Make yourself at home
NEW HOME TRENDS ...continued from p. 23 Precept Construction. As a result, grays are also showing up more in tile, countertops and even high-end pre-finished flooring. Buyers are also looking at significant changes in hardware and lighting fixtures. An increasing number of builders are moving away from the long popular oil-rubbed bronze and looking at tones that work better with the gray palette. Keenan Foster, project manager for Walraven Signature Homes, said his company is doing more chrome and satin-nickel as preferences lean more toward the contemporary look.
7709 Northern Estates Point, Greensboro $659,000 Spacious floor plans with over 4,600 sq. ft. and tons of natural light 4BR/4.5BA • Custom kitchen & bath • 3-car garage • Northern schools
David Flanders, owner of Builders MD, is also working with more satin-nickel, but is seeing another new finish showing up. He describes it as more of a muted gold tone and is successfully mixing it with satin-nickel. Light fixtures are not only becoming more contemporary, but more interesting. Builders say they are finding buyers appreciate the unique focus that a stunning light fixture can add to a room.
by Duran & Woodward Construction
Dining rooms, bathrooms and even closets are dressed up with the flash of crystal chandeliers. Many fixtures mix
Luisa Duran , Owner/Builder/Broker (336) 369-2187 • duran@kickinclouds.com 7B Corporate Center Court, Greensboro
Homebuilding • Renovations • Additions www.kickinclouds.com
COMING SOON
Photo courtesy of Builders MD
Outdoor fireplaces and grills give today’s buyers more options for enjoying the outdoors and adding space to their homes.
5551 N Church St., Greensboro 4BR/3.5BA, 3-car garage Approx. 2,600 sq. ft.
$359,000 24
MAY 20 - 26, 2016
The Northwest Observer • Totally local since 1996
different metals and finishes to create a pleasing light source. Futuristic style fixtures are showing up in foyers and kitchens. And none of it has to match. It seems like the more mixed up things are, the better. Choosing light fixtures is a favorite task for Lisa Bullins, and she’s always delighted when buyers appreciate her choices. She refers to her style as “modern farmhouse,” a mix of rustic and contemporary looks. “These fixtures tend to have a mixture of gold and silver metals and a weathered appearance, but there’s a more modern look created by simple curves and lines,” she explained. Another area that seems to be getting a more modern look from simple designs is cabinetry. Lee said some of the hottest selling cabinets right now are the ones with a flat panel.
TAKING IT OUTSIDE For today’s buyers, the backyard living space is almost as important as the inside. To be competitive in today’s market, builders are getting more creative. “Covered and screened porches are a must for any home,” said Ray Bullins. “Just having a patio or deck almost feels like an entry-level home.” In the homes he’s building in Oak Ridge’s Riverside community, Flanders is not only adding porches but he’s taking it a step further by including outdoor