New Home Tips, Trends, and Ideas - Raleigh Custom Home Builders

Kitchens that Open up to the Great Room:

Get ideas for how to divide your space efficiently and elegantly, with an open kitchen/great room layout.

These kitchen photos show examples of homes that combine the kitchen with nearby living, eating, and multi-purpose spaces into a single, large gathering area. Here are some examples of popular floor plans with a completely open kitchen:

Open Layouts for Raleigh New Homes:

Floor plans with an open layout are designed to maximize the utility of kitchens, great rooms, and surrounding spaces.

1. Kitchens Designed for Casual Dining

This open concept kitchen offers casual dining at the island and the tucked-in breakfast nook. While many traditional floor plans place the breakfast area between the kitchen and living room, this open plan flow directly from kitchen to great room.

2. Kitchens Designed for Entertaining

This open concept layout includes three separate countertop centers - two islands and a separate living room wet bar. The completely open plan makes this a fantastic entertaining space - designed to keep guests moving between hubs.

3. Kitchens Designed for Families with Kids

A full-length seating bar at the island was added so that kids could do their homework in the kitchen during meal prep times.

The great room built ins are designed for a piano to fit inside, for at home lessons.

See an ideabook of Raleigh new homes that feature an open concept layout with integrated kitchen and great room - click here.

Raleigh New Homes:

What Raleigh new home floor plan elements are most important to you? Tell us what you're looking for, and we'll show you how to build it - with recommendations for floor plan features and selections that fit your budget.

Want to know what it's like to build a custom home in Raleigh, NC?Here is a review of the custom home building process, when working with Stanton Homes.

Review of Stanton Homes | Stanton Homes Complaints

The Christina is a 3017 sq ft main floor master home with 6 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and traditional brick home appeal with open concept interior design.

Read what the homeowners had to say about their 8-month custom build process in their review below.

Here's What It's Like to Build a Raleigh Custom Home - Review of Stanton Homes:

"Stan (the owner) has put together a group of people that care about the quality of home they build. I would like to mention that it took us about a year to find land to build but Stanton Homes honored there initial quote even after a year (which is technically only for 60 days). This spoke volumes about their character to ensure that we were building the most affordable home possible. Although cost of building materials had most likely increased after a year, they didn’t try to pass the increase in expense on to us.

During the initial design phase we worked with Jim, who is super!!! Jim was always accommodating to our busy work schedules. He was available day and night to work with us on any concerns about design changes.

We also really enjoyed working with Phil (an up and coming project manager at Stanton Homes that is great to work with) over the last 8 months of construction. As a home owner and someone who has some experience in construction, I was heavily involved throughout the entire building process. Some companies might have found it somewhat intrusive during the building process but Phil was more than accommodating to address any concerns or questions I had. I would like to mention that Stanton Homes has a framer (Nick) they use that I would recommend to anyone because he does an excellent work!!

I also would like to mention that Andrea, the interior designer, is great with helping you make your home look beautiful- thanks again Andrea for all of your suggestions, especially the dining room color.

Darwin and Charles are great to work with as well. They wrap up many of the fine little details just before you move in. We have been in our home for about four months and have not had any problems. For the size of this company, they are one of the best builders out there. I would recommend this company to anyone. If you ever need any additional details just send me an email at dwilli8@yahoo.com. I would be more than happy to talk with you further about our experience with this company. Overall this is an excellent company.

Just to give everyone a final update, we have been in our home for approximately 18 months now. We did not have any major issues during our 6 month, 8 month, 12 month, and final 18 month inspection provided by Stanton Homes. There were your general nail pops and minor caulking issues that happen as a house goes through multiple seasons. Phil had the painters come in immediately during our final house inspection to deal with those issues. The painters were an excellent crew that cleaned up every day after they finished, which is something we really appreciated given that we have two young children. Stanton Homes builds an excellent home and we are very pleased with the craftsmanship and friendly service provided during our building process. Make sure you ask for Phil when you decide to build with Stanton Homes."

About The Christina Floor Plan Design

The Christina is an open concept floor plan with no columns between the kitchen and great room. The foyer flows into the great room and formal dining, which has archways along each wall. The large kitchen boasts an angled island (with bar seating), corner walk-in pantry, and herringbone backsplash design above the cooking range.

Inside, you'll see examples of an angled island kitchen open to the great room. A navy blue formal dining room with archways. A wainscoting firplace with built in bookcases on each side. And a his and hers master suite with bay sitting area and separate vanity bath. See a photo gallery of this home, here.

Review of Stanton Homes | Stanton Homes Complaints

A bold navy blue paint gives the formal dining room contemporary contrast in the predominantly beige home:

Review of Stanton Homes | Stanton Homes Complaints

A slight vault in the great room opens up the space, with a wall of windows and glass doors and white painted bookcases to keep the room bright:

Review of Stanton Homes | Stanton Homes Complaints

The home office is just inside the one story barrel vault foyer, through the double glass French doors. The framed opening leads into the master suite:

Review of Stanton Homes | Stanton Homes Complaints

More Reviews of Stanton Homes:

Review of Stanton Homes | Stanton Homes Complaints

What happens behind the scenes, in the design/build of the most beautiful custom homes in NC - here's more from the people we work with, to build their extraordinary custom Stanton Homes: Read reviews of Stanton Homes.

