February 4, 2022

Have you been wondering how to make use of that extra space in your home? Consider transforming it with one of these popular bonus room ideas. A bonus room can be anything your heart desires or lifestyle requires and with Mitchell & Best Next Door as your custom home builder, the possibilities are endless.

Below, we’ll share ten thoughtful bonus room ideas to incorporate into your custom home plans. Take advantage of this versatile space and transform your home into a sanctuary you’ll never want to leave.

Ten Fabulous Bonus Room Ideas For Your Custom Home

1. The Home Office

The dedicated office space is essential if you work from home, have a second job or maybe a side hustle you do online. Expand the area and enhance your organization by adding shelving units and bookshelves. Consider movable or convertible furniture, such as a storage ottoman, to create a multipurpose room.

2. The Home Theater

Home theaters are especially appealing post pandemic. Consider establishing a bonus room where you can recreate the movie theater experience. Invest in a large screen to show your favorite movies or TV programs. Adorn the walls with favorite movie posters, and furnish recliner armchairs so you and your guests can enjoy individualized comfort.

3. The Library

If you’re a book connoisseur or simply enjoy quiet spaces for study and relaxation, transforming your bonus room into a library is a great idea. Include built-in bookshelves for additional storage space and to properly exhibit your literary treasures. You’ll want a comfy chair for reading; a desk and office chair can make your library multifunctional.

4. The Children’s Playroom

Do you find toys all over your home? Create a playroom to keep all the toys in one location, and give your children their own space for play. Incorporate shelving units, baskets, and storage bins to keep this room organized. As the children grow, convert this room into a hangout where they can socialize.

5. The Game Room

Whether you love video and computer games or the pool table and darts, establish the ultimate entertainment center with comfortable lounge furniture, vivid lighting, and your essential equipment for endless fun with family and friends.

6. The Gym

Have fitness goals but can’t always make it to the local gym? Integrating a gym into your home can be a valuable use of space, allowing you to work out anytime in the comfort of your own space. Include your favorite training equipment, mats, mirrors, even a sound system to enjoy music as you exercise.

7. The Craft Room

Do you love to make new crafts or art? Have a long list of creative projects? Then make yourself a craft room and get your DIY on! Utilize shelving units with baskets and storage bins to keep your tools and supplies organized and handy. Add an industrial table for a great work surface.

8. The Collection Room

If you collect anything, from designer dolls to vintage guitars, turn your bonus room into a collection room. Design your own unique museum to display your favorite collectibles and relax surrounded by the things you love.

9. The Bar

If you frequently host gatherings and celebrations, create a bar outfitted with a wall TV, bar stools, and adjustable lighting for a classic sports bar ambiance. Dedicate this space in your home especially to entertainment.

10. The Guest Room

If you are still wondering how best to utilize your bonus room, consider the classic guest room. Whether for short- or long-term guests, create an oasis where they can feel at home, in your home. Add a vanity, drawers, and comfortable furniture for them to settle in and relax.

How to Design A Bonus Room You’ll Love For Years

With a custom home builder like Mitchell & Best Next Door, you can not only design a fully functional home, but also incorporate bonus rooms that adapt to your lifestyle and interests. 

We have floor plans that support any type of bonus room. For example, if you’re looking for attic spaces where you can create a sanctuary or study, check out our Hawthorne, Westport II and Eagle’s Nest plans.

Take a look at our full list of custom floor plans for more bonus room ideas, and contact us today to make your entire home a place where you and your family can thrive.

January 3, 2022

Color plays a major role in home design, so consider the Pantone 2022 Color of the Year, Very Peri, for your upcoming home makeover. Very Peri is a vibrant periwinkle blue with undertones of violet red. It’s a contemporary yet futuristic color.

Very Peri fits with today’s landscape as we find ourselves adjusting to a new way of life post pandemic. Very Peri is a transformative color that embraces fearlessness, creativity and renewal in an age where our physical and digital lives are coinciding with each other.

In home interior design, Very Peri can breathe new life into your living spaces. The wonderful thing about this vibrant color is that a little goes a long way to transform an area. If you’re looking for an uplifting and relaxing touch, try Very Peri.

