Few have failed to notice that the dominant color scheme of new construction is a universal beige, usually paired with white trim. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a real unpainted wood door or porch columns. How do you go about choosing the color scheme that is right for you without accidentally painting your house an over-saturated color so bright it aggravates your neighbors? How do you balance expressing some personality in a sea of beige without sticking out like a sore thumb? Here are some color scheme ideas for your home’s exterior that are anything but beige to inspire you to break out of the monotonous mold.

This scheme pairs dark neutrals with a rusty red trim, pale green accents, and natural mahogany-stained wood front door and garage door.  It’s fresh and contemporary while the red and green pairing gives it a woodsy feel. Try it on a heavily-wooded lot surrounded by trees.

This scheme brings sunny yellow into your life without going overboard. Pick a few surfaces to pop with brightness and the rest can be a medium tan. Give the trim a deep brown coat or leave the wood unpainted with a dark stain and paint the accents forest green. Add some personality with a pop of turquoise on the front door.

If your home has a Victorian vibe with lots of details, give it a pop with a dark teal body with contrasting ivory and burgundy trim and accents. You’ll be glad you paid extra attention to the little things.

If pale colors and a more traditional scheme are more your thing, try  a pale green body with white trim, dark green accents. Throw in a few pops of rusty orange, especially on your front door. You can also achieve this look using unpainted wood stained with a warm finish.

For a cool look, go monochrome! Use blueish-grays for the body of the house, white trim with dark teal accents, and pops of turquoise in the pediments and on the front door. This can also make a nice contrast to tan stone foundations.

Another dark, woodsy scheme uses natural wood browns that can be stained dark for the second story, front door and garage door, and then a lighter, warmer color in pediments for contrast. The first floor can be painted tan or be built as natural stone, while the trim is a dark teal-blue with goldenrod accents.

Looking to find the perfect place that combines country feel with city convenience?

Then Summit Custom Homes in Kansas City has just the place for you to call home. Welcome to the Persimmon Pointe. Upon completion of this fresh and new neighborhood, it will consist of almost 200 homes, which possess affordable annual homes association dues. Located in Olathe, KS, this quality community possesses rolling hills that peaceful farmland just west of Persimmon gives residents a break from busy city life along the added convenience of nearby shopping and transportation. Here residents can also enjoy the community’s pristine swimming pool.

Have or seeking to start a family? Persimmon Pointe is home to the Olathe Public school district and walking walking distance of schools from kindergarten to high school, such as Arbor Creek Elementary, Mission Trail Middle School and the future Olathe West High School.

Surrounding this area are an array of other community benefits, like two nearby parks. The first Prairie Center Park is across Hedge Lane which features: picnic shelters, tables, charcoal grill, playground and swings, restroom facilities, 0.9 mile walking trail, disc golf course, fishing and sports fields. Adjacent to this is the second park: Johnson County Ernie Miller Nature Center. Here the center offers several walking trails, nature center with classes, picnic shelters, and an amphitheater.

To visit this community take 7 Highway to Santa Fe west to Hedge Lane north to community entrance on the left at 127th Street to models.

Or for more details on this or other homes in Olathe KS with Summit Custom Homes, click here. Or contact Kansas City home builder Summit Custom Homes today!

Parry Heritage Homes prides itself on a rich history based on exceptional work ethic and a love for building homes that has stood the test of time, affording the ability to offer customers with unparalleled commitment. Here founder, R. Keith Parry began his construction career in 1978 as part of the Carpenters Union, where he formed a strong foundational and on-the-job knowledge that would later serve him as the owner of his company. From renovating houses to building additions throughout the eastern suburbs of Pittsburgh, Parry’s love for building grew, as well as his reputation. Becoming known as an honest man who would treat his customers fairly, Parry’s customer referrals kept on building and multiplying more work. This is when Keith developed a fondness and focus for in North Huntingdon Township and the surrounding vicinities, allowing him to eventually start his own company.

Currently Keith is joined by both his children in business, where they have expanded Parry Custom Homes to serve customers throughout entire Pittsburgh area and its surrounding suburbs. Here daughter Danielle and son Justin gained their experience in the trenches before taking the management reigns at the company. Today Danielle heads the showroom where she works with individual costumers to help them figure their dream home, while Justin oversees the design and construction, so both can maintain Parry Home’s strong reputation and continue to offer quality construction standards that customers can rely on.

