Woman-Centric Home Design
Shame on us at Design Basics! Sure, we were already the nation’s largest home plan design firm in terms of providing home plans to professional builders, but it wasn’t until January, 2003 that we actually “got it.” Women are the target market for homebuilders!  Therefore, women are ultimately our target market at Design Basics!.

Creating the Home Office that is Right for You! 
 
Have it Your Way
It’s no wonder millions of Americans are now working from home.  Unlike a commercial office, a home office can reflect your personality, likes and dislikes. Having a completely individualized work space can make the difference between having to work and wanting to work.  In fact, after moving home, you may find yourself staying at your desk a little longer – which balances out time-wise since there’s no commuting!

 

Hobby Rooms 
 
Creative Get-Away Spaces
You’ve probably heard the saying, “I’m not messy – I’m creative.” You may have said it yourself, but, imagine a home without interesting piles here and there. Imagine a home with a well-laid out hobby room.

 

The In-Law Suite 
 
The Ideal Solution for a Multi-Generational Suite
According to the 2000 Census, 3.9 million American homes have three or more generations living together. (Seventy-eight thousand households contain four generations.)   “One segment of this growing population is baby boomers caring for aging parents, ” notes Linda Reimer, president of Design Basics, Inc., one of the largest home plan companies in the country.

 

Creating the Ideal Workspace

With an estimated 50 million people now working at home, an awareness has emerged that the quality of the home workplace counts - not only for efficiency, comfort, and safety, but for the sheer pleasure of being there.

The Organized Kitchen
 
For many years, dishes, utensils, cookware and supplies were organized by groups. Since today’s kitchens are often arranged by zones determined by function (e.g., prep, cooking, baking, serving, clean-up zones), point-ofuse storage has become a practical way to save steps and time. Of course, the storage requirements for each zone vary from family to family.

 

The Best Bathroom Ideas

Courtesy of Her Home Magazine. Bathrooms were once utilitarian rooms not much bigger than closets. Today, a stroll through a bath showroom or a quick look through a home design book or magazine will prove those days are long gone.

 

In The Bath

Of all the rooms in our homes, kitchens and baths (especially master baths) have changed the most dramatically over the years. 

Exquisite Exteriors

What are the most common mistakes homeowners make when choosing exterior paint colors?  What opportunities do homeowners commonly miss when selecting and placing colors on their homes' exteriors?  These questions and others are answered with "Tips for Choosing a Color Scheme."

 

Carefree Exteriors

Good-Looking, Time-Saving Products for your Home.  What’s behind the trend toward low-maintenance products for the home? We went one-on-one with home buyers and builders to discover the perceptions and values behind the surge. The insights just might surprise you!

 

French Country

Viva la Difference.  Their architecture is no exception. So it's not particularly surprising that French Country homes are becoming as popular as the latest styles from Paris.

 

When Smaller is Smarter

Retirement's just around the corner. Their 2,700 square foot two-story served its purpose well, but it's been too big for the two of them for years. They want to build a new home. Something they can live in for a long time -maybe forever. What's it look like?

New Homes for Aging Boomers

We are constantly researching the market, surveying builders and listening to consumers. In so doing, we’ve identified the following trends.

 

Top 10 New Home Trends

We are constantly researching the market, surveying builders and listening to consumers. In so doing, we’ve identified the following trends.

 

Rollin' with the Changes

A talk with eight associate design companies about the latest trends and innovation in home design from around the country.

.The ABC's of Construction Financing

It begins with finding a great location and ends with the finished home. Sounds simple enough, but building a new home is a large and time-consuming undertaking.

 

Springs New Beginnings

First time buyers search for a home in a different way than they've previously looked for a place to live.

 

Living Summers Journey

Move-up buyers won't want to rush the selection of the home in which they'll raise their children.