It’s well-known that home buyers look first at the kitchens and bathrooms to inform their decision. Investing in these areas of the house can yield the best return if you expect to some day sell your house. If you’re looking to make some upgrades that will make your life easier, make your home more beautiful, and increase the value of your home, here are some kitchen upgrade ideas to get you inspired.

1. This kitchen has 2 really great features: one is the faucet. Upgrading to a good kitchen faucet with a powerful, easily maneuverable sprayer will save you time and energy when washing dishes or rinsing off food residue before putting them in the dishwasher. The second upgrade shown is the projecting greenhouse window. If you have an East-, West-, or South-facing window in your kitchen, this is a great way to bring in more light and create a place for a potted herb garden. Image via Porch. 

2. A big problem faced by people who love baking is where to put the standing mixer. It’s heavy, so you want it easily accessible, but it’s big and bulky so it takes up a lot of counter space. This kitchen incorporates a work surface that swings out and up from the cabinet below, with your mixer already on it! For an extra upgrade, you can include an opening for the cord and and outlet inside the cabinet so you don’t have to mess around with plugging it in every time. Image via Honey and Fitz. 

3. If you’re low on space in your upper cabinets but a little weary of having to crouch down and reach into the depths of your lower cabinets, consider wide drawers with heavy-duty sliders and customizable dividers. This makes it effortless to access everything you need without straining yourself by digging around. Image via homedit. 

4. This kitchen solves 2 problems in one: what to do with that extra-deep cabinet above the fridge and how to store all your wide, flat items like cutting boards and cookie sheets. Vertical dividers in an extra-deep cabinet are a great solution to an awkward storage problem. Image via DIY Home Decor. 

5. If you’re the kind of person who always runs out of counter space because you need to keep lots of appliances like toasters and blenders handy, consider a slide-out counter extension! It’s extra workspace where and when you need it. Just slide it back when you’re done! Image via HGTV. 

6. Last but not least, consider upgrading your pots and pans storage. If you like the convenience of hanging them on hooks, but aren’t crazy about having them on display all the time, why not put in a slide-out bar of hooks under the counter? Just slide them back in and close the door when you’re done! Image via 733 Blog. 

If you’re hoping to build a custom home in Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, or Missouri, then look no further! Southwest Homes can build any home on any land. The Southwest team has the knowledge to guide you through the process and the expertise to make your part in it easy and fun. Their portfolio includes a wide variety of houses in many styles including New American, Mediterranean, and classic farmhouse styles such as the house pictured above. They are happy to work with you to personalize one of their own plans, but they are also able to work with any plans for a house you like that you bring to the table! They have many upgrades and options to select to make your home unique to you.

Southwest makes it their mission to keep up to date with ever-changing home design trends and help customers build their perfect home at a price that’s right for them. They currently have offices in Arkansas and Texas, but also build in Missouri and Oklahoma. If you’ve got the land, they are willing to travel to build your home! They are a family-owned, independent builder, happy to problem-solve with you and educate you about the endless possibilities in building your custom dream home.

For more information about Southwest Homes, visit their website or give them a call at 830-626-3030.

Bella Vita Custom Homes is a luxury custom home builder in various parts of Texas including Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Central Texas. They craft each beautiful home using only the finest skill and materials by top quality contractors and suppliers. Their number one goal is to listen to customers. They will never rush you into a sale because the Bella Vita team understands that home-buying is an enormous decision. They reputation rests on their integrity, honesty, and quality work. For more information call (214) 750-8482 or visit their website.

Karen Homes is a custom builder in Fort Worth, Texas. Their attention to detail has drawn in customers over twenty years in which they have built over 3,000 new homes! Their designs are vibrant and exciting, featuring porches of Texas proportions with panoramic nature views, stone patio fireplaces, and luxurious owner retreats. For more information call (682) 312-9918 or visit their website.

Greico Modern Homes is a custom home builder in the Dallas/Fort Worth metro area. Their goal is to create unique and beautiful homes inspired by Mid-Century Modern architecture. They are not interested in trends that will quickly become outdated and need to be renovated; their designs are timeless. The clean lines and sleek features of these houses are low-maintenance and energy efficient. These homes are high-quality and built to last. For more information call (214) 202-0691 or visit their website.