Below, we’ll share how you can incorporate the Pantone 2022 Color of the Year, Very Peri, into your living space to reap its benefits and surround yourself with hope and renewal.

Popular Areas for The Pantone 2022 Color of the Year

Bedroom

Blues and purples are soothing colors that encourage relaxation and rest, so Very Peri is an ideal color selection for your bedroom. To make the most of this color, feature it on your walls or as an accent color in your bedding.

Bath

Spas love using shades of blue in their space because of its calming effect. So, the bathroom is another area that’s ideal to showcase Very Peri. Create the perfect sanctuary by using this shade as an accent color either on one wall or bordering the top and bottom of the walls. If you have tiled floors, you can add a dash of this color to them.

Also, a shade like Very Peri is excellent for small bathroom spaces without natural light. It can instantly make the room appear larger.

Kitchen

If you’re going for a contemporary kitchen, Very Peri is your color. Very Peri can bring life to a neutral kitchen and refresh the space. It’s great as an accent color, featured on an island base or on cabinets. You can also border the top walls with this color. Ideal color pairings with this periwinkle shade are warm wood and metallic finishes.

Entryway

Don’t forget transitional areas like the hallway or entryway. These can definitely benefit from some color, especially Very Peri. Welcome your guests, and yourself, to a cheerful space that will brighten up the mood from the very first step they take into your home.

How to Start Enjoying The Pantone 2022 Color of the Year

There are many ways you can enjoy the Pantone 2022 Color of the Year, Very Peri, in your home. But perhaps the first step in getting this color into your environment is to find the right home for it.

A custom home builder, like Mitchell & Best Next Door, can work with you every step of the way to design, build, or secure a home that’s ideal not only for your lifestyle needs, but also for styling exactly as you wish. With the right home and color scheme, like Very Peri, you can create a modern sanctuary that lifts you out of the pandemic woes.

For over 40 years we’ve built luxury homes in the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore Metropolitan areas. With our extreme attention to detail, eye for quality, and experienced trade partners, we’re known in our area as a top custom builder.

Contact us today to start designing your home for 2022 and check out our gallery of homes.

November 23, 2021

Each new year brings new trends to the world of home design. The past year has been about spending more time at home and creating a cozy and functional nest, a trend that will surely continue in 2022. 

Let’s dive into more home design trends you can expect to see in the upcoming new year and possibly look to include in your custom home plans.

Multifunctional Spaces

With the rise of normalcy surrounding a remote work life, home offices have become a hot commodity. However, homeowners also find great value in flexibility. They want spaces with different purposes as their needs change. 

Multifunctional spaces are shaping 2022 home design trends with colors that promote calmness and focus. Multifunctional furnishings and practical storage options are also becoming increasingly popular within residential interior design. 

We’re seeing more home designs incorporate these flexible spaces, for instance, with the Foxridge home plan, which includes a library and a morning room that homeowners can easily convert into a yoga studio as well as work or study spaces.

While open floor plans have been the norm for decades, homeowners are now showing a preference for floor plans featuring dedicated living spaces that are both private and functional. We noticed this trend gaining traction last year, and believe it will continue to be a desirable layout for next year’s home buyers. 

New Sources of Inspiration

After spending the better part of a year indoors, it’s no surprise that homeowners are eager to find ways of inviting nature into their homes. Potted plants, wooden accents and natural light will remain design staples throughout the upcoming new year.

The demand for high-quality antiques is here as we’re seeing a major resurgence of 70s decor trends. Materials and textures like rattan, macrame and fringe are coming back, as are hanging chairs, brass accents and earthy tones. We can also plan to see trends from the modern era like furniture with rounded edges being borrowed by today’s homeowners.

Peace and Tranquility

The interior design of your home is more than just a design, it reflects how you wish to live and feel while within the space. The goal for 2022 home design trends? Embrace peace and quiet. With clean lines and floating surfaces, you can effortlessly create an uncluttered look further emanting the relaxing sanctuary you desire. 

