How large should a Master Closet be?

Here are some examples of custom home master closet designs and layouts (with pictures of walk in closet storage):

• Walk-in Closet Designs with Island and Built in Cabinets
• Closet Storage Ideas
• How to Choose a Master Closet Layout

This custom home master closet is about 14.5 x 11.5 ft (with a square center island cabinet).

What is the average size of a walk in closet?

The standard width of a walk in closet can range from 5 to 12 feet or more. This maintains a 3-foot hallway into the closet, even after you store or hang items along the walls.

The standard depth of a walk in closet can range from 5 feet (for a square room) to 17 feet (or more for a bonus-room-style closet).

Here is an example of an extra long closet, which makes great use of upstairs storage space:

This custom home master closet is about 10 x 17 ft (with 9' island). 

What is the distance between clothing rods?

Most walk in closets combine a variety of storage types, including cabinets with drawers, open shelving, and hanging rods.

Double rods are typically placed at 40 and 80 inches from the floor. Rods designed for tall garments are typically placed at least 72 inches from the floor.

When does a walk in closet need a window?

Walk in closets sometimes incorporate windows when they are located on exterior walls, typically past the bathroom. Here is an example floor plan with a bedroom - bathroom - closet layout:

This custom home - design by Stanton Homes - features a downstairs master bedroom with his and hers style closet.

Here is the completed walk in closet. The window wall shelving was extended outwards to create more storage space and a separated his and hers design.

This custom home master closet is about 14 x 9 ft.

Windows are not necessary for closets, but are sometimes added in order to keep balance and visual appeal on the exterior of the home, especially when the closet is located on the front face of the home.

What are the minimum dimensions for an accessible walk in closet?

Accessible closets must allow enough space for a full wheelchair turning radius.

Space-Saving Tips

Store bulky items - like winter coats - in designated coat closets in the foyer, mudroom, or upstairs. These items can take up significant space, if you're focused on minimizing the master walk in closet size. 

Looking for ways to add closet storage to your new home floor plan? Ask the builder for easy floor plan modification ideas.

Custom Home Builder in Raleigh, North Carolina:

When you build a custom home, the "standard" size of any room - including a closet - is very flexible. As your considering floor plan options, contact custom home builder Stanton Homes. We'll help you find the right floor plan - even if it means modifying room sizes and layouts.

Most Popular Window Styles in North Carolina New Homes:

See photos of the most popular types of windows in North Carolina new homes, from casement to double-hung, transom, and picture.

 Looking for more custom home window ideas? Here are some most-viewed photo galleries of homes with complex window designs in the great room:

• The Treehouse: Great room triangle window design
• The Smokey Ridge: Craftsman style window wall
• The Dinsmore: Two story great room cedar wrapped windows
• The Bryson: One story great room transom window design

Types of Windows:

Browse the photos below for examples of casement, double-hung, transom, picture, triangle, trapezoid, arch, bay, and obscure windows.

1. Casement

Casement windows can be hinged left or right, to open outwards (rather than sliding up and down).

Casement windows open with a crank mechanism.

The dual casement windows in this master bedroom open left and right, to create wide openings to the spacious backyard. See a photo gallery of this home, a version of the Judson.

Many home plans include casement windows on either side of large window designs.

In this home, note the single casement window on the right side of the room.

2. Double-Hung

Single-hung or 'standard' windows open in one direction: the bottom panel typically slides upwards.

With double-hung windows, both glass panels open, sliding from the top and bottom. While casement windows swing outward, double-hung windows remain parallel to your home.

This master bedroom and sitting room uses double-hung windows (distinct by the small gap in the casing left open for the bottom panel to slide upwards).

3. Transom

Transom windows are usually small, accent windows placed above a door or window to let more light in, or to add visual interest. Transoms may or may not operate (i.e. open to let air in).

4. Picture

Picture windows are usually large, and always stationary. Picture windows are used most often in foyers, master bathrooms, and large great rooms.

Transom windows line these great room picture windows.

We're finding that interior picture windows are an emerging trend in North Carolina custom homes - especially for floor plans with a sunroom.

5. Triangle

Triangle windows are often used to make beautiful designs. They can be accent windows in a great room, or stand-alone windows in creative spaces.

6. Trapezoid

Trapezoid windows make perfect pairs with these triangle windows - designed to follow the vaulted roofline in the two story great room.

A contemporary ball light contrasts with the sharp angles in the window wall layout. Maple floors keep the natural motif flowing throughout the home.

7. Arch or Radius

Arch or radius windows have a curved or half-circle top and rectangular bottom. Arch and radius windows, similar to triangle windows, make great accent pieces - usually placed above "standard" rectangle windows.

8. Bay Windows

Alcoves or bays give you more interior space by extending a small area outwards. Bay windows usually fill alcove spaces, for plenty of natural and moon light.

9. Obscure

Obscure windows are most common in the foyer and master bathroom. They let light in, without allowing views in or out. The shape, texture, or color of a window can cause the obscuring effect.

These glass blocks use a distinct pattern to obscure views into the master bathroom.

How to Build a Home in Raleigh, North Carolina:

Which window shapes, styles, or functions do you like best? Get more custom home window ideas on Houzz.

Contact Stanton Homes for floor plan ideas, to get a new home cost estimate, or find out more about building a custom home in North Carolina.

Fireplace Mantels:

Browse popular fireplace mantel designs, in Raleigh, NC custom homes.

Fireplace mantles come in a wide variety of natural and manufactured materials, from stained wood to wainscoting designs and stone shelves.

Which fireplace styles stand out? Tell us which photos are your favorites, and we'll show you what it costs to build the perfect fireplace into your custom Stanton Home.

Stained Wood Fireplace Mantel Designs:

Mantels add the finishing touch to a fireplace - offering character and utility to the space. These stained wood mantels are paired with stone and brick surrounds.

Stained Wood Fireplace Mantel #1

Stone and wood complement one another on this custom gas fireplace. The wood mantel offers easy-to-reach display storage, with a bench style hearth below for seating.

Heat warms this great room with the flip of a switch.

Click here to view a photo gallery of this home, a version of the Coquery Cottage.

Stained Wood Fireplace Mantel #2

Wall sconces help create a showcase area above the stained wood mantel. The mantel wood design mirrors the crown moulding along the ceiling of this great room.

A raised flagstone bench offers seating beside the wood-burning fire box. A mixture of stone shapes and styles gives dimenstion to this fireplace, making it feel large enough to fill the open concept space.

Click here to view a photo gallery of this home, a version of the Bostwick.

Stained Wood Fireplace Mantel #3

Natural stained cedar is used in this indoor-outdoor fireplace design (with exterior siding running from floor to ceiling behind the fireplace).

Click here to view a photo gallery of this home, a version of the Dinsmore.

Stained Wood Fireplace Mantel #4

This red brick fireplace - in a rustic-contemporary style custom home - features a natural wood mantel above the gas fireplace insert.

