Posted by Penny Hull on Thu, May 02, 2013 @ 05:17 AM
From "The Dugan" to "The Peay"
How to transform a floor plan to make it perfect for you
Everybody loves The Dugan. It's one of Stanton Homes most popular plans. And it was designed especially for the family that built it. Over and over again.
Because even when a plan is perfect for one family, it will need something different for another. Which is why the best custom builders design - and re-design - until the home you're building is perfect for you.
Here's how dramatic the changes can be when you have the flexibility to modify a plan, while retaining its integrity (by a design team that draws it up for you to visualize, even before you buy it.)
The Dugan: Wheelchair accessible MIL design
The original Dugan floor plan was custom designed and hand-crafted as a fully accessible, mother in law suite home.
The home was designed to provide an environment that flowed with open spaces:
- Open concept kitchen and great room
- Second story overlook
- Two story barrel vault foyer
- Large hardwood master suite with his-and-hers spacious bathroom,
- Front porch
- Rear screen porch.
An elevator was added to the concept, and the powder room was moved from its initial placement.
Take a video tour to see the details, inside The Dugan:
The Peay: Six bedroom custom design
The Peay is a modified version of The Dugan, with custom modifications including reversal of the floor plan layout to accomodate the shape of its homeowner's lot.
On the first floor, the design team:
- Expanded the screen porch
- Expanded the great room
- Included a walk in closet instead of a powder room/elevator combination
- Moved the fireplace to an exterior wall surrounded by windows
- Expanded laundry room, adding space around the sink
- Expanded the garage
- Enclosed the master bathroom commode room
Here is the second floor of the Dugan before custom changes:
The original second floor of the Dugan was designed to be a separate living area for the homeowner's mother, with private Living Room, Bedroom with second Master Bath, and plenty of open space.
On the second floor, the design team:
- Modified the vaulted ceiling into a two story design, adding upper windows
- Reworked the loft
- Converted the optional bonus room into a sixth bedroom
- Redesigned the bath
Take a video tour to see the details, inside The Peay:
2013 new home design trends
Best Kitchen Backsplashes of 2013
2013 Master Bathroom Trends
Fireplace Designs for 2013 New Homes
What's Trending in 2013 Kitchens and Baths? | NC New Home Design
Hardwood Floor Transitions: Making Open Floor Plans Work
Master Suites with outdoor living spaces
Stanton Homes helps ensure your new home is just what you're looking for.
Hundreds of locations. Thousands of floor plans. Extraordinary custom design build options. And our in-house architectural design work (and interior designer expertise) comes as part of your custom home package, at no extra cost to our homebuyers.
Finding Your New Home in the Raleigh Area
Call 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to find out more about new custom homes in the Raleigh area today.
Article copyright Stanton Homes 2006-2012, all rights reserved. Permission required for reprint or republish of any kind. Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements. Please note: all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date. Information subject to change.
Posted by Penny Hull on Wed, May 01, 2013 @ 01:53 PM
2013 new home design trends
Top 5 mudroom designs
Large laundry rooms and mudrooms are very popular in new home designs, especially as a transition area between the garage and home space.
Here are our top 5 most popular mudroom designs for 2013 new homes, with tips on how to maximize the utility of your square footage.
These mudrooms are designed with everything just the way you need it, from layout to storage centers and fixtures to flooring. What does your family need to get out of your mudroom? Let us know what you do in there and we'll show you more ways to work it out.
2013 new home design #1: Mudroom with drop zone
Want to stay organized?
This mudroom, tucked between the garage and kitchen, has a place for everything, everywhere you turn:
- Full wall of custom, elegant built in storage shelving,
- Set of storage hooks (perfect for coats, purses, and even keys) backed by wooden beadboard,
- Sink cabinet designed for easy clean-up, preventing dirt and grime from being tracked into the home, and
- Storage cabinets above the washer and dryer
Low-maintenance custom tile flooring makes clean-up easy, too.