We’ll surely see an increase in potential owners looking to include luxurious amenities in their home, more so than traveling to experience them elsewhere. A great example of this is this spa-like owner’s bath where as a homeowner, you’ll find plenty of opportunity to create a tranquil space. Our Berkley home plan offers a great retreat in the form of the owner’s suite bath.

Colors can affect our mood greatly, which is why we see fluctuating color trends almost every new year. In 2022 we can anticipate colors like mint, teal and terracotta to be seen around the home. For example, the ceiling, door and window trims are a unique way to take advantage of space to create contrast and emphasize color patterns with lighter hues as well.

Playing with Materials

Materials and textures appeal to the senses and can create a relaxing atmosphere. Plush textures like velvet allow homeowners to work with a darker color palette while evoking sophistication and comfort.

We’re also seeing an interest in organic and sustainable materials, like wool, cotton, linen, hemp and reclaimed materials.

For a modern effect, these soft textures are often used in juxtaposition with glass. Incorporating glass in a room echoes the idea of creating clean and streamlined interiors that let nature in thanks to the reflective properties of glass.

Incorporate These 2022 Home Design Trends Into Your Mitchell & Best Next Door Custom Home

These trends are all about creating interiors that feel cozy and welcoming while still reflecting each family’s lifestyle. At Mitchell & Best Next Door, we believe that a home should adapt to the way you live, not the other way around, which is why we offer custom floor plans that highlight these new home design trends or offer space to easily incorporate what you like. 

Are you interested in new construction tailored to your needs? Contact us to learn more and let’s get started on your vision.

July 30, 2021

We not only love getting away to the next idyllic vacation – We are eager to get there. From the exceptional living spaces to the breathtaking designs to every life-enhancing and relaxing amenity, we can’t help but feel a sense of sadness when it’s time to head home. But who’s to say we can’t enjoy these very luxuries in the place we spend most of our time?

It may seem daunting to incorporate every detail, design and feature we love from hospitality into our very own residences, but what if we told you these two industries intersect more than you think? 

To shed some light on the influence of hospitality in residential design trends, we turned to three professional interior designers for a one-on-one Q&A session where they offer their expert guidance and more.

Who did we talk to?

• Jessica Steeves is the Senior Vice President for the Mid-Atlantic Division at Builders Design, an award-winning, full service interior design firm with 40+ years of industry experience. 
• Amy Peltier is a member of the American Society of Interior Designs and is the founder/owner of Peltier Interiors with services spanning across the country from Southern California to the Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. area. 
• Kate McCloskey is the Sales and Marketing Director for the Builder Division at Interior Concepts Incorporated. Her previous work for Marriott Hotels gives her a unique perspective of the shared trends in these two industries. We were fortunate to have their Senior Designer Betsy Caulk join us and share some of her insight as well.

The full Q&A:

Peltier Interiors | Photographer Credit: Marisa Vitale @marisavitalephoto

Is residential home design influenced by the hotel/restaurant/hospitality industry?

Jessica Steeves: We are absolutely seeing a blending effect of this industry in residential design. It’s clear that homebuyers are looking for the “retreat” experience at home. 

Amy Peltier: Yes, there is definitely a crossover between the two. I think a lot of retailers and manufacturers have product lines that can be used in hospitality as well as residential. 

Kate McCloskey: I’ve seen the trends between the two industries stay hand-in-hand with each other. For example, technology is becoming more prevalent with smart homes and smart hotel rooms. It’s important to consider that a lot of times, hotels can’t be as nimble as a custom home builder because they have to come up with plans and get approvals that likely won’t happen as quickly as it would in the home builder market. 

Mitchell & Best Next Door custom home.

Which space in the home is most heavily influenced by hospitality trends?

Jessica Steeves: It’s all about creating a space to escape and the owner’s suite bath is the perfect place to do this. We’re seeing hospitality elements enter this space of the home as owners’ are looking for a spa-like retreat. From large showers with multiple shower heads to an additional tub and beautiful statement finishes like quartz slab, there are many ways to create that wow moment within your owner’s bath.

Amy Peltier: We’re seeing a lot of hospitality features in residential kitchen design. As the most used room in the home, it’s all about including durable products with hard wearing surfaces. A few examples of this are the rise of commercial ranges being added and taking the backsplash tile all the way to the ceiling for ultimate cleanability. 

