Lighting Options that Make the Most Impact

When choosing options for your custom home, lighting is one of the most important decisions. Lighting makes a big impact on the style and atmosphere of your home. If you want lighting that will stand out and impress your guests while illuminating your home in a way that is also functional, consider these light fixtures. Share your favorites with your custom home builder in Greensboro and incorporate them into your home design.  

Pendant Lighting. One of the most luxurious of lighting options, pendant lights are stylish and modern. They typically consist of a globe-shaped light on the end of a long, thin rod or chain. Larger pendant lights can hang alone or in a series of 2 or 3, while smaller pendants lights can be clustered together at different lengths to create a chandelier. You’ll find these lights in kitchens, dining rooms, and foyers.  

Wall Sconces. Lighting that is wall-mounted rather than ceiling-mounted offers a unique style to any room. Wall sconces placed strategically around a room can offer mood lighting that illuminates larger spaces like living rooms or dining rooms. Thinking of including a media or theater room in your new custom home? Wall sconces with dimming switches can create an authentic cinema ambiance.  

Track Lighting. As a concept, track lighting is nothing new. But new styles and designs redefine this lighting concept again and again. Track lighting refers to a series of lights arranged in a row. They can be recessed lights, pendant lights, or other styles.  

Retro Light Fixtures. Retro can refer to new light fixtures that are designed to look like styles from the past as well as old light fixtures that have been refurbished. Whichever way you decide to go, it seems almost every design element comes back into style at some point, but with a new twist on the old concept. The same is true for fashion and interior design, including lighting concepts.  

Chandeliers in Bathrooms. You expect to see elaborate chandeliers in foyers and dining rooms, but they are becoming more common in bathrooms in recent years. Luxurious bathrooms are designed as peaceful havens to escape the stress of the day, and a chandelier above a large soaking tub creates a beautiful, relaxing atmosphere. 

Theme Lighting. If the home or one particular room has a theme, consider lighting that complements that. For example, in a beach house choose light fixtures made of shells or sea glass. If you have a log cabin-style home, consider rustic lighting like railroad lanterns or natural wood fixtures. Lighting should match the overall style of the home.  

Find a Custom Home Builder in Greensboro that has an Eye for Lighting Concepts 

When it comes time to choose a custom home builder in Greensboro, it’s important to find one with a knack for designing lighting concepts. Illuminating your home is one of the most crucial elements of home design. You want to be sure your home’s lighting creates the atmosphere and style you want while sufficiently brightening all rooms for their necessary function. Don Mills combines your ideas and many years of experience to create a lighting concept that allows your home to shine. Call (336) 362-1777 to set up a free consultation.

How to Determine your Design Style

Thinking of building a custom home? There’s nothing quite like having a home built from the ground up just for you and having the opportunity to incorporate your own personal style. But what if you’re not sure what your own personal style is exactly? Somewhere between looking for custom home lots in Greensboro and choosing a builder, you’ll need to get an idea of the style you’re looking for before the design process begins.  

Start by asking yourself a few questions: 

  • Where have you seen styles you like lately?  
  • Which is more important to you, looks or function? 
  • Do you tend to choose modern or classic pieces?  

These questions will go a long way toward helping you discover your personal home design style.  

Consider Some Common Style Themes  

It may help to have some examples of styles that are often found in home décor. It’s ok to mix and match pieces from different styles, as long everything works well together.  