About Horizon:

Horizon is an acreage home community located in Chatham County, about 15 minutes from Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

The Horizon Neighborhood offers oversized wooded lots with the privacy of mature trees and natural surroundings.

How much do Chatham County homes cost to build?

Lots in Horizon range from the 80s to 100s. Homes in the Horizon neighborhood range from the 400s to 600s. For cost estimate, contact Stanton Homes, here.

Stanton Homes for Sale in Horizon:

The Blueridge: 3,015 sq ft, 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms

Contact Stanton Homes for more information on the Blueridge - construction is under way now.

The Cassiopeia: 2,618 sq ft, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms

Contact Stanton Homes for more information on the Cassiopeia - construction is under way now.

Horizon Neighborhood School District:

Explore options for public and private schools near Horizon

Horizon Neighborhood Property Taxes:

Property taxes for a Horizon home are roughly half the cost of a home inside the Chapel Hill city limits.

Stanton Homes in the Horizon Neighborhood:

Stanton Homes builds extraordinary custom homes in Horizon, with outstanding craftsmanship and top quality materials. We'll help you find, modify or design a custom home you'll love to live in, with free initial design services from our architectural and interior designers. Stanton Homes is an industry-leading builder of traditional, universal design, fully accessible, certified green, geothermal and energy saving homes — with some of the best guarantees in the business.

Learn more about building a home in Horizon - contact Stanton Homes.

Homes for Sale on Acreage Near Chapel Hill, NC:

The Cassiopeia is a 3,144 sq ft First Floor Guest Suite home with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms

65 Brookhaven Way, Pittsboro, NC

Lot 40C Horizon Neighborhood
1.2 Wooded Acres

Horizon Neighborhood | Acreage Homes Chapel Hill

The Cassiopeia Floor Plan Includes: Horizon Neighborhood | Acreage Homes Chapel Hill

Covered Porch, Rear Deck

Hardi Exterior with Stone Accents

Open, Island Kitchen

First Floor Guest Bedroom with Oversized Bath

Two Story Foyer

Huge Drop Zone/Mudroom

Oversized Garage with Storage Area

Formal Dining Room

Horizon Neighborhood | Acreage Homes Chapel Hill

Luxury Master Suite

Open, Library Loft

Massive Laundry Room with Built In Laundry Center

Media Room

Third Floor Rec Room And Storage

How much do Chatham County homes cost to build?

Lots in the Horizon neighborhood range from the 80s to 100s. Homes in the Horizon neighborhood range from the 400s to 600s. For more cost information, contact Stanton Homes.

Interested in other available homes on acreage in Chatham County?

The Blueridge is a main floor master home for sale with 3,188 sq ft, 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms. Located at 262 Brookhaven Way, Pittsboro, NC.

Or find other available floor plans here.

Stanton Homes in the Horizon Neighborhood:

Learn more about building a home in Horizon - contact Stanton Homes.

Homes for Sale on Acreage Near Chapel Hill, NC:

The Blueridge is a 3,185 sq ft First Floor Guest Suite home with 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms

262 Brookhaven Way, Pittsboro, NC

Lot 28 in the Horizon Neighborhood

1.6 Wooded Acres on Quiet Culdesac

Inside the Blueridge Custom Home:

Absolutely gorgeous exterior, with Stone, Brick, Shakes, Decorative Vents, Window Headers, and tons of details.
10' Plus Ceiling in Family Room, with Decorative Beam Detail
Dining Room with Curved Trey
Master with Raised Height Trey
Custom Tile Master Bath
Island with Seating in Kitchen, Wall Oven Package
Built in Drop Zone
Huge Walk In Pantry
Media Room
Private Pocket Office or Craft Room off Media Room

262 Brookhaven Way Pittsboro | Horizon Neighborhood

How much do Chatham County homes cost to build?

Lots in the Horizon neighborhood range from the 80s to 100s. Homes in the Horizon neighborhood range from the 400s to 600s. For more cost information, contact Stanton Homes.

Interested in other available homes on acreage in Chatham County?

The Cassiopeia is a main floor master home for sale with 3,144 sq ft, 4 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms. Located at 65 Brookhaven Way, Pittsboro, NC.

Or find other available floor plans here.

Stanton Homes in the Horizon Neighborhood:

Learn more about building a home in Horizon - contact Stanton Homes.

Written by Phil Travars | Builder Brothers

How to Design and Build a Custom Wood Mantel:

The design for this wood mantle evolved over the course of several weeks.

The homeowner had brought several pictures to us. Each mantle photo showed a very different style - each contained different aspects from Arts and Crafts and Old World styling, representing different time periods.

We ended up choosing features from each design, and formed them into a hybrid.

The four windows above the fireplace did not exist in the original floor plan. We added the windows and created a dormer, which brings detail to the rear of the home where you don't typically see detail work.

What other special features were added to this home plan? Learn more with photos, below.

Contact Stanton Homes to learn more about how custom home pricing works, here.

Great Room Feature Wall

The fireplace is the centerpiece of the great room "feature wall," visible as you walk in the front door.

Lines of sight are always important to keep in mind. You want to place walls in such a way to give a glimpse of special features from nearby rooms (like the right side of this fireplace), without giving away the full effect.

