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.

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.

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.

A Brief Glimpse At The Home Of The Future

If you’ve heard of our homes here at Padilla Homes, you’ll know that we aim to make the most efficient and advanced homes. Our homes merge style and technology to create a home that you and your bank account can be proud of. However, we’re always trying to find ways to improve our homes, so we constantly look ahead. In this article, we thought we’d share our glimpse ahead to the future of American homes.

Growth of the Home Office

Home offices in America are increasing in popularity as more Americans have a side or main job at home. Over 5% of American workers work from home, which translates to roughly 8 million people. With this number slated to increase in the future, it’s no wonder that home offices are becoming a fixture of the new American home.

Focus on Conservation

With most people painfully aware of the damage that humans are causing to the planet, home builders are beginning to adapt. In kitchens and bathrooms especially, there is a greater focus on energy-efficient and energy-conserving devices and appliances. Not only will this save the homeowner money, but it will also help save the planet as well.

More Personalized Spaces

As people look to maximize their space, custom homes will get more attention. There’s less of a desire for a large house, and more focus on building a home tailored to specific needs. At Padilla Homes, we specialize in creating a homemade just for you and your needs. Contact us today to get started on your dream home!

El Paso, TX: One of the Top Cities to Build the Home of Your Dreams

Moving homes can be a drastic change, an experience that you are bound to never forget. Moving homes is one thing, moving cities is another. Finding the perfect city for you to settle in may seem like a pain at times, but this is also where cities can speak for you. El Paso is a city known for its comfort, advancement, and especially for its flexibility in home-searching. If you are open to moving into the Sun City, the Sun City is open to having you. What does El Paso have to offer in their home-building that other cities lack in? Let’s go over the benefits of finding a home in this southwest city.

The West is the Best

El Paso is not as large of a city as most, but that’s what makes living and finding a home in El Paso even more suitable. Due to the expansion of the city, you are given the option of building a home from scratch in a newly civilized area. It’s undeniable that people like to be surrounded by new buildings, new businesses, and so forth, so why not take advantage of this opportunity? Not only does this city offer a variety of land to choose from, but it is ideal money-wise. We understand the importance of spending your money considerably and buying a home makes it feel like a gamble. In every region of the city including the west, east, northeast, and central, El Paso is more than likely offering the prices you are looking for. Our homes are exquisitely and carefully constructed for prices that are too reasonable to pass up.

A Home of Lifetime

Finding a home marks a time in your life in which you have to consider what is best for you. Padilla Homes offers the best homes you will find on the market in El Paso. Contact us today to learn more about the variety of homes and home services we can provide!

The Best Westside Neighborhoods In El Paso to Build Your Home

This here is a fast-paced-technology-driven world that often drives us to forget the splendor that lies before us in nature and the lands that surround us. Most people think of a desert as barren and dry land, but those that have experienced the wonders of the Southwest know that it is much more than that. There are incredible sites, mountains, people, and culture awaiting your new Padilla Home. We thought we’d take a look at some of the neighborhoods and communities where you can build your next dream home.

Although Padilla Homes can build anywhere or on your property, we also build around some communities in town.

Franklin Hills in El Paso

The Franklin Hills neighborhood is located in West in El Paso and at the edge of the Franklin Mountain State Park. It is a growing and burgeoning community with hundreds of newly built and beautiful homes and plenty of amenities that are likely to suit any and every lifestyle. Whether you have a growing family or are a young couple looking to start your first home, we are here to make sure to build it the way you want it.

The Franklin Hills neighborhood is located within the El Paso Public School District, which houses some of the city’s best public schools. If you have younger children, you can count on them getting a fine education. There are also several Charter schools within the area and a Montessori Academy.

The Westside of El Paso is also seeing fast development and emerging shopping centers, businesses, restaurants, and amusement parks. The West Towne Marketplace is seeing a lot of business as they open popular retailers and stores in one shopping area. At the same time, the Outlet Mall of El Paso also sees plenty of traffic as well-known retailers and stores offer shoppers plenty of choices.

