SPRING/SUMMER 2022
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Details Behind the Design
If you’ve ever toured one of our model homes and found yourself “oohing and ahhing” over the furnishings and on-trend finishes and fixtures inside the home, you’ll enjoy this article! We’re giving you a behind-the-scenes look at how these beautiful homes come together, and we’re even sharing a few tips from the professionals to help make your own home look like you hired a designer.
For the last 45 years, David Weekley Homes has been partnering with Kathy Andrews Interiors (KAI) to merchandise our model homes across the country. They help with everything from selecting the colors on the walls, cabinet styles and countertop choices to choosing the furniture, accessories and artwork.
It all begins with a model presentation involving numerous Team Members at David Weekley Homes and five designers from KAI who review styles from model homes in the surrounding area. A great deal of consideration is given to create a comfortable and inviting model home that will resonate with buyers – whether it’s a growing family, young professionals or empty nesters. While current trends do play a role, there is also an emphasis on incorporating timeless pieces. For example, think brighter colors for young families and more sophisticated spaces with classic finishes for 55+ Encore buyers. Additionally, with our traditional David Weekley homes, rooms are designed to showcase all the possible big furniture pieces a buyer might own from a previous home – and want to use in a new home.
Once the flooring, tile and cabinetry have been installed, all the furnishing selections are loaded on a truck at the KAI warehouse in Houston and delivered to the model home. From there, it’s all hands on deck with movers unloading furniture, designers setting up the furniture, hanging artwork, installing draperies and adding the finishing touches. It typically takes five days – from start to finish – before the model home is ready for tours.
So, what are the tricks to help you create a well-designed space? We asked Laurel Wilson, Director of Single Family at KAI, to offer a few tips. She encourages Homeowners to be mindful and purposeful with furniture placement, as it can greatly impact the flow and feel of a space.
“Avoid setting up a room where you are walking into the back of the furniture,” said Wilson. “It’s also a good idea to keep the heights of each furniture item in mind, as a tall sofa next to short chairs is less appealing.”
Here are a few trends that you can expect to see in homes this year:
- Warm tones for paints, fabrics and wood
- Stained cabinetry in kitchens
- Green hues on walls, upholstery pieces and draperies
- Architectural design elements like arches
- Accent walls to change the dynamic of a room
We hope you’ve enjoyed this peek at the way our beautiful model homes come together, and these insights inspire you!
DEAR FRIENDS
I’m honored to share that we were named in the top 10 of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For list – the highest we’ve ever ranked! This achievement of being on the list for the 16th time is a testament to the award-winning culture we’ve built, which is committed to supporting our Team Members and their families and connecting with you, our Customers.
We’ve faced a number of challenges over the past couple of years, but through all of it, David Weekley Homes has held strong to Our Purpose of Building Dreams, Enhancing Lives.
In the same way we have always placed an emphasis on enhancing the lives of our Customers, we work to create a challenging and fulfilling work environment for our Team and everyone who interacts with them.
Our Team Members are passionate about their work and it’s all thanks to their incredible commitment to outstanding Customer Service that our Homeowners have given us an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars through our online Ratings & Reviews.
I’m so proud of our Team Members and the unbelievable job they do caring for each of you and our communities. I’m overwhelmingly grateful for the culture we’ve built and the ways it continues to be recognized.
Blessings,
David Weekley
Dive In to Outdoor Living Areas for Summer Fun
Making the most of your Outdoor Living Area is a smart way to maximize your living space and enjoy great times with friends and family. Try out one – or several – of these must-have essentials to create your own outdoor oasis this summer!
Fire It Up
Fire pits provide the ideal summer night gathering space. If you have a large yard, you can create a DIY fire pit with dedicated seating to fit all your guests comfortably.
For a smaller yard, balcony or patio, you can use a wood-burning chiminea to get the same effect. Chimineas are relatively inexpensive and compact, so they fit almost anywhere.
Another option to explore is a gas fire pit, which comes in all sizes, from a small but stylish design to suit a patio or balcony to a large fire pit where the whole family can gather. And, gas fire pits come fully self-contained with the fire pit itself tucked into a stylish table that is as much as a design element as it is functional.
Privacy Meets Style
A pergola is a great option to provide a secluded oasis without blocking access to the sun or the beautiful views around you. Try covering your pergola with artificial greenery to give a more natural look without sacrificing privacy.
You can also use fabric, shades, or even rattan or bamboo screens that can be opened or shut to create a beautiful and secluded space in your yard for lounging, reading, doing yoga, or meditating.
Shine a Light
Great lighting is an absolute necessity for your outdoor space. Rustic Edison lights, lanterns or even simple white twinkle lights can all add flair and function to your Outdoor Living Area. The right lighting can turn your backyard into a party space, a play place or the best al fresco dining spot in town.
It’s All About Comfort
Today's backyard vibe is all about relaxation. Entertain in comfort with sturdy, but stylish, couches and oversized chairs designed for outdoor use. Maximize your home’s comfort by creating indoor/outdoor living spaces with furniture that’s as cozy as it is functional.
No matter your style or budget, with a few simple additions you can create your ultimate relaxing Outdoor Living Area!
