Creative Ways to Decorate a Luxurious Living Room Space

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

Buying a Brand New Home vs. an Older Home

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Some homeowners know exactly where they stand when it comes to this choice. But if you’ve ever found it difficult to decide between buying a brand new home vs. an older home, here are some things to consider that will help you make an informed decision. When looking for homes for sale in Summerfield, NC you’ll find many different homes built in various decades, newly built homes, and even ready home sites for custom building. Let’s explore the differences.

Brand New Homes are Fresh and Current

There’s something exciting about being the first people to live in a home. Everything is so clean and shiny. You have a fresh canvas to decorate as you please. New homes are equipped with the latest technology when it comes to everything from smart home systems to energy efficient design and appliances. Plumbing, electrical wiring, insulation, foundation, structure—all are up to current codes. Newer homes also tend to be bigger, as size is a big factor for today’s homebuyers.

At the same time, new homes tend to have smaller, less mature lots; though this is not always true, depending on the neighborhood and builder you choose. New homes may have a few kinks that need to be worked out since no one has lived in the home yet. However, most new homes come with a one-year warranty that covers anything that isn’t performing up to standard. A new home may also settle in the first few years after it’s built, requiring repairs of cracks in walls and doorways or worse, foundation repair. New homes are sometimes priced higher than older homes.

Older Homes Have Charm and Maturity

An older home has stood the test of time. You can tell that its structure and foundation are good quality, which can be proven through a home inspection that is a necessary part of any home purchase. Classic homes have the architecture and style of the time period in which they were built, which gives them character. Bigger lots with mature trees and landscaping offer beauty and privacy. Older homes in established neighborhoods are less likely to experience changes. You may also save some money by purchasing an older home.

The old home charm can sometimes be overshadowed by problems that can accompany older homes. Plumbing and electrical wiring may be old, meaning problems like water pressure, leaky old pipes, and lack of electrical outlets and voltage to support today’s technological needs. Avoid these issues by looking for an older home that boasts “recently updated” features. You’ll likely find less storage and smaller closets in an older home. And they also tend to have less overall square footage and smaller rooms.

Hunting Homes for Sale in Summerfield, NC

In highly desired areas like Summerfield and northern Guilford County, new homes and home sites are currently available. Take advantage of the benefits of brand new homes for sale in Summerfield, NC. Recently completed Don Mills homes and new home sites are available now in up and coming neighborhoods. Call (336)362-1777.

Must Haves for 2018 Custom Kitchens

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Is this the year you’re finally going to build your dream home? A truly exciting experience awaits you, full of planning and choosing your favorite features. When it comes to the kitchen, the heart of your home, do you want to include the most current trends for Greensboro custom homes in 2018? Consider these options to create a state-of-the-art kitchen that will bring you years of cooking, eating, and entertaining enjoyment.

When Functionality and Convenience are High Priorities

Your kitchen is likely used at least 3 times a day, whether it’s for meal preparation, snacking, baking, or any other activity. You will get much more enjoyment from your kitchen when functionality and convenience are taken into consideration.

  • Strategic design. Think about the flow of movement when designing the kitchen layout. When you’re cooking a meal, you will move from the refrigerator to the counter to the stove and around the room, typically in a certain pattern. Position appliances, sinks, islands, and other fixtures in a logical layout that works for you.
  • Reinvented Storage. Cabinets are being designed with hydraulic doors that swing up or fold away, drawers that slide out, even carousel shelving that brings the shelf you need down to your reach. Drawers with multiple levels inside can save space. Walk-in pantries are convenient for food storage, freeing up cabinet space for kitchen supplies.
  • Automation. Automatic features are no longer just for public restrooms. Hands-free faucets and dispensers in home kitchens help avoid messes and promote good hygiene.

Modern kitchens focus on practicality and aesthetics simultaneously. You don’t have to trade beauty for functionality.

Focus on the Latest in Color and Décor

Some old-fashioned elements of style are coming back into kitchens lately, helping to breach the gap between modern convenience and classic beauty.

  • Black and White. It doesn’t mean you need a checkerboard floor (although it never goes out of style). But the stark contrast of black to white between surfaces, backsplash, appliances, and accessories creates an old-world look in a modern kitchen.
  • Bright Colored Farm Sinks. Stainless steel, white porcelain, and double-sided sinks are slowly going away. In their place, you’ll find wide, deep farm sinks in a variety of colors from subtle pastels to bold hues.
  • Prominent Light Fixtures. Lighting makes a major style statement in your kitchen. It also needs to provide sufficient light for the task at hand. Consider bold light fixtures for ceiling lights, especially above an island or another seating area. Then place simple, bright lighting (LED lighting is ideal) under cabinets and over stovetops and sinks.

