Luxury Renovations

Dinner Theater: Spotlight on the Dining Room

Highlight Homes November 16, 2018 Atlanta Custom Homes, Luxury Renovations

What better time to shine the spotlight on the subject of the dining room than the holidays? It’s a time when many of us flex our entertaining muscle and put the flow between our kitchen and dining room to the test. One of the MANY benefits of building a custom home or undergoing a luxury home renovation is that YOU get to call the shots where the design of your layout is concerned – often based on a blend of your wants, needs and tastes. Highlight Homes – a custom home builder and master renovator – has compiled the following list of considerations when designing the dining room of your dreams…

Occasions Take Shape: If you like to host a large group for the holidays or more intimate affairs any time of the year, the shape of your dining room is a major factor. A larger, rectangular room to accommodate a long dining room table with room enough for up to 10 to 12 guests may be on one end of the spectrum while a square space to accommodate a round table for up to 6 to 8 guests is on the other. This is your stage, so decide what shape and size works best for you and your family.

Table Setting: The dining room will serve as the backdrop to a treasure trove of occasions – from gatherings with neighbors to memorable family events to countless holiday celebrations. The décor of your dining room will set the tone. Your woodwork and lighting choices can add a sense of comfort or air of elegance. A stately chandelier and coffered ceiling paired with traditional chair rail, wainscoting and crown molding serve to make the room feel more formal while shiplap walls and industrial or farmhouse-themed lighting may make the space seem more casual and inviting.

Go with the Flow: You could have the most beautiful dining room in the world, but the MEAL and the company who shares it will always be central to any occasion. Just as you would in any successful restaurant, to aid in making each meal a success, you want a seamless flow between your kitchen and the dining space. If entertaining is one of your favorite pastimes, you’ll want to place a major emphasis on flow with your architect or designer when creating your custom home or undergoing a renovation. You might want to consider the incorporation of a butler’s pantry between the kitchen and dining room to shorten the length of travel when refreshing drinks during the meal or for guests who demand seconds.

Location, Location, Location: The placement of your dining room within the home is also key. If you crave privacy, you may want to place it towards the rear of the home, overlooking your private backyard. This placement will also prove most helpful if you are a grill master and need to have easy access to your outdoor living space. If you want to advertise to your neighbors what an AWESOME entertainer you are, you may want to place your dining room towards the front of the home – with a large picture or bay window to frame the scene inside.

Whether an element of your custom home design or part of your luxury renovation, Highlight Homes welcomes the chance to help you realize the dining room you’ve always dreamed of having. Getting started is easy! Simply call us at 678-873-9234 or email us at info@highlighthomesga.com to schedule your no obligation consultation. You can also elect to complete our convenient online contact form.

From all of us here at Highlight Homes, we wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving and a wonderful holiday season!

To Renovate or Not to Renovate – That’s Not the Only Question

Highlight Homes October 23, 2018 Luxury Renovations

To Renovate or Not to Renovate? It’s a question countless homeowners have asked themselves over the years. Another question they ask themselves… WHICH space(s) should I renovate? In terms of older homes, all of the living spaces can begin to seem really outdated right around the same time. So, depending on your motivation to renovate – such as an upcoming move or a desire to add more space for a growing family – there are ways to determine the best renovations to pursue to fit your family’s needs and budget.

In May 2018, the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) released figures for Improvements to Owner-Occupied Homes 2018 estimates by state – also known as renovations. In the state of Georgia alone, out of 2,370,584 owner-occupied homes, more than 680K were estimated to undergo improvements. That’s more than a quarter of all owner-occupied homes in the Peach State. The average cost was estimated to be $8,007/improvement. The total amount spent on renovations in the state of Georgia for 2018 was estimated to be 5,456,000,000. So, what do all of these numbers mean…? It means that home renovations are still a very viable way to increase the value and personal enjoyment of one’s home.

