Home Design Archives | Homes By Dickerson

Current Kitchen Design Trends

July 22, 2022 Homes By Dickerson

The place where you enjoy your morning coffee, prepare evening meals, and hang out with your family, the kitchen really is “the heart of the home.” At Homes By Dickerson, we design all of our beautiful, modern, efficient kitchens to enhance your daily routine. Here are a few trending design features we’re seeing that will inspire you to turn your kitchen into your all-time dream space:

Full Height Granite or Quartz Backsplash

Imagine the look of Italian marble but infinitely more durable and practical. In this application, granite or quartz runs from the countertops all the way to the ceiling, creating a seamless look. It adds sophistication and warmth to any kitchen.

The Look of Black Marble

There is something infinite about black marble. It’s been used in so many variations for eons – walls and floors, mantles and countertops. It’s instantly recognizable yet avante garde. The black marble “look” is easily and practically obtained via porcelain floor tile or quartz countertops.

Wide Plank Floors

Wide plank wood flooring adds instant charm and depth to any room. The unique grain and natural color variations of hardwoods are classics for a reason. Combine the warm tones of stained floors with a cooler hue for a more modern look.

Warm Wood Cabinetry

While white kitchens will always have a place in the design pantheon, there’s something inevitably comforting about wood cabinetry. These elegant maple cabinets feature a modern design and a clear stain/painted finish combo, giving them a contemporary yet familiar feel.

Open Shelving

Whether for storing everyday items or displaying decorative treasures, open shelving has been around for centuries. But if you’re thinking “country kitchen”, think again! In this case, open shelves enhanced with a dark tile background are a central feature in a contemporary kitchen with light and dark cabinets and a cozy feel.

Brass or Brushed Gold Fixtures & Cabinet Hardware

The current trend in brass & brushed gold is soft and sophisticated. When paired with a classic blue & white color palette, the effect is cool and timeless.

Bold Use of Color & Patterns

For decades, color was used only as an accent in kitchens. But recently, a bolder use of color has been trending. Cabinets in saturated tones. Countertops with striking hues. Tile backsplashes that are works of art. It’s a great way to add personality to the room you spend so much time in!

Floorplan Features Perfect for Hosting

March 17, 2022 Homes By Dickerson

Now that you’ve filled out your bracket, it’s time to prepare your pre-game fuel and put on your best game face for the big March tournament! Can you hear your team’s fight song getting louder in the distance? Now that the best college basketball teams are vying for the ultimate title, it’s time for you to kick off this great sports tradition with a party in your new Homes By Dickerson home!

Our floorplans come with the features you’ve always wanted to host the ultimate game viewing party. Whether it’s an open living space to accommodate all your family and friends, or a separate flex space to keep the celebrations contained, with a Homes By Dickerson home, you have so many options.

Here are our top floorplan features that’ll make your game-viewing party a hit:

Open Floorplans

In an open-concept home, it’s so easy for everyone at the party to hang out, talk, and mingle all in one comfortable space. And with no walls to interrupt the flow between family room, kitchen and dining room, the hosts can enjoy the party just as much as everyone else.

Large Kitchen Islands

When you have a party of any kind, there can never be enough seating and serving areas. Our large kitchen islands function as both! Pull up the barstools so that folks have more places to sit and eat, or remove the barstools and lay out your platters of snacks, dips, and drinks for easy self-serve access!

Butler’s Pantry

This is the perfect space to keep the messy part of hosting out of sight. You can do most of your food prep in this genius little space between the kitchen and the dining room to keep your counters free for serving. This is also the ideal place to quickly store small appliances and dirty pots and pans when the doorbell rings!

Wet Bar

Keep the traffic in and out of the fridge to a minimum and have all your drinks prepped and ready on the wet bar! These little stations make a big difference when they include a wine fridge, small sink, and just enough counter space to mix the perfect team-themed drinks.

Media Room

If your significant other would rather the house NOT be overrun with overly excited basketball fans, take the party to the media room! Media rooms are spacious and can be designed in any way you’d like to maximize space. You can even choose to include custom features, like a wet bar or sound proofing. The best part? There’s a door that can be closed to keep the rest of the house quiet and peaceful.