Click here to view a photo gallery of this home, a version of the Worthington II.

Stained Wood Fireplace Mantel #5

This hand-crafted hardwood mantel was built on-site in this Apex, North Carolina custom home. Wall sconces add symmetry to the two-sided wrapping mantel.

Click here to view a photo gallery of this home, a version of the Bryson.

Looking for more fireplace ideas with stone, painted or other mantel styles? Click here to view  over 80 fireplace design idea photos on Houzz.

Raleigh Custom Homes for Sale:

A custom fireplace can serve as the focal point of any room - from the kitchen to the master suite - with a range of design features and functionalities crafted to suit your lifestyle.

Click here to contact Stanton Homes or call 919-278-8070 to talk about the custom home (and fireplace) you want to design and build.

Crown Moulding and Trim Ideas:

Trim, moulding, and wall panels can transform the look and feel of any room. While simple moulding will give your home a finished look, complex crown designs can create wildly different interior styles.

Below is a guide of the most common moulding trim types, to help you see the differences between single piece, multi-piece, and craftsman style moulding (and learn home builder secrets on how to save money on luxury custom home trim designs).

(Click on any photo to see a full photo gallery of the Raleigh custom home pictured.)

Interior Trim Styles for Raleigh Custom Homes:

Browse the photos below for examples of single piece, multi-piece, craftsman, painted, and light-up crown moulding designs. 

What is crown moulding?

• Crown moulding (sometimes spelled "molding") is the decorative trim used to transition from a wall to the ceiling. Multi-piece moulding can also smooth the transition from a window to a wall.

• Crown moulding comes in materials that can be painted or stained.

• Crown moulding usually accents just a few rooms of the home, especially the Formal Dining and the Master Bedroom.  Many custom homes also include crown moulding in other living areas.

• Many homebuyers prefer not to pay the cost of adding crown moulding or specialty trim for secondary bedrooms, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and other less "visible" rooms of the home.

What are the Most Popular Types of Crown Moulding?

Below are photos of the most common moulding style, in order of popularity:

1. Two Piece Crown Moulding

The most popular type of crown moulding found in premium Raleigh custom homes consists of two pieces: an upside down piece of baseboard with a crown piece placed on top.

In this master bedroom, a multi-step trey ceiling uses two piece crown moulding in each of three levels:

2. Craftsman Crown Moulding

A premium craftsman style crown moulding treatment can use up to 13 individual pieces of trim around window and door wraps.

This first example of craftsman moulding shows the detail work above a door.

See a photo gallery of this craftsman style home - a version of the Penelope.

Here is another example of craftsman style crown moulding - with special details above the doors and windows.  This treatment consists of a 1x4 window wrap with casing cap, top casing, fillet, side casing, then stool and apron below the window.   This treatment is also a premium window wrap, but is more cost effective than the 13 piece above.

3. Painted Crown Moulding

Crown moulding doesn't have to be white! A deep accent trim can be achieved by choosing just the right trim color - like this earthy grey crown:

4. One Piece Crown Moulding

The most basic type of crown moulding comes as a single piece, and is usually made of MDF (medium density fiberboard).  In custom homes, one piece crown is found more often in trey ceilings, where there is less room for multiple pieces of trim.

Although single piece crown costs less to install, it is much less common in Raleigh custom homes, though more common in production homes.

(See the Stanton Homes Houzz Ideabook of trey ceiling designs here.)

5. Three, Four, and Five Piece Crown Moulding

Complex crown moulding styles are usually seen only in luxury homes. These styles use more materials and labor - making them more costly to add.

Builder Tip: One way to add multi-layer crown moulding without breaking your budget is to layer trim with glossy white paint. This will create the visual effect of taller crown moulding, without the cost of trim materials:

Here is a full view of this grand room - from a version of The Remington - to give you an idea of how this trim-and-paint effect can impact the space.

Depending on the feel you wish to achieve, various rooms may use different types of crown moulding, to keep costs down.

Dining rooms and formal areas often "break the rules" with trim and paint colors that contrast with the rest of your home. A formal dining room might use a 3-piece crown or one piece crown on various levels of a trey ceiling, while the rest of the home uses a 2-piece crown.

6. Natural Wood Crown Moulding

Some of the most expensive crown moulding style options include the use of natural Pine, Oak, and Cedar wood.

These hardwoods can be stained, with the original wood grain showing through, but the price tag on this once more common treatment can be prohibitive today.

Instead of using a natural wood moulding throughout the home, consider adding accent pieces to the most visible areas of your home - like the stained cedar trim in this great room:

7. Crown Moulding with Lighting

Another trim feature located squarely in the luxury custom home market is crown moulding with built in lighting.

In this version of the Avonstone Manor, soft lighting accents the master trey ceiling - get a glimpse of the glow in this bedroom photo:

There are many more types of interior crown moulding - but these are the most popular treatments in the Raleigh custom home market today.

Raleigh Custom Homes:

There are dozens of crown moulding styles to choose from when you build a new custom home in the Raleigh, NC area.

When you build with Stanton Homes, our interior design team can help you chose the style, color, and size that will best compliment your entire home design.

Tell us which crown moulding styles you like best, and we'll show you what it costs to build into your new custom home.

Types of Flooring for a Staircase:

There are five types of staircases commonly installed in new custom homes - while carpet and hardwood are the most common by far, there can be differences in how the materials are incorporated.

Browse popular staircase style photos inside Cary, NC area new homes.

Flooring Materials for a New Home Staircase:

How do homebuyers choose between hardwood and carpet for the main staircase? See the pros and cons of each staircase flooring material, with photo from Cary custom homes by Stanton Homes. 

1. Hardwood Staircases

Hardwood staircases - which provide a clean look for all home styles from contemporary to craftsman - are a popular request for Cary NC new homes.

On one hand, homebuyers consider hardwood steps easier to clean - they require a broom rather than vaccum or rug machine.

On the other hand, a hardwood staircase is more expensive. 

2. Carpet Staircases

Carpeted staircases are often considered:

• Safe and comfortable: carpet can be more slip-resistant than hardwood
• Quieter: some say they prefer carpet because it muffles the sound of kids, pets, and shoes
• Less costly: an upgrade to a hardwood staircase is often close to $2000 or more depending on the size, shape, and features.

3. Carpet Runner on the Staircase

A carpet staircase runner can create a traditional effect - such as the foyer staircase this version of the Summerlyn. The black patterned carpet runner flows over hardwood steps and white wood risers, with a hardwood landing half-way down the stairs.

This staircase also features a "volute" or curved handrail at the foyer landing.

4. Hardwood Base Step or Steps

Another popular staircase design pairs one or more hardwood steps with carpeted treads and risers. Using a combination of carpet and hardwood materials can help save money on your new home build.

In this version of the Bostwick, the first step - called a rounded edge "open stair" - is made of hardwood.

All steps visible through the wrought iron balusters are carpeted with hardwood treds, made to look like a carpet runner. The remaining steps - mostly out of view - are fully carpeted.