  • Traditional. Just as it sounds, traditional style includes familiar patterns, colors, and textures that have been used for centuries. Many people find the familiarity comforting, and new variations of old favorites offer a fresh look. 
  • Modern/Contemporary. Function over fancy is the mantra of both contemporary mid-century modern décor. Sleek, simple designs in neutral colors simply say less is more. Think of the 1960s for modern. Contemporary is basically mid-century modern turned now.  
  • Rustic. Think log cabin or farmhouse style here. Wooden beams reclaimed farm tools made into art, and earth tones create a homey atmosphere.  
  • Transitional. A melding of traditional and modern, where the comforts of traditional design are incorporated in much more functional ways with modern accents. You’ll see plush items paired with sleek, geometric accents. 
  • Coastal. A popular choice in the southeastern states as it is reminiscent of the Atlantic Coast. Light and bright colors, nautical designs, wood painted white, and hints of the sea are common elements of coastal style.  
  • Bohemian. A mix of new and vintage items, often globally inspired by souvenirs from travels, Bohemian style is very relaxed and care-free. Non-traditional seating such as floor pillows and soft rugs is common. 
  • French Country. A highly luxurious look, French Country is popular in high-end custom homes, especially in the southeast. Warm tones, ornamental wood, with a bit of farmhouse inspiration, this classic look never goes out of style.  

These are just a few examples of interior design styles that may offer you inspiration for designing your own custom home. 

Watch your Style Come to Life in your Own Don Mills Custom Home 

When you design a home with Don Mills Builders, your own personal style can truly shine. Once you get a sense of your preferred theme for décor, Don Mills can help you get started building your dream home. Choose from ready-to-build custom home lots in Greensboro in some of the best up-and-coming neighborhoods and watch your ideas turn into a beautifully styled home. Call (336) 362-1777 to get started.

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist

The kids are back in school, the pools are closing up, and the nights are cooling off—just some of the telltale signs that fall is fast approaching. With the change of the season, it’s a good idea to do some home maintenance. Make sure your house is ready for colder weather by checking off the items on this checklist.  

Considering a new home? If you’ve ever thought about building a custom home, fall is a good time to get the process started. Spacious custom home lots in Greensboro are available now in some of the most desirable neighborhoods. When you choose your lot in the fall, you have time to design your home with your builder in the hopes of moving in by the following summer.  

  1. HVAC Maintenance. At the very least, you should replace all of your HVAC filters before switching from air conditioning to heat. But even better, schedule a tune-up from a heating and cooling service. Also, remove any window AC units.  
  2. Yard Maintenance. Of course, you’ve been mowing and weed eating all summer, but when was the last time you trimmed the bushes and cut back the trees? Tree maintenance is especially important before colder weather. Check all of the trees on your property carefully for dead branches and remove any you see, especially those that could land on your roof or your neighbor’s. If any trees appear to be dead, consider removing them entirely to prevent accidents. Trim back the live branches away from your roof and gutters. 
  3. Seal and Insulate. Check weather stripping around doors and windows, seal any cracks or holes where air or pests could get in, and be sure all insulation is sufficient around water pipes and in the attic against the roof. These are good ways to avoid frozen pipes and ice dams on the roof in case of winter weather.  
  4. Clean Gutters. Be sure all gutters are free of debris and all drain spouts deposit water far enough away from your home’s foundation.  
  5. Clear out Dryer VentWhen lint builds up in the dryer vent it can be a serious fire hazard. Cleaning it out periodically is important, so make it a part of your fall home maintenance routine.  
  6. Do Repairs Now. If there are some home repairs you’ve been meaning to get to, especially those on the exterior of your home, now is the time to get them done. Don’t put off exterior repairs until the weather becomes too cold to do them. Winter weather will only make matters worse, especially if the problem is a leak.  

Spacious Custom Home Lots in Greensboro Available Now 

If you think you’re ready to start the process of building a custom home, now is the time to get serious about it. There are lots of available custom home lots in Greensboro including lots in some of the most desirable neighborhoods, such as Birkhaven, Linville Ridge, Dawn Acres, Knight’s Landing, Jessup Ridge, and more. Call Don Mills Builders to inquire about current availability: (336) 362-1777.

