Listening

As I wrote in my previous post, Sanctuary, one of the places that grounds me is being in nature. For me, it is a return to something foundational. While I cannot name what that foundational place is, my mind, body, and soul know it. I notice in this place that I change.

On this mid-summer day, I’m sitting by the Mill Stream at East Lampeter Community Park. I become attentive to the world around me. There is full foliage with its full spectrum of greens that shift and change in the breeze. Amid its swaying, the corn across the stream is calling for rain. A groundhog wanders nearby eating choice leaves from the edge of the woods. Robins and woodpeckers glide from tree to tree and a vulture’s shadow crosses the ground. The humid air smells of sweetness… a sweetness that can be tasted in the raspberries, corn, and other produce of the season.

You may ask why it is important to practice this and other types of noticing. Pausing in silence to allow our senses to become more aware of our surroundings impacts how we relate to each other. When was the last time someone focused on you and you felt truly heard? Not only for what you said, but how you said it, and even what was said in the silence. The skill of deep listening is waning in our culture. The busyness of business and our personal lives leaves little room for noticing.

​Listening well is one of the traits we hope to embody in our work. We haven’t mastered it but hearing what you desire for your home is one of our highest goals. Noticing who you are and what brings you to life is our passion. Take some time today to reflect on the people in your life who truly listen to you.

Post by: Tim Zehr

Healthy Home – Part I

What’s a Healthy Home?

As our culture has transitioned over the years, people spend a majority of their time indoors. The National Human Activity Pattern Survey (NHAPS), performed by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, found that Americans spend around 87% of their time indoors and an additional 5.5% inside vehicles.(1) This totals roughly 92.5% of our time spent in enclosed environments.

If this statistic feels unsettling, consider another significant finding. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), indoor air pollutants can be 2 to 5 times higher than outdoor levels. In some instances, these levels can exceed outdoor air pollutants by more than 100 times. (2) This indicates that the way we construct our homes, the furniture we choose, and our daily living habits have a profound impact on our health and well-being.

Key indoor pollutants include:

  • Radon: A naturally occurring gas that rises from the ground and can accumulate in buildings.
    Carbon Dioxide (CO2): A naturally occurring gas, including that which we exhale, which can also build up indoors.
  • Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10):
    • PM2.5: Very small particulates that can penetrate our lungs and skin, including smoke, cooking byproducts, and candle burning residues.
    • PM10: Larger particulates such as dust mites, mold spores, and pet dander.
  • Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Radiation: Ubiquitous due to technology, EMF radiation is pervasive in homes and affects everyone, although some individuals are more sensitive to it.
  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Aerosolized compounds from various sources that can be detrimental to health.

While many of these pollutants can be mitigated through appropriate measures, they remain vastly understudied, leaving much to be discovered. In this series we will be taking a high-level view of these pollutants, what they are, how they impact our homes and what we can do about it. The aim is to inform and empower. Stay tuned….

If you’d like to jump into some of the nerdy details, IndoorChem is one of the leading communities giving attention to actual tests of the indoor microbiome. In the linked Youtube videos, Corbett Lunsford gives a summary of their initial study called HOMEChem.

Post by: Kent Mylin

Integrity

Late in 2020 I tasked our team with helping to identify our core values. This was about identifying the values we felt we already represented. In my mind, the qualities were there, and it was only the identification and definition of those values that was lacking.

It was simple exercise for our employees — write down the first words or phrases that come to mind when you think of Metzler Home Builders. The leading “value” that came back was some combination of these three words:

fair / honest / transparent

In true Metzler Home Builders fashion, we put our heads together and came up with one word that encompassed this value – Integrity.

What does it mean to have Integrity as a custom home builder?

I believe it means being truthful in situations even when it isn’t comfortable or convenient. It means sharing with a client when we made a mistake, sharing why and how it happened, and offering a solution that is fair to them.

It may look like giving a credit to a client when they don’t even know something they chose cost less.

It could be explaining that a product came in damaged or was mis-ordered, and now our schedule will require modification.

I understand it isn’t popular to talk about the things we may not get 100% right as a business, but I believe if we operate with Integrity in all situations, we will continue to build trust with our clients that lasts a lifetime.

Post by: Jordan Metzler

Sanctuary

Most of us have experienced it. A feeling of inherent safety. A space where you are seen, known, and loved. This occurs in many ways; with a particular person, being in a familiar place, or noticing a delightful feeling. We can even smell something, like the scent of grandma’s homemade rolls, that brings us a sense of peace. It is a place of refuge and protection: a sanctuary.

