From Granite Countertops to Welcoming Foyers: Classic and Modern Features of a Custom Home

Fabulous foyer features staircase wall adorned with board and batten and fitted with a wood console table illuminated by iron buffet lamps

When working with a builder, you’re working with a professional home designer that understands the many possibilities of modern home building. Today’s home builders have the advantage of working with decades of accumulated knowledge, techniques, and an ever-growing list of new materials and eco-friendly and energy-efficient building approaches. There are classic amenities that never go out of style and have a timeless appeal that was popular in the mid 20th century and are still favorites today. We thought we’d take a look at some common popular features of Padilla Homes and how we do it differently.

Every Feature is an Opportunity to Be Inspired

When building a home, every feature of your home is an opportunity to discover new beauty, emerging styles, and to take a risk to do something original and breathtaking. Part of our passion for custom home building is the fact that there are always new ideas and design possibilities that we never cease to explore at our client’s behest. If you’re thinking about working with a custom home builder, consider the open possibilities you have for every feature of your home. So let’s look at two features that open up a world of beauty for your new home.

Kitchen Countertops: Custom Design and Elegance

Granite has had a special place in homes and kitchens since the early 20th century. During this early period, however, granite was reserved for the very wealthy and luxury homes early. Today, granite is a relatively accessible material. The means of retrieving and cutting it have benefited from advancements in technology and machinery. As a common countertop material, granite started surging in popularity in the 1970s. What makes granite one of the most sought-after materials for kitchens?

Its unique origins and qualities. No slab of granite is identical. They are like glowing fingerprints to your home, as the design, strain, and color variations of a cut of granite will be completely unique to your kitchen. Whether they are rich earth tones or a starker gray with streaks of silver, or an elegant white, the design is individually mysterious.
Incomparable resistance. Whether it is resistance to heat, sharp objects, or stains, granite repels it all. It is not easily scratched or damaged and can withstand heat and changes in temperature without any damage.

Designing a Foyer That Blows Your Guests Away

The impact of first impressions is no exaggeration. As you enter a home, an establishment, a theater, restaurant, or a doctor’s office, the entryway will speak to you in subtle and not no subtle ways. The same goes for your custom home. Because you have control over the layout and arrangement of your home, you can consider the kind of entrance you want for your dream home.

What is a foyer?

Just like many other French-inspired words, “foyer” kind of rolls of the tongue. The word comes from the French that means “hearth” or “home.” The word specifically refers to a gathering place or place of unity. It is commonly defined to mean the entrance hall or ‘gathering area.’ Famous foyers include the classic hall of mirrors at Versailles or classic French theaters like Palais Garnier Opera.

What makes a foyer unique?

Many of our Padilla Homes floor plans feature foyers that ensure a grand first impression to anyone that comes in. There are different ways to approach the foyer:

A hallway that opens up to the rest of the house: A foyer can be an entryway that leads to the rest of the home. This means that some foyers are more enclosed areas that hold off before they spill into the main room of the home.

An immediately enticing open area that showcases the home’s beauty: Today, most foyers are designed as part of the open space that will spill over into the home’s open floor plan.

When thinking about the kind of foyer you want in your custom home consider:

Storage: Because it is the entryway, a foyer serves the specific purpose of being a storage area for things like coats, shoes, umbrellas, or other on-the-go needs.
Function: Do you want your foyer to be more of an entryway or serve as a kind of gathering place to greet guests?
Sight: What do you want your entrance to lead into? Do you want the entryway to show a great staircase, a fireplace, a giant family room, or an elegant kitchen?
Floor: What kind of floor do you want for your foyer?

Modern foyers tend to open up to the center of the house and form an essential part of the central layout. For people looking for ways to begin thinking about their custom home design, considering the entryway is a great passage to envisioning the rest of the home.

Get Custom Designs and Features Every Step of the Way

With more than three decades of building luxury homes in the El Paso area, Padilla Homes is ready to help you think about the many inspiring possibilities for your new custom home.

Want to see your design in 3-D before you decide? At Padilla Homes, we use the latest technology to showcase floor plans in three dimensions so you can see full details. Call us today.

From Traditional to Contemporary: The Features that Make a Modern Kitchen

Ocotillo Estates El Paso TX Carravagio Kitchen Cooktop

From luxurious granite countertops to cabinets to kitchen islands, today’s homeowner knows exactly what they need in their kitchen. The 21st-century tech-infused, work-from-home, energy-conscious-yet-fashionably-apt consumer tends to lean towards a kitchen that exhibits one or all of the following features: wide-open spaces, natural lighting, sleek appliances, geometric shapes, minimalist signature curves and lines that convey simplicity, and minimalism that has gripped architecture and design in the past few decades.