Looking for builders in Pittsburgh or Want to know more about Parry Custom Homes?

Click here for more info or contact them today!

Considering a new home in Austin Texas and need the perfect area? Then look no further than Streetman Homes The Enclave at Highland Horizons. Housing patio homes that start in the mid 200s, the Enclave at Highland Horizons combines the ruggedness of the Texas Hill country with urban sophistication. Here houses start at 1,400 to over 2,500 square-feet on 126 available home sites that are generally within cul-de-sacs or back to greenbelts. The community is also home to highly acclaimed Round Rock independent school district, including schools as Elsa England Elementary, Cedar Valley Middle School, and Round Rock High School; making it perfect for new or growing families. Other benefits to living in the Enclave is the scenery with mature trees and maintenance lifestyle without sacrificing luxury.

Conveniently located at the corner of Cornerwood Drive and RR 620 just east of Parmer Lane and within blocks of Loop 1 and SH 45, with easy access to premier shopping, restaurants, recreation, medical centers, vibrant entertainment, and business centers. To get there from I-35, go west on RR 620 for approximately 2.5 miles, turn left onto Cornerwood Drive. From Hwy 183 or Parmer Lane go West on RR 620/ Toll 45, exit RR 620, then turn left under Toll 45 staying on RR 620. In approximately 1 mile the community will be on your right at the southeast corner of RR 620 and Cornerwood Drive. Pull through the gates into the community.

Want to know more about this community or Austin Texas home builders?Click here for more info or to contact them today!

Established as one of the most steady, financially conservative San Antonio-based builders, Whitestone Custom Homes builds homes for and around you. Now, expect more when building you dream house with the award-winning Whitestone Custom Homes Build Your Own Lot program. Here you can explore and discuss your construction and design options, as well as the estimate price with the Community Sales Manager, and the the interior details with the Interior Design Consultants at the Design Center. Unlike other building programs, you’ll find that the Build Your Own Lot program offers many benefits, such as:

-Whitestone Custom Home program offers an estimate at no charge, where the manager travels to your lot to assess additional site costs, possible location adjustments, soil conditions, building elevation, water and electric service, and wells and septic systems. In addition, the estimate can be ready in a matter of a couple days.
-While most custom builders offer higher priced homes due to building limited amounts, the program transfers the buying power to the customers, which allows Whitestone to offer a variety of floor plans that start at the lower $200s and around 2000 square feet. For more details on these plans click here.
-You have a Whitestone custom home built in a 25 mile radius of any community. These include: his includes Enclave of Garden Ridge, Sundance Ranch, The Reserve at Sonoma Ranch, Clementson Ranch and The Boulders of Canyon Springs.

To find out more about the program or new homes in San Antonio Texas, visit Whitestone Custom Homes or contact the community manager here today!

When hearing the term “curb appeal”, you would probably assume it just deals with whether a house is visually attractive or not.  While this is true, there is a lot more that goes into the curb appeal of a home.  There are things a new homeowner can do, like painting the front door a warm color, planting flowers, or including a comfortable bench on the front porch.  However, there are also things that can be included into the overall design of the house during building and design stages.

Designing a new home requires a keen eye for detail, and there are many subtle things you can do to enhance the overall appearance during the building stage.  Trees and even minimal landscaping can drastically improve the look of a new house.  Builder wrote that, “a recent study at the U.S. Forest Service in Portland, Ore., found that street trees can add close to $9,000 to the price of a home.  What’s more, homes within 100 feet of a home with street trees sell for more than homes in areas with no trees”.

The same can be said for neighborhoods with varying roof levels, sidewalks for pedestrians, and homes with front porches.  Varied roof levels make the neighborhood appear more aesthetically appealing and less rigid. Sidewalks encourage healthy lifestyles, as well as an open route of communication between neighbors.  A front porch is generally the standard for an open and inviting home.  However, any form of outdoor seating area promotes the same idea of a place where neighbors can gather and catch up, while their kids play in the front yard together.