See more photos of this home - a version of the Maple Lane - by clicking here.
2013 new home design #2: Enlarged mudroom with storage
If your family includes children and pets, you'll appreciate this "home hub" design that melds space and storage in one convenient room.
The perimeter of the room is wrapped in cabinets and built-in countertops.
Tall cabinets are designed to house large cleaning tools and supplies.
A sink base cabinet with faucet and sprayer is added for filling pet dishes and pre-treating clothes.
Areas below the countertops are left open as a feeding space for pets.
Above the sink an open area is fitted with a rod for hanging hand-laundered delicate garments.
A large bulletin board is added to display children's artwork, calendars, soccer and dance schedules and appointments.
The countertop back splash areas is fitted with extra outlets at desk height - perfect for a phone and camera charging station.
Cork plank flooring is placed to create a
"green," 100% washable, kid-friendly design.
The remaining open areas are designed to house large baskets of outside plastic toys and seasonal gear such as scarves, mittens and hats.
See more photos of this home - a version of the Carwile - by clicking here.
2013 new home design #3: Space-saving mudroom
A fully efficient design saves space, no matter what you pack into it.
This mudroom, pictured from a version of the Woodlake, maximizes storage capacities and space utilization.
Everything you need is in one place:
- Extra storage cabinets, above and below
- Large sink with folding countertop
- Hanging rods and upper shelving
- Non-slip tile flooring
This version of the Woodlake floor plan provides access between the kitchen and backyard, directly through the laundry room.
2013 new home design #4: Mudroom with built-ins
Mudrooms can merit their very own space.
In this home, a version of the Brogan, a first floor mudroom was added in addition to the second floor laundry room.
The first floor mudroom design includes:
- Tile flooring,
- Closet storage/pantry overflow space3
- Specialty storage
The second floor laundry room desisgn includes:
- Hardwood flooring,
- Full wall of storage shelving,
- Sink, and
- Hidden fold-out ironing board
2013 new home design #5: Mudroom with locker system
Additional most-requested design features include:
- Locker style storage systems with cabinets, hooks, and bench
- Indoor/outdoor carpeting (great for trapping dirt)
- Tucked-in closet storage (perfect for tall items to be kept out of sight)
Choosing to build your new home with exceptional NC custom home builders like Stanton Homes gives you the flexibility to add details that make your life easier. Find out more today – click here to get started.
2013 new home design trends
Best Kitchen Backsplashes of 2013
2013 Master Bathroom Trends
Fireplace Designs for 2013 New Homes
What's Trending in 2013 Kitchens and Baths? | NC New Home Design
Hardwood Floor Transitions: Making Open Floor Plans Work
Master Suites with outdoor living spaces
Stanton Homes helps ensure your new home is just what you're looking for.
Hundreds of locations. Thousands of floor plans. Extraordinary custom design build options. And our in-house architectural design work (and interior designer expertise) comes as part of your custom home package, at no extra cost to our homebuyers.
Finding Your New Home in the Raleigh Area
Call 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to find out more about new custom homes in the Raleigh area today.
Article copyright Stanton Homes 2006-2012, all rights reserved. Permission required for reprint or republish of any kind. Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements. Please note: all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date. Information subject to change.
Posted by Penny Hull on Wed, May 01, 2013 @ 09:16 AM
Outdoor living connected to the master suite
Top 3 Master suite deck, patio, and screen porch ideas
Surveys show that outdoor living spaces continue to hit the top of homebuyer "must have" lists.
Below are three outdoor living space designs that connect directly to the master suite, accommodating first and second floor master bedroom floor plans.
Master suite outdoor living idea #1: Romeo and Juliet Balcony
Second story balconies are a romantic addition to any custom home master bedroom.
In this example, pictured from a version of the Maple Lane, a custom-designed Romeo and Juliet style balcony was added onto the second story master suite.
