After years of envisioning, meticulous planning, and what often felt like an unending parade of decisions, we are overjoyed to announce that groundbreaking has officially commenced on our forever home this week! This pivotal moment marks the transition from abstract dreams to tangible reality, a milestone that Jeff and I have long awaited with eager anticipation.
I find myself swept up in a whirlwind of emotions, experiencing all the feelings simultaneously. There’s an undeniable surge of excitement and inspiration, fueled by the prospect of bringing our vision to life. Yet, this excitement is delicately balanced with a touch of overwhelm – the sheer volume of decisions still ahead is daunting, and there’s a self-imposed pressure to ensure every detail is absolutely perfect. Above all, however, a profound sense of gratitude washes over me, a deep appreciation for reaching this significant juncture that Jeff and I have collectively dreamed about for so many years. I am incredibly thrilled to invite you along on this grand adventure, our custom home build journey, promising to share every lesson learned, every triumph, and perhaps even a few challenges, while eagerly seeking your invaluable input and insights along the way!
Today, I’m eager to offer you an exclusive first look at our future home, to introduce you to the brilliant designer behind its exquisite blueprint, and to give you a sneak peek into a few of the spaces that hold a special place in my heart and that I’m most looking forward to seeing materialize. So, please, grab your favorite warm beverage, find a comfortable spot, and settle in. There’s a wealth of exciting details to unveil and stories to share! (Please note: this post may include commissionable links. For further information and transparency, kindly refer to my full disclosure statement {here}.)
Our New Home: A First Look at Modern Tudor Elegance
Our future residence is meticulously designed in a sophisticated modern Tudor style, a choice that perfectly encapsulates everything I adore about timeless architectural aesthetics, yet infused with a refreshing, contemporary perspective. This design philosophy ensures the home will possess the rich character and artisanal craftsmanship synonymous with traditional Tudor residences. However, it thoughtfully avoids the often-heavy and dark ambiance of its predecessors by featuring updated proportions, an improved interior flow, and spaces that feel inherently livable, expansive, and generously filled with natural light. This blend creates a home that respects heritage while embracing the needs of modern living.
Throughout the extensive design process, we were fortunate to receive highly realistic renderings of our home. These visual aids were not only incredibly helpful but also instrumental in refining our vision and making informed decisions every step of the way. They truly allowed us to visualize the outcome long before construction began. Here, I’m excited to share the final rendering of the front elevation of our home – a true testament to the designer’s artistry and our shared vision. (Please note that elements such as landscaping, exterior lighting fixtures, and specific driveway details in this rendering are conceptual and do not reflect our final plans, which are still evolving.)
And here is an equally captivating rendering showcasing the rear elevation, offering a glimpse into the private outdoor living spaces we envision:
You might notice a charming, smaller structure gracefully peeking out on the left side of the rear rendering. This is, in fact, our future combination guest and pool house – a versatile addition designed to serve multiple essential functions. Having moved frequently over the years, Jeff and I have cultivated wonderful friendships across the country, leading to frequent visits from out-of-town guests. Therefore, a top priority for our forever home was to create a truly comfortable, private, and welcoming space for these cherished visitors.
Initially, our thoughts leaned towards integrating a spacious and well-appointed guest suite within the main house, likely on an upper floor. However, as our plans evolved and the idea of building a small, dedicated pool house took shape, a brilliant synergy emerged: why not combine the functionalities of a guest suite and a pool house into one cohesive structure? This innovative concept proved to be a game-changer. Instead of our initial plan for a four-bedroom main house, we now have three beautifully appointed bedrooms within the primary residence, with the invaluable fourth bedroom housed within the elegant pool/guest house. This separate dwelling is designed in the identical modern Tudor style as our main home, ensuring a seamless aesthetic flow and a sense of unified elegance across the entire property. It’s not just practical; it adds an undeniable layer of charm and hospitality.