There is no right or wrong as to what makes a modern kitchen, as even those that have classic features and highlight natural materials can have a contemporary feel. It all depends on the design and arrangement of the space, as well as the appliances, colors, and shades, that will ultimately make a kitchen stand out as a modern work of art.

The History of the Kitchen Begins with an Open Fire

The word kitchen is derived from the Old English cycene and based on the Latin term coquere for “cook.” In ancient times and early civilizations, the first feature that birthed the concept of the “kitchen” was the open fire. What began as fires in a hole on the ground progressed to makeshift masonry constructions that held metal cauldrons over the flame. The area of the open fire was the area where people gathered for warmth, camaraderie, and, of course, delicious meals.

Forget the Open Fire, Bring in the Stove!

As civilizations changed and progressed in economics and technology, the place for cooking slowly transformed into what is now known as the age-old adage of “the heart of the home.” The design and function of the kitchen changed as the stove emerged. In the 18th century, stoves were fueled by wood. In 1742, our very old Benjamin Franklin came up with his stove which was known aptly as ‘The Franklin.” The Industrial Revolution only improved the stove technology and added amenities to the kitchen like cabinet space. Then came the gas oven, which was followed by the electric oven.

The Baby Boom Houses and the Sixties Revolution

The influx of thousands of GIs coming back from the war front in the late 1940s meant the beginning of the Baby Boom generation. The era was also characterized by an incredible demand in homes, the beginning of suburbia, and the craze for home appliances and culinary skills aided by designer cookware, Tupperware societies, and more. This was the beginning of the modern kitchen. From there, improvements and trends in appliances would change over the decades.

Mr. Home Designer, Tear Down That Wall!

Something happened in the 1980s—not the fall of the Soviet Union—that marked an ultimate change to kitchen design forever after. The trend had been emerging in modern home design since the late fifties but was largely popularized around this time. That was the tearing down of the enclosing walls that closed off the kitchen from the rest of the home. The open layout that took hold in the latter part of the 20th century became the norm.

What are the Popular Features of a Contemporary Designer Kitchen?

It depends on who you ask. Here at Padilla Homes, we build houses that fit the vision of our clients but also display the unmistakable finesse of modernity, the functionality and technology of the 21st century, the subtle character of the minimalist style, and the luxury of high-end materials and exquisite design. The combination and final touches are up to the client who creates their dream kitchen.

Here are some of the most popular requests and features for kitchens in the past ten years.

A kitchen composed of singular angles and minimalist design:

The modern homeowner tends to be concerned with functionality, efficiency, and performance. In kitchen design, this translates to sleek and angular designs. The countertops, appliances, or any other feature is carefully arranged to create easy flow around the kitchen and maintain a sense of order, symmetry, with flush doors and flat surfaces. The intent is to create a space that looks clean and inviting without much clutter. This may translate to hiding appliances behind cabinet doors or ensuring the appliances are flush with the rest of the cabinetry.
Clever storage solutions with a little style:

It’s not always about creating a lot of cabinets, although some people prefer the bigger rows of cabinets. Another option is creating innovative spacing solutions that will maximize space and reduce the amount of additional hardware. There is no wasted space and even a small kitchen provides the necessary storage with the allure and illusion of a bigger space. In custom home building, this ultimately is up to the homeowner.

Other popular trends can include:

Dark wood cabinets and sleek design
Vibrant colors and patterns (for those who like their kitchens to “pop”)
White kitchen and kitchen islands as the centerpiece
Geometric designs with classic tiles to create a “retro” feel

View some of the Padilla Homes to see some of our kitchen styles.

Before You Build, Design the Kitchen of Your Dreams

The kitchen is the center of a home’s design, in many ways. And yet, there are plenty of options to explore. From the layout to the colors, to the materials and appliances. We’ll help you find the right balance for you.

To work with an in-house designer and build the custom home of a lifetime, call Padilla Homes.

A Look at the Fundamental of Patios and Outdoor Designs With Padilla Homes

With an average of 297 sunny days in El Paso, it’s almost sinful to neglect the possibilities of outdoor living available to us here in the Sun City. Our breathtaking sunsets and cool summer nights are there for the taking. So will you experience them in style? With a small fire pit, people can even enjoy an outdoor meal in the middle of winter. And yet, a patio is another room of your home; it requires planning and a design that fits your needs, square footage, and style. When you work with Padilla Homes, you get qualified designers and architects, but you get the ability to experience your design with our 3-D models and really search for the perfect and modern outdoor living space design that complements your luxury home. The outside of your home is an extension and part of the final product, so we don’t take it lightly. So let’s talk about outdoor living.

From Pastures to Living Outdoors

The word ‘patio’ comes from the Spanish and originates from pati or patu, which means pasture, or the land behind a house. In more rural times and areas, patios were used to keep the animals safe. As cities sprouted, however, the word came to mean the space behind the house and it adopted a function of an outdoor living room, entertainment space, and a blank slate for beautiful landscaping, vegetations, pools, and other amenities.