If renovating for personal enjoyment, you must weigh your options, determine a budget and decide the best changes to incorporate to fit the collective needs, tastes and personality of your family. If renovating to prep a home for resale, it’s wise to select those updates based on return-on-investment. According to the 2018 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report for Atlanta, Georgia (www.costvsvalue.com), the top five performing projects with regard to costs recouped are:

Garage Door Replacement – Cost recouped 110%
Manufactured Stone Veneer – Cost recouped 109.8%
Minor Kitchen Remodel (average job cost $21,230) – Cost recouped 91.6%
Wood Deck Addition – Cost recouped 87.7%
Siding Replacement – Cost recouped 87.2 %

Following closely behind are Upscale Grand Entrance, Composite Deck Addition, Universal Design Bathroom, Vinyl Window Replacement, Roofing Replacement, Wood Window Replacement, Bathroom Remodel (midrange), Major Kitchen Remodel (upscale), Entry Door Replacement, Master Suite Addition, Bathroom Addition (upscale), Bathroom Addition (midrange) and Bathroom Remodel (upscale) – all offering anywhere from 63.1% to 80% cost recouped.

Another question many homeowners ask themselves is WHO should I get to help me with my home renovation project. Whether seeking the best return-on-investment from a real estate standpoint or selecting more “fun” remodeling investments – such as the incorporation of a sprawling home theater with connecting game room, outdoor living space with swimming pool and fireplace, in-law suite with kitchen above a detached garage, finished basement with a full bar and additional bedroom(s) and so much more – Highlight Homes welcomes the chance to help you make it happen. To schedule a no obligation consultation regarding your upcoming remodeling project, contact us at 678-874-9234 or info@highlighthomesga.com. You can also elect to complete our convenient online contact form. To view our work and learn more about our other capabilities (we are one of Atlanta’s premier custom home builders!), we encourage you to visit www.highlighthomes.com.

Sources: NAHB – Improvements to Owner-Occupied Homes 2018 estimates by state

Make Self-Improvement the Foundation of Your Home Design

Highlight Homes September 19, 2018 Atlanta Custom Homes, Luxury Renovations

September marks Self-Improvement Month, but that doesn’t mean you only have one month to evolve into a better version of the person you are today. Instead, take the time remaining in this month to make a list of the areas of your life where you would like to improve and start taking those first all-important steps towards the new you. At Highlight Homes, we specialize in custom homes and luxury renovations that are designed around our clients’ personal tastes, interests, wants and needs. If self-improvement is a personal goal for you, here are a number of ways that you can build or renovate your home to fit that goal…

Work Towards Wellness

According to CooleFitness.com, 15% of Americans hold gym memberships – that’s about $2.6 billion spent on fitness at the gym each year! And let’s not forget the hassle of getting dressed for the gym, driving there, leaving your valuables in a locker, waiting for your favorite equipment, driving home and showering before the rest of your day can begin. For adults aged 18-64, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (i.e., brisk walking) OR an hour and 15 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity (i.e., jogging) every week and muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms). If you have a dedicated gym in your home – complete with inspiring views of the outdoors and energizing natural lights through a wall of windows, staying fit becomes a great deal easier… and more cost-effective! Highlight Homes can incorporate a fitness space into a renovation of your existing home (by reimagining an existing room, creating a room addition or finishing your basement) or can make it an important element of your custom home design.

Find Time for Me-Time

Ask any mother of small children and she’ll tell you, the bathroom is often her place of solitude… but it’s never guaranteed. Still, it’s important for each member of the household to have a space that is dedicated to their own “me-time.” For kids, that’s often their bedrooms, but for adults who share a bedroom – you may want to have another space that’s ALL (mostly) yours. If you have that, you’re more likely to FIND TIME for that all-important me-time. If you’re an avid reader, a library with French doors or even a book nook with cozy seating may be all you need. There’s also the possibility of including a man cave inside and a “she shed” outside for the privacy we all crave to help us clear our heads and improve our moods.