This balcony adds just enough space to include two rocking chairs and a side table.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy the mild North Carolina spring and summer seasons with a fantastic view.
Master suite outdoor living idea #2: Courtyard patio
This master bedroom, pictured from a version of the Country Manor, opens up to a large courtyard style patio.
Double French doors provide an elegant entranceway between indoor and outdoor living spaces.
Take one step outside from the master bedroom, and enjoy the sight and sound of a roaring, cozy fire in this stone-front outdoor fireplace topped with metal accent roofing.
Master suite outdoor living idea #3: Private hot tub access
This custom home design, pictured from a version of the Woodlake, incorporates private master bedroom access to the screen porch.
Enjoy the luxury of a hot tub, in your own private area screened away from pesky mosquitoes.
Hardwood floors in the master bedroom make a nice transition to the extended personal space.
It's easy to incorporate your own outdoor living space ideas, when you work with an award winning design team that works with you to create your own floor plan with an outdoor living design with custom details, lighting fixture designs, and furniture placement ideas. You're never held back to a limited set of options when you design your own environment with a truly custom builder. Contact Stanton Homes to learn more about building a custom home in North Carolina.
2013 new home design trends
Best Kitchen Backsplashes of 2013
2013 Master Bathroom Trends
Fireplace Designs for 2013 New Homes
What's Trending in 2013 Kitchens and Baths? | NC New Home Design
Hardwood Floor Transitions: Making Open Floor Plans Work
Stanton Homes helps ensure your new home is just what you're looking for.
Hundreds of locations. Thousands of floor plans. Extraordinary custom design build options. And our in-house architectural design work (and interior designer expertise) comes as part of your custom home package, at no extra cost to our homebuyers.
Finding Your New Home in the Raleigh Area
Call 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to find out more about new custom homes in the Raleigh area today.
Article copyright Stanton Homes 2006-2012, all rights reserved. Permission required for reprint or republish of any kind. Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements. Please note: all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date. Information subject to change.
Posted by Penny Hull on Tue, Apr 30, 2013 @ 05:44 AM
Unexpected new home floor plan trends
Are homes getting smaller?
New home floor plans are trending down in size, with more than one-third of homeowners reporting a preference for homes under 2,000 sq ft.
Why are we seeing a decline in home size, after a 40% growth trend over the past few decades?
A few reasons include:
- A changing economic climate
- A growing concern for increased sustainability and reduced energy costs
- An evolving preference for single person households
- An increasing demand for aging in place homes
Predicted new home trends include:
In addition to the downward trend in floor plan size, predicted new home trends include:
- Larger family rooms, in comparison to the overall home size
- More attention to green features
- Additional technological features
- Increased focus on universal access features
- Inclusion of outdoor living space, with blended indoor/outdoor areas
New home trend data is courtesy of Alan Mascord Design Associates Inc. In the infographic below, Alan Mascord predicts US homes will look like in 2015.
View floor plans in the 1500 to 2500 square feet range:
Single Story Floor Plans 1500 to 2000 Square Feet: There are hundreds of one story plans to choose from, and our in-house design work comes at no extra cost.
Main Floor Master Plans 2000-2500 Square Feet: Main floor master suites are one of our most popular options – and we spend a lot of time refining designs to make a great plan perfect for you.
Two Story Homes 2000-2500 Square Feet: You’ll get the most value in your square foot cost when you build up, in comparison to a sprawling one story with the same amount of space.
Stanton Homes builds extraordinary custom homes with personal service you won’t find with any other builder in our price range – and a Price Match Guarantee.
Stanton Homes helps ensure your new home is just what you're looking for.
Hundreds of locations. Thousands of floor plans. Extraordinary custom design build options. And our in-house architectural design work (and interior designer expertise) comes as part of your custom home package, at no extra cost to our homebuyers.
Finding Your New Home in the Raleigh Area
Call 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to find out more about new custom homes in the Raleigh area today.
