Atlanta Custom Home Builder

Five Tips for Building a Home in Metro Atlanta

Highlight Homes October 24, 2019 Atlanta Custom Homes, Luxury Renovations

Metro Atlanta spans nearly 8,500 square miles, encompassing 28 counties and 140 municipalities. At its heart is the City of Atlanta – The ATL, The Big Peach, Empire City of the South. Finding your place in all of that and staking a claim on a plot of land you can call your own is a dream that many share. Building a house worthy of that dream can seem overwhelming at times, but the payoff could equate to your very own interpretation of “home sweet home.” To try and help make the process of building a home in Metro Atlanta a little less daunting, the team at Highlight Homes has broken it down into five simple steps…

Determine Whether You Want to Buy a Home to Renovate or Build from the Ground Up

There are plusses and minuses to both options. Buying a home in a desirable part of town to renovate may be a more realistic option – depending on the neighborhood and your budget. Or finding a new construction home or building one of your own may be a better path in a suburb of town that is either up-and-coming or relatively undiscovered. If you opt for the first, you’ll want to make sure the construction of the original home is sound and determine any “fixer-upper” issues that might eat into your budget – potentially giving the boot to some of the fun stuff you’d like to do. Building from the ground up can be great – it’s ALL NEW, after all – but your builder may not be as willing to work within your vision, unless you opt to go the custom construction route. Ultimately, it all comes down to your personality – do you prefer shiny and new over something that may have a little more history and character (and loads of mature landscaping)? You may believe one thing, but when you get out there and really start looking – you might just change your tune. The takeaway from this step… be flexible.

Set a Realistic Budget

This step will comprise a visit to the bank to determine the size of loan for which you qualify. Discuss building renovations into the loan if you’re leaning towards that route. Bear in mind that just because you QUALIFY for a certain size loan, you may not want to bump up against the ceiling. No one wants to be house poor. After all, you’re going to need funds to furnish your home properly AND throw an open house once completed to invite your friends and family. Instead, determine a house payment range that you can be comfortable with and still manage to have a life both inside and outside of that home. If your budget and your vision don’t see eye to eye, the prudent move may be to be patient and save your pennies a little while longer.

Find a Neighborhood or Suburb of Atlanta You Love

Once you have a fairly good idea of WHAT you’re looking for in a home (resale or new) and how much home you can afford, start exploring. Metro Atlanta is jam-packed with amazing, one-of-a-kind communities like the walkable nature and intown convenience of the City of Brookhaven, the kitschy uniqueness that is the City of Decatur or the resort town feel of Peachtree City. With a staggering 140 municipalities from which to choose, you may want to begin your search online – reading reviews and learning about the cities and neighborhoods that appeal most to you. If you have a growing family, you’ll want to consider the local schools. If you like to shop and dine out, you’ll want to take the local scene into consideration. If walkability or mass transit is important to you, that’s another item to look for. Is the commute to work relatively easy? How about access to local parks? Make a list of the things that are most important to you in a community and use that list every time you research a new part of town. Once you’ve narrowed your list of prospective cities, suburbs and neighborhoods down, check them out firsthand.

Find a Builder who Builds in that Neighborhood and Offers Design-Build Services

Once you’ve got a general idea of WHAT part of Metro Atlanta you’d like to live, it’s time to research builders and/or renovation firms that serve that area. Whether you plan to build from the ground up or renovate a resale, it may be wise to make your builder part of the research and acquisition process. They can help you find the ideal plot of land or home to renovate. Your vision may be hindered by your knowledge of construction, but – as long as you’re able to communicate your vision to them clearly – your builder can help you find the best place to make that vision a reality. Of course, if you opt to go with a new construction community – you may be a bit limited by your builder’s floor plans, but you can look to available options – like a screened porch or additional bedroom – to get it a bit closer to the home you were envisioning. If you ultimately decide to go with a custom builder or renovation company, it may be in your best interest to hire one with design-build capabilities. Otherwise, they might be able to find and purchase a pre-designed floor plan and elevation that fits your vision.