Kate McCloskey: People are loving the feel of a spa-like bathroom, similar to what they’d see at a high-end resort, and it’s one of their favorite features to incorporate into their owner’s suite. There’s also an opportunity for drama in the home. Features like a two-story foyer or a grand great room where the homeowner has probably seen a fabulous light fixture or piece of art that they’d love to scale down and fit into their own home. 

Mitchell & Best Next Door custom home.

What feature and/or design do you believe works best in both hospitality and residential design?

Jessica Steeves: The design of the bedroom as a retreat is driven by hospitality. We’re seeing more fireplaces and private sitting rooms added to the owner’s suite with elements of luxury stretching into the bathroom. People are also opting to include a coffee or dry bar in their owner’s suite which is definitely something we have seen throughout the hospitality world. By adding in those features and details that help create a relaxing sanctuary, this space can include designs that work very well in both industries. 

Amy Peltier: The center island with a waterfall countertop immediately comes to mind. This design element is seen throughout both hospitality and residential spaces. 

Kate McCloskey: I think it depends on the geographical location of the resort, as this will influence the design. If someone escapes the winter and stays at a coastal resort, you’ll have a huge coastal influence. If it’s a high-end niche hotel in a modern urban location like D.C. or New York, you’ll see a more penthouse type of design. Whichever style you’re seeing the most of, is likely what you’ll gravitate towards and want to bring home with you. 

Interior Concepts Incorporated

What about colors and lighting in the home? Do these elements correlate with hospitality trends influencing residential design?

Jessica Steeves: Hospitality is more focused on texture and finishes with accessories that can easily be refreshed. Because the spaces will be there longer, the life-span of the color trend in a hospitality space is a little different than residential. Within a home, you have more opportunities for more playful or bold colors. 

However, there is a major hospitality influence when it comes to lighting in the home. The biggest carry over is low ambient lighting that you would typically think of in a commercial space, giving an interesting and elevated ambient setting to the space in your home. 

Amy Peltier: I think you can be more bold in hospitality, especially in a beautiful hotel or restaurant, as those spaces tend to be more daring and unconventional because they are supposed to impress those who visit. We might see it, love it, and want it, but when push comes to shove, we become a little more conservative in our selections. The pops of color against a neutral background is a popular trend derived from hospitality, although we could see this shift to a more neutral and warm space down the road. Similar to the light fixtures, while this statement element can make or break your home, we might see more simplistic, subtle fixtures enter the residential design.

Kate McCloskey: There is a color psychology that almost every designer understands, which is likely why there is a lot of similarity between the hospitality industry and successful residential interior design in terms of color. We’re seeing lots of outdoor colors being brought in, like the blues and greens, as this promotes a calmness throughout. It’s all about creating a haven in the home.

Hospitality takes the lead in the importance of lighting, especially in transitional spaces. You want every space to feel warm and welcoming (think hotel lobbies and your walk to the elevator, etc.) and right now we’re seeing much more natural light in unexpected ways in both industries. Hospitality has the opportunity to include these fabulous fixtures and details, but scaled back in a way that allows it to be something truly special in the home. 

Interior Concepts Incorporated

What are your thoughts on outdoor spaces being influenced by hospitality trends?

Jessica Steeves: We should think of this space as an extension of the home’s square footage. This idea speaks to the hospitality industry because it’s where we find most of the really cool outdoor experiences. Homeowners are looking to create an oasis with connectivity to the outdoor area where family and friends can gather comfortably.

Amy Peltier: I would say the outdoors is influenced by hospitality a lot more than any other space. It’s important to focus on durable pieces that work really hard against the outside elements. It’s fair to say the quality and productive standpoint of these elements derive from commercial and/or hospitality spaces. If I were designing an outdoor space for a client, I would probably look at beautiful hotel resorts for inspiration. 

Kate McCloskey: People are craving some private outdoor spaces and it’s all about finding creative ways to accomplish this. We’ve all made major strides in outdoor living design as of late, but I think the influences of hospitality design is most glaring in the planned community designs. It’s common for these communities to have more than one swimming pool, fire pit, etc. which allows for more privacy and separation, similar to outdoor spaces at a resort.