5. Multiple Hardwood Steps

Here's another take on the dual hardwood - carpet staircase style. In this version of the Firebird, all visible steps are made of hardwood treads (the horizontal portion of the step) and white painted wood risers (the vertical portion of the step).

Again, we see that the steps primarily out of view are carpeted. 

See more staircase design photos in these Raleigh and Cary custom homes: 

-  Staircase Idea #1: Curved staircase with dark wood stain - in a version of the Avonstone Manor house plan
-  Staircase Idea #2: Hardwood staircase in the foyer, with cable railing overlook - in a version of the Smokey Ridge house plan

-  Staircase Idea #3:  White painted staircase with hardwood steps - in a version of the Worthington II house plan
-  Staircase Idea #4: Craftsman staircase with split landing - in a version of the Chalet Vert house plan

-  Staircase Idea #5: Carpeted staircase with black stained railings - in a version of the Treehouse house plan

Cary NC New Homes - Custom Staircase Options:

Considering new homes in the Raleigh, NC area? Tell us what style you love best - hardwood vs carpet stairs - or a combination of both. Stanton Homes will tell you what it costs, inside your favorite new home floor plan.

How to Measure Counter Top Heights:

Looking for new home standards for kitchen counter top and bar heights? Here are a couple basics: 

• Kitchen counter tops, including islands, are approximately 36 inches tall.
• Kitchen bars are approximately 40 to 42 inches tall.
• The height between counter tops and upper cabinets - generally the tile back splash area - is usually 18 inches.

Browse custom home photos - and get a better idea of what typical height differences look like:

Standard Kitchen Countertop Height:

Here are Raleigh custom home photos with standard kitchen counter top and bar top dimensions:

1. Counter Top Height

How tall are kitchen counter tops? 36''

What's the distance between a counter top and upper cabinets? The upper cabinets are typically 18'' above the counter tops.

An 18'' gap leave plenty of room for countertop appliances, without placing the cabinets above easy reach.

2. Island Height

How tall are kitchen islands? About 36'' for a countertop height island, though many islands also include raised eating bars.

Your kitchen island will match the counter top height, at a standard 36 inches tall.

3. Raised Eating Bar Height

The distance between your island and raised eating bar is typically 6 inches. Several factors go into creating the ideal bar height:

First, there are typically no upper cabinets above an island or eating bar, so appliances and other items don't need the same clearance space.

Second, your eating bar should be at an easy-to-use height, a total of about 42 inches from the ground.

From another angle of this Raleigh new home kitchen, here is the total raised eating bar height:

4. Breakfast and Dining Room Table Height

The standard height for most tables, whether in the breakfast room or formal dining, is about 30 inches tall.

You can gauge the height of your table alongside popular chair rail and wainscoting heights.

There is no standard wainscoting height - wainscoting and specialty trim depend on the ceiling height, room proportions, and stylistic appeal you're wanting to create.

Typically, chair rail is installed between 28 and 32'' from the floor.

Here are some Houzz Ideabooks with more kitchen counter top and cabinet photos:

• Kitchen island trim ideas
• Dining rooms - with wainscoting, chair rail, and trim ideas

New Home Builders in North Carolina:

What does a "standard" custom home cost to build in the Research Triangle Park of North Carolina? Tell us about the home site and floor plan you're interested in, and Stanton Homes will provide an initial cost estimate for your new home.

Home Plans with a Sunroom:

Relax in the natural light of a sunroom - designed to enhance your view.

These Raleigh custom sunrooms come in all shapes and sizes, with window walls, and unique flooring ideas for your new home.

See floor plans of the homes pictured below:

• Remington: 3,162 sq ft with 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, sunroom beside the kitchen
• Treehouse: 3,611 sq ft with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, sunroom along back side of kitchen wall
• Summerlyn: 3,281 sq ft with 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, sunroom with see through fireplace 
• Chapel Ridge: 2,694 sq ft with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, California style sunroom with French doors into the great room

Contact Stanton Homes to learn what it costs to build a custom home in the Raleigh, North Carolina area. 

Sunroom Layouts, Window Designs, and Features

Sun rooms designed for the seasonal climate in North Carolina include:

1. Sunroom with see through or two-sided fireplace

This is a year-round sun room is designed for soaking up the summer sun and staying warm on cold winter evenings. The two-sided fireplace leads between the sun room and great room. 

2. Sunroom with built in bench

You can tuck hidden storage into your sun room, with a built-in bench below the windows. This sun room runs along the kitchen wall, for an out-of-the-way relaxation area that stays separate from the great room. See a floor plan here. 

3. Sunroom with Interior window wall

While less traditional in terms of home plan layout, we're seeing more home buyer requests for interior windows between the great room and sun room. In this home, a version of the Whitehaven, a large picture window offers views between the two main "hang out" areas of the home.  

4. Sunroom with coffer ceiling treatment

Plenty of windows - and French glass doors - are must-have for a sun room design, ceiling treatments can turn a casual relaxation area into a formal space for guests to gather. 

In this version of the Chapel Ridge, a two-tone coffered ceiling with indoor fan accents the sun room. 

5. Bay style sunroom with vaulted ceiling

View from the breakfast room, looking into the open concept sun room. The kitchen bar area (with wine refrigerator and rack) fits a flat screen TV, placed especially for a sports-loving family who wants to watch the game from the island.

Here is another angle of the sun room, from the wine wall:

6. Craftsman sunroom windows 

Rather than accenting the ceiling with a coffer or vault, this sun room focuses on craftman trim details - with hand-built frames around the windows.

A square ceiling fan light gives a touch of contemporary design to the modern craftsman home - photographed in a version of the McAlvany.

7. Breakfast Room / Sunroom design

If you're looking to downsize your home, or for ways to maximize the efficiency of the spaces in a larger floor plan, a breakfast room / sun room combination can make great use of space. 

This breakfast room, located on the rear corner of the home plan, lets in tons of natural light. If you want to designate a formal dining space, consider converting a corner space such as this into an open concept sun room. 

 When you build a truly custom home, your builder can tell you how much flexibility your floor plan layout allows - and how to redesign to meet your needs. 

More Sun Room and Indoor-Outdoor Living Photos:

Stanton Homes on Houzz:

5 Places to Tuck a Plant Shelf:

Plant shelves are a small touch that can add a lot of life to a home floor plan. What are the most common locations for adding plan shelf? 

• Above the master suite entrance
• In the foyer
• Above the front door
• Above the master shower
• Above a wall bump-out

See five Raleigh custom homes with a plant shelf, below.

Photos of Plant Shelf Ideas in New Homes:

1. Above the Master Suite Entrance

Adding a small bump-out to this master suite created space for a plant shelf and two built-in art nooks (painted in contrasting light and dark grey colors to pop out). 

This photo is from a version of the Worthington II, a Raleigh custom home built by Stanton Homes. 

Get more ideas for the master suite entrance design: 16 Master Bedroom Entries.