Work Closely with your Builder to Infuse as Much YOU into the Home as Possible

By now, you should know EXACTLY where you’re building, have a floor plan or renovation plan of attack in mind and have purchased the resale or land on which to build your new home. As construction gets underway, encourage communication with your builder so you know where you are in the process. Plan days – preferably with your builder – to shop for appliances, fixtures, flooring, wall treatments, paint colors and more as the vision comes together. All those touches will make the home uniquely YOU. Have this plotted out in your mind ahead of time so that the elements work together beautifully. If you don’t have an eye for these things, you may want to rely on the assistance of an interior designer or trust your builder to carry out your vision to its full potential. To help them see that vision as clearly as possible, pull together a dream book that contains images of design elements you like.

Atlanta-based Highlight Homes has served as BOTH a custom builder and a renovation firm for countless home buyers. We’ve done everything from renovating an existing home – INCLUDING popping the roof off and adding a new story – to building a custom home on land where the former home had been razed to building from the ground up on raw land. We welcome the chance to help you build the home of your dreams. Our service area primarily includes Atlanta, Brookhaven, Buckhead, Chamblee, Decatur, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody and Peachtree City, but we are happy to consider other suburbs and cities – depending on the size and scope of the project. To learn more about us and our capabilities, please visit www.highlighthomesga.com. If you’d like to schedule a no-obligation consultation, please call us at 678-873-9234 or email us at info@highlighthomesga.com.

19 Design and Construction Trends for 2019

Highlight Homes January 11, 2019 Atlanta Custom Homes, Luxury Renovations

It’s a new year full of new possibilities! As one of Atlanta’s premier custom homebuilders and renovation firms, Highlight Homes places an emphasis on staying on top of the latest design and construction trends – and occasionally setting a few trends of our own! With 2019 now underway, we take pride in “highlighting” the top 19 Design and Construction Trends for the new year…

Green Construction – As a company that places a HUGE focus on environmental-friendliness (and always has), we’re particularly happy about this trend. From smart homes to a focus on energy efficiency in appliances, windows, doors and more, we don’t see this trend going anywhere but UP!
Waste Reduction – Going hand-in-hand with Highlight Homes’ focus on Green Construction, we – and now many of our friends within the industry – are placing a greater emphasis on waste reduction by streamlining processes and recycling. It’s good for everyone involved – the builder, the client AND the planet.
Project Management Solutions – Highlight Homes is pleased to partner with Co-Construct, a secure, easy-to-use online service that allows our clients to make selection decisions, approve change orders, reply to messages, check progress information, review project files, and more. Communication is key to a smooth project!
Sunrooms and Outdoor Living Spaces – Homebuyers and home owners are showing an ever-increasing desire to infuse a connectivity with the outdoors in their homes through exterior living spaces and the addition of sunrooms.
Open Kitchens – Creating a sense of “dinner theatre,” more and more kitchens are opening up to the family room. Not only does it emphasize the home’s spaciousness and seamless flow of the floor plan, but it also encourages interactions between the inhabitants of those two often occupied living spaces.
Home Office – With the growing popularity of remote workers/telecommuters, the concept of a home office or study is seeing a resurgence. Just imagine closing the office for the day and only commuting a few steps before spending the rest of the evening with your family as opposed to an hour or more on the interstate each day.
“Pop the Top” Renovations – This is one of our personal favorites, when a ranch home is converted to a two-story by simply removing the existing roof and creating an entirely new level – virtually transforming the look and layout of the home to fit the needs of the family who lives there (or will live there).
Two-Tone Cabinets in the Kitchen – Designers are becoming increasingly more daring in their color schemes – often selecting a different color for the island than what is featured on the walls. There is also a trend towards using one color ABOVE and another color BELOW the counter.
Multi-Purpose Kitchen Islands – From storage and seating to meal prep and service, there are a number of very good functions for this mainstay of the modern kitchen. Don’t merely settle for a permanent fixture with a countertop – consider all of the great ways you could use that space. Love wine? Consider adding a wine cooler underneath next to a wine rack. Enjoy catching up on the day’s events while preparing a meal? Extend the countertop out so there’s plenty of space for seating underneath so family members and guests can pull up a stool while you work your magic.
Focus on Minimalism – Clean lines rule the day in 2019, along with uncluttered spaces and smart use of space. Get rid of what you don’t need or stow it away out of sight for a simple yet sophisticated look.
Accessories that Make a Statement – However, when you DO add an accessory or two to a space, make it count. It should be eye-catching – like an accent colored end table or a bold piece of artwork.
Eye-catching Lighting – More than merely serving a purpose, your light fixtures are another way to really make a statement and draw the eye. Great lighting that adds to the appeal of a room is a smart investment.
Open Shelving in the Bathroom and Kitchen – With a movement towards minimalism, there’s a growing trend towards open shelving among the cabinets found in bathrooms and kitchens. Be careful to keep these shelves uncluttered for a more appealing appearance.
Eclectic Blends – More and more designers are enjoying a “no rules” leaning towards the concept of interior design. We’re seeing a lot of eclectic blending of styles including BoHo, Modern, Industrial, Farmhouse Chic, Traditional, Rustic, European-influences and more.
Mixed Metals – Just as décor is seeing a blend of different styles, there is also a growing trend towards the mixing of different metals. Rather than merely seeing nickel door knobs, drawer pulls and faucets throughout the home, we’re starting to see a blend of gold, copper, bronze, silver, brass and industrial-inspired metals like matte black steel and more burnished metals.
Tasteful Textures – In order to keep a minimalistic look from being boring, many designers are adding texture in upholstery, rugs, accents and even walls.
It’s All in Black and White – Shades of white on walls and trim juxtaposed against bold black kitchen cabinets are witnessing a rising popularity. Not only do these two colors work well together, they also invite POPS of color in artwork, accessories and accent pieces. Jewel tones are increasingly popular and work beautifully against both black and white.
Comfort Cavalcade – It’s all too easy for a minimalistic look to seem uninviting. That’s why there’s an emphasis on including comfy, cozy and inviting furniture for your living spaces. It’s entirely possible to provide seating that looks refined but also communicates “relaxation.” Don’t merely purchase furniture for its visual appeal, give it a test run and try to imagine spending long binge-watching sessions there.
Pantone Color of the Year: Living Coral – Pantone – THE authority on color for the fashion and décor industries – has announced its color of the year for 2019. Drum roll, please…. It’s Living Coral (Pantone 16-1546). The company describes it as “An animating and life-affirming coral hue with a golden undertone that energizes and enlivens with a softer edge.” It’s a great addition as an accent color in accessories for the home and plays beautifully against white walls, as well as greys, greens, blues and other warm pastels.