The Best Patio Design is Created With Function in Mind

As a custom home builder, we work and design based on the homeowner’s needs. This is how we make the decisions about the best floor plans, the size of the rooms, living spaces, and even the materials. The patio is no different. Quality patio design is not just the leftover space outside of the home, it can be designed with function and beauty in mind.

Space. – Many homeowners take their outdoor living space very seriously. Other not so much. So first you want to think about just how much outdoor living you might be engaging in and some of your individual considerations like the age of your children, pets, whether you intend to put in a pool, and the frequency with which you entertain. Many homeowners will find that they never entertained outdoors before because their outside spaces were not particularly considered and thus seemed bland and boring. Not to worry! We can remedy this.

When thinking about a patio, consider the amount of space that you would like to see paved vs the space you want for garden, grass, or landscaping. Modern patio design does a lot to balance these design concepts. This also depends on your square footage and the layout of your home. We can help you with this. Whether you are looking for comfort for 2 or 20, if properly considered, the space will be an inviting paradise. You might even want to sleep outside on those hot summer evenings!

Harmony and Cohesion. – As home designers, we think of things in terms of the big picture. There is no isolated area of the home; everything is interconnected and speaks to the beauty and performance of the whole house. When thinking about your patio, you want it to complement the design of your home, use similar materials, and even maintain similar design principles or characteristics. This will keep the entire design cohesive.

Design and Materials. – A key to the design is thinking about lines and edges, as well as creating contrast and balance with other features of your home. This might depend on the materials and colors used throughout your custom build. There are many ways to go about it. Some of the most popular materials used in outside spaces include:

Natural stone in mosaic or natural patterns
Brick
Slate
Wood panels

In terms of features, your patio can be covered or uncovered. You might choose to create a half-covered area or add some cooking amenities. Popular features in patio design include:

Pergola
Outdoor lighting fixtures and design
Built-in barbeque
Outdoor kitchen
An outdoor fireplace or custom fireplace
Water features
Sitting walls or benches
Pathways and cobblestones

What Are Some Common Questions When It Comes to Patio Design?

The possibilities are truly endless. Sometimes this makes it harder for people to decide how to finalize a design. Doing too much can be detrimental and underbuilding can undermine the space. Some of the questions we see often include:

Will you consider the orientation of the patio?

For builders and architects, the orientation of the home is a big deal. It might not get talked about much, but it really has an effect on your home. We ensure that your patio has a good orientation to the sun, so that we make full use of natural light cycles and highlight the surrounding landscape.

Can you build additional features of the patio?

We can build anything. This will be up to you and the design that we come up with together. We have built everything from paved open patios to half-enclosed patios with ceiling fans and a beach-resort feel.

Get Beauty and Transcendence in Your Outdoor Living

A patio is a place for community gatherings or quiet solitude. It bends to your needs and lifestyle. A solid plan will ensure that the furnishing or any additions you make will all be cohesive with the rest of your home. If you’re ready to talk about custom building, call a builder that will guide you through the process, provide real-time 3-D models, and has more than thirty years of experience. Call Padilla Homes and see what’s possible when design meets experience.

Working With an In-House Designer & What That Means For Your Custom Home

A hand drawing interal designs for a kitchen For more than 30 years, Padilla Homes has been constructing quality homes for El Paso residents—or as we like to say— building outside the box. That is, we work with innovative processes, new designs, quality materials, and more. As a pioneer in the use of technology and sustainable materials in our home building process, we like to be ahead of the curve when it comes to the design and the building of your home. Yet, there is nothing wrong with looking back to the past at the many great architectural traditions and what they have given us in terms of style and knowledge about home performance.

When you work with Padilla Homes you not only get a chance to utilize technology in a ground-breaking way by having access to 3-D models of a particular design before it goes up, you also get one-on-one interaction with the Padilla home designers and architecture which can advise you and work with you on the many options of your home. That is not to mention having access to the hundreds of luxury and stylish floor plans that we have already built to which you can make alterations or modifications.

So what does working with one of our designers look like and what are some 2020 architectural and design trends that we are seeing emerge?

If you ask anybody in the home design or architectural industries, they will likely point to a common thread in a lot of new construction homes. This trend revolves around the commitment to sustainable development and sustainable architecture, as well as smart technology and home performance.

While many people draw from traditional architectural building styles and even pull from beloved fashions of the past, here are a couple of modern trends that are popping up.

Open and Multipurpose Spaces

The open floor plan has long been established as the norm, but today there is even more of a push to blur the lines between areas of the home. This makes for the inclusion of multipurpose spaces that mix relaxation with office work, school work with play, and family dining with entertainment areas. The trick here can be in using building materials that serve as a link between the rooms. The integration between the kitchen and the living rooms seems to be a common one. It might be simple enough to join the two by having a few meters of the living room floor spill into the kitchen or vice versa.