As a homeowner, you want to take advantage of every inch of space that allows you to capture any kind of function or comfort. Doing so will benefit your well-being and encourage you to step away from the desk that you’ve probably been sitting at for most of the day. 

Mitchell & Best Next door model with transition lighting that surprises.

What specific hospitality feature do you believe would improve the overall well-being of a homeowner if they included it in their home? How can they make sure it’s done right?

Jessica Steeves: Less is more. Smart organization is a striking feature in hospitality design that we all admire whether we know it or not. Luxury hotels feel simple and clean which results in less stress usually. Think about your daily life and what hospitality feature resonated with you the most. It can be overwhelming if you think about including everything that caught your eye. Is it the spa-like experience in the bathroom, connecting with friends outdoors, the technical conveniences or innovative furniture? The key is to focus on the pieces that specifically work well with you and avoid heavy layers or multiple textures for a more refined look.

Amy Peltier: Layered lighting everywhere and at every angle. Lighting is essential for your mood and if homeowners can bring this feature in, that would be great for their overall mindset. Incorporating sconces, chandeliers, statement fixtures, and even recessed lighting in one space can sound like overkill, but the key is to control how much or how little each light source can produce in order to make a space feel complete. There’s actually a whole profession dedicated to the technical aspect of setting the appropriate lighting and they are there for a reason. If I were to incorporate this in my home, I would bring an outside specialist in – it’s that important. 

Kate McCloskey: Smart home technology is making its way into hospitality and this will add to a homeowners overall comfort and ease while promoting their well-being. 

Peltier Interiors | Photographer Credit: Marisa Vitale @marisavitalephoto

Would you say the hospitality industry has pushed the boundaries of interior residential design?

Jessica Steeves: It’s definitely pushed residential design out of its comfort zone or at least altered our ideas of a “typical design.” Aesthetically, this is an interesting evolution as we begin thinking outside the box and looking to incorporate more of those luxury amenities in the home. It’s all about creating a space with the same designs and features they fell in love with on past vacations. The pandemic and being stuck at home has probably pushed these trends even further in this direction, and we’re now noticing a glaring combination of the two industries blending.

Amy Peltier: I think as people travel more and expand their horizons outside of their own space, they will be exposed to different tastes and designs which will absolutely inspire interior residential designs. 

Kate McCloskey: Green building and sustainable features started as a way for hotels to manage their operating costs while being environmentally friendly, but it’s also a trend that people now want in their home. Features like motion sensor faucets and water-restrictor shower heads are making their way into residential design.

Is it fair to say homeowners find their interior design inspiration while on vacation or business travel?

Jessica Steeves: Absolutely. Staying in an environment other than your own can open you up to new possibilities that allow you to enjoy the experience of everyday luxury. We find the features that we really enjoyed on a vacation and that becomes a huge driver or influence in what we’d like to have in our home, and get more of that everyday luxury experience. 

Amy Peltier: Yes, definitely. It actually happens to me often when working with clients. It’s not only a certain design, it’s sometimes the brands of materials or appliances they’re looking to include in their space. There’s also a lot of technology that people gather from their travels from nightstands with outlets to closing the window treatments with a push of a button. People like the modern luxury of a high-end hotel room, and they want their bedroom to feel just like that. 

Kate McCloskey: Actually, I think most inspiration comes from sources like HGTV, Pinterest, etc. We have very savvy home buyers because of what we have in our hands. The ability to find all the latest trends on our phones, having a whole cable network that shows new home designs and DIY projects with out of the box inspiration, gets homeowners excited and dreaming about their space rather than what they find at a hotel. 

Builders Design

So, how does hotel design have a place in the home?

Less is more, and that appears to be more true today than ever before. We are drawn to the clean, simple aesthetic of the hotels we stay at and residential design has made great strides for easy storage options, built-in organization and many other space-saving features.

With innovative furniture that has made convenience part of their look, layered lighting with expert guidance, spa-like retreats, new sustainable features plus living spaces infused with natural lighting whenever possible, it’s no wonder the hospitality industry is another place to grab inspiration for our own home designs. 

