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Design

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Floodproof on a Floodplain

An impressive addition to the IDEA Home series, the NEWLOOK Experience Home is a master class in engineering and creative design, with builder Michael Freiburger out-thinking an exceptionally tricky lot



Business

Custom Builder to Talk Color Design with Becki Owens at IBS

At this year's IBS, renowned designer Becki Owens will sit down with host James McClister, editor of Custom Builder, to discuss a variety of topics from basic color play in design to the Allura Spectrum palette, a collection of Sherwin-Williams colors curated for the benefit of pros


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Design

Kitchen and bath design: Sink systems

From built-in drain boards to trough sinks to integrated food-prep areas, there are countless options and accessories for sinks today. Kitchen and bath designer Carol Lamkins provides an overview of the latest sink systems and accessories.

Design

HomeVestors announces top 10 ugliest houses

The ugliest house in America is officially in Springfield, Mo., according to a HomeVestors of America list featured on CNNMoney.com.

Best Practices

3 vacation homes with style and pizzazz

Not exactly the simple cottages you remember from childhood, these vacation homes in Malibu, Calif., Indian Beach, Del., and Groton Long Point, Conn., are made for getting away — in style.

Flooring & Tile

9 tile design trends for 2011

Tile products with textured, fabric-like surfaces and linear patterns are among the top tile design trends for 2011, according to tile manufacturer Dal-Tile. Each year, the company tracks the latest trends in designing with tile for both residential and commercial structures. Check out the nine tile design trends this year.

Customer Service

Survey: Majority of consumers think now is good time to buy a home

Nearly nine in 10 consumers believe now is a good time to buy a home, according to a survey of 10,000 consumers by John Burns Real Estate Consulting. While most think the market is ripe, many said they aren't finding what they want in a new home. For example, style and design matter more than price, and personalization is in high demand.

Green & Sustainable

11 kitchen and bath design trends for 2011

Dark natural finishes, induction cooktops, satin nickel faucets, and LED lighting are among the top design trends for kitchens and bathrooms for 2011, according to a survey of more than 100 designers who are members of the National Kitchen & Bath Association. The survey identified seven kitchen trends and four bathroom trends.

Cabinets, Countertops & Hardware

7 trends in kitchen design

The recession has had a major impact on kitchen design. Gone are the ornate and formal styles with travertine marble flooring and intricate decorative trim. Clients today are moving toward cleaner-looking cabinet faces and richer, more rural themes. These are among the latest trends in kitchen design.

Business

Survey Defines Custom-Built Home Demographics

New research by Custom Builder magazine provides insights into client profiles, home specifications, and top business challenges. Among the findings: homes are getting smaller, purse strings are tightening, and move-up buyers rule the market. Check out our full report.

Leadership

Snapshot of the custom-home market

Last month, the U.S. Census Bureau released the first batch of the freshly collected 2010 census data of the nation. The big news so far: The official resident population count increased 9.7 percent over the 2000 census to 308.74 million people (the slowest growth rate since the Great Depression), with most growth occurring in the South and West regions, led by Texas.

Green & Sustainable

Kitchen and bath design series: Tips on designing and specifying shower systems

Understanding the mechanics of shower systems is vital to creating a great user experience, according to kitchen and bath design expert Paul Greenspan. He offers advice on shower system design and specification, including when to use a thermostatic valve in lieu of a pressure balance valve.

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