Wood Fireplace Mantel Ideas | Raleigh Custom Home Builder

The stairs and overlook use square Aalto Collection contemporary balusters, complimented with square knoll posts.

Open Concept Great Room and Kitchen

We also had a lot of conversations about how to integrate the round, diner style island and raised bar, in a way that could complement the strong fireplace.

Wood Fireplace Mantel Ideas | Raleigh Custom Home Builder

The legs on the mantle are smooth cedar and stained to match the site finished hardwoods. The tiles form a 4x4 mini mosaic.

The mantle itself is at 54" (the most natural height when the fireplace sits on the floor according to our expert interior designer). The wood stain is called Minwax English Chestnut.

The angled legs draw your eyes up to the mantle (and help emphsize the two story height walls). That angle was then mimicked with round drywall corners that leads up to the cap that is completed with crown molding and a lid.

Another professional home design tip is to integrate certain features and aspects in multiple areas of your home. For instance, the tapered columns on the front porch match the craftsman style of the mantle. While the mantel is stained wood, the columns are painted cedar.

Similar columns styles give eye-pleasing symmetry to the home.

Wood Fireplace Mantel Ideas | Raleigh Custom Home Builder

Here are some examples of other custom wood fireplace mantels:

About Phil:

Phil builds uniquely crafted custom homes in the Research Triangle region of North Carolina. He builds relationships with clients the same way he builds their homes - with dedicated attention to detail. Phil has been a trailblazer with Stanton Homes since 2006. In his free time, Phil enjoys running, kayaking, and anything outdoors.

About the Builder Brothers:

Builder Brothers Phil and Andrew are just one part of the team at Stanton Homes, which surrounds you with expertise while building stunning custom homes. A little friendly competition is reflected in the details of the extraordinary homes they create. They're all-around nice guys with a lot of smarts, really great ideas, and rare integrity. You'll learn a lot about how to build beautiful homes from the Builder Brothers.

Best Floor Plans with the Master Downstairs:

The Templewood is 3,959 sq ft floor plan with 5 bedrooms and 5 full baths, with the kinds of details you'd expect in a Raleigh Custom Home.

Most Popular Floor Plan Features:

What feels like home, in the most popular floor plans for Raleigh new homes? An open floor plan with first floor master bedroom, large island kitchen, space for formal and casual meals, space for in-home telecommuting, and rooms designed for flexible use all top the charts on home sales surveys. See what makes The Templewood a top-requested plan, with all the features below.

First Floor Plan

The downstairs includes:

Master suite with his and hers walk in closets
Open concept kitchen, family room, and breakfast
Fireplace and built in bookcases in family room
Office
Two options for indoor-outdoor living areas
Large laundry room with sink

Second Floor Plan

Upstairs, each bedroom has a private bath and large walk in closet. A study loft - or pocket office - offers plenty of built in storage and desk space. The bonus room is extremely spacious, and could also be a theater room. Optional attic storage is available off the bonus room!

Get a Flyer and a Price

Raleigh New Homes:

Traditional Red Exterior with Contemporary White, Black, and Gray Interior:

Take a look inside a photo tour of a contemporary home design on the inside with a traditional red farmhouse exterior on the outside. This photo gallery includes ideas for homes with:

Two Kitchen islands
Contemporary fireplace with flush tile wall surround
Drop Zone in mudroom leading between the garage and laundry
Sunroom with interior window wall looking into the living room
No-tub master bathroom with large shower
Two story foyer

Contemporary Home Photo Gallery:

2708 sq ft | 4 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms

White windows, front door, garage, and porch contrast against the farmhouse red exterior color.

See photos of the contemporary interior, below.

Two Kitchen Islands

The kitchen functions with a center island and second island with columns and raised eating bar overlooking the living room.

Contemporary Tile Fireplace Surround

Each area of the living room has a focal point: tile fireplace wall, trey ceiling, wall of interior windows looking into the sun room.

Drop Zone Storage Ideas

A drop zone hallway leads from the garage to the laundry room. The kitchen is separated from this mud room design by another door.

Sunroom

Interior windows prevent the sun room from soaking up all the natural light. These windows keep the sun flowing through the home - with windows along the master bedroom walls (left) and breakfast room (right).

No-Tub Master Bath

More master bathrooms are going "no tub" - read more about these new floor plan trends here.

Two Story Foyer

Open railing on the foyer side keeps this entry open and spacious. A powder room provides a place for art. Wall sconces line the walls for a touch of light.

Raleigh New Homes:

Popular Floor Plan Ideas:

The Summerlake is 3284 sq ft with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Popular floor plan elements include:

Island kitchen looking into vaulted family room
Downstairs master suite with his and hers closets
First floor office or 4th bedroom
Upstairs bonus room
Covered front porch
Large laundry with sink

Photo Copyright Frank Betz/Builder.

Exterior Style Options:

Whether you love arts and crafts features or traditional home design, the Summerlake is a flexible plan with a range of exterior style options.

Photo Copyright Frank Betz/Builder.

Take a look inside the floor plan of the Summerlake:

Summerlake First Floor Plan

Downstairs, the a traditional layout opens from the foyer and formal dining room. The angled island kitchen overlooks the vaulted family room. A breakfast room and raised eating bar give informal eating space. The master suite is large, with connected his and hers vanities and separate changing area beside the shower.

Summerlake Second Floor Plan

Upstairs, an open study loft / pocket office provide homework space for kids near the upstairs bedrooms and bonus room.