Outdoor Living Space

These days, people love spending time in gorgeous outdoor living areas just as much (if not more!) than spending time indoors. Especially in the beautiful spring weather we have in Raleigh. Convert your covered porch or patio into the ultimate game day experience by setting up comfortable seating areas anchored by a soft outdoor rug and accented with string or lantern lights. You can customize your space to include an outdoor fireplace and wiring to mount a TV above it, combining the luxury of an indoor living room with all the benefits of fresh air and sunshine.

Flex Space

If you’re having a few friends over and you don’t want to be underfoot of anyone else in the house, bring the watch party up to your upstairs loft bonus room. This is an open room that can be used for a number of purposes. During the tournament, add oversized floor pillows so guests can lounge in comfort, or a rolling drink cart to make serving easy and convenient.

When you live in a Homes By Dickerson-designed new home in the Raleigh area, there are so many options to throw your version of the perfect sports-viewing party…or any party! Want to make one yours before next spring’s madness? Contact us at (919)-205-3404 to schedule an appointment and learn all about the process for building The Home of Your Life.

How to Design with Pantone’s 2022 Color of the Year: Very Peri

March 16, 2022 Homes By Dickerson

Carefree, curious, creative — these are all words that have been used to describe Pantone’s 2022 Color of the Year, Very Peri (PANTONE 17-3938). This new and fresh periwinkle-like purple is a member of the blue family, but its violet red undertone makes it playful and interesting.

Here’s how Pantone describes the color: “With trends in gaming, the expanding popularity of the metaverse, and rising artistic community in the digital space, PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri illustrates the fusion of modern life and how color trends in the digital world are being manifested in the physical world and vice versa.”

So if Very Peri excites you, how exactly do you use it in home design? We have a few suggestions:

Neutral With a Touch of Color

Very Peri is an intensely saturated, bright, and unique color, so starting with small applications and pairing it with neutrals like ivory and green is a great way to introduce it into your home. You can:

Use it as a wall accent color in a bedroom or office. You’ll be inspired from the moment you wake up or sit down to work.
Bring in peeks of the color in decor like a patterned rug, floral arrangements, pillows, an upholstered chair, or artwork.
Combine it not only with natural colors, but also natural elements — like woven baskets, rugs or light wood accents — to play off its calming qualities.

Bold & Beautiful

Very Peri is not a color to be ignored! Play up its statement-making qualities and make it front and center. You can:

Use a lighter version on full walls of a room, such as a dining room or study, to feel a fresh feeling.
Opt for the fully-saturated color on the walls of smaller spaces, such as a bathroom, study, or den.
Bring it outside and paint your front door or shutters this imaginative color to add a bit of whimsy.
Look for large-scale artwork with this as a prominent color to display on a neutral wall.

However you choose to use Very Peri, it’s sure to inspire joy, creativity, and imagination! For more design ideas, browse our gallery or contact us to schedule a tour of a model home.

Spring Housing Market Update: Setting Expectations for 2022

March 16, 2022 Homes By Dickerson

Real estate markets constantly change, responding to larger economic forces, but the last two years have completely roiled the housing industry from coast to coast. For new home buyers, the challenges have included ongoing supply chain issues, rising home prices and interest rates, and complications getting pre-qualified for a mortgage.

If you’re going to be searching for a new home in 2022, here’s what you need to know.

Buying a New Home in 2022

Supply Chain Issues. Shortages and volatile lumber prices continue to complicate the housing industry, adding weeks to building timelines. Building material prices have risen 34% (and counting) since December 2020, and everything from appliances to the smallest pieces of pipe have become even harder to come by as the global supply chain issues continue. Builders are doing what they can to keep things moving.

Availability. Lack of inventory has driven up demand for new housing. (The market is so tight that homes go under contract in a matter of days.) The housing market was particularly robust in 2021, with high demand for homes in almost every area of the nation. The same trend will follow in 2022. Market predictions indicate that while inventory will remain tight in 2022, price appreciation will be slower.

Mortgage Rates & Home Prices. Low mortgage rates (combined with tight inventory) have created a red-hot housing market. Industry experts are predicting that mortgage rates are expected to increase but remain historically low, while home sales will reach a 16-year high. Over the past year, national home prices have increased by nearly 20%. Affordability remains a concern, as home prices continue to rise, but at a slower pace than in 2021.

