements.

Traditional lighting consists of lighting from a time period in the past (ie. Victorian or Colonial). These lights are often surrounded by extremely detailed wood or metal.

Transitional lighting is marked by very simple curved lines.

1.0 Contemporary Lighting

 1.1 Modern Lighting

1.2 Traditional Lighting

1.3 Transitional Lighting

 Once you’ve settled on a style, your next task is to decide the tone you would like to set: warm or cool.

 Warm colours describes more saturated shades and often incorporates the colours of fire. If you’re looking for a space to unwind, cozy up, or entertain, warm colours are (usually) preferred.

Cool colours are associated with productivity, relaxation (lavender) and cooler temperatures. A cooler room is often created by maximizing natural light or staging it with fluorescent lights.

When it comes to lighting, warm colours are achieved by using less light. Choose shades with opaque (not entirely clear) glass or with wood-like shades to restrict the amount of light emitted.

 To achieve cooler lighting, let more light through your fixtures. This can be done by using clear glass or lightly coloured, thin shades. More opaque fixtures can be used with brighter bulbs to achieve cooler lighting.

 

Lastly, don’t leave out lamps! Lamps can cozy up a cool warm in the evening, but they can also “cool down” a warmer coloured room to increase productivity! Large, bright lamps–like the floor lamps below–can really brighten up your room!  While, smaller and darker lamps (shades or bulbs) can add a touch of heat!

I hope this helps you narrow down the appropriate lighting for your space.  Let us know what type of lighting you prefer!

Guest Blog from DS&Co. Interiors: Decorating Tips For New Home Owners

 

We’re eager to share this decorating advice from Dominique Fournier, interior designer at DS&Co. Interiors! Keep reading for some first-class tips for your new home!

When moving into a new home, many people wonder how to begin turning their new house into a home that is beautiful, personal, and one that they can be proud of.

As much as you want your space to be beautiful, you have to make sure it is functional as well. Here are a few pointers that will make a big impact in your space:

As an interior designer, I always start filling the room with the fundamental pieces such as: your sofa, chairs, coffee table, etc. Don’t be afraid to play around with the layout; sometimes the most unlikely layout is the one that will look best in your space. My biggest advice is that your furniture is not meant to be put against the wall – many furniture designers are creating their pieces with the intention of showing the back, so don’t be afraid to show it!

When buying furniture, I always stick to neutral or basic colours because those pieces will be the ones that should last generations (if it’s built right). I know, I know, neutral colours don’t really sound exciting but instead of using those key pieces to show your personal touch, try showing it through throw pillows, throw blankets, trays, even books! Another way that you can display your personality in your space is with an area rug. It will help contain the area and tie in the elements of the room. So play with colours, patterns and different textures of fabric; it will make your room cozier.

Another aspect that is very crucial is lighting. The secret to great lighting in a room is it has to be soft, warm and welcoming. Using different heights like table lamps and floor lamps will soften the room. Take into consideration the focal points, the seating, and the colour scheme when choosing lighting; dark walls will absorb light and pale will reflect it. Dimmers should be your best friend – they will help create an ambiance; a certain warmth that you don’t normally get with a switch.

And to finalize your space, draperies or blinds can really change the whole room. I say depending on the use of the space, like the living room–which needs less privacy then a bedroom–you can just use drapery panels. Not every room needs blinds AND draperies. Drapes are not only functional but they are also decorative; so again, play with textures and patterns.

Hope these tips were helpful! Remember just have fun and let your personality shine through your space! D.

 

Colour Palette of the Month: January

  “The seasons remind me that I must keep changing” –Donald Miller

With cold toes and the heat turned up, I can’t keep myself  from browsing travel sites and dreaming of a place where the sun fades the walls and doors lead to the ocean. However, with so many things I love being in the Maritimes, I can’t just take off to South America every time my wool socks aren’t doing the trick! That being said, it’s not quite so crazy to dream of a sun-kissed reno. This palette is inspired by the faded, yet vibrant, shades of the warmer parts of our world.

I couldn’t help being a little envious when I saw these stunning kitchens. First of all, I LOVE exposed beams, but the turquoise is so unexpected! These warm, neutral palettes come to life with splashes of colour in places you might not instinctively think of.

If you’re the type who wants the whole world in your living room, have it! Imagine sitting across the room dreaming of adventures to come!   Lots of full wall murals are available on the internet! You can order one of a map from Home Depot Here! If you’re not quite so adventurous, how about a dark teal wall? This colour takes an exotic twist when paired with detailed patterns, off-whites, and deep brown accents.