Raleigh New Homes by Stanton Homes:

We were recently asked this interior home design question, through "Ask Andrea":

Is chrome going to stay around, or is brushed nickel the true classic?

Here's Andrea's interior design wisdom, comparing Chrome to Brushed Nickel, Bronze, and Copper fixtures:

Chrome has come back very strong and is being categorized as the long term classic finish.

Brushed nickel is still chosen but people aren't as excited about it. Bronze is still strong as well.

Every bathroom faucet finish has its challenges. With bronze there are so many shades of bronze between the light fixtures, the plumbing fixtures, the cabinet hardware, the bath hardware, and the door hardware! In the end, we always make it work, blending the different metal colors together.

People seem to love bronze for door hardware because they love bronze for foyer fixtures, dining fixtures, ceiling fans, and kitchen pendants, so then they get to the bathroom and a brushed nickel faucet just seems out of place!

(Bronze Foyer Light)

For some reason chrome with bronze seems to work better because those two finishes provide much more of a contrast to each other which seems more pleasing to the eye and less random than a brushed nickel faucet in an otherwise dominantly bronze home.

(Polished Chrome Shower Head in the same home)

However, now we are in the middle of 2016 and the designers love gold! Of course they do--but its GOLD and not the gold-looking polished brass from the late 80's and 90's. So if you want the glamour of the latest in your powder room or master bath, then mixing it with bronze is going to be the easiest way to go.

What about copper you ask? Copper is also mixing well with bronze. Copper is finish you want if you are going for either rustic refined, or industrial, or even organic. Having a touch or two of copper in a signature piece such as a range hood or a bar sink, or free standing tub, or kitchen pendants or even just cabinet hardware or my latest, a front door kick plate, is just the touch you need. We have done all of those in one Stanton Home or another over the past year, mixed in again, mostly with bronze. That's the heavy on metal.

Copper Freestanding Tub

Copper Range Hood

Copper Kitchen Pendant Lights

Copper Cabinet Hardware

Interior Design Tips:

Andrea has helped mix and match finish colors in dozens of North Carolina custom homes.

See what Andrea recommends for when to mix bronze faucets with stainless steel sinks, here.

And get ideas for two-tone kitchens that mix cabinet colors and finishes, here.

Have a kitchen or interior design trend question for your new home? Ask Andrea, and she'll let you know all the latest in custom home and design/build trends! Andrea works closely with each Stanton Homes client to help design homes that fit every lifestyle and taste.

Process for Painting New Homes Under Construction:

New homes are under construction in the Horizon neighborhood of Pittsboro, a popular area for homes on acreage within Chatham County, NC.

Want to know more about the home building process? See photos of homes under construction, with details on all the steps it takes to paint the interior - with major milestones to build, below.

Ever walked through a home under construction and wondered what it takes to get all those colors on the walls?

English Country Style Home - Under Construction

What's the process for painting a new home?

Tape and plastic
Primer
First coat main color
First coat accent color
First coat trim
Second coat, with more details completed
Finish rest of house - no more paint yet!
Final touch up entire home, multi-day process

The exterior is stone and cement fiberboard with white porch columns, flagstone porch, and metal roofing accents.

English Country Style Home

Inside the foyer, archways open to the formal dining and living room. The staircase divides these two high-traffic areas.

English Country Style Home

A wall of windows opens up the great room - with island kitchen beyond.

English Country Style Home

The kitchens shares a breakfast area, with glass french door leading to indoor-outdoor living spaces. Another Custom Home step, see those "stains" on the floor? Those are stain samples, so that the homeowner or designer can select the very best color for the site finished hardwoods to match the interior paint, cabinetry, and countertops.

English Country Style Home

The his and hers master bathroom leads into the walk in closet with tons of built in shelving.

Master suite trey ceiling and window wall open up the first floor bedroom space.

Inside the formal dining room, wainscoting trim and two-tone walls are beautiful touches - and check out the trey ceiling curves!

Tall ceilings, well-placed windows, and archway openings keep light, bright spaces flowing throughout this Chatham County custom home.

Major new home building milestones include:

Lot Clearing
Foundation
Framing
Plumbing and Electrical
Drywall
Flooring
Painting

About New Homes Under Construction in Chatham County:

Two Stanton Homes, The Blueridge and The Cassiopeia, are now under construction.

The Cassiopeia is a main floor master home for sale with 3,144 sq ft, 4 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms. New home address: 65 Brookhaven Way, Pittsboro, NC.

The Blueridge is an English Country style main floor master home for sale with 3,188 sq ft, 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms. New home address: 262 Brookhaven Way, Pittsboro, NC.

Stanton Homes in the Horizon Neighborhood:

Lots in the Horizon neighborhood range from the 80s to 100s. Homes in the Horizon neighborhood range from the 400s to 600s. For more cost information, contact Stanton Homes.

Learn more about building a home in Horizon - contact Stanton Homes.

Wrap Around Farmhouse Porch Exterior with Open Concept Interior

4251 sq ft, 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths

Farmhouse Home Plan Photos | Raleigh Home Builder

Downstairs master suite. Side entry garage attached through a screen porch. Full length wrap-around front porch. Second story deck. Island kitchen. Two sided living room fireplace. Walk-through shower.

