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History lessons
In the same way that we let the land itself guide our land planning, we let local history and culture influence our architecture. Generally speaking, Colorado style combines historical architectural forms with an emphasis on natural building materials and colors that complement the natural environment. But in any given location, we will draw on the immediate surroundings for inspiration. For example, several of our communities have been flavored by the agricultural heritage of their locations, with homes and public structures including details and materials taken from farmhouse architecture.
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All-around beauty
Perhaps you’re asking yourself, “Don’t all homes have architecture on all four sides?” While they may have walls, and paint and windows on every side, most new homes have very little design on any side but the front. But part of our commitment to authenticity is to carry the architectural style of each home all the way around the home. You’ll be surprised at the difference it makes driving through the neighborhood or sitting on your back deck.
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When we talk about colors that complement the natural environment, we don’t mean beige. Beige is a fine color. But it, like any color, should be just one of a whole range of tones within a neighborhood. Once again, look at older homes and neighborhoods. You’ll see how, in the days when people actually took the time to think about things like color, they came up with playful, vibrant palettes that stood up to Colorado’s strong sunlight. Bright yellows, mint greens, various shades of olive and terra cotta — and dozens of other hues — create homes and neighborhoods that feel as if they belong in our state’s spectacular landscape.
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Garages
Tired of looking at three-car garages with attached homes? So are we. That’s not to say we don’t believe in garages, even big ones. But we’ve found ways to de-emphasize the garage within the architecture so that as you drive down the street your first impression is home, not garage.
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We think home should be an inviting place rather than an imposing place. So when we design our homes, especially our larger homes, we add details that present a friendlier, more human-sized feel. For example, a front porch projects a lower roofline on the front of a two-story home and offers a welcoming entrance to passersby.
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As much effort as we put into home design, we put at least that much into making sure all the home designs work well together. We individually site every home within a neighborhood, preserving view corridors and creating diverse, visually pleasing street scenes. Every block in a McStain neighborhood feels different. And if you come home late at night, you’ll never have trouble distinguishing your home from anyone else’s.
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Practical gets the job done. Like an attic vent that lets heat escape from the home. Whimsical adds little bits of color and joy throughout your day. Like a decorative attic vent with Craftsman details. When it comes to having a rich home life, who can say which is more important: practical or whimsical. So we make sure that every home has plenty of both.
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Since all our homes are built along the Front Range of the Colorado Rocky Mountains, all our homes get more than 300 days of sunshine every year. They get mild springs, summers and falls. They even get a number of warm days during the winter. So we try to build different sorts of “outdoor rooms” into our homes. Big front porches, back decks, balconies. Even our Condominium and Town Homes come with private yards where you can take advantage of this amazing place.
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A big family room is comfortable. A big family room with a fireplace is interesting. But a big family room with a fireplace, a beautifully designed mantle and hearth and wide baseboards and door trim is a place that leaves an impression on everyone who enters it.
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