One of the most frequent questions we get asked is about what kind of smart home technology we recommend for a new home. While the architectural details and design elements are crucial, incorporating the latest technology can elevate your living experience to a whole new level. What was once a futuristic fantasy, smart home technology is a reality that offers convenience, security and increases energy efficiency. Below are some of the most innovative features to consider integrating into your custom home.

Smart Home Hub & Automation

A smart home hub is a central location that allows you to connect and control various smart devices – lighting, thermostats, security systems – from a single app. This is the brain of your home. It acts as the translator between devices and ties everything together.  It’s crucial to the smooth management of smart home technologies. It’s important you thoroughly research this component of your smart home to ensure it will work effectively with the other technologies you choose.

Seamless Security

Feeling safe and having peace of mind in your home is crucial. Security systems can include smart locks, cameras, motion detectors and even leak sensors that notify you of potential problems. All of these options are accessible remotely from your smartphone to give you peace of mind when you’re away.

Smart Lighting

Imagine setting the lights at the perfect level for when the sun sets so you don’t arrive home to a dark house. Or having the right lighting for movie night or during a cocktail party. Smart home systems allow you to control and adjust the brightness of your home’s lights as well as creating pre-programmed lighting scenes.

Climate Control

All Floridians know, making sure your air conditioning is running, especially when you’re away, is crucial to preventing mold growth in your home. Homeowners can monitor and control the temperature remotely, ensuring a perfectly cooled home while potentially saving on energy bills with smart thermostats.

Futuristic Kitchens

From smart appliances that can be preheated from an app, voice activated recipe guidance and dishwashers that alert you when the wash cycle is finished, next generation kitchens have arrived. Utilizing technology in your kitchen makes it more efficient and enjoyable. Smart refrigerators even have cameras that will show the contents inside so if you’re at the store you can quickly check on what you need.

The items above are just the beginning of the smart home revolution as technology continues to rapidly evolve. By incorporating technological advancements, you will be able to monitor almost every function of your home while making sure it is comfortable, secure, and efficient for the future. Gulfstream Homes is here to help you plan and integrate these technologies into your new home. Contact us today to get started on the path to your perfect home.

The post Incorporating Smart Home Technology in your New Home first appeared on Gulfstream Homes.

This could be you if you move near one of the best beaches to visit in SWFL. Don’t know where to start? Don’t worry. Here are the most gorgeous, enjoyable beaches in the area for potential homebuyers.  

Sanibel Island 

Most known for its amazing shelling and white sandy beaches, Sanibel Island is one of the best places to also fish, relax or bird watch. This gorgeous beach in Southwest Florida has been ranked as one of the best beaches for shelling by Coastal Living as well as a top-rated beach for families. On Sanibel Island you can lounge and bask in the warm sun while enjoying the soft sand and gorgeous views.   

Fort Myers Beach 

If you’re looking for a mix of tourist heaven and intimate sunset beachgoing, Fort Myers Beach is for you. This SWFL beach is home to a large resort community with plenty of restaurants and drink stands near the shore. You can access Fort Myers Beach at over 30 entry points along this wide strip of shoreland.  

Lover’s Key State Park 

This wonderful state park beach offers plenty of activities for busybodies and nature lovers. From hiking to fishing to kayaking, you can find almost anything on this Southwest Florida beach. Grab a delicious hamburger or classic hot dog and enjoy the views with your lover! 

Keewaydin Island  

Keeywaydin Island is part of the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, which means the water is clear and the wildlife is protected. When it comes to scenic beachgoing, this island is your best bet.  

The beaches along the island are mostly empty throughout the year. Keewaydin Island provides the perfect secluded spots for dates, family beach days, and more.  

Barefoot Beach Preserve 

On your way to Barefoot Beach Preserve, you’ll see large, gorgeous beach homes and gopher tortoise crossings. This secluded Southwest Florida beach is home to the Saylor Nature Trail, which offers seasoned hikers a two-mile loop to explore.  

Whether you want to find beautiful seashells or bait a hook and do some fishing, Barefoot Beach Preserve is the place to go.  

Finding Your Dream Home: Why Choose SWFL? 

You have plenty of options when it comes to relocation. High on the list of recommendations is Southwest Florida, but why is that? What makes the area so amazing for potential homebuyers? 

Some of Southwest Florida’s best luxuries include: 

• Nearby beaches
• Year-round sunshine
• Warm, pleasant autumns and winters
• Plenty of outdoor activities
• Close to major cities
• Cultural and historical sites

These are just a few of the advantages of making Southwest Florida your new home.  

Gulfstream Homes: Live Near the Best Beaches to Visit in SWFL 

You can make the gorgeous region of Southwest Florida your forever home with Gulfstream Homes. We have lots available for building and extravagant homes that are already built, depending on what you need. Contact us today to get started with your homebuying journey in SWFL! 

The post Southwest Florida’s Best Beaches first appeared on Gulfstream Homes.

Include: An Oversized Island…or Two

Here in Southwest Florida, especially, we see our fair share of visitors, and if you’re entertaining in your home, chances are your guests will be congregating in the kitchen. Oversized islands provide you with the space you need to prepare food, as well as entertain guests without the kitchen feeling like it’s overcrowded. Add one or even two of these to increase the functionality of the space.

