Once focused on Craftsman style, granite countertops, and textured walls, today we are seeing our custom home clients move more towards a cleaner and simpler aesthetic.
We all remember it. Ten years ago seems to have come and gone in the blink of an eye and it feels like it’s been “one sleep” since 2001, but the reality of it is that time moves forward and “popular” is just as it has always been. Once loved and relevant by most is now replaced by newer, cooler, and more aesthetically pleasing. The overdone McMansions have been replaced by functional, simpler, dare-we-say more “modern” homes. Instead of seeing the constant of dark wood, bold wall colors, and Tuscan kitchens we are moving more towards interior metals, larger exterior spaces, and lighter colors overall.
1. MORE METAL
In the late 2010s, we are celebrating the metals. All of them! We are mixing them, we are designing staircases around them, we are replacing wood with them, the list goes on. We LOVE metal and it turns out, our clients do too. Metals are a great way to modernize the home and make it look cleaner, sleeker, and more current. We are seeing more clients ask for it in place of wooden pickets inside their homes (and out), we are seeing it replace wider and more traditional wood around the glazing on French Doors, and due to the popularity of the modern farmhouse we are seeing A LOT of steel windows.
2. CLADDING
/kladiNG/
noun; a covering or coating on a structure or material.
You’re welcome. It’s just a big word for wallpaper and faux paint or texture, as seen on this white washed brick fireplace. Be it paint, paper, or plaster, it is intended to make a wall (or surface) look like it is made of a different material than it actually is. Although some styles are a trend of the past, they have made their way back and are making their presence known. Clients are loving the ability to put their own individual stamp on their new custom home and we just happen to know of the best in town. Texture away!
3. POOLS
Pools upon pools upon pools! Although (possibly) an exaggeration, it seems like EVERY client we built for in the last year had a pool on their plans. A couple of the most in-demand are “plunge pools” and “cocktail pools”.
A plunge pool is more shallow and compact than a traditional backyard pool but it also has a few different goals in mind, like aquatic exercise, physical therapy, and relaxation.
A cocktail pool is very similar to the plunge pool. The biggest difference between the two is that a cocktail pool tends to be a bit more shallow than the plunge, and typically the cocktail pool has a bench seat around the perimeter with the idea that guests will sit and enjoy a cocktail while relaxing and cooling off with friends. Either way, we like happy clients. If it’s a pool that they want, a pool they will get!
4. SCULLERIES OR LARGE PANTRIES
FINALLY, we have all realized that an overabundance of cabinet space in the kitchen maybe isn’t a necessity. There are lots of things we all possess that we don’t use every day. They need a home, and we don’t necessarily have to have a place in our everyday kitchens to store them. We want amazing pantries, full of shelving and storage, as seen in our Thom’s Creek River House. Specifically, a scullery or an “overflow kitchen” with secondary cabinetry and plumbing (beverage refrigerator, another sink, an extra dishwasher). Three cheers to bringing back a scullery!
5. WIDE PORCHES
We know, we know, this is probably a southern thing. That said, large porches like this one (seen on our recently built home at Wrightsville Beach) began years ago before the present-day comfort of central air conditioning. Big, sometimes screened in, the porch was a go-to for southerners. They did not stay inside and suffer miserably in the 100-degree humidity but instead enjoyed wide open porches and southern breezes as a way to cool off. Fast forward, those large porches are coming back! Yes, we have the luxury of HVAC, most of which we can adjust from an app on our phone, but we still love a great evening outside on the porch. Although most clients and designers believe that 10 foot porches are comfortable and deep, both agree that 11 and 12 foot porches add more livability, more room to sit within and enjoy the view, and that they add an element of ease and comfort while entertaining.
No matter what is trending in custom homes or how high on the popularity chart your countertop selection is, just make sure that YOU do YOU. Probably check with Chrissy first. And consult Jessica at Ferguson. Maybe ask Jarvis or Dave. Bottom line, trends change and so do you so most importantly, love where you live!
910-763-8760
Welcome, Kelsey Talis
/in News /by Sonya HenryWilmington, North Carolina – PBC Design + Build welcomes Kelsey Talis, Allied ASID to Interior Design Team.
Multi-talented, eminently creative, and nationally published, Talis is an allied member of the American Society of Interior Designers with over eight years of experience in the New York, Philadelphia, South Florida, and North Carolina areas. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture + Design from the dually accredited program at Drexel University.
