Top 10 ways to design a custom home worthy of the Wake Parade of Homes
Raleigh Custom Home Builder Tips
It takes something extra to design and build a "Parade Worthy" custom home. Here are our top 10 ways to design a custom home worthy of the Wake Parade of Homes - use this new home design guide to think about you might want to include, before you build your new Raleigh custom home.
(We've included links to additional photo galleries by topic - to give you even more design inspiration and help you find exactly what you're looking for.)
1. Curb appeal
What gives a home curb appeal?
From unique roof lines to complementary siding types to wrap around front porches with stone columns and multi-level entrances - the curb appeal of custom homes start with design techniques that make a statement.
Click here for photos and detailed descriptions of new home exterior styles.

2. Main floor master bedroom
Main floor master bedrooms provide unique possibilities to expand your private retreat.
Some of Stanton Homes' most requested main floor master design features include:
- Private French Door access to deck or patio
- Angled sitting rooms (Click here to see a full-size, master bedroom sitting room in a version of the Mastrosimone)
- Vaulted or raised height ceilings (in addition to a specialty trey design)
- Private, see through fireplace (click here to see photos of see-through fireplaces in a version of the Summerlyn)
3. Closets with organization
Parade-worthy custom home closets can feature:
- Dresser style cabinetry with mirror above
- Island cabinetry (including custom designed for wheelchair accessibility)
- Built-in ironing board
- Wrap around shelving and rods
- Shoe racks
- Hardwood flooring
- Natural light
See more master bedroom closet photos on Houzz - and get more ideas for built-in closet cabinets.
4. Master Bath Retreat
- Arched alcove soaking tub with built-in nooks and shelving
- His and hers style vanities with granite counter tops
- Oversized tile showers with built-in seat, dual shower heads
Click here for more master bathroom design photos.
5. Windows that capture your world
From grand great rooms with window walls to natural lighting in special spaces throughout the home, the windows in Parade homes can be both dramatic and functional.
See a photo tour of this window-filled mountain home plan, the Treehouse.
6. Game room getaway
Game rooms can be incorporated upstairs or in a basement, depending on your entertainment plans.
A game room getaway can include:
- Step-up seating area
- Wet bar
- Open railing
- Lots of space for activities
- Designated wide-screen TV wall
7. Fireplace focal points
From massive stone fireplaces in the great room to see-through fireplaces in the master suite, popular floor plan designs often feature fireplaces as the focal point of the home.
Fireplaces in Wake County Parade homes can be found in unique places, with an emphasis on dramatic design.
8. Outdoor living focus
New Raleigh custom homes with an outdoor living focus can feature:
- Built-in fire pit
- Outdoor kitchen
- Multi-level deck, porch, and patio combinations
- Second story private deck
In this version of the Bryson, the master bedroom and breakfast nook were bumped out to create a private patio area.
The Bryson will be featured in the 2013 Parade of Homes in Apex, Wake County, NC.
9. Something really special
One of the best things about custom homes is the ability to incorporate a room or space that's special and unique.
In one version of the Bryson, the homeowners included a doggie area in laundry with a built-in doghouse and dog shower.
Pictured here is a version of the Summerlyn with specialty sun room. The homeowners added a column design as a special touch.
10. Island kitchen with seating
Everyday gatherings often center on the kitchen as the focal room of the home.
Kitchens with islands offer lots of space to spread out, offer extra seating, and accommodate a sous chef.
Click here to see the floor plan of Stanton Homes's 2013 Parade of Homes entry: Wake County Parade of Homes 2013 - Stanton Homes
See photo galleries of custom design build homes by Stanton Homes, to get more Parade worthy ideas for you new Raleigh custom home:
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