9 Drop Zone Photos and Dimensions | NC New Home Builder

Posted by Stanton Homes on Mon, Oct 29, 2018 @ 10:10 AM

Mudroom Drop Zone Ideas

NC Custom Homes with built in Drop Zones

What's a Drop Zone?

A drop off spot for coats, shoes, kids stuff and anything else you want to find quickly.

Get ideas from these nine mudroom drop zones built by Stanton Homes. (Click photos to see more.)

Mudroom Drop Zone Idea #1: Family Storage Center

This drop zone has upper and lower cubbies, coat hooks with letter inlays that spell "family"), and dual closets.

Wainscoting adds formality to this traditional laundry room design, complete with a custom drop zone.

The size of this drop zone is 366x244.

Mudroom Drop Zone Idea #2: Multi-Use Cubby System

An open archway leads from the breakfast room and kitchen to this tucked-in mudroom space.

While many mudrooms are built into the laundry room, this drop zone was integrated in a stand-alone storage space.

Upper cubbies are perfect for hats, gloves, purses and light weight items to grab on the way out. Lower cubbies double as a bench seat.

The size of this drop zone is 366x562.

Mudroom Drop Zone Idea #3: Tucked in small spaces

This drop zone fits into a space that would otherwise be unusable.

But it still has big, bold cubbies and a place to sit or stack things.

The size of this drop zone is 366x549.

Mudroom Drop Zone Idea #4: Closable Bins

This drop zone provides storage space you can close off, with the clean appeal of hinged cover bins.

Closable cubbies like these are especially popular for kids toys.

Coat hooks add even more practicality.

The size of this drop zone is 366x244.

Mudroom Drop Zone Idea #5: Full Wall of Storage

This mudroom, tucked between the garage and kitchen, has a place for everything, with the drop zone as its focal point.

The full wall of custom built in shelving offers open concept storage.

Hooks in the center section are great for coats, purses and keys.

The drop zone's location right across from a sink and cabinets makes this space even more usable.

The size of this drop zone is 366x249.

Mudroom Drop Zone Idea #6: Light it up

This drop zone comes with cubbies, hooks, bench - and a window.

The size of this drop zone is 366x557.

Mudroom Drop Zone Idea #7: Adjacent to the laundry room

This drop zone is packed full of cubbies, so it's easy to see, store and grab on the go.

Designed for traffic flow, it's location right outside the laundry room makes it easy to access.

Cubbies are sized perfectly for colorful buckets or baskets.

The size of this drop zone is 366x256.

Mudroom Drop Zone Idea #8: More Shoe Space

This drop zone doubles up shoe space, with dual layer cubbies designed for footwear.

Hooks can be placed by your custom home builder to add more hanging space, too.

Open storage at the top can double up as a place to put things out of reach of little ones.

The size of this drop zone is 366x552.

Mudroom Drop Zone Idea #9: Keep it simple

This drop zone says "mud room" with focus on transitioning from wet to warm. Hooks for coats and sweaters. Cubbies for boots and shoes. A small ledge at the top can hold keys.

The laundry sink across the way cleans everything up.

The size of this drop zone is 366x244.

More Wake County New Homes | Custom Home Builder NC Options

More 2019 New Home Trends in NC

Big showers in the Master Bath

19 Modern Farmhouse Features for 2019

Practical and Pretty Mudroom Drop Zone Photos and Dimensions

Tags: mudroom drop zone, mudroom storage, drop zone designs, raleigh custom homes, raleigh custom home builder, drop zone photos, drop zone dimensions, chatham county new homes with drop zones

Where Can I find Wrap Around Porch Ideas for Raleigh New Homes?

Posted by Stanton Homes on Sat, Jul 07, 2018 @ 07:07 AM

New Homes with Wrap Around Porches

Raleigh Wrap Around Porch Cost and Design Ideas

Wrap around porches are one of the most sought after new home exteriors in today’s custom home design trends in North Carolina.

Wrap Around Porch Styles

There are many different types of wrap around porches.

Wrap-around porches can be two, three, or four sided to wrap partially or wholly around the house.

Wrap-around porches can also be broken into multiple sections by adding several access points from alcoves in the home.

How much does a wrap around porch cost when building a new home in Raleigh?

