June 27, 2023

 

Whether you’re looking for a serene haven to escape the demands of everyday life or wish to embrace the breathtaking allure of the great outdoors, an indoor-outdoor living space holds the key. This desirable home feature paves the way to a harmonious lifestyle, where the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living blur. It allows you to discover an at-home tranquility and immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of nature.

 

What is Indoor-Outdoor Living?

 

What makes this home feature so irresistible? Indoor-outdoor living embodies the perfect fusion of indoor comforts and outdoor splendor, delivering an exceptional experience where you can savor the best of both worlds. 

 

Imagine a back patio that seamlessly extends your living space, complete with a stylish overhead covering, inviting outdoor seating, and even climate control features, ensuring year-round enjoyment of the great outdoors. 

 

The Benefits of Blending Indoor and Outdoor Spaces

 

There are a plethora of benefits when it comes to gracefully merging indoor and outdoor living spaces. A few notable perks are that it: 

 

• Enhances a sense of spaciousness and freedom in your home. 
• Improves mood and mental health, thanks to the sunshine and fresh air.
• Creates a unified atmosphere for social gatherings, benefiting both hosts and guests.
• Offers an escape from the bustle of everyday life with the flexibility to adapt your space.
• Increases the overall market value and appeal of your new home. 

 

Where to Include Indoor-Outdoor Spaces in Your New Home

 

When envisioning your ideal indoor-outdoor space, delve into your unique lifestyle and pinpoint the perfect spot where you would enjoy this feature the most. 

 

Immerse yourself in the transformative process of turning your back deck, front porch, or even expanding your kitchen into an enchanting oasis. Envision a picturesque patio seamlessly connected to your dream owner’s suite. Create an open-air living space that flows beautifully from your indoor living room with stunning accordion windows.

 

With Mitchell & Best, the possibilities for crafting your own personalized indoor-outdoor sanctuary are endless. 

 

 

How to Decorate Your Space

 

Maximize the potential of your outdoor space by incorporating essential elements that elevate its functionality and aesthetic appeal. 

 

Consider the inclusion of inviting and comfortable seating arrangements, ensuring ample room for relaxation. Enhance the versatility of your outdoor living area by including a designated dining space or an outdoor kitchen, offering opportunities for alfresco dining and social gatherings. To safeguard your furniture and yourself from rain showers, integrate covered porches or awnings. 

 

When it comes to decorating, focus on creating a comfortable transition between your indoor and outdoor areas. Unify the spaces by carefully selecting furnishings that share a consistent color scheme and complementary designs. By doing so, you effortlessly blend the spaces into one captivating and cohesive environment. 

 

How to Maintain Outdoor Living Spaces

 

To enjoy a consistently fresh and inviting outdoor living space year-round, maintaining its pristine condition is paramount. 

 

Start by tidying up any clutter in the area, creating a neat and organized ambiance. Trim the surrounding grass and give proper attention to your plants, cultivating a lush and well-managed setting. Regularly sweeping the space to remove unwanted debris will effortlessly maintain a clean and polished look.

 

Pay attention to surrounding windows and doors as well. Clear and gleaming glass elevates the overall allure of your outdoor space while also inviting natural light to illuminate the interior. 

 

Keeping your outdoor furniture in impeccable shape requires routine attention. Develop a plan to regularly wipe down the legs and arms of the furniture, and address any stains on the cushions using a gentle soap, warm water, and a hard-bristled toothbrush. While consistent cleaning is important, we recommend implementing a thorough cleaning several times a year to ensure optimal results and prolong the longevity of your outdoor furniture.

 

 

Potential Luxury Features

 

Take your outdoor living space to new heights of sophistication and luxury with thoughtful inclusions such as an outdoor flat-screen television, a captivating water feature, a revitalizing swimming pool, a cutting-edge sound system, and temperature controls like an outdoor fireplace, heaters, or fans. 

 

Enhance privacy and versatility with a retractable wall. Set the desired mood with captivating illumination. Infuse joy and entertainment with engaging yard games. Explore features that heighten the surrounding sounds and scents. 

 

However you choose to live within your indoor-outdoor space, these thoughtful enhancements will surely elevate the overall experience for everyone. 

