Category: Home Tips

How to Fall in Love With Your Bedroom

Posted on March 24, 2021 by brewadmin - Home Tips

You’re in your bedroom quite a bit. Do you ever feel like you aren’t loving what you have going on in there? Think about it. Does your bedroom feel unwelcoming? One way to think about it is how would you prepare a room for a guest or, better yet, what if YOU were the guest. What would you want to see in that space? Or what wouldn’t you want to see in that space?

Would you trip over piles of clothes on the floor? Would you have to move the laundry from the bed to the floor? We’re willing to be the answer to these questions would be no. BUT what if we treated ourselves as we would treat a guest? Thinking about that and incorporating that into your room will make it a haven for you every day. Follow along from one of the top baton rouge home builders, Distinctive Homes, in how to fall in love with your bedroom.

Are You Tired of the Same Old Look?

Are you bored with the look of your room? If you’ve had the same bedding, same rug, same wall color, same curtains, you name it, it’s time to refresh your bedroom. Swap out the art, put some new furniture in or switch it out with another room. Something as simple as getting a contemporary nightstand can start to make it feel like a whole new room.

Is Your Bedding Boring?

A lot of designers suggest mixing in more layers and textures. If you have matching bedding, mixing things up can dramatically spruce up the room. Add a chunky knit blanket or a bold throw with fringe. Textured pillows can do more for a room than you can imagine.

More Rest. Less Stress

If you keep mail, bills and to-do lists in your room, guess what? It won’t be serene, restful or inviting. Keep the stressful things out of the bedroom. Designate a new area for necessities.

Set the Mood

…And what we mean by setting the mood is set the mood lighting. Lighting is essential to a bedroom. Consider installing a dimmer switch or a three-way light switch.

Let the Air in

Your bedroom should feel fresh and clean. If you haven’t had the windows open or the room cleaned a while, chances are it’s feeling a bit stuffy—time to clean it from top to bottom. Get under the bed and wipe down all surfaces and throw open those windows and let the fresh air in.

Where you lay your head is your home and your bedroom is your sanctuary. Whenever you feel like you’re bored with how it looks, it’s time to refresh and start anew. You’ll be amazed at what that can do for you psychologically. To meet with one of our team members and see why we have been called one of the best home builders in Baton Rouge call us at (225)751-0499 or email us at distinctivehomesbr@gmail.com

New Custom Built Home Trends for 2021

Posted on February 10, 2021 by brewadmin - Home Tips

We’ve been home so long due to COVID that never before have we understood the value of comfort in our homes. If there’s one thing we’ve learned this past year, spending time with our families has given us a profound perspective on what comfort means. Many of us are working from home while our children are virtually learning. All of this time at home has made us ask ourselves what is most important IN our homes. As we move into 2021, work from home appears to be a trend that may stay for quite some time. Here are several Custom Built New Home Trends for 2021.

Sweat Sweat Sweat:

It’s been a trend for quite some time, but the home gym and workout spaces will continue to rise this year. You can’t turn on the TV today and not see a commercial for Peloton or some other workout gear. People are avoiding the gym and opting to get in shape at home, especially when the weather isn’t cooperating. So when it comes to putting together your floor plan, make sure you have the home gym drawn up.

The Heart of the Home:

Large open spaces will begin to trend down moving forward, but one that will never change and will be the most desired place in a new home is a large, open kitchen. This past year, the kitchen became the heart and soul of our homes and will continue moving forward. Families want a multi-functioning, large space that allows a spot for the kids to be doing their homework or playing a game at the island while mom or dad prepare a meal at the same time.

Home Sweet Office:

We all know what WFH means today and it’s becoming more of the norm. Looking at this year and perhaps beyond, nearly half of the American workforce will be working from home. This means families need to have a designated workspace or office for privacy and a neutral background for all of our Zoom meetings.

Step Outside:

Having an outdoor space has always been an important place for a home, but like many new home trends due to the pandemic, outdoor living space has become more important than ever. We’ve seen outdoor kitchens, dining spaces and living rooms become more and more common. These spaces give many more places to enjoy as we tend to spend more free time at home. When building this out, never forget to include an outdoor sound system, television and wet bar to entertain your friends and family.

Smart Homes:

Smart homes and technology continue to be on the rise and this will continue throughout the year. Smartphone home integration and automated lighting are widespread now. Voice-activated features on appliances and touch-less faucets and toilets will continue to rise moving forward.

Other trends for 2021 include: areas for gardening, large laundry rooms, large master bathrooms, and dedicated playrooms. While 2020 was a difficult year, it shed light on updates that can make your custom home a refuge. To meet with one of our team members or tour one of our homes, call us at (225)751-0499 or email us at distinctivehomesbr@gmail.com.