Spend More Time with Family

Parents who travel for visit may crave more time with their family. The creation of spaces intended for family gatherings are essential to inspiring that together time that helps us stay connected. A home theater for the family who loves to watch movies together, a game room for board game buffs or an outdoor living space centered around a swimming pool and open-air kitchen for the family who loves the Great Outdoors are just a few ways you can go. The possibilities are truly endless and can be customized to fit your family’s collective interests.

Set Your Sights on Being the Host and Hostess with the Mostest

If it’s always been your dream to host dinner parties to die for or tailgate-themed gatherings for football season, your home design should reflect that fact. From an expansive island in the kitchen where you can set out the appetizers and a dining room where the real magic happens to a sprawling outdoor living space with bar, comfy seating, hearth and HUGE flat screen TV, if you hope to become a better host/hostess, there are any number of ways you can make your home work to your advantage. An open concept layout in the main living areas is a MUST so your home never feels cramped, even with 20 guests at any one gathering. For overnight guests, you want to make sure your guest rooms and guest bathrooms are luxurious and welcoming. Highlight Homes can help you have the home your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors would LOVE to visit – no matter the occasion!

Get in Touch with Nature

If you love the Great Outdoors and hope to work towards self-improvement through that passion, there are a number of ways that Highlight Homes can help you do just that. A sunroom or screened in porch can serve as an extension of your home, offering exquisite views even when the weather is anything but warm and sunny. Some imaginative landscape planning and a gardening shed are other wonderful ways to pursue your love of the outdoors. And – of course – dedicated outdoor living spaces are a must, whether dining al fresco, enjoying a cocktail under the stars or telling stories in the glow of your outdoor fire pit.

If you are seeking ways to pursue self-improvement through your home design, Highlight Homes would love to help you! To learn more about Highlight Homes and our process of building a custom home or pursuing a luxury renovation, please visit www.highlighthomesga.com. Once you’re ready to get started, contact us at 678-874-9234 or info@highlighthomesga.com.

Three Ways to Celebrate National Family Fun Month with Highlight Homes

Highlight Homes August 8, 2018August 8, 2018 Luxury Renovations

It’s true what they say… the family that plays together, stays together! In our everyday busy lives, it’s important to reserve some time to blow off steam and enjoy some good old-fashioned fun with the ones that we love. While we may make the time, we may not always have the dedicated space to enjoy family time beyond sharing a meal in the dining room or watching TV together in the family room. In the spirit of National Family Fun Month, Highlight Homes suggests three ways to CREATE the space where your family can make lasting memories and share countless good times together.

Let’s Take this Party Outside: Create a Family-Focused Outdoor Living Space – When you don’t have room for a family fun space INDOORS, you may have plenty of room to create a dedicated space OUTDOORS. Outdoor Living Space renovations continue to rein supreme in increasing your home’s curb appeal for prospective future homebuyers, but – more importantly – it can also increase the amount of time spent outside enjoying time with your family if designed properly. Is your family active? You may want to place an emphasis on recreation with the addition of a pool, playset, basketball court and/or trampoline. Does your family enjoy playing games? Landscaping surrounding a multi-purpose field for badminton, volleyball, cornhole and more is sure to see a lot of action. Do you have budding environmentalists in your family? A raised garden for planting their own fruits and veggies might make a great addition. Does food have a cohesive effect for your family? An outdoor kitchen and dining room where meals can be made and shared together might be ideal. And for when it’s time to wind down, a cozy seating area surrounding an outdoor hearth for roasting marshmallows and swapping stories will make this space one of your family’s favorite “rooms” of the house. Add a weather proof flat screen for football watching, tail-gating themed fun in the fall! The return on investment on the addition of a simple wood deck can be as high as 82.8%.

Room to Spread Out: Enhance Your Home’s Interior with a Room Addition – With a solid background in architecture and engineering, the team at Highlight Homes can assess your current layout and determine ways in which the flow can be improved. We can also create a seamless room addition that looks as though it was part of the original home design. A room addition can serve as a blank backdrop to become whatever you want it to be – depending on your family’s shared interests. From a craft or rec room to a home theater or game space, the possibilities are virtually endless. No room to increase your home’s footprint? Highlight Homes can “raise the roof”… literally. We can add a half or full floor above your existing home for a bonus room, additional bedroom, full bathroom and more. The addition of a new master suite and bathroom up there could pay off considerably when it comes time to sell – to the tune of a 55%+ return on investment.

