Toll Brothers’ Design Studio highlights valley trends

Toll Brothers' 8,400-square-foot Las Vegas Design Studio provides design elements from cabinets, countertops and floor coverings to fireplaces and finishes in customizing buyers' luxury homes.

There are trends, according to Merlin Jo Giesler, design studio manager, that distinguish the builder's customizable homes in Las Vegas from other regions.

"With 300 active communities in 21 states, Toll Brothers studies the preferences of home buyers who influence trends in architecture and home design," Giesler said. "In Las Vegas, every buyer comes to the Design Studio. Local trends also emerge and that keeps us up-to-date on what Las Vegas luxury home buyers really want."

One of the most apparent trends in home design in Southern Nevada is happening outdoors. Courtyards -- at the front entry and within the interior -- are in big demand, according to Giesler. "Low maintenance courtyard homes are surging. Courtyards can literally transport you from a city street to a quiet calm even before getting indoors," she said.

"In single-family luxury homes, more emphasis is also being placed in creating outdoor entertainment areas around resort-style swimming pools. The backyard is becoming more like a resort with cozier seating as well as pleasant-enhancing features like waterfalls and fountains."

Outdoor kitchen areas have been added to the basic barbecue grill with refrigerators, wine coolers, sinks and expanded counter space.

On the inside, buyers still aspire to the perfect kitchen, but today's standards are different from the standard features of yesteryear, according to Giesler.

According to Giesler, stainless steel appliances continue to be popular, but refrigerators, ovens, cooktops and even microwaves are bigger and much more high-tech.

"People like the big open kitchen, gourmet cook look," Giesler said. "Forty-eight-inch commercial-like cooktops are commonplace, warming drawers are a given and built-ins ranging from coffee pots and espresso machines to flat screen televisions prevail."

Gourmands like lots of space for their storage, according to Giesler. Following this trend, 42-inch upper cabinets have become more appealing than the older-fashioned 36-inch uppers.

"Like a fine piece of furniture, today's most desirable kitchen cabinetries and islands reflect fine craftsmanship and attention to detail," she said. "White is way out, cherry is way in. Corian is out, granite is in."

New trends in the kitchen are supported by new trends in the master suite and bath.

Toll Brothers has designs which offer a personal retreat in the master bath area.

"We call them spa-like baths since they can be so lavish. We've seen negative-edge bath tubs, dual-head and oversized showers and Jacuzzi tubs.

Glass block never goes out of style, and glass accents, especially small pieces in vivid colors, are becoming more prevalent.

"Colored plumbing is making a comeback and oil-rubbed bronze is the color of choice for fixtures. Pedestal sinks and framed mirrors are oftentimes selected for powder rooms," Giesler said.

Because the builder is known for its closet space, Giesler said homeowners frequently utilize the Design Studio's closet designer to organize and customize closet space.

Consultants are also on hand for customized lighting and electronic requirements such as home theaters, computer networking, security systems and complete home automation, all of which appeal to luxury home buyers.

"When it comes to floor coverings and wall colors, a neutral palette has been and will always be the best investment." Giesler said. "Monochromatic carpets, oversized stone tile and coffered ceilings are classics that won't be going out of style anytime soon."

While the Toll Bothers Design Studio is reserved for the builder's home buyers, prospective buyers are encouraged to visit model homes which are open at Toll Brothers communities throughout the Las Vegas area.

Visit TollBrothers.com for neighborhoods, floor plans and additional information.

Toll Brothers operates 300 communities, among them are Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York.