Trending Architectural Elements You Need to Know About! 

In the heart of the Lone Star State, where the spirit of independence and innovation thrives, the world of custom home building has never been more exciting! 

Texas, known for its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage, offers a unique canvas for builders and architects to create high-end custom homes that are a perfect blend of style, sophistication and, of course, functionality. 

As we step into the realm of luxury living in Texas, it’s important to us that we are always up-to-date with the latest architectural styles and elements. Whether you’re planning to build your dream home or simply intrigued by the world of cutting-edge architecture, let us direct you to the future of Texas custom homes. 

Here’s what are customers are considering: 

Open Concept Layouts: Open floor plans that create a seamless flow between living spaces remain highly popular. This design encourages interaction, maximizes natural light, and gives homes a spacious feel. Perfect for families that love to entertain!

Large Windows and Glass Walls: Expansive windows, sliding glass doors, and glass walls continue to be sought after. These features bring the outdoors in, provide excellent views, and flood interiors with natural light. Since the pandemic, we’ve seen more and more home owners interested in this idea.

Minimalist Design: Clean lines, simple forms, and a minimalist aesthetic are favored by many homeowners. This approach focuses on functionality and uncluttered spaces.

Energy Efficiency: Sustainable and energy-efficient elements are an ever-growing trend. This includes solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, well-insulated walls and roofs, and high-efficiency HVAC systems to reduce environmental impact and lower utility bills.

Indoor-Outdoor Living: Outdoor living spaces are becoming more elaborate, featuring outdoor kitchens, fire pits, covered patios, and even outdoor rooms with heating and cooling options. We love nothing more than building our customers a luxurious outdoor space! 

Smart Home Integration: Homes equipped with smart technology for lighting, security, climate control, and entertainment are increasingly popular. Voice-activated controls and automation systems are becoming standard.

Natural Materials: The use of natural materials like wood, stone, and metal in interior and exterior design elements adds warmth and character to custom homes.

Multi-Generational Living: Designs that accommodate multi-generational living are on the rise. This includes features like separate living spaces or additional suites for extended family members.

Custom Built-Ins: Custom shelving, storage solutions, and built-in furniture are gaining popularity, as they add functionality and uniqueness to your beloved spaces.

Floating Staircases: Contemporary, minimalist floating staircases add a sense of elegance and modernity to homes.

Green Roofs and Living Walls: Incorporating green roofs and gorgeous living walls not only enhances aesthetics but also contributes to energy efficiency and sustainability.

Unique Roof Designs: Architects are experimenting with creative roof designs, such as flat roofs with rooftop gardens or pitched roofs with interesting angles.

Dedicated Home Offices: The need for dedicated home office spaces has grown significantly, with many homes now featuring stylish and functional workspaces. Here, you can go wild or conservative with the interior design to make work life as interesting as home life. 

The world of high-end Texas custom home building is an ever-evolving landscape of innovation and creativity. The architectural styles and elements mentioned above represent just a glimpse of the exciting possibilities available to you through us at Texas Signature Custom Homes.

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Find the Best Luxury Texas Custom Home Builder!

When you’re looking for a luxury Texas custom home builder, like us, there are a few important aspects to consider. First, you’ll want to make sure that the builder has a proven track record of success. Look for a builder who has experience building custom homes in your area and who has a good reputation for quality and craftsmanship. Collectively, we have decades of experience in the industry. 

Second, you’ll want to make sure that the builder is a good fit for your personality and your needs. Do you prefer to work with a builder who is hands-on or who is more hands-off? Do you have a specific vision for your home, or are you open to the builder’s suggestions? 

We like to work closely with our customers to ensure they feel confident every step of the way. Plus, we design and build truly custom homes that suit your own unique individuality. Sure, we all need a kitchen, bedroom and bathroom, but there are literally dozens of details that are part of the discussion in crafting rooms that best suit your lifestyle. 

Third, you’ll want to make sure that the builder is financially stable. You’ll want to work with a builder who has a good credit rating and who is able to get the necessary financing to build your home. 

We welcome our new potential customers to also check out reviews and comments from our previous customers. We are so thankful to have a wonderful customer base of folks who we have worked with for years building more than just one luxury home. 