Energy Efficient Home Building Ideas

Are you planning to have a custom home built in the Greensboro area? There are many advantages to incorporating energy efficient features into your home design. You’ll save money on your monthly utility bills and you may even qualify for tax incentives when you make energy efficiency a priority. Your home will be more comfortable throughout the year. You’ll also reduce your carbon footprint, protecting the environment from the negative effects of modern living. When considering Greensboro custom homes, try some of these energy efficient home building ideas. 

  1. High-Efficiency Heating and Cooling System. On average, about half of the energy usage in most homes comes from the HVAC system. Consider a high-efficiency furnace and air conditioning unit in your new custom home and you’ll experience years of lower energy bills.  
  2. Appliances and Electronics. Refrigerators, washers and dryers, ranges, dishwashers, televisions, computers, and more all come in Energy Star and other energy-efficient brands. With homes being so overrun with technology these days, paying more up front for high-efficiency appliances will save you money in the long run. 
  3. Lighting. There’s a reason many people refer to their energy bill as their “light bill.” Lighting is another big energy drain in your home. Design your home to let in plenty of natural light, including features such as large windows and skylights. The more natural light you incorporate, the fewer hours of the day you’ll need artificial lighting. And when you do need the lights, use energy efficient light bulbs such as LED bulbs.  
  4. Insulation. When your home is properly insulated you’ll save even more energy because your heating and cooling system won’t have to work as hard to keep your home comfortable. Double-paned windows and weather stripping around doors also help to keep indoor air in and outdoor air out.  
  5. On-Demand Water Heater. Wouldn’t it be nice if you never had to worry about running out of hot water? An on-demand water heater heats the water as it comes in on an as-needed basis. These water heaters are also referred to as “tankless” because they don’t heat water and hold it in an insulated tank until it is needed. Traditional water heaters waste energy keeping water warm so that it’s ready, whether you need it or not. Tankless water heaters are more expensive, but the convenience and energy savings are worth the cost.  

Don Mills Designs Energy-Efficient Greensboro Custom Homes 

If saving energy is a priority for you, design and build your new home with Don Mills Custom Home Builders. Don Mills designs Greensboro custom homes with top rated energy-efficient features that will save you money. From high-efficiency appliances to natural lighting to excellent insulation, a Don Mills home will keep your costs low and your comfort level high. Call (336)362-1777 to start designing your energy-saving dream home.

Creative Ways to Decorate a Luxurious Living Room Space

When it comes to living room décor, the possibilities are endless. You can make it your own by incorporating your individual style. Think about places you’ve been where you’ve seen styles or pieces that you like, whether it’s a home you’ve visited or a venue you’ve seen. Browse magazine pictures and online images of luxurious living rooms to get ideas. Then find a team of Greensboro builders who are willing to incorporate your own style and ideas into your home design. If you’re just getting started on the design process, it may seem too early to be thinking about the decorations. But the style you want to achieve does affect the design and layout of the room, so it is important to have your vision in mind from the start. Here are some popular decorating options that need to be planned for when designing your home.  

Exposed Wood Beams. High and elaborate ceilings are extremely popular in luxury homes. Exposed wooden beams give the room a luxurious, yet rustic look that is unique and bold.  

Columns. When you want a classical living room that looks elegant and ornamental, columns work wonders. They can also serve a load-bearing purpose to support an open floor plan.  

Crown Molding. Another ornamental addition, crown molding adds beauty and complexity to an otherwise plain room. Crown molding is often seen where the wall meets the ceiling, but can also adorn the ceiling itself, the lower part of walls, the top or bottom of columns, and along the top of cabinetry.  

Bay Windows. There’s no better way to invite natural light into your living room than with large bay windows. Charming from the interior as well as the exterior, bay windows offer dynamics to your living room. The right furniture pieces and arrangement can create a separate space with the window as the focal point.  

Indoor to Outdoor Transition. One of the latest trends in living rooms is creating a nearly seamless transition to the outdoors. The living room blends into a patio with one fluid theme to draw it all together.  