Our Visionary Home Designer: Frazier Home Design
Now, let’s delve into the fascinating details behind the design of our new home, particularly the incredible talent we partnered with! For our custom build, we wholeheartedly chose Tony Frazier of Frazier Home Design. The story of how we connected with Tony is quite serendipitous and truly feels like fate intervened. My initial search involved diligently reviewing the portfolios of several highly recommended local architects, but none seemed to quite capture the unique blend of timelessness and modernity that we envisioned for our home. Their designs, while beautiful, didn’t perfectly align with the specific style we had meticulously curated in our minds.
Feeling a bit discouraged, I turned to our trusted contractor for further suggestions. His recommendation was immediate and enthusiastic: “You absolutely must check out Frazier Home Design.” He mentioned they were based about two hours north of us in Raleigh. The name, oddly, resonated with a faint familiarity. Acting on a hunch, I immediately went to Instagram to look them up. To my delight and surprise, I quickly realized I was already following their account – and, even more astonishingly, they were following me back! This unexpected mutual connection felt like a clear sign, a compelling affirmation that this partnership was simply meant to be. It instantly put us at ease and added a personal touch to the professional connection.
The foremost aspect that instantly captivated me and drew me to Tony’s work was the sheer, undeniable beauty and inherent sophistication of his homes. His designs possess a unique ability to flawlessly blend a timeless, traditional elegance with a distinctively modern twist. This delicate balance results in homes that feel both deeply rooted in classic aesthetics and refreshingly contemporary. I was particularly enamored by the architectural elements that define his style: the dramatic, sweeping rooflines that add a sense of grandeur and movement; the expansive banks of windows that invite an abundance of natural light and connect interiors with the surrounding landscape; the breathtaking, statement staircases that serve as sculptural focal points; and a myriad of other gorgeous, custom features. These elements coalesce harmoniously to create homes that feel undeniably elevated and luxurious, yet simultaneously function with remarkable beauty and efficiency for the demands of everyday living. They are masterpieces of form and function. To give you a taste of his genius, here are just a couple of my absolute favorite homes he has designed, beautifully captured through the lens of photographer Michael Blevins:
Beyond the undeniable aesthetic appeal, I was equally in awe of Tony’s exceptionally innovative design process, which stands in stark contrast to every other home designer or architect I had encountered. His approach is truly unique: he sketches live, in real-time, during design meetings. This isn’t just a casual scribble; it’s an interactive, dynamic session where he rapidly works through a myriad of layout options, experimenting with different spatial configurations and design elements until a rough, yet compelling, concept begins to vividly take shape. It’s an immersive experience that feels part creative design session, part insightful conversation, and entirely collaborative. This is a refreshing departure from the conventional process, which often involves simply handing over your meticulously compiled wish list and then anxiously hoping for the best possible outcome. With Tony, you are an active participant, witnessing your dreams unfold on paper, instantly providing feedback and adjustments, which dramatically accelerates and refines the design journey.
Once Jeff and I had collaboratively decided on the optimal layout that perfectly aligned with our lifestyle and aesthetic preferences, Tony’s dedicated team seamlessly translated those initial, live sketches into precise computer drawings. Following this, Tony personally sketches the front elevation he envisions for your home, capturing its exterior essence with unparalleled artistry. I distinctly remember the moment I first laid eyes on our front elevation sketch – my jaw quite literally dropped. He had not only captured but perfectly nailed the exact aesthetic and feeling we had meticulously cultivated in our minds. It was an instant, resounding “yes!”
From these foundational sketches, the design gracefully transitions into a sophisticated full 3D development phase. This advanced technology not only allows us to visualize the exterior of our home in breathtaking three-dimensional detail but also offers the incredible opportunity to embark on a virtual walkthrough of the entire interior. Imagine navigating through every room, exploring the spatial relationships, and truly feeling the flow of your future home before a single brick is laid. The sheer realism is astounding. Furthermore, the innovative 3D program can even simulate how natural sunlight will interact with and illuminate each space at any given time of day, across various seasons. This level of detail and foresight is truly remarkable and invaluable for making informed design decisions. It’s pretty nuts how advanced and immersive the process is, giving us such confidence in the final outcome.