 

Indoor-Outdoor Bliss Awaits

 

Experience the epitome of luxury as you embark on your custom home journey with Mitchell & Best Next Door or transform your existing space into an indoor-outdoor haven with our expert remodeling services.

Our unwavering commitment to excellence has resulted in numerous industry awards and a trusted reputation for building quality homes and remarkable living spaces in prime Northern Virginia and Suburban Maryland locations. 

Explore our gallery and contact us today to learn more about crafting your beautiful oasis!

February 28, 2023

Building a custom home is a dream come true for many people, as it provides the opportunity to create a living space that is truly unique and perfectly tailored to their needs and preferences. With Mitchell & Best Next Door, we understand the importance of listening closely to our clients and working with them every step of the way to accommodate their desires. 

As we begin working on new projects this year, we wanted to take a moment to highlight the exciting things done in 2022 for our homeowners in the DMV.

Join us as we take a look back noting the unique qualities and craftsmanship of our recent work, and perhaps you too will get inspired for your own custom home this year!

 

Mitchell & Best Next Door’s Inspiring Custom Homes Completed in 2022

 

Westport II in Gaithersburg, Maryland

This beautiful Westport II completed for our clients in Gaithersburg epitomizes the perfect combination of style, comfort and affordability. This budget driven custom home effectively highlights that your dreams of custom homeownership can be achieved without breaking the bank — especially with Mitchell & Best Next Door. 

The brightly custom-painted front door welcomes you in style, setting the tone for the rest of the stunning and thoughtful interior designs that await. Boasting an impressive open floor plan, this home presents a great flow between the family room and the gourmet kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere that’s ideal for entertaining and socializing. 

The exterior is finished with durable and elegant HardiPlank siding for  show stopping curb appeal, while upgrades to fencing and landscaping were done to add an overall charm to this custom home. Additionally, we built a stone patio instead of a covered porch (as shown on the plan) for these buyers, allowing them to enjoy more time outdoors and basking in the warm sun. 

This interior is complete with a host of personalized touches including a 2-sided direct vent fireplace with modern slate marble surround. The kitchen’s focal point is a striking hexagonal tile backsplash and lots of open shelving. Stunning custom tile work can be seen throughout the home. Special moldings and engineered, wide-plank hardwood flooring provide warmth throughout this home. The free-standing soaking tub and the wainscoting tile work that extends up the wall in the owner’s suite bath are just a few of the luxurious features specially requested by our homeowners. Our team also finished all the rooms in this spacious basement, offering immediate enjoyment and an affordable alternative to hiring a contractor at a later time. 

This residence was built with exceptional care for a lifetime of better living and a quiet personal sanctuary. 

 

Hawthorne in Frederick, Maryland

This stunning custom Hawthorne is the perfect embodiment of our newest buyers’ dreams and desires. We spent months together, collaborating with an architect in order to create a unique design based on our original floor plan that would essentially meet the exact needs of the new owners. 

This home features exceptional architectural work that is highlighted in every detail. Among the standout features are a second kitchen — the “scullery” — with custom cabinetry and high-end appliances for additional gourmet luxury, even offering a separate entrance from the family room. The Trex Select® deck is an expansive outdoor oasis, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding area. Custom cabinetry, thoughtful built-ins and tons of upgraded interior trim can be found throughout the home, making it both functional and aesthetically pleasing. A cozy reading nook with a bookcase and window seats provide the perfect spot to unwind with a good book. 

From the custom paint selection all throughout to the finished attic for a flexible living experience to the tasteful real brick chimney, we are proud to have completed the perfect custom home for our clients. 

 

Eagle’s Nest in Darnestown, Maryland

This breathtaking custom home is a true masterpiece, boasting an impressive array of stylish features and timeless designs. 

A highlight of this customized Eagle’s Nest is the beautiful courtyard garage, adding a unique and alluring touch to this recently completed Maryland home, set on 25 picturesque acres. Adorned with HardiPlank siding, this property showcases both durability and elegance — setting the stage for all the luxury that’s inside. 