Don Mills Builders: Greensboro Builders who Design Luxurious Living Rooms with your Preferences for Décor in Mind 

When you know what decorative theme and particular features you want to include in your living room, share your thoughts with your builder. To create the look you want it’s important to start with the layout. You also need to be sure to find the right Greensboro builders who can design and build the living room you want. Don Mills Builders creates design plans that incorporate your thoughts and ideas to give you the dream home you desire. Call (336) 643-3503 to get started today.  

Top Flooring Trends of 2018

Do you want your new home to have cutting-edge features? Flooring material is one of the ways homeowners are making their custom homes unique. Consider the top flooring trends of 2018 and discuss your favorites with your custom home builders in Greensboro, NC.  

  • Reclaimed Wood. True reclaimed wood offers a rustic but classy look in your home. It is durable and beautiful, making it a popular choice for homeowners. A factory-finished option is available that is even more durable and economical.  
  • American-Made Hardwood. Traditional hardwood floors are hard to beat from a standpoint of longevity. Wood floors have been in homes for hundreds of years and seem to never go out of style. And you support the national economy when you purchase American-made wood flooring. The wood comes from North American forests that are well-replenished.  
  • Bamboo. Get the hardwood floor look with an even harder material. Bamboo is extremely strong and resistant to scratching and denting. However, moisture is its one weakness, so it’s best to avoid bamboo in bathrooms and kitchens.  
  • Large Tile. Whether ceramic or porcelain, tile floors are durable and resistant to moisture. While tile has been around a long time, the new trend is in the sizing. Large tiles are being used to fill expansive spaces and to cut down on the number of grout lines that need to be cleaned.  
  • Cork. Comfortable to walk on and sound absorbent, cork is an increasingly popular flooring material. It is available in a variety of colors and is more durable than it was in the past. However, it is susceptible to moisture and fading. 
  • Vinyl. Contrary to cork, vinyl stands up well to moisture, making it an ideal option for bathrooms, kitchens, and utility rooms. It mimics the look of hardwood floors but is softer and quieter to walk on.  
  • Patterned Carpet. When you prefer a softer, plush floor for some rooms, whether the living room, bedrooms, or a den, carpet is still a great option. The cut-and-loop style of carpeting that is currently trending allows for the creation of patterns within the carpet, which adds texture to the room.  
  • Concrete. A concrete floor would be more suitable for commercial buildings, right? Not so. Concrete floors are being incorporated into homes more and more and the options are pretty amazing. Polished concrete can look as elegant as marble and makes a great first impression in an elaborate foyer. Colors and even patterns can be dyed into concrete to create artistic masterpieces within the floor.  

The Right Custom Home Builders in Greensboro, NC can Install a Variety of Flooring Materials in New Homes 

If any of these flooring options speak to you, or even if you have other ideas, experienced custom home builders in Greensboro, NC can include your favorites in your home design plans. Don Mills Builders will build your dream home with all the styles and features you have in mind. Your vision can come alive in an original home that will both impress your guests and support your daily life. Call (336) 643-3503 to get started building your dreams today.

Four Things You’ll Be Glad You Did While Building Your New Custom Home

master bathroom in a Greensboro custom home by Don MillsAre you getting ready to hire a custom home builder in Greensboro to build your dream home? Building a new custom home is an exciting process that allows you a chance to exercise your imagination and offer input on the things you need and want in your home. Consider these five things to do when building your custom home, you’ll be glad you did. 

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. 

Do not be afraid to ask questions when it comes to building your new home. There are many decisions that come with a custom home. Which material is better for your kitchen countertops? What bonus features could be included in a spa bathroom for your master ensuite? Your builder is there to make suggestions and guide you along the way.

Think about where the sun rises and sets. 

You may not have considered this, but where does the sun rise and set on your new home? If you’d love to awake to the sunrise, or sit on the back deck and watch the sunset, you may need to consider these things while you’re selecting and tweaking the floor plan. It might affect your window placement as well.  