Finally, you’ll want to make sure that the builder is a good communicator. You’ll want to be able to communicate your vision for your home to the builder and to get updates on the progress of your build. We believe open and thorough communication is the key to success, so let’s start there! 

Venture back to our home page now and fill out our online form to receive a brochure with more info.

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Fun Summer DIY Building Projects

Summer is the perfect time to get your hands dirty and build something new! Whether you’re looking for a weekend project or something to keep you busy the rest of the summer, there are plenty of DIY building projects to tackle. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Build a patio bench. This is a great project for beginners that brings a lot of added value with extra seating for your patio. All you need is some wood, screws and a few tools.
  • Build a birdhouse. This is another wonderful project for beginners, and it’s a fun way to attract beautiful birds to your backyard. All you need is some wood, nails and a few tools. The one featured in the photo above, made by local artist Betsy Wunderlick Gruy (@sugarloose on Instagram) features a mosaic design with glass tile. It may be a bit more advanced, but it gives you an idea of just how creative you can be.
  • Build a garden shed. This is a more challenging project, but it’s an excellent way to add some extra storage space to your backyard. You’ll need some basic carpentry skills, but there are plenty of tutorials available online and in home improvement stores.
  • Build a play-set for your kids. The kiddos will thank you for this one! There are plenty of different types of play-sets available, so you can find one that fits your budget and your backyard.
  • Build a treehouse. This project may also require a bit of skill, but it’s the perfect way to give your kids a special place to play that’s all their own, with the added benefit of giving them a sense of accomplishment, if they’re able to help. You will need some basic carpentry skills, but we know you’ve got this!

The good news is it’s easy to find plenty of helpful tutorials online or even in home improvement stores for all of these.

No matter what project you choose, make sure to wear safety glasses and gloves when working with tools. And always consult with a professional if you’re not sure how to do something. With a little effort, you can build something amazing this summer!

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How to Turn Your Backyard Into an Oasis During the Sizzling S. Texas Summer!

As we all know, the summer heat in South Texas can be brutal, but it doesn’t mean you have to give up on your backyard. With a few simple adjustments, you can turn your backyard into an oasis that you’ll enjoy spending time in all season long.

Minimize Direct Sun on Your Back Patio

One of the best ways to stay cool in the summer is to minimize direct sun on your back patio. There are a few different ways to do this. One option is to install a shade sail or canopy. There are a million options out there, so just search to see all the various designs and find one that suits your style, but the idea is this will provide a shady spot where you can relax and enjoy the outdoors. Alternatively, you can plant trees or shrubs around your patio to create a natural barrier from the sun. Although this might not solve the problem this summer, unless you purchase mature plants. 

Add Some Water Features

Adding some water features to your backyard is a great way to cool things down. A fountain, pond, or even a simple water table can help create a more relaxing atmosphere. The water will also evaporate, which will help to cool the air around you.

Install Some Fans

Installing some fans around your backyard can aid in keeping the air circulating and help you stay cool. You can also use misting fans to create a cool mist that will evaporate sweat and keep you feeling refreshed.

Take Breaks in the Shade

If you’re spending time outdoors, it’s important to take breaks in the shade. This will help to keep you from overheating and getting sunstroke. You should also drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. We all know this, but it’s easy to forget to drink enough water in this heat! Along those lines, it’s also important to wear sunscreen when you’re outdoors, even if it’s cloudy. The sun’s rays can still damage your skin, particularly when you can’t feel the heat.

By following these tips, we hope you can transform what might be a dreaded backyard at the moment into an oasis where you can relax and enjoy spending time all summer long. If you need help building a new backyard (along with your brand new custom home), you know where to find us!

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Classic Architectural Styles for a One-of-a-Kind Home!

Contemporary Sputnik Chandelier with Murano Glass from Pamano.com

As a luxury custom home builder, we understand that one of the most exciting aspects of building a new home is choosing the style and design elements that will make it unique and special. While modern and contemporary styles are popular choices, many homeowners are drawn to classic architectural styles such as mid-century modern, Victorian and Art Deco. Let’s explore these three styles and discuss how you can incorporate classic elements into your new home.