Risque Combination of Materials

Another trend seen by today’s homeowners has to do with choosing two very contrasting types of materials and using them together. This must be done with caution, of course, as these risque combinations must still work together while producing an eye-catching and impressive pair. There are so many styles and varieties of materials out there that it is difficult to choose just one. Because of this, some people opt for having a surprising and slightly jolting pairing. One example might be combining traditional retro or vintage wallpaper— ala 1970s—contrasted next to a modern sleek wall.

A New and Functional Minimalism

The trend towards minimalism has been around since the early 2000s. What we have seen in recent years is an expression for wanting more open spaces and minimizing disruptive spaces that make for clutter or over-filled corners. This is often achieved by using very sleek materials and colors, allowing for the continuous flow of space, and using modern and avant-garde materials. At the same time, the move towards minimalism goes hand-in-hand with the move towards sustainable spaces and simple living that is all the rage in modern homes.

The Use of Angles and Design to Promote Natural Light

Just like many of today’s homeowners want to get rid of noise by using noise-reducing materials, they also want to promote the use of natural light. Architectural technology is also making use of natural light from the sun. Particularly in a place like El Paso, Texas, where there are over 297 sunny days a year. As a home builder in the Southwest, we build with this in mind. Our climate has a lot to do with the materials we use and how we recommend certain designs, angles, and distribution of space. With a little pre-planning, you can take advantage of the sunny days in the area and minimize your energy costs while flooding your home with the therapeutic benefits of natural lighting.

Industrial Style in Housing for a Fresh and Modern Look

This trend is usually defined by asymmetrical forms in construction. This style is conveyed through the use of iron, wood, aluminum, recycled plastic, which makes construction cheaper. Simple lines and clean angles, as well as minimalist construction really mark this style.

The Kitchen and Bathroom as Bold Statements

And who could forget the modern kitchen and bathrooms? These are places where homeowners really want to make a bold statement. Bathrooms are not just a place for cleaning oneself and necessity. The bathroom has seen a resurgence as a place for disconnection from the chaos and a place for personal space. Jacuzzi and larger bathtubs indicate that people see the bathroom as a way to escape and decompress. Kitchens are equally a place that is needed for the preparation of food, but they have also become more than that. A kitchen today can be seen as a place for gathering, intimate conversation, and even work.

Get the Style You Want With Padilla Home Custom Design

Work with Padilla Homes to achieve the custom home design you are looking for. We know that there are hundreds of options and it’s not easy to make some of these decisions. That’s where we come in. Our personal designers and 3-D model technology can help make this process easier for you. Connect with a home builder that is ready to listen. Call Padilla Homes and live the difference!

The Power of Natural Light: Infuse Your Custom Home with Nature’s Illumination

Spacious and bright bedroom interior with beige decorations, hardwood floor and a book on the window sill seat Padilla Homes is dedicated to building one-of-a-kind homes in El Paso. The interiors of our homes are designed with unmatched elegance and architectural splendor. Every aspect of our home-building is focused on structural integrity, quality, and ultimate home performance. And with today’s environmentally-conscious energy-saving homeowner, home performance has become central. So, when you walk into a Padilla Home, there are a couple of things that hit you immediately: one might be the sheer beauty and architecture, the open layouts that produce a welcoming space, or the sleek appliances and design. And there is something else. It might seem subtle at first but its effect is undeniable. It is the enchanting glow and illumination produced by the high ceilings, open windows, and sun rays spilling into the corridors and rooms.

As a custom home builder in El Paso, we know that El Paso has its fair share of sunny days during the year, so what better way than to design a home that compliments the natural environment and invites the beauty of the desert and mountains in through the windows. We love implementing beautiful large windows into our homes, as they allow in a flood of natural light that creates a serene inviting environment like no others.

The effects of increased natural lighting and design have been around in architecture for a long time. Architects and home designers around the world have found creative ways to inject living quarters, places of worship, cathedrals, and commercial spaces with the power of natural lighting. When renowned American architect Francis Lloyd Wright was designing some of his most famous structures, he was always highly conscious of how he could integrate natural lighting. The organic architecture, or natural design as it was called, embedded characteristics and aspects of the natural world within the interiors of the structure. Wright’s contention was that by blurring the line of the interior and exterior, the natural world would seep into our living quarters and infuse us with the power of nature. Wright was a lover of nature and built his structures predicated on the idea of bringing the splendors of the natural world into the places we inhabit.

By doing so, he believed, man would continually feed off of the needed energy that exists in the outside world. After all, part of architecture’s mission, as he saw it, involved the attempt to keep the interiors of buildings and structures in perpetual harmony with nature’s presence.

