When designing spaces, ceilings are often overlooked, but they can significantly impact a room’s overall look and feel. Ceilings are the ‘fifth wall’ in a room, and with the right design can add depth, texture, and character. Each of the ceiling types below can be used to enhance any space. Beamed Ceiling This rustic design uses exposed wooden beams in a grid pattern and is usually found in country-style kitchens, living rooms, and dining rooms. Coffered Ceiling This classic ceiling…

New NAHB 2023 Priced-Out Estimates show that 96.5 million households are not able to afford a median priced new home, and that additional 140,436 households would be priced out of the new home market if the price goes up by $1,000. This post presents details regarding how interest rates affect the number of households that could be priced out of… Read More ›

NAHB recently released its 2023 priced out estimates, showing how higher prices and interest rates affect housing affordability. The new estimates show that 96.5 million households are already not able to afford a median priced new home in 2023 due to the fact that their incomes are insufficient to qualify for the required mortgage under standard underwriting criteria.  If the… Read More ›

Tradition meets modern comfort in this luxurious, high-contrast Parkstone Chef’s Kitchen and Scullery. Built for entertaining and the buyer’s comfort in mind, this kitchen embodies timeless elegance with material mixing infused for added drama with marble, polished and chrome accents, matte black hardware, unique paint treatments and specialty lighting. With ample storage, shelving and counter space, the premier Scullery was designed to prep in style, perfect for entertaining or everyday use from your first sip of morning coffee until the…

Single-family production remained at an anemic pace in February as builders continue to wrestle with elevated mortgage rates, high construction costs and tightening credit conditions that threaten to be exacerbated by recent turmoil in the banking system. Led by gains in apartment construction, overall housing starts in February increased 9.8% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.45 million units,… Read More ›

Bird Street Estates III is a characteristic desert oasis nestled in Paradise Valley, Ariz. The elevated project was lifted to capture views of iconic Mummy Mountain, and the orientation and site design was established to ensure views from all moments within. The linear design accentuates the indoor-outdoor living lifestyle, while supporting an easy flow throughout the space. Natural travertine and the soft complementary color palette create an inviting, yet modern, piece of architecture. Architect/Designer | BedBrock Architecture featuring Stratton ArchitectsBuilder | BedBrock…

After four consecutive declines, the producer price index (PPI) for inputs to residential construction less energy (i.e., building materials) rose 0.3% in February 2023 (not seasonally adjusted) follow a 1.1% increase in January (revised), according to the latest PPI report. Price growth of goods inputs to residential construction, including energy, gained 0.4% over the month. Prices have increased 2.9% over the… Read More ›

Although high construction costs and elevated interest rates continue to hamper housing affordability, builders expressed cautious optimism in March as a lack of existing inventory is shifting demand to the new home market. Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes in March rose two points to 44, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/Wells Fargo… Read More ›

Tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the private Elk Mountain Zen is an epic vacation home. The clients’ style was modern luxury with a homey twist, and their inspiration was Hollywood Hills style in the Asheville Mountains. The beautiful custom primary suite was created to have a clean and modern, yet inviting, feel. The contrast between the black concrete, rich wooden bed and white walls makes this space welcoming. Special features include: A custom-built floating bed and nightstands attached…

Consumer prices in February saw the smallest year-over-year gain since September 2021 with an eighth consecutive month of a deceleration. However, the shelter index (housing inflation) continued to rise at an accelerated pace and was the largest contributor to the total increase, accounting for over 70% of the increase. Shelter inflation is a lagging indicator and will primarily be cooled… Read More ›