When it comes to luxury custom homes, the choice of flooring plays a significant role in defining the aesthetic appeal and overall elegance of the space. Solid hardwood flooring and engineered hardwood flooring are two popular options that offer their own unique advantages. By understanding their similarities, and differences, and weighing the pros and cons, clients can make an informed decision that best suits their needs and preferences. Let’s explore the details!

Solid Hardwood Flooring

Solid hardwood flooring is the epitome of timeless beauty. Crafted from solid planks of natural wood, it has been a popular choice for centuries and continues to be a sought-after option for luxury custom homes.

Pros of Solid Hardwood

• Authenticity and Beauty: Solid hardwood flooring exudes natural beauty, showcasing the unique grain patterns, textures, and colors of the wood species, adding warmth and character to any space.
• Durability and Longevity: Solid hardwood floors are known for their exceptional durability and longevity. With proper care and maintenance, they can last for generations, retaining their beauty and charm.
• Refinishing Potential: One of the significant advantages of solid hardwood is its ability to be sanded and refinished multiple times. This allows homeowners to restore its original appearance and address any wear or damage that may occur over time.

Cons of Solid Hardwood

• Cost: Solid hardwood flooring tends to be more expensive than engineered hardwood due to the higher cost of sourcing and manufacturing solid wood planks.
• Susceptibility to Moisture: Solid hardwood is prone to expansion and contraction when exposed to moisture, making it less suitable for areas with high humidity or moisture-prone spaces like bathrooms and basements.

Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Engineered hardwood flooring is a versatile and popular choice, offering a blend of natural wood and modern technology. It consists of a thin layer of real wood veneer on top of several layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF).

Pros of Engineered Hardwood

• Stability and Moisture Resistance: Engineered hardwood is less prone to moisture-related issues and provides better stability than solid hardwood, making it suitable for a wider range of environments, including basements and areas with fluctuating humidity levels.
• Wide Range of Installation Options: Engineered hardwood can be installed as a floating floor, glued down, or nailed, allowing for greater flexibility and ease of installation.
• Cost-Effective: Engineered hardwood is often more affordable than solid hardwood, providing a budget-friendly alternative without compromising on the natural wood aesthetic.

Cons of Engineered Hardwood

• Limited Refinishing Potential: Engineered hardwood has a limited number of times it can be sanded and refinished due to the thin veneer layer. This makes it less suitable for extensive refinishing compared to solid hardwood.
• Appearance Variations: While engineered hardwood aims to replicate the look of solid hardwood, some may find that it lacks the same depth and authenticity of natural wood.

As interior designers, we possess extensive knowledge and experience in selecting flooring materials, including hardwood options. We understand the importance of functionality and space planning. So we consider factors such as foot traffic, room usage, and lifestyle requirements to help you choose hardwood flooring that not only looks stunning but also performs well in different areas of your luxury custom home!

Creating a kitchen that is both functional and visually appealing requires careful consideration when choosing the perfect countertop. With a wide range of options available, it can be challenging to find the ideal fit. To help you make sense of the choices, let’s explore the breakdown of marble, granite, and quartz countertops. This comparison will enable you to select a surface that aligns with your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences.

Explore the Countertop Options

Transform your kitchen into a space worth admiring with a standout countertop. Below we will discuss the cost, maintenance, and durability of quartz, granite, and marble. As we delve into each option, envision how it would complement your dream kitchen!

Granite Countertops

Let’s explore the beauty of granite, a stunning natural stone that you may have come across in design and architectural magazines. Granite has the remarkable ability to enhance a kitchen with timeless elegance. Its unique appearance arises from the composition of tightly packed minerals, resulting in a one-of-a-kind look for each piece. As a natural material mined and transformed into slabs, no two granite countertops are alike.

When designing a luxurious kitchen, granite offers a plethora of choices. Whether you prefer understated slabs that enhance the room or eye-catching options that become the centerpiece, granite provides versatility.

• Durability: Granite is appreciated for its strength. This resilient stone is water-resistant, scratch-resistant, and not prone to chipping. It also withstands exposure to heat without warping or blistering. Thanks to its durability, granite countertops are a long-lasting choice.
• Cost: Determining the cost of granite versus quartz or marble countertops involves several factors. Generally, granite prices range from $45 to $200 per square foot. The cost depends on factors such as the manufacturer, stone grade, and complexity of installation.
• Maintenance: Regular maintenance for granite involves using a nonabrasive cleaner to keep it clean. Additionally, granite is porous and requires periodic resealing, typically every six months to a year.

Quartz Countertops

Our exploration of countertops continues with quartz, another sleek and versatile option. When your kitchen features elegant fixtures, a beautiful backsplash, and other delightful details, a subtle quartz countertop complements the overall aesthetic.