Realize the time commitment required. 

Custom building a home takes time. There are lots of decisions to be made at the outset, and once the building process begins, chances are you will want to check-in for updates. Setting realistic expectations of the time that will be required will help you to prepare and plan, making things happen more smoothly and less stressfully. 

Imagine your furniture or the furniture you want. 

As you plan your layout, try to picture where your furniture will go or what sort of furniture you want. This will help you determine the size of the area, the number of outlets necessary, the lighting you’ll need, etc. You can also use online tools such as a 3D room styler to get a better visual idea.  

Don Mills is Your Preferred Custom Home Builder in Greensboro 

Don Mills is a custom home builder in Greensboro offering a wide variety of floor plans and upgraded features for a beautifully designed custom home to fit your family’s lifestyle. Call today and start building your home: (336) 362-1777. 

5 Small Things It’s Easy to Forget When Building Your Custom Home in Greensboro

front yard view of completed homeDo you already have an idea of what you want in your custom built home? Have you thought about the colors, layouts, even the number of windows in each room? Maybe the more prevalent items are covered, but how the smaller details? Here are a few oft-forgotten things in the home building process that you might like to think about for your new custom home in Greensboro. 

  1. Where are the light switches and outlets? This seems so small and trivial until you realize you forgot to put an outlet near the reading nook you’d planned and you have to run an extension cord to place a lamp there. Maybe all of your outlets somehow end up behind the largest pieces of furniture, such as your sofa or king bed. Throughout the building process, consider your typical day. What do you do when you are home? This will help to gain some insight into where outlets and light switches should be readily available. Also, consider upgrading to receptacles with USB outlets to support the latest technology. 
  2. Water heater placement is important. If you have an attic, you might consider placing the water heater there versus in the garage. It will free up valuable space in the garage, but be sure it won’t take up too much storage space in the attic. You could always opt for a tankless water heater to save energy and space. If you do put it in the attic, be sure your home builder uses the best pipes for that placement to prevent possible future damage.
  3. Consider plenty of storage space. One of the many complaints in a home is that there is not enough storage. Determine your storage needs for your garage, kitchen, bathrooms, even your laundry room. While your custom home is being built, consider adding built-in shelving and storage spaces. These are small additions you can add to your home that will make a big difference in the space. 
  4. Appropriate lighting is important. Consider all of the small places where custom lighting would be beneficial such as closets, the laundry room, the garage and attic, and under the cabinets in the kitchen. It’s much easier to add lighting during the building process, versus deciding to incorporate more lighting later. 
  5. Don’t forget about the small details. Make a list of other small details to relay to your home builder. Consider light dimmers, any outdoor outlets you might like to have, an extra gas line for your grill, or space to mount a TV on your patio. Envision the spaces in your custom home in their completed state while it’s being built, so you can be sure to add any necessary elements during the process rather than incurring the expense of changing them later. 

Choose the Right Builder for Your Custom Home in Greensboro. 

Don Mills Builders provides quality home designs and will pay attention to every detail in your new custom home in Greensboro. Choose a builder with an eye for detail and a flair for quality. Call Don Mills today to set up a consultation: (336) 362-1777. 

Top 5 Reasons to Settle Down in Summerfield

Looking for a place in the Greensboro area to settle down? Whether you’re thinking of starting a family, already have a few kids, or the nest is empty and you need a new home that’s big enough for all the grandkids, Summerfield is one of the best places to put down roots. Check out the top 5 reasons to settle down in one of the best areas of North Carolina. And when you’re ready to find a new home builder in Summerfield to make your dream home a reality, call Don Mills.

