How to Build a Custom Home

How involved do you want to be, when it comes to all the details in your new home?

No matter how much or how little you'd like to do, your builder and his team should be able to accommodate that. (It's something to find out, before you sign a contract.)

Got a good idea of what you want in your new home?

Ask how much time you can spend looking around at extensive showrooms, choosing every faucet, type of stone and slab of granite - with the level of input you'd prefer from a design expert.

The Penelope is an example of a custom home Stanton Homes designed and built with an NC family who had a huge hand in everything from concept to amenities. They wanted to make all their own choices - and appreciated the enormous array of flexibility and nearly endless selections that accomodated the level of involvement they wanted to have.

Have no idea how to make everything come together for your new custom home?

Top builders will give you as much counsel as you'd like, with the help of an interior designer who will be at your side throughout the entire process. Your personal designer can even put together an entire new home for you, with custom expertise that reflects your requirements and personality. Ask a lot of questions about how this works when you talk to the builder, so you can be sure you'll get as much time with a designer as you need to make great choices (or help her make them for you.)

The Bryson is a home plan designed and built by the Stanton Homes design team for a couple who didn't want to have to spend a lot of time making choices. They simply said "create something special for us" and sat back and watched it all come together. 

Stanton Homes based their fully custom floor plan on the couple's lifestyles and made interior and exterior design selections for them, based on things that got them excited.

Having the level of control that you need to create your new home is one of the best reasons to build a custom home.

Our ability to offer you that kind of choice is another one of the top ten reasons homebuyers trust Stanton Homes.

Get started here, and tell us what you’d like to create together.

More designs and trends for Raleigh new homes:

17 Favorite Master Bath Tub Surrounds | 2014 Bath Design Ideas

Master shower tile designs - with floor plan images

Bathroom Tile Trends - Custom Mosaic Tile Designs

Tub Surround Tile Ideas - Photos and Tips

Custom Home Master Bath Design Ideas

Master bath designs without a tub

Best Liked Floor Plans in 2014

The hottest floor plans in 2014 reflect today's more interactive lifestyles.

Take a look at our 10 most popular floor plans for NC new homes and see all the ways these designs open up opportunities to mingle and relax. 

Flexible spaces and the open feel of free-flowing kitchens, breakfast nooks, and family rooms will inspire you whether you're looking for a:

- ranch and one story home

- accessible and aging in place layout

- extended guest and mother in law suite addition

- open concept arrangement

- a blend of architectural styles 

- something simple

- complex compositions

Floor plan #1: The Dugan

Sq Ft: 3,184

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 3.5

Floor plan style: Main floor master, accessible, mother in law suite, American Disability Act (ADA)

Why this plan is popular: The Dugan, a Stanton Homes original design/build is a fully wheelchair accessible home complete with an elevator and second story mother in law suite. But it's beautiful curb appeal, with varied levels and contrasting features has also inspired fresh versions that are more traditional.

The first floor is an open concept design with a large island kitchen, island master suite closet, vaulted great room, and outdoor living. The second floor can be a totally separate apartment or a myriad of different layouts.

Floor plan #2: The Hallsville

Sq Ft: 6,847

Bedrooms: 5

Bathrooms: 5.5

Floor plan style: Two story, two master bedroom, European country

Why this plan is popular: The Hallsville, an Alan Mascord floor plan, is European country home designed to feel like a casual estate.

This home offers two master suites - one on the main level and one on the upper level. The second floor master features a bay sitting room, walk-in shower, and dressing closet with a built-in two-sided dresser. The first floor master is designed as a guest suite.

This home offers three dining areas: a sun-filled breakfast nook, a formal dining room, and a circle-shape snack bar island. The outdoor patio features a built-in outdoor kitchen and barbecue area.

Storage spaces are built in every direction, with a large mudroom with storage cubbies, closets, and a clean-up sink. The basement level features a wine cellar.