Quartz countertops offer clean and understated looks, but they can also have a textured appearance, depending on the manufacturing process. Coarsely ground quartz results in a flecked appearance, while finely ground quartz produces a smooth-looking slab. Unlike granite, quartz countertops are a blend of natural minerals, man-made resins and polymers, and colorings. Typically, quartz countertops consist of 90-95% quartz and 5-10% man-made materials.

Due to its blending capabilities and various manufacturing methods, quartz provides more options in terms of color and finish compared to granite and marble. This versatility makes quartz an excellent choice for creating a specific look in your luxury kitchen.

• Durability: Quartz is the most durable countertop material on this list. It is highly resistant to scratches, cracks, and chips. Additionally, quartz possesses stain-resistant qualities that marble and granite lack. However, it is not as heat-resistant as its natural stone counterparts.
• Cost: Quartz countertops typically range from $55 to $155 per square foot. The price is influenced by factors such as stone grade, source, and installation complexity.
• Maintenance: Quartz countertops are a low-maintenance and beautiful option. Unlike granite and marble, quartz is nonporous and does not require resealing to maintain its pristine appearance.

Marble Countertops

There’s no denying the beauty that marble countertops bring to a luxury kitchen. This striking stone can breathe life into any culinary space. Let’s delve deeper into the characteristics of marble countertops.

Marble is formed when limestone undergoes extreme heat and pressure, resulting in a recrystallized structure. Unlike granite, which displays grains and speckles, marble has a larger “pattern” that gives it a distinct appearance. Each piece of marble features veins that vary in color, ranging from gray to blue to red and more, depending on the slab. While gleaming white marble is a popular choice, there is a range of color options, including charcoal, green, and tan, allowing for a diverse color palette in your dream kitchen.

• Durability: Marble is softer than granite, making it more susceptible to scratches and dents. However, like granite, marble is heat-resistant. It is essential to promptly clean up spills and messes to preserve the appearance of marble, as it can easily stain.
• Cost: When comparing the cost of quartz versus marble, there is a noticeable difference. Marble prices typically range from $75 to $250 per square foot. The type of marble significantly influences the price, with Calacatta marble, known for its dramatic and luxurious look, commanding a higher price tag.
• Maintenance: Marble is a porous surface, requiring regular maintenance to prevent staining and damage. Applying sealant every three to six months is necessary to maintain the beauty of marble. If you are willing to manage regular upkeep, marble can be a viable option.

Achieve a Captivating Kitchen

Let Alisha Taylor Interiors’ expert design team bring your dream kitchen to life. With over two decades of experience in the design industry, Alisha Taylor offers expertise in design and project management to ensure every detail reflects your unique style. Our full-service luxury interior design team is dedicated to creating show-stopping results that truly reflect you and your family. From the initial concept to the final execution, we make the design process enjoyable for our clients.

Schedule a consultation with Alisha Taylor Interiors today and begin the journey toward your dream kitchen!

In the realm of luxury custom homes, every detail matters. From lavish interiors to awe-inspiring architectural design, our luxury clients aspire to create residences that represent comfort, functionality, and exclusivity. One architectural element that has gained significant attention in recent years is the incorporation of back kitchens into luxury custom homes. Below, we dive into the purpose and importance of back kitchens, exploring how they elevate the construction and design of luxury custom homes.

What is a Back Kitchen?

A back kitchen refers to a secondary culinary space situated discreetly behind the main kitchen. While the primary kitchen serves as the central hub for cooking, dining, and socializing, the back kitchen operates as a hidden haven, providing an array of advantages to homeowners and their households.

Why You Need a Back Kitchen in Luxury Custom Homes

Enhanced Functionality

One of the primary purposes of a back kitchen is to enhance the functionality of a luxury custom home. It offers additional space for meal preparation, storage, and the concealment of appliances, thereby ensuring the primary kitchen remains pristine and uncluttered during social gatherings or formal events. Back kitchens often feature ample countertops, sinks, and additional appliances, allowing for seamless food preparation, clean-up, and organization behind the scenes.

Catering to Entertaining Needs

Luxury custom homes are frequently designed with entertaining in mind. Incorporating a back kitchen facilitates smooth and seamless hosting experiences. Caterers and staff members can work efficiently and discreetly, ensuring that the main kitchen remains dedicated to the social aspect of the event. From prepping hors d’oeuvres to refreshing beverages, the back kitchen becomes an indispensable asset for hosting glamorous soirées, elegant dinner parties, or corporate events.