Benefits of Natural Light— How The Sun Nourishes Body and Mind

The sun is a yellow dwarf star 26,000 light-years away and with a ripe old age of 4.5 billion years. It is the heart of our solar system and it is the source of life for every living creature on the planet. The connection between that old star and our planet creates seasons, ocean currents, weather, climate, and more. So what benefit does natural lighting have in your custom home?

Helps with energy costs. Today’s homeowner is very much concerned with that much-feared energy bill. Because El Paso has a great number of sunny days in a year, the natural light will fill your home with light during the day, saving you from turning on lights.
Proven to be a mood booster. Studies have shown that natural light helps improve your mood and state of mind. Your body absorbs Vitamin D from the sun and it is a necessary nutrient needed to maintain a balanced emotional state.
Increase productivity. It has also been shown that an increase in natural light helps boost productivity and concentration. It’s why many workplaces and commercial buildings are implementing natural light into their offices. It helps people feel energized and be productive. With a flood of natural light in your home, you can stay focused throughout your day.
It’s kind to your circadian rhythm. Large amounts of artificial light might be detrimental to your natural circadian rhythm and confuse your brain as to when it is time to sleep. And if there is something the modern world has an abundance of, it is artificial light. Implementing natural lighting into your home can help regulate that a little bit.

Natural lighting is a much sought after element in our custom homes. Our expert designers and beautiful layouts can implement the right amount of natural lighting you want to showcase the wonders of your new home and reap the benefits of the sun’s wonders.

Here at Padilla Homes, every aspect of your home is carefully considered before it is brought to life. Check out some of our recent homes and notice how the beauty of the natural lighting and the views from the desert landscape can spill into your new home and breathe in the wonders of nature.

Beloved Features of Padilla Homes: Comfort, Elegance, and Reliability

Padilla Homes Custom Home As a custom home builder, we build a wide array of homes throughout the city. Many of them differ in style, size, and design. Because we have been building for many years now, however, we also have a great Rolodex of beautiful floor plans from which our clients can draw from if they need some inspiration. Many of our homes and established floor plans will have certain features that are common throughout our homes due to their beauty, elegance, and quality. There are too many great features to focus on in one blog post, so we thought we’d talk about one or two home design features you might find in some of our homes.

Lightweight Concrete Roof Tiles — Beauty and Performance

If you’ve seen photos of our featured homes, you know that our roofs are not your typical flimsy shingle roof. We go the extra mile. We go all the way. We know that roofs are one of the main protectors of your home and tile roofing is likely to last a lot longer and be a lot more resistant than any shingle roof. We don’t just use any tiles, but we focus on lightweight concrete roof tiles. What sets these tiles apart? Well, there are several things. One of them is the materials used in the concrete mixtures, which will include a special combination of shale, slate, and clay. These products are then hardened using a process with a kiln they dry out and become very porous and then mixed in with the concrete.

This makes them very structurally sound and very durable despite their lighter weight. These types of tiles are highly resistant to the elements and can withstand any harsh weather including high heat, wind, and sun, as is common in El Paso. In fact, these lightweight concrete tiles will actually help in keeping your house cooler in the summer months. In addition to their performance and high functionality, these tiles exude a classic elegance that looks both classic and luxurious at the same time. It accentuates a variety of architectural designs and really allows for some gorgeous color combinations.

Wrought Iron Entry Door — A Classic Element for Enhanced Beauty

Nothing says elegance like custom wrought iron works that exude beauty and style. Wrought iron itself adds a real unique touch to any structure. It has a rich history of enhancing buildings, whether it be cathedrals and churches, government buildings in Victorian Europe, or classic homes that used wrought iron gates for protection and aesthetic purposes. If you visit Europe today, there are plenty of homes and buildings that continue to have the wrought iron that was placed there during the Gothic, Victorian, or Elizabethan eras. These wrought iron designs tend to present a charm that also accentuates whatever architectural design surrounds it, whether your home is more of a Spanish revival or a Mediterrenean-inspired design, the wrought iron seems to bring out it’s qualities in great beauty. Most of our featured homes, such as the Carravagio and Park Hills use illustrious wrought iron railings on the front doors to welcome your visitors and guests with an air of grandeur and luxury. At the same time, many of these homes have great balcony spaces that are lined with decorative wrought iron to match the front doors and other parts of the home. This creates a wonderful cohesion and thematic appeal.

Open Concept Layout — Shared Spaces and Lots of Light

Another great feature of most of our designs is the open concept layout. This, of course, is used in a majority of modern homes today and when properly utilized and spaced out, can create an amazing feeling of open space and free-flowing energy throughout the whole house. An open concept means that the living room, dining room, and sometimes the kitchen, are bleeding into each other, sharing a common space and this seems to make the space far more inviting and welcoming. It allows light to bleed in throughout the home and the various rooms.