Down to Earth: Finally Finish That Basement to Fit Your Family’s Fun Time – Another often overlooked option is to finish that basement that has served as a cobweb-infested storage space for far too long. It’s AMAZING what a little drywall, paint and carpet can do, but with the design talents of the Highlight Homes team on your side, you may find yourself wondering how your family ever lived without a finished basement in the past. This is another space that can serve as a blank backdrop to become anything you want it to be, and given the fact that it encompasses an entirely new floor of your home – it can serve a wide variety of purposes: playroom, media space, exercise room, party space for entertaining, sleepover headquarters – the list goes on and on! The return on investment for a finished basement is about 69%.

Highlight Homes can visit your home to determine which of the three options above might prove the best decision for expanding your home’s family FUN factor. To set an no-obligation consultation with a member of our team, call 678-873-9234, email us at info@highlighthomesga.com or fill out our convenient online contact form. If you’d like to view our gallery for a peek inside past Highlight Homes’ projects, visit us at www.highlighthomesga.com.

Source: https://www.remodeling.hw.net/cost-vs-value/2018/

The Top Five Emerging Neighborhoods in Atlanta

Highlight Homes June 14, 2018 Atlanta Custom Homes, Luxury Renovations

The City of Atlanta is filled to overflowing with charming old neighborhoods, localities that are enjoying a sudden resurgence of popularity and exciting developing communities that are gaining attention for the first time. Highlight Homes breaks down the Top Five Emerging Neighborhoods located in and around the city or tucked away within the outskirts. As one of Atlanta’s premier custom homebuilders, we welcome the chance to help you realize the home of your dreams in one of the following neighborhoods or the community of your choosing…

West Midtown – Atlanta Agent Magazine points to West Midtown as one of the best neighborhoods in which to buy. This area is particularly hot among Millennials and active couples/families drawn to its connectivity/walkability factor and awesome venues like Atlantic Station with a wealth of alluring shops, restaurants and events. Highlight Homes is proud to have our newest project poised within a mile of Atlantic Station – a luxury duplex that’s worth watching!

Sherwood Forest – of course, don’t rule out East Midtown altogether! Sherwood Forest made the top slot at #1 on Niche’s Best Neighborhoods to Live in the Atlanta Area – scoring an overall A+ Niche grade, and #2 on Niche’s Best Neighborhoods to Raise a Family in the Atlanta Area. Homebuyers are likely to love the low crime rates, the great nightlife and access to highly regarded schools.

South Buckhead – Another excellent pick from Atlanta Agent Magazine, South Buckhead is enjoying a sudden resurgence of interest from buyers for many of the same reasons as West Midtown. Affectionately dubbed SOBU, the area begins where Peachtree Road crosses I-85 at the Brookwood interchange and runs north along Peachtree to Peachtree Creek. It’s considered a Mecca for affluent homebuyers seeking access to critically acclaimed dining, upscale shops and an active art scene.

Neighborhoods of Atlanta’s Westside – including West End, Hunter Hills, Princeton Lakes, Washington Park and Peachtree Heights – According to Redfin and its 2018 list of Hottest Neighborhoods, all eyes are turning west! Pay particular attention to neighborhoods along the West Beltline – including historic West End. Hunter Hills is another one to watch, as is Washington Park – not far from the eateries, cool bars and fun nightlife at Five Points. Peachtree Heights in Southwest Atlanta received a nod from Curbed Atlanta as Atlanta’s hottest neighborhood for 2018. Princeton Lakes is a little further out from center – just west of the Perimeter.

