Over the past year, we’ve had the privilege of designing and building custom homes that reflect the unique tastes and lifestyles of our clients. From striking lighting fixtures to beautifully crafted tile, expertly chosen paint colors, and drool-worthy plumbing fixtures, every product selection has played a key role in bringing these homes to life. In this post, we’re excited to showcase some of our favorite picks from these projects – design details that not only elevate the look of each space but also highlight the personality and creativity behind every custom home we build.
Lighting
One of the best ways to elevate the aesthetic of a space is through the use of lighting. Whether it’s by incorporating a bold pendant light, a sleek wall sconce, or some cozy accent lighting, the right lighting can highlight your space’s best features and set the perfect mood. Through careful placement and selection, lighting can not only illuminate, but also help to elevate the entire design and create a lasting impression.
A few fixtures that do just this are the gorgeous brushed nickel Canarm Meyer 3-light pendant lights and coordinating Kichler Capitol Hill 12-light chandelier installed earlier this year in 649 CottageClub Bend. The school-house inspired pendants with their curvy clear glass shade are paired with subtle brushed nickel details for a modern twist on this classic fixture. The curved arms of the chandelier provide dimension and visual interest, offering a modern update to a classic basket-inspired design, working well with both traditional and transitional decor.
Tile
Tile is another versatile design element that can help to add visual interest to any space by introducing texture, color, and pattern. Whether it’s a bold backsplash, an intricate mosaic, or a subtle shower surround, tile can serve as a focal point or complement the design features of your home, by adding depth, character and personality to each space.
This year we saw a movement away from more traditional-looking tile selections towards a preference for more bold tile choices, which presented the perfect opportunity to incorporate some really fun tile features into our projects. One of our favorite tiles was this ribbed wood-look tile in the primary ensuite shower at the Organic Modern Cottage. This Auburn Ribbon Porcelain Ribbed Wall Tile is a unique 3-dimensional wood look tile that added a truly distinctive touch to this space by mimicking the look of real maple wood with its slight, grainy texture and subtle color variation.
We also had the chance to use brick for the backsplashes on a few projects as well, which added a unique aesthetic appeal and warm, rustic and timeless character to these spaces.
At the Timeless Woodland Cottage, we installed General Shale’s Old Brick Originals Cornerstone thin brick with an over-grouted technique, giving the main living areas an old-world, rustic feel.
We also installed a brick-look backsplash for the kitchen at the Coastal Rustic Cottage using Ames’ 3” x 12” Bricklane through-body porcelain tiles, adding a rugged elegance to the space that only the look of exposed brick can provide.
Paint
Paint is another powerful tool for adding character to any space, transforming walls and other surfaces into a reflection of your personal style and taste. The right paint color can set the mood and define the personality of a room, enhancing depth and visual interest, and making a space truly one-of-a-kind.
One of our favorite paint colors used this past year was Benjamin Moore’s 469 Backwoods. We added this blackened shade of forest green in several parts of the Timeless Woodland Cottage for an unexpected but very welcomed pop of color throughout the home.
Plumbing
Last, but certainly not least, another design element that is often overlooked is the use of plumbing fixtures. More than merely practical or functional, plumbing fixtures are also a key design feature that can add character and personality to a space. The right fixture can greatly elevate the aesthetic of your kitchen or bathroom.
One of the most impactful plumbing fixture selections was this gorgeous vessel bathroom sink by Kohler used for the powder room at the Coastal Rustic Cottage. Named after the Champagne glass that inspired its design, the Salute vessel sink is the epitome of elegance. Vintage-style ribbing adorns the basin’s exterior, while the scalloped rim adds a glamorous finishing touch, making it a truly unique and spectacular centerpiece.
Looking back at the custom homes we have helped to bring to life over the past year, it is amazing to see how thoughtful product selections can bring each clients’ vision for their new home to life. From stunning lighting fixtures to bold tile designs, perfectly curated paint colors and unique plumbing fixtures, every detail plays a role in crafting spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful. We are proud to share these top picks as a testament to the creativity and care that go into each home we help bring to life. Whether you’re planning a custom home or simply looking for inspiration, we hope these selections spark ideas for creating a space that is truly and uniquely yours.
About Us
Ready to bring your custom dream home to life in 2025? Braemyn Homes is Calgary’s preferred custom homebuilder. Our clients can expect the highest standard of excellence delivered with exceptional craftsmanship and superb customer care. Call us at (403) 606-2923 or fill out our contact form to see how we can help you make your dream home happen.