Article copyright Stanton Homes 2006-2012, all rights reserved. Permission required for reprint or republish of any kind. Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements. Please note: all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date. Information subject to change.
Posted by Penny Hull on Mon, Apr 29, 2013 @ 11:56 AM
How big should the Island Be?
2013 Kitchen Island Designs
When thinking about the type of kitchen island you want to incorporate into your new home kitchen, here are top five questions to keep in mind:
1. How large is your kitchen?
2. What shape is your kitchen floor plan?
3. Do you want to incorporate seating?
4. Will you need a secondary / prep sink?
5. What functions are most important?
1. How large is your kitchen?
In general, islands work best in larger kitchens and peninsulas work better in smaller kitchens.
Kitchen design tip: you want enough space to navigate around the island - maximizing the functionality of the extra counter top and cabinet space it provides.
2. What shape is your kitchen floor plan?
Long, thin kitchens work best with a thin rectangular island.
Wider or more square kitchens work best with a wide rectangular or angled island.
The shape of your kitchen will help determine the size and shape of your island.
3. Do you want to incorporate seating?
Most islands can be expanded to incorporate bar-height OR counter-height seating, as long as the kitchen floor plan is large enough.
In this example photo, the island was angled towards the great room, slightly off-set from the kitchen.
The counter height seating creates a smooth, clean look that matches the contemporary lines of this home.
Click here to see photos of a home with two kitchen islands - one designed for table-height seating.
4. Will you need a secondary / prep sink?
Prep sinks are gaining popularity in 2013 new home kitchens.
When thinking about your island size, keep in mind where the prep sink will go.
Dual sinks are generally placed on opposite ends of the kitchen - maximizing utility and efficiency.
5. What functions are most important?
When thinking about your ideal island design, will it include tons of storage? More counter space? A place to add a wine refrigerator?
Many island have two-sided cabinets (such as examples 1 & 4 in this article) for easy-access storage.
If you want counter space, re-think adding a prep sink.
An island may be the ideal place to add a drink fridge.
Stanton Homes helps ensure your new home is just what you're looking for.
Hundreds of locations. Thousands of floor plans. Extraordinary custom design build options. And our in-house architectural design work (and interior designer expertise) comes as part of your custom home package, at no extra cost to our homebuyers.
Finding Your New Home in the Raleigh Area
Call 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to find out more about new custom homes in the Raleigh area today.
Article copyright Stanton Homes 2006-2012, all rights reserved. Permission required for reprint or republish of any kind. Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements. Please note: all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date. Information subject to change.
Posted by Penny Hull on Fri, Mar 29, 2013 @ 04:42 AM
Top 5 Breakfast Rooms
2013 Floor Plan Ideas
Floor plans that incorporate the flexibility and convenience of a breakfast room are a top request for 2013 new homes. Below are our top 5 most popular breakfast room designs - from efficient and casual to elegant and formal.
Breakfast room design #1
Breakfast rooms are commonly located between the kitchen and great room.
This floor plan design reflects a sweeping curved bay area - a modification to a plan that originally portrayed an angled breakfast room.
This space is perfect for a long table, centered under the hanging light.
The curved bay design gives this custom home an open, flowing feel.
And the windows let tons of light into the kitchen and great rooms, for an even more airy effect.
The original layout is fantastic too, with sharply angled walls creating a completely usable area.
See more photos of this custom home here.
Breakfast room design #2
For a breakfast room with more distinct boundaries, a semi-separation can add just enough definition without taking away a sense of openness.
In this second example, the breakfast room still sits between the kitchen and great room, but an additional wall provides a more distinct look between the rooms.
The bay bump-out opens up this breakfast room, allowing for a larger table.
The Breakfast Room bumps out, then angles back in to allow a mirror bump out for the Great Room.
See more photos of this custom home here.
Breakfast room design #3
A breakfast rooms usually serves as a secondary, more casual dining space.