Let’s create that “stay-cation” feeling.

At Mitchell & Best Next Door, we’re in the business of exceeding all expectations when it comes to the home of your dreams. Our exceptional partners, some of whom are mentioned above, work hand-in-hand with you to deliver a quality home with personalized finishes, and maybe a few hospitality elements, for an at-home getaway that you can enjoy for years to come. Contact us today and let’s start building your vision.

May 10, 2021

It’s 2021, and some of us spent the last year cooped up in tight living quarters, perhaps working in an outdated kitchen that may have doubled as an office and school classroom. Nowadays, we all realize the importance of having enough space to spread out. With all the cooking and dining at home, a new kitchen feels more like a necessity than a luxury. But where would you start designing one? Here are some of the top 2021 kitchen trends to inspire creativity.

Designs With Personality

A common request from new homeowners is to create a kitchen that has more character than just a single color or style. These designs mix various colors and cabinetry with custom backsplashes for a more personalized space. At the same time, it’s important not to put so many different styles together that it starts to clash or get too busy.

For example, timeless architectural details and neutral wall and countertop colors can help you achieve a warm feeling without a sensory overload in your custom kitchen. Combined with sleek backsplashes or vibrant cabinetry, you can create a modern yet classic aesthetic to an otherwise neutral space.

Kitchens That Offer A Breath Of Fresh Air

The latest kitchen trends prove that we are yearning for spaces that feel open, airy and fresh. We’re starting to see lighter woods trending for kitchen cabinets, and when you mix light wood with other neutrals like white cabinets, you get a warmer feeling without losing the open and airy ambiance that we all crave. Designs from our Kenbridge and Berkley floor plans are great examples of spacious, yet cozy kitchen variants.

Keep It Functional

Kitchens have long been the heart of the home, a gathering place for loved ones to connect and enjoy delicious meals, but the past year took that to a whole new level. Suddenly, we were not only cooking at home for the majority of our meals, but we also needed space for work laptops, Zoom classes, and meetings as well as homework stations. To keep it all running efficiently, custom kitchen trends are favoring functional “zones” for various activities.

Consider incorporating large islands to have enough room for homework and food preparation and separate countertop nooks for snacks or baking. That way, there’s plenty of space for more than one chef.

It’s Time to Refresh Your Tile Selection

If you’re starting the process of building a custom home, you likely already have a great desire for a sense of uniqueness. In 2020, you probably noticed that many kitchen trends had something in common: They all seemed to feature the white rectangle backsplash and accent walls made of subway tiles. However, if you’d rather be on the leading edge of kitchen design than the waning side, consider square Zellige tiles in colorful accents, patterned or textured backsplashes, or one-piece marble backsplashes.

Storage, Storage and More Storage

The beauty of a custom kitchen is that you can get more of what you need, and for many of us, that is more storage space. Some of the popular designs available today offer extra pantry space with built-in shelving. Many of our floor plans, such as the Wellington, include a butler’s pantry, plus two other sizable pantry spaces so you never have to worry about a cluttered kitchen space. Having all the storage space you need to tuck away items like designer dishes, food overstock and fun kitchen gadgets have become a must-have feature in new homes.  

Come Home To The Kitchen Of Your Dreams

Did any of these trends catch your eye? Contact the Mitchell & Best Next Door team today about crafting your custom home, and of course, complete with your personalized kitchen with your favorite trends!

May 10, 2021

When it comes to trendy design, we usually think about the kitchen. However, bathroom designs are seeing a significant resurgence. These spaces are more than just functional — with the right design, a bathroom can become a private retreat at the end of a long day. 

If you’re looking to start your custom home plans, this year’s bath trends will certainly come in handy.

Make A Statement With Freestanding Soaking Tub

Soaking tubs are the perfect way to recharge and rejuvenate yourself, which is why many people are looking for bathroom designs that include this luxe feature. They are eloquently designed not just for leisure, but also as an incredible focal point for your bathroom. The latest trends are all about clean lines and minimalist elegance. 