If these are not quite the builder you are looking for, you can check out this more comprehensive list of Texas custom builders.

If you’re looking to build a custom home in Overland Park, KS, look no further than Braklow Custom Homes. Braklow homes are known for being well crafted and extremely detailed.

The owners, Jerry and Kristen Braklow, are longtime Kansas City natives who take a much different approach to their business than most home builders: they don’t have project managers.

Instead, the two of them personally oversee every project from the design phase all the way to the final walk-thru. It’s the difference between eating at a locally owned restaurant where the owner shakes your hand as you walk through the door and one where the owner is too busy enjoying his vacation home to stop by and check on things.

It’s that Midwest hospitality. It’s what makes Overland Park one of the top places in the country to plant your roots.

The husband-wife team also provides free lot evaluations and home consultations, taking away the pressure that comes with the new territory of a custom home. Their website features a Builder Management System that allows the builder and homeowner to communicate online throughout the process–from making decisions, to signing change orders, to viewing the project status, and more. It’s what makes Braklow Homes one of the easiest builders to work with in the area.

Interested in learning more about Braklow Custom Homes? Visit them online at www.braklowcustomhomes.com or give them a call at (913) 375-5531.

If you’re searching for new homes for sale in Ladson, look no further than Crescent Homes!  Our Bellwood community has been wildly popular and we’re starting to close up opportunities to live in this great neighborhood!  Why’s it so great?  We’re glad you asked!

First of which, it’s optimally located between Ladson and Trolley Road, and if you know about the highly acclaimed school districts, you’ll be delighted to hear that we’re within boundaries of award winning Dorchester Two School District.  Your children will be well-educated and ready to tackle life with the memories they’ve made after spending their years at Joseph R Pye Elementary, Oakbrook Middle, and Ahsleey Ridge High School.

Bellwood is also only 3 miles away from the hustle and bustle of Summerville’s Center, meaning it’s still peaceful, but close enough to easily access I-26 whenever you need to!  Catching a flight?  You’re within 10 minutes of the airport!  Downtown Charlestown is only 20 minutes away, and if you’re ready to spend your afternoon at the beach, it’s only a half hour away.  

Crescent Homes has built quality floor plan designs that feature functionality and openness in each and every new home.  Homes range from 3-5 bedrooms depending on your need, and there are plenty of customizable features and options you can choose from to upgrade and make it wholly your own dream home.  In addition, Crescent Homes guarantees that we use the latest and most efficient material and appliances in the industry.  All of these save you money in the long run, so what’s not to love?

Take a look through the Newport floor plan for a better idea as to the quality custom features Crescent Homes has to offer you!

Ready to move today?  Bellwood community is ready to offer 192 Withers Lane as your new home! This is a 2 story home featuring 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms within 2,649 square feet.  A cozy 2 car garage doubles as additional storage space whenever you need it, and we seriously can’t get over the giant game room!  This home is fully HERS certified and energy efficient, whether it’s cooling, heating, gas, electricity, or whatever you need.  You won’t be sorry when it comes to this home!  Check it out today!

Brohn Homes is ready to offer you your dream home in Austin, Texas!  Located within RimRock in North Austin, you’ll find the tranquil and easy-going Dripping Springs community.  All water metaphors aside, it really shouldn’t be missed!

RimRock is proud to be one of the most prestigious communities throughout Texas Hill Country – and that’s saying something.  It’s a treat to wake up every single morning and be surrounded by wondrous natural beauty, whether or not you wake up in time to actually watch the sun rise.  Spend your weekends leisurely wandering through streets bordered by mature trees, feeling safe and secure in the privacy of your neighborhood community.  Fancy a bike ride?  There are up to 6 miles’ worth of trails winding throughout the green belts.  Dripping Springs is far enough removed from downtown Austin where you not only can actually see the stars at night, but actually enjoy them as well.  That being said, you’re also close enough to Downtown Austin to see some stars of the popular city nightlife.  It’s just a short drive away to experience live music and spectacular entertainment.

Dripping Springs new homes are built by Brohn Homes, who specialize in “creating estate homes in Rimrock.”  Consider 1151 Hawthorne Loop, a currently available new home for sale in Dripping Springs.  This home offers 3436 square feet of living space, including 4 bedrooms and 4 and a half bathrooms, 2 living rooms, and a study.