All of these things provide a feeling of comfort, and transform them from house into livable homes.  Even in new developments it pays off to vary the models that are being placed next to each other.  When purchasing a new home, most people are investing in their future as well. People want to raise a family in an area that is warm and inviting and promoting a sense of community is an added bonus.  Builder adds, “even with a rebounding housing market, you have to make your work stand.  Whether you’re building one house or 1,000, being street smart will help you get ahead”.  Adding these small enhancements to their custom home will definitely raise the curb appeal, as well as the client’s overall happiness.

If you’re considering building a new custom home in the Oklahoma City area, it’s likely that you’re interested in a home that comes tailored to your needs and is built with you in mind. A custom home is constructed with you, the client, as an integral part of the process, so it’s important to find a builder that is a great match. Along with compatibility with a builder, you want to work with a company known for quality and who will be committed to the deadline. Whether you’re just now considering a custom home or already have a lot picked out, read on to find out more about some of the best custom builders Oklahoma City has to offer!

Landmark Fine Homes is dedicated to building energy efficient homes in the Oklahoma City Metro area. Named the America’s Best Builder by Builder Magazine in 2012, Landmark has constructed six communities all around the OKC metro area, each with special features and events like Carrington Lakes’ Mom’s Council, The Reserve at Valencia’s pool cabana, or the wooded lots at Cascata Falls. Don’t wait to take advantage of their open lots–they sell fast!

Sun Custom Homes‘ team has over 50 years of combined experience and has been building homes for more than ten years in the Oklahoma City area. They can work with any budget or home size, so whether you’re looking for 1,500 square feet or 10,000 square feet, have a budget of $150,000 or $2.5 million, they’ve got you covered.

Tommy Huelskamp Builders has been constructing custom homes since 1999. Their properties have been showcased on multiple home tours and span from Edmond to the Yukon and Mustang areas. Check out homes in any of their twelve communities to get an idea of their standard of luxury!

Heartland Homes is an Energy Star Certified Builder and incorporates an air purification system in each of their homes, which helps you save green while staying green. Their Custom Fit Program helps you personalize your home for your family’s specific tastes and needs. As one of the Top 5 Homebuilders in 2011 The Oklahoman’s Reader’s Choice Awards, Heartland is a leader in the industry.

Capstone Estates is one of few builders in the OKC area to construct new homes with walk out basements, traditional basements, safe rooms, and stacked garages. Along with security from the elements, they also build with energy efficiency in mind, making them Energy Star Certified. Building an average of 25 homes per year, Capstone homes are known for luxury: hardwood floors, granite countertops, built-in bookcases, and gorgeous exteriors.

Avalon Custom Homes was founded by two former friendly competitors, Tom Brumbeloe and Wayne Del Bosque. The two are passionate about building homes in desirable areas of OKC; lots with rolling hills and mature trees can be hard to come by, but Avalon finds a way. Their Builder Communicator program allows clients to communicate with the builder online and helps streamline communication on your project.

We encourage you to contact any one of these custom builders in Oklahoma City to start working on your dream home. For more custom home building companies in Oklahoma, search here.

If you’re on the hunt for that perfect new place, be sure to take a look at Ivy Ridge, a great new neighborhood in Harrisburg by Keystone Custom Homes.

This community features inviting single-family homes with 3 to 4 bedrooms and 2 to 3 baths. Homes showcase the classic colonial style and give the neighborhood a classic yet comfortable look. Prices start in the $190,000 range.

Nearby residents will find the PA Turnpike, Harrisburg Mall, shopping, employment, dining, and more. Children living in this community will attend Central Dauphin Schools in Dauphin County, including Central Dauphin High School, home to the PIAA-4A State Football Champs of 2011!

To get to this area, take I-83 S to the Paxton Street exit and take a left. Make a right onto Friendship Drive, followed by a left on to Harrisburg Street. Turn right on to Orchard Drive and Ivy Ridge will be on your right.

Builder Keystone Custom Homes has been ranked by the industry’s leading trade journal, Builder Magazine, as one of the top 100 home builders in the nation. They are also proud to be the first builder to be named America’s Best Builder three times by Builder Magazine of more than 200,000 home builder companies. With a reputation for outstanding quality, let Keystone Custom Homes build your new home at Ivy Ridge.

