Trends will always be rising and falling in popularity, but certain design shifts have an undeniable influence. The biggest home architecture change of the modern era? We would have to point to the progression towards open floor plans. Beyond being a matter of preference, open concept plans have become the new baseline of family dwellings. For proof, look no further than this article about them on Houzz – at the time it was published over 600,000 photos of open-plan interiors could be found on the site. Obviously, this trend has some legs if it has become so widely admired!

A huge majority of our clients incorporate elements of open-living into their homes. In essence, an open floor plan removes the walls that traditionally separated main level family spaces. Instead of closing off more formal rooms, these homes apply a distinctly holistic mindset to everyday settings. Open floor plans encourage free flowing, casual family time. As a result, a wide range of activity coincides in these multifaceted spaces.

Beyond increased community and interaction, open concepts are remarkably convenient. Parents don’t need to fret about kids getting into trouble in the next room anymore. With everyone gathered together, multitasking things like meal prep and homework monitoring becomes a far more achievable undertaking. The same goes for hosting guests – no one’s removed from the action!

Last but not least, flowing layouts look good. A lack of separation between rooms makes homes feel spacious and bright. Design choices also become more cohesive and harmonious; different areas truly function as pieces of a whole. We love helping our clients create open plans that reflect their unique lifestyles and tastes – peruse some of our favorite finished spaces below!

Building a custom home is all about choices. Instead of settling for a pre-packaged set of finishes, a custom home client has a passion for creating something uniquely their own. Each decision reflects a specific lifestyle. Every furnishing expresses a distinct taste. Savvy observers of rising home trends, we know our clients bring a lot of knowledge to the table! However, it remains our job to stay educated and informed on all things design.

One element of design we feel most strongly about? Color. Often misused and abused (we’ve all seen those homes, right?), when approached with thoughtfulness color can transform any space. In the hands of a skilled designer, color is a secret weapon – it brings places to life! Color influences how we process environments and helps shape our moods. Warm tones make us feel welcomed or stimulated, while cool hues promote relaxation and serenity.

Picking a room’s color scheme may come naturally since it often flows from your home’s overall style. However, we find that people often miss the boat on color’s most useful attribute: providing balance. Bright, bold, and playful pops of color are the icing on the cake – the finishing touch that brings a room together! We can’t help thinking that the experts at Pantone were on the same wavelength when they picked their 2017 color of the year. Their lively shade, greenery, brings a rejuvenating burst of nature indoors!

Our designers often use plants to complete the look of our client’s spaces. They’re the perfect accent to add color, texture, and variety to any interior. Well-placed floral and botanical arrangements especially help to break up more neutral homes. Their striking colors draw your eye and guide it through the room. Browse below at more excellent examples of rooms finished with a bright dose of greenery!

December is here and the holidays have officially arrived! Often marked by memories and merriment, the period from Thanksgiving to New Year’s can also be incredibly stress filled. Schedules are jam-packed with parties. Errands occur on a non-stop loop. Festive treat-baking is an expectation. All of these extra seasonal activities can be meaningful and lovely, but they don’t leave a lot of time for relaxing.

Want to know the perfect holiday refuge? A beautiful master bathroom. Think about it; the bathroom is a private, intimate, often solitary place. You already spend a considerable amount of time there each day, why not build in a little breathing room around the holidays for extra soothing bubbles baths? If baths aren’t your style, maybe your me-time is taking longer showers while enjoying a favorite podcast? Or perhaps you add a simple rotation of stretches to your morning routine? It doesn’t matter what you choose, as long as it helps keep you centered and mindful in the midst of the holiday hustle!

Designing a custom home is all about creating your version of everyday luxury. We cannot think of a better place to define what that means than in one of your home’s most functional spaces. The best part? Whatever a relaxing master suite looks like is completely up to you! There are zero rules in this game, no hidden agenda or dictated requirements. (Unlike that corporate holiday party that you’re dreading having to attend.) From soaking tubs to rain showers, our clients tastes truly run the gamut. Feast your eyes on some of our favorite swoon-worthy master baths below!

Interior design trends are certainly a reflection of their time. From shag carpets to wood paneling, pastel appliances to subway tile, each era’s major style touchstones are products of that culture. When it comes to modern interior design trends, there’s no doubt that the kitchen is the current epicenter. Why the kitchen? One only needs to look at the rise of chef influenced pop-culture for the answer. Food Network, cooking blogs, magazines, and Pinterest are all thriving hives of culinary inspiration!

It’s no wonder then that chef-worthy upgrades are popping up in more and more home kitchens. Today’s serious home chef is no culinary novice. It makes perfect sense that they crave kitchens that keep up with their level of skill! If your space is feeling ill-equipped to match your ambitions, read on below to discover our favorite chef-style, kitchen upgrades!