Decatur – Making the cut as one of Redfin’s Most Competitive Neighborhoods in Atlanta at #2 for 2018 and at #1 on Niche’s List of Best Suburbs to Live in Georgia, the City of Decatur continues to reign supreme. An incredible town square that plays host to a jam-packed, year-round calendar of events and is home to an eclectic blend of shops, restaurants and pubs serves as the heart of this city. An incredible school system, excellent parks, fun attractions like the Fernbank Museum of Natural History and high walkability factor make it a great destination for families. It’s proximity to the City of Atlanta simply adds to the allure.

Other neighborhoods to watch include Powder Springs, Smyrna, Chamblee, Tucker and one of Highlight Homes’ personal favorites… Brookhaven! If you are seeking land on which to build a custom home in any of the neighborhoods listed above or in another neighborhood of your own choosing, the team at Highlight Homes excels at land acquisition. We can also design and build the home of your dreams on land you already own. To get started, simply give us a call at 678-873-9234, send us a note at info@highlighthomesga.com or fill out our convenient online contact form. We look forward to hearing from you soon. If you’d like to learn more about Highlight Homes and view our online gallery, please visit www.highlighthomesga.com.

Photo creds: By Brooke Novak from Atlanta, Georgia (midtown/westside) – ATL [light ], CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2514492

Room To Grow: Highlight Homes’ Guide to Home Additions

Highlight Homes May 11, 2018 Luxury Renovations

Modern families often face critical growth points – whether adding a baby or two, welcoming home a young adult after college graduation or inviting a parent to join the household. The option to move into a new home can be a daunting one for all involved – particularly if you love your current home, benefit from a great school system, have strong ties with your neighbors or share a fondness for the area as a whole. The great news is that many homes offer room to grow that you may not have previously considered. Through a reimagining of your current home, you could stay put while enjoying more spacious quarters in which to grow your family. Here are just a few that Highlight Homes suggests:

Finished Basement: Obviously, one of the easiest options is – in the event that your home is already equipped with a basement – to finish it to suit your needs. Adding a bedroom or two, plus a full bathroom and possibly even a full kitchen (a particularly great option for older parents) is like adding an entirely new floor to your home. Best of all, your parents or young adult child can enjoy the independence of having their own apartment with private entrance.

Room Addition: If a basement is not an option, it may be possible to add a room to your existing floor plan and potentially reconfigure some of the layout to make this addition seamless. The room addition could consist of a new secondary bedroom and full bath to accommodate an additional family member.

Floor Addition: Again, if a basement is not an option and a room addition would not provide you with enough space to accommodate the up-and-coming change to your living arrangements, all hope is not lost. Depending on an evaluation of your current home, a floor addition may be an option. This is particularly true of well-built ranch-style homes. Two story homes with an attic may offer an opportunity to finish a portion of that space to make it suitable for an additional secondary bedroom.

Separate Garage with In-Law Suite: If you have a fair amount of land surrounding your home, you might want to consider a completely separate structure in which to house part of your growing family. An extremely viable option is to add a separate garage with an in-law suite built overhead. Not only will the garage accommodate additional cars that often come with multi-generational families, but the in-law suite can be customized to include a bedroom, storage, full bathroom and kitchen. Once again, this is an option that could provide your parents or young adult child with an ongoing sense of independence thanks to their own apartment with private entrance.

Highlight Homes welcomes the chance to explore all of the options listed above with you! We can evaluate your current home and determine which possibility might prove the best fit for both your family and your needs. To get started, simply call us at 678.873.9234, email us at info@highlighthomesga.com or fill out our convenient online contact form. To learn more about Highlight Homes and sneak a peek at some of our previous projects, please visit us at www.highlighthomesga.com.