Live Amongst Structural Beauty and Functionality

Our homes are not only focused on the aesthetic. Everything we do, of course, is also with the highest quality materials that are likely to provide a long life and the best performance. A Padilla custom home or new construction home goes the extra mile into another level of imagination and custom quality building. We have been working with El Paso homeowners for more than thirty years, always improving and searching for new designs and ways to create timeless beauty and elegance for our clients. A home is not just a home, it’s where your life thrives. Let’s build beauty together. Call Padilla Homes today.

Modern Bathroom Ideas For Your New Construction Home

a beautiful bathroom in a new construction home Oh, the possibilities! So you’ve worked really hard and you’ve finally arrived at the point where you are ready to buy your new construction home. It can be a little nerve-wracking, we know. After all, it’s a big investment! And there is a lot to think about. It’s also a really exciting time: not only do you get to watch your house be built from the ground up, but you get to be on the front row making major decisions about what it should look like. We know there is a lot to consider about a home. The bathroom is one of the rooms people spend a lot of time thinking about. There are plenty of options. We thought we’d take a look at some of the features of today’s modern bathrooms.

Back in the Day…

People didn’t have the luxury of privacy and sanitation. Today’s bathrooms are all about style and layout but they weren’t always that way and people didn’t always have the ability to do their business in a private bathroom with running water, heater, and shower. The bathroom started in public bathhouses in ancient civilizations. England in the Middle Ages loved the concept of steam baths and were, many times, the center of social activities.

In 1927, Bermondsey Public Baths opened up in London. At that point, only about one out of every 500 houses in this London borough had a bathroom. This meant that many working-class people congregated in these bathhouses in order to keep clean. When the flushing lavatory came into play, that also changed the way that bathrooms were built in many homes. Advancements in plumbing and sewer systems also played a role in the integration of the bathroom in every home. This began the movement towards the privacy that we know and cherish today in our bathrooms.

Today, the bathroom is an opportunity to create a room in your home that is another sanctuary, as the bathroom has evolved into more than just a functional necessity but often a sensual and luxurious home spa.

What is a Modern-Style Bathroom?

When you think of the words ‘modern-style’ or ‘contemporary’ bathroom, there are likely a few characteristics that come to mind. Even if it’s hard to articulate, you likely know what a modern bathroom looks like. So what are some of today’s most desired bathroom designs?

Modern-style can mean different things to different people. Some of the overarching themes might include:

Simplicity and Minimalism

The concept of a minimalist approach has been in vogue in many modern homes for some time now. Sometimes, as they say, less is more. Keeping the design simple and with minimal adornments, can make your bathroom shine with modern style. For example a simple pattern of geometric shapes, one or two colors throughout the bathroom at most. Some popular colors include white with a little neutral gray and very little decoration.

The Open-Plan

Just like in the kitchen and living areas, modern homes showcase an open layout, a bathroom can also have a more open layout. Your new construction home is up to you and you can ultimately decide how much space you want. This type of layout refers to a bathroom that is designed with open space, without being over compartmentalized. Often this means transparent glass walls around showers. The color scheme is simple, sometimes monochrome to add that sleek feel. It’s a great way to maximize space and give the bathroom an air of openness.

A Warm Old Fashioned Feel

If you are not really into the modern sleek look and want something a little warmer that feels more rustic, then you can play around with the colors and the layout as well. You can create a welcoming, warm, and inviting space by including a few details. Consider geometric shapes for the sink and tub, a simple and warm color scheme (brown hues and warm neutrals work best).

Mid-Century Modern

The name says it all. This design takes elements of the mid 20th century and enhances them with modern elements. The architectural, furniture, and graphic design of the mid-twentieth century. This is characterized by geometric shapes, natural colors, and straight lines, as well as ornate bathroom fixtures. Freestanding tubs are often a popular feature of many modern designs.

Pretty and Simple

Your bathroom doesn’t have to be anything too unorthodox or wild. Simplicity often wins the race and people choose to keep it simple with a splash of modern. Neutral color schemes with grays and whites.

Today’s bathroom utilizes a lot of:

Modern light
Natural light
Simple light fixtures
Freestanding tubs

Build Your New Construction Homes With a Trusted Builder

As El Paso’s new construction home builder, Padilla Homes can help you design the bathroom of your dreams. Perhaps you want a modern feel but are not sure how to make it cohesive with the rest of your design ideas. We are here to help. With our many previous floor plans and 3D models, envisioning what an idea looks like is easy. We can work through your ideas until we get it right. Call us today and build your dream today.