Highlight Homes welcomes the opportunity to help you incorporate one or more of the trends listed above in your next renovation project or custom home. We invite the opportunity to start a discussion with you and can be reached at 678-873-9234, info@highlighthomesga.com or via our convenient online contact form. To learn more about us and take a peek inside past Highlight Homes’ projects, please visit us at www.highlighthomesga.com. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

What Makes a Great Room Great?

Highlight Homes December 12, 2018 Atlanta Custom Homes, Luxury Renovations

There is no better time than the holiday season to really explore all of the elements that make a Great Room truly GREAT. Also known in many circles as the “Family Room”, it’s a room of the home where countless everyday moments happen AND where major milestones are marked. As the backdrop to all of these special occasions, special care should be given to the design and realization of this living space that sees an awful lot of living. Whether creating this space as part of a major renovation of your current home or placing an emphasis on this space in the design of your new custom home, Highlight Homes has some opinions on the matter of taking a Great Room to the Greatest Room you’ll ever know (and love!)…

The Hearth of the Home: From the materials used to create the surround to the mantle itself, the fireplace in your Great Room should be a focal point – a veritable work of art. It should reflect your personality and sense of style, as well as complement the rest of your home. From stacked stone with a rough-hewn timber mantle to a marble surround with intricate woodwork, you can go as casual or as formal as you wish to set the tone for the rest of the room.

Raise the Roof: One component many builders use to make a Great Room feel GRAND is an open second story – opening the space up immeasurably. At Christmastime, just imagine how TALL your Christmas tree could be! If a two-story Great Room isn’t in the cards, there may still be a way to raise the ceilings to 10 feet for more of a sense of spaciousness.

The World Outside: Windows are an important element of your Great Room. If you have a particularly beautiful and PRIVATE backyard, a wall of windows may serve to make the room seem more expansive – connecting it to the world outside. If that is not the case, the addition of just a few windows to let the light shine in might be a better way to go – helping to keep the focus inside the room itself.