Motivated by her love of design and her ability to coordinate, oversee, and complete high-caliber projects, Talis is a valuable addition to PBC Design + Build. Talis will work closely with custom home clients as well as all members of the PBC team. The design + build firm, as a whole, looks forward to watching her vast knowledge and creative touch come to life in all of their custom homes.
PBC Design + Build is an award winning full service firm specializing in custom homes throughout the Wilmington regional area. Celebrating 22 years in business, PBC is a group of highly qualified individuals with wide-ranging talents, relevant expertise and a steadfast commitment to customer satisfaction. For more information, visit our website at www.pbcdesignbuild.com or email: [email protected]
Houzz TV Features the PBC Birdhouse Battle
/in Informational /by Kathy SpetrinoHouzz TV features a special on our Birdhouse Battle, which includes a vote by the Houzz Community! Who do you think wins? For a special behind the scenes of the individual entries, please make sure to visit the PBC YouTube channel!
Join Dave for a Happy Hour House Tour on Facebook LIVE
/in Informational /by Kathy SpetrinoWho doesn’t love a house tour? Walk with Dave through the Thom’s Creek River House LIVE on our Facebook page! He includes valuable insights on the PBC building and design process with some very special guests. We had a lot of fun filming this and truly enjoyed the rolling commentary from our viewers.
Houzz TV gets a PBC Covid-19 update from Dave
/in Informational /by Kathy SpetrinoHouzz TV checks in with Dave for an update on all things PBC related…including a special birdhouse project!
PBC Implements Covid-19 Response
/in Informational /by Kathy Spetrino2020 can kick rocks.
This year is shaping up to be one for the record books! During this difficult time, everyone on the planet has had to make an adjustment to #quarantinelife and figure out #socialdistancing protocols. North Carolina entered a statewide lockdown in late March, with strict conditions for “essential businesses.” The construction industry is considered an essential business but stringent guidelines were put in place for the safety and well-being of everyone, not just the people who continue to work.
Great leadership is key to moving forward!
Our CEO, president, fearless leader + all-around great guy Kyle Henry implemented a comprehensive outline for PBC as we navigated these uncharted waters. Immediately, the team started working remotely and delegating tasks which involved contacting all subcontractors, vendors and clients. Kyle put into place a checklist for the Project Managers that targeted keeping all job sites safe, sanitary and organized. Our PMs are the best of the best; it should be no surprise that they crafted “sanitation stations” and installed sinks for hand washing! Scheduling is paramount to properly maintain socially distanced subcontractors, allowing them to comfortably work on our jobs without compromising personal health and safety.
The “new” normal?
We continue to work from home and diligently update our amazing clients via the online portal. PBC is committed to doing everything we can to get through this trying time, including supporting the real heroes– frontline health care providers. We hope that everyone remains healthy and we can get back to a new normal with a greater appreciation for each other.
Innovation still thrives within our team!
Kyle + Sonya created a company wide birdhouse building contest using leftover materials from job sites.
John Jarvis made a sanitizer necklace, patent pending.
Angela put together wellness bags for all, including a roll of premium tp and PBC socks!
Dave’s remote background is a picture of Kyle. (It works every time! “Is Kyle standing next to you?”)
Most of the gentleman have grown facial hair/invented new hairstyles.
The newest team members are not legal adults, some have 4 legs.
Daniel sings that “We will rise up!” song at the beginning of every virtual meeting.
Our sales team signed contracts in the past week, even during a pandemic!
A group text will make us smile when the news gets discouraging.
Until we see you again, stay safe!
PBC Design + Build of Wilmington Awarded Best Of Houzz 2020
/in Informational, News /by Sonya HenryHeron Model Home, Autumn Hall
The Annual People’s Choice Award from the Houzz Community Highlights Home Remodeling and Design Professionals with Most Popular Designs and Top Ratings
WILMINGTON, North Carolina, February 5, 2020 – PBC Design + Build of Wilmington has won a “Best Of Houzz” award for Design Photography on Houzz®, the leading platform for home renovation and design. The award-winning firm, specializing in custom homes throughout the Wilmington region for the past 22 years, was chosen by the millions of homeowners that comprise the Houzz community from among more than 2.5 million active home building, remodeling and design industry professionals.
The Best Of Houzz badge is awarded annually, in three categories: Design, Customer Service and Photography. Design awards honor professionals whose work was the most popular among the Houzz community. Customer Service honors are based on several factors, including a pro’s overall rating on Houzz and client reviews submitted in 2019. Architecture and interior design photographers whose images were most popular are recognized with the Photography award.