Inside The Daniel Farmhouse:

Take a look inside a photo gallery of a farmhouse style home. Get ideas for floor plans with:

Downstairs master suite with walk-through tile shower
Two sided living room fireplace
Island kitchen
Home theater
Mud room style laundry with sink
Built-in pocket desk office
Second story deck

Walk-Through Tile Shower

The tile shower lines one bathroom wall, with two entrances into the walk-through design. The square tub shares a full tile wall with the shower. Transom windows let light into each end of the shower. His and hers vanities are on each side of the room.

Farmhouse Home Plan Photos | Raleigh Home Builder

Open Living Room - Two Sided Fireplace See Through to the Backyard Porch

Archways separate the open kitchen and living room. A two-sided stone fireplace sees through to the backyard screen porch.

Farmhouse Home Plan Photos | Raleigh Home Builder

Island Kitchen

Two tone kitchen cabinets. Granite counter tops. Mini mosaic tile backsplash above the stainless steel gas range. Double wall ovens.

Farmhouse Home Plan Photos | Raleigh Home Builder

Formal Dining Room - In Addition to Breakfast Area

Brown paint in the tray ceiling gives formal contrast to the white wainscot panels.

Home Theater

Upstairs, the home theater has French glass doors leading to the second story deck.

Farmhouse Home Plan Photos | Raleigh Home Builder

Mud Room Laundry with Sink and Counter

A cozy laundry room packs in a lot of storage, countertops, and sink.

Farmhouse Home Plan Photos | Raleigh Home Builder

Built In Pocket Office Desk

A built in desk serves as a open loft pocket office, with built in bookcases.

Farmhouse Home Plan Photos | Raleigh Home Builder

Second Story Deck

The second story deck gives views into the wooded lot surroundings. Lots of windows and glass french doors let light into all upstairs rooms.

Farmhouse Home Plan Photos | Raleigh Home Builder

Side Entry Garage

A side view shows how the backyard porch connects to the side entry garage - with walk-under passage to the breakfast room entrace.

Farmhouse Home Plan Photos | Raleigh Home Builder

Raleigh New Homes:

Choose Your Bonus Options:

Ready to get started on your new custom home? Choose a Stanton Home before June 30th, and we'll add even more value to your choices, in celebration of our 10 year anniversary.

We'll give you ten choices.

You get to pick THREE.

Your 10 Choices - Which 3 Do You Want?

Luxury Plumbing Package (Choose a spa shower package, go crazy on vanity fixtures, etc - $2000 towards your choice of Plumbing Fixture Upgrades)
Tankless Water Heater (Get unlimited hot water AND lower your monthly utility bills!)
Recessed Lighting Package (In addition to all the options already in your package, add 24 total additional recessed lights in your home, in your choice of rooms)
Granite Vanities Everywhere (Get granite vanities in every bath)
Deck it Out (Get a 10'x12' Rear Deck, at no cost!)
Even More Built-Ins or Bookcases! (Choose more Built In Bookcases, Built In Desk, etc, within $2000 Interior Trim Add-Ons Allowance)
Add a Stamped Concrete Patio (Get a 10'x12' Stamped Concrete Patio)
Include a Smart Home System (Structured Wiring Package)
Add a Custom Tile Shower in a Secondary Bath (Replace a standard tub/shower combo with a Custom Tile Shower with Glass Door)
Luxury Kitchen Cabinet Package ($2000 Kitchen Add-Ons Allowance for your choice of Glassdoors, specialty cabinets, etc)

*Promotion available on new contracts written for Custom Homes only between June 1, 2016 and June 30, 2016. Dollar amount varies by option selected. Consult your new home consultant for details. Offer subject to change without notice. Some restrictions apply.

Raleigh New Custom Homes:

What North Carolina new home floor plan elements are most important to you? Tell us what you're looking for, and we'll show you how to build it - with recommendations for floor plan features and selections that fit your budget.

Two Different Countertops - Kitchen Design Ideas:

Which is better, one or two counter top colors in the kitchen? Is it better to have a different countertop on the island?

Take a look at these kitchen designs, and see where you land on this home design debate.

Should I use two different color countertops in my kitchen?

Each of these kitchens use white, black, and gray motifs, to give you an "apples to apples" idea of one-color and two-color kitchens designs.

White and Black Granite Countertops - Idea #1

The island top is black granite, while the counters are a white granite with hues of lavender. There are two tone cabinets in this kitchen, with a gray island and white perimeter.

White and Black Granite Countertops - Idea #2

This kitchen also uses black and white counter tops, in the opposite order. A white granite island is at the center of black perimeter counter tops.

White and Black Granite Countertops - Idea #3

An L-shaped kitchen uses black perimeter counter tops and white cabinets to keep the small space brighter. The white island top draws the brightness towards the open concept great room and breakfast.

The mixed mosaic tile back splash brings together the black, white, and gray tones.

White and Black Granite Countertops - Idea #4

Inside this kitchen, the perimeter cabinets, back splash, and island top are all white. The gray island uses a white granite top for the full two-tone look.

White and Black Granite Countertops - Idea #5

In each example, the island cabinet colors are also different. While many kitchens pair a gray island with alternating black and white counters, this kitchen uses dark, soft brown cabinets.

All Black Countertops

For comparison, here is a white kitchen with only black counter tops.