All the Trimmings: Woodwork can serve as the frame to the Great Room of your dreams. For a more rustic, cozy feel, you might elect to go with timber rafters. For a more traditional, formal feel, you might incorporate a coffered ceiling, crown molding and built-in bookcases.

Go with the Flow: If you always dreamed of having one of those enormous overstuffed sectionals where you and the entire family can lounge around eating popcorn and watching a Christmas movie marathon, it’s important to communicate this to your builder. The layout of the room should be designed in such a way to accommodate your vision – from the placement of the sectional to the location of the TV.

The Ground Beneath Your Feet: Choice of flooring can serve to enhance this space, as well. If you elect to go with hardwoods or tile, you’ll want to invest in throw rugs to soften the space and make it more inviting. The addition of carpet will make it more welcoming to bare feet, but be aware that spills in this popular space are a very real possibility – making the investment in stain-resistant carpet a wise one.

A Little Light on the Subject: Lighting is an oft overlooked design element that – when wielded properly – can result in a stunning transformation of any space. If your Great Room doesn’t get a lot of natural light, you’ll want to pay attention to the placement of your lighting. For a truly dramatic effect, invest in one showstopper fixture in the center of the room.

Color Me Happy: The choice of paint colors in this space can serve to open up the space further AND set the mood. You might want to keep it neutral and let your décor do the talking, or you may want to choose a paint and trim color that will enhance the ambiance. Gray is all the rage in home design. You might elect to paint the walls a pale gray and the trim a slightly darker gray. Gray exudes a sense of balance, formality and sophistication. Other emotions/sensations tied to color include: beige = calm, white = clean, black = edgy, brown = earthy and rustic, pink = innocent, red = passionate, yellow = happy, green = natural, blue = serene and inviting.

The team at Atlanta-based Highlight Homes welcomes the opportunity to help you transform the look of your current family room, add a Great Room onto your existing home or design a custom home on your behalf that includes the Great Room of your dreams. 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 Holiday Season and all the very best in the New Year!

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

Press Release: Highlight Homes Kicks off 2018 with Launch of New Commercial Construction Division

Highlight Homes January 19, 2018 highlight-homes-news

Georgia Home Builder and Luxury Renovation Company Has Been Newly Certified as a Commercial Builder

Atlanta, January 19, 2018 – With a solid history of land development, residential construction and luxury renovations under his work belt, one might believe that Highlight Homes’ founder, Tony Pourhassan, has plenty of projects to keep him busy. A visionary architect and master craftsman, Pourhassan doesn’t merely reserve his creativity to the design and construction of custom homes and whole home renovations throughout Metro Atlanta. He also endeavors to drive his business in exciting new directions. Having survived the housing crash of 2008 that forced many builders across the nation to shutter their doors, Highlight Homes adapted by adding a renovation division in 2009 and a custom construction division in 2014. In 2018, Pourhassan evolves Highlight Homes further by launching a commercial construction division within his Atlanta-based company.

“It just makes sense to grow Highlight Homes in this direction,” said Pourhassan. “As a custom home builder and master renovator, I have the honor of working with many clients who either own their own companies or are on the leadership team of a local corporation. When residential projects come to a close and my clients are clearly pleased with the results, I have often received requests to expand into the commercial realm. I have had the honor of working on a number of commercial projects to date, including a veterinary office, an innovatively combined coffee house and dog wash, and more. As a small business owner, I welcome the opportunity to work with other small business owners to realize their vision of a corporate office, restaurant or retail location. After all, a commercial space should be just as warm and welcoming as a luxury home, while inspiring the people who work there to be creative, innovative and industrious.”

In November 2017, Highlight Homes was certified to design and construct commercial structures of up to five stories. With the debut of his new commercial construction division, Pourhassan and his team plan to place a larger focus on the development of commercial properties throughout 2018.

Some of the commercial structures for which Highlight Homes is certified as a design-build firm include:

Churches
Educational Facilities
Healthcare Facilities
Shopping Centers
Retail Spaces
Restaurants
Office Buildings
Apartments
Senior Living Facilities
Warehouses
Manufacturing Facilities
And More!

To learn more about Highlight Homes, prospective residential and commercial clients, as well as real estate professionals are invited to visit www.highlighthomesga.com.

