Each kitchen we build is different because each home we build is totally custom. And,  around here, we love a well-designed, custom kitchen. We work with each of our clients to make sure they are putting their space and budget to the best use, and one of the aspects we have been focusing on developing in each of our homes is the lighting plan.

When planning your custom home’s design, taking into account the solar orientation of your lot and placing windows, skylights, and sun tunnels in such a way as to take full advantage of the natural lighting and energy from the sun is an excellent way to make your home more efficient. And, combined with other energy efficient building measures, can make a significant impact on lowering your utility bills. With the kitchen being one of the most frequently used rooms in your home, it only makes sense that a well planned lighting design for your kitchen will also go a long ways in making your home more efficient.

One recent custom home we built in Frontenac, MO is a great example of how a great lighting plan can elevate a custom kitchen from good to great.

This kitchen was built in a custom home we completed for clients in Frontenac, MO. It features a comprehensive lighting plan that is not only extremely efficient, but also highly adaptable to provide ambiance and function when needed.

This home is a perfect example of a well designed and thorough lighting plan that combines Energy STAR lighting fixtures for conventional lighting sources, as well as multiple points of entry for natural light sources.

First we will address the electrified lighting sources. At the first level, or low lighting, below the cabinets closely illuminates work spaces and also provides a great source of lighting at night. A second level of lighting using pendants and modern chandeliers can be seen above the island and eat-in table space. These light sources provide direct lighting for eating spaces and can be isolated to create a relaxed atmosphere during family meal times. The third level of lighting is the recessed lighting built into the tray at key points above the sink and built-in desk area, then higher up at intervals to provide direct, overhead lighting for the whole space. During the evening these lights can be used in combination to provide work light or ambient lighting depending on what the family needs.

Now we’ll address the natural sources that are the main source of light during the day, and can be used independently to provide plenty of light for projects and dining. The most prominent source of natural light is the large, floor to ceiling windows with transoms that fill the wall opposite the workspace. These windows provide a lot of natural light, and perfectly balance the dark wall of custom cabinetry that in another space with less natural light might consume all of the light in the room. These windows are complimented by standard windows above the kitchen and desk – the two main areas that the family anticipates they would need extra lighting. In this home we have added a second layer of natural lighting with the use of a large skylight above. This brings in a ton of extra light, and makes the electrified lighting necessary only on very rare occasions.

As our clients become more aware of the energy savings benefits that come with placing energy efficient windows and skylights in their homes, we are adding this element of lighting design into many more homes that we build. That is also one of the advantages of custom building, each home is designed specifically for the lot it is built on and allows us to factor solar orientation into the home’s energy efficiency plan to create a space that is as functionally and beautifully lit as it is efficient.

Deliberate home design is not just about custom floor plans, it is also about what you do inside your space and how that compliments your lifestyle and family. What suits one family may not be ideal for another – but there are a few easy design elements that you can incorporate into your home as finishing touches that give your house a luxury home feeling.

Color – Did you know that red makes you hungry? Blue makes you feel peaceful? Or that yellow makes you feel more talkative? And just like a little black dress, a perfect neutral can make your home feel dressed to the nines.

There are a couple of ways you can approach bringing color into your house, but a thoughtful color palette is a must to get an authentic luxury home feel. You could select a perfect palette to carry throughout each room, highlighting one color for each room or you could customize a palette for each. If you’d like some inspiration, we have a whole collection of perfect palettes on Pinterest, and we add to them weekly. And we can’t stress enough how easy and dramatic a change a coat of paint is on the walls. Don’t be afraid to commit, start with an accent wall and then build up if you’re nervous. Trust us.

Texture – The second easiest way to dress a space is with the right blend of textiles. Layering a few different types of texture in the room will add luxury. And that doesn’t just mean rugs and pillows, we’re talking curtains and throws, furniture and accessories. Another commitment phobia many people have with their homes is curtains, but if correctly hung (at least 6″ above the top, and go wider than the casement on each side) you can add drama and open up a space while pulling a room together.

This is one area where you can go neutral and still have dazzling affects, so this should be the least of your commitment worries. If curtains just aren’t your thing, plantation blinds still add texture and privacy while dressing up a window. The options are really only limited by your patience for coming through them.

Scale – Finally, consider scale when you are placing objects in your room. This could be a no cost change that could make a big difference. Stand back and look at your room, what is the first thing your eyes are drawn to? Often our eyes are drawn to something that seems out of place, or because it is out of scale with the rest of your space. If everything is balanced your eye will move through the space. This rule obviously doesn’t apply when you have an intentional statement piece in the room, but it is a good place to start if a room just doesn’t have a comfortable or pulled together feeling to you. Consider rearranging furniture so everything on the same scale is in one room. Large doesn’t always have to be in a large room mind you, but generally you want your items to feel like the belong in the space and that nothing is lost or overpowering.

From pillows and rugs, to curtains and walls – whether you make your home a comfortable oasis or a command center – custom home design all in what you need, and how you achieve it.

Many people are familiar with the phrase “tract home” but there is still a little bit of confusion on how it is different from a custom home. And as a custom home builder, it is one of the most common questions I get when meeting with new clients who are evaluating their building options.

A tract home is also called a production home, and is based on a floor plan that is built over and over with very minor changes for each individual client. You most commonly see them in larger subdivisions that have about 4-5 different styles of homes in them. Occasionally you’ll see modifications like a larger garage or breakfast room on the floor plans, but in general the major price and design differences lie in the exterior and interior finishes.

However a custom home, sometimes referred to as a luxury home, is a unique to the client and is built once specifically for you and your family. Building a custom home can be exciting and fun-you get to make all selections and your budget and imagination is often the only limitations. Siding, windows, roofing, flooring, cabinets, lighting, plumbing, placement of bedrooms and baths – everything is custom built to your taste and lifestyle.

Does building a custom home cost more than a tract home? Probably, but the beauty of building custom means you control the budget and so it doesn’t have to cost a lot more. Sometimes a larger selection of materials and finishes can cost more, because custom builders usually don’t get large volume discounts like tract home builders, but if you work with your builder to select materials from companies they have established relationships with you can often find something that works perfectly with your vision and your budget.

One cost that is unique to custom home building is that of hiring an architect. Tract homes are built off of existing plans, but many times there is a cost involved with changes and you still need to engage an architect and engineer. But custom also give you more flexibility if you’re interested in building a verified green home through the National Association of Home Builders or United States Green Building Council’s LEED program.

Still not sure if custom or tract homes are the right decision for your family? The bottom line is If you want a new home, but don’t necessarily need something that is one-of-a-kind, a tract home may be your best option.

But if having freedom and flexibility in your design and selection is important you are better served by building a custom home.  After all why should you buy someone else’s dream home when you can build your own.

Either way make sure you find a builder with a good reputation, tour their homes, and talk with past clients before making your final decision. A little homework will help you select the right builder, and be sure you are balancing quality with savings.