New custom home wrap around porch build cost is based on:

- Total square footage of porch space

- Type of porch surface (choices include concrete, wood, brick, slate, tile, and more)

- Type of railings

- Type of support pillars (Hand built Craftsman stone columns are the most expensive, basic 4x4 support post are least expensive, with a wide range of options between)

- Type of roof (standing seam metal, rounded, copper, dimensional shingles)

- Height from the ground

Expect your wrap around porch to start at around $10K or more, depending on these factors as well as requirements specific to your homesite. Your builder should be able to tell you the precise cost for the wrap around porch that you would like, on the floor plan you have chosen, at your location.

The Low Country Farmhouse is one of the most popular floor plans. It has an open layout, with well designed living space on the interior. But the most highly regarded feature is its expansive front porch, which can be wrapped around the side.

Here’s another version of the plan:

How to choose a wrap around porch style in Raleigh North Carolina

Before choosing your porch plan, take into consideration:

- The amount of space around your new home, which can determine how large the porch can be

- Does the architectural style you have chosen lend itself to a wrap around porch?

- Covered porches can be one of the most expensive elements in a custom home. How much do you want it to wrap?

- What type of flooring, hand railing, columns, balusters, or posts are appropriate, given the style of the home?

Some custom homes are centered on wrap around porches to the extent that there’s almost as room on the porch as there is inside the home, like the McCoy:

This wrap around porch floor plan was built in the middle of town, so that the home buyers could feel involved with everything happening around them, with a wide expanse of space for outdoor entertainment all day long.

Raleigh Wrap Around Porch Benefits

Home buyers seeking wrap around porches like outdoor living space because they like to:

- People watch

- Enjoy nature

- Have ample room delegated to rocking chairs or porch swings

- Elicit welcoming curb appeal

- Express the warmth of modern country farmhouse style

The Daniel is another wonderful example of a wrap around porch modern country farmhouse style:

This luxury custom home focuses on the wrap around porch as the focal point of the design.

Other Important Considerations for Raleigh Wrap Around Porches:

Talk with the builder about your lifestyle, and other elements you may want to have built in as your new home is constructed, including:

- Electrical outlets
- Overhead lighting and fans
- Screening
- Door access into the home from multiple locations
- Pass through bars for food and other items
- Steps into the property from various locations
- Upper wrap around porches for the second level of the home

The Gershwin’s wrap around porch features custom designed rails that add some pop to the traditional columns:

Talk to your Raleigh home builder about what it will take to bring home your new wrap around porch.

New Home Trends from Raleigh Custom Home Builder Stanton Homes

What's the best ceiling height for a great room? [Photos and Dimensions]

Multigenerational New Homes Raleigh [with floor plans]

Main Floor Master Plans for Raleigh Craftsman Homes

Best mudroom designs, sizes, and layouts [Mudroom Drop Zone Photos]

No tub for the bath? [Master bath floor plans with no tub]

7 Corner Pantry Ideas [with Floor Plans] for Chapel Hill New Homes

9 House Plans with Flex Space [With Floor Plan Layouts]

11 Window Styles for New Homes [Window Style Guide Photos]

Stanton Homes builds new custom homes throughout the Triangle area of North Carolina – tell us your favorite floor plan, and we’ll walk you through you next steps to build your custom home.

Tags: wrap around porches, raleigh custom homes, raleigh home builder, Front Porch Styles, types of porches, wrap around porch cost

7 Top Plant Shelf Ideas | How to Build an Awesome Plant Shelf

Posted by Penny Hull on Tue, May 16, 2017 @ 13:05 PM

Photos of Plant Shelves in New Homes

Plant Shelf Ideas for the Foyer, Master Bathroom, and Kitchen

Looking for home plans with built-in plant shelves? What are the most common locations for inserting a plant shelf?

Plant Shelf Design Idea #1: In the Foyer (above the front door)

See "below" and "above" views of this foyer plant shelf design:

Foyer plant shelves work well in home plans with a two story foyer and tucked-in front porch or portico. (See more examples of foyer plant shelves in the Carwile, Cove, and Maple Lane new home photo galleries - and a more contemporary plant shelf here, in the New River House.)

Plant Shelf Design Idea #2: In a Mud Room (Above a Drop Zone)

See the piece of trim added above the garage and pocket office doors? A custom plant shelf runs along two walls of this hallway style drop zone:

See more photos of this home, a version of the Mitchells Farmhouse.