Why Now is Still a Great Time to Buy

The good news is that interest rates are STILL historically low, which makes building your new home in 2022 a smart decision. Even with the added cost of lumber and materials, you can still afford “more house” than you imagine.

“Used” or existing homes continue to be hard to come by… not to mention dealing with multiple offers over asking price and buyers willing to waive inspections. With a Homes By Dickerson home, you know you are getting a well-built home that was designed by you, for you!

Here are some tips to ensure that you hit the ground running when looking for a new home:

If you are ready to start your new home search, be prepared to act quickly! You need to have everything in order — mortgage pre-qualification, financial paperwork, your list of wants & needs. This is no time for disorganization or indecision! (If you’d like to speak with one of our preferred lenders to start the mortgage process, please contact us.)
If you find a community or home you like, join their interest lists. (Once homes are released they go FAST. The earlier you join, the better chance you have!)

Homes By Dickerson Continues to Build High-Quality, Custom Homes

At Homes By Dickerson, we’re here to take the stress out of building your custom home. Let our professionals guide you through the design and building process. As a leading local home builder in the Raleigh, Pinehurst, and Charleston markets, our strong relationships with our trade partners and vendors allow us to continue offering custom home options, and to keep construction moving. While build times can be a bit longer if we need to wait for a delayed product, the result is still a masterfully-built, custom home delivered with the same world-class experience that we’re known for.

We’re also able to offer quick move-in homes in Raleigh, Pinehurst, and Charleston that are finished and available for purchase now. These brand new, never-lived-in homes are complete with beautiful details and finishes that have been curated by our award-winning design team.

Prices and interest rates are on the rise. Now is the RIGHT time to build. Contact us today to learn more about moving into The Home of Your Life sooner than you ever expected.

Create a Peaceful Retreat with 2022’s New Home Design Trends

February 17, 2022 Homes By Dickerson

In 2022, it’s all about peaceful, calming, well-edited interiors. With many people still spending more time indoors, and an overall emphasis on minimizing stress of any kind, interior designers are transforming homes into retreat-like havens that incorporate soothing color palettes, natural materials, and spaces that can be… well… whatever you need. Whether you are designing an entire home, or just want to refresh a few rooms, here are the top new home design trends for the new year.

New Home Design Trends for 2022

Serene Green

In line with the overall trend of all things natural and soothing, green is making its way into every designer’s look book as a must-have accent color in 2022. Earthy, organic greens like sage, olive, and forest de-stress and revitalize, and are associated with nature and growth. Use green anywhere you need a pop of color or need to feel energized, like a wall, accent chair, or pillows. You could even try removing window coverings to highlight your green landscape outside — it’s like built-in wall art!

Organic Materials

Playing right into the natural theme, this is the year to bring more organic materials into your interior design. Look for furniture and accessories in natural-finish wood, wicker, rattan, stone or ceramic, and natural fiber rugs like wool, cotton, or jute. Even mirrors and other wall art can take a million different natural forms. These organic materials create a calm and cozy feeling — a great way to combat the higher stress levels of the last few years. Designers fully expect this to be a long-term design trend as we all seek to lead simpler, less chaotic lives. A great side benefit is that these materials are sustainable and can easily be repurposed.

Flexible Spaces

Like plastic straws, single-use rooms are out. Multifunctional spaces are in — ones that can transform and change along with your life. A bonus room might be both a private study and a home gym, or a loft may start out as a child’s playroom then transform into a homework station. Even an open-concept living space can be flexible in that it allows you to place furniture whenever it makes the most sense during a particular period in your life.

Dedicated Home Offices

More people continue to work from home these days, and trying to focus in a highly trafficked room or clearing a space on the already-messy dining table just doesn’t cut it. In order to be “on” and professional, find a room or space in your home that can serve as a home office and nothing else (hello, flex room!). Bring in all the things that make you feel comfortable, inspired, and productive — like great lighting, a quality chair, bookshelves, photos, awards, and collectibles. Make this office “off limits” while you’re working, and your feeling of accomplishment will soar.

