Category: Interior Design

What Are Some of the Top Trends in New Construction Home Design?

Interior Design

In the world of home construction, home design trends are ever-evolving. Whether you’re a developer looking to stay ahead of the curve or simply interested in the latest in home design, understanding these trends can help guide your next project.

Franks Betz Associates has created award-winning house plans builders and homeowners love since 1976. We continue expanding our house plans to ensure they reflect the functional, stylish residence today’s homeowners are looking for. Here, we explore nine top trends in home design that we’ve been seeing.

Nine Trends in Custom House Plans

1. European Cottage-Style Homes

The charm and character of European cottage-style homes are appealing for their ability to bring you back in time while feeling modern. This design trend emphasizes cozy, rustic aesthetics with natural materials like wood and stone. Wembley Place is one of Frank Betz custom house plans that showcases this trend perfectly, incorporating the quaint, timeless appeal of a European cottage with practical and contemporary layouts.

2. A Scullery Off the Kitchen

A scullery, often referred to as a back kitchen, is becoming a must-have in contemporary house designs and plans. In fact, there’s one included in our Wembley Place house plan. Positioned adjacent to the main kitchen, a scullery provides extra space for food preparation, storage, and cleanup, allowing the primary kitchen to remain a clean and inviting area for social gatherings. There are several pros to a scullery, like a place to hide messy dishes, less used countertop appliances (toaster, mixers, etc.), china storage, space for a beverage fridge, and more. The practicality and convenience of a scullery make it a popular addition in today’s home design trends.

3. Dark Colors on Elevations

Dark exterior colors are making a bold statement in modern home designs. Shades like navy, dark gray, black, and deep green are being used to create striking, sophisticated home exteriors. These darker hues not only add a dramatic flair but also offer benefits you may not have considered. Things like increasing a home’s value, accentuating a home’s landscaping, reducing heating costs, and hiding imperfections are pros to a darker elevation. Designs like Becton Park and many of our custom house floor plans demonstrate how dark colors can elevate the curb appeal of a property.

4. U-Shaped Staircases

U-shaped staircases, also called “switchback” or “half-turn” stairs, are gaining popularity for their elegant design and space-efficient layout. Unlike traditional straight or L-shaped staircases, U-shaped stairs offer a compact footprint while providing a grand architectural feature within the home. They are perfect for creating a seamless flow between different levels of a house and add an element of sophistication to the interior design. Our Stansbury Glen and Forsyth Knoll custom house plans are great examples of this trend.

5. Flex Rooms

Flex rooms are all about versatility, allowing homeowners to adapt spaces to their changing needs. Whether used as a home office, a hobby room, gym, playroom, guest bedroom, or an additional living room, these multifunctional rooms provide invaluable flexibility. This trend offers homeowners a more adaptable living environment that can cater to a variety of lifestyles and life stages.

6. Bathtub/Shower Combo vs. Standing Shower Only

Both bathtubs and walk-in showers offer their own positive impact on a home’s design and person’s lifestyle. They’re a major trend in bathroom design that shows no sign of disappearing. Standing showers offer water conservation, accessibility, and are quick and convenient. They create a sleek, modern look and are often easier to maintain. Bathtubs are a great option for families with small children and a relaxing spa day or soak for sore muscles. Overall, the bathtub/shower combo provides versatility within custom house plans, incorporating both options to cater to diverse preferences and needs.

7. Water Closets

A water closet is a dedicated space within a bathroom just for the toilet. This trend is becoming a hallmark of luxury home design. It offers privacy and a cleaner bathroom aesthetic by separating the toilet from the main bathing area. Some prefer not to have it completely closed off and instead opt for using glass or tile walls to separate the toilet, making it feel less claustrophobic and closet-like. High-end homes frequently include water closets as a standard, highlighting their appeal in contemporary house designs and plans.

8. Steam Showers & Saunas

Incorporating steam showers and saunas into home bathrooms is a growing trend that brings the spa experience into everyday living. These features not only offer health benefits, such as improved circulation and relaxation, but also add a luxurious touch to a home. Developers are increasingly including these amenities in custom house floor plans to attract discerning buyers.