The custom built-in shelves and cabinetry were tailor made to meet the specific needs and preferences of our buyers, ensuring that every inch of this space is utilized exactly how they desire. Incredibly spacious walk-in shower designs offer a wealth of benefits, from accessibility and safety to more flexibility and relaxation. The home’s expansive basement is finished with a full bath and an attractive wet bar, providing a sense of versatility and comfort to this space. 

These homeowners can enjoy the best of outdoor living with a spacious and private outdoor deck that includes a screened-in portion. This space also includes steps for access down to the property’s remarkable backyard.

A spacious and private outdoor deck provides these homeowners with a stunning sanctuary, complete with a screened-in portion for enjoying the fresh air without the bother of insects. The deck also features steps leading down to the property’s remarkable backyard, allowing for easy access to the surrounding natural beauty. 

The attention to detail and quality craftsmanship that went into the design of this custom home adds to the overall value and appeal, making it a truly special and unique place for our homeowners to live. 

 

The Value of Working with A Notable Custom Home Builder

When it comes to building your custom dream home, you want a builder who shares your passion and has proven experience to bring your vision to life. At Mitchell & Best Next Door, we have been delivering exceptional custom homes to families for nearly five decades. Our unwavering commitment to excellence has resulted in numerous industry awards and a trusted reputation for building quality luxury homes in desirable Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. locations. 

Take a moment to explore our portfolio of inspiring new home designs and contact us today to start planning your forever custom home!

December 8, 2022

 

Winter is quickly arriving in the DMV and many of you are probably already doing exterior cleanup, tidying the house and putting up seasonal decor. 

Whether you want to beautify your home or create a sanctuary to hibernate in, you can integrate both festivity and functionality in your Mitchell & Best home. In today’s blog post, we’ll share our top winter decor ideas to help you decorate your custom home for enjoyment and heightened comfort.

 

Extend Your Outdoor Space

Not yet ready to move completely indoors? Extend your outdoor space to accommodate chillier temperatures. If you don’t have one, consider building a firepit. If building it isn’t feasible, use a space heater or portable fire pit to create the same type of ambiance. Arrange cozy outdoor furniture and add fuzzy throws and comfy pillows.

To further spruce up your exterior space, add some cheerful greens and arrange your firewood in a decorative display that makes it convenient. Imagine toasting marshmallows and sipping hot chocolate while enjoying the outdoors a little longer this year.

 

Winterize Your Homes

Add a seasonal touch and extra warmth for the upcoming cold winter nights by winterizing your abode: 

• Change out summer linens to a warmer flannel option
• Swap out bedding for sets with seasonal colors and designs
• Add a mohair or fleece blanket
• Swap out airy curtains for thick or thermal alternatives
• Add a cozy throw rug over your hardwood floors

When you decorate, the beauty of winterization is you can also add style. Use seasonal colors to reflect the outdoor temperatures, such as cool blues, whites and silvers, or aim for warmth with trademark reds, greens and golds.

 

Spruce Up Planters and Centerpieces

If you have a planter in your entryway, spruce it up with evergreens, moss and berries. Do the same for other planters you may have placed throughout your Mitchell & Best Next Door custom home. For your dining and kitchen tables, add a seasonal centerpiece, using items like sprigs of winter berries, wintry florals, evergreen clippings or pinecones. The Spruce offers numerous ideas you can use this winter to create stunning arrangements.

 

 

Add Winter Fragrances

Decor and accessories definitely beautify your home, but you can further heighten the senses by adding winter fragrances to complete the “feel” of the season. Use scented candles, wax melts or potpourri – pine needles, cinnamon, vanilla and similar scents provide the aromatic finish to your winter decor.

 

Prepare The Mud Room

Unfortunately, while winter has many beautiful things about it, the reality is that it comes with a mess. Rainy and snowy weather brings mud, moisture and general clutter. Prepare your mudroom to keep the clutter out of your living space.

 

Incorporate Winter Decor Into Your Mitchell & Best Next Door Custom Home

The key to beautifying your home while keeping its comfort level intact is to add these and other thoughtful winter decor ideas to your Mitchell & Best Next Door custom home. We believe a home should be your oasis, which is why we offer many customization options to create your perfect sanctuary. To learn more about how to create your dream home, contact us today.

