The Vista Blog

Cottage Floor Plans - Top Designs

Posted by Rachel Allain on July 01, 2024

When it comes to designing the perfect home, the charm and coziness of a cottage home stand out. Right in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, our custom-built homes are the definition of comfortable living. Let's explore our top three cottage floor plans, each uniquely crafted to cater to various tastes and lifestyles.

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Tags: Floor Plans

What Is a Craftsman Style House?

Posted by Shelly Salomon on June 25, 2024

Craftsman-style homes make their occupants feel special and connected to their living space. The use of natural materials, the inviting green-view porch, the spacious open floor plan, the charming interiors, and the decorative finishes – all contribute to the undeniable aesthetic appeal of these homes. This combination of elements explains why craftsman style has remained beloved for over a century and continues to be one of the most popular home designs in the United States.

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Tags: Floor Plans

Styling Your Modern Home Office

Posted by Rachel Allain on May 28, 2024

Remote and hybrid work have been on the rise for a while, thanks to the pandemic. People have been reevaluating their careers, work/life balance, and what they truly value from work. Many desire the flexibility to work from home to be close to kids or grandkids or to avoid a long traffic-filled commute. No matter the reason, remote/hybrid work is here to stay. So it's time to set up your modern home office.

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Tags: Design Trends & Tips

5 Great Fishing Spots in Western North Carolina

Posted by Shelly Salomon on May 21, 2024

North Carolina has become a haven for outdoor enthusiasts looking for activities such as kayaking, mountain biking, hiking, camping, and trout fishing. Western North Carolina (WNC) is home to over 3,000 miles of rivers, lakes, and streams that are open to the public for trout fishing. Every year, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission closes 1,000 miles of the streams and restocks them with trout, making WNC a popular trout fishing hub.

If you've been planning your next trip to cast a line, we've got you covered! Grab your tackle box, rods, and cooler, and head to one of these fishing spots in Western North Carolina.

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Tags: Life in Western NC

The Modern Craftsman House - History and Home Features

Posted by Rachel Allain on May 01, 2024

While researching your next home design, you may wonder why modern homes look the way they do. There is a history behind the modern craftsman house in the USA. Craftsman homes originated in the early 20th century as a reaction against the mass-produced and ornate designs of the Industrial Revolution. They’re an offshoot of the British Arts and Crafts movement, but we’ll get more into that later. They have stood the test of time, captivating homeowners with their distinctive, clean character and cozy aesthetic.

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Tags: Design Trends & Tips

Kayaking in NC: 5 Lakes to Explore in Western NC

Posted by Shelly Salomon on April 25, 2024

One thing we love about Western North Carolina is that there are so many opportunities for adventure, no matter what your outdoor interests are. If your family loves to hike, you already know that Western North Carolina will give you just the intensity you are looking for, but if you need a break from hiking, it might be time to give kayaking a try! 

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Tags: Life in Western NC

How to Pick Your Custom Home Builder

Posted by Rachel Allain on April 01, 2024

Building a custom home is an exciting endeavor, but it's also a significant investment of time, money, and big and little decisions for everything. Choosing the right custom home builder is critical to ensuring your dream home turns out exactly how you envision it.

This guide will cover what to look for in a quality builder and how to select the perfect one for your needs.

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Tags: Design Trends & Tips

Spring Lawn Care: Preparing Your Yard for the New Season

Posted by Shelly Salomon on March 28, 2024

Spring is already here! This isn’t only evident in the latest Groundhog Day results but also in the vibrant blossom that colors the highways and streets. With the weather warming up and a moderate sun’s intensity, it’s an ideal time to start planning romantic date nights in Western NC, discovering some good cafes, or exploring some day trips in the area.

That said, let’s not forget about preparing the house for the new season. This means laying the proper foundation to help make your yard look stunning throughout spring and into summer.

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Tags: Home Maintenance Tips

Interior Design Trends 2024: Build Your Dream Home

Posted by Rachel Allain on February 29, 2024

2024 is here, which means it's time to refresh and renovate your home. When doing so, you have the chance to match interior design trends with your personal style and preferences. In this blog, we explore the latest design trends, discuss the importance of creating a home that speaks to you, and highlight how we can turn your dream home into a reality.

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Tags: Design Trends & Tips

Before House Hunting, Do Your Neighborhood Research

Posted by Shelly Salomon on February 22, 2024

How to choose the right neighborhood is the first question to ask yourself when buying a new house. This goes beyond the job of simply house hunting. Not only is it going to determine your living experience, but it’s also the number one factor affecting the value of a house. Therefore, performing thorough neighborhood research is an unavoidable, foundational step in the house-buying process.

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Tags: Advice on Buying