About Highlight Homes: Highlight Homes, LLC was established in 2005 by builder, developer and architect, Anthony F. Pourhassan. The Atlanta-based company is founded on the core belief in the significance of what they are creating, firmly based in their lasting dedication to the clients they serve, and continually growing as word spreads of their unswerving commitment to quality. Each Highlight Home contractor is fully licensed, registered and insured, and is well prepared to tackle projects of varying size and scope – from a luxury custom estate in one of Atlanta’s trendiest neighborhoods to a cozy, bungalow-inspired home in the sprawling suburbs.

Highlight Homes keeps a steady pace with other leaders in its field through continued education and certification, as well as through affiliations with top-notch professional organizations such as the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association, Certified Professional Home Builders of Georgia, National Kitchen & Bath Association, and National Association of the Remodeling Industry. Highlight Homes is proud to be a Better Business Bureau accredited business, as well as a certified Earth Craft House Builder, Energy Star Partner, and LEED Certified Home Builder. In response to a growing need in Atlanta, Highlight Homes launched its renovation division in 2009, custom construction division in 2014 and commercial division in 2018.

Celebrate National Home Ownership Month with a Custom Home

Highlight Homes June 8, 2017September 22, 2017 Atlanta Custom Homes

“For generations of Americans, owning a home has been an essential element in achieving the American Dream. Homeownership is often the foundation of security and prosperity for families and communities and an enduring symbol of American freedom.” ~ President Donald J. Trump

In his proclamation declaring June 2017 as National Home Ownership Month, the President of the United States reaffirmed the many benefits of home ownership – not just to the family who lives there, but also to the community where they live and the Nation as a whole. Beyond the proclamation, conditions appear to support the concept of increasing the number of home owners. According to the National Home Builders Association/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI), builder confidence continues to climb – a very good sign in light of the housing market crash less than a decade ago. As a matter of fact, May 2017 marked the second highest HMI on record since the downturn. The HMI is derived from a monthly survey of builders that measures current sales conditions, as well as 6-month projections. Even though single-family new home inventories are at some of their highest levels witnessed since July 2009, spec home builders still struggle to keep up with consumer demand. However, there’s an excellent “work-around” for buyers who seek a beautiful new home but don’t want to contend with low inventories and the hassle of being outbid or beat to the chase by other buyers… a custom home.

A custom home affords its owners with the knowledge that their house has been designed and constructed to fit their family’s unique needs, tastes, personalities and interests. Based in Atlanta, Highlight Homes is strategically positioned to aid in the construction of custom homes in some of the city’s most distinctive and highly sought-after neighborhoods – including Buckhead, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Roswell and beyond. We can even help you locate the ideal lot for your custom home in the perfect area of town to suit your family. To begin YOUR personal celebration of National Home Ownership Month by breaking ground on a custom home crafted by the experts at Highlight Homes, contact us TODAY at 678-873-9234, info@highlighthomesga.com or via our convenient online contact form. To learn more about Highlight Homes, sneak a peek inside our gallery and peruse our current inventory of homes for sale, be sure to visit us at www.highlighthomesga.com.

Celebrate National Home Ownership Month by Breaking Ground on a Custom Home

Highlight Homes June 20, 2016September 22, 2017 Atlanta Custom Homes

June marks National Home Ownership Month – and it’s not too late to get in on the celebration. Launched in 2002 with a proclamation by President George W. Bush, the goal of its commemoration is to inspire more families to achieve the American Dream. What better way to celebrate a month devoted to home ownership and the American Dream than by breaking ground on the custom home of your dreams? A custom home provides the homeowner with a unique opportunity to be intimately involved in all aspects of its realization: from the selection of the ideal site and floor plan, to the incorporation of special elements that prove the perfect fit for your family’s needs and tastes. Custom builders are different from volume builders. They serve as your expert on the ground at your home site, ensuring that the end result matches – and sometimes even exceeds – your vision. The very best custom builders will invite you to be as involved – or removed – from the project as you wish.

Highlight Homes is proud of our standing as a premier custom builder in Atlanta. Our team welcomes the opportunity to partner with you on the realization of the home you’ve always dreamed of owning. Let’s celebrate National Home Ownership Month together! To learn more about the custom construction process, be sure to read: 10 Steps to Making Your Dream Home a Reality. When you’re ready to get started, contact us by calling 678-873-9234, e-mailing us at info@highlighthomesga.com, or filling out our convenient online contact form. We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Too excited to wait until a custom home is built? Check out the gorgeous homes currently available in our inventory!