9. Heated Flooring in Bathrooms

Heated flooring in bathrooms is a trend that combines comfort with luxury. Especially appealing in colder climates, heated floors provide a warm, soothing surface that enhances the overall bathing experience. Heated flooring offers pros beyond comfort. They require no maintenance and last up to 20+ years, they’re non-allergenic, energy-efficient, and are easy to install. This feature is becoming standard in high-end homes, reflecting a commitment to creating comfortable, inviting spaces.

Contact Frank Betz Today!

From the rustic charm of European cottage-style homes to the luxurious appeal of heated bathroom floors, these trends highlight the dynamic nature of home construction design. If you’re looking to incorporate these trends into your next project, Frank Betz Associates offers a wide range of contemporary house designs and plans to fit your needs. Contact us today by phone or visit our website to view our house plans. Let us help you bring your vision to life with designs that are trendy and timeless.

10 Home Floor Plans That Are Sure to Wow You!

At Frank Betz Associates, we have maintained a solid reputation as a leader in house plan designs. Our team works hard to not only follow the trends of popular floor plans but to set them! Whether a consumer, builder, or developer, you will find a Frank Betz Associates plan that’s suitable for what you want and need. And if you’re not quite sure what you want or need, we can help!

Choosing a house plan

Our simple steps to choosing a house plan along with our online search tool and excellent team of experts are all here to help you choose among the endless list of house floor plans we offer. But if you need a little extra help, we’ve compiled a list of our top 10 best floor plans to get you started.

Choose a Dream Home from Our Ten Best Floor Plans

1. Becton Park

Perfect for multigenerational families or one who often hosts guests overnight, Becton Park offers an endearing design. Picture days on the covered front porch relaxing on a bench swing or in a rocking chair sipping iced tea with the sunset. It hosts four bedrooms total with the owner’s suite privately set on one side and a secondary main-floor bedroom on the other. The additional rooms are on the second floor with an optional bonus room that can be finished later for whatever you need. Three bathrooms, a two-car garage, spacious living areas, and a vaulted covered porch complete the layout of this two-story home plan.

2. Edgewood Place

The timeless and classic exterior of Edgewood Place makes it perfectly suited for any location. It’s a multigenerational family’s dream with a private luxurious owner’s suite with a fully appointed spa bath, a three-car garage with room for a hobby vehicle and plenty of storage, a main floor guest suite, a large family room and open kitchen with views of the rear yard, and an optional bonus room upstairs. Everyone in the family can enjoy quiet meals together in the dining room or fun movie nights in front of the fireplace while still having their own private oasis to retreat to. The mudroom entry also allows for built-ins for convenience and transitioning into the laundry room for easy clean-up.

3. Allendale Farms

Ranch style floor plans

Allendale Farms is one of those house plans for builders that will catch any buyer’s attention due to the desirable ranch-style single-level living. The exterior includes a standing seam metal roof, a combination of sidings, and unique details giving it a modern farmhouse style. It’s equipped with three bedrooms (and an optional fourth bedroom and extra bathroom on an added floor), two-and-a-half bathrooms, and a three-car garage with a two-car garage attached at the front and a one-car garage attached at the side. The garage layout is great for three cars or two cars and workshop space. Whether for family celebrations, backyard barbecues, or a relaxing staycation, this house plan has everything from the spacious family room to the expansive outdoor living spaces to accommodate what you want.

4. Carolina Cottage

Growing families and homebodies will love the two-story Carolina Cottage. The modest front porch welcomes you into a cozy cottage that offers everything you’d expect from one of our many home floor plans. Its exterior design mixes textures and colors that complement each other for a striking elevation design and the inside is just as exquisite as the outside. Residents can enjoy a free and easy lifestyle with the open, airy light-filled rooms. A few major highlights include the private owner’s suite with a spa bathroom that has amenities like a luxurious resort, a main floor flex room to be converted into whatever you need, a covered outdoor space, and a loft for reading, homework assignments, game area, or even another bedroom!

5. Cameron Walk

Another one of the popular ranch-style floor plans is found in Cameron Walk. It offers three bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, and a two-car garage with the ability to add a second level with a fourth bedroom, a full bathroom, and a bonus room. Entertaining family and guests is a breeze with this modern open layout. It’s complete with a warming fireplace and beamed ceiling in the large living room, adjacent kitchen and dining/flex room areas, and separated bedrooms for privacy and quiet.