For me, I experience sanctuary most frequently when I am in nature. Seeing the wind in the trees, touching a flower petal, hearing the bird song, smelling the coming rain, tasting honeysuckle, or my favorite, being present to the sun breaching the horizon.

You may experience it in the warmth of your favorite blanket, the companionship of a caring pet, or the voice of that special someone.

We each sense sanctuary in different ways. It is beneficial to reflect on and understand where we find refuge and how we feel protection. These are things that allow us to realize peace and rest.

Why might these nuances be important in our craft? Our homes, workplaces, and created surroundings impact us consciously and unconsciously. The built environment can bring us comfort or it can bring us unrest. We are passionate about creating safe spaces. As you articulate what brings you comfort, we attentively listen, aspiring to craft an environment that beckons sanctuary.

Post by: Tim Zehr

a home, a memory.

A house is like a great piece of music. It takes years of incubation, thoughts and dreams. It invites you in to experience all it has to offer. It’s engaging and sustaining. It pulls on the greats of the past while being influenced by the ones of the present. In the end, you hold out a part of yourself for the world to experience for generations.

a home.

The connection between people and their homes are deep and multifaceted, transcending physical structures and embracing the interplay of memories, identity, and a sense of belonging. “Home” is not simply a place; it’s a sanctuary where the tapestry of life is woven.

I grew up in a family of seven and distinctly remember the rooms, colors and furniture engrained with emotional experiences. The hardwood was lovingly worn from the continual foot travel throughout the circulation spaces. Our kitchen and dining were connected and life took place in this beloved space. We had a formal living room where toys were cleaned up every day, china was kept behind glass doors, and my mom would sit and read when she wasn’t being pulled in six opposing directions. Juxtapose this to the informal living room. Toys were left scattered, siblings argued over games, and the furniture was well worn. Each room echoes with laughter, tears and the quiet moments that defined our experiences. Our homes give testimony to the family milestones, joys and sorrows that shape us.

In part, this is why I chose to design and build homes. A home becomes an extension of its inhabitants, mirroring personalities and providing an expression for identity. Choices made in the architecture, layout, finishes, and decoration reflect individual preferences, values and cultural influences. This alignment between personal identity and physical space influences the deep emotional bond that surpasses basic sheltering needs.

Often when I walk into a home, I see the spaces that are more loved than others. I notice the finger streaks as the kids ran through the hallway and the marks against the door where the dog wanted back in the house. These cannot be replicated in a new home but can be designed to foster the sense of belonging, creating space for new and lasting memories.

Recalling and savoring these memories are wonderful and needed, but I’m also a fan of the “so what” question… the practical application. Or as a friend of mine puts it, “What does this look like on Monday morning?”

Be intentional.

Take time.

Turn the screens off and engage with kids, siblings, friends, and parents.

Play a game.

Start a puzzle.

Or draw inspiration from my daughter’s current muse and craft miniature models of houses (currently a tree house she built – see image).

Create these experiences and let us know what your imagination is launching you into!

Post by: Kent Mylin

5 Master Closet Design Ideas That Pop

Your master suite is a sanctuary and you want the space inside to reflect that feeling. From the bedding you choose to a host of other amenities, there are a lot of ways to make your master suite a peaceful oasis. Your master closet is an extension of this relaxing environment, and by making the right choices, your master suite closet can become a focal point of the suite.

Here are five of the most popular design ideas in master suite closet design that can help you achieve this.

1. Interior Colors

The wood color that you choose for your closet’s interior will make a big impact, so it’s important to choose one that you like best. The most popular choices are dark, natural and white wood.

Dark Wood

Dark wood adds unexpected contrast to your master suite’s color scheme. When you pick rich, dark hues for your master closet, it brings a sense of luxury and elegance to your space, making it an absolutely delicious experience getting dressed each morning.

Natural Wood

Natural wood brings a sense of warmth and peace along with a lush backdrop for your clothing to be displayed. A light stain will make the wood’s grain pop, adding texture and detail to the space as well.

Neutral Wood

Neutral white wood makes a master closet look bright and clean. Light reflects off the interior space and your clothing and accessories will be showcased against the neutral white background. Additionally, many homeowners choose to add glass cabinets that help light to reflect and pass through, making their clothing and accessories stand out against the neutral interior.

2. Plenty of Light

Good lighting elevates the look of a master closet and makes even the smallest space feel roomy and large. It’s also a necessary component if you want to be able to see the items inside. There are several lighting options to choose from, including track lighting, backlights, and horizontal and vertical LED lights. Each lighting design is customizable to showcase shelving or racks of clothing, but installation can be expensive.