Mid-Century Modern: Clean Lines and Minimalism

Mid-century modern homes were popular in the 1950s and 1960s and are characterized by their clean lines, minimalism, and integration with nature. If you’re drawn to this style, here are some ways you can incorporate it into your new home:

  1. Floor-to-Ceiling Windows: Floor-to-ceiling windows are a hallmark of mid-century modern architecture and can create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces.
  2. Flat Roofs: Flat roofs are another classic feature of mid-century modern homes and can give your home a sleek and modern look.
  3. Statement Lighting: Unique lighting fixtures such as Sputnik chandeliers or Nelson Bubble Lamps can add a touch of mid-century modern style to any room in your home.

Victorian: Ornate Details and Grandeur

Victorian homes were popular in the late 19th century and are notable for their ornate details and exceptional grandeur. If you’re drawn to this style, it’s easy to understand. Here are a few elements you can add to your home to capture the Victorian vibe!

  1. Turrets and Gables: Turrets and gables are classic features of Victorian homes that can significantly create a sense of grandeur and elegance to your home’s exterior.
  2. Intricate Woodwork: Victorian homes are renowned for their intricate woodwork, such as gingerbread trim, brackets and, of course, spindles. Incorporating these details into your new home can infuse it with Victorian charm and character.
  3. Stained Glass Windows: Stained glass windows are another hallmark of Victorian homes and can add a colorful and artistic touch to any room in your home. Finding a local artist to create a one-of-a-kind piece for you will make it all the more special. 

Art Deco: Geometric Shapes and Glamour

Art Deco homes were popular in the 1920s and 1930s and are distinguishable by their geometric shapes, bold colors and glamour. Here’s how you can incorporate one of our favorite classic design styles into your new home:

  1. Streamlined Design: Art Deco homes are largely known for their streamlined and sleek designs. Incorporating clean lines and geometric shapes into your home’s architectural design is what will surely set it apart from your neighbors. 
  2. Bold Colors: Bold colors such as black, white and gold are classic Art Deco colors and can enhance that glamour look and sophistication to your home’s interior.
  3. Mirrored Surfaces: Mirrored surfaces such as mirrored furniture or mirrored walls were popular in Art Deco homes and can make your home shine like you’re a Hollywood star!

When you’re ready, we can work with you to incorporate these classic elements into your home’s design to create a true masterpiece that reflects your unique style and personality – as unique as your signature! 

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More Than a Bathroom, It’s a Sanctuary!

As a Texas custom home builder, we know that the bathroom is one of the most important rooms in any home. It’s a space where we begin and end each day, so it’s important that it’s comfortable, functional and luxurious. With that in mind, we’ve put together some of the latest trends in bathroom design to help you create a unique and luxurious space in your home, and we’re always here to help!

Master Baths: A Private Retreat

Master baths are no longer just a place to wash up and get ready for the day. They have evolved into luxurious retreats where homeowners can unwind, relax and rejuvenate. Some of the latest trends in master bath design include:

  1. Spa-Like Features: Homeowners are incorporating spa-like features into their master baths, such as soaking tubs, steam showers and heated floors.
  2. Statement Lighting: Unique lighting fixtures can add a touch of glamour and drama to your master bath. Pendant lights, chandeliers and sconces are all popular choices.
  3. Unique Materials: Incorporating unique materials such as marble, onyx, and quartzite can add a touch of luxury and sophistication to your master bath.
  4. Heated floors: We know you don’t always need this feature in S. Texas, but it’s a wonderful addition on those chilly winter mornings and nights. 

Guest Baths: Style and Functionality

Guest baths are an opportunity to showcase your style and hospitality to your guests. Here are some of the latest trends in guest bath design:

  1. Bold Wallpapers: Bold and graphic wallpapers are making a comeback and can add a fun and playful touch to your guest bath.
  2. Vintage Fixtures: Vintage fixtures such as clawfoot tubs, pedestal sinks and brass faucets can add a touch of character and charm to your guest bath.
  3. Floating Vanities: Floating vanities are sleek and modern and can make a small guest bath feel more spacious.