6. Selwyn Park

If contemporary modern and traditional are among your favorite house floor plans, you’ll love the transitional home design of Selwyn Park. It includes the best of both a fresh, modern appearance with a traditional feel. The expansive 2,905 total square foot layout creates a functional, open design while still maintaining a strong sense of family. There’s plenty of room for elderly parents and hosting the kids’ friends for a sleepover with the owner’s and guest suites set on the main floor and two additional bedrooms on the second floor. The owner’s and guest suites are located on opposite sides of the home with the common living areas as the center point. This helps provide a balance between privacy and togetherness whether it’s game night in the living room or prepping dinner in the kitchen. The large window groupings and views of the large covered back porch from the common living areas provide ample natural light.

7. Wood Hollow

The Wood Hollow is a refined farmhouse cottage that offers so much within its two-story design. The crisp standing seam metal roofing mimics the homes that dotted the countryside many years ago. Wide window groupings and bright white sidings complete the exterior. There are many great features of the Wood Hollow, but the gorgeous outdoor living spaces might be the best part of this already amazing layout. Create the perfect outdoor living space with an outdoor kitchen area with a grill and countertop built-in and open sun deck that can be found or added to many of our custom house plans. The main floor owner’s suite, open kitchen and living areas, a flex room, three upstairs bedrooms, one-and-a-half remaining bathrooms, and a two-car garage complete this home plan.

8. Lake Pointe

While the exterior details of Lake Pointe are breathtaking and inviting, the interior home plan design is just as inviting. Filled with natural light due to large window groupings, this plan also features the kitchen of every chef’s dreams with an expansive island opposite the stovetop for an easy transition between prepping and cooking. For the rest of your family and friends, there’s ample room on the shaded front and back porches, grand room, and terrace level with additional bedrooms and a large family room for movies, games, and relaxation. To top it all off the luxurious owner’s suite is positioned to take full advantage of water, mountain, or golf course views.

9. Teesdale

Our Teesdale is one of those house plans for builders with customers looking for a little bit of everything included. From entertaining to relaxing and spending quality time with your family, there’s simply nothing missing from this plan. It has a spacious, open layout with incredible features like a dining area that opens onto a covered grilling porch, a family room that opens to a deck, a main floor bedroom/flex space, and a loft and optional bonus room on the second floor. This is just the start of what’s within Teesdale’s 2,950 square feet. You can also enjoy beautiful accents like raised ceilings with beams in the family room and a warming fireplace. Not to mention the exterior details including painted brick, dark charcoal claddings, and timber accents.

10. Olmstead Place

Last but not least, the Olmstead Place plan is a charming craftsman cottage that’s sure to blow you away from the outside in. The cladding is a combination of horizontal lap siding, shakes, and a touch of board-and-batten, and there are many more details to love about the exterior of this two-story home (optional third floor available). Inside, you’ll find an incredibly open and spacious layout on the main floor with the entire rear of the home completely open and light-filled due to the large vaulted covered back grilling porch. It also includes a guest suite/office, full bathroom, and mud room. The additional three bedrooms and two bathrooms are housed on the second floor including a laundry space with a folding area and utility sink. This plan is ideal for large families and work-from-home residents with the office room and option third-floor game room.

Connect with Frank Betz: Offering the Best House Plans for Builders!

If you’re interested in any one of these plans or have questions about any of our custom house plans, please connect with Frank Betz Associates. We offer the best of the best floor plans for builders, developers, and consumers alike. We’re consistently showcasing new designs with the latest trends and continue to provide exceptional customer service and top-of-the-line home plans for our clients. Connect with us today. We’re always happy to help!

Kitchen Designs Perfect for Family Gatherings

Interior Design

If you’ve ever envisioned your “perfect home,” you’ve probably thought a lot about the kitchen. After all, this is the room where you jumpstart your day, unwind in the evening, and cook and enjoy meals. Perhaps most importantly, though, this is the place in your home where you gather with family and friends. For these reasons, the layout and features of a kitchen are especially important. While it must be functional, this space should also be supremely inviting.

Popular Kitchen Designs for Entertaining

Large Kitchen Island

A large island is probably the most important (and most aesthetically pleasing) feature we include in a kitchen that’s meant for people to come together. A meal prepping station, serving station, and gathering place all in one, an island is a multi-purpose feature that adds function and style to your kitchen. In many of our designs, the sink is placed in the kitchen island facing out across the living area, so that you can continue working without ever turning your back on your family or your guests.