Maintaining Aesthetics and Privacy

The architectural design of luxury custom homes places a premium on aesthetics. By integrating a back kitchen into the layout, homeowners can maintain the beauty and elegance of their primary kitchen without compromising its functionality. Hidden from view, the back kitchen allows for the concealment of appliances, food preparation mess, and general kitchen activities. This ensures that the main kitchen and adjoining living spaces retain a pristine appearance, further enhancing the overall luxury experience.

Streamlining Daily Operations

Beyond social events, back kitchens prove invaluable in streamlining daily household operations. They provide a designated space for activities such as meal planning, bulk food storage, and small appliance usage, freeing up the primary kitchen for essential cooking and family interactions. Additionally, back kitchens can accommodate utility functions like laundry facilities, allowing for efficient multitasking and improved workflow within the home.

In the realm of luxury custom homes, the incorporation of back kitchens has emerged as a significant trend in architectural design. By carefully considering the purpose and importance of back kitchens, architects and luxury homeowners can elevate the construction and design of luxury custom homes to unprecedented levels of luxury and convenience.

A great room is the heart of a luxurious home, where style and comfort intertwine to create an inviting and sophisticated space. As interior designers, choosing the right furniture layout is crucial to maximizing the potential of this central gathering area. We’ve explored some of the best luxury great room furniture layouts to consider and the reasons why they can elevate your living space to new heights of elegance.

The Open Concept

An open-concept layout is perfect for those who enjoy a seamless flow between different areas of the home. Opt for a large sofa, creating a distinct separation between the living and dining spaces while maintaining a sense of openness. Position the sofa to face a stunning fireplace or a panoramic view, allowing guests to enjoy the focal point of the room from various angles.

The Entertainment Hub

For those who love hosting movie nights or game sessions, the entertainment hub layout is a must-have. Start with a comfortable, oversized sectional sofa, arranged to face a large flat-screen TV or a projection screen. Enhance the experience with a set of armchairs or a row of luxurious theater-style seating. Incorporate a built-in bar area or a console table nearby for snacks and drinks, completing the ultimate entertainment setup.

The Formal Elegance

For a touch of classic sophistication, consider the formal elegance layout. Place two elegant sofas facing each other, with a refined coffee table in between. Add a pair of stunning accent chairs and a grand piano in the corner to enhance the aesthetic appeal. Accentuate the space with luxurious drapes, statement lighting fixtures, and ornate artwork on the walls. This layout exudes a sense of timeless elegance, perfect for hosting formal gatherings.

Designing the perfect luxury great room requires careful consideration of furniture layouts that enhance both style and functionality. By choosing the right furniture arrangement, we can create a space that epitomizes luxury, comfort, and sophistication—a place where cherished memories are made and shared!

Remember, it’s essential to consider the size of your great room, the architectural features, and the overall aesthetic of your home when selecting a furniture layout. We make sure to tailor it to your personal style and the way you envision using the space. With the right furniture layout, your luxury great room will become the epitome of elegance and a true centerpiece of your home.

WE ARE HIRING! Alisha Taylor Interiors is looking for a professional, organized, and self-motivated Jr. Designer who is proficient in 2D aspects of AutoCAD, has the willingness to learn, and loves luxury residential design.  Three years of experience in residential design is a plus but not required.

The role of Junior Designer is responsible for working within a team environment, collaborating directly with our Senior Designer and Procurement Manager. Candidate must be organized, energetic, eager to learn, cheerful, good at multi-tasking, and be comfortable in a fast-paced environment. The Jr. Designer will contribute to the success of the firm by assisting with all aspects of design development, sourcing, meeting preparation, technical drawings, maintaining organized binders and sample library.  Must be adaptable and able to successfully function with lots of balls in the air!  We are a small boutique firm, which means we are like a family and are looking for the right person to add to our awesome team! We are flexible regarding a start date.

REQUIREMENTS: 

• 4-year Degree in interior design.
• 3 years of residential design experience (preferred but not required)
• Proficient in 2D AutoCAD – the ability to develop very detailed floorplans and elevations.
• Proficient in Excel, Word, & PowerPoint.
• Ease with computers and learning new software applications and tools.
• Must have a great sense of numbers, math, geometry, and spatial awareness as it relates to design.
• Experience with any of the 3D rendering software programs taught in schools (We use Sketchup and will train if you have experience in a different software program).
• Excellent attention to detail and highly organized.
• Ability to multi-task; meet deadlines and is eager to learn and grow with the firm.
• Must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle.
• Must be able to live up to 50lbs
• Have a positive, friendly & professional attitude

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Independently create full design concepts for projects based on Principal’s design vision.
• General research and product sourcing.
• Prepare for client presentations by creating mood boards, detailed floorplans, drawings, and elevations.
• Work closely with Alisha through the conceptual design process for new build projects and furniture/furnishing projects
• Organize and manage sample library.
• Research new products and materials.
• Take, type up, and organize meeting notes, project status, deliverables, etc.
• Maintain organized client binders (digital and hard copies).
• Read architectural plans and produce scaled sketches, drawings, and room layouts.