Suite Dreams: Six Essential Elements for the Ideal Master Bedroom

Highlight Homes April 11, 2018 Atlanta Custom Homes, Luxury Renovations

When it comes to a good night’s sleep, it doesn’t begin and end with the ideal mattress for your back issues or the perfect pillow to combat your sleep partner’s snoring. There are certain elements that can go into making your surroundings as relaxing and tranquil as possible. The team at Highlight Homes has been in the business of designing and building master bedrooms for nearly three decades, and we’ve outlined SIX Essential Elements for Achieving the Ideal Master Bedroom:

Soothing Colors: Bright colors – while beautiful and FUN – tend to invigorate the spirit… and the mind. For the bedroom, you’ll want to select cool, soothing hues such as pale blues, light yellows, delicate greens, calming lavenders, soft pinks or elegant grays. Through color psychology, all are guaranteed to help put your mind at ease so you can skip the chore of counting sheep.
Lighting Set to Lull: When it comes to setting the mood for sleep, a dimmer switch can become your best friend. Bright lights tend to stimulate the mind, while low lighting encourages relaxation. You may also want to incorporate light-blocking curtains or blinds so you don’t have to wake with the sun on weekends.
Room to Breathe: Air quality is an important element to a good night’s sleep. Plants – in addition to serving as beautiful natural décor – help detoxify the air by taking in carbon dioxide (CO2) and emitting oxygen. Jasmine, lavender, valerian, gardenia, gerber daisy, English ivy and peace lilies are all excellent choices for the bedroom. In addition, a well-placed ceiling fan can help circulate the air so it doesn’t become stale and stagnant, and an open window can do the same by letting in a little fresh air.
Keep Your Cool: A smart thermostat that’s set to your ideal temperature right around the time that you typically head to bed is a great example of home technology at work. In an article about insomnia, WebMD suggests keeping the room between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit, although the ideal temperature may be individual to the sleeper.
Uncluttered Space = Uncluttered Mind: If your master bedroom is the “junk drawer” for the rest of the home because guests rarely enter within, you could be robbing yourself of precious sleep time. Clutter tends to lend itself to a restless mind. Put the laundry away and minimize the knick-knacks so the overall impression of this space is neat, orderly and inviting. The incorporation of a sitting room, where you can place a TV away from the bed so the bed itself is used primarily for rest and NOT for binge-watching, is also a great idea for uncluttering the mind before bedtime.
Everything in its Place: The placement of the master bedroom is also a major component to ensuring fewer sleepless nights. If constructing a new home, you’ll want your master bedroom placed AWAY from the street, overlooking the backyard if at all possible. This will allow for a quieter environment, tucked away from revving motors and squealing children – making it seem more of an oasis. You’ll also want to make sure it’s not over the garage – which is not only noisy but will tend to rob the space of heat due to less insulation. If you have a master-on-main, avoid placing it under a highly trafficked area such as a kids’ playroom or teens’ media space. The pitter-patter of little feet isn’t always a welcome sound.

Whether renovating your current master bedroom or building a custom home from the ground up, Highlight Homes welcomes the opportunity to help you achieve the sleep of your… well… dreams! To get started with a no-obligation consultation, contact us TODAY at 678-873-9234, info@highlighthomesga.com, or via our convenient online form.

Beautiful Bathrooms in Bloom

Highlight Homes March 16, 2018March 19, 2018 Luxury Renovations

Spring is NOT merely reserved for a week-long break at the beach, planting flowers, pulling out those white jeans and open-toes shoes, the return of pollen and the age-old practice of the big “Spring Clean.” Spring is a time of renewal – making it an excellent time to reimagine key areas of your home, whether for your own enjoyment or to increase its value and appeal to a potential buyer in the near future… or BOTH!

According to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report for 2018, a bathroom remodel and/or addition still brings a great return on investment. In addition to enjoying a newly revamped space in which to start and end each day, you can expect to recoup some of the money invested when it comes time to sell. If executed properly with lots of WOW factor, your bathroom remodel could serve as one of the major reasons a homebuyer may want to purchase your home. The Cost vs. Value Reports suggests that a midrange bathroom remodel costing about $19,134 can expect to see a return on investment of right around 70% or $13,422, whereas an upscale bathroom remodel costing about $61.662 can expect to see a return on investment of right around 56.2% or $34,633. In the event that a bathroom addition is required, the margins are a tad closer. A midrange project of $44,717 will likely see 59.9% ROI, and an upscale project of $83,869 will likely see 54.6% ROI.