Take a Tour
In the second half of 2021, we opened 43 new model homes and introduced our Encore by David Weekley Homes product line of 55+ lifestyle communities to the Charleston area.
Located in Mount Pleasant, SC, our four model homes in Encore – Restore at Carolina Park – The Bloomsbury, The Brickhaven, The Honeycomb and The Nesmith – feature charming exteriors with recessed entryways. Each home showcases one-story living with a serene porch for relaxation, a luxurious kitchen with an expansive island and flexible living spaces that can be used for visiting guests or hobbies.
The Honeycomb
Keep Things Blooming in Summer
With the arrival of spring, it’s time to dig in and get your grass, plants and garden blooming! Try these tips to protect your outdoor plants and help them thrive even in the hottest part of the summer.
Choose Your Containers Carefully
If you’re using containers for flowers and plants, make sure you choose them based on more than just their appearance.
Light-colored containers will absorb less heat than darker colors, so you might want to stick with white or pastel-colored containers. The material your container is made from matters, too. Containers made from terra cotta or pottery will absorb moisture and keep the plants from getting too hot.
Create Needed Shade
The practice of interplanting is when you plant taller plants, usually of the climbing or vining variety, among shorter flowers and plants. As these plants grow and bloom, they will shade the shorter plants and keep them from withering in the sun. Taller, sun-loving blossoms like sunflowers, irises, phlox and coneflowers are great for interplanting.
Choose Native Plants and Flowers
Plants and flowers native to your area will grow best because they are made to thrive in the local climate.
As an added bonus, you can really help the local wildlife by growing native species of plants and flowers, which they use for food. If you’re not sure what native plants grow in your area, talk to a specialist at your local garden supply store or plant nursery to learn more.
Water Carefully and Regularly
Make sure that you’re watering your plants regularly, and that you’re watering at the right time of the day. Some plants should be watered in early morning before the peak sunlight hours, but others should only be watered at night. Create a watering schedule and be sure to check the soil for moisture before each watering session so you can be sure that all your plants and flowers are getting the hydration they need, when they need it.
With a little bit of effort and intentionality, your landscaping will look beautiful all summer long!
Calendar Look-ahead
Join us to make a positive impact in the lives of others by participating in our upcoming CARE event! For the eighth year, we’re hosting our School Supplies Drive to collect materials benefiting local children. Visit our website to see how you can donate in your city.
“We have the keys! 🔑 🏡
We closed on our new house and are moving in! This is the fulfillment of so many dreams, plans, waiting and a lot of hard work. And the best part is that I am doing it with my ❤️ husband.
We pray 🙏 our home is a safe place for people to get filled up with food, memories, joy, encouragement, healing and laughter. And this home is dedicated to God, family and friends.
I’m so excited and thankful! ✨"
Emily & Chung Lin Dallas, TX
Dear Mr. Weekley,
My wife, Stephanie, and I made the difficult choice to relocate from New York to Jacksonville for my job.
When looking for homes we met with Lead Sales Consultant April Garland. She was amazing from day one and helped us immediately with finding the right home and location for us.
Construction progressed nicely, and behind it all was Senior Builder Dennis Crepes, who was responsible for making our home a dream come true.
April, Dennis and the rest of your Team set the tone for our new beginning. Together, they made a very tough process easy at an emotional time, and for that we will be forever grateful. Sincerely,
John, Stephanie and Hope Pepe Jacksonville, FL
“I did a thing today...a BIG thing!
Words can’t describe how it feels to take ownership of my DREAM home. It still doesn’t feel real. I’m so thankful to my amazing realtor Michelle Rouche, Renee and Jesse at David Weekley Homes, my kids for supporting my goals, and my parents Melvin Mapp and Gwen Mitchell Mapp for driving 21 hours from DC to be here with us today. I’m grateful for it all. 🥰😊🔑🏠."
#TheJourneyIsTheReward #Grateful #DavidWeekleyHomes #Artavia #StayHumbleHustleHard
Nia Mapp Houston, TX
Dear Mr. Weekley,
I just want to convey how pleased I am as a buyer and mention what I believe has been an easy process in purchasing one of your homes. I have had the pleasure of working with Senior Sales Consultant Christus Finley and Senior Builder John Wilhide.
Christus showed my wife and I several different homes that were available at the start of the process and eventually helped us select our dream home. I was then introduced to John, who has managed the construction process. Both Christus and John have done a wonderful job with keeping me informed of the progress and addressing any questions I have in a timely manner. I am thankful that they are part of my David Weekley Homes Team as we move forward toward closing.
We are looking forward to moving into our new home! Sincerely, Mark Bremmer Tampa, FL
Prepare Your Home for Safety
Preparation is the first half of safety and having a plan with an emergency kit is a vital part of your home’s safety.
Your plan should account for every family member and pet, go over evacuation routes and potential inclement weather, and include collecting important documents and medications.
Your home’s emergency kit should include three days of bottled water and non-perishable food for each family member, as well as a first aid kit, extra clothing, hygiene supplies, mess kits, a non-electric can opener, flashlights, extra batteries, matches, and a whistle.
Be sure to regularly check and replenish any expired goods in your emergency kit.
For more handy tips, check out your New Home Care and Maintenance Guide.