2. In the Foyer

Staircases often lend themselves to creative use of space - here's an example of a plant shelf built into the turn of this angled foyer staircase. 

The floor space below is perfect for an angled bench or entryway table. This photo is from a version of the Horse Country Estate, a main floor master suite Raleigh custom home. 

More foyer and entryway ideas: 

• Home plans with a two story foyer
• Two story foyers (near one story great rooms)

3. Above the Front Door

Barrel vault ceilings and plant shelves are the two most popular ways to decorate a two story foyer in Raleigh custom homes built by Stanton Homes. 

In this design/build home, a version of the Carwile, the foyer features a dormer style plant shelf, visible from the first floor entry and second story overlooks.   Adding an outlet near a plant shelf can increase holiday decorating possibilities too.

In this version of the Beaufort, a Frank Betz floor plan built by Stanton Homes, the two story foyer features both a barrel vault and a plant shelf above the front door. Dramatic entrances - as "interior curb appeal" - are a popular home design features in the Raleigh new home market. 

4. Above the Master Shower

The plant shelf in this design/build master bathroom incorporates a full-length plant shelf along the tub and shower. The ceiling vaults above, giving the plant shelf space for display. 

This photo is from a version of the Penelope, a Raleigh custom home. 

5. Above a Wall Bump-Out

Similar to master suite entrances, an accent area or wall bump out can serve a dual purpose as a decorative plant shelf. Here is an example of a plant shelf tucked into the vaulted ceiling of the breakfast room - located next to the kitchen and great room. 

How much does it cost to add a plant shelf?

When you're ready to get down to cost details on your new home, contact Stanton Homes. Tell us your home plan layout priorities - including details as small as a plant shelf - and we'll show you what it takes to build in the central region of North Carolina.

See more favorite plant shelf photos on Houzz, click here. 

Shower Door Options:

What's are the most popular shower enclosure and door styles for Raleigh new custom homes?

• Frameless, semi-frameless, or framed?
• Sliders or opening doors?
• Glass partitions?

See the top 5 shower door options here, with photo examples.

Best Types of Shower Doors:

Shower door preferences vary widely, as do budgets!  For some homeowners this is a "splurge" area, a way to add even more drama and detail to a custom tile shower.   For others, the design of the door is simply one more step towards a beautifully beguiling bath.  

Some common shower door styles include:

1. Frameless Shower Doors and Enclosures

This shower door is completely frameless - with just a touch of dark bronze required for the hinges that enable to door to open.

Oil rubbed bronze fixtures and finishes stand out in this softly painted contempoary craftsman master bathroom, from a version of the McAlvany.

Here is an example of a frameless shower enclosure, from a version of the Peay. Metal brackets keep the large glass wall stable, without disrupting the minimalistic style:

2. Semi-Frameless Shower Doors and Enclosures

A semi-frameless shower door can use a frame on two sides. In this photo, from a version of the Remington master bathroom, a glass window looks between the shower and alcove tub. This is a modern open concept shower design.

3. Framed Shower Doors and Enclosures

This three-sided shower is fully framed with a brushed nickel finish. This is a great shower layout for an alley style master bathroom, with his and hers separate vanities. The closet opens on the opposite wall of this linear bathroom layout - see more photos of this Raleigh custom home here.

4. Shower Door Sliders

Shower doors that slide open are ideal for small bathroom layouts. While typical shower doors swing open - and need clear space to do so - sliders are self-contained within the shower frame.

Here is an example of shower door sliders, in a compact master bathroom. This photo is from a version of the Sherri, an efficient one story home near Raleigh, NC.

5. Glass Partitions - with No Door - to the Shower

Glass partitions block shower spray, while leaving a no-door opening. These showers are most common in contemporary style homes with an open concept, as well as wheelchair accessible homes (with zero threashold roll-in showers).

Pictured is just half of this two-person shower. Click here to see a photo tour of this home, a version of the Judson.

The shower door framing and swing style you choose will depend on several factors, including:

• Master bathroom layout (U-shaped, L-shaped, Single Wall, Open Concept)
• Custom home style (Contemporary, Craftsman, Traditional)
• Any special considerations (Wheelchair Accessible Showers, Aging in Place Layouts)

Explore More Shower Design Options on Houzz:

Browse Raleigh custom home photos from Raleigh custom homes designed and built by Stanton Homes. What's your favorite bathroom shower design? Tell us what you love about these photos, and we'll show you what it takes to build:

See more favorites in our Raleigh Custom Home Shower Doors Ideabook on Houzz.

Contact Stanton Homes for a new home cost estimate here, or call 919-278-8070. Stanton Homes builds new custom homes throughout the Research Triangle Park area of central North Carolina.

Houzz offers an easy way to plan your Raleigh new custom home - with seemingly limitless photos to add to your personal "Ideabooks."

Want to know what Houzz users see as the "Perfect House?"  We've compiled a list of the most popular Stanton Homes photos (based on the number of "Saves" to IdeaBooks) - below.

New Home Design Ideas:

See the most popular custom home exterior, kitchen, master bathroom, mother in law suite, powder room, mud room, and pet room photos from our Houzz projects:

1. The Perfect Exterior Design:

Homes that combine traditional and craftsman elements continue to rise in popularity. This Raleigh custom home blends traditional white columns with craftsman style trim and contemporary grey metal roof accents above the garage and sides.   Each eave and peak is carefully balanced in this design so that no matter what angle the home is viewed from, the eye tracks the angles and curves.

The portico entrance opens to a vault, with a dark stained wood door and lots of glass for natural light. 

2. The Perfect Kitchen Design:

White, grey, and black kitchens continue to top home trend charts.

Not all new home kitchens are scaling up in size. Many kitchen floor plans, like this popular Houzz kitchen photo, center on efficient layouts that offer ample storage and counter space without breaking the bank. 

3. The Perfect Master Bath Design:

Master bathrooms with only a shower - and no tub - are also a common request for Raleigh new homes.

This two person shower features separate his and hers shower heads, open concept glass panels, and a roll-in (wheelchair accessible) threshold.

4. The Perfect Great Room Design:

While the jury is still out on two versus one story great rooms, this great room photo boasts the most Ideabook "Saves."

This two story great room includes two window rows, dark hardwood flooring, light grey paint, a tall built-in bookcase, full-height white wainscoting above the fireplace, walls sconces, and a wrap-around walkway to the sun room. To top it off, the fireplace is see-through.

5. The Perfect "Mother in Law Suite" Design:

Mother in law homes, that is, homes designed with a private living area for long term guests or extended family, are difficult to find in existing home markets - making them a top request in custom new home construction.

This MIL suite takes the cake for one of our most-saved photos on Houzz. This floor plan - a version of the Maple Lane - includes a mother in law bedroom with private bathroom and sitting room with French door entry (and faux transom windows above). The sitting room has private access to outdoor living.