In our third example, this breakfast room was designed with more formal appeal, through features typically seen in a formal dining room: wainscoting, crown molding, vaulted ceiling, and transoms above every window.
A 13 foot by 12 foot breakfast room is large and versatile. A table could seat eight comfortably in this space.
The breadth and formality of the breakfast room frees up the formal dining room at the front of the home, which can easily be converted into a home office.
See more photos of this custom home here.
Breakfast room design #4
This custom home design added a second "island" as a built in breakfast table.
The homeowners wanted to combine the feeling of a breakfast room table with the functionality of a kitchen island.
A different cabinet and counter top styles and colors were chosen to off-set the table-height island and create a smooth transition from the kitchen to great room.
This island allows seating for up to five people.
Breakfast room design #5
Floor plans with a breakfast room situated directly between the kitchen and great room are another popular request from homebuyers who want to build a custom home with everything just the way they want it.
This custom home, a version of the Azalea Park, provides an open design, functionality, and special architectural details that add distinction.
The arched entrance and picture cut-outs really open up this home with artistic details.
See more photos of this home here.
A version of the Azalea Park is for sale - click here to learn more.
It's easy to make your own breakfast room space, when you work with an award winning design team like ours, that walks you through the entire process - from creating a floor plan with a breakfast room design you love, to finishing the effect with trim color, lighting fixtures, and furniture placement. You're never held back to a certain set of plans when you create your own environment with a truly custom builder. Contact Stanton Homes to learn more about building a custom home in North Carolina.
2013 new home design trends
Best Kitchen Backsplashes of 2013
2013 Master Bathroom Trends
Fireplace Designs for 2013 New Homes
What's Trending in 2013 Kitchens and Baths? | NC New Home Design
Hardwood Floor Transitions: Making Open Floor Plans Work
Stanton Homes helps ensure your new home is just what you're looking for.
Hundreds of locations. Thousands of floor plans. Extraordinary custom design build options. And our in-house architectural design work (and interior designer expertise) comes as part of your custom home package, at no extra cost to our homebuyers.
Finding Your New Home in the Raleigh Area
Call 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to find out more about new custom homes in the Raleigh area today.
Article copyright Stanton Homes 2006-2012, all rights reserved. Permission required for reprint or republish of any kind. Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements. Please note: all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date. Information subject to change.
Posted by Penny Hull on Thu, Mar 28, 2013 @ 07:02 AM
2013 Kitchen Design Trends
White, black, and stainless steel appliances
When choosing kitchen appliance colors, keep in mind the overall design of your kitchen.
Whether you go basic or bold, your color choices can either compliment all the reasons you chose your kitchen design - or detract from them.
Take a look at the kitchens in these custom homes built in the Raleigh, North Carolina area. Each kitchen has a completely different design created by homebuyers and their builder to create a specific environment - with different design possibilities that incorporate the three most popular appliance color options (white, black, and stainless steel).
Kitchen design #1: White appliances
This first kitchen design incorporates contemporary design features such as:
- All white appliances
- Maple hardwood flooring and cabinets
- Granite countertops infused with white and black tones
- Black subway tile backsplash with white listello accents
- Stepped trey ceiling with flush can lighting
These photos are taken from a version of the Treehouse, a mountain home floor plan design that opens up a lot of possibilities.
White appliances work well in this bright, open kitchen, that emphasizes light color tones.
Kitchen design #2: Black appliances
Our next kitchen design example goes basic, with black and medium brown tones.
The black granite countertops contain flecks of gold and brown, tying together the black appliances and brown cabinets and hardwood flooring.
A stainless steel sink and brushed nickle cabinet knobs add a spark of silver to the warm brown tones. The setting will be balanced further with a stainless steel coffee maker, blender, or other counter appliance that will blend into the design perfectly.
See more photos of this home, a version of the Azalea Park.
Kitchen design #3: Stainless steel appliances
Stainless steel remains the most popular appliance color in 2013 new homes.