Floor plan #3: The Greenhaven

Sq Ft: 3,716

Bedrooms: 5

Bathrooms: 3.5

Floor plan style: Three story, mother in law suite

Why this plan is popular: The Greenhaven, a custom design/build home by Stanton Homes, offers over 3500 sq ft of comfortable living space.

The mother in law suite has a private first floor entrance with optional ramp. On the second floor, the master bedroom features a sitting room, his and hers style bathroom, and oversized walk in closet.

An office, located on the third floor, is tailored to the needs of a work-at-home professional with built-in bookcases and designated desk space.   Additional third floor space is available if desired.

Floor plan #4: The Pasadena

Sq Ft: 1,608

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2

Floor plan style: One story, craftsman, ranch, compact, arts and crafts

Why this plan is popular: The Pasadena, an Alan Mascord floor plan, combines traditional beauty with simplicity of design. This craftsman home design emphasizes artistic components of the 19th century England Arts and Crafts movement - such as the use of natural materials - throughout.

The open concept kitchen is equipped with a island, walk-in pantry, and built-in recycle center. The dining room opens out to the covered patio, perfect for spring and summer gatherings. The third bedroom can be converted into a home office.

This home is perfect for home owners looking to downsize or maintain easy living space.

Floor plan #5: The Paige

Sq Ft: 2,185

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2.5

Floor plan style: One story, basement, accessible, American Disability Act (ADA)

Why this plan is popular: This home, a custom design/build by Stanton Homes, was created to specific accessible needs: first floor living, zero threshold shower, wider hallways, universal design kitchen, easy access driveway. 

The Paige is functional and beautiful, with arched openings, built-ins, and custom touches throughout, and can be built as a traditional home as well as accessible.

Floor plan #6: The Renville

Sq Ft: 2,367

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2.5

Floor plan style: One story, Cape Cod, country

Why this plan is popular: This floor plan design by Alan Mascord is extremely welcoming, with a classic country style covered front porch that is designed for outdoor living. 

Built-in niche, bookcase, media center, desk, and butler's pantry punctuate this home with efficiency. The foyer, dining room, kitchen, nook and great room all emphasize open, comfrotable living. The master suite opens through double doors. The master bath is private and luxurious with a spa tub. The three-car garage connects to the home at the laundry room / mudroom.

Floor plan #7: The Cainsville

Sq Ft: 3,390

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 4.5

Floor plan style: Ranch, traditional, craftsman, one story

Why this plan is popular: The Cainsville seamlessly blends craftsman touches and traditional design features to create an estate-sized home that borrows elements from Norman, Mediterranean and English architecture.

The recessed entrance is framed between a stone chimney stack arched window. The vaulted great room joins with the nook and island kitchen to form an open gathering space. A formal dining room and study with built-ins offer distinct home spaces.

If your lifestyle emphasizes outdoor living, this plan will be enticing with the master suite as well as secondary bedrooms lining the rear wall with patio access. Each bedroom has its own bath, too. The large mudroom leads to the three-car garage.

Floor plan #8: The Devonshire

Sq Ft: 1,828

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2

Floor plan style: One story, traditional, ranch, stucco

Why this plan is popular: This Frank Betz design offers a classic one story layout with an optional bonus room above.

The foyer leads to a formal dining room and vaulted family room. The kitchen features an angled peninsula with bar, open to the breakfast room and family room. The master suite and secondary bedrooms are located on opposite sides of the home.  A screen porch or deck can be added to the rear of the home.

Floor plan #9: The Glen Abbey

Sq Ft: 3,515

Bedrooms: 5

Bathrooms: 4.5

Floor plan style: All brick, one story with optional second floor, 3 car garage, courtyard

Why this plan is popular: From inside and out, the Glen Abbey captures attention. The column, vaulted entry porch leads to the arched front door. Vaulted ceilings open up rooms throughout this Frank Betz home plan. Two fireplaces warm up the inside, one in the keeping room and one in the grand room.

A courtyard style rear deck is outlined by an angled breakfast room and master suite sitting room. A guest suite welcomes extended stays.