6. The Perfect Powder Room Design:

Metallic accents have grown in popularity, often used to off-set white, black, grey, and even golden brown rooms. This powder room design - a simple yet elegant design with painted wainscoting, framed mirror, and pedestal sink - is hugely popular on Houzz - even compared to Stanton Homes powder rooms with more complex (and expensive) layouts and design selections. 

7. The Perfect Mud Room Design:

With the recent trend towards incorporating indoor-outdoor space comes a need for convenient mud room amenities.

This mud room - our most popular on Houzz - features two closets, a built in bench with storage cubbies, and upper cabinets, sink, and countertop (on the other wall). The coat hooks spell "FAMILY."

8. The Perfect Place for Pets:

Want to know where homebuyers would love to splurge in their next home? This pet room features a large dog shower and tucked-in dog house.  These pet room accommodations are located under the staircase - designed to take advantage of otherwise unused square footage inside the combination mud room / laundry room. 

Collaborate with the Stanton Homes Team to Design Your New Home:

No two Stanton Homes are alike because we create every home with exquisite details and layouts that fit the personality of its people – beginning with the flexibility to choose a design from nearly any architect or have us create something new, just for you.

Our design team will collaborate with you to create the perfect home for your lifestyle. Share your ideas with us - email us your favorite Houzz photos (and tell us what you love about the most popular photos in this post). 

Reach us at 919-278-8070 or www.StantonHomes.com.

It's tough to find a floor plan that hits everything on the wish list!  We're highlighting some designs that have done a great job making everything work, without unnecessarily supersizing your new home.   The "Poplar Place" is a Frank Betz home plan with 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom floor plan with just over 2,500 sq ft of heated living space (the two car garage can be designed as front entry or side entry).

Poplar Place exterior rendering copyright Frank Betz, Inc.

See the most common custom modifications homebuyers request for this floor plan - and then request a full build cost estimate from Stanton Homes - for the Raleigh, NC area.

Popular Floor Plan Features:  

The Poplar Place includes many of the most requested floor plan features in a Raleigh new home, including: 

• An open, spacious Kitchen with a large island and seating
• A first floor Pocket Office in addition to the first floor Guest Room
• An oversized first floor Guest Bedroom with walk in closet, in place of the smaller bedroom with standard size closet
• A drop zone and Mudroom, instead of a garage door that opens straight into the Dining area
• His and hers closets with separate access
• Separated his and hers vanities
• More flexibility on the second floor: Bedroom 3 can also be converted into a very large open Loft or enclosed Game Room
• Attic storage on the second floor

Poplar Place First Floor Plan copyright Frank Betz, Inc.

Poplar Place Second Floor Plan copyright Frank Betz, Inc.

How to Modify this Custom Home Floor Plan:

When working with an experienced custom home builder, here are a few examples of custom modifications that can be made to the Poplar Place: 

Floor Plan Modification #1: Delete the Jack and Jill Bath Portion of "Bedroom 2"

Removing a portion of the Jack and Jill bath allows you to extend the Laundry Room and include a long Folding Counter or other built-in storage options.  The bath is still extremely workable for multiple children with the tub/shower split and the dual vanity option.

Floor Plan Modification #2: Add a Loft

The layout of this Raleigh floor plan allows you to convert either Bedroom 3 or Bedroom 4 to an Open Loft, unless five bedrooms are desired. 

Floor Plan Modification #3: Add a Walk Up Third Floor

Based on the existing layout, a custom home builder can move the entrace to Bedroom 4 and wrap the staircase into a third floor to create additional, cost-effective square footage.   The roofline will be modified with this version.

Custom Home Builders in North Carolina:

We’d love to talk with you about your lifestyle, budget and preferences you have in mind for your North Carolina custom home.

We will work with you to find, modify, or design the perfect plan - with custom touches like these red-line updates in the Poplar Place floor plan. Contact Stanton Homes to get started on the new home building process.

Blue Tile in the Bathroom:

For some buyers, blue bathrooms are a bold choice; for others, pale blue paint and tile are a calming, relaxing option.

See photos of blue bathrooms - and tile designs - from new homes built by Stanton Homes in central North Carolina.  Stanton Homes is a new custom home builder in Raleigh, NC - contact us to learn more about the new home build process. 

Blue Tile Ideas for the Bath:

Below are examples of how to use blue tile in the master bathroom, secondary bath, and powder room. 

2. Blue Tile Floor

Hints of blue, grey, and white blend throughout the contemporary pebble style master bathroom floor - with deeper blue tiles integrated around the tub and shower. 

Ceiling-height tile in the shower is a custom home touch. 

2. Blue Tile Surround on a Curved Tub

This master bath tub rests inside the open concept shower. Mixed tile sizes create contrast throughout the bathroom: long faux wood floor and wall tiles blend with mini mosaic wall and tub patterns.

This contemporary show includes his and hers shower heads and block window glass. 

3. Blue Tile Around a Mirror

This kids bathroom feautres blue tile in the vanity and shower room. A thin listello accent frames the mirror and window. Linear patterns run through the floor and across the shower walls. 

Blue and grey tile combinations are popular inside master, guest, and kids bathrooms. 

4. Blue Accents in a Tub Surround

This master bathroom features a more subtle shade of blue in the tile - to accent the bright, baby blue walls.  The neutral tile tub surround softens the room. 

The built-in tile shelf below the window offers a place to decorate or store bath time essentials. 

Although light blue can be a more traditional bathroom shade, the no-door archway opening between the master bedroom and bath keeps this space feeling contemporary.

5. Blue Shower Tile

A guest or secondary bathroom is a great place to add floor-to-ceiling tile - in bold color choices. 

Many homebuyers opt to integrate tile upgrades in the most visible bathrooms, such as a guest suite bath or shared downstairs bath.

6. Blue Mini Mosaic Tile Patterns

This bathroom - a dual entry, kids' Jack and Jill layout - uses a mini mosaic tile pattern in the shower. 

This bathroom is custom designed as a specially adapted shower room - with tub inside - for ease of use. 8 x 10 white field tile runs across the ceiling, in addition to the walls and foor. 

7. Subtle Blue Tile Accents

Using slate blue tile -- mixed with grays, browns, and other earth tones -- is a great way to create a neutral bathroom without the popular integration of high contrasts of white, black, and gray patterns. This blend of colors feels more traditional than a bright blue design. 

8. Slate Blue Tile Tub Surround

A vertical tile pattern with slate blue tones emphasizes the curved front of this tile tub surround.

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More photos of tile tub surrounds in new custom homes by Stanton Homes:

• Tile Surrounds for Soaking Tubs
• White, Black, and Gray Tile Surrounds
• 17 Favorite Master Bath Designs for a Tub Surround

Raleigh New Home Construction 

Tell us what floor plan you'd like to build, and we'll show you what it costs to build in central North Carolina. We'll get down to details, including full price estimates for all the floor plan features - and selections - you love. 

