One of the most exciting parts of purchasing a new home is visiting the design center. Selecting floors and finishes enables homebuyers to become an integral part of the building process.
Home to paint colors, granite patterns, cabinet styles, and more options for the buyer to choose from, builder design centers lay out every new home design and decor option imaginable. New home design centers will vary from builder to builder, and your visit experience will be different based on the size, type and location of your future house.
It’s easy to become overwhelmed by entering the design center, especially as a first-time homebuyer. NewHomeSource spoke with Lee Crowder, Taylor Morrison's senior director of national design and model operations, about maximizing the benefits of a design center visit.
What’s the biggest mistake first-time buyers make when they walk into a design center?
Being wowed by all the beautiful finishes and materials, getting distracted, and then spending the bulk of their budget on materials that don’t have the biggest impact on their lifestyle.
Another major mistake is buying a product that does not align with your lifestyle at home. For example, purchasing a wood floor when you have a large dog that could scratch the material up, or choosing a countertop that takes special care and maintenance with a busy family that might not be able to take care of it properly.
With so many options available, how do you recommend buyers prioritize their design budget?
Set a budget, create a list of priorities, and consider your design aesthetic and lifestyle before visiting a design center. Having this plan helps set the tone. After that, design center team members can guide you through selecting investment pieces that will have the biggest impact, such as finishes like lighting and hardware. At Taylor Morrison, our design consultants strive to present a variety of design options to fit both your budget and the vision you’re hoping to achieve.
It’s also important to think about your home long-term when building a new construction home. For example, if you think you might want to add pendants over a kitchen island, be sure to add wiring from the start, as it can be much more complicated and expensive to add electrical once the home is built.
What role does AI play in personalizing the design journey? Can it help narrow down choices based on lifestyle or taste? Does Taylor Morrison have any new tech that they're using to help this experience?
We are rolling out VEO, an online design platform that all buyers, whether using Canva or the Design Studio, will be able to utilize for planning their design experience. It will also be used during the design appointment. VEO will enable you to visualize your selections, create a wish list, and compare it with your budget and choices.
VEO will then be used in the design appointment to help assist our design consultants with instant pricing, selections, and paperwork that includes photos and detailed information.
How can buyers future-proof their design choices when tech is evolving so quickly?
Consider investing in materials that incorporate revolutionary technology with a timeless feel, such as Revwood (a laminated wood product), luxury vinyl plank, and quartz countertops.
The unique technology of these materials can create a timeless home design that also reflects the authentic lifestyle you lead in your home.
How do buyers balance personal style with timeless design that won’t feel dated in five years?
With designs lasting much longer today, we are seeing a trend toward more timeless designs among consumers.
When shopping for a new home, consider choosing more timeless designs over trendy options for selections like countertops, cabinets, and stained wood, allowing for a longer trajectory. Today, we are seeing a preference for timeless elements, such as black and gold finishes, as well as more earthy wood colors.
Adding home decor items such as pillows or smaller furniture pieces is a great way to showcase more of your personality and trendy items in your home without breaking the bank.
Erin Nicks
Erin Nicks has written for various publications for more than 20 years. She has covered new home construction for industry-leading websites and publications, such as Livabl, ARCHITECT, Multifamily Executive, and Builder Magazine.