  1. Good Schools. If you have kids or ever plan to, the schools in the area are very important. Public schools near Summerfield include Summerfield Elementary, Northern Guilford Elementary, Summerfield Charter Academy, Brown Summit Middle, Northern Guilford Middle, and Northern Guilford High School, all of which are excellent or above average schools.
  2. Low Crime Rate. Raising a family in a safe place is a priority. Summerfield’s crime rate is 62% lower than average for the state of North Carolina. In most neighborhoods in Summerfield, your kids will be able to play in the yard and ride their bikes down the street. You can take an evening stroll or go for a morning jog without fear. Here you will truly know the peace of mind that comes from living in a safe small town.
  3. Summerfield is just north of the city of Greensboro. With a short drive, you can get to work, stores, restaurants, entertainment, and more. And as a part of the Piedmont Triad, even more opportunities can be found in High Point, Winston Salem, and Kernersville, all less than a 40-minute drive away.
  4. Career Opportunity. With 3 cities in such close proximity, the job market is viable. Whether you’re looking for medical, law, IT, education, industrial, logistics, financial, technical, or other fields of work, you can find not only a job but a career. Employment rates have risen across the state of North Carolina in recent years, particularly in the Triad area.
  5. Great Weather. Summerfield, NC has typical weather for southeastern US: hot summers, warm springs, falls that feel like an extension of summer, and relatively mild winters with occasional snow. Summerfield gets average rainfall throughout all 4 seasons of the year. Summers with ample sunshine make excellent pool and beach weather, with the renowned Carolina Coast only a four-hour drive away.

Finding an Experienced, Reliable New Home Builder in Summerfield is Easy

When you’re ready to put down your roots in northern Guilford County, Don Mills Builders is ready to help you do just that. A premier new home builder in Summerfield, Don Mills builds award-winning homes in the most highly desired luxury custom home neighborhoods in the area. If you’re looking for quality craftsmanship, state-of-the-art features, original design, and a builder you can trust, call Don Mills: (336)362-1777.

5 Top Reasons to Build Your Next Home

Completed custom home on Braelands in NCAre you trying to decide whether to buy or build your next home? Debating the pros and cons of getting a custom home versus purchasing one that is already complete? Consider the benefits of building a custom home in Greensboro with the elite team at Don Mills Builders.

Here are just a few of the many reasons for you to follow your dream of building a custom home.

  1. You get what you actually want. This is probably the most obvious reason to build your next home, but it is also the most important. By building your own home, you get ‘behind the wheel,’ so to speak, and make the executive calls on design features and amenities.  No other home will be exactly like yours so it is truly unique to you.
  2. You can create value within your home. Often, there are little additions you can build into a custom home that you would not be able to do with an existing property. This will allow you to increase its inherent value. This will be very useful to you as a homeowner should you choose to move or sell the property in the future.
  3. The value of real estate is increasing. The big recession in 2009 caused a major economic downturn that lasted several years. However, one of the benefits of the recession was that once the real estate market recovered, homes were due for a big boost economically. A great reason to move forward with building your custom home now is the fact you will almost definitely see an increase on the value of your property in the near future.
  4. Ownership is on the decline in the U.S. At this point in time, we are seeing an unfortunate trend and phenomenon where home ownership and general ownership are on a steep decline. More and more families are opting to rent versus purchasing a home, which puts the renter at a substantial disadvantage and provides some level of insecurity regarding how they will be able to build equity in the future.
  5. Greater Energy Standards. Energy efficiency and saving technologies have increased greatly from year to year over the last decade. Therefore, homes built even just three or four years ago will not have the same quality of energy saving efficiency that a new home will have. By building a custom home in Greensboro with Don Mills Builders, prospective homeowners can ensure they are including features which will lead to greater savings down the road, as well as make the house a great investment.

Don Mills Builders provides numerous locations and floorplans for those wishing to build a custom home in Greensboro and the surrounding area.  Don Mills Builders has decades of experience in the industry and is known for providing quality craftmanship with the most desired features and designs.  The results are amazing homes in which a family can create a lifetime of memories.  The team at Don Mills will ensure the home is designed to meet your particular needs and be one you will be proud of for years to come.