Decorating Styles For Your Living Room in 2021

Posted on January 21, 2021 by brewadmin - Home Tips

The best place to start is to think about how many people you will need to fit in your living room regularly. Knowing this will help you choose the right living room furniture.

So, what should I put in my living room?

Do you have a large family? If so, you will need a larger sofa and a couple of armchairs, so everyone has a comfortable area to sit.

If your space is relatively tight, consider bean bags and poufs as a way to sneak in extra seating. They can be stowed away easily when there are fewer people in the house.

If you are a person who likes to entertain in your living room, it’s a good idea to have a few lightweight side chairs handy. They can be moved into more social arrangements when your guests visit. Small side tables are another handy addition, giving your guest a place to put their drinks.

How should I set up my living room furniture?

This truly depends on your living room’s size and what you plan on commonly using the room for. If you have a small living room, it may require you to place furniture against the walls to give your guests enough space to move about without having to navigate a lot of furniture, not to mention banging their shins on a coffee table or, much worse spilling wine on your rug.

Ideally, it would be nice to give your guests about 1.5 to 2 feet to allow for a smooth traffic flow.

If you have more space to play with, bring the furniture away from the walls to create more seating areas. Make them cozy. This idea is excellent in more open-plan living spaces. Zone it out and to keep the relaxing areas calm from a lot of foot traffic. If your sofa is older or the back is not much to look at, put a low console table behind it and decorate it with objects you’d like to showoff.

Don’t forget the rug. A good rug can help those zoned areas stay more calm and intimate. It’s good to keep the front legs of the sofa and chairs on the rug, leaving the back legs off to give mismatched furniture a more unified feel.

If your primary TV is watched in the living room, it goes without saying that the seating should not be too far away from the television. Nobody wants to squint while watching their favorite show. Not having a TV in the living room give you the freedom to choose more pleasing focal points, whether it’s a fireplace or a chair or table that makes a statement.

Another thing to consider is if you do have a TV in your living room and don’t want it to show when guests are over, you can always hide it behind the doors of a nice TV cabinet.

Where would I store my objects?

We are not exaggerating, but good storage is almost as good as layout. You don’t want clutter building up by everyday use. Consider coffee tables with drawers for keeping remotes out of sight. Footstools that open up are a great place to store blankets and throws. Open shelving is excellent for books and ornaments, but it’s also useful to have some drawer or cupboard storage, where you can hide things like laptops or anything else you want to be tucked away.

What are the color trends for 2021?

You can never go wrong with muted tones like gray, but if you want to be on-trend, shades of green are the way to go. If you want a more playful look, consider pastel shades like lime green or Minion yellow. Orange is another popular color in 2021. Consider orange and pumpkin. When you choose paint colors, you need to consider the furniture and textures already in the room. You want to show color combinations that will inspire you. Perhaps the best rule of thumb for picking a color is to keep it simple and cozy. Don’t get too complicated.

How should I light my living room?

Living rooms have a lot going on in them, so they need lighting for everything you plan to do in there. First, you’ll need a general light source, such as a ceiling pendant light that will light the room at darker times of the day as people mill about.

Table lamps and wall lights give off a softer glow when it’s time to relax. We’re big fans of adjustable reading lamps next to cozy chairs that help you focus on your book rather than bug other people in the room.

For more formal living rooms, decorative lighting is a great idea to impress. A designer chandelier or a statement lamp is a great way to draw attention. If you are an art lover, accent lighting or a picture light will hold attention to your favorite work of art. Also, consider installing dimmer switches to control the level of light to suit the time of day and the mood you’re trying to achieve.

Now’s the best time to dive in and get your living room ready for the new year. To meet with one of our team members or tour one of our exquisite homes call us at (225)751-0499 or email us at distinctivehomesbr@gmail.com

10 Ways to Enjoy Your Yard This Holiday Season

Posted on December 16, 2020 by brewadmin - Home Tips

The shorter days and colder weather are by no means a time to hunker down indoors. These are perfect days to get outside, enjoy some fresh air, and spend some time with family in your quiet piece of heaven. Here are 10 ideas for getting out and unwinding this holiday season.

1. Get Festive

Let everyone know you’re in the holiday mood by adding garland around your front entrance or window sills. Hang a wreath. Don’t just do it on your own – bring your family outside and watch everyone get in the spirit.

2. Get Cozy Around the Fire

We all know that there’s usually a big holiday meal on the way, so why not get outside beforehand and enjoy the fresh air around your fire pit. Bring a glass of wine, some appetizers and a few warm blankets to wrap around you, because when you step back inside for that wonderful meal, the house will feel even more inviting. Even if you don’t have a fire pit, then you can still head outside and get cozy with your blankets on your patio.