Plant Shelf Design Idea #3: Above a Fireplace Bump-Out

The asymmetrical fireplace design leaves space for a plant shelf above the side-by-side built ins:

See more photos of this home, a version of the Treehouse.

Plant Shelf Design Idea #4: Above Built In Bookcases

The vaulted ceiling in this great room leaves ample space to add plant shelf space above the built in bookcases:

See more photos of this home, a version of the Lake House.

Plant Shelf Design Idea #5: In the Master Bath

This master bathroom layout with separate vanities and a centerpiece tub leaves room for twin plant shelves above the shower and toilet room:

See more photos of this home, a version of the Remington.

Plant Shelf Design Idea #6: Above the Master Bedroom Entrance

These Master Bedroom entrances were bumped out for a more impressive passage, and include a plant shelf above the entrance.

5 More Plant Shelf Idea Photos - Here:

Looking for New Home Builders in Raleigh NC?

Tags: raleigh custom homes, raleigh new homes, plant shelf, plant shelf ideas, new homes plans

Awesome Dog Showers, Cat Rooms, and Pet Features | New Homes

Posted by Penny Hull on Fri, Apr 14, 2017 @ 09:04 AM

Dog Showers, Cat Rooms, and Private Pet Doors

Homes with Built In Pet Spaces

These Raleigh custom homes include all kinds of pet rooms and amenities. From dog doors and showers to cat rooms with play walls, check out photos of new homes with pet room designs.

Pet Room Idea #1: Dog House Under the Stairs, Dog Shower by the Washer

Looking for efficient ways to build in pet areas? We turned this "unused" space under the staircase into a large dog house and tile dog shower.

Inside this Dog Room:

- The black walls along half the room are done in chalkboard paint, for a combined pet / kid play area that keeps the dirt contained!

- The shower floor includes custom "puppy paw prints" in circular black tiles

- The shower head includes two built-in height adjustments, for hands-free baths for large and small pets

Pet Room Idea #2: Raised Height Dog Shower

For small breed dogs - and smaller pets - check out this raised height dog shower.

Inside this Dog Room:

- The tall platform helps you bathe pets while standing - no more bending over muddy dogs with a garden hose!

- The dog room has a dedicated glass French door that leads directly to the backyard deck, for a no mess transition from outdoor play time

Pet Room Idea #3: Mud Room with Dog Door

This mud room includes a doggie door, so your pets can come and go as they please.

Inside this Mud Room:

- The mud room also has a door separating it from the rest of the house, so dogs can enter your home without full access to kitchen and living area

- The tile floor makes it easy to clean up messes - and will help dogs stay cool

Pet Room Idea #4: Cat Room

Yes - this is a custom room just for cats! The floating wall shelves are designed for cats to play during the day.

Inside this Cat Room:

- The built-in desk and shelves will let you convert this cat room into a private, pocket office if desired in the future - making a dual use of the unique space

- The engineered flooring makes an easy clean-up area for any kitty litter spills

Pet Room Idea #5: Pet Ramp

While we usually include ramps in wheelchair accessible homes, this home design is made for animal access to the pet room.

Pet Room Idea #6: Pet Access Door

Here's another pet ramp design, that gives animals direct access to the home, without needing to open the side or garage doors for them.

Looking for New Home Builders in Raleigh NC?

Tags: dog shower, pet rooms, homes with pet spaces, raleigh custom homes, mudroom with dog shower

9 Unique Kitchen Trends for 2017 | White Shaker Cabinets

Posted by Penny Hull on Tue, Mar 21, 2017 @ 11:03 AM

Top Trends You'll Find in 2017 New Home Kitchens:

Kitchens will continue to be gathering places in 2017 new home designs. Here are home builder predictions for the most popular kitchen trends in 2017.

(Click on any photo below to see a gallery of the entire custom Stanton Home.)

Kitchen Trends for 2017 #1: Shaker Style White cabinets

White cabinets are have been a top request in kitchens for the past few years. However, you're going to find more kitchens with clean, crisp Shaker style cabinets.

What do shaker kitchen cabinets look like? The term "shaker" refers to the cabinet door style. A shaker style cabinet door uses a five-piece design, with a recessed center panel.

This Chapel Hill custom home kitchen uses two styles of drawer fronts with the shaker cabinets: slab and shaker. The "slab" drawers in this photo are white and the "shaker" drawers are stained wood.