Floor plan #10: The Hayfield

Sq Ft: 3,155

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 3.5

Floor plan style: Farmhouse, craftsman, two story, unfinished basement, two master bedroom

Why this plan is popular: In line with classic farmhouse design, this Alan Mascord plan features a wrapping front porch and deck. The great room, private den, island kitchen and dining area are designed for traffic flow. An elevator offers accessibility and convenience.

There is a master bedroom on the first and second floor. A large laundry room acts as a mudroom and storage center between the garage and kitchen.

Want to see more?

Browse Floor Plans

How to find the right floor plan

Contact Stanton Homes for more information

One story floor plans

Two story floor plans

Main floor master plans

Multigenerational floor plans

Luxury floor plans

Dual master floor plans

Accessible floor plans

14 Shower Designs for 2014 Custom Homes

Warm up your winter with a steamy shower, designed just for you.

Start with these 14 custom shower ideas, with some of the freshest new ways to create your own relaxing atmosphere - sumptuous saunas, music and lights, multiple spigots, built-in benches, tucked in cubbies, designer mosaic - a water fest in photos!

A soothing pebble river rock effect leads to this tub for two and custom shower idea. Natural-hue textures reflect the landscape outside, with an interesting tile arrangement from floor to ceiling that completes the framework for this Raleigh custom home builder specially designed retreat.

Pop! Combine shapes, colors and textures to emphasize the extras that make this custom shower idea dramatic. The built in bench and lots of looking room will make you long to linger.

Extra space, wider entry, special grab bars and a built-in bench create comfort in this oversized shower designed for the future, with aging-in-place elements and a feeling of warmth that extends throughout the entire room. Spice up big tiles with soothing tan tones by adding smaller tiles on the shower floor and tie it all together with a trace of trim.  

Tucked-in corner shower 

This tucked-in corner custom shower idea serves as a backdrop to the romance of a stand-alone tub. Step inside for a bit of privacy topped by a bench seat and built in cubbies that add up to a feeling of surprising spaciousness from this Raleigh custom builder.

The consummate master suite bathroom is topped with a ThermaSol Steamshower System, that turns your ordinary shower into a steamroom, for a hot steam sensation that melts your day away.  This version comes with touch access to mood making music and lights, for the ultimate in extras.

Water and walls are just the beginning of your custom shower ideas from Raleigh custom builders. Dual shower heads and luxury spray adjustments can elevate your experience, like how many elements you can control inside this sauna. 

Here's a new angle - looking for lots of space but prefer your privacy? This custom shower idea uses opaque glass to top off the perfect space with a refreshing design and personalization.

Color it up! A soaring ceiling and deep forest palette gives this Raleigh custom builder design an artist's reflection, with an angled custom shower idea as the centerpiece for a theme that says, "relax."

This dramatic compliation lends Southwest appeal, with a custom designed corner shower that's framed in rich color, big, bold tiles, a built-in bench, and a window to the tub tucked in behind the column. Brash slashes of white add drama to this daring setting.

Roll right in to an enormous shower that's a room in itself. This wheelchair accessible custom shower idea is an amazing experience, from designer tile to lots of lighting, beautiful decor and every convenience. 

Load up on convenience! From grab bars to multiple shower heads, tuck-away spaces and easy-to-handle spigots, there's no limit to the customization Raleigh custom builders can create in your shower.

Stretch it out, just for fun, with a high ceiling, huge columns, big bathtub, wide open tile floor and a huge custom shower with dual shower heads. Extensive trim pulls it all together in this classic design with Roman influence.

Create personal space that's just right for you, like this custom shower idea that separates spaces with a vanity in the middle. Add a half wall in the shower with glass over the top and an opaque window over the tub for a sense of privacy that allows for natural light flow.

 This Raleigh custom home builder angled shower design makes the most of smaller spaces, while putting most of the attention on the garden tub at the center of the room. Convenient and practical, this custom shower idea is all about everyday life.

There's a high-end hotel feel to this custom shower idea, with sleek, dark tile accented with a touch of stone. A full glass enclosure gives this open design additional depth.