In this home, a version of the Peay, the stainless steel kitchen appliances add to the classic feel of this open floor plan design. Their placement at different parts of the kitchen provide a theme that's reverberated in threads throughout the carefully selected granite countertops.
Spotlight your kitchen with a layout that fits your lifestyle, and top it off with appliances that fit your theme.
When you build a custom home with Stanton Homes, our interior and architectural team will listen to your ideas, help you pull concepts together, and provide expert advice that colors your kitchen with designer appeal.
2013 new home design trends
Best Kitchen Backsplashes of 2013
2013 Master Bathroom Trends
Fireplace Designs for 2013 New Homes
What's Trending in 2013 Kitchens and Baths? | NC New Home Design
Hardwood Floor Transitions: Making Open Floor Plans Work
Stanton Homes helps ensure your new home is just what you're looking for.
Hundreds of locations. Thousands of floor plans. Extraordinary custom design build options. And our in-house architectural design work (and interior designer expertise) comes as part of your custom home package, at no extra cost to our homebuyers.
Finding Your New Home in the Raleigh Area
Call 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to find out more about new custom homes in the Raleigh area today.
Article copyright Stanton Homes 2006-2012, all rights reserved. Permission required for reprint or republish of any kind. Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements. Please note: all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date. Information subject to change.
Posted by Penny Hull on Thu, Mar 28, 2013 @ 04:00 AM
2013 New home storage solutions
Photos of storage ideas
In 2013, new home designs will continue to focus on incorporating plenty of storage space. Some popular built in storage centers include: built-in window benches, bookcases, entertainment centers, cubbies, and more. See photos of recently completed NC new homes - and get ideas for maximizing storage in your new home.
Storage Idea #1: Built in window bench with storage
Storage should save space in your new home, not eat it up.
More homebuyers are including built-in window benches with
"secret" storage hidden below.
Built-in benches provide extra seating, and can be used to store easily available, bulky items such as throw blankets.
These two photos are examples of custom handcrafted built in benches.
The first bench is tucked at one end of a sunroom.
The second bench is located in a breakfast nook, beside a rear French door.
Storage Idea #2: Built in storage cubbies
2013 new home storage solutions are all about the ability to both store AND display.
The storage cubbies in this example were added below a serving bar connecting the kitchen to the family room.
This storage solution saves space and adds dimension, while serving as a convenient drop-in and sort-out source.
These cubbies are perfect for decorative bins, books, movies, games and toys.
Storage Idea #3: Built in bookcases
When you build a custom home, bookcases can be added to almost any room - and your builder can give you some great ideas for how to stack, place and arrange them to suit your needs, best.
Common locations for built-in bookcases are the great room, home office, and play/bonus room, but with a custom home you can use your imagination to add put-it-away centers to any spot where things can be tucked.
In the photo to the right, the bookcase was further customized to create a space for a piano, with shelves for music to the right, and a framed photo area above.
Storage Idea #4: Built in bookcase cabinetry
Another popular design feature is built-in bookcases with cabinet storage below.
In this example, taken from a version of the Dugan plan, a full wall was converted into a built-in bookcase/cabinet entertainment center that serves as a focal point for a soaring great room.
See more photos of this home, click here.
Storage Idea #5: Built in entertainment centers
Built-in entertainment centers can be configured into any shape or size when you build a custom home with Stanton Homes.
In this example, built-in storage was designed to stack side-by-side with the fireplace. A wall mount was installed in preparation for a hanging flat screen TV. It's all wrapped in classic color, to bring even more attention to the artistry.
2013 new home designs provide efficient, creative, and discrete storage solutions, from built-in window benches to bookcases, entertainment centers, cubbies, and shelves that fit your lifestyle. Contact Stanton Homes to learn more about building a custom home in North Carolina.