December 5, 2022

 

When it comes to hosting a spectacular seasonal get-together, the first thing to do is properly prepare your home for holiday events. Getting your home in order influences how your guests enjoy their stay. A home put together well can improve the ambiance and mood, reduce stress and leave a positive lasting impression.

Below, we’ll share four essential tips to effectively prepare your home for holiday gatherings so it’s ready for your family and friends. Eliminate anxiety so you can focus on all the fun by having things in order ahead of time.

 

How to Prepare Your Custom Home for Holiday Events and Accommodate Any Guest

 

Declutter and Clean

With guests staying at your house, it’s the opportune time to eliminate any items that have lingered around for months. Determine whether you want to keep, donate, or trash items creating clutter. Do this weeks in advance to prevent overwhelming and exhausting yourself. 

Take a few hours over the weekend or just fifteen minutes a day to clear out any clutter and clean your walls, floors, windows and other surfaces guests will be around. Don’t neglect your landscaping, either! Clearing your walkway of any leaves and creating an inviting front porch can go a long way.

 

Prepare The Guest Room

Give your guests the five-star hotel treatment. If possible, provide a bed that’s suitable for them. If they are tall or prefer more room, have a large bed available. Consider an air mattress or folding bed if it’s within your budget. Use clean linens, towels and washcloths. It helps to have a spare set of them in case of accidental spills. Another extra to have is an empty closet for guests’ belongings. Have reading materials they’re interested in if they want to relax, along with a comfortable chair, reading lamp and side table.

 

Stock Up The Kitchen

Discuss with your guests beforehand to learn about any dietary requirements or food and drink preferences they have. Having your kitchen cabinets full of their favorite items will make them feel at home and eliminate the awkwardness of leaving them with little or nothing to snack on. 

One nice suggestion to consider is making a snack welcome basket. What you need is a simple woven basket with your guest’s favorite items, such as sparkling waters, wine, chocolate, nuts, and tea or cocoa mixes. Throw in some flowers and a festive mug, and tie it all together with a beautiful bow.

 

Spruce Up The Bathroom

While cleaning the house, pay extra attention to the bathroom. If your guests can have their separate bathroom, that is ideal since it will give them more freedom to organize it the way they like. Ensure countertops, mirrors, the toilet and tub are scrubbed and wiped to a sparkling shine. Then, have extra towels in a cabinet or basket nearby. Ask what their essential toiletries are and have them on the counter, in drawers or another basket. Though guests will generally bring what they need, it’s nice to know they are covered in case they forget something.

 

The Foundation of Any Memorable Holiday Celebration and Hosting

Though it’s important to prepare your home for holiday festivities so your family and friends have a good celebration, the type of house can influence how easily you can accommodate your guests.

At Mitchell & Best Next Door, we’ve been delivering luxury homes with sought-after features for over 40 years. Our houses are highly customizable, allowing you to have the ideal space and arrangement that suits your unique preferences and lifestyle. So, if you host a lot of celebrations, we have a house to make your guests feel like they’re at a luxury resort.

Contact us today to see how our quality homes can best serve your next holiday gathering, and view our gallery to see the floor plans and designs that make our homes a top industry standard.

October 19, 2022

Many people are discovering the value of a mudroom, and prospective homeowners now look for this feature in their search.

Mudrooms are locations at the front or garage entrance that serve as a transitional spot from outdoors to indoors. It’s a high-traffic place and serves as a drop-off or pick-up station for family members to put away their outdoor gear or grab them as they head outside.

These areas hold high value, especially in the winter when the weather is inclement. They catch all the messes that can travel throughout the home and damage the flooring, such as wet coats, jackets, and umbrellas, even muddy boots and paws if you have pets.

Below, we’ll share four mudroom benefits to take advantage of this winter. Make every part of your home purposeful, especially in the cold and busy months.

 

Top Four Mudroom Benefits to Consider for Your Custom Home This Winter

 

Ideal for Off-Season Storage

Mudrooms primarily store items that support outdoor activities, such as pet leashes, winter boots, or hockey equipment. These rooms range in size, style, and type of storage. Some mudrooms include cabinets and lockers, while some have boxes and shelves. The benefit is you can store items, like boots, hats, and gloves, in a mudroom with the ideal storage space, such as in a bottom shelf or drawer during the summer months.