Ambitious Islands. We cannot sing the praises of well-planned islands enough – they’re the perfect catch-all kitchen space! Whether you need space for food prep, hidden appliances, organized storage, or a buffet area for hosting; islands are your best bet.

Designated Areas. Mimic the masters on this one and design your kitchen with different task-specific areas in mind. For example, if your island is veggie chopping central, then equip it with what you’ll need. Install a small sink for rinsing produce, store your knives and cutting boards there, and make sure the trash is handy for scraps!

Smart Storage. A classic hallmark of any restaurant kitchen is open, easy-access cookware storage. Whether you implement open shelves or hanging pots and pans, these simple solutions keep your tools at your reach when they’re most needed!

Personal Touches. If you’re going to the trouble of designing a state-of-the-art kitchen, then make sure it suits your needs. If you’re a master baker, then splurge on double ovens. If pasta is your passion, then install a stovetop faucet. If hosting is your jam, then go all-out on a custom bar. Do what works for you and your lifestyle!

The humble hearth has a long history of being the centerpiece of the home. Originally a necessity for heating and cooking, modern fireplaces have transformed from a basic need to more of a statement piece. All homes, with the rare exception, come equipped with central heating systems these days. Yet the fireplace remains the benchmark for creating cozy family spaces. It’s the quintessential welcoming backdrop.

There’s just a certain magic about being around a real fire. Nothing is more soothing than listening to crackling wood and watching dancing flames as a bonfire smell tinges the air. Fireplaces invite us to slow down, to settle in for a while and simply enjoy time spent in good company.

Fireplaces are not only a classic gathering place, they’re also an opportunity to showcase your unique taste, family memories, and treasured heirlooms. While the mantel is a time-honored design element, contemporary iterations run the gamut of all interior design styles! Browse through a collection of our favorite stunning client mantelpieces below. No matter the style, each of these fireplaces is a captivating design focal point!

The most wonderful time of the year is finally here – no, we don’t mean the winter holidays – we’re talking about fall football season. Professional football lasts for just 5 short months each season, which means that each chance to cheer for the home team should be enjoyed to the fullest!

Tailgate crowds and 50 yard line seats may not be realistic every week, however, that doesn’t mean game days at home can’t be something special too. Instead of fighting traffic or packing into noisy sports bars, a growing number of our clients are creating custom hosting hubs in their homes!

These stunning lower-levels all incorporate the best aspects of a game day atmosphere, but in vastly more comfortable settings. From plush seating to stocked bars, easy-to-view screen in every corner to cozy fireplaces – we’re hard pressed to think of anyone who wouldn’t love huddling in for the big game in one of these welcoming spaces!

The Fall Parade of Homes tour is in full swing, which means it’s time to catch a glimpse of another one of our stunning model homes! Our second parade home is nestled in the booming Woodbury community. This spacious, open-concept home is a busy family’s dream come true from top to bottom!

The main level is filled with flexible living spaces, which are all anchored by the modern great room. Moving up, the top floor features a gorgeous master suite, a Jack-and-Jill bathroom, and a princess bathroom, along with walk-in closets for each bedroom. The lowest level is all about entertaining with style! This walkout hosting hub includes a game room, snack bar, walk-up bar, and a family room with a cozy corner fireplace. Overflowing with space, the lower level is finished with a fifth bedroom, bathroom, and an exercise room.

Located in our retreat-like Twenty-One Oaks development, this fantastic neighborhood boasts top-notch amenities such as the shared community pool and clubhouse area. Don’t miss out on this luxurious, family-friendly home! Want to see more? Scroll through the images below, and make sure to come visit Home #251 in person!

We can barely contain our excitement for the upcoming Twin Cities Fall Parade of Homes! Circle September 10th-October 2nd on your calendar and come visit us at one of our three featured model homes in Lake Elmo, Woodbury, and Cottage Grove.

The first model we’ll be spotlighting is in our Village Preserve development, which is located in charming Lake Elmo, Minnesota. This family friendly home was created with flexibility in mind! Multiple rooms on the main floor were designed to evolve with your family’s current stage of life. The office could serve as extra storage space or an informal kids study, a formal dining room might become a den or sitting room, and the spare room could transition from a playroom to a home gym.

Beyond its adaptable floor plan, this lovely home is filled with special features and top notch amenities. The modern kitchen includes a luxurious walk-in pantry outfitted with counters and outlets; it’s a baker’s dream come true! Moving upstairs, the master suite contains a stunning Jack-and-Jill bathroom with separate vanities, and each bedroom has its own spacious walk-in closet. Last but not least, the finished lower level is ready for parties with its cozy fireplace and classy wet bar.

You won’t regret taking the trip to explore this exceptional home; it’s the perfect place to find inspiration and gather ideas for your own future dream home!