DIY Projects: Personal Touches

If you’re feeling creative and want to add a personal touch to your bathroom design, here are some DIY projects to consider:

  1. Painted Tile: If you have plain white tiles in your bathroom, consider painting them with stencils or patterns for a unique and colorful look.
  2. Custom Shower Curtains: Custom shower curtains can add a personal touch to your bathroom and can be made with a variety of fabrics and trims.
  3. Repurposed Furniture: Repurposing an old dresser or console table as a vanity can add a rustic touch to your bathroom design.

The latest trends in bathroom design are all about luxury, originality and, of course, functionality. Whether you’re designing a master bath or a guest bath, there are plenty of options to help you create a unique and stylish space that’s so much more than just a bathroom. As a Texas custom home builder, we can help you incorporate these trends into your custom home design to create a bathroom that is both beautiful and functional. Give us a call and let’s get started! 

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The Board and Batten Fad!

If you’re a fan of rustic or farmhouse-style design, you’ve probably seen board and batten accent walls popping up all over Pinterest and Instagram. It’s a look that’s really in style right now, according to Jason Gale, owner of Texas Signature Custom Homes. 

“What I find funny is everyone used to put the siding on the back in subdivisions where you have to have 75% masonry to hide it. Nowadays, people are putting it on the front and doing rock or stucco in the back because that’s the look they want!” he said. 

But what exactly is a board and batten accent wall, and why is it such an exciting trend in home design? 

As a Texas-based luxury home builder, we’re here to answer those questions and give you some ideas for incorporating this trend into your new or current home.

Board and batten is a type of siding that’s been used in traditional American architecture for centuries. It consists of wide, vertical boards (the “boards”) with narrow strips of wood (the “battens”) covering the gaps between them. This creates a textured, three-dimensional look that can add visual interest and depth to any wall. It’s becoming a more popular choice as opposed to using paint or wallpaper on an accent wall.

Of course, we love to incorporate this imaginative style into our client’s new custom homes, but you can also add one to an existing home, if you like to DIY! To create a board and batten accent wall, you’ll need to start with a smooth, flat surface. You may need to remove any existing trim or molding and use drywall to smooth out the surface.

Once you have a smooth surface, you can start adding the boards and battens. You can use pre-made board and batten siding, or you can create your own by cutting the boards and battens to size. The boards are usually 6-8 inches wide, and the battens are 1-2 inches wide. You can space the boards and battens however you like, but the most common spacing is about 12 inches between each board.

Now comes the fun part – choosing a design for your board and batten accent wall. You can create a simple, classic look with straight boards and battens, or you can get creative with different shapes and patterns. Some popular designs include X-shaped patterns, chevron patterns, and even diamond-shaped patterns. Truly, sky’s the limit here!

Incorporating different colors and finishes can also add visual appeal. You can paint the boards and battens different colors, or use different stains or finishes to create a textured, multi-dimensional look.

Whether we’re building a beautiful new dream home for you or you’re simply wanting to update your current space, a board and batten accent wall is a trend worth exploring. It can add character and charm to any room, and with so many design options, it’s a great way to express your personal style. 

At Texas Signature Custom Homes, we’re always excited to incorporate unique and original design elements into our homes, and we think board and batten accent walls are a perfect example of that.

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Get Inspired by These 2023 Home Design Trends!

Open-Concept Design in the Texas Hill Country Near Fredericksburg

2023 is promising to be an exciting year for luxury custom home building and design, with a range of cutting-edge and avant-garde trends emerging in the market. As a high-end luxury custom home builder in South Texas, we’re well-positioned to take advantage of these trends and bring them to life for our cherished clients.

One trend we’re seeing is a renewed focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. Homeowners are increasingly looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and live a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle. This has led to the use of more sustainable building materials, like reclaimed wood and bamboo, as well as the incorporation of features like solar panels and green roofs.

As everyone’s electric and water bills are skyrocketing, it’s essential that we consider all of the sustainable tools available to us. We recently had the pleasure of installing a rainwater catchment system for our client in the Texas Hill Country near Fredericksburg. She’s ecstatic about how pure and clean the water is – perfect for washing windows with no streaks! Additionally, we use spray foam insulation and tankless water heaters to cut down on electric bills. The upgraded costs typically pay for themselves within 12 months as the electric bills are DRASTICALLY reduced. 