And another kitchen with all white counter tops:

Get more ideas for two-tone kitchens that mix cabinet colors and finishes, here.

Can I mix a bronze faucet with stainless steel sink? See how - here.

What is the standard height for kitchen counter tops and raised island bars?

Is a walk in pantry or built in cabinet better for my kitchen storage?

Raleigh New Homes:

Raleigh Home Styles:

Country and traditional elements blend inside and out of the Kaiser floor plan by Alan Mascord. A covered front porch, dormers, and craftsman columns are all farmhouse aspects. A free-flowing kitchen with separate formal dining and den are all traditional aspects. Take a look at the floor plans, below.

Popular Floor Plan Ideas:

The Kaiser is 4007 sq ft with 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, 3 car garage. Best floor plan elements include:

Large island in the kitchen
Downstairs master with en suite bath
Formal dining, breakfast nook, and reading den
Upstairs guest bedroom
Bonus room over garage
Mudroom laundry

Floor Plan Images Copyright Alan Mascord.

Downstairs Floor Plan

This traditional floor plan begins with a staircase in the two story foyer. The den can convert into a first floor bedroom. A desk in the kitchen serves as an all-purpose open work station. A long mudroom style laundry can be used for many day-to-day house projects. The master suite is large, with connected his and hers vanities and large walk in closet with built in wall ironing board.

Upstairs Floor Plan

A bonus room above the garage makes good use of space. The upstairs kids' rooms share a bathroom, while a guest bedroom has an en suite bath.

Raleigh New Homes by Stanton Homes:

Traditional Floor Plan with Contemporary Finishes:

Take a look inside a photo tour of a traditional home design with a blending of contemporary and traditional elements on the inside. This photo gallery includes ideas for homes with:

Large, open kitchen (with unique accent furniture leg)
Two story great room with wainscoting fireplace mantel
Soft blue formal dining with picture frame trim
Screen porch for outdoor living
Master bathroom with shared vanities
Two story foyer

Transitional Home Photo Gallery:

2852 sq ft | 4 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms

Blue and White Exterior Colors

This exterior includes: a window bay with metal roof accent, side entry garage, and blue and white exterior colors.

Open Foyer, Great Room, Kitchen

Looking from the great room corner, see how open this two story plan feels.

A single, dark stain furniture leg gives the kitchen a touch of tradition in an otherwise modern space.

Seating at the Island

Kitchen islands are taller than dining room or breakfast room tables, so you'll typically use stools to sit in the kitchen. The difference between counter-height and bar-height seating can range from six to twelve inches, depending on the home plan.

How many seats will fit at your island? Read more about how to plan your island around seating options, here.

Double Wall Ovens

Which is better, a wall oven or range/oven combination?

This home features a double wall oven and separate cooktop with stainless steel chimney hood. Read more about the wall oven vs range debate, here, to see what other factors are important to keep in mind when arranging your kitchen.

Archway Entrance to Dining

A turn in the staircase forms a landing in the foyer - and divides out the full-run design. An archway leads into the formal dining room.

Formal Dining

Inside the formal dining room, the white picture frame trim and trey ceiling are traditional finishes. The crystal light fixture is what transforms this room into a "transitional" space. The crystal is a traditional material, but the shape and dimensions of the light are much more contemporary - effectively blending styles in one piece.

En Suite Master Bath

Inside the master bathroom, black framed mirrors, clear glass wall sconces, and white wainscoting accents above the mirrors and in the art nook are all noteworthy design elements.

Tub and Tile Shower on Same Wall

For efficient layouts in your master bath, consider plans that place the tub and shower along one wall, across from a shared vanity.

You will end up with a "hallway" style bathroom, plenty of space to share, and more flexibility when it comes to placing the walk in closet(s) at either end.

Backyard Screen Porch

A screen porch adds indoor-outdoor living space, a high demand area for both traditional and contemporary home plans.

What is a "transitional" style home?

While home design terms can refer to a range of elements depending on the architect, the term "transitional" often refers to a blending of traditional and contrmporary features, finishes, and layouts.

Raleigh New Homes:

Photos of great room ceilings:

What's the ideal height for you great room or living room ceiling? How tall are most ceilings in a new home? How tall are two story ceilings? Are vaulted living rooms considered "two story"?

Get answers to these home design questions, with 13 examples of great room ceiling heights - with photos of 8', 9', 10', 14', and even 20' to 24'.

Sample Ceiling Heights:

Take a look at some common ceiling heights, with tips on when to vary how tall rooms should be.

14' Great Room Ceiling

This 14' ceiling leaves room for massive Half Round windows above the French doors, and gives the fireplace wainscoting enough distance to pull the eye upwards in classic Southern style.

Great Room Ceiling Height | Raleigh Home Builder

20' Tall Great Room - 2.5 Story Ceiling

Here is an example of a 2.5 story "Ship's Prow" wall of windows. The ceiling is 20 feet tall inside a custom mountain house floor plan.

Great Room Ceiling Height | Raleigh Home Builder

11' Great Room Ceiling Height

Staggering between ceiling heights can give open concept floor plans more visual separation between rooms. This great room ceiling is 11 feet tall. The kitchen/breakfast ceiling is 9 feet tall. The step up into the great room leaves room for a coffer ceiling (a cross beam design).