Modern Home Features That Have Redefined How We Live

If you take a look at a typical home design from one hundred years ago, there will be some recognizable features, but so much has changed from how we envision homes today. Our living spaces can say a lot about how we live and what’s important. There are regional aspects of this too, of course. Different regions of the country have varying design features or characteristics built into their home that speak directly to the area or part of the country they find themselves in.

Padilla Homes has been building custom luxury homes for more than thirty years, and in that time, we have seen the many changes that have overtaken homeowners and their preferences. We thought we’d take a look at some common modern features that permeate our beautiful homes today.

Let There Be Light! — More Windows, Big Windows, Skylights, & More

Since the late ’90s and the turn of the century, homeowners have been fond of the idea of natural light. Even going back further than that. As the typical home layout began to widen and create more open and shared spaces, the idea of having natural light spilling from one room to another and illuminating the whole house became the popular choice. People began installing large windows in their living rooms, kitchens, and bedrooms. Skylights are a popular choice, as they not only save energy but provide a flood of sunlight during daylight hours, which helps save energy and give the house a warm and comfortable atmosphere. Today, many homeowners choose to install large floor-to-ceiling windows or sliding glass doors that provide dramatic views of the outdoors— taking advantage of the natural landscape, mountain views, cityscapes and more.

Less is More — Minimalism in the New Millenium

So while our homes are often equipped with technology and new features, that doesn’t mean that today’s homeowners look for cluttered spaces or overwhelming structures. The 2000s brought with them a movement of minimalism that espoused the idea that less is often more. This means that there is one unifying design element and the rest is simple. Perhaps it means that the layout is open and simplified through open spaces. The modern homeowner wants a home that is functional and that maximizes space as much as possible. Home performance and function are some of today’s leading design concepts.

Keep It Bare — Simple and Shiny Floors of Hardwoods, Ceramic, and Porcelain

Going with the minimalist approach, the contemporary homeowner often opts for a bare and open floor made out of a nice material like hardwood, ceramic, or porcelain. There are plenty of new options in today’s market that add a little flare to the normal floor but many homeowners maintain these classic materials with a gorgeous finish are enough to accentuate the modern design and open floor layout.

Raise the Roof! — Using Unconventional Roofing Design and Materials

Literally, high ceilings are a thing. Homeowners like higher ceilings to feel a wider open space. Also, a luxury home in the 21st century is more likely to experiment with design and architectural ideas—often borrowing from a particular style or era. This goes for the roof as well. Instead of a traditional triangular-shaped roof with shingles, new luxury homes are opting for a more appealing and refreshing roof design. This might mean changing up the roofing materials as well. Slate tile roofing or clay roof tiles are popular choices.

Share the Love — Open Spaces and High Ceilings

Since postwar home design, the open floor plan has really been the go-to for most home designers. People today like the idea of sharing spaces. This is even a thing in offices and other workplaces. The idea is that these wide-open spaces create a much more natural and free-flowing environment. At the same time, high ceilings have become a modern favorite, as well as tall doors.

Aesthetically Pleasing & Functional — Kitchen and Bathroom Functionality

People spend a lot of time thinking about their dream kitchen and bathroom. When building a custom home, we know that this is many people’s favorite parts, as they come in with ideas of what this looks like. Over the decades, kitchen and bathroom designs have undergone quite a few makeovers and renovations. Today’s tying design concept is functionality and space. People don’t want a cramped kitchen with the washer and dryer right next to it. You might remember that set up from a lot of homes in the 60s and 70s.

Find the Right Fit With Custom Home Builders At Padilla Homes

There is no one way to build a home. The possibilities are truly endless. In fact, most homes will often be inspired by or possess qualities or elements of other eras. Whether you’re looking for a luxury or custom home, Padilla Homes can help you through finding the perfect design for you.

Exploring Luxury, Smart Technology, and the Art of Living

a two-story home built by Padilla Homes Life isn’t easy. We all figure this out quite early on as responsibilities and consequences become real in our lives. When we are young, we envision our lives a certain way and imagine the wonders of living out our dreams. As home builders, we are happy to be part of the moment where people get to live out a long-awaited moment: finding the perfect home. The moment when they find a home that fits their lifestyle and family and provides all the comforts they worked hard for. Padilla Homes has been building beautiful luxury homes for two decades now. We have seen the amazing transformation that has taken place in our industry. Technology, new and improved materials, better building methods and techniques, efficient construction practices have all made our job more exciting and dynamic.

Today’s home builders are embracing a new age of the building, as technology makes it easier to improve on everyday amenities and take them to an entirely new level. As homebuilders during this exciting time, we have embraced using technology to improve home performance in a variety of ways. Adding smart technology to your home is not just about making it high-tech, but it’s about including details that will enhance the way your home performs for you on the day-to-day.