See the large kitchen island in the Aspen Ridge home plan.

Keeping Room or Breakfast Room

A keeping room is a comfortable space just off the kitchen complete with a hearth where family or guests can keep you company while you’re preparing meals, without getting in the way. The history of the keeping room goes back to colonial America, when the home’s fireplace was used for both cooking and keeping warm. Home designers today have reimagined this room in new and different ways. You’ll often find a breakfast room just adjacent to the kitchen — a modern version of the keeping room where your family can gather for a more intimate breakfast or meal.

See the vaulted keeping room in the Tuxedo Park home plan.

Open to the Family Room

When the family gathers for holidays or special events, no one wants to feel left out because they need to prepare food, or because they want to relax on a comfortable couch. The best design for family gatherings is one where the kitchen is fully open to the family room, so that the entire family can enjoy special moments together. Opt for a space that’s large enough to create multiple seating arrangements, leaving room for everyone to gather around the table or island to sing Happy Birthday or give a toast.

See the open-concept kitchen and living space in the Hanover Pointe home plan.

The kitchen is the heart of your home, and where your best family memories will be made. Choose a warm, welcoming space that accommodates everyone, while keeping you at the center of it all. Learn more about our made-for-gathering kitchen designs.

Featured House Plan: Get Cozy This Season in Hickory Flat

Interior Design

3-4 Bedrooms

2.5-3.5 Baths

2-Car Garage

2,205 square feet

The Hickory Flat house plan is modern farmhouse style that’s warm and inviting, with a casual, yet elevated, feel. When you enter through the foyer, you’re greeted with elements like painted brick, hardwood floors, exposed wood beams, and galvanized metal fixtures — the perfect blend of traditional country and contemporary design. With large windows and sliding glass doors to outdoor living spaces, natural light is abundant throughout the home.

Most of the living in the Hickory Flat occurs on the first floor. The center of the home is the vaulted family room with an enclosed fireplace — perfect for snuggling with the family for movie or game night. The family room flows effortlessly into the chef’s kitchen and dining room in one direction, and the oversized covered porch with built-in fireplace in the other. Entertaining is effortless as guests notice the natural flow of the interior space.

When it’s time to move outdoors, this home has plenty of spaces so that you can make the most of every season. Next to the covered back porch is a vaulted screen porch, so you have plenty of choices for how you want to spend your time. Whether it’s napping the afternoon away, enjoying a crackling fire, or soaking up the sunshine, there’s a space for it here. And of course, the welcoming front porch is perfect for chatting with friends and meeting new neighbors.

Back inside the home, the expansive owners’ suite is the definition of luxury. With a vaulted bedroom ceiling, a spa-like bathroom with dual vanities, separate walk-in shower and soaking tub, and large walk-in closet, waking up and falling asleep each day will feel like a dream. The two additional first-floor bedrooms are tucked away on the other side of the home with their own private bath for ultimate privacy.

If you require more space, you have the option of building out the second floor, which includes a bonus room, full bath, and additional bedroom. This level is perfect for frequent house guests, a child’s playroom, a private study, or anything else your unique lifestyle requires.

If you are ready to make the move into the Hickory Flat, contact us at 888-717-3003 to get started.

2019 Kitchen Design Trends | Frank Betz Associates

At Frank Betz Associates, we know that the kitchen is where the heat happens — so we always incorporate the hottest trends into every design. From holiday brunches and celebrations to milestones and weeknight meals, there are so many memories waiting to be made in your kitchen, which means you deserve nothing less than the best. If the kitchen is the heart of the home… then one of our house plans is where you truly belong.

From more space to gather with guests to contemporary, sleek appliances, homeowners today are looking for entirely different kitchens than they were even five years ago. One of the reasons our Frank Betz team is so trustworthy is our ability to constantly stay on top of trends, and incorporate what matters most to you into your expertly designed house plan. Take a look at a few of our favorite things that we include in our beautiful kitchens:

Massive Islands with Pendant Lighting and Seating:

Whether you’re a Sunday-morning-breakfast kind of person or a big fan of weeknight wine tastings, a large center island in your kitchen is the perfect place to relax, gather, and enjoy whatever it is you love most. Complete with pendant lighting and comfortable seating, there’s nowhere else you want to get “stranded.”