Minimalism

With many of us still spending so much time at home, we need our spaces to feel airy and open, no matter their size. Minimalism is both a way of life and a design aesthetic that can help accomplish that. Use only what’s necessary; keep only what’s meaningful and important. Decluttering your home goes a long way toward decluttering your mind so that you can rest more peacefully and focus when necessary.

Biophilia

Minimalism is the way to go for furniture and decor, but in 2022, designers say bring in all the plants you can! Indoor plants have mood-boosting benefits like reducing stress, increasing focus, boosting productivity, and more. Not to mention, they help purify the air by converting carbon dioxide into fresh oxygen — perfect if you’re spending long periods of time indoors.

Outdoor Rooms

It’s no longer simply the “patio” or “deck.” More designers are transforming these spaces into full outdoor living spaces. It’s an easy way to enjoy more livable square footage in your home without actually adding any rooms. Bring in multiple seating arrangements, a cozy bistro table for coffee and breakfast, soft rugs for underfoot, and ambient lighting to make this one of the most used rooms in the home.

Mixed the Old and the New

One of the easiest ways to give a new house that instant feeling of “home” is to incorporate vintage pieces alongside your newer decor. This helps to soften the “newness,” creating that lived-in, warm feeling of a home with a history. Choose older pieces with clean lines, like Shaker-style furniture, that can fit into any design aesthetic.

From all of us at Homes By Dickerson, we hope your new year — and your new home — is happy, peaceful, and rejuvenating. Happy designing!

Community Coming Soon: The Overlook

April 5, 2021 Homes By Dickerson

Close enough to the city to boast a Raleigh address, but far enough away to enjoy scenic, country-style living, The Overlook – the latest new home community from Homes By Dickerson – is the ideal location to enjoy the best of North Carolina. Just minutes from I-540, Hwy 98, and Hwy50/Creedmoor Road, everywhere you need to go is just minutes away, but coming home will always be the best part of your day.

This boutique community near Falls Lake State Recreation Area is nestled in a lush green landscape and will offer a limited number of distinctive, tree-lined lots. Each home will feature stunning wooded views, perfect for enjoying sunrise or sunset in total privacy and peace.

Customizable New Home Plans

You’ll have the opportunity to build your new home exactly the way you want when you choose one of your unique, fully-customizable floor plans. The Home of Your Life is much more than just spacious rooms and modern finishes (though you’ll get plenty of those, too).

Each Homes By Dickerson home is built for performance using the best products and materials, to make sure your home is operating at peak efficiency. Our homes are built for health, and we make thoughtful decisions when choosing products that help improve the air you breathe indoors. Most importantly, our homes are built for you. You have the flexibility, custom design options, and access to world-class architecture and design teams to build a home that perfectly reflects your unique style and personality.

The Overlook will be an enclave of homes with inspired design, thoughtful architecture, and outstanding craftsmanship, starting in the $800s. To be one of first to secure your home choice in this spectacular location, please con

Introducing: HBD Interiors

March 10, 2021 Homes By Dickerson

Holiday meals. Cozy mornings. Birthday celebrations. Backyard get-togethers. The way you and your family live is completely unique to you — which is why you should always be surrounded by the details you love. From the kitchen island where you’ll sit back, relax, and enjoy morning coffee, to the family room where you’ll curl up on the couch with your family, the spaces in your home should feel like you from top to bottom.

At Homes By Dickerson, we prioritize first-rate interior design, because the features of your home create the backdrop for your happiest moments, big and small. Every color and pattern should flow seamlessly; every piece of decor should work together to create a cohesive, uplifting aesthetic. That’s why we’re excited to introduce you to HBD Interiors, our exclusive interior design division in Raleigh that ensures your home is designed exactly to your liking.

New Home Interior Design

As you look ahead to a new year, envision the exact kind of space that you want to spend your days in. What energy does your owner’s bedroom furniture give off when you fall asleep and wake up? What vibe does the kitchen decor provide when you’re preparing a meal and enjoying time with family and friends? At Homes By Dickerson, every detail matters, which is why our expert team of design professionals works closely with you to make sure each one fits your style and preferences.

In our state-of-the-art Raleigh Design Center, we don’t just build you a home — we create your personal sanctuary, a personalized place that combines excellent design with your unique taste. Whether we’re working on one room or the whole home, we’ll work side by side with you to reimagine and recreate your space. And of course, our process begins with you, because your vision is what makes your house a home.