Exclude: Space-Saver Microwaves

Building the microwave into the kitchen range has been something that we’ve been seeing for years, but its time in the spotlight has finally run out. Unfortunately, this type of set-up leads to inadequate venting from the kitchen range. This is why builders and designers are leaving these space-savers out of the equation, opting instead for proper ventilating hoods.

Include: Walk-In Pantry

Being organized in the kitchen is crucial, and the area that tends to become the most cluttered is the pantry. Building in a dedicated pantry, a walk-in variety if you have the space, is recommended. Not only do you have enough space for all of your food items, it’s easier to stay organized.

Exclude: Tuscan Design

The Tuscan kitchen has had its time to shine; however, for years now, this trend has been slowly leaving centerstage. This is where many builders see the most requests for remodeling, getting rid of the Tuscan design, in favor of a clean, crisp, modern appeal.

Include: Energy-Saving Appliances

Not only do we want to do our part to help save the environment, we also want to reduce operating costs in our homes. Replacing appliances, like your refrigerator, oven, microwave and dishwasher will allow you to save money on your energy bills, while also increasing the value of your home.

Exclude: Overstated Backsplashes

Big geometric patterns and bright colors don’t quite mesh with the contemporary color palettes we see in today’s homes. Busy backsplashes tend to get dated rather quickly, which is why we recommend sticking to simplistic neutral tones to better work with the modern feel that many homeowners are seeking.

Designing Your New Kitchen

When it comes to creating the kitchen space that you really want, keeping some of these ideas in mind will make a big difference. A few other items you’ll want to consider for your kitchen space include:

• Butler’s pantry
• Wine cooler
• Concealed appliances
• Natural elements

In keeping with a more timeless appeal in this space, you’ll be able to enjoy your kitchen for the long-term, without the need to revamp it every other year. Sticking to modern neutrals with pops of color throughout livens up this area of the home, while adding in functional elements, like a dedicated pantry and oversized island will allow your kitchen to work at its best for you and your guests, providing the best of both worlds.

Gulfstream Homes is ready to help you build your new home! Call (239) 254-1664 or visit www.gulfstreamhomes.com to get started.

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The post Your New Kitchen: 3 Things to Include & 3 Things to Exclude first appeared on Gulfstream Homes.

Here are some of the top home projects for 2021…

Custom Organization

Spending more time in your home means having it work how you need it, no matter which room you’re in at any given moment. That’s why more and more designers and builders are integrating innovative storage areas into the home to help keep everything conveniently in its place. Top organization areas in the home include:

• Kitchen pantries

• Bedroom closets

• Media centers

• Garage and laundry areas

• Office spaces

Built-in storage is recommended for these spaces to avoid losing items and save time when you’re in a rush. After all, the last thing you want is to have lost your favorite pair of shoes in the abyss that is your closet or not be able to find an ingredient you need in the pantry for tonight’s dinner. With custom organization features in your home, you’re able to stay on top of your day.

Energy Efficiency

As we strive more and more to help save our planet, it’s no surprise that homeowners are ditching traditional appliances and opting for energy efficient varieties. Not only are these types of appliances more eco-friendly, they help to lower energy bills, which saves you money. From energy efficient washers and dryers to ovens, refrigerators, microwaves, HVAC systems and more, you’re able to make your home run smoothly, while doing your part to protect our planet.

Wallpaper Accents

Have we told you that wallpaper is back in style? A new trend for 2021 is accentuating areas of the home, such as laundry and bathrooms with wallpaper. It’s time to add some excitement to these often mundane areas of the home with trendy prints, pops of color and interesting designs. Say good-bye to unsightly floral prints and hello to sophisticated marble designs, geometric patterns and more to help liven up certain areas of the home.

Outdoor Living Upgrades

It’s true…Southwest Florida homeowners spend a lot of time outdoors, enjoying our exquisite tropical backdrop and tranquil ocean breezes. That’s why if your outdoor living area could use some love, there’s no better time than now to give it the revitalization it needs. From new pavers to an upgraded pool, adding in an outdoor kitchen to enhancing the seating arrangements, tackling your outdoor living space now means being able to enjoy it to the fullest later.

Other Home Projects for 2021

We’ve touched on just a couple of options if you’re looking to get the most out of your home in 2021, but if you’re searching for even more ideas, try the following:

• Enhance your master bath into a spa-like oasis.

• Maximize productivity with a dedicated office space.

• Open up your kitchen to be able to create more culinary wonders.

• Add in surround sound and a projector screen to your living space for the ultimate movie night.

Whether you’re looking for a space to wind down and relax, a productivity hub or the best of both worlds, these home projects can help you take your home to the next level in the new year. Isn’t it about time to make your home work the best for you and your family? Let 2021 be your year for maximum enhancement of your space

The Gulfstream Homes team can’t wait to help you with your home projects for 2021! Call (239) 254-1664 or visit www.gulfstreamhomes.com to get started!

