Friday, October 25, 2013

Custom Kitchen Designs

The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home. It remains one of the most important areas in home design and warrants a lot of thought before building your custom home.

Some trends designers are seeing in kitchens these days are:
  • More square footage. Kitchens are getting larger as they become the focal point for entertaining.
  • Increase in detail. Molding, millwork and paneled doors are some examples of how to dress up the kitchen.
  • Designer islands. More than just functional space, islands are taking on a life of their own with a unique style or color that stands apart from the rest of the kitchen.
  • Less clutter. Kitchens are being designed with extra storage space to hold rarely used appliances and free up precious countertop space.
  • Glamorous lighting. While some elements of the kitchen are becoming more clean and streamlined, buyers are adding in touches of upscale decor in chandeliers or oversized light fixtures.
What are your ideas for your custom kitchen space?

Friday, October 18, 2013

Fall Entertaining

Hard to believe but there are less than two weeks until Halloween!  Once you get settled in your new home by Coastal Design Builders, it's natural to want to show it off - maybe with a Halloween or Fall Party?  Here are some easy but eye-catching Autumn recipes to use at your big event!

Click on the images below to get step-by-step instructions!











What are some of your favorite recipes?

Friday, October 11, 2013

News Release


Local Custom Builder Shares Insight and Experience with Community



Alan Wheeler of Coastal Design Builders will share his knowledge of home building with the community through regular appearances on Lowcountry Live, a program on local ABC affiliate, Channel 4. Alan is scheduled for at least 13 appearances on the program that airs at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday mornings.

Alan answers questions from the audience and visitors to his website on topics such as “How to choose the right builder”, “How to pick the best lot” and “Why are there construction delays”. He also touches on hot button topics in the home building industry such as code changes and flood regulations.

“I love sharing what I’ve learned and being pushed to learn more through questions from potential customers and those interested in home building,” says Wheeler.

Alan is owner and founder of Coastal Design Builders, a custom home building and renovations company serving the Lowcountry. His over 25 years of experience make him a frequent guest speaker at the Charleston Custom Home and Remodeling Show as well a regular contributor to industry publications.

Previously aired episodes are available on his website at www.coastaldesignbuilders.com.

Friday, October 4, 2013

Choosing Your Color Palette

Building a custom home involves many decisions, maybe none more important or difficult than choosing your color palette.  Here are some tips from the experts on how to make that decision just a little easier.


  • Start with your formal areas first - dining room, living room and entry way. 
  • Rule of thumb - use darker colors on the floor, medium shades on the wall and lighter colors for the ceiling
  • Think about the colors you wear. People typically buy clothes in colors they like or look good in. Keep these colors in mind for your home as well.
  • Use this ratio - 60 percent dominant color, 30 percent secondary color and 10 percent accent color
  • Work within the same hue if you find a color you love
  • Consider your lighting. Observe your room or space in morning, afternoon and evening light. Light will greatly affect paint colors.
  • Decorate for yourself. It's okay to get opinions from friends or family but ultimately it's your home and you have to live there. Choose what you like even if other people don't.