Architect Paul Knitter discusses his inspiration for the designs of Payne Family Homes.
Architect Paul Knitter, AIA, extensively researches the latest design trends to craft the most distinctive homes for Payne Family Homes “Lifestyle Series” communities.
Throughout the years, he’s noticed trends in what the market’s buyers are looking for in new homes. Paul and his team have been able to help Payne Family Homes accommodate home owners’ changing needs, both functionally and aesthetically.
In recent years it has become clear that mudrooms that are separate from the laundry area are a must in today’s new “Lifestyle Series” homes.
The laundry room is no longer a pass through room coming off of the garage – the mud room makes it easier to bring groceries in, and serves as a place to store kids’ school gear.
In many of the new homes designed by very often in Payne Family Homes the laundry room is located on the second floor, when the owner’s suite is located on the second floor. , so is the laundry room.
Laundry rooms are no longer an afterthought – they are becoming larger, they include a sink and natural light is added whenever possible.
Mud rooms allow a homeowner to close off the laundry room- which makes entertaining easier when there is laundry to be done!
Though laundry rooms and functionally have played a big part in Payne Family Homes “Lifestyle Series” new home designs, kitchens have truly stolen the show.
The most talked about design trends in today’s new homes are in the kitchen. Kitchens in Payne Family Home’s all new “Lifestyle Series” features luxury products that are hard to come by in other new homes in the area. As you stroll through the kitchen in a Payne Family Home you’ll find items that come standard in most of Payne Family Home’s “Lifestyle Series” homes such as 36″ wall cabinets, 8″ deep double bowl stainless steel sinks, and at least 3′ minimum continuous countertops in every kitchen.
• Optional work zones that can be utilized for different purposes:
o Wet bars
o Beverage stations
o Command Centers
o Serving pantries
Paul Knitter has also helped Payne Family Homes to create “Flex Spaces” in new homes that can be used for multiple functions; the flex space may serve as a den or home office by one owner, a formal dining room by another, a play room for families with small children, and a guest room/in-law suite for others.
Most importantly, Payne Family Homes has made sure that buyers have several distinctive elevations to choose from for each floor plan.
“It would be nearly impossible for a neighborhood homeowner to determine that 2 adjacent houses have the same floor plan. One house may have a ‘Cottage’ look with vertical siding, rock faces stone, and metal room accents, while the same floor plan next door is a ‘French Colonial’ style with brick and formal detailing.” – Architect Paul Knitter.