Built-In Refrigerators:

Refrigerators may do the most important job of all (keep our delicious foods safe and sound!) but let’s face it… they should take up the least amount of space as possible. When a refrigerator is built into the cabinetry of the kitchen, they make efficient use of space and look incredibly sleek while they’re at it.

Commercial Ranges with Decorative Hoods:

Who says that ranges can’t be stylish? While this part of the kitchen isn’t typically the first thing that comes to your mind, our sleek ranges serve as a focal point when they’re paired with a decorative hood. Both functional and aesthetically pleasing at the same time, this pair of appliances adds a trendy touch to your kitchen.

Open Shelving:

Openness in homes is now on the rise, and shelving in your kitchen is no exception. While traditional design called for closed cabinetry, our modern house plans incorporate shelving where everything can be seen. This way, you can get creative with how you display your items, and utilize pieces that enhance the vibe of the room.

If you’ve been looking for a house plan that lives the way that you do, Frank Betz Associates has the perfect fit. Our kitchens are expertly designed with contemporary trends to make your everyday life even more special, and we can’t wait for you to experience one for yourself. For more information, please call 888-717-3003.

Bathroom Trends 2019

Interior Design

A master bathroom is so much more than an addition to the bedroom — it’s where homeowners recharge in the morning and unwind at night, it’s what they rely on for relaxation and comfort at any moment. As one of the most personal spaces a person can have in their home, it’s safe to say that your master bathrooms play a big role in your homeowners’ satisfaction.

At Frank Betz Associates, we believe that high-quality features and a stylish, modern design can completely change the vibe of a master bathroom, in turn changing a person’s entire mood when they’re in there. That’s why we offer both custom and stock house plans that incorporate the very best of the best in bathroom design, from stand-alone tubs to roll-in showers to spacious master closets. Take a look at the features we can include to transform the master bathrooms you offer:

Stand-Alone Tubs: Modern, luxurious, and incredibly easy on the eyes, both the aesthetic and feel-good benefits of stand-alone tubs are truly timeless. One step inside and every care melts away…

Giant Showers: When it comes to a master shower, less is not more. In fact, the more room the better! A spacious shower makes getting ready in the morning or settling down at night so much more enjoyable.

Volume Ceilings: We’re firm believers in the power of “looking up.” The gorgeous new-construction trend of tall, dramatic ceilings gives the entire home an unbelievably elegant feel that never diminishes over time.

Laundry Room Next to Master Closet: There’s something to be said for practical design, which is why we put laundry rooms right next to where clothing is stored. Easy to access, these laundry rooms redefine “chore.”

Age-Targeted Items:

Roll-In Showers: These no-door, no-step showers aren’t just contemporary and stylish, they provide easy, comfortable access without the threat of accidents or injuries.

Discreet Grab Bars: In a “slippery” situation, grab bars offer invaluable support. But when they’re just as sleek as the rest of the shower, they help to maintain the luxurious vibe of the bathroom while providing comfort.

Radius’ Large Enough for Wheelchairs: Why should anyone in a wheelchair have to feel less than comfortable in their shower? With the best-designed shower, wheelchairs can fit easily with plenty of room left.

Luxury Items:

Heated-Tile Floors: Let’s face it — there’s nothing worse than a cold bathroom floor beneath your feet first thing in the morning, especially in the winter. With a heated-tile floor, every foot gets its own spa treatment…

Steam Showers: Who says you have to go to the sauna to feel the therapeutic effects of steam? A steam shower is not only as contemporary and lasting as can be, it makes every shower that much, well, steamier.

Heated Towel Racks: A hot, relaxing shower is one thing; it’s another thing to step out of it and wrap yourself in a fluffy, heated towel. Heated towel racks are the feature everyone never knew they absolutely needed.

If you’re ready to upgrade your house plans to what your buyers truly want — for now and in the future — Frank Betz Associates is your trusted team next door. For more information on our custom and stock plans, please call us at 888-717-3003. We can’t wait to work with you!

5 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN DESIGNING YOUR MASTER BEDROOM SUITE

Besides the kitchen, the master suite is considered one of the most important areas of a home. It’s where you’ll be spending a good portion of your life, not only because it’s where you and your significant other sleep, but where you get ready for the day ahead. Taking the time to design a master suite that best fits your needs is well worth the effort. With a few design tips outlined in this article, you’ll be on the right path to creating a well-planned master suite.

