Rising Construction Costs: Is Now the Right Time to Build?

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If you’re planning on building a custom home, rising construction costs are likely scaring you a little bit … and I totally get that!  You might be wondering … Should we wait? Will prices come down? Will next year be a better time to build? These are completely normal thoughts, and you’re not alone.  But […]

Mar

04

Home Build Budget

8 Popular Sherwin Williams Neutral Paint Colors

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Choosing paint colors can feel surprisingly overwhelming — especially when you’re standing in the paint aisle or trying to finalize selections before your builder needs them. That’s exactly why I’ve narrowed it down to eight of the most popular Sherwin-Williams neutral paint colors for 2026. I’ll walk you through each one — and explain why […]

Feb

25

Design + Decorate

Tips for Designing a Functional Kitchen Layout

9 Tips for Designing a Functional Kitchen

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Tips for Designing a Functional Kitchen Layout

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Designing a functional kitchen is about more than choosing pretty finishes—it’s about creating a space that actually works for how your family lives. After 12+ years in my custom home (and now thinking about my next build), I’m sharing 9 tips that work for both entertaining and everyday life. Some of these are features I […]

Feb

18

Floor Plan Creation

4 Things I Would Change if I Built my Home Again

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Over the years, one of the most common questions clients and podcast listeners ask me is what I would change if I built my home again. My husband and I are actually planning to build again in the couple of years, which has me really paying attention to what’s working (and what I’d tweak) in […]

Feb

11

Floor Plan Creation

What You Need to Know Before Building a Custom Home

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Wondering what you need to know before building a custom home?  I imagine you probably have questions.  Lots of them. This is completely normal—and honestly, it’s a good sign.  The people who ask questions up front are the ones who end up building homes they absolutely love, without regrets and without blowing their budget. So […]

Feb

04

Home Build Planning

First-Time Custom Home Build Advice From a Real Family!

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This episode is full of first-time custom home build advice from a REAL family who just moved into their brand new home. 🙌 Patrick and Jessica share their real experience going through BEFORE YOU BUILD℠ and how this program helped them build with confidence. (the photos in this post are of their beautiful exterior and kitchen) […]

Jan

28

Home Build Budget

hey there,

I designed my own custom home from the ground up, inside and out. A home that is cozy, comfy, laid out perfectly for the way my family lives, and makes us happy every single day. Oh, and did I mention I did this all without going over budget?! 

Yep, it’s true. I’ve been there, done that, and actually lived through it … and you will too. Pinkie promise!

a.k.a. Caroline on Design

I’m Carrie Barker.

Free ON-DEMAND class

4 STEPS TO BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME WITHin BUDGET and without regrets!

GRAB YOUR SEAT!