A “Best Of Houzz 2020” badge will appear on winners’ profiles as a sign of their commitment to excellence. These badges help homeowners identify popular and top-rated home professionals in every metro area on Houzz.
“I can tell my team that they are doing a great job, but when an organization we hold with such high regard provides that validation for their hard work through the Best of Houzz awards, my whole company swells with satisfaction. Their heads are higher, their smiles are brighter and they get the opportunity to shine.” – Dave Spetrino, founder of PBC Design + Build
“This year’s Best Of Houzz awards go to an incredibly talented and service-oriented group of home remodeling and design professionals, and we’re proud to highlight the winners on the Houzz website and app,” said Liza Hausman, vice president of Industry Marketing for Houzz. “This award is particularly meaningful as it reflects the sentiment of the millions of homeowners in the Houzz community who are hiring home professionals for their projects across the U.S. and around the world.”
Follow PBC on Houzz.
About PBC Design + Build
PBC Design + Build is an award winning full service firm specializing in custom homes throughout the Wilmington regional area. Celebrating 22 years in business, PBC is a group of highly qualified individuals with wide-ranging talents, relevant expertise and a steadfast commitment to customer satisfaction. For more information, visit our website at www.pbcdesignbuild.com or email: [email protected]
About Houzz
Houzz is the leading platform for home remodeling and design, providing people with everything they need to improve their homes from start to finish – online or from a mobile device. From decorating a small room to building a custom home and everything in between, Houzz connects millions of homeowners, home design enthusiasts and home improvement professionals across the country and around the world. With the largest residential design database in the world and a vibrant community empowered by technology, Houzz is the easiest way for people to find inspiration, get advice, buy products and hire the professionals they need to help turn their ideas into reality. Headquartered in Palo Alto, Calif., Houzz also has international offices in London, Berlin, Sydney, Moscow, Tel Aviv and Tokyo. Houzz is a registered trademark of Houzz Inc. worldwide. For more information, visit houzz.com.
LEED Professional or PBC Green Building Superman?
/in Informational /by Sonya HenryICYMI and are as conscientious about saving the environment as we are, you’ll be glad to know that PBC Design + Build’s own Dan Spann AKA Director of Construction, is not only the master of a good LOL, but he is also a LEED AP. Yep, PBC has a professional on staff with a very specific area of expertise, who is certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. Have you figured out what the acronym that follows Dan’s signature stands for yet? Take your time, we’ll BRB…
While you’re thinking about it, let’s get back to that environmentally-conscious trait that we all possess inside of us somewhere. Do you ever find yourself thinking about this great big, precious world and how you can preserve the future of it? Are you building your own custom home, or hoping to one day, and wondering how you can do-so while not contributing as much to the planet’s daily waste, pollution, or overuse of energy? We share your concern and know that it can seem completely overwhelming. You don’t know where to begin, or how to find the time to research, or you are wondering how in the world you could budget for huge expensive solar equipment? Not to worry, help is on the way! Remodeling, redecorating, AND building new construction can ALL be eco-friendlier processes just by making a few simple changes… from re-purposing an old piece of furniture to installing a tankless water heater, you can do it!
I bet you’re wondering how any of this is related to that curious signature at the end of every email from Daniel Spann, LEED AP? You should know that Dan is neither a member of the Associated Press nor our Accounts Payable professional. Instead that fancy label after his name means that Dan is super knowledgeable about GREEN BUILDING. After studying sustainable construction and development at App State and starting his career in such, he took some extra classes, studied hard, and passed the exam given by the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED AP stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional. Mr. Spann isn’t only our Director of Construction here at PBC but also your go-to for all things eco-building-friendly! And quite frankly if we ever find a spare five minutes, he’ll be getting that custom-made green cape that we all know he deserves.
Trending Now: Top 5 Popular Designs PBC Clients Are Asking For
/in Informational /by Sonya HenryOnce focused on Craftsman style, granite countertops, and textured walls, today we are seeing our custom home clients move more towards a cleaner and simpler aesthetic.
We all remember it. Ten years ago seems to have come and gone in the blink of an eye and it feels like it’s been “one sleep” since 2001, but the reality of it is that time moves forward and “popular” is just as it has always been. Once loved and relevant by most is now replaced by newer, cooler, and more aesthetically pleasing. The overdone McMansions have been replaced by functional, simpler, dare-we-say more “modern” homes. Instead of seeing the constant of dark wood, bold wall colors, and Tuscan kitchens we are moving more towards interior metals, larger exterior spaces, and lighter colors overall.
