Building new gives you the ability to design specialty spaces in your home that help you enjoy the things you love. Whether that be a pet-friendly space to show your fur babies how much you love them, a thoughtfully placed home office to keep you productive, the ultimate recreation room for entertaining, or something else entirely, the options are limitless.
Creating a home office that makes you feel inspired and excited to get down to business is becoming a must-have for many homeowners. Consider how you like to live when designing this space. When choosing the location, Paige Radford of Robert Thomas Homes, Inc. suggests reflecting on how accessible you’d like the space to be, as well as how much it will be on display. Careful planning helps to create a “dedicated workspace that promotes productivity, efficiency, and peace of mind.”
Radford also recommends considering if your home office will be a multi-use space before selecting a color palette and finishes. “Paint and natural lighting can help decide what type of energy are you trying to draw from this room,” she says.
Practical furniture and personal touches in your home office can ensure your environment is one where you feel happy and comfortable. That being said, keep distractions to a minimum to help you stay focused and collected.
A recreation room can quickly become your favorite spot in the home. It’s a place to host movie marathons, for kids to come together with their friends for slumber parties, and for game nights to unfold.
Although a recreation room serves many purposes, designating different zones can help you plan your space thoughtfully. Will you need plumbing for a wet bar or kitchenette? Tiered seating to watch football games with friends? Built-ins that provide extra storage? Visiting Parade Homes will expose you to many different layout options and provide inspiration on ways to personalize your space when planning with your builder.
Your home is your pet’s sanctuary. From high-end pet furniture to built-in crates that offer a luxe feel, sky’s the limit when you’re looking for ways to pamper your pet in your new home.
Steve Ellefsen, director of product development at Lennar Minnesota, says there are two areas of the home where pets are most often incorporated: through designated washing stations and transforming the space under the stairs into a sleeping den. This attention to custom pet spaces is especially popular with empty-nesters who “often treat their pets like they are kids.”
A pet-washing station can be a practical solution for your pooch. A higher platform creates a more comfortable experience for yourself when bathing your dog, and Ellefsen recommends planning the height of the station so both large and small dogs can make use of the area. “Plan adequate storage areas nearby for shampoo, brushes, and hanging wet towels,” he adds.
When it comes to remodeling your home, who you choose to work with matters just as much as what you plan to change. A great remodeler will guide you through a complex process with expertise, transparency, and professionalism. And in a world of DIY shows and social media inspiration, it can be tempting to cut corners or rush the hiring process. But a remodel is a major investment in your home — and your peace of mind depends on getting it right from the start.
So, what does hiring a professional remodeler actually look like?
Choosing the right paint color for your home can be overwhelming. With endless shades and finishes available, it’s easy to make mistakes that lead to regret later. Here, Jean Haukaas, Hirshfield's Design Resource Showroom manager, shares some of the most common paint color mistakes homeowners make — and how to avoid them.
Older homes are desirable for their historic charm and established neighborhoods, but when it comes to amenities that promote health and overall wellbeing, your 1930s Tudor may be lacking. Through strategic remodeling, these older homes can be updated to meet contemporary wellness needs, whether it’s more windows to increase natural light, a reimagined kitchen that encourages cooking balanced meals, or smart features that make day-to-day life
a little easier.