Enchanted Hills Neighborhood

This lovely neighborhood is in the same vicinity as above and located in far west El Paso near I-10 and Loop 375. They enjoy the same vistas as above with the wonderful Franklin Mountains nearby and the many trails and outdoor life it has to offer. At the same time, the neighborhood is close to all the shopping and schools that you could need.

Today, El Paso is seeing a great growth spurt and a lot of development and new infrastructure. This means there are so many options on living a healthy and productive life in the great Sun City. This extends far beyond the west side, of course. Padilla Homes is part of this great expansion by building beautiful unique luxury homes.

The Kitchen Trends Dominating Custom Home Building Today

The world of custom home building provides endless possibilities and a wide array of options. Here at Padilla Homes, our technology allows us to build anything you envision before it even goes into production. Dreaming wildly is par for the course. And so when building custom homes you might not be thinking of doing what is currently popular, but a lot of times people will base their unique ideas off of popular trends. We thought we’d take a look at some popular kitchen trends and how they are often applied today and brought to life by architects and designers.

The Trend of the Dark Cabinets

For many years, cabinets were often light colored or white. Today, the age of the dark cabinet is upon us. Many people today prefer their cabinets to be of a dark wood or painted a darker shade. It adds a very modern and sleek look, enhancing many of today’s silver appliances. There is also a kind of elegance that comes with the dark cabinets and a compliment to any marble, granite, or quartz counter tops or light-colored floor tiles.

A Smart Kitchen is a Happy Kitchen

We hear the word smart thrown around a lot. In fact, so many of the things we use today are embedded with smart technology and aim to make our lives easier and more convenient. Today, kitchens are equipped with smart features and not just on the appliances but on other aspects of the kitchen such as the faucets, lights, and fridge. Sensors that detect motion and turn on the faucet automatically may seem like a small detail but can add a layer of convenience previously thought impossible.

Simplicity and Minimalism

Simplicity does not mean a lack of functionality. In fact, many of today’s kitchen designs focus on high functionality but a simple and streamlined design. This might require organizing the space in a way that creates the feeling of wider and open spaces, makes use of cabinet space. Many of these designs will get rid of those high mini cabinets nobody can reach and design the space in a much more productive way for the typical homeowner. Simplicity and minimalism speak to the mind of the modern person who is used to having things at arm’s-length but is not wanting to over complicate the design.

Hardwood and Ceramic Tile Flooring

Flooring options are always a big one for people when designing a home. The kind of flooring you install can really change the atmosphere of a room and dictate the way that your house will feel upon entering. Hardwood floors will likely never go out of style, as they are simultaneously classical and elegant and can also look modern when the right design is applied. Ceramic tile flooring, however, is also very versatile and brings to the floor (no pun intended) a sleek and refined look. Thanks to technology, ceramic tile flooring now comes in a variety of styles, sizes, and designs which gives you much more control over the overall look.

The Kitchen Island

The kitchen island is yet another feature of the modern day kitchen that has not only not gone out of style but developed some new characteristics over the years. In many contemporary kitchen designs, the kitchen island will be the focal point of the kitchen and serve dual purpose. Today’s modern family is, after all, always on the run and eating breakfast or having coffee and conversation in the kitchen works when the space lends itself to this functional and convenient arrangement.

The Great Outdoors

At the same time, big large windows that floor the kitchen with natural light or lead out into a porch or back area have become increasingly popular as people aim to connect with nature in every way they can. Large windows or even sliding doors that open up into a view of trees or the backyard have become a way for people to indulge in mother nature’s beauty as they prepare the morning coffee or have the family meal in the evening.

Build Outside the Box with Our Expert Designers and Architects

Having some idea of what you want in your home is a great starting place for going the route of a custom build. From there, Padilla Homes can help you develop this vision into a highly functional, efficient, and beautiful design that translates into higher home performance and comfort.