Important Design Elements When Building a Custom Home – Storage Space

Building a new home can be incredibly stressful. Because of this, we’ve decided to go over one of the often overlooked aspects of home design. Home storage. Additional storage space isn’t normally at the top of most home buyer’s with lists, but if there is a lack of storage space, or poorly placed storage, the home value is likely to decrease. A lack of storage space in a home design is an example of a badly designed home.

Here are some tips on how to, and why you should, build a home with plenty of storage space;

Bedroom Areas

Linens – Most homeowners, especially any with teenagers, will appreciate any additional bathroom storage space. A framed linen closet with shelving can hold a lot more than a simple cabinet. Additionally a simple framed linen closet with shelving will often be lower in cost compared to other types of linen closets.

Bedroom Closets –When building a new home, often the secondary bedroom closets are kept simple with double shelving where possible in order to save some of the budget for a much more elaborate system in the master suite. At minimum a small walk-in closet with a nice storage system should be included in the master suite.

Main Floor Storage Space

Garage – Garage storage generally comes in the form of simple shelving, elaborate storage systems, or attic trusses with pulldown ladders. There are plenty of garage spaces on the market, so adding a little extra space in the garage can go a long way.

Rear Foyer – The rear foyer is where the family will be entering the home most of the time, and as such, storage elements for coats, backpacks, shoes, purses, phones, keys, and such are needed here more so than even the front door. The storage space in this area could be cubbies and drawers, or a full walk-in closet, whichever the space allows for.

Pantry – No matter how much cupboard and counter space a kitchen has, a walk in pantry is always appreciated.. A walk-in pantry is a great example of storage done right.

Laundry – A laundry room should minimally have a shelf lined along the walls of the room. If you want to go the extra mile, add base cabinets and a countertop for folding. Often the laundry room is where home owners will store laundry related products (ironing board, detergents, hanging rack, etc) as well as use it as a place to store other products like toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning products, and more.

This was only one building and designing a new home tip. If you’d like to read more tips check back at our blog every now and then, or if you’re a bit more impatient, sign up for our FREE planning guide where you can find this information and more! Secrets to Building a Quality Home.

Regency Homes Featured Floor Plan – Stratford 1422

stratford bsmt stratford main

The Stratford is from our “Trilogy Series” of homes. The Trilogy Series of homes are priced from $200,000 to $350,000 and are offered in select Omaha communities. Standard pre-priced custom option packages are available. Unlike many new homes in this price range, the front elevations are designed to present more of a custom look as opposed to a track subdivision appearance. Approved custom changes are handled by our in-house designers. The Straford model has the best of single level living. It has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a two stall garage.

kitchen

The kitchen is gorgeous, warm and open to the great room. It has energy star rated stainless steel appliances and expansive granite countertops that make preparing meals a breeze. This kitchen has beautiful wooden cabinetry that allows for plenty of storage space. Additionally it also has a large walk in pantry where you can store more food and appliances. You’re sure to find a place for everything in this kitchen. The large island is great for preparing, serving and eating at, and is a great addition for families who like to entertain.

dining

The great room features a gas fireplace to add warmth and ambiance to your home, as well as expansive windows. The great room is connected to the kitchen to allow for an open feeling in the home as well as allow light to flow freely throughout the living space, but it is also disconnected from the kitchen in that it has a plush carpet where the kitchen has gorgeous hardwood floors.

If you’re concerned about making the great room a little more intimate than an open floor plan usually allows for, push the thought out of your mind. Making intimate spaces in an open floor plan can be as easy as painting the rooms different colors and using furniture to separate the areas. To learn more about carving out intimate spaces in an open floor plan view our past post. How to Carve Out Intimate Spaces in a Home with an Open Floor Plan.

living

The bathroom has a double vanity that will make getting ready for the day, or bedtime, a breeze. This bathroom also has a large walk in shower.

bathroom

To learn more about this new model home for sale in Omaha, NE please contact Regency Homes. If this home isn’t quite what you’re looking for, be sure to take a look at our Available Homes, or our Models and Plans library.

Elevation as shown may not represent base elevation. All Plans are approximate. Some optional items may be shown. Copyright holder will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law for copyright infringement.

Prices subject to change.

Tips and Tricks for Choosing your Next Kitchen Cabinets

Although building your own home can be a time consuming process, in the end it’s definitely worth while. When you choose to build a custom home you’re giving yourself the power to make decisions regarding the finishes in your home, something you certainly can’t do when buying used. It can be exciting to browse through counter top samples, carpet sample and paint chips. In fact, if you’re currently building a custom home it wouldn’t be surprising to hear that you’ve spent many hours looking at minuscule differences in finishes. Some decisions are easier to make than others and might simply rely solely on personal preference.  Some choices however, take a little more thought. Choosing between enameled cabinets and stained cabinets is one such decision.