See how the mood can change, when the same type of tile is surrounded by a big ceiling, light floor and a splash of color? Add a couple of half walls and top it off with a rain shower head and this Raleigh custom builder design has a lot of possibilities.

Surround yourself with comfort, in a shower you can grab onto. From convenience to pleasure, ask your custom Raleigh builder to design a shower just for you, with an atmosphere that will feel refreshing, every time you step inside.

Master Bathroom Ideas for North Carolina Custom Homes

Master shower tile designs - with floor plan images

Bathroom Tile Trends - Custom Mosaic Tile Designs

Tub Surround Tile Ideas - Photos and Tips

Custom Home Master Bath Design Ideas

Types of Tile - Which Types of Tile Are Used Most Often in Master Baths and Kitchens?

Top Color Palettes for 2014

Whether you're integrating a color scheme for your new home, or freshening up the look of a room or two, you'll likely be choosing from one of these four color palettes in 2014.

Sherwin-Williams has just released their Colormix 2014, emphasizing influence from science, nature, pop culture, and global traditions.

The palettes include:

Reasoned - 2014 Color Trends

"Reasoned" is based in black, gray, and white (we are seeing this palette quite a bit during the 2013 Wake County Parade of Homes!).   SW notes influence of "shadows, negative space, and tone-on-tone layering". 

Popular hues in this color trend include:

• SW 0077 Classic French Gray
• SW 6258 Tricorn Black
• SW 7029 Agreeable Gray
• SW 7647 Crushed Ice
• SW 7006 Extra White
• SW 7019 Gauntlet Gray
• SW 7650 Earl Gray
• SW 7674 Peppercorn

Suggested areas for this color scheme are home office, study, library, bedroom, or kitchen.

Diaphanous - 2014 Color Trend

The Diaphanous color palette embodies balance, simplicity, and elegance.  Themes include serenity and escape, with light and elegant colors.  Decorating themes can include silk, chiffon, feathers, natural wood, rose gold, and pale patterns.

• SW 2859 Beige
• SW 6052 Sandbank
• SW 6337 Spun Sugar
• SW 7022 Alpaca
• SW 7566 Westhighland White
• SW 6057 Malted Milk
• SW 6161 Nonchalant White
• SW 7037 Balanced Beige
• SW 7554 Steamed Milk
• SW 7666 Fleur de Sel

This color palette is recommended especially for bedrooms, nurserys, living rooms, and bathrooms. 

More 2014 New Home Design Trends - NC Custom Home Builder Ideas and Tips

11 floor plans that say “Come over for the game!” | Custom Home Tips

Top 10 ways to design a home worthy of the Wake Parade of Homes

Top 5 Kitchen Tile Backsplash Ideas

Top 5 Kitchen Design Trends

Types of Kitchen Backsplashes: Guide to Kitchen Backsplash Styles

Best Kitchen Countertop Ideas 

Top 5 2013 New home storage ideas | Built in storage designs

Best Tile Shower Designs for 2014 | Top Five Custom Home Showers

Best Tile Shower Designs for 2014

Top Five Custom Home Showers

Step into a custom home shower designed for your comfort and pleasure, with a master suite retreat that's pure enjoyment.

Take a look at how to make it happen from the point of view of interior design experts - with these photos of top tile shower designs for 2014.

Multiple angles of each master shower provide full bathroom views, as well as interior shots of shower tile.

Best Tile Shower Designs for 2014: Shower Style #1

An enlarged master shower feels luxurious and spacious enough for two.

The master shower pictured here - taken from a version of the Maple Lane - incorporates a warm color pallete with earth toned tile, gravel colored accents, and brushed nickel fixtures. 

Four tile styles create a soothing blend in this tile shower design: 

Extra long 12'' by 24'' tiles are divided by a listello accent. 

The built-in shower storage is backed in a mini mosaic tile design. 

1'' by 1'' tiles make up the shower floor. 

Click here for more photos of mini mosaic tile shower designs.