Kitchen Trends for 2017 #2: Islands with Seating

Oversized islands are huge in Raleigh new homes. The more seating, the better, for many floor plan designs.

Seating at the island connects the kitchen and great room spaces, like the seating overhang in this Chapel Hill custom home kitchen:

Kitchen Trends for 2017 #3: Windows Above the Sink

New home floor plans are integrating more natural light into the kitchen, with windows above teh sink as a key area where more light comes in handy.

This one story custom home, a version of the Dahlberg floor plan, uses two large picture windows above the corner sink:

Windows aren't always placed above the sink, though. When the sink is in the island, kitchen layouts can add windows on the perimeter walls, like this design with windows on each side of the range cooktop, These windows are designed to give 360 degree views of the Raleigh river front homesite.

Kitchen Trends for 2017 #4: Debates over Columns or No Columns in the Kitchen

Columns in the kitchen are a debated trend in our home building experience. Some love the fully open kitchen concept, with no barriers between the island and great room; others want the columns as a decorative touch (or for framing things like a raised eating bar).

Here are two photos of the same kitchen, built from the Low Country Farmhouse floor plan. The first version has no columns; the second has columns in the kitchen:

Which is your favorite, the columns or no columns in the kitchen?

Kitchen Trends for 2017 #5: Two Islands in the Kitchen

As kitchens get bigger, they tend to include a second island between the kitchen and great room.

In this home, a version of the Statesman, the second island is framed with columns and three archways:

Here's another way to add a second island. In this home, the second island is table height, designed as an eat-in space with seating on all sides:

Kitchen Trends for 2017 #6: Oversized Islands in the Kitchen

When we say islands are getting bigger, we mean it! This island is about 10'x5'!

To give you a scale of how big this island really is:

Our most popular "small laundry rooms" are typically 6'x6' to 6'x9'
A typical mud room with storage can be in the 5'x5' to 5'x7' range
And a mud room that doubles as a laundry room is usually around 7'x10', only two feet longer than this island!

Kitchen Trends for 2017 #7: Prep Sinks in the Island

Prep sinks in the island - and pot fillers above the stove - are both popular kitchen design features we expect to see more of in 2017 new homes.

Here's an example of a prep sink:

And here's what a pasta pot filler faucet looks like:

(See more pot filler photos in our Ideabooks on Houzz, click here.)

Kitchen Trends for 2017 #8: Butler's Pantry in the Kitchen

This tucked-away butler's pantry is located under the stairs, between the kitchen and formal dining room.

Adding a butler's pantry, or closet, under the staircase is a great use of space, adding efficiency to your floor plan!

A butler's pantry usually includes upper and lower cabinets with a counter top area. In most floor plans, the pantry is located in a "secondary" space - somewhere between the kitchen and eating areas - to help spread out entertainment areas during large events. These storage areas are also used as long-term spaces (for holiday platters and less-used large items).

Kitchen Trends for 2017 #9: Beam Ceilings in the Kitchen

While we're used to seeing beam ceilings in the great room and living room, kitchen ceiling beams are quickly growing in popularity. We're certain you'll find more kitchen beams in 2017 Raleigh custom homes:

Let us know what kitchen layouts, designs, and features you like most. We’ll listen to your ideas to design and build a custom new home just for your family.

More 2017 New Home Trends:

Why do main floor master homes cost most?

11 Multigen Homes for 2017 Buyers

Best Gray Paint Colors for 2017 - SW Agreeable Gray

Best Gray Paint Colors for 2017 - SW Knitting Needles

Tags: 2017 kitchen trends, white shaker kitchen cabinets, butlers pantries, raleigh custom homes

Jack and Jill Bathroom Design Ideas with Floor Plan Photos

Posted by Penny Hull on Wed, Mar 15, 2017 @ 10:03 AM

New Homes with Jack and Jill Baths

Sample Floor Plans with a Jack and Jill bathroom

A "Jack and Jill" bathroom has two entrances, with direct access from two bedrooms. Both bathroom doors usually lock on both sides of the door to maintain privacy.

