The Vista Blog

Rachel Allain

Recent Posts

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

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

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

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

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

Living in Modern Mountain Homes

Posted by Rachel Allain on January 31, 2024

Nestled within the breathtaking landscapes of Western North Carolina, modern mountain homes can offer a perfect blend of contemporary living and the serene beauty of the Appalachian Mountains.

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Tags: Life in Western NC, Design Trends & Tips

4 Must-See Sights in Lake Lure, NC

Posted by Rachel Allain on December 20, 2023

Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of the Appalachian mountains lies the charming town of Lake Lure, NC, a little town waiting to be explored by you. Lake Lure is located in Rutherford County, North Carolina, and is about 40 minutes outside of Asheville, making it easily accessible for people who live in Western NC.

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Tags: Life in Western NC

Your Complete Moving Out of State Checklist

Posted by Rachel Allain on November 30, 2023

Moving to a new home is never easy, and it can become ten times more difficult when you have to cross state lines. When completing a move like this, you need a guide to navigate through the various decisions that come with changing your residence. From the size and layout of your new home to the amenities in the surrounding community, each aspect requires careful consideration to guarantee a smooth transition and a fresh start that’s emotionally fulfilling.

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Tags: Life in Western NC, Advice on Buying

Is a Gated Community Right for You?

Posted by Rachel Allain on November 03, 2023

Gated communities have become increasingly popular in many parts of the world, especially in the United States, in recent decades. But are they worth the investment? And what does living in one entail for you and your family?

In this blog, we'll take an in-depth look at the advantages and disadvantages of living in a gated community and answer all the other questions you could possibly have about them. By the end, we hope you’ll have a firmer understanding of what you’re looking for in a community.

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Tags: Advice on Buying

Spec Home vs Custom Home: Which is Better?

Posted by Rachel Allain on September 28, 2023

Spec home vs custom home - that is the question. What makes these two types of builds different and how do I know which one is best for me?

The short and simple answer: Custom homes are homes that are made from entirely scratch - using unique blueprints that are designed by a home builder. You get to customize to the "T". Spec homes, on the other hand, are a neat little term for a house that is pre-designed and pre-built, ready for a potential buyer to move in.

But there is more to this than this watered down response. How can you know which fit would be best for you? Let's dig into the specifics of specs and custom builds.

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Tags: Building Tips & Info, Floor Plans