2013 new home design trends
Best Kitchen Backsplashes of 2013
2013 Master Bathroom Trends
Fireplace Designs for 2013 New Homes
What's Trending in 2013 Kitchens and Baths? | NC New Home Design
Hardwood Floor Transitions: Making Open Floor Plans Work
Stanton Homes helps ensure your new home is just what you're looking for.
Hundreds of locations. Thousands of floor plans. Extraordinary custom design build options. And our in-house architectural design work (and interior designer expertise) comes as part of your custom home package, at no extra cost to our homebuyers.
Finding Your New Home in the Raleigh Area
Call 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to find out more about new custom homes in the Raleigh area today.
Article copyright Stanton Homes 2006-2012, all rights reserved. Permission required for reprint or republish of any kind. Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements. Please note: all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date. Information subject to change.
Posted by Penny Hull on Tue, Mar 19, 2013 @ 06:38 AM
How to Design a Home for Resale
Most Requested Home Design Features
The most important things your home must have to increase your resale value are design, location and price according to a survey of home buyers conducted by John Burns Real Estate Consulting. Here's why this holds true across regions, markets, and demographic categories.
Most requested home design features
Award winning custom builders like Stanton Homes design and handcraft every detail to fit homebuyer requirements. Here's what's hot:
- Island kitchens that feel open and spacious
- Large great rooms with a fireplace
- His-and-hers style master bathrooms
- Staircases with overlooks; two story rooms
- Ample storage, built in cabinets, tucked-away nooks
- Divided space for work and play, such as first floor offices and outdoor living areas
Most Requested Home Design Feature #1: Island kitchen open to great room
Island kitchen floor plans allow for a tremedous amount of flexibility.
This custom kitchen design features an island angled towards the great room - ideal for integrating cooking and conversation.
A secondary island prep sink is convenient and efficient. And an island that's set back a bit like this also allows space for individual projects.
Other special features add to the ambience of an island, such as:
- Trey ceiling with reflective shaping
- Custom tile backsplash with listello accent
- Cut-out opening to sunroom with serving counter
Watch a photo tour of this home - a version of the Treehouse - click here.
Most Requested Home Design Feature #2: His-and-hers style master bathrooms
His-and-hers style master bathrooms are a top requested floor plan feature that provides personal space and conveniece.
A his and hers bathroom can include two completely separate vanities (usually on opposite walls of the master bathroom) or connected vanities set apart by a cabinet or shelving.
The master bathroom featured here comes from a version of the Peay - a home designed and built by Stanton Homes.
Most Requested Home Design Feature #3: Staircases with overlooks and two story rooms
The desire for homes that flow with a lot of space often include soaring ceilings - and in today's more energy efficient homes this kind of airiness can come with the comfort of reduced energy bills.
This two story great room with overlook is a focal point of this version of the Treehouse - a custom home designed for the ultimate flow-through design so open that it invites the eye to explore beyond the horizons of its walls.
Most Popular design features in two story rooms with overlooks can include:
- Entire wall of windows
- Fireplace with built in storage shelves
- Second story overlook with wrought iron railing and ebony posts
- Maple hardwood flooring
Most Requested Home Design Feature #4: Ample storage
No matter how much square footage a home has, innovative designs that provide ample space to tuck things away are extremely popular.
This picture taken in the Treehouse design built by Stanton Homes shows how toys or other items can be popped away in built-in bins that help to quickly eliminate clutter.
Ask your buider how to integrate extra storage space in built-in benches, window seats, closets cabinets, shelving, cubbies and tucked-away nooks.
For example, long walls like this provide lots of space for bookcases that can hold virtually anything you want to organize - without taking up a lot of floor space.
Most Requested Home Design Feature #5: Divided space for work and play
A big advantage of building your own custom home is the ability to provide separated spaces for varied activities.
Whether you want to make sure the kids have a place to play indoors and out, or you need to incorporate a home office that can be shut away from family activties, your new home can be created with everything just the way you want it.