Planning a bathroom remodel or hoping to make the master bathroom of your new custom home magazine-worthy? You might want to stay abreast of some of the latest trends. The design and construction team at Highlight Homes certainly is! Here are our favorite Top 5 Trends in Bathrooms today:

1) Natural Stone Elements – Granite and marble have long been the star of the show in bathroom counters, but more recently designers are really loving the look of natural elements throughout the bathroom – from the shower surround to the walls to the flooring. Not only are they naturally beautiful, but they’re incredibly durable.

2) Smart Showers and Toilets – From futuristic steam showers with special controls and sensors, to toilets with flushing sensors, heated seats, self-cleaning nozzles, overflow control and smart flush technology for water savings, bathrooms are going more and more high-tech! Many homebuyers/renovating homeowners are also starting to incorporate wiring over the tub for a little TV viewing while you soak – the ultimate in relaxation!

3) Barn Doors – Barn doors are NOT just for the barn anymore! Often featuring reclaimed wood (or the suggestions of such), these sliding doors have found their way from the outdoors to the indoors and are quickly becoming a hot commodity in bathroom décor.

4) Subway Tile – Although subways are not always known for their cleanliness, the resurging trend towards the use of subway tile in bathrooms gives the sense of a sparkling clean space of tranquility. Many designers are adding darker grout which – in addition to helping hide any dirt and grime between cleanings – gives bathrooms an undeniable vintage feel.

5) Sleek and Spa-Inspired – The overall theme for bathrooms these days is uncluttered, utterly refined and absolutely inviting. A blend of textures paired with soothing colors, it’s clear what was intended when the name “rest” room was first uttered.

Whether building a custom home from the ground up or renovating your current home, Highlight Homes welcomes the chance to help you incorporate all of the elements outlined above and so much more into your new master bathroom. To learn more about Highlight Homes and take a peek inside our gallery of projects, please visit us at www.highlighthomesga.com. When you’re ready to schedule a no-obligation consultation, reach out to us by phone at 678-873-9234, email us at info@highlighthomesga.com or fill out our online contact form and someone will be in touch with you shortly!

Shedding Light on the Subject of Lighting

Highlight Homes February 22, 2018 Atlanta Custom Homes, Luxury Renovations

Since the dawn of man, lighting has been a necessity. Sure, the quest for fire may have largely been fueled by the need for warmth and a more civilized form of cuisine, but its capacity to shed some light on the night opened up new pathways to the future that early man couldn’t even imagine existed. While modern lighting continues to serve a mainly functional purpose, it’s entirely possible to make it the design focal point (or at the very least a design enhancement) in any room. Consider the chandelier – first introduced in the 14^th century, it stemmed from the French word “chandelle” which meant “candle holder.” While early designs were simple, it didn’t take long for them to become ornate fixtures meant to draw the eye. They were often costly and difficult to maintain (some designs had to be lowered to be cleaned and have each candle lit), meaning only the wealthy could afford to have them – thrusting them into the category of status symbol. Candles gave way to gas in the early 1800’s, followed by electricity into homes in the mid-to-late 1800’s. Then things really started to get interesting. Chandeliers became even more opulent, and a man named Louis Comfort Tiffany introduced his lead and stained glass “Tiffany Lamps” to the world – which would become a major part of the Art Nouveau movement.

“As a custom home builder, I find that lighting can make or break a room,” said Tony Pourhassan, Principal at Highlight Homes. “With industrial influences remaining strong in the design realm, I’m having a lot of fun finding truly unique lighting to incorporate throughout the home. From soft and romantic lighting in the master bath to bold and impressive lighting fixtures in the main living spaces like the kitchen to carriage house light influences on the exterior of the home. Lighting is one of those areas where form and function can unite for truly beautiful results.”