Here's an image of this Jack and Jill bath floor plan, to give you a better sense of the unique layout designed for a shared kid's bath:

A "Buddy Bath" is similar to a Jack and Jill bath. A buddy bath also has two entrances, but one is usually located in a central hallway:

Benefits of a Jack and Jill bathroom setup:

- Private access to a bathroom without having to enter a hallway/public space

- Cost-saving alternative to a completely private bathroom attached to individual bedrooms

Drawbacks of a Jack and Jill bathroom setup:

- Having two doors with dual locks means you have to remember to lock and unlock BOTH doors each time you use the bathroom

- A Jack and Jill bath isn't always accessible from the hallway (just from the bedrooms) which can be a drawback for guests staying in another room, unless there's another full bath available.

Jack and Jill Bath Photos: Design Ideas for Jack & Jill Layouts

Jack and Jill Bath Design Idea #1: Most Jack and Jill baths will include two sinks, as they are designed as shared spaces. This bath layout is very efficient, saving space with two sinks and set of drawers (in addition to the under sink storage).

Here's an image of this Jack and Jill bath floor plan, from a version of The Hopkins by Frank Betz:

Jack and Jill Bath Design Idea #2: Depending on the length (and number) of countertops, Jack and Jill baths can often include a separate storage closet or cabinets. Here's an example of a built in linen closet in the bath:

Here's an image of this Jack and Jill bath floor plan, from a version of The Summerlyn by Frank Betz:

Other Secondary Bathroom Set Up Ideas

Some floor plans include a Jack and Jill bath or buddy bath with two rooms, separated by an interior door.

The exterior room contains the bathroom sink and storage (closet or shelving), and the interior room contains the toilet, tub, and/or shower.
The interior room may contain a second sink with vanity/storage.

Buddy Bath Design Idea #1:

Here's an image of this Buddy bath floor plan, to give you a better sense of the two separate spaces:

With this type of bathroom design, two people can use the same bathroom for separate functions at the same time - perfect for kids sharing a bathroom in the mornings before school!

Buddy Bath Design Idea #2: Single sink, long vanity

A single sink can make the most sense inside a single-room buddy bath.

Here's an image of this Buddy bath floor plan, to give you a better sense of the door locations:

More House Plans with a Jack and Jill bath

Floor plans for popular Jack and Jill bath and buddy bath designs. Click the floor plan images to see photos inside each of these Raleigh custom homes built by Stanton Homes:

- The Kelley: Jack and Jill bath with dual entrance to the first vanity room, and secondary interior door to the toilet/bath/shower.

- The Dugan: Buddy bath with a popular layout for a guest suite or multigenerational house plan

Looking for New Home Builders in Raleigh NC?

Tags: Jack and Jill bathrooms, House Plans with a Jack and Jill bath, new home bathroom styles, raleigh custom homes, buddy bath design ideas, jack and jill bath design ideas

Walk In Pantry Ideas | 2017 New Home Trends

Posted by Penny Hull on Thu, Jan 05, 2017 @ 15:01 PM

2017 New Home Trends - Walk In Pantry Ideas

It's important to have enough storage in the kitchen. Below are photos of walk in, oversized, and multi-location kitchen pantries.

Walk In Pantry Kitchen Design Idea #1 - Hallway

Take advantage of an available hallway, and add an extended depth, extra wide pantry.

The pantry is within easy reach of the ktichen. There are actually three pantry-style storage areas:

Behind door pictured
Through the hallway to the laundry room (see the built in shelves past the wall oven?)
In the form of a butler's pantry (located in the hallway to the formal dining room)
Click here for more photos from this home

Walk In Pantry Kitchen Design Idea #2 - U Shaped Walk in Pantry

This floor plan includes an oversized walk in pantry tucked between the kitchen and laundry walls.

Inside, there's wrap around shelving with plenty of storage space for the kitchen.

Get a sense of the pantry size, in the floor plan view:

The hidden pantry doesn't detract from the open "L" shaped eating bar/island.

Click here for photos of The Mastrosimone .
The Coventry offers a very similar pantry style, in a slightly smaller home (2807 sq ft, Main Floor Master).

Walk In Pantry Kitchen Design Idea #3 - Hidden Room

The "hidden" walk in pantry is located between the garage and dining room.

The pantry door blends with the arched opening to the dining room.

Click here to see more photos of the Linda .

Walk In Pantry Design Idea #4 - Under the Stairs

An "under the stairs" location can allow the architect to really maximize the pantry space - in some cases creating a walk in pantry that's six to eight feet deep.