For more information, read the full article from Professional Builder's July 2012 Design Innovation Report: click here.
Stanton Homes helps ensure your new home is just what you're looking for.
Hundreds of locations. Thousands of floor plans. Extraordinary custom design build options. And our in-house architectural design work (and interior designer expertise) comes as part of your custom home package, at no extra cost to our homebuyers.
Finding Your New Home in the Raleigh Area
Call 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to find out more about new custom homes in the Raleigh area today.
Article copyright Stanton Homes 2006-2012, all rights reserved. Permission required for reprint or republish of any kind. Provided for informational purposes only, no claims are made by Stanton Homes regarding the validity of any statements. Please note: all listing information per MLS, and current as of posting date. Information subject to change.
Posted by Penny Hull on Thu, Mar 14, 2013 @ 12:35 PM
Open Kitchen Design
2013 Floor Plans with Open Concept Living
An easy-access, open kitchen design is the most popular approach to 2013 new home floor plans. "Open concept living" is a broadly applied term, but these photos help demonstrate the appeal of popular kitchen designs that incorporate the open floor plan concept.
One of the top design elements of an open kitchen is a window or cut out opening to the family room. Cut out or "window" openings between the Kitchen and Great Room can give an impression of spaciousness, without losing upper cabinet storage space. Here's how it works:
Open Kitchen Design Example #1
This first example, found in a version of Stanton Homes' Almodovar plan, features an arched opening from the kitchen to the vaulted great room.
The kitchen counter continues past the opening, providing additional surface area - perfect for serving drinks or passing appetizers.
A bar height wrap-around serving bar connects the kitchen and breakfast nook.
This open kitchen design maintains an easy flow between all central entertainment rooms of the home.
Click here to watch a photo tour of this custom home.
Open Kitchen Design Example #2
This second example portrays how an open kitchen design incorporates an even wider opening into the family room.
This large window cut-out allows for even more engagement between rooms, with flow-through appeal that welcomes interaction.
The window pass-through in this example also offers an extensive shelf - a perfect place for display or storage as well as a handy way to move articles from room to room without going all the way around.
The kitchen pictured here is taken from a version of the Devonsboro.
Click here to watch a photo tour of this open concept home.
Open Kitchen Design Example #3
This third example portrays an open kitchen design that includes a window to the sun room.
The raised height bar is perfect for serving hot chocolate in the winter and frosted treats in the summer.
In this example - taken from a version of the Treehouse - the window opens up the kitchen so that everyone can take advantage of amazing views in every direction.
Watch a photo tour of the Treehouse - and see more one-of-a-kind designer details the experts at Stanton Homes integrated into every room to further open this floor plan.
Open Kitchen Design Example #4
In this fourth example, the kitchen cut-out spans across the breakfast room, allowing for an angled serving bar.
While many floor plans include an angled island completely open to the family room, this open kitchen is able to include additional upper cabinets.
The corner sink faces the Great Room, so that clean up can be accomplished while still allowing for interaction with the family or a view of a favorite show.
Archways further expand the feeling of sweeping openess throughout this custom home, including a two story barrel vault foyer, arched opening to the formal dining room, and arched hallway to the kitchen.
Watch a photo tour of this home - a version of the Beaufort.
Open Kitchen Design Example #5
This fifth open kitchen design also portrays the way a single design can vary, with an open design kitchen as the focal point. This is another approach to the Beaufort - a top requested open concept living floor plan.
This custom kitchen layout integrates even more upper cabinet storage - something to keep in mind when creating your own open design.
Tons of windows add to the feeling of endless open space between the kitchen, breakfast room, and family room.
Watch a photo tour of this version of the Beaufort - click here.
More Design Trends for 2013 New Homes
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2013 Master Bathroom Trends
Fireplace Designs for 2013 New Homes
What's Trending in 2013 Kitchens and Baths? | NC New Home Design
Hardwood Floor Transitions: Making Open Floor Plans Work
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