3. Take A Stroll Around Your Garden

Listen, we get it. The holidays can be stressful. So why not get outside and take a stroll to calm your mind. Don’t think of this as a time to do chores and start planting or cleaning up the garden. This is time to have a different experience and relax. Make it new. Look at the way the light touches the leaves or how the birds are searching for food. Breathe and relax.

4. Take Dinner Outside

If it’s a nice day or if you have an outdoor space heater, why not enjoy your meal outdoors. Have fun with it and make it an occasion. Fix some soup, bring out the pillows, light some candles, pour some drinks, and get festive. It will surely be an evening you’ll want to repeat.

5. Get Distracted in Your Greenhouse or Garden

If you’re looking to get out of the house (or if you need a break from your relatives), then head outdoors and take care of some of the things you put off. Organize your tools, put away the potting soil, organize your seeds for the spring garden. Or why not just grab a good book and a cup of tea and have a little you-time. Trust us, come spring, you’ll feel so much better.

6. Hey Birdie Birdie

One of the most relaxing things you can do to take a break and enjoy your yard is to head out and enjoy the wildlife that is all around you. Take a pair of binoculars and look for the birds that visit you throughout the year. You may even see a few migrating birds. To make the experience more enjoyable, put out food sources and water. Name your wildlife visitors, watch how they interact. You’ll be looking out for them the next time!

7. Who Wants Dessert?

If you have little ones who have been cooped up all day, why not lure them outside with s’mores? That will for sure sweeten the deal. Make sure you stock up on marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers. Put them in your pantry as an easy fallback.

8. Look for Decorations

Instead of hitting up a garden center for your holiday decor, why not head out to your own yard to look for seasonal arrangement. Look for fallen branches and dried leaves or peeling bark to create a simple wreath, ornaments or garland. We’d love to know what you make so please share with us!

9. Make A Path In Your Yard

When the weather gets chilly, it can often be challenging to get people to get outside. Why not lure them out there. Place luminaries across your lawn in the form of a pathway that will lead them to a cozy and comfy setup. Place chairs around a fire pit or around an outdoor heater and serve up some hot drinks or desserts.

10. Dress Up The Doorway

When it gets chilly out, taking on an outdoor project can seem too ambitious. Make it simple. Get some containers and make them festive for not too much time, effort, or cost. Get some cut branches like dogwood, spray paint them, stick them into the soil by your front door, and add decorations.

There’s rarely an excuse not to get outside and enjoy your yard. It brings people together in such a unique way and gives your perspective on what truly matters. Friends. Family. Slowing down. Relaxing. We hope you take some time to get outside and relish what your yard has to offer. To meet with one of our team members or tour one of our homes, call us at (225)751-0499 or email us at distinctivehomesbr@gmail.com.

6 Questions You Should Ask Before Building A House

Posted on November 19, 2020 by brewadmin - Home Tips

Building a home can be a daunting experience if you’re not working with the right builder. You need someone to understand not just your needs but also your wants. It would be best if you worked with a team that ‘gets’ you. Let’s take a look at some crucial questions you should ask.

1. Who will be my primary contact?

You want to know this right away as you will have a lot of questions. Building a home can be stressful and the last thing you need is someone who is not available. You need a person who is reliable and easy to contact at all times of the build. Make sure when you decide to partner with a builder, you meet the person you will be working with and establish a trustworthy relationship.

2. How long will it take to build my home?

It may seem obvious, but you want to make sure you have open communication regarding the build timeline. You have a lot on your mind by coordinating the move and getting everything in order. A timeline that keeps moving will only add to the stress.

3. How long have you been building homes?

Experience is everything. You want to work with someone like it’s a well-oiled machine. While it’s nice to give someone a chance, inexperience isn’t something you want when it comes to your home.

4. Can you provide some referrals of clients we could talk with about their experience?

You never want to hear, “take my word for it.” This is the most important question you can ask a builder. Knowing what someone else’s experience was like is worth its weight in gold. Ask them not only about the build but also if there were ever any headaches.

5. What was your toughest demand from a client and how did you handle it?

This question will tell you several things about your builder. Are they client-focused or simply just building homes that they can sell quickly. Is the builder open to new ideas? Are they friendly? The relationship between you and your builder must be just that – a relationship.

6. How do you handle obstacles and delays?

In the course of building a home, delays and obstacles can happen. One of the most important considerations is how the builder deals with challenges and how they communicate with their clients. Asking this question might give you insights into the quality of the builder.

When you ask these questions, you should feel a lot more confident about which builder to go with and feel inspired as you go on this journey. To meet with one of our team members and tour one of our homes, call us at (225)751-0499 or email us at distinctivehomesbr@gmail.com.