Don Mills Builds Greensboro Custom Homes with the Latest Kitchen Features

Luxury custom homes by Don Mills Builders are designed with the most up-to-date styles and options. Planning out your dream kitchen is easier with an experienced builder who can offer the latest features and modern conveniences. Greensboro custom homes are going up in highly desired neighborhoods in the northern Guilford County area, and Don Mills original homes are some of the best in the area. If you want a home built with quality materials and expert craftsmanship, call (336)362-1777.

What are the Best Neighborhoods for Custom Home in Greensboro?

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Are you looking for a new home but having trouble finding something suitable? The market is incredibly low and there aren’t many houses coming available. Don’t settle for a home that isn’t quite what you’re looking for. Find a builder and have a custom home designed just for you. There are custom home lots in Greensboro in some of the best neighborhoods that are ready to build on now. Wondering which neighborhoods are the most popular and why? This is your guide.

Linville Ridge. If you’re looking for a peaceful, small community, Linville Ridge will feel like home. It consists of around 30 home sites with common areas in about 4 or 5 locations throughout the neighborhood. Surrounded by nature, yet just minutes from Greensboro, Kernersville, High Point, and Winston Salem, you can have both convenience and wide open space.

Knight’s Landing. Live the luxurious life here at Knight’s Landing. Spacious home sites in a natural setting give this neighborhood a country feel in a location that is still convenient to Greensboro and the rest of the Triad. Situated within the town of Oak Ridge, which is a popular area with great schools, this community is ideal for families in all stages of life. Neighborhood amenities include a pool, a pond, and plenty of well-manicured common lawns for kids and dogs to play.

Jessup Ridge. This beautiful tree-lined neighborhood exists in an ideal location in the Northern Guilford County school district and just 15 minutes from Greensboro. Families love the pool, clubhouse, and picnic area. Additional phases of the community are being developed and ready-to-build home sites are available now. Reserve your spot in this highly desired community soon.

Dawn Acres. Adjacent to the Dawn Acres Golf Course, this neighborhood is the picture of beauty. Trees, ponds, and green grass as far as the eye can see, you can enjoy the countryside and still be close to the city. Located in Stokesdale, just north of Greensboro in the Oak Ridge/Northwest school district, lots in this neighborhood are highly coveted, and currently available while they last.

Birkhaven. Naturally beautiful and very secluded, Birkhaven was designed for those who want a peaceful home with city convenience. If you’re looking for a tree-lined yard, plenty of privacy and space, with the added perk of no city taxes, you’ve found your home. Ready-to-build home sites are available now.

Finding Available Custom Home Lots in Greensboro

If you’re ready to start planning your dream home and stop touring houses that don’t meet your criteria, call Don Mills Builders at (336) 362-1777. Ready-to-build home sites are available now in these popular neighborhoods just north of Greensboro. Don Mills can help you select the lot that best suits the type of home you wish to build or design your home to suit the lot you like best. Set up a free consultation today and see why so many home buyers are choosing to build on custom home lots in Greensboro neighborhoods.

Entertainment Spaces: What’s Trending for 2018?

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Have you been keeping up with the new home trends popping up for 2018? One of the easiest ways to keep up with this is scrolling through trends on Pinterest, which, if you have been doing this, you may have noticed some home trends for entertainment spaces this year. To add one of these trends to your custom home in Greensboro, get custom home builder Don Mill Builders to design and build your entertainment space.

Create a custom and open space with plenty of seating.

This year has brought large entertainment spaces to the home, with a lot of available seating for during parties, sports games, and gatherings. Many of these custom entertainment areas consist of seating around the television and a dining section behind that to allow guests to enjoy their food but still have access to the event and conversation.

The open spaces have plenty of lighting and typically have access to the kitchen or a small bar.

Take your entertaining outside.

Probably one of the largest trends this year is custom, outdoor entertainment spaces. Many of these spaces seem to be themed and they are not just patio spaces anymore, they are developing into their own rooms with individual designs and concepts. These outdoor entertainment spaces typically are showing walls and coverings, whether completely enclosed or partially enclosed with cutout windows to allow for an exotic feel. Ample lighting, fire pits, and plenty of furniture that resembles a more interior design are complimenting these areas.

Put a cozy, intimate home theatre in your homes’ basement.

Another entertainment space that is trending is the home theatre in your homes’ basement. This is not what it used to be, however, with a room and theatre seating resembling that of an actual movie theatre. This trendy space has taken a cozy, intimate feel, with plush sofas, low lighting, and surround sound or sound bars. A fun addition to custom add to your home would be a snack bar or small kitchenette in the back of the room.

If you are steel feeling that old-school version with the movie theatre feeling, try modernizing it by adding a sofa to the room and ditch the over-sized television for a curved one instead.

Build your custom home in Greensboro with Don Mills Builders.

Do you want to add custom additions to your home or are you looking to build a home in Greensboro? With over 27 years of experience, Don Mills Builders can help you design and build your home. Call them today (336) 362-1777.