When selecting the cabinetry for your kitchen you’ll want to make sure that you have chosen wisely. Your kitchen cabinets are fixtures that will be in your home for a long time so be sure not to simply purchase them based on current trends. Today’s trendy cabinets might look  dated a few years down the road. If you want your kitchen to look ageless, you’ll want to ensure your cabinets can also withstand the test of time.

So, what’s the difference between enameled cabinets and stained cabinets?

 

Enameled Cabinets

Enameled kitchen cabinets are elegant, can help to create a light an airy feeling in your kitchen with proper color choices, and are currently a hot trend in home design. Enameled cabinets allow for a beautiful painted finish that will allow you to more easily incorporate any feeling you like into your kitchen. Light and airy, sleek and modern, rustic and homey, and other options are all open to you and depending on your cabinets finish can be updated as your tastes change. Any dents or scratches left on your cabinets can be difficult to repair. Due to the application process and smooth finish, simply using a paint brush to cover up any blemishes isn’t always an option.

Stained Cabinets

Stained cabinets are a little easier to  maintain and are often cheaper than enameled cabinets though no less stunning. A stained finish can help to provide a traditional look to your home by adding warmth and character. If you’re considering stained cabinets you don’t have the limitless color options of enameled cabinets, but you do have the type of wood and finish to consider. Some woods  are harder than others and take different stain colors more readily. The color of stain that you would like will affect the type of wood you’ll need.

Alder – is a soft wood and dents easier than other woods. The plus to this type of wood is that it can be stained in a variety of colors and is the most cost efficient.

Poplar – is a little harder than Alder, it is cost efficient, but can only be stained a darker color as its shows a lot of green wood grain if its stained to light.

Maple – is the next harder product, it’s a step up in price from the last 2, sometimes shows a blotchy look to it if its stained too light, otherwise dark is no problem.

Cherry – is next harder product, it’s a step up in price from Maple and will actually get darker as time goes on.

 

When choosing between stained cabinets and enameled cabinets simply keep this in mind; don’t let trends dictate the selections you choose, choose the selections that make you feel at home. Also, if you’re worried about small children potentially causing damage to your cabinets you may want to consider cherry cabinets for  their harder wood.

Events in and Near Omaha Nebraska – May 2015

 

Lost Egypt: Ancient Secrets, Modern Science at the Durham Museum
When: Every day except Monday, May 23 – September 6, 2015
Where: The Durham Museum
801 South 10th Street, Omaha, NE 68108
Tickets: $6-$9

http://www.durhammuseum.org/experience/exhibits/temporary/exhibit-details.aspx?ID=317

Unearth the mysteries of ancient Egypt as The Durham Museum presents Lost Egypt: Ancient Secrets, Modern Science. Using hands-on challenges, authentic artifacts and guidance from archaeologists, Lost Egypt shows how modern science and technology can reveal the mysteries of Egypt, its culture and its people. Discover a real human mummy and animal mummies, as well as scans, forensic facial reconstruction and – for the first time ever – three life-size rapid prototypes, displaying the mummy in various stages of “unwrapping.” Explore a re-creation of an Egyptian tomb and authentic art and artifacts from the daily life and funerary culture of ancient Egypt.

 

The Renaissance Festival of Nebraska
When: May 9th and 10th
11am – 6pm
Where: Bellevue Berry and Pumpkin Ranch
11001 South 48th Street, Papillion, NE 68133
Tickets: Children $7, Adults $12

http://bellevueberryfarm.com/

Grab a turkey leg and step back in time when royalty ruled and knights really were in shining armor! Dozens of costumed characters and many more one-of-a-kind artisans await you in this magical adventure at the 2015 Renaissance Festival of Nebraska.

The Renaissance Festival is an art and amusement event with a good dose of history. It combines outdoor circus-style entertainment, interactive fun, skilled artists, and colorful characters all set in the recreation of a historical European village.

 

Walking Tour: “The Deuce” North 24th Street
When: Every third Friday of the month until October 16th, 2015
5pm – 6:30
Where: Dreamland Park
24th & Lizzie Robinson Streets, Omaha, NE
Tickets: $10 per person or $15 for a couple

http://north24thomahatour.com/

Experience Omaha! Join us for an 8-block guided walk through an African American historic district. We’ll note architecture, the arts, ethnic culture, local business, and the past/present the third Friday of every month through October 16.