Find Your Dream Home in Dunwoody

Highlight Homes March 3, 2016March 15, 2016 highlight-homes-news

Nestled on a tree-lined street in the heart of one of Atlanta’s most sought-after suburbs, the four-sides brick Dunwoody home at 4953 Leisure Drive is an entertainer’s paradise with 5 spacious bedrooms, 4.5 spa-inspired bathrooms, showplace gourmet kitchen, inviting living spaces, full daylight basement, expansive back deck overlooking a private lake, fabulous mudroom, three-car garage and so much more. Priced at an incredible $1,049,000, this 4,239 SF spectacular spec home – elegantly designed, expertly crafted and exclusively YOU by Atlanta’s premier custom home builder, Highlight Homes – is move-in ready.

Aspiring chefs are likely to want to spend more time in the fabulous kitchen than anywhere else in the home. Just imagine the recipes one could create on the generously proportioned island. The crisp white cabinetry, pale gray tile backsplash and light granite countertops are offset by rich, hand-rubbed hardwoods, brushed nickel hardware and stainless steel appliances. The adjoining keeping room boasts a soaring cathedral wood ceiling and dramatic floor-to-ceiling fireplace. On warm Spring and Summer evenings, the choice to dine al fresco is an easy one thanks to the proximity of the deck to the kitchen space.

Surprisingly sophisticated touches can be found throughout the home – from the living room with its built-in bookcase with glass doors and coffered ceiling, to the magnificent oval-shaped double trey and wall of windows in the master bedroom. The master bathroom is truly special – giving off an air of Old Hollywood, with its soaking tub, tile plank flooring, his and her vanities and glass and tile shower stall. Even the secondary bedrooms have the feel of slightly smaller master suites with incredible attached bathrooms, walk-in closets, trey ceiling and more.

While the overall feel of the home – from the gray shake siding, taupe board-and-batten shutters, double oak front doors and pale brick exterior to the luxurious yet completely livable interior – is overwhelmingly classic, it’s perfectly suited for today’s modern family. At the top of the stairs on the second floor is a striking tech center with built-in bookshelves, drawers and double desks – the ideal space for a homework station or home office. The home also comes equipped with “smart” technology for interior climate control – which isn’t merely cool and convenient, but could equate to some significant cost savings on utility bills.

Children who live in this home can attend Kingsley Elementary, Peachtree Middle and Dunwoody High Schools – or the highly reputable Marist School, which was just ranked #9 out of the Top 100 Private High Schools in Georgia by Niche Rankings. #25 – Brandon Hall – is also located nearby. The entire family will enjoy the surrounding City of Dunwoody – with its convenience to I-285, Perimeter Mall, world-class dining, wonderful parks and terrific community events. To learn more about this distinctive Dunwoody home, please contact our real estate representatives at Keller Williams First Atlanta Realty – Melanie and Tyler Pourhassan. Melanie can be reached via e-mail at melaniehp@kw.com or by phone at 678-873-9232, and Tyler can be reached via e-mail at apourhassan@kw.com or by phone at 678-833-2051. They would be happy to schedule a tour of the home with you.

For more information about new construction homes, custom homes and luxury renovations by Highlight Homes – please visit www.highlighthomesga.com.

2016 Pantone Color(s) of the Year: Rose Quartz and Serenity

Highlight Homes February 1, 2016May 13, 2016 Uncategorized

For the first time EVER, Pantone – THE authority on color for the fashion and design industries has named not just one, but TWO colors as its Color of the Year. Exploring color’s softer side, Pantone has designated a blending of Rose Quartz (PANTONE 13-1520) and Serenity (PANTONE 15-3919) to reflect the public’s growing desire for balance and well-being.

“Joined together, Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace,” explained Pantone Color Institute Executive Director, Leatrice Eiseman, on the company’s website.

According to Pantone’s Color of the Year web page: “Rose Quartz is a persuasive yet gentle tone that conveys compassion and a sense of composure. Serenity is weightless and airy, like the expanse of the blue sky above us, bringing feelings of respite and relaxation even in turbulent times.”