 

Creates A Central Place for Everyday Items

One reason people love mudrooms is they keep things organized. Instead of having backpacks, shoes, and jackets scattered all over the house, they’re in one central location, ideally toward the exits where they’re needed most. As a result, stress is reduced, especially during busy times, such as the mornings when getting ready for work or school.

 

Serves As A Recharging Station

Especially coming from a snowstorm, a mudroom can serve as an area to unwind and a place to shed a layer of the outdoor stress. If you situate this area by the garage, consider installing a sink bowl or stackable washer and dryer. You can wipe down muddy boots and throw dirty clothes in the wash. These features are valuable if you have pets since cleaning dirty paws will ensure they don’t track them all over the house.

 

Designed for Customized Built-In Storage

No two mudrooms look the same. Mudrooms are all about customization and personalizing storage to distinguish one family member’s items from another’s. Depending on your lifestyle, you may want a cabinet with hooks for hanging outerwear or a shelf with cubbies to contain small items. For very active lifestyles, you may choose a garage entrance with a laundry center to drop off dirty clothes from winter sports activities.

 

 

Where To Start In Designing The Right Mudroom For Your

There’s no end to how you can design and use a mudroom. The main features that make mudrooms popular are their focus on organization and function. Depending on your lifestyle and preferences, this room can look vastly different from the next.

If you’re interested in this feature, the next step is to consider your home. The house generally influences the design of a mudroom. At Mitchell & Best Next Door, we deliver quality custom homes that combine modern and timeless features homebuyers are looking for today.

In business for over 45 years, we have a long history of satisfied customers who’ve made our homes their permanent destination.

Contact us today to discover the right home for your next mudroom, and check out our gallery to view the best we offer.

September 8, 2022

Financing custom construction unlocks a myriad of possibilities. From personalizing your floor plan to adding amenities that reflect your unique lifestyle, custom homes can truly make your new home dreams a reality.

At Mitchell & Best Next Door, we partner with First National Bank and Sandy Spring Bank to make this dream come true with construction-to-permanent financing. Here’s what you need to know about this accessible and versatile financing option.

What is a construction-to-permanent loan?

Instead of securing financing separately for the lot, construction, and mortgage of your home, a construction-to-permanent loan consolidates everything into a single product. 

Your bank will finance the lot purchase and construction. 

Why choose a construction-to-permanent loan?

Private home construction was up by 1.4% in June 2022 compared to the previous year. For many prospective homeowners, construction-to-permanent financing is a flexible and convenient option.

A construction-to-permanent loan could allow you to lock in your mortgage rate up to a year in advance. This is an advantage with current rates exceeding 5% and showing no signs of decreasing soon.

These loans can also help you save money. You can roll the land purchase, construction financing, and mortgage into a single product with one set of closing costs. Plus, you’ll save valuable time and energy with a single application process.

You’ll start making interest-only payments on disbursed funds while your builder works on your home. 

Moreover, some states offer additional savings on transfer and recordation taxes when you register your new property using this type of financing.

Lastly, construction-to-permanent loans are flexible. You can use them for your primary home or even a vacation home. You can also choose between a fixed or adjusted rate mortgage.

Most of all, a construction-to-permanent loan makes custom construction accessible and easy to navigate!

How do construction-to-permanent loans work?

Let’s take a closer look at what financing a project with a construction-to-permanent loan entails:

• Your first step is to seek pre-qualification or submit a loan application. The bank will review your project and reach out to the custom home builder to value the property.
• Once you’re approved, the bank will disburse the first portion of the funds to finance the lot purchase and the construction process. You’ll start making interest-only payments.
• Once construction is over, the loan will enter its permanent phase. 

Finance a custom home in the DMV area with Mitchell & Best Next Door.

Construction-to-permanent loans aren’t very different from the traditional mortgage process, except for consolidating the financing of the lot, construction, and mortgage into a single product.

Thanks to our lenders at First National Bank and Sandy Spring Bank who have impressive construction-to-permanent loan programs, you’ll experience expert guidance and personal attention every step of the way when you build custom with Mitchell & Best Next Door in the DMV area. 

Get in touch with us to learn more and experience lifelong luxury!