Parade of Homes Trends:

The Parade of Homes in Wake County is one of the largest in the entire nation. And design trends seen in the Parade are usually at the forefront of cutting edge – as a wide variety of builders work to identify what homebuyers want most, today.

Here’s a visual of what was seen in Cary, NC new homes featured in this year's Parade of Homes:

For Single Family Homes:

• Avg list price $769K
• Avg sq ft 4088 finished
• 68% have three car garage, 42% have two car
• Of the three car garage plans, 77% are “split” garages
• 68% are two story, 47% are main floor master. The overlap comes from a few Dual Master Suite homes

Features that are very popular in Cary NC new homes:

• 100% have a Bonus Room or Game Room
• 100% have a Formal Dining Room
• 63% have Laundry Rooms on the Second Floor
• 95% have a counter in the Laundry Room
• 95% have a Built In Drop Zone (and 79% have a separate area for the drop zone, ie a dedicated Mud Room area)
• 74% have a first floor guest suite
• 53% have a first floor office (that is not a guest bedroom)
• 74% have a “Jack and Jill” bath
• 100% have a Kitchen Island with Seating (with more than 50% accommodating seating for at least 4)
• 89% have a Butler Pantry
• 84% have a Walk In Pantry

Features that do not appear to be very popular in Cary NC new homes:

• 11% have a pocket office
• 11% have a formal living room
• 5% have a keeping room
• 5% have a sunroom
• 5% have a private sitting room in the master
• 5% have dual islands
• 16% have two staircases
• No homes have a Curved Staircase

New home design trends vary by price point and area, but it is interesting to see what’s popular in this year’s new custom homes!

Penny Hull enjoys identifying new home trends in her spare time, which is part of why she was awarded the “Top 40 Under 40” National recognition from Professional Builder magazine.   She works with Stanton Homes to help homeowners build beautiful custom homes that “make sense”.

Custom Homes Build North Carolina:

Tell us which home plan features you'd like to include in your new home, and we'll show you what it costs to build in central North Carolina. We'll get down to details, including full price estimates for all the floor plan features - and selections - you love. 

What makes a "Princess Suite" floor plan unique? 

A Princess Suite usually refers to a secondary bedroom on the second floor with:

• Private bath room
• Expanded or walk in closet
• Slightly greater sq ft than other secondary bedrooms
• Special features, such as a built in seat or sitting area

Some home buyers use the princess suite as a guest bedroom, with all the same amenities.

What does a Princess Suite floor plan include?

Here are some examples of Princess Suite Floor Plans:

• The Garnell - Second Story Princess Suite
• The Letterham - Princess Suite and Guest Suite
• The Timbersedge - Princess Suite and Theater
• The Harwood - Princess Suite and Library
• The Parnell - Princess Suite with Window Seat
• The Longleaf - Princess Suite with Walk in Closet

See examples of special features, in these floor plan images:

Princess Suite Floor Plan Feature #1: Private Bathroom

The Avonstone Manor, copyright Garrell Associates, includes a princess suite on the second floor. This suite features:

• Private bath with corner soaking tub and separate tile shower
• Walk in closet
• Built in desk / storage area

Take a look inside this Princess Suite from a version of the Avonstone Manor built by Stanton Homes near Raleigh, North Carolina: Click here for a full gallery of this custom home.

Princess Suite Floor Plan Feature #2: Expanded Closet

The Graystone Park, copyright Frank Betz, features a second floor Princess Suite with expanded walk in closet. This closet rivals master bedroom storage space.

The Longleaf, home plan by Frank Betz, includes five bedrooms, four and a half baths, and a second story Princess Suite.

The Princess Suite also includes a walk in closet - in a more typical size - as well as private bathroom. 

Bedrooms 3 and 4 share a Jack and Jill style bath.

Princess Suite Floor Plan Feature #3: Additional Sq Ft

Typical secondary or "kids" bedrooms are generally 12'x12' or 12x11' for a total of 132 to 144 sq ft.

This floor plan, The Timbersedge by Alan Mascord, features an expanded secondary bedroom.

The princess suite is 13'x13', not including the foyer-style entry and attached bath with separate toilet room and vanity area.

Princess Suite Floor Plan Feature #4: Bay Sitting Area

This Princess Suite - from The Kensington copyright Alan Mascord - centers around the bay sitting area.

Princess Suite Floor Plan Feature #5: Built in Bench

The Parnell, copyright Alan Mascord, features a princess suite with built-in window bench. This suite also includes:

• Private bathroom with tub/shower combination
• Extra long closet

How to Build a New Home in North Carolina:

Tell us what floor plan you'd like to build, and we'll show you what it costs to build in central North Carolina. We'll get down to details, including full price estimates for all the floor plan features - and selections - you love. 

List of Princess Suite Floor Plans:

• The Kaiser
• The Hamilton
• The Graystone Park
• The Farnsworth
• The Flanagan
• The Lofton
• The Tarrant
• The Wynter Park
• The Graceton
• The Aldergold
• The Deerwood
• The Greenwich
• The Habersham
• The Walden Pond
• The Cotswold
• The Berkshire Pointe
• The Mulberry
• The Alderwood
• The Brackenbury
• The Huntcliff

Custom Home Plan Architects:

Frank Betz Associates, Inc. offers a massive selection of creative and appealing new custom home plans. Looking for the right floor plan to fit your lifestyle and budget? See what Frank Betz has to offer, and contact Stanton Homes to get a full cost estimate on your new home.

How to Search for Floor Plans:

The Frank Betz website offers multiple ways to search for floor plans.

1. Home Plan Options

Frank Betz offers sample floor plans in a variety of popular styles, including:

• Southern Living Home Plans
• Craftsman Home Plans
• Easy Living House Plans
• Luxury House Plans
• Vacation Home Plans

2. Searchable Database of Floor Plans

Frank Betz offers a searchable database of home plans, here, with search criteria such as:

• Floor plan type (one story, two story, main floor master)
• Number of bedrooms
• Number of bathrooms
• Home size (square feet)
• Laundry room location and
• Specialty rooms

Frank Betz Associates are one of the most prolific (and popular!) designers of floor plans.  The database offers over one thousand unique floor plans to choose from.   

What does it Cost to Build a Frank Betz Home Plan?

Stanton Homes can give you an easy, free cost estimate for your favorite Frank Betz floor plans.  See photo galleries of Frank Betz home plans recently built in North Carolina by Stanton Homes:

• The Coventry: 2807 sq ft, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
• The Bostwick: 2410 sq ft, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths
• The Gershwin: 2073, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
• The Beaufort: 2313 sq ft, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths
• The Willow: 2116 sq ft, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths
• The Sullivan: 2505 sq ft, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths
• The Santa Clara: 2859 sq ft, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths

Contact Stanton Homes at 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to see what the excitement is all about.

What are the most cost effective first floor master floor plans to build?

The Fisher's Walk, a Frank Betz floor plan, is a great example of how to build a cost effective custom home, but include your entire "must have" wish list too!

