One of the most common things we hear when folks come to us to build a custom home is their concern about designing it. A valid concern! This can feel overwhelming and even stop some from pursuing their dream of building a home—but it doesn’t have to! The design process can actually be fun if you ask yourself the right questions.

While some people are naturally gifted in design, others aren’t—but that doesn’t mean your home can’t look amazing! We have built hundreds of custom homes here on the NC coast. We will put that experience to work for you and help guide you through the process and make it enjoyable.

The most important thing to start with is: What personality do you want your home to have? Think about how you want to feel when you walk into your home or even when you drive down your driveway. Consider places you’ve been—whether it’s a cozy cabin in the mountains or a breezy beach house—and how they made you feel.

Some of us are sensitive to color—we actually need it. That might mean neutral walls with pops of color, like a bold kitchen island, or soft blue walls with crisp white cabinets that give off a nautical feel. Others prefer a calm, neutral palette. Some love following trends and don’t mind updating their space every few years, while others want a timeless look.

Generational preferences also play a role. Some people design around family heirlooms and antiques, while others love modern styles. Some prefer everything to match, while others enjoy mixing textures and finishes. The key takeaway? Different doesn’t mean wrong—this is your home, and you should love it! 🙂

When it comes to getting help with the design process, we hear mixed reviews. Some people love working with experts, while others prefer to take full creative control. The good news? There’s no wrong approach—go with what feels right for you!

A great starting point is Pinterest. The old saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” definitely applies! Create separate boards for different areas of your home—exterior, kitchen, living room, master bathroom, and even specific spaces like a butler’s pantry. Once you’ve collected ideas, go back and look for common themes. Mood boards can also help by putting paint colors, flooring, tile, and even furniture textures together in one place.

If you find yourself torn between a couple of styles, don’t panic! Think about choosing elements that are easy to update over time.

• Love the idea of changing your home’s exterior color every few years? Consider Hardie siding, which holds up well against storms and hurricanes—something every homeowner in North Carolina should consider.
• Want the flexibility to refresh your kitchen island? Choose a painted finish instead of stained wood.
• Tile is a bigger commitment, so take time selecting something you’ll love long-term.

Also, consider layering colors and textures. Let’s take a coastal farmhouse as an example:

• Black windows
• Double ¾ glass exterior doors with a light rustic stain
• Brick edging on the patio
• A light blue porch ceiling with black fixtures for a nautical touch

Too much for your taste? Maybe you prefer a classic black-and-white look—and that’s perfectly fine! The key is to break things down into manageable decisions so you don’t get overwhelmed. Once you’ve settled on an overall style, you can bring everything together.

Another important factor? Durability. If your home is near the beach, consider materials that can withstand sand, foot traffic, and moisture. Flooring choices, for instance, should be able to handle vacation guests coming in from the beach with wet feet. Tile or luxury vinyl plank (LVP) are great low-maintenance options that hold up well against heavy use.

Remember, this is a process! You don’t have to decide everything the day you break ground. The earliest decisions you’ll need to make are siding, windows, and exterior doors. After that, take your time choosing what you’ll love the most. And if you’re stuck between two styles? Pick elements that are easy to change later, so you get the best of both worlds.

Let’s turn your Pinterest board into reality!
Contact us to start designing a luxury home that reflects your style and stands up to North Carolina coastal living.