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The post Top Home Projects for 2021 first appeared on Gulfstream Homes.

Here are some of the most popular home design styles, so that you can choose the right style for your space.

Coastal Contemporary

Here in Southwest Florida, coastal contemporary style reigns supreme. Think clean white surfaces, highlighted by natural illumination from an abundance of windows throughout. Often compared to a modern art gallery, coastal contemporary style emits a sense of tranquility and refinement that works well in the homes in our area. Pair this style with all white appliances up against a vibrant backsplash in the kitchen to enhance the beauty of the space.

Modern Architecture

Think clean, open and airy. Modern architecture focuses on a minimalistic approach, dedicated to simplicity. Whites and other neutrals are featured, as well as building materials like concrete, glass and steel to add depth to the space. Typically, modern homes will feature an open floorplan, so that you can take advantage of the space…and the views if you’re fortunate enough to have them. Design elements to enhance this type of space include greenery and other textured items to really give the space a more modern style.

Mid-Century Modern

For those who don’t want to fully embrace the minimalist modern approach, perhaps mid-century modern is more your style. Design trends from the 1940s, 50s and 60s come into play as they cohabitate with more modern design trends, like neutral tones, industrial elements and rectangular furniture. Think pops of color with your furniture and artwork against a neutral backdrop featuring clean lines and minimal ornamentation.

Farmhouse Style

One of the most popular styles in recent years is the farmhouse style. Accented by rustic elements, such as exposed wood beams, wood flooring and craftsman fixtures, farmhouse style provides a modern take on the age-old picturesque farmhouse. Key aspects of this trend include:

• Wood elements

• White tones

• Craftsman furniture (aka one-of-a-kind handmade pieces)

• Open-faced kitchen cabinets

• Multiple textures throughout

Create the ultimate comfortable vibe in your home when you choose to take a traditional design trend into a more modern age.

Industrial

When opting for an industrial home design style, think urban oasis paired with modern minimalism. Exposed piping in the bathroom, hard metal accents throughout and multiple industrial materials, like reclaimed wood and brick make up this ultra-modern style. If you want to feel like you’re living the ultimate urban lifestyle, the industrial design style may be perfect for you.

Choosing Your Ideal Home Style

Whether your style is more coastal contemporary, classic farmhouse or sleek industrial, it’s important to work with your builder, so that you can create the ideal home for you and your family. If you’re unsure which home style will look best in your home, your builder should be able to guide you in the right direction. For instance, if you have beautiful views of your property, maximize them with a coastal contemporary style, or if you’ve always wanted a comfortable rustic ambiance, perhaps a farmhouse home is for you. No matter your choice, you can create the ultimate style in your home.

Gulfstream Homes is ready to help you build the ideal home in Southwest Florida. Call (239) 254-1664 or visit www.gulfstreamhomes.com to learn more.

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The post Popular Home Design Styles: Choosing the Right Style for Your Space first appeared on Gulfstream Homes.

Here are our top tips for building the ultimate Southwest Florida home…

Accentuate Your Views

No matter if you’re right on the water or a few miles away, chances are you’ve got some pristine views of our Southwest Florida paradise that you will want to take advantage of in your home. Building a home to maximize those views is highly recommended. After all, you didn’t decide to buy a lot here and not enjoy the views! Southwest Florida home builders suggest implementing certain features into a home to make the most out of the view, whether it’s a waterfront view or a tropical oasis! Features like open floorplans and plenty of windows allow you to enjoy your views from every vantage point in the home with absolute ease.

Don’t Skimp on Safety

Here in Southwest Florida, we’re more prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, which means your home will need to be able to stand up against strong winds and rain. Home builders in Southwest Florida build with the weather in mind, incorporating the following into their homes:

• Concrete block construction

• Enhanced roofing elements

• Hurricane shutters or impact-resistant windows and doors

When you build a home in Southwest Florida, you must be prepared for any inclement weather that may come our way. That’s why it’s imperative that you speak with your builder about your options during the home building process.

Pay Attention to Your Outdoor Living Space

If you’ve lived in or visited Southwest Florida for longer than a few hours, you may have realized just how important the outdoor living area is to homeowners. Not only is this a space where you’re able to relax and take it all in, it’s also perfect for entertaining guests, and now that you’re building a home in paradise, you may want to prepare for more guests! You’ll want to pay careful attention to your outdoor space and design it, so that it functions best for you. Home builders recommended adding elements, such as seating areas, pools/spas and outdoor kitchens to get the most out of this space.

Connect with the Right Builder

The end product of your home project is a result of many, many hours spent with your builder, which means finding the right builder is essential to the success of your project. Connect with a builder who knows the area and has experience in building homes that are not only made for our weather, but also fit in with the style of the area.

If you’re looking to build here in Southwest Florida, be sure to keep these tips in mind, so that you can build a home that is not only strong and safe, but takes advantage of the beauty that encompasses this special part of Florida.

The Gulfstream Homes team is ready to help you build the ultimate Southwest Florida home! Call (239) 254-1664 to get started today.

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The post Top Tips for Building the Ultimate Southwest Florida Home first appeared on Gulfstream Homes.