The Meaning of Space — Open Layouts and Luxury For Optimal Performance

Today—though many might not be aware of it— most homes use famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s open floor concept. In this style of building spaces in the house interconnect instead of being separated by walls or long hallways. Pre World War II homes seemed to be designed with separations in between rooms. The kitchen was often an enclosed area separated by walls and connected to a living room through a doorway. Frank Lloyd Wright changed all of that with his idea of having our living spaces emulate nature as much as possible. His concept of outside inside architecture lives on today because most people love the idea of having their living spaces be less restraining and suggest wide open air, freedom, and inherent beauty. His idea was that architecture could learn from nature about how to design beautiful and functional spaces. The open layout concept seems to be, even decades later, the preferred way of building a home, whether you are talking about a 1,500 square foot home or a 3,000 plus. Since then, of course, architects have found other ways to bring nature into our homes and provide a living experience, rather than just a living space. Some of the ways in which to achieve this include:

Open kitchen and dining area
Large windows (sometimes floor to ceiling)
Skylights
Natural materials

The Meaning of Luxury — How Padilla Homes is Redefining the Term

There are a dozen home builders out there that slap on the label of luxury to their homes. Yet, luxury can be somewhat of an elastic term, as it is sometimes used to describe a home that looks elegant. For us, luxury is not just an aesthetic appeal, it is a functional appeal; for, a luxury build means that it is enhancing your daily living space not simply making it sparkle.

When you take a look at some of our featured homes, you’ll see some amazing features and amenities that take your home to the next level. For example, you have some of our custom plans like Carravagio, at Ocotillo Estates and the Naples at Franklin Hills. Some of the most exciting features we offer in some of our featured luxury homes include:

Cut granite countertops
Upgraded hardware
Beautiful and top-of-the-line fixtures
Cantera stone
Solid wood cabinetry
Glass showers
Open concept layout
Walk-in pantries
Large picturesque windows

Live Out Your Wildest Dreams in a Padilla Home

Padilla Homes has a sophisticated and intimate process of custom home building. You sit down with us, we review layouts, we go over your ideas, and we even use state-of-the-art 3-D models and technology to ensure that what we build is precisely what you envision. With all of our capabilities and experienced in-house designer, we’ll achieve that perfect home. For us, luxury is more than just a meaningless title. It represents an attention to detail, a dedication to the little things in life, and an understanding of timeless beauty, elegance, and performance. Call us today and find out more about how we can build the perfect home for you.

Building Outside the Box: Custom Homes for the Modern Family

There is a lot of talk about custom homes. Everywhere you look a new custom home builder pops up out of nowhere claiming they have the magic formula for the perfect dream home. Of course, home building takes time and it’s why Padilla Homes has been in the business for more than thirty years. As the industry has changed and altered, we have changed with it; we’ve improved and enhanced our methods to meet the needs of the contemporary family. So why does custom matter in the 21st century?

When embarking on a custom home building experience, it is important to understand that the process is an important part of the end result. Your home’s longevity and performance will largely depend on the due diligence done during the planning and construction process.

Why the Padilla Homes Process Stands Out

The difference between our process and everyone else is the fact that prospective homeowners are meeting with the Vice President on a one-on-one basis. The vice president of the company has a background in engineering and will provide you with an initial and thorough consultation about what you are envisioning, how we can make it happen, and potential costs.

Experience Matters — Years of Building Put to the Test

The development phase of our building process calls forward hundreds of layouts and floor plans that we have used in the past. With our top-of-the-line technology, we can pull them up and show our clients 3-D models so they can get ideas of what they are looking for.

The Design Process — Hashing Out the Structural Details

This part of the custom build journey includes more conversations about structural aspects, layouts, design aspects and more. Working with an experienced in house designer allows you to really dig deep into every detail and possible choice that you have for your home.

Construction Process and Timeline — Erecting your Dream Home in Just a Few Months

Before a construction project can begin, the site must be prepared and readied for building. This phase of the construction process—though not often the sexiest phase— is essential for the rest of the foundation to be erected properly. So, as we begin work, our contractors prepare the building site.

As the building is ongoing, homeowners are invited for official walkthroughs and observations. This is where you get to see the actual building of your home come to life. You get to see the structural stage, electrical systems stage, and a final walk through and orientation.

The Benefits of Custom Builds — A Home That Lasts Through the Ages

Aside from the unmatched beauty and originality, a custom build carries with it plenty of benefits. Some of these include:

Energy efficiency
Top performance
Energy efficient appliances
Long-lasting foundations
Quality insulation and windows
Little maintenance expense to start off

The Padilla Homes Difference— Experience, Integrity, Efficiency

Our technological capabilities far exceed those of any local homeowners. Our ability to use technology to enhance the process and your ability to visualize your own layouts and design. Visit Padilla Homes for more information about how your home building experience can take you on the journey of a lifetime and build your forever home.