9' Great Room Ceiling Height

A craftsman style great room - with built in bookcases on each side of the fireplace - is 9 feet tall.

Vaulted Great Room Ceilings

Are vaulted living rooms are considered "two story" rooms? Yes, according to many architects, floor plans with vaulted ceilings are considered two story rooms.

Here's an example of a single-sided vault:

This living room is an example of two ceiling styles. A vault stretches from the backyard-facing window wall. A "standard" ceiling height runs underneath the upstairs hallway/balcony.

And here's an example of a two-sided vault:

The double vaultleaves room for a second row of windows in this keeping room.

Here's another example of a two sided vault, with a wall of windows below:

Great Room Ceiling Height | Raleigh Home Builder

From another angle, you can see both sides of the ceiling vault:

Great Room Ceiling Height | Raleigh Home Builder

Tall Vault Ceiling

This vault has an extended height ceiling, designed to fit picture windows.

Great Room Ceiling Height | Raleigh Home Builder

(10' First Floor Wall Height. The vault starts at 11' for extended window wall height.)

Two Story Great Room Ceiling Height

How tall are "two story ceilings"? Inside Stanton Homes, a two story ceiling is generally going to be 18 feet tall. Why? Here's the math:

9' first floor + 8' second floor + approx. 1' of "floor" between the levels = 18'

Two Story Great Rooms

This great room is a full 18' two story height, making space for a full wall of windows inside this mountain home style floor plan. Read some myths about two story ceilings, here.

Here is an example of a contemporary two story, urban loft style great room.

Great Room Ceiling Height | Raleigh Home Builder

Contemporary Luxury Curved Wall Two Story Height

A curved wall can make a two story ceiling feel even higher.

Traditional Classic Two Story Ceiling

A stacked stone fireplace races to the top of this two story living room:

Great Room Ceiling Height | Raleigh Home Builder

About New Homes Under Construction in Chatham County:

Two Stanton Homes, The Blueridge and The Cassiopeia, are now under construction.

The Cassiopeia is a main floor master home for sale with 3,144 sq ft, 4 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms. New home address: 65 Brookhaven Way, Pittsboro, NC.

The Blueridge is an English Country style main floor master home for sale with 3,188 sq ft, 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms. New home address: 262 Brookhaven Way, Pittsboro, NC.

House Plans with Two Master Bedrooms:

Multi Generational homes are in high demand on the Raleigh NC real estate market, as more families trend towards dual living.

Get answers to top questions about multi generational and dual living house plans, below.

Contact Stanton Homes for multi generational home pricing.

First of all, what is a dual living house plan?

Architects use several key terms to describe single family home plans designed to accommodate multi family living: in law suite plans, mother in law suite plans, two master plans, and dual living plans.

Each of these plan categories is designed to include private areas for independent living such as small kitchenettes, private bathrooms, multiple living areas or sitting rooms, and private entrances.

While it can be difficult to find a house plan with all the multi generational spaces you want included, custom home builders can make the adjustments you need. Here's just one example of a Frank Betz floor plan we converted from a guest bedroom into a dual master home:

Original floor plan for The Hopkins:

Modified floor plan with downstairs mother in law suite:

The in law bedroom, bathroom, and walk in closet are all larger in this version. The formal living room is converted into a home office. The kitchen island is larger in this version, making it easier to share the central space without bumping elbows. The MIL shower can be built as curbless, for long-term accessibility. Finally, the upstairs master bedroom makes each living area feel more separated, private quarters.

What's the difference between house plans with two master bedrooms versus a guest suite?

SIZE. Most often, a second master suite will include an en suite bathroom, larger bedroom, larger or walk in closet, and sometimes a private sitting room or alcove area.

A guest suite may or may not have a private bathroom - sometimes the suite shares a hallway bathroom called a "buddy bath" with two entrances (one from the bedroom and one from the hallway).

Here's some examples of these additional MIL spaces:

You'll want to consider keeping the in-law suite on the first floor, and master bedroom on the second floor, as in this version of the Maple Lane house plan. An upstairs master bedroom will put the parents up with the kids, which works well and gives the grandparents their own privacy.

A basement location for the in law suite is another great option, if your lot is well suited. Here's an example of a basement home with private Mother in Law kitchenette, bedroom, bathroom, and living room:

How do you know if you can build a basement home on your lot?Ask Stanton Homes for a lot assessment - many North Carolina home sites are not well suited for a basement home. Why not? We'll give you all the details specific to your lot, when we take a quick tour.

How are multi generational homes different than a duplex or multi-family housing?

Multi generational homes are typically single structures that include separate, yet connected, living spaces. Although the terms are similar, multi-family dwellings refer to buildings with separate housing units, such as an appartment complex. A duplex is a single building with separated homes that share a structural wall.

Here are some examples of homes with two master bedrooms - with photo tours:

Learn more about Multi Generational House Plans, here.

Featured Floor Plan: The Culpepper

Open floor plans are some of the most requested design for new home, in North Carolina and across the US. We'll show you what an open plan has to offer, using the Culpepper as a floor plan sample from architect Frank Betz.

Want to knwo what it costs to build the Culpepper on your lot in central North Carolina? Click to find out more about custom home pricing:

Take a look at the floor plans, below.