As much as I am wanting to reno my entire house in this palette, it makes an amazing bedroom for any age. The colours provide a good balance of both warm and cool colours. Another awesome feature, is that the teal works as either a wall colour or the accent colour. When teal is used as the backdrop, light, airy decor and a splash of coral keeps the room from being overwhelming. On the other hand, if you choose teal as your accent colour, you can be pretty bold! The gradient dresser would add a super stylish and fun touch to a guest room!

What do you think? Should the East Coast dream of Cape Town?

Where We’re Building In 2013

By: Natalie

One of the most frequent questions that I get asked through our Contact Us page is whether we build in a particular geographic area. While we are working very hard to take over the World (Mouhahahaha), we are currently expanding at a good rate and keeping operations focused in New Brunswick for 2013.

So, where do we build?  Check out our list of MHB locations:

1.  Greater Moncton

Moncton, World Headquarters for Martell Home Builders, is where we set roots and first established ourselves.  We build in all of the Greater Moncton Area including Dieppe and Riverview.  Because Moncton is our most established location, we’ve been able to diversify into Lease-2-Buy properties and reselling through our sister company Martell Realty. Moncton Fun Fact: In 2008, Readers’ Digest dubbed Moncton “Canada’s most polite & honest city.”

2.  Miramichi

2012 marked our third building season in Miramichi.  We really enjoy working with the local trades & people in the Miramichi area and providing them with the Martell Experience.  Miramichi Fun Fact: In 2010, Miramichi was named the world’s first Smart Technologies Showcase Community for use of Smartboards in schools & businesses.

3.  Saint John

Saint John is a market that we’ve been working for three seasons as well.  We’ve been active building custom homes in the Greater Saint John Area and we love working with our awesome team of established local trades.  Saint John Fun Fact: Saint John boasts the largest public transit system in the Province.

4. Sussex

Just a skip down the highway,  the picturesque community of Sussex is growing.  Increasingly popular with the retiree crowd, we think that Sussex is the perfect market for our bungalow semi-detached homes which offer one-story living at a value price point.  Sussex Fun Fact: Sussex is the “Mural Capital Of Atlantic Canada”.

5. Fredericton

2013 will mark our expansion into the Fredericton market and we couldn’t be more excited! Fredericton is a such a great city with an active lifestyle.  In fact, we are actually hiring a new Location Manager for this market place.  Check out the job positing here.  Fredericton Fun Fact: The notorious Benedict Arnold once lived in Fredericton.

 

 

 

 

Job Opportunity: Fredericton – Location Manager

Martell Home Builders is looking for someone to help us expand our business!

We can’t have just anyone working for us, they have to be the absolute best. We believe that people are more important than churning out homes. We love our customers and need someone who will consistently create an experience that our customers can’t wait to talk about.

As the Community Development Partner – you’re one of the first and last people they’ll remember.  So aside from being organized and intuitive – you’ve got to love people.

If you don’t like average – you’ve got our attention.

This position calls for an entrepreneur, not just a hard hat with a hammer gun.  If you’re knowledgeable in new home construction, have an established network in the Fredericton area, share a passion for building a tribe of raving fans and don’t see yourself being happy unless you’re making six figure’s in the next 2-3 years, then we need to talk.

Must Haves:

• The ability to deliver results by implementing high level sales and marketing strategies
• Dynamic, ambitious, and highly motivated;
• Ability to develop strategy, as well as plan and execute it;
• Strong facilitative skills;
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects with attention to detail;
• Easily engage with people and create relationships

Some key responsibilities we expect of you are:
• Recognize business growth opportunities
• Manage construction projects from start to finish
• Exceed expectations of New Home Buyers and subcontractors;
• Prepare contracts and negotiate revisions with architects, consultants, clients, suppliers and subcontractors;
• Prepare reports and issue progress schedules
• Implement MHB quality control programs; and
• Ensure a safe working atmosphere by adhering to the Occupational Health and Safety Act

If you’re looking to sit at your desk all day, this job is not for you.You will spend most of your time on the move- meeting new people and showing great homes!

Average doesn’t work here. Never has, never will.

Still Interested?

Of course you are! If you or someone you know is looking for a fast paced, high stress job, that has you working all hours of the day & night (and weekends!), full of crazy deadlines, quotas and endless possibilities with the coolest company in the city?

Send your resume to jobs@themartellexperience.com and tell us why we need to hire you!! Please understand that we will only be responding to those who we’re interested in chatting further with.

*Note*

The preceding job description and title has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.