 

Omaha Farmers Market: Old Market
When: Every Saturday through October 17th, 2015
8am-12:30pm
Where: Old Market
Harney to Jackson Sts and 10th to 13th Sts, Omaha, NE 68108

http://www.omahafarmersmarket.org/

Celebrate the 22nd season of making locally grown foods accessible. Shop fresh produce, unique products, baked goods, meats and cheeses, and more from 100+ vendors.

 

Big Omaha
When: May 06, 2015 to May 08, 2015 (Recurring daily)
Where: Kaneko
1111 Jones Street, Omaha, NE 68102
Tickets: $399 by March 20, $499 by April 17, $599 by May 6

http://bigomaha.co/

Named a “Conference Entrepreneurs Should Attend” in 2014 by Forbes, Big Omaha brings together entrepreneurs. Speakers include former MySpace CEO, founder of MikesLessons, and CEOs of Assist and InVenture.

The inaugural event brought together 400-plus entrepreneurs, innovators and creatives to hear almost a dozen nationally-recognized speakers of the like. The goal of the event was simple: inspire attendees to follow their passions, build the businesses they love and strengthen their creative communities.

 

Children’s Parade
When: May 23, 2015
9am – 10am
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum
500 South 20th Street, Omaha, NE 68102
Tickets: Children under 2 and members are free, seniors $8, everyone else $9

http://www.ocm.org/

Kick off summer and the opening of LEGO: Travel Adventure! Dress in costume or come as you are, decorate a float, and more.

 

Fairytale Land
When: Daily May 23, 2015 to August 09, 2015
9am – 10am
Where: Omaha Children’s Museum
500 South 20th Street, Omaha, NE 68102
Tickets: Children under 2 and members are free, seniors $8, everyone else $9

http://www.ocm.org/

The museum princesses are back in an enchanting exhibit! Enjoy sing-alongs, dancing knights, and acting out old fairytales in this wonderful world where books and stories come to life.

 

Memorial Day Run
When: May 25, 2015
8:00am
Where: Boys Town Campus
122 Heroes Boulevard, (on the Boys Town campus), Boys Town, NE 68010
Tickets: $20 – May 14th, $25 May 15th – 21st, $25 (and no T-shirt) after May 21st

http://www.memorialdayrun.com/

The Memorial Day Run has become a community staple. Stay and enjoy music, food, face painting, clowns, karate and dance demonstrations, children’s stretching activities, awards and more!

 

18th Annual Taste of Omaha
When: Daily May 29, 2015 to May 31, 2015
Fri & Sat: 11am-11pm, Sun: 11am-8pm
Where: Taste of Omaha
800 Douglas St, Omaha, NE 68106

http://www.showofficeonline.com/TASTEHOMEPAGE.html

Omaha’s largest outdoor festival on the riverfront showcases over 50 area restaurants with exciting national live entertainment and activities on five different stages. Eat, watch cooking demos, browse displays, and enjoy music, amusement rides, and much more!

 

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®: Circus Xtreme
When: May 29, 2015 to May 31, 2015
Friday 7pm, Saturday 11am/3pm/7pm, Sunday 1pm
Where: CenturyLink Center Omaha
455 n. 10TH Street, Omaha, NE 68102
Tickets: $16.50, $27, $42, $52

http://www.ticketmaster.com/artist/2040512?list_view=1&tm_link=tm_changeloc_go

It’s time for your family to be amazed by all the x-traordinary things you know and love about America’s favorite live family entertainment experience!

 

Sounds of Summer Concert Series
When: Every Friday May 29, 2015 to August 21, 2015
6pm-8:30pm\
Where: Shadow Lake Towne Center
7775 Olson Dr, Papillion, NE 68046

http://shadowlakeshopping.com/

Live bands include a mix of jazz, blues, classic rock, country, and funk. Various merchant prizes, free face painting, balloon art and other giveaways for kids. Outdoor seating is available.

 

8th Annual Midlands Pirate Festival
When: Daily May 30, 2015 to May 31, 2015
11am – 6pm
Where: Miller’s Landing
151 Freedom Park Rd., Omaha, NE 68102
Tickets: $10 Adults, $5 Children

http://midlandspiratefest.com/piratefest/home.html

Enjoy food and drinks (including a tiki bar), an artisan crafter’s thieves market, 100 costumed characters, two history demonstration areas, and two large boats. Family fun awaits ye!

Model Locations

Models Open Sat-Sun 12-5 or see below for additional hours