1. MORE METAL
In the late 2010s, we are celebrating the metals. All of them! We are mixing them, we are designing staircases around them, we are replacing wood with them, the list goes on. We LOVE metal and it turns out, our clients do too. Metals are a great way to modernize the home and make it look cleaner, sleeker, and more current. We are seeing more clients ask for it in place of wooden pickets inside their homes (and out), we are seeing it replace wider and more traditional wood around the glazing on French Doors, and due to the popularity of the modern farmhouse we are seeing A LOT of steel windows.
2. CLADDING
/kladiNG/
noun; a covering or coating on a structure or material.
You’re welcome. It’s just a big word for wallpaper and faux paint or texture, as seen on this white washed brick fireplace. Be it paint, paper, or plaster, it is intended to make a wall (or surface) look like it is made of a different material than it actually is. Although some styles are a trend of the past, they have made their way back and are making their presence known. Clients are loving the ability to put their own individual stamp on their new custom home and we just happen to know of the best in town. Texture away!
3. POOLS
Pools upon pools upon pools! Although (possibly) an exaggeration, it seems like EVERY client we built for in the last year had a pool on their plans. A couple of the most in-demand are “plunge pools” and “cocktail pools”.
A plunge pool is more shallow and compact than a traditional backyard pool but it also has a few different goals in mind, like aquatic exercise, physical therapy, and relaxation.
A cocktail pool is very similar to the plunge pool. The biggest difference between the two is that a cocktail pool tends to be a bit more shallow than the plunge, and typically the cocktail pool has a bench seat around the perimeter with the idea that guests will sit and enjoy a cocktail while relaxing and cooling off with friends. Either way, we like happy clients. If it’s a pool that they want, a pool they will get!
4. SCULLERIES OR LARGE PANTRIES
FINALLY, we have all realized that an overabundance of cabinet space in the kitchen maybe isn’t a necessity. There are lots of things we all possess that we don’t use every day. They need a home, and we don’t necessarily have to have a place in our everyday kitchens to store them. We want amazing pantries, full of shelving and storage, as seen in our Thom’s Creek River House. Specifically, a scullery or an “overflow kitchen” with secondary cabinetry and plumbing (beverage refrigerator, another sink, an extra dishwasher). Three cheers to bringing back a scullery!
5. WIDE PORCHES
We know, we know, this is probably a southern thing. That said, large porches like this one (seen on our recently built home at Wrightsville Beach) began years ago before the present-day comfort of central air conditioning. Big, sometimes screened in, the porch was a go-to for southerners. They did not stay inside and suffer miserably in the 100-degree humidity but instead enjoyed wide open porches and southern breezes as a way to cool off. Fast forward, those large porches are coming back! Yes, we have the luxury of HVAC, most of which we can adjust from an app on our phone, but we still love a great evening outside on the porch. Although most clients and designers believe that 10 foot porches are comfortable and deep, both agree that 11 and 12 foot porches add more livability, more room to sit within and enjoy the view, and that they add an element of ease and comfort while entertaining.
No matter what is trending in custom homes or how high on the popularity chart your countertop selection is, just make sure that YOU do YOU. Probably check with Chrissy first. And consult Jessica at Ferguson. Maybe ask Jarvis or Dave. Bottom line, trends change and so do you so most importantly, love where you live!
PBC Design + Build (+ Balance)
/in Informational /by Sonya HenryWe all know that new construction isn’t exactly experiencing a lull. And if you live in Southeastern North Carolina, you’ve seen first-hand how “hot” the market continues to be (insert simultaneous knocks-on-wood). Real Estate teams are growing, General Contractors are creating back-logs, and you can’t seem to drive more than a few miles without seeing commercial development.
PBC Design + Build has seen both sides of this economy over the last 21 + years and business partners Dave Spetrino and Kyle Henry have weathered the storm. They have proven in the meantime, that a great partnership shouldn’t solely be based on intelligence, trust, and a shared vision. Suffice it to say, through the trials and tribulations of running a business they always seem to be able to laugh (eventually) and to be friends (mostly) all while building beautiful custom homes for wonderful, fun clients. Keep reading, secret divulging to commence…
Clearly there are a lot of factors that go into a great partnership. All the obvious qualities like vision, motivation, and common work ethic are important but it is no secret that a great sense of humor and good taste in music can go a long way. Let’s not forget about differences though, because those can be a huge strength in that solid foundation (no pun intended…get it? Foundation? Moving on…) We could go on and on about the generic qualities that successful business partners have in common (or don’t) but instead we give to you a small window into the minds of one of our favorite twosomes…
DAVE VS. KYLE: A quick-answer quiz to the MOST important questions
Birth order?
