If you’ve just completed the build on your custom home, or are looking to make your current home “smarter” this coming year, we’ve got some tips for you. Below are several smart home ideas for 2022 that can help you stress less and enjoy life more!

 First, a good “smart lighting” system is a way to add motion based security lights to your entrances and even back yard areas. Products like smart lighting systems provide lights that can be used individually, but also connected through an app. You can link the lights with a security system, program them to all come on at the same time, etc.

 Speaking of outdoor smart must-haves, a video doorbell is a great way to get started with smart home devices. Not only is it convenient to be able to see who’s at the door from the couch (or the office) but they add security too! You can see and speak to whoever is at the door and you can record the comings and goings of delivery people, etc.

 Voice assistants and smart speakers are great additions for most of the rooms in your home. Having Alexa play your favorite music is a great way to relax in the evenings.

 Continuing with your in-home smart devices, you can also use Alexa or Google Assitant, along with various apps, to control the lights, remind you of chores and appointments, and so much more.

And finally, a smart thermostat can really change your home heating and cooling routine. Some of these smart thermostats can even program themselves by learning your preferences and then creating a personalized schedule!

 There are so many options for “smart home” improvements these days. We could write an entire month’s worth of blogs post on them! Instead, for more information on a variety of smart home ideas, click here.

When designing your custom home one of the choices you'll get to make is the color of your bedroom walls. There are some colors that, according to psychologists, can create a calming effect.  For a good night's sleep, these are the best colors to use. 

Blue/Green hues seem to evoke a sense of calm for most people. In fact in some studies blue was shown to actually reduce heart rates. However, everyone is different and you'll need to find colors that soothe you.  

One example of a blue/green color that will provide that calming effect is Sherwin William's Hazel.  While mostly lighter greens and blues are the best for aiding in sleep, you can choose darker colors if those work better for you and your style.

There are some colors that interior designers and pyschologists say you should avoid if you're working to create a more soothing bedroom space. Vivid colors like reds and oranges tend to make your brain think about intensity and war.  Those aren't exactly the thoughts anyone needs when trying to go to sleep!

According to this Apartment Therapy article, "... bright or neon pinks and purples may also be too stimulating when you’re winding down for sleep. And while dark grays and browns might feel earthy at first, Peacock says they can evoke feelings of uncertainty that may make sleep difficult. Listen to your body’s cues — if you’re set on creating a jewel-box space in your bedroom, you can always paint it over if you find that it doesn’t work."

If blues and greens really aren't your thing, then consider neutrals. There's absolutely nothing wrong with choosing a neutral color for your bedroom walls. You can always add accent colors in your bedding and artwork. 

If you're ready to get started on your custom home please call us! We'd love to work with you to design the perfect home for your family's needs. 

While there are many choices to make when designing your custom home, one of the most important is your flooring. These days there are so many more options for quality and affordable flooring to choose from. 

Hardwood - Classic Hardwood floors are always timeless and elegant.  Hardwood floors provide a durable surface for most rooms in your home. However, it's important to remember that hardwood floors are not waterproof (though there are a few engineered waterproof styles available).  Therefore, you may want to think twice before using hardwood in a kitchen or bathroom.  Hardwood floors are easy to clean and can be easily protected with floor mats, area rugs, etc.

Tile - Another classic, standard ceramic tile is a great option for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. Because it is waterproof and extra durable it can hold up to the wear and tear that these often used rooms create. Tile is easy to clean and comes in a huge variety of styles and colors.

Luxury Vinyl Plank and Tile - 

Vinyl flooring has benefited from many innovations in both style and performance in recent years. Now, it leads the way in achieving the perfect balance between affordability and durability. It is waterproof, can stand up to heavy traffic and pets, and is easy to clean. There is a plethora of styles and options available and it's affordable too!

And finally, while not everyone loves it, there is something cozy about the feel of carpet underfoot in the mornings. Even if you just use it for bedrooms, or opt for a hard-surface flooring and area rugs, some sort of carpet is worth considering. If you have indoor allergies it might not be for you, but with the advent of robot vacuums and stain protectors, having carpet isn't as scary as it used to be! 

If you're ready to start your custom home plans, call us! We'd love to help. 

There are so many advantages to building a custom home. The biggest, of course, is that it's CUSTOMIZED for you and your family. Among the many options and design features to consider is a gas fireplace.  Here in Western Colorado where the temperatures stay relatively mild for much of the year, a gas fireplace has many benefits. 

1. Gas fireplaces are easy to operate. You can simply flip a switch to get heat going in the morning to take off the chill without turning on the heating system for the entire house. Many even have blowers that help circulate heat throughout your home. Since we can have low morning temps and 70-degree afternoons, a gas fireplace is a great option for just cutting the morning the chill. 

2. Gas fireplaces are clean. If you're comparing a gas fireplace to a wood-burning fireplace, there's no question that a gas fireplace is the cleaner option. Since we often have days where wood-burning fireplaces can't be used (unless they're your only source of heat) due to air quality issues, a gas fireplace makes sense. Plus there are no ashes and no need for a chimney sweep.

3. Gas fireplaces are safer for your pets and kids. Since you aren't using wood there are no random sparks or pops coming from your fire. This means kids and dogs, who love basking in the warmth of a fire, won't accidentally get singed by a rogue spark. 

4. Gas fireplaces are more convenient. There's no having to haul or chop wood, no need to go outside when it's freezing to get more wood, and no harming the environment by chopping down a tree unnecessarily. 

5. Finally, gas fireplaces are stylish! There are so many designs now that can be incorporated into just about any style home. From modern to farmhouse we can find a great gas fireplace to fit your family's needs. 

Ready to get started on your custom home? Contact us! We'd love to help.