The matter of privacy
Because your master suite will act as a retreat from the hectic world, a sense of privacy should be woven into the design. Positioning these rooms near the back of the home and/or on the upper story is recommended. The privacy issue also comes in to play when locating windows and doors. Yes, you can add curtains or blinds, but it’s comforting to be able to dress and undress freely without having to worry about putting on a show for the neighbors.

The size is right
The master suite most commonly consists of the largest bedroom and bathroom in the house.
Larger walk-in closets and sitting rooms are also popular features for these areas. When designing your home’s floorplan, assigning a generous percentage of the square footage for the master suite is advised. One should also consider the furniture that will go in these rooms. The size of the bed, dressers and sitting room chairs can help determine the amount of space needed.

Closet space. More is more.
One of the most attractive features of a well-designed master suite is ample closet space. If the square footage is available, including two walk-in closets is the best course. This allows enough room for both occupants to keep their individual wardrobes. A master suite with two walk-in closets is also a huge advantage when selling your home.

Bathroom zen
While the rest of your home’s bathrooms are purely functional in nature, the master suite bathroom can be extraordinary. Beyond function, this bathroom can be a place of relaxation.
Double sink vanities, spa tubs and steam showers are just a few examples of luxurious master suite amenities.

Laundry convenience
Since the master suite is usually inhabited by two people, it will generate a significant amount of clothing and bedding. To conveniently handle the cleaning and upkeep of these items, designing easy access to the laundry is suggested. If the master suite is on the second floor and the laundry room on the first, a laundry shoot is a feature that can aid the accessibility and save time.

Every great home should have a master suite to match. As your own personal escape from the busy world, it should include the space and amenities that will enable both functionality and relaxation. As much if not more than any room in your home, the master suite should be a reflection of your style with the space and features that will complement the home as a whole.

HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR MUDROOM DESIGN

Similar to an airlock on a space station, the mudroom is a vital transition area between the outdoors and indoors. Coming in from outside, it’s a place to take off and store your outerwear and other daily belongings. When leaving your home, it’s the last stop to gear up with the needed essentials. Coming or going, a well-designed mudroom is an essential part of any home.

A heavy traffic area

One of the keys to a properly designed mudroom is making sure it’s located adjacent to the most used entry way. Consider what door your family will be using the most often and that is the place for the mudroom. This is probably the area where everyone’s shoes, boots, gloves, coats, backpacks, keys and hats will live. So, it should be designed into the floorplan according to convenience and easy access to your home’s most popular doorway.

Everything in its place and a place for everything

Accessibility and organization are two very important components to a functional mudroom design.
Built-in shelving and cabinets are nice for storage. While racks and hooks to hang coats and hats make getting in and out of the house more efficient. If there is room for a bench, not only will it provide a comfortable place to sit while removing shoes and boots, but with the right design, the area under the bench can be utilized for storage, as well. Installing a small mirror is also a nice amenity, for a last-minute look before you head out the door.

Size is relative

Beyond location, the size of your mudroom should be determined by the number of people and pets in your home. Remember, with each person comes at least one set of shoes, a coat and hat. And for our
four-legged family members, you’ll need room for a leash and outdoor toys. If there’s space for its own room great, but a mudroom can be designed into a hallway, laundry room or larger closet.

Durable materials

The very definition of a mudroom describes a place where muddy and wet clothing is taken off before entering the rest of the home. It’s there to protect the rest of your home from the outdoor elements. With that, a mudroom should be designed using materials that can handle dirt and moisture. Tile flooring or an easy to clean rug will help keep things tidy. Metal hooks and wire baskets are also moisture resistant features that make for durable storage and organization.

All told, the mudroom should be designed for function. It is a place to keep outdoor clothing and any other daily items used outside the home. But just because the mudroom is designed for utility, doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be attractive and complement your home. Incorporating the same color pallet and material styles will help weave this room into your home’s established décor. Yes, it is a mudroom, but it can be a beautiful room, as well.

5 Ways to Make Your Kitchen Work for You

Most of us spend quite a bit of time in the kitchen. In the last few decades, the kitchen has evolved from a purely utilitarian space to a central gathering area for the whole family. Having a better organized kitchen will enhance not only the efficiency of the room, but also its livability factor. As the workhorse of your home, maximizing the use of every inch of its space is important. Below you will find a list with 5 effective ways that will easily make your kitchen more enjoyable.