In addition to being beautiful additions to all of the rooms of your home, lighting can also serve an energy efficient function. That’s a major plus for the planet AND for your family when the electric bill shows up in the mailbox.

Whether building a custom home from the ground up or reimagining your existing home with a renovation, Highlight Homes welcomes the opportunity to work closely with you on everything from the fine details – such as the selection of lighting and all of the design elements that will make your home distinctive to your family, to the big pictures items like the home site and ideal floor plan to fit the way your family lives. To learn more about Atlanta-based Highlight Homes and take a tour of our galleries, please visit us online at www.highlighthomesga.com.

View Highlight Homes’ Lighting Gallery

Top Five Trends for Home Construction in 2018

Highlight Homes December 14, 2017December 14, 2017 Atlanta Custom Homes, Luxury Renovations

Whether building your home from the ground up or reimagining your current home with some well-chosen renovation projects, it’s always a wise move to consider the latest trends in home construction. While timelessness NEVER goes out of style, in order to add to the wow factor or benefit from years of trial and error to find what works best – there’s a lot to be said for incorporating the latest looks and reaping the rewards from the most recent advances in home construction. While the trends abound from the interior to the exterior to the inner workings for 2018, here are just a few of our favorites from the team at Highlight Homes…

1) Homes are Getting “Smarter”: There is a growing trend toward “smart homes” in new home construction AND in renovations. Whether seeking an awesome security system, a way to control the A/C and electricity in your home with a touch of your mobile phone, a complete home sound system to fill each room with music or all of the above (and so much more), a Smart Home system is undoubtedly the way to go. To learn more about Smart Homes and how Highlight Homes can help, keep reading…

2) Construction is Growing “Greener”: If the environment is important to you and you hope to do your part to protect the planet, you’ll be pleased to learn that there are a number of ways to do just that when constructing a new home or incorporating a home renovation to your existing home. From using green home construction practices and incorporating low energy and water consumption elements such as energy-efficient appliances, Low-E windows and low flow toilets, you will be taking effective measures to limit your family’s carbon footprint. Keep reading to learn what else Highlight Homes does to take green construction to the next level…

3) White is the New Black: For several years, crisp white kitchens have really made a comeback. What we’re witnessing lately is that trend spreading beyond the heart of the home to encompass other living spaces. White adds an air of tranquility and communicates CLEAN and REFRESHING. Mix it with Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2018 – Ultra-Violet – 18-3838 for an air of romance. All colors go beautifully with white if you’d like to add some color. And while we’re on the subject of color, be prepared to see lots of warm, rich colors in accents – from an accent wall to furniture. We’re also seeing a blend of both high contrast (a bold grey wall with pure white wainscoting) or tone-on-tone (where the wall and millwork are painted in the same exact hue) in living spaces – so go with whatever feels “right” to you!

4) Industrial and Vintage Reign Supreme: From treated concrete floors and countertops to show-stopping industrial light fixtures and deep trough sinks, the “industrial age” rages on in interior design. We’re also seeing a mix of vintage finding its way back in. The vintage feel of subway tile, claw-footed tubs and romantic wallpaper prints are definitely making a very cool comeback.

5) Textures Take Over the Interior: From highly textured wall treatments – like brick and reclaimed wood – to velvet furnishings and woven accent pieces, surfaces that have a visual and tactile interest are gaining favor among interior designers, home buyers and homeowners.

Long story short, 2018 is going to be a lot of fun! The race is on for the incorporation of technologically and environmentally cutting edge practices and elements paired with a throwback in design using clean colors, industrial and vintage components, and a variety of highly interesting walls and furnishings – making design, construction and the ultimate enjoyment of your new (or newly remodeled) home more rewarding than ever. Contact the talented team at Highlight Homes to help you incorporate any or all of the trends listed above in your custom home or whole home renovation in 2018. To get started, simply call us at 678-873-9234, email us at info@highlighthomesga.com or fill out our convenient online contact form and someone will be in touch with you shortly! To learn more about Highlight Homes and view our online gallery of work, please visit www.highlighthomesga.com.

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