The Culpepper is 2947 to 3265 sq ft with 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, 2 car side entry garage. Most popular Raleigh home plan elements include:

Large island in the kitchen, huge walk in pantry
Downstairs master with en suite bath
Formal dining, breakfast nook
First floor guest bedroom
Bonus room over garage, separate game room
Large laundry and bench in hallway off garage
Two story foyer
Buddy bath upstairs

First Floor

On the first floor, we enlarged the island to create an eat-in space that spreads into the family room in order to take advantage of the open concept design. A hallway bench and walk in pantry offer tons of first floor storage space.

The fifth bedroom is located on the far side of the floor plan, close to the first floor bathroom, laundry, and garage entrance (as a "secondary" entrance zone away from front door traffic patterns). A first floor guest suite offers one method of multi-generational living.

A sitting alcove in the master makes your retreat space more flexible. The en suite bath is a cost effective layout.

Second Floor

A bonus room above the garage makes good use of space. The upstairs kids' rooms share a bathroom, while an optional guest bedroom has an en suite bath.

We added a game room to the floor plan, in place of the two story family room.

Want More Floor Plan Options? Stanton Homes Offers Nearly Endless Possibilities!

Get more floor plan ideas in our searchable gallery.

Or just ask Stanton Homes to find a floor plan you'll love - and stay in budget.

Raleigh New Homes by Stanton Homes:

Photos of Farmhouse Designs in Raleigh, NC:

Which of these two farmhouses fits your personality best? These Raleigh homes are built from the same Max Fulbright floor plan, called the Low Country Farmhouse.

Compare the selections side-by-side (paint colors, light fixtures, granite counter tops, cabinets, kitchen layouts, and everything else inside and out!) to find which farmhouse design you would build!

These farmhouse homes are great examples of how a design/build homebuilder works to integrate every element you're looking for in a new home for your family.

Battle of the "Same" Farmhouse Plan:

Starting with the exterior, see which farmhouse you love most - and then tell us why!

We'll tell you exactly what paint colors, granite countertops, light fixtures, and cabinet styles are used in each - so you can see how Stanton Homes builds "real homes for real people" with their budget and wish list in harmony.

Farmhouse Exterior Style #1: Gray/Black Exterior and Wrap-Around Front Porch with White Columns

Farmhouse designs will have large front porches that often wrap around at least two sides of the home. The Low Country Farmhouse front porch wraps on three sides.

Farmhouse Photos | Raleigh Farmhouse Floor Plans

Exterior Features on Farmhouse #1:

"HARVARD SLATE" Gray Vinyl Siding, Black panel shutters
"PINEHURST" brick foundation
Square porch columns, painted white

Farmhouse Exterior Style #2: Tan/Brown Exterior and Wrap-Around Front Porch with White Columns

Farmhouse Photos | Raleigh Farmhouse Floor Plans

Exterior Features on Farmhouse #2:

"SANDTONE" Dutch Lap Siding, "AUTUM HARVEST" Shake Siding, "FEDERAL BROWN" panel shutters
"AUTUMN BLEND" and "MOUNTAIN STONE" stone accents and brick foundation
Square porch columns, painted white

Farmhouse Kitchen Layout #1

In the first farmhouse, the kitchen preserves the original layout in the floor plan (included below).

Columns divide the kitchen and great room
A raised eating bar is included in the island

Farmhouse Photos | Raleigh Farmhouse Floor Plans

Farmhouse Kitchen Layout #2

The second farmhouse kitchen eliminates the columns and raised eating bar. The island is also larger.

An expanded island goes from the original 5-6' length to a 7-6' length

Farmhouse Photos | Raleigh Farmhouse Floor Plans

Here is the original Low Country Farmhouse floor plan, copyright architect Alan Mascord:

Farmhouse Photos | Raleigh Farmhouse Floor Plans

Farmhouse Kitchen Design Selections #1: Raised Eating Bar

Take a closer look at the selections inside farmhouse kitchen #1:

"TAN BROWN" granite countertops with a DEMI BULLNOSE edge shape
4x4 "DURANGO" tile backsplash in a diagonal pattern
MAPLE cabinets with CRANBERRY stain and BLACK glaze, full overlay, laminate interiors and dovetail soft close drawers

Farmhouse Photos | Raleigh Farmhouse Floor Plans

Farmhouse Kitchen Design Selections #2: Island

And here's what's included in farmhouse kitchen #2:

"VENETIAN ICE" granite countertops with a LARGE BEVEL edge shape
3x6 "BONE" tile backsplash with 12x12 linear mixed mosaic vertical pattern above the gas cooktop
HICKORY cabinets with CHESTNUT stain, full overlay, laminate interiors and dovetail soft close drawers

Farmhouse Photos | Raleigh Farmhouse Floor Plans

COMPARE MORE PHOTOS IN THESE RALEIGH FARMHOUSE PLANS:

Click here for Part Two of this post - and see photos of the Great Room, Dining Room, and Two Story Foyer. Be able to answer these questions:

What type of built ins are best for my family, in central areas like the living room? What details are important in my formal dining room? Do I like two story foyers?

Building your new Raleigh home with Stanton Homes:

Can't find what you're looking for? Send us the name of a floor plan that is close to what you want, and we can help you to modify a layout to fit your lifestyle:

Create special features, like mother in law suites or accessibility.
Redesign the exterior. Or the kitchen. Or the master suite. Or just about anything.
Add customization to every area of the home