For those eager to explore more of Tony’s extraordinary work and stay updated on his latest projects, I highly recommend visiting his website and following him on Instagram at @frazierhomedesign. While we consider ourselves incredibly fortunate to have him based relatively close to us, it’s worth noting that Tony’s talent extends far beyond local boundaries; he skillfully designs custom homes for clients throughout the entire country, utilizing the convenience and connectivity of Zoom calls. Location is truly no barrier to exceptional design when working with Frazier Home Design.
The Spaces I’m Most Excited About in Our Dream Home
While the anticipation of seeing every single part of this home spring to life is almost unbearable, there are a select few spaces that hold a particularly special place in my heart and ignite an extraordinary level of excitement. Interestingly, they might not be the grand, opulent rooms you would typically expect, but rather areas designed for comfort, utility, and personal joy.
The Laundry Room: Beyond a Utility Space
For years, I’ve harbored a singular dream: to finally have a laundry room that is, in essence, a proper *room* – not merely a cramped, functional pass-through or a closet tucked away in a hallway. Our new laundry room promises to be everything I’ve ever wished for and more. It boasts an incredibly generous square footage, providing ample space for not just appliances, but also an abundance of storage. You know how much I adore organizing, so this expansive storage capacity is a dream come true, offering endless possibilities for tidiness and efficiency. Crucially, it will also feature a dedicated sink, a luxury I’ve sorely missed in our last two homes, proving invaluable for soaking, handwashing, and messy cleanups. Perhaps best of all, the design incorporates large, strategically placed windows that will flood the entire space with an invigorating flow of natural light, transforming a mundane chore into a much more pleasant experience. My vision is to create a space that feels bright, airy, and even beautiful, rather than just functional.
I’m still meticulously exploring various options for the flooring, considering delightful wallpaper patterns, and selecting the perfect cabinet hardware. This phase is all about refining the aesthetic and ensuring every detail contributes to the overall charm and functionality of the room. However, I have a very clear aesthetic in mind, a mood that balances classic charm with practical elegance. This is the envisioned look that currently holds my heart:
Sources for Envisioned Laundry Room Design: Classic Checkerboard Tile Flooring | Elegant Blue Toile Wallpaper | Soothing Farrow & Ball Paint Color | Classic Farmhouse Sink | Slim Shaker Cabinet Door Design (inspired by {this vanity example}) | Luxurious Gold Faucet | Chic Ball Knobs | Coordinating Cabinet Pull | Scalloped Beaded Flush Mount Light Fixture
The Master Closet: A Sanctuary of Style and Organization
Our journey through previous homes has been marked by a peculiar, recurring theme: a two-time history of purchasing residences with notoriously tiny master closets. In both instances, this deficiency necessitated significant additions to create generously sized closet spaces, including the acclaimed IKEA PAX closet system we meticulously designed in our last home. And then, without fail, we would move again, leaving behind our hard-won organizational havens. This time, however, the narrative changes! In our forever home, I will finally have the immense pleasure and satisfaction of designing a truly spacious and functional master closet in a house where we genuinely plan to stay for the long term. This isn’t just about storage; it’s about creating a personal sanctuary.
This master closet will be far more than a simple repository for clothes and shoes. It’s envisioned as a sophisticated dressing room, meticulously designed to offer not only ample space for every garment and accessory but also integrated features that elevate the daily routine. Key among these are a charming window seat, perfect for moments of quiet contemplation or trying on shoes, and a bespoke sit-down vanity. This vanity, while designed on a more intimate scale, draws inspiration from the luxurious and practical setups seen in high-end showcase homes. I recall being particularly impressed by a similar vanity in the closet of a showcase home during last year’s Triangle Parade of Homes. It highlighted the beauty of having a dedicated, comfortable spot for getting ready. (Please excuse the slightly poorer quality of this iPhone photo; it was too inspiring not to capture!)