This staircase, behind the kitchen, wraps around above the pantry:

See more photos of the Country Manor here.

Walk In Pantry Idea #5 - Convert the Laundry Room

For this home, a standard pantry just wouldn't do.

The Laundry Room was originally next to the Kitchen. We designed a "Home Hub", moved the appliances there, and converted the entire former Laundry Room into a huge walk in pantry.

And here's the "home hub":

This gorgeous kitchen is ready for anything - with a pantry that can handle it all.

Click here to see more photos of the Carwile floor plan.

Can't find a walk in pantry plan you like? Let us know, and we’ll email you more ideas, gathered from tens of thousands of plans to match your specifications. You can also work with our design team to create a brand new plan with everything just the way you want it. Request more floor plan ideas here.

More 2017 new home trends:

Shaker Style Kitchen Cabinets - Popular Styles for 2017

Color Trends for 2017 - with Options other than Gray

Best Main Floor Master House Plans for 2017 New Homes

New Custom Homes in the Raleigh Area - and throughout central North Carolina

New Homes Raleigh NC - New Home Raleigh - Raleigh NC New Homes - New Home Raleigh NC Stanton Homes makes building your new custom home easy! We'll guide you through the entire process - select from thousands of different floor plans, and hundreds of different locations. Your custom home is going to be extraordinary when you create it with one of the nation’s top fully involved builders and the high quality materials and craftsmanship that our reputation is built on.

Call 919-278-8070 to find out more about new homes in the Raleigh area today.

Tags: walk in pantry ideas, walk in pantry ideas 2017, raleigh custom homes, 2017 new home trends, Raleigh Custom Home Builders

Kitchen Sink Sizes | Single or Double Bowl?

Posted by Penny Hull on Thu, Jan 05, 2017 @ 13:01 PM

Best Sizes for a Kitchen Sink - How to Choose Between One or Two Bowls

Get up to speed on the debate over one versus two bowl kitchen sinks - with a few of the most common "pros and cons" of each style.

Single Bowl Sinks

Single bowl sinks are perfect for those who love to cook with large pots, pans, and baking sheets - which require deeper and wider sink spaces.

The three most popular colors/finishes for kitchen sinks are black, white, and stainless steel.

In this version of The Avonstone Manor, an under mount black one bowl sink contrasts with the white, black, and grey granite counters.

While single bowl sinks come in a wide range of shape and sizes, many are designed to fit in a 36 inch base cabinet.

Kitchen Sink Sizes | Single or Double Bowl?

Apron front (farmhouse) sinks, like the one pictured here, are usually designed as a single bowl sink. (See photos of a white apron front farmhouse sink here.)

Double Bowl Sinks:

For many home buyers, the allure of a double bowl sink boils down to one primary design functionality: Each bowl can be dedicated to serve a different purpose.

One bowl can hold dirty dishes, while the other can remain open for use. Typically, dual bowl sinks come in ratios of 50-50, 60-40, or 70-30.

Kitchen Sink Sizes | Single or Double Bowl?

When working with two bowl sinks, one bowl (usually the smaller one) can include a garbage disposal. This helps keep small items separate (and away from the disposal). A disposal may not be available if your home includes a septic system - a very common occurance in North Carolina.

And one bowl can hold fragile items - such as delicate wine glasses - while the other holds sturdier dishes.

You can fit a dish drying rack into one bowl, and keep the other clear.

More 2017 new home trends:

Shaker Style Kitchen Cabinets - Popular Styles for 2017

Color Trends for 2017 - with Options other than Gray

Best Main Floor Master House Plans for 2017 New Homes

New Custom Homes in the Raleigh Area - and throughout central North Carolina

Call 919-278-8070 to find out more about new homes in the Raleigh area today.

Tags: kitchen sink, one bowl sink, two bowl sink, kitchen design trends, raleigh custom homes

12 Craftsman House Plans | Craftsman Exterior Colors

Posted by Penny Hull on Thu, Nov 10, 2016 @ 11:11 AM

Craftsman House Plans for Raleigh NC Custom Homes

Craftsman homes continue to be one of the most popular design requests for Raleigh NC custom homes. Classic and contemporary craftsman homes have similar design features, such as:

Architecture that emphasizes simple lines, but with detailed accents

Stone accents, especially on front porches

Decorative cross hatches on eaves

Square or horizontal rectangular windows

12 Ideas for a Craftsman exterior:

From traditional designs to exteriors with contemporary modifications, these Raleigh NC custom homes will give you exterior paint color ideas:

Exterior Style #1: English Country Craftsman Exterior Paint Colors

Exterior Style #2: Two Story Craftsman House Plans

This craftsman home includes tons of windows to take advantage of the wooded, acreage lot views.