If a new lighting system is out of the budget, consider adding a rattan or woven chandelier or a statement light that’s thoughtfully placed.

3. Organized Accessories

A current trend in master closets includes adding designated spaces for accessories. This includes cabinets and other built-in solutions for items like scarves, jewelry, sunglasses and ties. Not only will it help you stay organized, but it will also elevate your master closet to the next level. There are plenty of options that can be customized for your unique space. Check out options online and consider asking a professional for their advice.

4. Floor-to-Ceiling Closets

Many closet systems are designed for closets with 8-foot ceilings, but you don’t have to waste that extra space. If your closet ceilings are taller than 8 feet, consider maximizing your storage space. You can customize by building shelves or adding baskets and bins to the top shelves for storing items you don’t need every day. It also makes the closet look larger.

5. Flair with Hardware

If you’ve got a neutral closet, you can add a pop of color by selecting the perfect hardware for your cabinets and drawers. They come in all colors and designs, and they add a little bit of personality to an otherwise simple space. This tiny detail can enhance your master closet, giving it character and charm.

Make Your Master Closet Design Ideas Come to Life

If you’re thinking about remodeling your master closet or building one from scratch, consider these design trends so your finished space is peaceful and luxurious. With careful planning and careful thought, you can create a custom closet that perfectly completes your master suite.

Do you have a kitchen renovation in mind? Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

5 Master Closet Design Ideas That Pop

Your master suite is a sanctuary and you want the space inside to reflect that feeling. From the bedding you choose to a host of other amenities, there are a lot of ways to make your master suite a peaceful oasis. Your master closet is an extension of this relaxing environment, and by making the right choices, your master suite closet can become a focal point of the suite.

Here are five of the most popular design ideas in master suite closet design that can help you achieve this.

1. Interior Colors

The wood color that you choose for your closet’s interior will make a big impact, so it’s important to choose one that you like best. The most popular choices are dark, natural and white wood. Continue reading

Project Spotlight: Vibrant Custom Ranch Home with a Magnificent View

Glenn and Maureen lived out of state, but they visited Lancaster County often over the years and grew to love the area. They dreamt of someday relocating to this area and retiring here. That dream came true in 2019 when they made the move and had a custom ranch home built by Metzler Home Builders. When looking for a home in Lancaster County, they had specific design ideas in mind, especially in regards to elderly parents and handicap accessibility. When they couldn’t find that in an existing home, they opted to go the route of building a new home. This enabled them to design the flow of the home to meet their specific needs.  

ranch-home-lancaster-farmland-views

Glenn and Maureen connected with a local realtor who helped find the perfect lot – one with beautiful farmland views for miles. The realtor also provided them a few options of builders to reach out to. After doing their research, they chose Metzler Home Builders. They loved the idea of working with a fourth-generation business, and one who would build exactly what they were looking for, not “a builder who modifies a handful of standard floor plans and calls it custom.”  Continue reading

Basic Is Better: The Versatility of Neutral Kitchen Colors

Neutral colors are often underrated, but they can be used in various ways and will never go out of style. When it comes to kitchen color, white is still the dominant option. It is always on the top of the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s (NKBA’s) annual Design Trends Survey of the most popular kitchen color. However, there are plenty of other neutrals that can work well, too. This article will discuss the versatility of neutral kitchen colors and some of the best ways to use them!

But what if you want to add color to your kitchen? Here are a few ways you can easily add a pop of color to make your kitchen look fresh and fun.

New Window Treatments 

Replace neutral blinds and curtains with window treatments that are eye-catching and bright. Select a solid color that matches your kitchen decor, or if you’re feeling extra spicy, choose window treatments in a stylish, bold print. Continue reading

Choosing a Kitchen Backsplash

A kitchen remodel is a big undertaking so it’s important that you consider every detail along the way. Your kitchen backsplash probably won’t break the bank, but it has the potential to complement big-ticket items like your countertops and cabinets. Here are five things to consider when choosing a kitchen backsplash so it fits seamlessly into your beautifully designed space.

1. How Much Space Will Your Backsplash Cover?

When considering the design of the backsplash and selecting your backsplash materials, it’s best to approach it already knowing the area it will cover so you can make decisions that stay within your budget. Some materials, like a stone backsplash, are much more expensive than others, and they’re also harder to install—which makes it more labor-intensive (adding to the expense). Small, decorative tiles are also pricey, so while a lovely glass backsplash might make sense in a small space or as an accent, it may not be a practical choice financially to cover a large area. Continue reading