The Fisher's Walk includes:

- Open island kitchen with 9'x4' island

- DownstairsMaster Bedroom

- First floor guestsuite

- Exterior details like crosshatches at eaves, shakes, twin garage doors with glass

- Cool angled staircase

- Upstairs Computer Loft / Pocket Office and BonusRoom

Winning Features in this Main Floor Master Layout:

These are the "most requested" features - sporting winner's ribbons in this year's heavily visited Parade of Homes, and generating the most attention in new home construction. 

1. Must Have - Huge Island

The Fisher's Walk offers a space and cost efficient (but impressive!) kitchen with one full wall of cabinetry and a  9'x4'island with seating.

The island can be designed to seat 3-5 comfortably with cozy counter-height seating options.   Check out our Top 11 Kitchen Island Designs here.

2. Must Have - First Floor Master

A First Floor Master Suite can be an essential requirement for many homebuyers, for ease of living and also for consideration of Aging in Place requirements.  

This Main Floor Master offers a gorgeous Master Bath with huge Soaking Tub and a well-designed walk in closet with three full walls of storage available.   The entrance to the master suite is also planned well, with a private access hallway across from the staircase. Browse main floor master - or downstairs master bedroom - floor plans here.

3. Must Have - First Floor Guest Suite

The Fisher's Walk includes a first floor guest suite with easy access to the downstairs full bath. A private walk in closet offers plenty of storage space.

First floor guest suites are hugely popular in new home designs. Guest suites offer short-term space for out of town guests during the holiday seasons, as well as long-term space for multi-generational living needs. See popular guest suite floor plans here, and dual master floor plans here.

4. Must Have - Appealing Exterior

The Fisher's Walk is a great example of a "box" style home that saves costs on construction without losing curb appeal with exterior details like crosshatches, shakes, twin garage doors with glass. (See custom home exteriors in this Houzz Ideabook.)

Generally, the more corners on the exterior, the higher the cost. Each time one room juts out more than another, more time and materials are required to build your new home. The layout of a plan with 6 corners can be very similar to a plan with 19 corners. Pick a plan with less ins and outs, and add up your savings.

5. Must Have - "Interesting" Staircase

Homebuyers love staircases that have some interest to them.  The Fisher's Walk staircase has a beautiful combination of elements, with exposed open railing at the base and angled, welcoming base treads.  The exposed area allows the homebuyer to experiment with oak, wrought iron, or painted balusters - without breaking the bank on a huge expanse of railing! See more types of staircases, in these NC custom home photos.

6. Must Have - Full Height Bonus Room

Bonus rooms are awesome!  But sometimes a bonus room over a garage can be pretty limited by the roofline, with angled ceilings and varying wall heights.  The Fisher's Walk bonus room has been perfectly designed for a multitude of uses.   Four full height walls allow this room to be used as a Home Theater, a Dart Tournament area, a Library Corner, and much more. Four generous windows add enticing natural light too!

Two common questions about bonus rooms are:

1. Which is a better investment, a bonus room or basement?
2. How can I make my house bigger with a bonus room?

7. Must Have - Flexible Features that can Save on Costs

Looking for cost-saving tips? Here's one that stands out in the Fisher's Walk: leaving out the fireplace can save you a chunk of change, especially with today’s lifestyles that dictate alternative gathering areas that do not use a fireplace (such as kitchen hang-outs and indoor-outdoor spaces like a covered patio). If you want a fireplace, consider placing it on an outside wall– interior wall placement is more expensive.

What does it take to build a new home in North Carolina?

Contact Stanton Homes for a full cost estimate for the Fisher's Walk or any custom home floor plan you'd like to build in North Carolina. Contact us at 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to see what the excitement is all about.

Best Paint Colors to use in a Great Room:

Beige and gray are the two most popular paint colors for great rooms in NC custom homes.

Here are some examples of popular great room layouts, in recently constructed NC custom homes:

• Two story great room with open concept kitchen and balcony
• Vaulted two story great room with fireplace and mountain home style window wall
• California style great room with tile floor and wet bar
• Country farmhouse style great room

Most Popular Paint Colors for a Great Room:

Great rooms are generally large spaces with open layouts, windows, and a fireplace. These key features will help determine the best paint color schemes.

Get ideas for your new home paint colors from these beige great rooms. And see why beige is not boring!

Beige Paint Color #1: "SW 6106 Kilim Beige"

Beige paint colors are popular for many reasons, including their neutrality and flexibility.

Beige walls will serve as a backdrop, rather than focal point, allowing you to show off architectural features such as columns, fireplaces, vaulted ceilings, and window designs.

This great room - photo from a version of the Country Farmhouse - is painted in SW 6106 Kilim Beige by Sherwin Williams.

Beige Paint Color #2: "SW 7036 Accessible Beige"

A neutral beige paint highlights the hand-stained wood, stone archway, and stone fireplace in this custom home great room design.

This great room - photo from a version of the Coquery Cottage - is painted in SW 7036 Accessible Beige by Sherwin Williams.

Beige Paint Color #3: "SW 7527 Nantucket Dune"

Beige tends to work equally well in large, vaulted and small, open great room layouts. In this great room, the beige walls let the black fireplace and fixtures stand out above the hardwood floors.

This great room is painted in SW 7527 Nantucket Dune by Sherwin Williams.

Beige Paint Color #4: "SW 7714 Oak Barrel"

The finishes and features within a room work together with the paint color to create the overall palatte.

For confidence when choosing a paint color, make sure to compare large samples, on-site, with other features within the room.

This great room - photo from a version of the Lakehouse - is painted in SW 7714 Oak Barrel by Sherwin Williams.

Beige Paint Color #5: "SW 7687 August Moon"

White trim and wainscoting panels are a great design technique to break up any paint color, including beige.

This great room - photo from a version of the Remington - is painted in SW 7687 August Moon by Sherwin Williams.

More Popular Great Room Paint Colors

Here are links to other great rooms painted in blue, green, yellow, and other hues:

1. SW 6207 Retreat - in a version of the Chalet Vert
2. Benjamin Moore AF-670 Nightingale - in a version of the Shoal Creek
3. SW 6687 Lantern Light - in a version of the Blackhawk

Contact Stanton Homes at 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to learn more about building an NC custom home - with the help of an interior design expert throughout the selection process.

Popular Tile Backsplash Styles, Paint Tones, and Cabinet Colors for the Kitchen

What are the top five design battles brewing over new home kitchen tile, paint, and cabinetry combinations?

• Tans, browns, and beige vs. whites, grays, and espresso tones
• Vertical mixed mosaic tile patterns vs. horizontal mosaic patterns
• Painted vs. stained cabinets - in white, espresso, and maple
• Ceramic vs. stone, metal, and other tile materials
• Farmhouse vs. craftsman, contemporary, and traditional themes

(Click on the photos below to see floor plans and additional photos from these NC custom homes.)