Organization Is Key

A great kitchen and an organized kitchen are one in the same. With so many items from food to flatware, having a defined place for each is a must. Beyond typical cabinetry and drawers, including a pantry for dry goods, open shelving for plates, bowls and glassware, and hanging racks for cooking utensils can bring needed order to the kitchen. Wine and spice racks are other examples of how you can increase organization, where everything is easy to find.

Space to Work

Kitchen storage is one thing, but you’ll also need room to work. When it comes to preparing meals, the more surface areas to cut, chop, peel, dice, and clean, the better. There are many countertop options that are very durable and easy to clean. Depending on the square footage of your kitchen, a central island can provide more room to work, as well as to dine. Small desks are also a common feature in the modern kitchen.

Dedicated Spaces for Small Appliances

A kitchen can easily look cramped and cluttered if small appliances end up in the wrong places. While it’s nice to have coffee machines, blenders, choppers, mixers, etc., they can take up valuable countertop space. This will reduce your workspace and make the kitchen appear smaller. Establishing dedicated spaces for these appliances and storage for less commonly used machines is a recommended solution.

An Open Floor Plan Will Expand the Size of Your Kitchen

If you want to make your kitchen appear larger, take advantage of an open floor plan. This will connect your kitchen with other living areas in your home. An open kitchen enables better interaction with family members in adjacent areas, like the living room or den. As stated before, the kitchen, especially an open kitchen, has become the heart of the modern home.

The importance of proper appliances

Modern technology has seen incredible advances in the common kitchen appliances. Items like in-counter dishwashers, convection ovens, gas stove tops, microwaves and smart refrigerators are just a few of the must haves for any new kitchen. It’s better to spend more for high-quality kitchen appliances. They will not only last longer, but offer a broader spectrum of features that will help you save time and effort.

If there’s any room in your new home that desires more thought and attention to detail, it’s the kitchen. As the most popular space in most home designs, effort should be made to create a comfortable and easily workable environment. The right kitchen can make your home. And if you ever opt to sell, a great kitchen is always a winning feature.

Getting reference for New home construction through online industry reports and home shows

As you approach the new home building process, there a number of ways to gain a base knowledge of construction that will help in the long run. A quick search online can lead you to applicable reference materials and various industry reports. Visiting local home shows are another beneficial method. Gathering as much information about the industry will help increase your building knowledge and thus be better prepared to start this quite big undertaking. You’ll get a broader, non-biased view of home building trends in your desired area, find information on credentialed builders and know what questions to ask going forward.

Before you get the keys to your dream home, there’s a long road ahead. As a first step, it is advised to research the topic on various online construction reporting websites. These sites include www.contructionmonitor.com, www.rakenapp.com, www.nahb.org. While these sites are directed toward industry professionals, the content can be useful to someone looking to build a new home for the first time. By familiarizing yourself with industry terminology and processes, you’ll better understand what’s going on, as it’s going on. You’ll also get to see the major players, popular vendors and construction techniques in your area.

Most of these sites focus on building permit data as the key resource to gauge market trends and activity.
Building professionals use this information to find new business opportunities, source general contractors, subcontractors and vendors, but you’ll be able to get a feel for who’s doing what and where, as well. Because these are sites for professionals, you’ll also be able to verify the credentials of your perspective builder and vendors. Additionally, they frequently have updates on the latest happenings in the building industry like vendor expos and home shows.

Home shows feature exhibits, product demonstrations and seminars on a variety of home building topics.
Anything and everything having to do with the home can be found at a decent sized home show. Here you’ll find info on house plans, building materials, landscaping and lawn care, kitchen appliances, fixtures, flooring, roofing, siding, concrete, windows, heating and air conditioning, patios, insulation, and more. If you’re interested in building a green home, there are many shows that travel the U.S., specifically geared to that topic. There you’ll learn about green building methods and products that include the latest insulation, radiant floor heating, energy efficient appliances, zero VOC paint and green roofs. And no green home show would be complete without clean energy alternatives like solar panels and wind power.

Doing your new home, homework ahead of time, will get you better prepared for your building adventure. Knowing the process, the players and building language, will be a major advantage as you move forward. Spend some time online and attending a home show or two. It’s a great way to get ideas, get inspired and most importantly, get educated.