For homeowners who swear by color psychology and the use of certain colors to lend a sense of balance to their world, this will no doubt come as good news. Atlanta-based Highlight Homes is happy to help its renovation and custom home clients incorporate these lovely new Colors of the Year in their homes. When used in conjunction with other hot trends such as crisp, white kitchens, reflective surfaces and “Old Hollywood”-inspired mirrored and metallic home accessories, both shades could lend to an elegant and sophisticated look. When used for Interiors, the Pantone press release announcing the Color of the Year suggests that “the pairing of Serenity and Rose Quartz bring a feeling of calm and relaxation into the home environment. Like a serene sunset, Rose Quartz encourages reflection on one’s surroundings while Serenity, a transcendent blue, provides a naturally connected sense of space.”

Pantone believes that both colors serve as a distinctive choice for rugs and upholstery, as well as paint and decorative accessories, such as solid and patterned fabrics, throws, pillows, bedding, kitchen items, tableware, and home accessories like candles, decorative bowls, vases and florals. Either would serve as a striking addition to any room as an accent wall or a painted door and trim.

Pantone recommends the following shades to complement Rose Quartz and Serenity: Grays such as Pantone 14-0000 Silver Gray, 18-3906 Volcanic Glass, 14-0216 Lint, 17-0613 Vetiver, 18-5204 Granite Gray, 11-4201 Cloud Dancer and 15-4702 Puritan Gray; Browns such as Pantone 19-0810 Major Brown, 18-1112 Walnut, 13-1012 Frosted Almond, 18-1108 Fallen Rock, 18-1235 Russet, 15-1218 Semolina and 16-0906 Simply Taupe; Bright pastels such as 16-2107 Orchid Haze, 15-1520 Blooming Dahlia, 16-3521 Lupine, 12-5406 Opal Blue, 18-3211 Grapeade, and 13-1125 Peach Quartz – among others.

To learn more about Rose Quartz, Serenity and Pantone’s suggested color palettes, visit the Color of the Year announcement page online.

About Pantone and the Pantone Color Institute: Pantone LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of X-Rite, Incorporated, is the global color authority and provider of professional color standards for the design industries. Pantone products have encouraged colorful exploration and expressions of creativity from inspiration to implementation for more than 50 years.

Image Credit: Pantone LLC Virtual Press Room

Building a Digital Dream Book

Highlight Homes December 29, 2015May 13, 2016 highlight-homes-news

Over the course of the last few years, Highlight Homes has recommended to our renovation and custom home clients that they build a “dream book” to share with us. In addition to paint swatches and lists of elements they hope to incorporate into their design – such as a window seat with storage, butler’s pantry just off the formal dining room or upstairs laundry room they’ve always wanted – we often suggest that they clip photos out of magazines to give us the best idea of the look and feel they hope to achieve. These dream books serve as a tangible “go to” resource that we can look to throughout all stages of design and construction. However, given the fact that it is now 2016 and the digital age is in full swing, we’d like to add a wrinkle to the dog-eared Dream Book binder of yesteryear in favor of a more modern approach… the Digital Dream Book.

Step 1… Pop Open Pinterest: If you don’t already have one, open a Pinterest account. Depending on the size of your project, you can either build a board filled with images or several boards dedicated to various rooms of the home, as well as the exterior. Once you’ve opened your account and created your boards, it’s time to start building!

Step 2… Become a Shutterbug: Inspiration can come from some of the most unusual places. Use your smartphone to snap photos of elements that speak to you at friends’ houses, but also look at the architecture of commercial locations, at your natural surroundings, everywhere! Upload photos to Pinterest and be sure to add comments with regard to WHY that image spoke to you.

Step 3… Explore the Digital Landscape: Architectural and interior design magazine websites are terrific places to look for images that speak to you. Don’t overlook appliance, paint and flooring manufacturers.

Again, inspiration can come from the most unusual places, so don’t rule anything out as you look for those images that will help convey what you hold in your imagination. Pin the pictures that hold special meaning and be sure to add comments with regard to WHY that image spoke to you.

Step 4… Share Your Boards with Highlight Homes: Once you’re satisfied with the sense of home you’re trying to convey, share the link to your board/boards with the team at Highlight Homes. We can use it to develop a more accurate quote and design so that your reality will actually exceed your dream (book).

To learn more about Highlight Homes and our extensive list of services, we encourage you to visit www.highlighthomesga.com.

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