May 3, 2022

When it comes to finding the ideal location for your new custom home, the DMV area offers a plethora of possibilities, having long been a sought-after area for working professionals, growing families and empty-nesters alike.

Where your home is located matters as much as the features it contains; being close to popular transit and roadways is essential if you’re a professional who commutes. And if you enjoy being out and about or exploring exciting attractions, the convenience of nearby area amenities is necessary.

Below, we’ll look deeper into where the best custom homes are being built in the DMV. Discover the unique features of these locations and consider making them your first choice for your new custom home build. 

Where Are The Best Custom Homes Being Built?

The DMV area crosses state borders to include a couple of dozen cities and counties surrounding the nation’s capital. Because there are so many, you can find variations in what they offer and choose the area that fits your family best.

Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. is a great place to build your custom home with its charming shops and historic sites like the Washington Monument, White House and Lincoln Memorial. 

It’s a mix of the metropolitan and nature, so you’ll enjoy contrasts like art galleries alongside botanical gardens and take in the cherry blossoms that bloom during the summer. If you love nature, there’s no scarcity of rivers, waterfalls and forests to enjoy.

One notable neighborhood in which Mitchell & Best has built is the Chevy Chase area. Near essential amenities such as Hexagon Theatre and Rock Creek Park, this location is perfect for families looking to have the luxury lifestyle they desire without forgoing daily essentials and nearby amenities. 

At Rock Creek, you can easily explore forested trails perfect for horseback riding, with footbridges and inlaid steps for an adventurous escape in the midst of the bustling city.

Maryland

Maryland is home to expansive waterfronts, such as the Chesapeake Bay, and ocean activities. It’s known for its boardwalk festivities and the U.S. Naval Academy, so if you admire the water, you’ll love building your custom home in Maryland.

Entertainment is unlimited in this area. For state-of-the-art exploring, visit the naval and space facilities, museums, and historic sites. Or enjoy modern recreation with music and film attractions followed by luxury shopping and dining. For something relaxing, return to nature with quiet sunsets on the boat. For a real getaway, spend the night at the historic 1879 lighthouse.

Maryland is where you’ll find tree-lined neighborhoods, forests, canals, lakes and beautiful nature trails to take a walk. Nearly every county in this state offers something for everyone to enjoy. 

Mitchell & Best Next Door is proud to have built forever homes in these desirable Maryland locations, where our wonderful homeowners experience a wealth of luxury both inside and out. 

• Montgomery County, Maryland
  • Rockville, MD
  • Gaithersburg, MD
  • Germantown, MD
  • Clarksburg, MD
  • Darnestown, MD
  • Silver Spring, MD
  • Potomac, MD
  • Damascus, MD
  • Brinklow, MD
  • Bethesda, MD
  • Dickerson, MD
  • Sandy Spring, MD

• Frederick County, Maryland
  • Frederick, MD
  • Tuscarora, MD

• Howard County, Maryland
  • Fulton, MD
  • Ellicott City, MD

• Carroll County, Maryland
  • Woodbine, MD

Virginia

The birthplace of many U.S. presidents, Virginia is abundant in history and natural attractions. If you enjoy historical sites, popular retail and dining, as well as a perfect blend of city convenience and idyllic nature, then consider building your custom home in Virginia. 

A major natural attraction is Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive, which houses part of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It includes the Shenandoah River with its bright green fields and wilderness for an escape from the noise of daily life.

From the famous, scenic vineyards and historic small towns to yearly festivals and photo-worthy landmarks to urban charm and untouched nature, these Virginia destinations offer everything you could hope for when it comes to the location of your new home. 

• Loudoun County, Virginia
  • Round Hill, VA
  • Leesburg, VA

• Fairfax County, Virginia
  • Oakton, VA

Start building your dream with Mitchell & Best Next Door.

You’ll need the right builder to construct one of the best custom homes in the DMV area. Mitchell & Best Next Door has been a quality home builder for 45 years. We combine outstanding livability and flexibility to deliver you a home you’ll never want to leave.

Contact us today to find the next location for your dream custom home in one of the DMV’s top destinations. Check out our gallery for a closer look at our featured homes and the amenities within reach.