DS: First
KH: Middle
Middle name?
DS: Arthur
KH: Jeremy
Favorite year of high school?
DS: Either Junior or Senior I suppose.
KH: Senior year. I finally figured out the system. Little work and a lot of play…
Toddlers or teenagers?
DS: I hate them all.
KH: Toddlers. They can’t talk yet.
First job?
DS: Washington Post paperboy. Age 11.
KH: Giovanni’s (Italian Restaurant in Hickory, NC) bus boy. Age 14.
Sal, Murr, Q, or Joe?
DS: I don’t know these people. I know a guy named Sal, he’s a cool guy.
KH: Murr
Go-to drink at a bar?
DS: Diet Coke with ice or a Moscow Mule (but only if it’s in that fancy copper mug)
KH: Pellegrino
Favorite song. EVER.
DS: “Night and Day” Al B. Sure!
KH: “Love is a Rose” Neil Young
I’d absolutely ruin my diet for…
DS: Peppermint milkshake with hot fudge at the bottom of the cup from Baskin
Robbins.
KH: SUGAR
Last time you cried?
DS: Either when they froze Han Solo in “The Empire Strikes Back” or when I thought
E.T. was going to die.
KH: Friday
Cinema, theatre, or live music?
DS: Cinema
KH: Live Music
Charleston or Savannah?
DS: Savannah
KH: Charleston
Favorite EVER custom home detail?
DS: I’m a sucker for great light fixtures and I love seeing brick work on interior walls.
KH: I love modern architecture. We have several recent modern homes. I appreciate the designs of all of them.
Best quality about Kyle?
DS: Crazy smart.
Best quality about Dave?
KH: He is “in it” for all the right reasons. He never quits.
It looks like Paula Abdul said it best in ’88, clearly opposites do attract. As a senior in high school, Dave was entering his seventh year in the workforce and Kyle was signing up for his seventh semester of shop class. From two different locations, completely different family dynamics, and opposite academic paths these two have managed to create a lasting and functional business partnership, some pretty nice custom homes, and a dang cool place to work.
In conclusion, a common work ethic and (mostly) questionable sense of humor can really take you places! Cheers to PBC’s “perfect match.”
PBC, Mentesana Family Recognized by Historic Wilmington Foundation
/0 Comments/in Informational, News /by Sonya HenryPBC Design + Build along with two of our favorite repeat clients, Sal and Beth Mentesana, were invited by Historic Wilmington Foundation last month to be recognized at their annual Preservation Awards Ceremony. At a reception in St. James Parish Hall, The Mentesana’s downtown Fifth Avenue home was identified by this year’s awards committee members as being one that “beautifully fit” with the surrounding area in the category of Appropriate New Construction.
When Sal and Beth first moved to the area from Pennsylvania, they started out in Brunswick Forest. They chose the community for the golf course and atmosphere, and they chose their builder (ahem) for several other reasons (including Dave’s “part-visionary and part-sanity checker” qualities). Although they liked their neighborhood, The Mentesanas found themselves living their lives in downtown Wilmington and enjoying Wrightsville Beach. Beth spends time volunteering at the Bellamy Mansion and loves introducing art to fifth graders at the Cameron Art Museum, so downtown is where they knew they wanted to be, as Beth says “it is diverse, eclectic, and alive!”
Lot purchase, consult, design, and construction were completed by the end of October, 2018 and The Mentesanas moved into their downtown dream home. Fitting everything they wanted onto a narrow downtown lot was challenging but doable, and fitting in with the area was definitely a priority. Among the elements that they love most about their new home are it’s setting; their lot sits next to Bicentennial Park and is nestled beneath beautiful old trees. They absolutely love the Italianate style of their home, the many windows, and it’s “shotgun” design- 22 feet wide by 100 feet deep. Sal and Beth continue to receive compliments on the beauty of their home and friends can’t believe that PBC was able to build in such a narrow space AND include a driveway with a two-car detached garage!
As The Mentesanas continue to enjoy their new custom home, they say that the ultimate compliment is receiving this award. As their design + build team, we must say that we agree!