Go Bold With Your Tile Designs

Tile has long been a fixture in many bathrooms. However, today’s trends are all about bold designs. Large-format rectangle wall tiles are the new wave, replacing the mosaic tiles of the past. In addition to making an impression when you walk in the room, larger tiles mean fewer grout lines and less opportunity for dirt or soap scum to build up. This makes them ideal for floors as well as shower walls, and a favorite for anyone who has to clean the place.

Other 2021 bathroom trends for tiles include accent walls. Similar to the idea of a kitchen backsplash, you can add accent walls in the bathroom above the vanity, around the tub or anywhere else that you want to add a splash of color and visual interest. The sky’s the limit here, so let your imagination run wild and consider unique tile choices like metallic or zellige.

 

Showers That Loom Large

For those who prefer a shower over a bath, upgrading the size of your shower is a must. More than 40% of homeowners who remodeled their bathrooms decided to increase the size of the shower. They cited a desire to use the space for rest and relaxation. If you’re already building a new custom home, you might as well create a spa-like setting.

Design a spacious shower with dual showerheads, rain showerheads, handheld massaging sprayers and body sprays that give you the ultimate shower experience every time you step inside.

Take advantage of walk-in designs that blend simplicity and elegance. Designs like marble slabs instead of tile, built-in benches and frameless glass partitions can provide unobstructed views and an open ambiance that exudes luxury.

Shine Bright With Creative Lighting & Luxury Fixtures

The fixtures in your bathroom are oft-forgotten features, and rightfully so if they are boring, run-of-the-mill lights and faucets. But the right statement pieces can instantly elevate your bathroom. Flashy colors like brushed gold and vintage-inspired designs draw your eye, while touchless faucets create a modern appeal. Your lighting is another opportunity to create bold statements. Adding items like backlit mirrors, statement chandeliers or hanging pendant lights can transform your space and provide fitting mood lighting.

Design With These 2021 Bathroom Trends In Mind

Inspired by some of these ideas? Make them a reality! Contact Mitchell & Best Next Door today and get started on your custom home sketches and dream bath ideas!

May 10, 2021

For decades, homes were designed around functions — the kitchen, bedroom, laundry room, etc. But modern lifestyles prompted home design to feature more flexibility and adaptability long before COVID-19 turned kitchen tables into offices and classrooms. As we look forward to returning to the spaces we visited in pre-pandemic life, we think people will continue to want multifunctional living spaces that easily transform with their changing lifestyles.

Today’s homebuyer is less interested in formal areas, such as dining rooms and living rooms that are rarely used. Instead, people want multifunctional spaces. This involves more than setting up a treadmill or Peloton in one corner of the bedroom or den. It requires thoughtful planning for how spaces can be used for dual purposes.

Creating Adaptable Rooms

Key elements that enable multifunctional use are storage space and adaptable furniture. For a kitchen that doubles as an office space, it’s important to be able to close up when the day’s work is done. You might want to add hidden storage options to keep inevitable clutter out of sight when off work. For example, attractive cabinets with glass fronts for displaying china on upper shelves can have solid fronts on lower tiers to hide home office paraphernalia.

Many homes will have dedicated office spaces or spare rooms that serve dual purposes. Other areas that can be designed to incorporate flexible, convertible workspaces include closets, attics, lofts, niches and the space under staircases. Each of these options can fit storage space and be closed off when entertaining. Shut the doors, and no one will even know what’s hidden there.

Conversely, in a spacious kitchen, you might find a niche that could be converted into a compact office or schoolroom. You might not want to work in a highly trafficked kitchen, but this type of setup is great for supervising homework while making dinner long after the pandemic is over.

Incorporating Flexible Furnishings

Transforming your den or non-formal living room into a multifunctional living area is easier than you think with multipurpose furniture. There are coffee tables that incorporate hidden desks or workstations as well as built-in drawers or shelving. These offer convenience and a clever use of space. The same is true for ottomans that provide storage space.

Flexible furniture used to mean futons, daybeds or Murphy beds. Today, however, there are interior design hacks for every room that save space and provide more flexibility in your home.

Double Purpose Spaces

One multifunctional trend is adapting a laundry room or mudroom for dogs. Sink areas in laundry rooms are being reconfigured as pet-washing stations that can also be used to wash muddy shoes and rinse out laundry. Storage space for laundry supplies can also be used for pet supplies.