The vision for this master closet extends beyond mere storage; it’s about crafting an organized, elegant space that reduces morning stress and enhances the ritual of dressing. Every section will be thoughtfully planned, from dedicated shoe racks and handbag displays to custom shelving for folded items and ample hanging space for various garment lengths. The window seat will offer a moment of pause, while the sit-down vanity, with its perfect lighting and mirror, will transform makeup application and hair styling into a comfortable, enjoyable experience. It’s an investment in daily luxury and efficiency that I’ve long yearned for, and I cannot wait to bring every organized detail to fruition.
The Garden: A Personal English Oasis
Two years ago, we tentatively added a small, delightfully simple raised bed to our current backyard. You can read all about that initial foray into cultivation in my detailed post on raised garden beds. From that moment, I was utterly and irrevocably bitten by the gardening bug. The transformation of a small patch of earth into something living and productive was nothing short of magical, sparking a deep-seated passion I never knew I possessed. This might very well be the space I’m most emotionally connected to in our entire new home. I have always cherished the dream of having a garden that radiates peace, feels meticulously intentional, and serves as a genuine escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life – a tranquil sanctuary where one can simply “be.” We are thoughtfully planning our new garden as a true extension of the home, an outdoor room designed for gathering, slowing down, and immersing oneself in the beauty of nature.
Our new garden is conceived with a distinctly English aesthetic, evoking a sense of timeless charm and refined wildness. It will feature meandering stone pebble paths, inviting exploration and adding a delightful sensory texture underfoot. Beautifully crafted raised planting beds will house a vibrant array of flora, allowing for focused cultivation and easy maintenance. Elegant olive trees will provide a touch of Mediterranean sophistication and gentle shade, while a carefully cultivated podocarpus hedge will gracefully surround the entire space, creating a sense of enclosure, privacy, and serene beauty. This natural “wall” will define the garden, transforming it into a secluded oasis. All of our landscaping, hardscaping, and the comprehensive backyard design – including the intricate planning of our cherished garden – was masterfully executed by Drew Holgren. I cannot recommend him highly enough, especially if you’re local and seeking unparalleled exterior design expertise! After I articulated my vision and desires, Drew swiftly responded with an inspirational collage for our backyard, and I must tell you, he absolutely nailed it. It was as if he had plucked the images directly from my mind, perfectly capturing the essence of what I was looking for. This collaborative process ensured our outdoor spaces will be just as thoughtfully designed and cherished as our interiors.
What’s Next: Embarking on the Build Journey
This momentous groundbreaking is truly just the beginning of what promises to be an exhilarating and transformative journey. I simply cannot wait to bring each and every one of you along through every single phase of our custom home build. For those of you who are local and curious, we are incredibly excited to be working with the esteemed Lackey Builders, a team renowned for their craftsmanship and dedication. From the initial stages of framing, where the skeletal structure of our home will first emerge, to the intricate process of making finish selections – choosing everything from flooring and paint colors to light fixtures – and from the detailed decisions regarding tile choices for bathrooms and kitchen backsplashes to the precise and elegant trim details that will define each room’s character, I will be meticulously documenting and sharing it all. You can expect regular updates right here on the blog, as well as more immediate, behind-the-scenes glimpses on my Instagram Stories, as our house steadily takes shape and comes to life.
Witnessing the rapid progression from an empty lot to a fully realized home is a truly awe-inspiring experience, and I’m thrilled to have you share in every step, from foundation to roofline. It’s a complex dance of coordination, design, and construction, and there will undoubtedly be many learning opportunities and exciting discoveries to share.
Pictured above: A cherished moment from a small, intimate ground-breaking party we hosted on the lot with a few beloved family members and close friends just last week! It was a beautiful way to officially kick off this incredible adventure.
As we navigate this exciting process, please don’t hesitate to reach out if there’s anything specific you’re curious about or if there are particular aspects you’d like to see more of. My goal is to make this journey as helpful, informative, and engaging for you as possible, providing insights that might even assist you in your own home projects or dreams. And, importantly, if you’ve had the invaluable experience of building a home before, I would be incredibly grateful for your wisdom. Please consider sharing any advice you have, lessons you’ve learned along the way, or even things you wish you had done differently in the comments section below. I am truly eager to soak up every bit of wisdom and practical insight I can gather from this wonderful community!
