Today’s popular floorplans often include large covered entry and rear porches. These not only make a beautiful architectural statement, but they provide you with a place to create an outdoor living space. The front entry is the first thing visitors see when they arrive at your home, and a wood porch ceiling adds immediate impact. A warm stain on the rear porch ceiling can complement your outdoor furnishings and helps to make the space feel more like another room in the house.

STAIR RAILING OPTIONS

Stair railings are a prominent feature in many of the homes we build here at Collins Builders. Choosing the right style for your custom home can make a large design impact in all the formal areas. There are 3 main components to the railings: the newel posts, the balusters, and the handrail. Each of these come in several different styles and materials and can be mixed to create a unique staircase that reflects your style. Often, we start with the balusters and then add in the newel post and handrail to complement them.

FRAMELESS CABINETRY OPTIONS

Photo Credit – Designers Choice Cabinetry

Frameless cabinetry is relatively new to the mainstream market in the United States. It is sometimes called “full access” or “European” cabinetry. Traditional cabinets in America have a face frame on the front of the cabinet box that the doors attach to, where frameless, as the name implies, does not. This change in construction offers some unique advantages Collins Builders have helped clients use while designing their new home, and might just be the perfect option for your new kitchen.

HOW TO USE PATTERNED FLOOR TILE IN YOUR DESIGN

Patterned floor tiles have exploded in popularity in the last year. We can now mimic the look of expensive (and hard to maintain) cement or brick tiles, with mosaics in every possible shape, size, and color. With so many choices and such a bold floor, choosing where and how to use patterned tile can seem overwhelming. However, there are a few tried and true spaces where patterned tiles always look great, and may be the perfect way for you to incorporate them in your new home.

CABINET ORGANIZERS FOR YOUR NEW KITCHEN

We’ve all heard the phrase, “the kitchen is the heart of the home,” and with today’s open-concept layouts, that has never been more true. Our kitchens are where family and friends gather to talk, eat, and even do homework. While a kitchen that looks beautiful is important, a kitchen that functions well is what makes creating all those meals fun instead of a chore. The first step to a functional kitchen is of course proper layout with a good work triangle. Once all your cooking, prep, and cleaning zones are lined out, the next focus should be cabinet organization. There are hundreds of different types of pullouts and inserts that can make your kitchen truly work for you.

THREE WAYS TO MAKE YOUR POWDER BATH SINK UNIQUE

Many of the custom homes that we build here at Collins Builders include a Powder bath with a pedestal sink. These little spaces are the perfect place to infuse your design style in a bold way. Shiplap walls and mosaic tile floors really shine in a powder bath, but it’s important not to overlook the main feature of the room – the sink. There are several ways to turn the ordinary pedestal into a fun, yet functional centerpiece of the bathroom.

5 CONSIDERATIONS FOR PLANNING A HOME GYM

Many of the homes we build today include a dedicate space for a home gym. This allows you to keep your bedrooms available for guests and eliminates the need for monthly memberships to get your workout in. As with any area of your new home, there are a few considerations when planning your gym that will help you create the perfect space for your needs.

HOW TO INCORPORATE BRUSHED GOLD ACCENTS INTO YOUR DESIGN

The new golden hues of brushed gold, burnished brass, and brushed bronze are everywhere in design today. These are not the bright brass fixtures we grew up with, but a fresh and modern way to warm up your interior design. Adding intentional touches of brushed gold can add a tremendous wow factor to your space and truly elevate the design. But what are the best ways to incorporate it?

9 TIPS FOR THE PERFECT HOBBY ROOM

Whether it’s building model trains or creating intricate quilts, many of us have a hobby we love to lose ourselves in whenever we have spare time. One of the biggest benefits of building a custom home is the ability to make each space precisely suited to you, and a room dedicated to your favorite hobby should be no different. Read on for 9 essential tips for planning for your new hobby room.

UNIQUE VINTAGE TOUCHES TO ADD TO YOUR HOME

Part of the allure of the farmhouse style is the contrasts between old and new, warm and cold, rustic and industrial. It’s this mix of design that creates a comfortable space that still feels elegant and refined. Choosing a few pieces with a nod to the past can provide unexpected and unique customization to your design scheme that truly elevates the space. We’ve collected some fun items that might just be the perfect piece in your new home.