Kitchen Design Idea #1: Beige Paint, Bone Tile, and Hickory Cabinets

While white painted cabinets and espresso wood stain remain popular selections for new homes, we're also seeing a return to hickory and maple kitchen cabinets with natural stains.

This country farmhouse style kitchen blends a range of natural materials and tones in the paint, tile, cabinet, and granite counter top selections.

This Stanton Homes custom kitchen design features:

Paint: SW 6108 Latte by Sherwin Williams

Tile splash: 3x6 "Bone Natural" Field Tile with a vertical mix mosaic above the range

Cabinets: Hickory cabinets with Chestnut stain

Granite Counter Tops: "Venetian Ice"

Kitchen Design Idea #2: Gray Paint, Red Tile, Two Islands with Antique Glaze

This expansive, two island kitchen blends natural tile tones with antique painted cabinets and delicious glazes on top.

The first island serves as a cooking, prep, and cleaning space while the second accommodates party platters and casual dining. (See a floor plan and additional kitchen photos here.)

This Stanton Homes custom kitchen design features:

Paint: SW 7548 Portico by Sherwin Williams

Tile splash: 4x4'' diagonal set Noce Antique Field Tile with 2x2'' Adelaide Hills Blend with Cinnamon, Raspberry, and Vanilla

Cabinets: Lewis painted antique perimeter cabinets with a chocolate glaze and island cabinets with black glaze

Kitchen Design Idea #3: Gray Paint, Metallic Tile, Formal White Painted Cabinets

Classic, traditional elements flow alongside contemporary finishes throughout this NC new home kitchen.  Classic elements include white painted cabinets. Contemporary touches include metallic tile accents.

A window above the sink offers direct line of sight into the backyard, great for keeping an eye on kids playing outdoors - while getting down to business with the two-oven gas range.

This Stanton Homes custom kitchen design features:

Paint: Benjamin Moore HC-105 Rockport Gray

Tile Splash: 5/8'' Falls Creek Blend Mosaic Tile

Cabinets: Maple wood with Antique white paint (the island cabinets are also Maple with Espresso stain)

Kitchen Design Idea #4: Beige Paint, Tan Tile, Espresso Cabinets

This luxury kitchen design features glass front cabinet doors, a stone frame around the main kitchen wall, and furniture style cabinets with a center bump-out.

Contrary to many open concept floor plans, this kitchen opens to the breakfast room, separate from the living room around the corner.

This Stanton Homes custom kitchen design features:

Paint: SW 7506 Loggia by Sherwin Williams

Tile Splash: 4x4'' Ivory Tumbled Travertine with 1x1'' Carmel Mix Hones Mosaic above the range

Cabinets: Maple with Espresso stain

Kitchen Design Idea #5: Beige Paint, Rustic Brick Tile, Slate Stain Cabinets

This island kitchen incorporates two types of cabinet materials and finishes: maple and oak wood with white paint and slate stain.

A raised eating bar opens interaction space from the kitchen to the living room, and hides the two bowl kitchen sink.

The gas range is perfect for those who love to cook complex meals with precise heating elements.

This Stanton Homes custom kitchen design features:

Paint: SW 7512 Pavilion Beige by Sherwin Williams

Tile Splash: 3x6'' Walnut Tumbled Travertine in a brick pattern with 2x12'' Walnut Tavertine Chair Rail and 1/2 x 1/2'' Branch Mix Mosaics above the range

Cabinets: Maple perimeter cabinets with Antique White Paint; Oak refrigerator cabinet and island cabinets with Slate Stain

(See a similar brick tile in this version of the Christina.)

NC New Home Kitchen Design:

Which kitchen selection combinations stand out to you? Get more ideas for every room of the home, inside our Houzz Ideabooks, here.

Contact Stanton Homes at 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to learn more about building an NC custom home - with the help of an interior design expert throughout the selection process.

Best Paint Colors to use in a Formal Dining Room:

Hues of red often accent the walls of traditional formal dining rooms. Take a look at the NC new home photos below to see modern examples of how to integrate traditional red paint with contemporary dining room styles, trim features, and built-ins.

Most Popular Paint Colors for a Dining Room:

Dining rooms are usually built as formal spaces with columns, archway entrances, window rows, chair rail trim, wainscot panels, trey ceilings, and butler's pantries. Special details like trim style and built-in cabinetry features will help determine the best paint color schemes for your dining room.

Get ideas for your new home paint colors from these red dining rooms. And see why red paint is no longer reserved for traditional home plans.

Red Paint Color #1: "SW 2915 Sun-dried Tomato"

This formal dining uses two popular paint colors, red and gray, with white accents in the trim, wainscoting, and trey ceiling details.

A mini crystal changelier centers the formal dining table. Archways lead to the kitchen (with butler's pantry in the hallway) and foyer.

This great room - photo from a version of the Statesman - is painted in SW 2915 Sun-dried Tomato by Sherwin Williams.

Red Paint Color #2: "SW 7593 Rustic Red"

A deep, rustic red paint highlights the custom trim features in this formal dining room, including the square wainscot panel design and octagonal trey ceiling.

Around the corner, get a glimpse of the built-in butler's pantry cabinets.

This great room - photo from a version of the Maple Lane - is painted in SW 7593 Rustic Red by Sherwin Williams.

Red Paint Color #3: "Rum Spice 160F-5" and "Colony Buff 7723"

Red paint tends to work best when paired with other strong elements, such as a crystal chandelier or accent paint color.

In this formal dining room, a beige paint ("Colony Buff 7723") on the lower portion of the walls gives more texture to the room. Dual columns also break up the space, and soften the bold paint choices.

This dining room - photo from a version of the Sutherland - is painted in Rum Spice 160F-5 by Behr and Colony Buff 7723 by Sherwin Williams.

Red Paint Color #4: "SW 7595 Sommelier"

White wainscoting, coffer ceiling, and column contrast against the dark red dining room paint selection.

For confidence when choosing a deep paint color, make sure to ask your builder how trim, columns, coffer ceilings, and other details can work together with your paint selections.

This dining room is painted in SW 7595 Sommelier by Sherwin Williams.

Red Paint Color #5: "SW 6320 Bravado Red"

White trim and wainscoting panels are a great design technique to break up any paint color, including a bright red hue.

The two-step trey ceiling, archways, and arched nooks allow you to make bolder paint choices in this formal dining room.

This great room - photo from a version of the Oak Lane - is painted in SW 6320 Bravado Red by Sherwin Williams.

More Popular Dining Room Paint Colors

Here are links to formal dining rooms painted in gray, navy blue, green, beige, and other hues gaining popularity in North Carolina new homes:

1. Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal HC - 166 - Dark gray formal dining room wainscoting
2. SW 6244 Naval - Deep navy blue dining room
3. SW 6178 Clary Sage - Soft green formal dining room paint
4. SW 7036 Accessible Beige walls with coffer ceiling in SW 7039 Virtual Taupe

Contact Stanton Homes at 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to learn more about building an NC custom home - with the help of an interior design expert throughout the selection process.