Interior Design Process

Discuss. The first step is meeting with our design professionals for a consultation. This is when we’ll learn about all of your interior design goals and discuss how we can achieve them together. Feel free to ask any and all questions you may have — we’re here to help you bring your dream to life!

Design. Once we have a clear idea of what you want in your home, we’ll work closely with you to create a design that involves colors, textures, patterns, materials, and more. This way, everything will be laid out ahead of time, and we can go over everything together to make any necessary changes. The fun part begins now!

Deliver. The installation process begins once we have an approved design. Now it’s time to bring everything together and deliver on our promise to create the exact space you’ve always wanted.

New Homes in Raleigh, NC

One of our brand new homes in Raleigh, NC is what you’ll be proud to call The Home of Your Life. Expertly designed with open, airy space, flexible rooms, and outdoor living areas, you have all the room you need to enhance your daily routine. Built to today’s high standards of quality, and your high standards of comfort, you can start enjoying your best days ahead in a brand new home in Raleigh.

You don’t have to have a Homes By Dickerson home to experience the joy of a home you’ll love styled by HBD Interiors. For more information about HBD Interiors in Raleigh, please contact Turner at 919-413-3378 / Turner@HomesByDickerson.com.

Home Design Trends For 2021

January 18, 2021 Homes By Dickerson

There’s no better time than the beginning of a new year to give your home a “mini makeover.” As you look ahead to 2021, think about the areas of your home that you’d like to spruce up a little (or a lot)! From warm, earthy tones to house plants, there are so many fun trends to try out in your favorite spaces. Take a look at a few top design trends for 2021 that our designers recommend.

Interior Home Design Trends

House Plants: If you love the calming, natural vibe of house plants, situate them throughout your favorite spaces, like your kitchen, bedroom, or family room. This is an easy way to spruce up your home without having to make a big adjustment. Try herbs, peace lilies, English ivy, pothos, Chinese evergreens, and more to brighten up your rooms. You can also add pops of color and personality with unique planters.

Statement Headboards: Nothing says “relaxation” quite like a beautifully designed bedroom. And nothing completes a well-rounded look than a statement headboard for the bed. This year, it’s all about vibrant, lively headboards that become a focal point in the room. From tufted and nailhead styles, to geometric patterns and bright colors, the options are endless. Plus, you can paint an accent wall behind it to complement the look!

Home Office: If you’ve already designated a flexible space as an office, you’re ahead of the trend! We’re predicting that home offices are here to stay, which gives you countless opportunities to design and decorate your space, and change it up when you’re ready for something new. The most important thing is to create an office that you’re comfortable working in every day, whether that includes calming plants, accessories like photos and wall art, a soothing wall color, floating bookshelves, a trendy ladder, warm lighting, etc.

Warm, Earthy Tones: Now more than ever, we love the idea of a warm and comforting aura at home. That’s why earthy tones are the perfect colors to incorporate into your spaces, whether as wall colors, in furniture and accessories, throughout table displays and bedding, and more. The natural, earthy look can be created with browns, tans, yellows, warm grays, ivory, soft shades of green, and more — play around with these hues and see what feels best!

Multipurpose Spaces: Now that you’re spending more time at home, it makes sense to maximize your flexible spaces. For example, if your kids are currently taking virtual classes, you can create a virtual classroom that doubles as a playroom or rec room for after school. For a cozy home office, add storage shelves, a desk, and a chair to your family room (or even your bedroom)! You can also use a flexible room as a home gym and hobby/crafts area, so you and your kids can both utilize the space.

Contemporary Style: No matter the style of your home, whether farmhouse or traditional, we love the look of contemporary touches here and there. Believe it or not, the “grandmillennial” trend is making a huge splash in homes — and it’s so much fun to get creative with! This up-and-coming style is all about comfort, and incorporating the “homey” decor pieces you might find in your grandparents’ home into modern spaces. The grandmillennial trend includes things like floral wallpaper, rattan coffee tables, antique paintings, scalloped lampshades, delicate china, crocheted throws, and more. Try it out and see what feels right!

From all of us at Homes By Dickerson, we hope you enjoy sprucing up your home in 2021!