Craftsman ideas include: beams in the cross hatches, metal roof accents, stone accents, craftsman style wood and stone porch column, and white trim details.

Exterior Style #3: Country Craftsman Estate

Although craftsman home exterior colors have historically emphasized complementary earth tones (you'll see several examples below), many contemporary Raleigh custom homes are starting to incorporate brighter and bolder exterior paint colors.

This version of The Horse Country Estate blends natural earth-colored stone accents with brown garage doors and trim, alongside earthy orange/brown tone siding.

Exterior Style #4: Urban Craftsman

Craftsman exteriors often incorporate natural materials, including stone siding and exposed wood details.

Historically, rafter tails were literally rafters that extended past the roof for structural support. Today, rafter tails are often added as decorative pieces designed to increase curb appeal by "exposing" more of the home structure.

Below is an example of a subtle use of exposed rafter tails (added to accentuate the front porch roofline):

Exterior Style #5: Traditional Craftsman

Complementary vertical and horizontal lines -- particularly in the roof peaks -- are common craftsman touches found in traditional exteriors.

Exterior Style #6: Craftsman Ranch

This ranch style (single level) craftsman home features a blend of earthy tones that reflect shades akin to fields and forests.

Exterior Style #7: Contemporary Mountain Craftsman

Check out the windows on this contemporary craftsman exterior. Square windows are more common on craftsman homes, as well as linear rectangle windows (like the ones located above the garage).

Note how wide and short -- rather than thin and tall -- several of these windows are:

Exterior Style #8: Contemporary Craftsman

White and grey exteriors are popular contemporary color combinations. This home is equal parts urban contemporary and craftsman.

While round columns replace square tapered columns, stone bases blend in a touch of traditional craftsmanship.

Take a look inside this home to see more craftsman details in the floor plan layout, staircase design, and efficient use of space.

Exterior Style #9: Country Craftsman

Tapered square wood columns paired with stone bases are a staple for many traditional craftsman home exteriors.

Deep eaves are another common arts and crafts touch.

Exterior Style #10: Cottage Craftsman

As a bungalow style home, this exterior emphasizes a contrast between dark brown finishes and neutral green siding. Stone column bases and steps lighten up the front porch.

A low pitch roof stands out as a common craftsman exterior design.

Exterior Style #11: French Country Craftsman

Dark red, a bold choice for a craftsman home, follows the French design of this craftsman home.

Another traditional French country home design addition is the non-symmetrical front with a single curved roofline accent.

Exterior Style #12: Hillside Craftsman

This Raleigh custom home highlights the craftsman trend of incorporating windows arranged in groups, often with a simple geometrical design.

More Info On Craftsman Style Homes and Floor Plans:

- What is an Arts and Crafts home?

- Where to find Craftsman house plans

- 10 Popular Craftsman floor plans

Raleigh, North Carolina Craftsman Homes:

When building a custom home in North Carolina, you can choose which craftsman details you love, and which to leave out. For instance, craftsman floor plan elements include:

Limited hallways in the floor plan

1x4, 1x6, and 1x8 interior trim treatments

Built-in storage including bookshelves, cabinets, or niches

Staircases with (wood) square balusters and newell posts

What do you love about these popular home exterior styles, and what would you change? Tell us about your new home ideas -- click here to get started on building your new home.

Tags: Craftsman House Plans, Home Builders North Carolina, craftsman style homes, craftsman floor plans, craftsman home builders, raleigh custom homes

Which Master Bath is Best for Me? | Raleigh Custom Homes

Posted by Penny Hull on Wed, Sep 21, 2016 @ 10:09 AM

Master Bathroom Photos: Barrel vaults, white columns, separate vanities, tile tub surround, his and her shower

You're guaranteed to spend a significant amount of time in your master bathroom. What features, layout options, and finishes are most important in keeping your morning and evening routines on track?