Are you considering building a brand new, custom home in Houston, Texas? It’s likely, then, that you have come to that decision based on the perks that you, as a home buyer, are a major catalyst in the building of a new home.  It’s not only new, it’s built with you in mind.  A custom home allows for complete customization based on your needs, your lifestyle, and what you envision  your dream home to look like.  It’s important to find a custom home builder who is reputable in their field in both design and construction, but most of all, one who’ll work with you throughout the process and is focused on ensuring your complete satisfaction with the finished product.  To make that search easier for you, we’ve put together a growing list of custom builders in Houston who we’d heartily recommend!

Bella Vita Custom Homes might as well be the textbook definition of luxury. This high quality new home builder is featured in no fewer than 11 different communities in the Houston area.  Their art is the seemed effortlessness of blending together aesthetic beauty and modern day practicalities with the specific preferences of each individual client.  Buying a new house is always an investment, but building with Bella Vita will be one of the best value decisions your family can make.

Allegro Builders has developed their company the same way you’d expect a master builder to erect a structure: hands-on, strong foundation, and from the ground up.  Each of their designs and homes are timeless, tradition-proved to last.  They also love to hear what their customers have to say in order to make each Houston home uniquely different and specifically designed for you.  Furthermore, the Texas Association of Builders has recognized Allegro Builders as the Custom Builder of the Year in 2012.

Jeffrey Harrington Custom Homes has been building custom homes in and around Houston for many years, equating to hundreds of satisfied families.  He has consistently been able to master different architectural styles, sizes, and other challenges.  Their focus on customer involvement and emphasis on ‘environmentally friendly green building’ allow them to stand apart from other builders in the area.

Northstone Builders is dedicated to smart design, building a home to first benefit a family’s lifestyle and envelop these features in luxury amenities once these needs have been met.  They take pride in their innovative craftsmanship and are committed to building relationships with their clients that last beyond the design and construction process itself.

Trendmaker Homes is conscientious of the ever-present battle between stunning luxury features and the realities of a new home buyer’s budget.  They specialize in building custom homes in Houston that are financially accessible, maintaining a balance that is difficult to master in the business.  Vist their Design Center to see just how they can merge high style and efficiency to make your dream home a reality!

Whitestone Builders has a passion for building time-tested, beautiful homes while utilizing all the technological progress of new home construction.  With an eye for details and a commitment to excellence in customer service, Whitestone seeks to further develop Houston’s heritage in their design and strengthening bonds with new home owners in the city they love.  Each house is a piece of art unto itself: distinctive, valuable, and long-lasting.

We encourage you to contact any one of these Houston custom home builders for the finest experience in construction and design.  (We’ll leave you with the tough decision to figuring out which one to pick!)

Are you searching for that perfect new home? Look no further than The Ranches at Olde Tuscany, an amazing new community build by Landmark Fine Homes.

This neighborhood, located in Oklahoma City in Southwest Oklahoma, boasts one to two acre lots and each home is minimum of three-thousand square feet. A single entrance to this community of 30 lots gives residence a sense of privacy and security.

Available homes include 3.5 baths and 4 bedrooms, 3,328-3,344 square feet, and start in the mid-$400,000’s.

To get to this neighborhood from the intersection of I-35 and I-40, head west on I-40. Take the exit for I-44 west and travel south. Take the southwest exit at SW 119th Street and go west to Rockwell Avenue. Head north on Rockwell and in a quarter-mile turn east on SW 113th where you will find The Ranches.

andmark Fine Homes is a custom home builder around the Metro OKC area. Their commitment is to build energy efficient, high quality, crafted custom homes. Their building area includes Carrington Lakes’ city Normal, and Edmond, Moore, Mustang, Piedmont, Deer Creek, Choctaw, Guthrie, Yukon, Noble, Tuttle, Newcastle, and Oklahoma City. Their superb work earned them the 2012 America’s Best Builder by Builder Magazine.

For more information on Landmark Homes or a home at The Ranches at Olde Tuscany, contact them here.