Another trend we’re seeing grow is the use of technology to create smarter homes. From automated lighting and temperature control to voice-activated assistants, homeowners are looking for ways to make their homes more connected and convenient. We’re able to incorporate these technologies into our designs to offer our clients the ultimate in modern luxury.

Another exciting trend that brings family and friends together are homes with open-concept designs. This means fewer walls separating living spaces, which creates a more spacious and airy feel in the home and allows for greater natural light and better flow between rooms. Details such as large windows, skylights, and sliding glass doors help to bring the outdoors into the home in such a glorious way. 

Finally, we’re also seeing a renewed interest in traditional design elements, like ornate moldings, detailed millwork and grand staircases. These elements add a sense of grandeur and elegance to the home, creating a sense of timeless beauty.

We’re committed to staying ahead of the trends and introducing them to our clients in order to build custom homes as unique as your signature! 

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If You Love to Entertain, This Prep Kitchen is for You! 

Prep Kitchen & Pantry

As a luxury custom home builder in Texas, we recently had the pleasure of constructing a stunning new home in the Texas Hill Country near Fredericksburg for one of our clients who couldn’t be more happy! Among the myriad standout features of this home is the modern prep kitchen and pantry, which includes a unique swinging bypass door that connects the main show kitchen to the prep kitchen.

A prep kitchen is becoming a more popular addition to custom homes and is truly ideal if you love to host parties. This highly functional space is designed specifically for food preparation and organization. It’s often smaller than the main kitchen and offers additional counter space for chopping and preparing ingredients, which allows you to keep any mess hidden from guests. 

A prep kitchen can also be equipped with a sink, refrigerator and, just like the aforementioned Fredericksburg home, the inclusion of a swinging bypass door between the main kitchen and prep kitchen, which offers numerous benefits. 

For one, it enables the homeowner to seamlessly move back and forth between the two spaces, making it easier to prep and cook meals. It also allows for more efficient use of space, as the prep kitchen can be used for its intended purpose while the main kitchen is being utilized for cooking or entertaining.

In addition to the convenience and functionality of the swinging bypass door, the modern prep kitchen and pantry also offer a number of aesthetic benefits. The sleek design adds a touch of luxury to the home and makes it a visually appealing space. The pantry, which is a key component of the prep kitchen, provides ample storage for dry goods and small appliances, keeping the main kitchen free of clutter.

Overall, the inclusion of a modern prep kitchen and pantry with a swinging bypass door is a valuable asset for any luxury custom home. It offers convenience, functionality, and elegance that adds value to your home. As a Texas luxury custom home builder, we are always looking for ways to incorporate innovative and practical features like this into our projects, and we are thrilled to have had the opportunity to include it in this beautiful new home.

Check out our reel on social media so you can see how we incorporated the swinging bypass door. Isn’t it time your kitchen looks and functions exactly the way you want it to?! 

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Have You Ever Heard of a German Schmear? 

German Schmear Technique Used on a Texas Signature Custom Home in Fredericksburg

No, we’re not talking about that yummy cream cheese that you spread on bagels, although that sounds good too! In fact, the word schmear is the German for smear and is a common term in our industry.

A German schmear is a traditional finishing technique used for brick that involves smearing mortar over the face of a brick or stone wall surface. This unique style mimics the look of irregular stones and heavy mortar joints and, interestingly, has been used on cottages and even castles for centuries throughout northern Germany. 

Due to the significant number of German settlers in Texas and their influence, this technique is often found on Texas Hill Country Homes and is still being used today on newly-built houses. The photo seen here is actually a snap from one of our own Texas Signature Custom Homes outside of Fredericksburg and is a perfect example of this rustic yet elegant stonework. 

A classic schmear involves white mortar over read brick, but there are endless brick colors and mortar tints that could be used instead. Also, German schmears aren’t necessarily relegated to solely the exteriors of a home, but can also be used to update your interior brick walls and even a fireplace. 

We love using stone with a German schmear on our custom homes because, not only is it a charming finish, but stones were the first building blocks of human-made dwellings and easily stand the test of time. It’s no surprise to us that the first-ever stone house was built in 3500 BC in Scotland is considered the world’s oldest house. 

If you want to find out more about using a German Schmear for your next custom built home, you know what to do. Give us a call! 

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