Tips For a Safe Thanksgiving

November 19, 2020 Homes By Dickerson

This year may look different than others, but you can still experience the fun and festive Thanksgiving you look forward to! With a few adjustments and safety precautions, this year’s holiday will feel just as warm and joyful as it always has. At Homes By Dickerson, we believe that connection is the key to a happier life — and we want you to share a happy (and safe) Thanksgiving with your loved ones from the comfort of your new home in North Carolina. Take a look at our helpful tips for making this year’s holiday just as special as the last.

Tips for a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving

Change Your Perspective: Change doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, if you look at the situation from a new perspective, you’ll be able to spot the silver linings, and most importantly, find time to relax and have a laugh. It may be hard to accept that a large gathering with family from out of town isn’t practical this year — but there are still so many fun and easy ways to safely connect with everyone while enjoying your normal traditions.

Host Dinner Outside: If you have family around your home in North Carolina, you may feel confident about the decision to have a small gathering. Get creative and have some fun serving dinner outside on your porch, patio, or deck. Space out chairs for added safety, and incorporate fun, mini hand sanitizers into your placemat displays. If you love a good DIY project, make family face masks!

Cook (Virtually) Together: Even if you can’t physically be together, you can still connect and cook with your loved ones. Set up a video call with your phone, computer, or iPad on your kitchen island, and prepare your meal as you normally would while enjoying the virtual company of family with your favorite music in the background. Once the meal’s ready, keep the video call going while you enjoy it!

Dive Into Decor: If you’re preparing to enjoy a quiet dinner at home, make plans to decorate your table as you typically would. This will make the holiday feel as “normal” as possible, while keeping you busy with something you enjoy doing. Plus, with fewer places at the table to set up, you can focus on a beautiful, intricate centerpiece that lets you get creative and do something different.

Treat Yourself: Yes, this is just as important as anything else! Dealing with change is not always easy, even if it’s temporary. And we want you to know that you’ve done an incredible job adjusting to a new situation. This holiday, take the time to treat yourself, whether that means indulging in an extra slice of pumpkin pie or saving the dishes for later so you can cozy up on the couch to enjoy a Thanksgiving movie marathon.

From all of us at Homes By Dickerson, we hope you have a happy and safe holiday!

The Final Home at Henderson Place at Fearrington

November 17, 2020 Homes By Dickerson

Tucked into picturesque Pittsboro, a tranquil town filled with southern charm and the friendliest neighbors around, Henderson Place at Fearrington is a new community like no other. With only one home left — yes, just one! — you have one more chance to experience the magic of this stunning setting on a daily basis.

Located at 4251 Henderson Place, our final home comes complete with 4 spacious bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and 3,461 square feet of open, airy space on scenic, wooded acreage. If you’re ready to leave the past year behind and settle into The Home of Your Life, this beautiful home is waiting for you to call it your own!

New Home Features

At Homes By Dickerson, we know that the details make the biggest difference, which is why we paid close attention to each one in this home. On the main floor, you’ll find features like a retreat-like owner’s suite with a wardrobe, a formal dining room, and an open-concept kitchen, living room, and breakfast area, designed to bring family and friends together for all of those special moments.

This home also includes a basement with two bedrooms and a shared bathroom, a large rec room, a movie room, and walk-in access to ample storage. Custom built-ins, hardwood floors, upgraded appliances, a screened porch and deck, and more come standard — making this modern, flexible home the perfect place to create your best memories.

Enjoy The Home of Your Life

Close your eyes and envision your perfect morning. Can you see yourself making coffee in your elegant kitchen as the sun rises, and enjoying it on your screened porch while looking out onto beautiful wooded views? When you make this house your home, you get to experience the peace of mind that comes with tranquil outdoor living and open, light-filled space from top to bottom.

Not to mention, with all of the charm of the Fearrington area just minutes from your front door, from locally owned boutiques and restaurants to the famous Fearrington Village Inn and Spa, you always have something unique to experience when you’re not enjoying the comfort of your home.

It’s time to welcome a new year — and a fresh start. Make 2021 the year you move into The Home of Your Life! For more information about our final home at Henderson Place at Fearrington, please contact us at 919-205-3404.