Mudrooms are serving dual purposes too. Storage for sports equipment, beach towels and everyday belongings, and other purposes make this a key spot for everyone in the house to grab things as they walk out the door and put them away as they come in.

Meeting Your Needs

Customizing a home’s design to meet your living space needs now and in the future is important. Mitchell & Best Next Door has built customized luxury homes in the Baltimore-Washington area for over 45 years now. We take great pride in the reputation we have earned by delivering high-quality homes to generations of satisfied customers. 

Contact us today and find out more.

May 10, 2021

As we all settle into this new decade, it’s time to say goodbye to some home trends we’ve grown accustomed to. The popular modern farmhouse style is becoming more sophisticated as it transitions to a cottagecore, and we’re seeing homeowners embrace detailed patterns and more exotic elements, lending depth and interest to the traditional white kitchen. 

From well-loved decor elements resurfacing to eclectic designs and multi-functional spaces, the sudden increase of time spent at home this past year has left us with some new home design trends to consider in 2021. 

An Updated Tradition

Grandmillennial is a new take on all the stylish trends you remember from your parents’ and grandparents’ house. From the colors to the prints to the added decor, what’s old is definitely new. 

New products like peel and stick wallpaper make it easy to introduce an array of colors and patterns within your new home. Think heavy florals, skirted tables, beautiful ceramics and china pieces – These elements are replacing modern minimalistic decor. 

This popular granny-chic style is all about uniqueness and finding ways to express yourself, but also finding the right balance between consistent and chaotic. Consider mixing in a few modern elements for a look that’s more nostalgic than outdated.

Cottagecore 2.0

The farmhouse trend quickly became a desired option for many homebuyers during the 2010s, and while it still has a charming appeal, it’s time to rethink the rustic style in 2021. We continue to see the defining elements like wood tones and vintage pieces, but shiplap and distressed items are disappearing. 

Instead, homeowners are embracing a new version of cottagecore that is a bit more sophisticated by way of metal accents, floral themes and soft tones. This new take on cottagecore is centered around creating a mix of old and new pieces with a touch of modern luxury, always full of character.

Embracing The Staycation Trend

We’re all well aware of the circumstances this past year that have limited our travel beyond a trip to the kitchen. People are beginning to transform their indoor spaces to feel more like an exotic retreat. We’re seeing more floral and tropical prints, rich blue, orange and gold hues, as well as plenty of potted plants (bonus points if you’re using hanging planters).

However, you don’t have to adopt this exact style to invite nature into your home. Thoughtful layouts with judiciously placed windows can illuminate your home with natural sunlight and outdoor vibes. Another way to bring in the great outdoors is by focusing on an easy indoor-outdoor flow and sprucing up your deck to feel like a true (at-home) oasis. 

Spaces That Keep Getting Better

One of the new trends we find to be very popular this year is creating a collected-over-time feel by mixing textures, styles, and colors. An intriguing aspect of this trend is how it emphasizes customization, allowing you to build on a space with practical features and create multiple work zones. 

You can mix wooden elements and metal details, then add a pop of color with some vintage tiles for a really unique style. The kitchen is sometimes known as the heart of your home, and would be an ideal room to consider for this trend. You might consider designated areas that allow for multiple people to utilize the space at the same time.

This overall look is easier to recreate if you combine light wood with cream, gray and other neutrals, but of course no rules are set in stone!

Rooms With A Purpose

If there’s one thing we learned from 2020, it’s that working from home is easier when you have a dedicated home office. We’re seeing open floor plans with plenty of space for social interactions, but many homeowners want to have several smaller rooms that can be used for other purposes. 

There’s no better time to make your home more functional with dedicated spaces for a home office, remote learning, home gym, or maybe a craft room. Additionally, these spaces are often multifunctional and remain neutral so they can easily be repurposed when needed.

Mitchell & Best Next Door has been building luxury custom homes for over 45 years. We offer award-winning floor plans that can be personalized to reflect some of your favorite homes trends for 2021. Contact us today to learn more!