5 Kitchen Remodeling Tips Everyone Should Know

Posted on October 15, 2020 by brewadmin - Home Tips

Did you know that homeowners spend more money on kitchen remodeling than on any other home improvement project? If your kitchen remodel project is properly done, it can improve its efficiency, make the kitchen more attractive, and in turn, raise the resale value of your home.

We’ve put together some tips you should consider when planning your kitchen remodel for a space that is both functional and easy to work and live in.

Natural Light

Many homeowners do not have windows coming into their kitchen area. The kitchen and living room are the most lived-in areas of your home. If anyone were to reminisce about their childhood or anytime growing up, your memories would more than likely take place in a kitchen or family room. Making these rooms warm and inviting by adding windows is one of the most important things you could do for your home.

Openness

Openness goes hand in hand with the natural light. There should be an open flow between the kitchen and living room areas. This has now become an expectation in a home that buyers are looking for. Members of the family want to be able to visit and be a part of the activities while the cooking and preparing of the meals are taking place.

Countertops

Although granite has been popular recently, you should consider choosing a stone that is more reliable, like Quartz, for its longevity. Because Quartz is not porous and doesn’t scratch or stain, this is an investment for you and your family that will go a long way.

Larger “Breakfast” Island

This area of the kitchen somewhat “ties” the kitchen into the living area. This island is becoming a big family gathering spot. It is easier for some family members to visit or enjoy snacking on a meal while cooking and preparing is going on. This is an easy place to sit and gather quickly if you only have a few minutes. The breakfast island is quickly taking the place of the formal kitchen table.

Cabinetry Design

Older kitchens that have cabinetry that stops short of the ceiling have the downfall of missing out on additional storage space. While the lighting is affected, it is also collecting dust. Bring your cabinets all the way up to the ceiling for an updated design. Also, make sure your cabinets are not obstructing the flow of conversations and gatherings.

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Before you dig into your remodeling project, know your priorities so you can focus on spending where it’s most important. Distinctive Homes has been building quality homes in Baton Rouge and the surrounding areas for more than 17 years. If you have any remodeling questions or would like to learn more about our services, please visit our website or call today at (225) 751-0499.

The Most Common Things People Look For in a New Home

Posted on July 28, 2020 by brewadmin - Home Tips

Although the housing market may have temporarily slowed down due to the pandemic, there is no excuse for sellers to skip updating their homes in need of remodeling. Many home buyers are still on the hunt, even if it means participating in virtual tours of open houses.

According to Remodeling, a company that promotes news and advice for pro remodelers, just a minor kitchen remodel could revalue for $16,594. If that’s what you get from a minor kitchen remodel, imagine what renovations to the rest of your home could do?

Today’s homebuyers are looking for upgraded fit and finishes for wood floors, hard surface countertops, high ceilings, lots of windows and much more. If you’re thinking about buying a home or making updates to one, this list can guide your search of the most common things people look for in a new home.

Livability

This concept is super important and often overlooked when searching for a new home. Many people focus on resale value rather than livability. When looking for your new living space, try to picture spending quality time with family and friends while also considering what kind of liveable longevity is available to you as you grow into the space. This is especially important for first-time homebuyers.

The dictionary defines livability as “suitable for living in; habitable; comfortable.” It’s a characteristic that is different for everyone. Do you prefer being in a loud or quiet environment? Do you like natural light? Do you prefer flexible places? Do you want to be close to nature? It’s all up to you whatever you consider “livable”, and there are no right or wrong answers.

Separate Office Spaces

COVID-19 has forced almost everyone to think about potential space to work from home, so separate in-home office spaces are in high demand. We get it, many people are working from home and don’t want to be working a full workday on their sofa. Whether you’re working full or part-time in your home, there is much thought about making your working area suitable for your business while balancing family time. Having a separate office provides privacy and relaxation without all of the distractions that come with managing a household.

Outdoor Space

Many people are on the hunt for a nice outdoor space that’s complete with an outdoor kitchen area. Not only are outdoor kitchens a place to cook, but homeowners also enjoy adding their personal touch to it by implementing things like pizza ovens or fireplaces. There’s also plenty of fun ideas out there for decorating outdoor spaces as well. Items that people want in their outdoor space are overhead lighting, comfortable seating, a built-in grill, and some sort of canopy or roof. This space is truly like its own defined living area.

Master Suite With En-Suite Bath

A master suite with an en-suite bath along with a large master closet is characteristic buyers are searching for at this time. Simply put, en-suites are bathrooms that are connected to a bedroom. If the closet connects to an area, that’s an even better bonus. An en-suite is popular because of its proximity, privacy and convenience.

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If you are searching for a new home, Tyler and his team of professionals have taken great pride in delivering homes, not just houses, that meet clients’ needs. Distinctive Homes’ experience and versatility can deliver what you’re searching for. To learn more about us or get more info, please visit our website or call today at (225) 751-0499.