Brohn Homes is proud to build in one of the fastest-growing cities in Austin.  RimRock communities are starting to fill up due to their immense popularity and obvious living benefits, so don’t wait too long to give Brohn Homes a call about making your Texas Hill Country living dream a reality!

Homebuyers take note: There are only a limited number of new homes and sites available for purchase in Milestone’s Southpark Meadows!

South Austin’s home to spectacular views of Texas Hill Country, and My Milestone Community Builders take full advantage of the fact.  Each new home and villa has been exquisitely designed to fit in with the lush surroundings and offer new home buyers in Austin the home of their dreams!  Even better, My Milestone offers “distinctly designed South Austin homes from the low $200s.”  At this rate, you better not wait too long – there are only 5 homes left in South Park Meadows, one of the finest new home communities Milestone has to offer.

Southpark Meadows is one of the newest in its collection of “uniquely designed South Austin homes,” featuring garden home architecture that will inspire and delight you and your family.  These designs automatically offer a more relaxed lifestyle due to the low-maintenance landscaping and other outdoor spaces.  My Milestone will take care of that for you, so you’ll know you’ll have an enviable and beautiful lawn.

New garden villas in Southpark Meadows offer a modern, sleek design featuring stone and stucco exteriors.  With high ceilings and gourmet kitchens, your home is already ready to entertain your most beloved guests and loved ones.  Live in luxury at an affordable price in South Austin!  Choose from popular one- and two-story homes with multiple opportunities to customize according to your needs and preferences.  Each floor plan design can include as few as two bedrooms and as many as 4.

My Milestone Community Builder’s Southpark Meadows can be found within just a few minutes of downtown Austin via I-35.  This easy and quick commute opens up the doors to a variety of benefits and opportunities, such as incredible job options and employers, easy access to fine and casual dining, fantastic retail and shopping, and the nightlife that everybody raves about.  Additionally, homeowners who choose Southpark Meadows will love the area’s schools and parks and raising their families in this environment.

Choose Southpark Meadows and its villas as the place you call home!  Don’t delay, since this South Austin community is nearly sold out.  Call today!

Crescent Homes is a new home builder in Charleston, James Island, Summerville, and a number of other beautiful South Carolina communities, including Riverland Park.

Crescent Homes in Riverland Park community offers new home owners high quality construction in addition to convenient locations and access to Charleston, Folly Beach, and other local amenities.  Residents have every opportunity to play at the City of Charleston Golf Course, and Riverland Park is actually within 5 minutes from the downtown areas of Charleston.  One of the finest dog parks in the area (James Island County Park) is within walking distance of your front door, perfect for quick trips for play and exercise.

Riverland Park was built to incorporate large-sized homesites and a fair number of superior floor plan designs to choose from.  These begin in the low $300,000s and range from 1,996 to 2,900 square feet in size.  Many of these feature open air layouts in a 2 story set-up, double porches, bonus room options, crown molding, trey ceilings and potential for homes to include up to 5 bedrooms.  With so many customizable options, it’s no wonder why Crescent Homes has been consistently recognized as a premier homebuilder in Charleston and James Island.  In addition, each Crescent Home in Riverland Park is specifically built to higher energy standards than most builders in the area.  Every single new home can boast the latest energy efficient upgrades and “earth friendly features, materials, and appliances, for a healthier home that reduces your impact on the environment.”

Families with children who choose Riverland Park will be elated to know that Charleston County District 3 will welcome their little ones with open arms.  Your students will learn, grow, and make life-long memories of their time attending Murray LaSaine Elementary School, James Island Middle School, and James Island Charter High School.

Interested in stopping by and taking an in-person tour?  It’s really quite easy to get to!  Take Exit 221-A from I-26 East and merge onto US 17 South (Crosstown) as if you were going to Savannah.  Keep driving along US 17 South until you can veer a little to the left onto Folly Road Boulevard.  This access will be made evident by the signs for SC-700 Folly Beach.  Continue over the Wappoo Bridge and stay in the right lane.  When you see Maybank Highway, turn right.  Riverland Drive will be to your left, followed by the entrance to Riverland Park itself.