Best Tile Shower Designs for 2014: Shower Style #2

Some of the best tile shower designs for 2014 are framed with full glass enclosures - which open up the room and eliminate distracting brushed nickel lines. 

This master shower design with extra wide tiles incorporates several most-requested features: 

 - A brushed nickel grab bar, a top feature in homes designed with Aging in Place in mind.

 - Listello accents at two heights, with the lower listello accent carrying the tile tub design through the shower. 

 - A restful built-in tile bench can be used for sitting, storage, Aging in Place needs, or as a drop off zone. 

A custom tile shower and tub combination, such as the one pictured here, can make a big difference in your master bath.

Best Tile Shower Designs for 2014: Shower Style #3

White tile, especially classic subway tile, will remain popular in 2014 new homes. 

This "All American" farm house style master bathroom features a framed shower with a brushed nickel finish.

The shower door is made of finished glass, so it is frameless when opened.

A white subway tile design is carried throughout the master bath, from tub surround to shower, with clean lines and classic appeal.  

One of the best tile shower designs for 2014, the timeless contrast of white subway tile and white Carrara marble accents in the shower and on the floor coordinates dramatically with dark stained raised panel cabinets. 

Traditional pale blue walls complete the desired vintage look. 

See more photos of this master bathroom, see artist renderings, and get inside information on floor plan design choices.

Best Tile Shower Designs for 2014: Shower Style #4

Some of the best tile shower designs for 2014 will maximize the efficiency of your space, with tucked-in layouts. 

This oversized shower leverages a tucked away location to maximize spaciousness, while maintaining the integrity of a romantic decor. 

Best Tile Shower Designs for 2014: Shower Style #5

 You will also see more creative entrances such as arched openings in the best tile shower designs for 2014 new homes. 

In this master bathroom, a version of the Summerlyn by Frank Betz, the rectangular shower is tucked into an alcove, saving floor space without sacrificing square footage. 

Best tile shower designs for 2014 - more master bathroom tile trends

Tile tub ideas that complement our top five custom home showers

Top five custom home showers - types of framed shower enclosures 

Accessible shower design - for wheelchair accessible homes

2014 Fireplace Ideas and Photos

Fireplace Design Trends

Here are photos and descriptions of our top 5 most popular 2014 fireplace design trends. Find inspiration for your new home - see which fireplace design suites your personality (and your family's needs) best, below.

2014 Fireplace Design Trend #1: Outdoor Living Fireplaces

New home buyers are making outdoor living spaces even more functional - by adding a fireplace.

With an exterior fireplace, homeowners can enjoy a warm and inviting fire during gatherings or quiet evenings.

This see-through fireplace connects the rear courtyard patio to the living room - taken from a version of the Country Manor.

2014 Fireplace Design Trend #2: See-through Fireplaces

2014 new homes will see more see-through fireplace designs, inside and out.

This see-through fireplace connects the sunroom to the two-story family room - taken from a version of the Summerlyn.

2014 Fireplace Design Trend #3: Two-Story Fireplaces

2014 new homes will also take fireplace to the next level, literally.

This impressive two story stone fireplace - visible from every angle, including the two-story overlook - was included in a version of Le Chalet Vert.

Contact us to talk about your floor plan design - and we'll tell you how to incorporate a two-story fireplace.

2014 Fireplace Design Trend #4: Entertainment Center Fireplaces

Fireplaces designed to accommodate an entertainment center will continue to be popular in 2014 new homes.

In this family room, dual sconces and a built in bookcase add elegance and functionality.

2014 Fireplace Design Trend #5: Master Suite Fireplaces

More master suites will include fireplaces in 2014. Who can resist such a cozy atmosphere?

In addition to a fireplace, the master suite pictured here includes several custom  touches:

- Angled sitting room

- Separate his-and-hers closets

- Vaulted ceiling

Watch photo tours of the homes pictured in this article by clicking on the images below:

Let us know the elements that appeal to you. Tell us more about your priorities and the lot and community where you want to build. And we’ll suggest floor plans to consider as a starting point. Click here to contact Stanton Homes or call us at 919-278-8070.