Salary: Will be discussed in the interview and is based on experience.

Benefits: 10 days paid vacation/year, 12 paid holidays and paid sick time, Health Care Benefits, Monday Lunches provided, Work Laptop Provided, Beautiful & Inspiring office space, and an amazing team of fellow employees!

Please email a cover letter, resume, and link to portfolio to alisha@alishataylor.com and be prepared to submit references upon request.

When it comes to luxury custom homes, every detail matters. From the flooring to the lighting, every aspect of your home should be carefully considered to create the perfect ambiance. One often overlooked aspect is wallpaper. Wallpaper can be the perfect solution to elevating your luxury custom home and creating a unique and personalized space that reflects your style and personality.

Why Wallpaper?

Wallpaper has come a long way since the outdated and tacky designs of the past. Today’s wallpaper options range from classic patterns to modern designs, and everything in between. With so many options available, it’s easy to find a wallpaper that will perfectly complement your home’s design and décor.

One of our firm’s go-to brands for wallpaper is Schumacher. With over 130 years of experience, Schumacher is “committed to design that transcends time and rises above the ordinary, and they are unwaveringly devoted to beauty and quality.” Their collections feature a wide range of styles, from bold and graphic prints to more subtle and understated designs, and they offer a variety of materials and textures that we love to incorporate into our luxury home designs.

Wallpaper can also be used to create a focal point in a room or to add texture and dimension to a space. Whether you’re looking for a bold and dramatic statement or a subtle and elegant touch, wallpaper can help you achieve that desired look.

Wallpaper can also be used to cover imperfections in walls or to add interest to a room that might otherwise feel plain or boring. For example, a wallpaper with a textured finish can add depth to a room and make it feel more inviting.

Selecting the Perfect Wallpaper

While wallpaper can be a great addition to your luxury custom home, selecting the perfect wallpaper can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it’s easy to become overwhelmed.

This is where hiring an interior designer can be incredibly helpful. An interior designer can work with you to select the perfect wallpaper for your project. They can help you identify your style and preferences and then recommend wallpaper options that will complement your home’s design and décor.

An interior designer can also provide guidance on how to use wallpaper effectively in your space. For example, they can recommend which walls to wallpaper, what patterns to choose, and how to mix and match different wallpaper designs.

Working with an interior designer can save you time and money in the long run, as they can help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure that your wallpaper selection complements the rest of your home’s design and décor.

Incorporating Wallpaper into Your Luxury Custom Home: Tips from an Interior Designer

As an interior designer, I know firsthand how much of an impact wallpaper can have on a luxury custom home. It can add texture, depth, and personality to a space, and can be used in a variety of ways to achieve different effects. Here are some tips for incorporating wallpaper into your luxury custom home:

Consider the space: When selecting wallpaper, it’s important to consider the space it will be used in. For example, a bold and graphic wallpaper might work well in a living room or dining room but might be overwhelming in a bedroom. A more subtle and understated wallpaper, on the other hand, might be perfect for a bedroom or study.

Think about the overall design scheme: Wallpaper should complement the rest of your home’s design and décor. Consider the colors, patterns, and textures that are already present in the space, and choose a wallpaper that will enhance and complement those elements.

Use wallpaper strategically: Wallpaper can be used in a variety of ways to achieve different effects. For example, a wallpaper with a bold pattern or texture can be used to create a focal point in a room. Alternatively, a more subtle wallpaper can be used to add texture and depth to a space.

Mix and match: Don’t be afraid to mix and match different wallpaper designs in your home. For example, you could use a bold and graphic wallpaper in one room and a more subtle and understated wallpaper in another. Just be sure to consider how the different wallpaper designs will work together in the overall design scheme of your home.

Pay attention to the details: Wallpaper can be used in unexpected ways to add interest to other areas of your home, such as the ceiling or the inside of a bookcase. Don’t be afraid to get creative and use wallpaper in unique ways to add personality and interest to your space.

Consider the installation process: Wallpaper installation can be tricky, especially when working with a custom home. It’s important to work with an experienced wallpaper installer to ensure that the job is done right and that the wallpaper looks its best.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can effectively incorporate wallpaper into your luxury custom home and create a space that is truly unique and personalized. As an interior designer, I’m always excited to help my clients select the perfect wallpaper for their project and to see the transformation that it can bring to a space.