Melissa Strickland is the Riverland Park Sales Representative.  Give her a call today at (843) 343-8689.

Brohn Homes is a well-known new home builder throughout Central Texas, particularly in Austin and San Antonio, but not many know that they actually build custom homes as well!  This venture started when a number of custom estate homes had been requested, and Brohn Homes saw the importance of custom home construction in not only the Central Texas market, but the immense difference it made for the homebuyer’s life when their dreams were finally realized.  This kind of superior quality home building didn’t need to cost exorbitant amounts of money, especially since Brohn Homes had cultivated over 40 years of combined building and development experience.  It was time to take the leap!

Custom home building, by its very nature, is not a “one size fits all” experience or process.  Every new home buyer has different needs and desires, and it is the goal of Brohn Homes to exceed those throughout planning, designing, construction, and closing on that brand new home in Austin or San Antonio.  One of the greatest assets Brohn Homes has is the House to Home Design Studio, to bring each design decision to life as driven by the customer and directed by one of their professional designers.

When building a brand new home in Austin or anywhere else in central Texas, for that matter, Brohn Homes invites home buyers to experience the design process firsthand by visiting the design studio.  From here, they are able to consider and look through “limitless combinations from a variety of architectural styles ranging from Urban, to American Classic, to European Country.
While most home builders offer options to upgrade, Brohn Homes is the only Central Texas homebuilder that provides the high quality finishes typically found in a custom home as ‘standard’ finishes that entail no upgrade fee.”  Every single detail, exterior to interior and floor to ceiling, is specifically chosen and informed by your personal preferences and unique lifestyle.  After all, it’s your home!

Brohn Homes offers two design studios – one in Austin and one in San Antonio – for the convenience of their customers:

Austin House to Home Design Studio
Floor King Showroom North
10961 Research Boulevard
Austin, TX 78759
(512) 346-7034

San Antonio House to Home Design Studio
Stone Oak Crossing Shopping Center
19141 Sone Oak Parkway, Suite 607
San Antonio, Texas 78258

Stop by anytime for insightful tips, and friendly and informative customer service.  Brohn Homes is just as excited as you are to build your custom dream home in central Texas!

What makes luxury living possible?  Is it the location?  Is it simply the fact that the the builder has been asked to customize certain features of this new home?  What makes a custom home worth the cost and time it takes to fully construct one?  There are many different reasons homebuyers opt for custom built homes, and there are just as many reasons why Austin new home buyers specifically seek out Spanish Oaks as their perfect community.

Spanish Oaks is located in Bee Cave, a much smaller area than Austin itself is, but don’t let that fool you into thinking that Bee Cave has minimal amenities.  On the contrary!  Spanish Oaks community makes it possible to enjoy relaxing on a daily basis as well as continually providing access to all your modern conveniences and necessities, including recreation, shopping, and fine and casual dining options.  If you’re interested in heading into downtown Austin for an afternoon or evening, it’s only a half hour away.  Additionally, the Bee Cave is stunning.  There are so many lakes and creeks nestled along the rolling landscape of Texas Hill Country.  It’s as rustic and natural and stunning as you could only imagine.  In short, the location for a custom home is definitely worth considering!

And yes, the builders have a lot to do with making a home luxurious as well.  Spanish Oaks golf course community only extends the invitation to build within its grounds to the most reliable and talented homebuilders in the area.  Time and time again they have proven themselves capable of producing extraordinary homes.  While custom generally does mean that essentially every part of the home has been meticulously designed to fit the buyer’s individual preferences, there are many inspired houses being built by these same homebuilders on a whole other scale.  They are just as high quality and renowned as that of their custom counterparts, but sometimes buyers don’t have time to wait for their home to be built.  This is how Spanish Oaks invites families to resort style living on a spacious homesite, even in a time crunch.

The finest in luxury homes in Austin are proudly being built in Spanish Oaks community.  The neighborhood itself has been master-planned as if it was a custom home itself, designed with the exact featured amenities that inspire serenity and tranquility without being dull.  World class golf courses, tennis courts, and pools are certainly available to each resident and their families, but you really have to see it in person to believe it!  Spanish Oaks invites you to schedule a personal tour at (512) 533-2300.