It doesn’t take long to see what the excitement is all about. The two-storey 2,583-square-foot Birmingham offers some of the best home ideas one can put into a home, and practical design ideas that make cocooning a sweeter alternative to going out. French doors open to a foyer that is bright and spacious. There are dual closets separated by a built-in mirror and handsome maple-stained cabinetry for more storage. There’s even a deacon’s bench and a niche leading into the hallway and more doors opening to both the powder and the mudroom. “It really makes a statement when you come in here. There’s room to move around even if you have lots of guests in the foyer,” says Doiron.

Farther down from the autumn-coloured tile hallway is the mudroom. Mudrooms have evolved to such an extent the Birmingham version’s is almost like a men’s smoke shop of old. Elegant with its dark maple floor-to-ceiling cabinets, hook-lined benches and cubbyholes, with a deep sink for doing handwashed laundry, plus a hefty space for a washer/dryer combo. “If you have kids you have all the space for coats, shoes, so you’re good to go. You can also add a deep freeze as there’s room for variation,” says Doiron.

One of the most coveted features of the Birmingham is the large walk-in pantry. Dropping groceries and taking dry goods out for cooking is a breeze when you consider the hefty pantry space.

Beyond the pantry is the dramatic Birmingham kitchen, with its continuation of dark shaker-style cabinets, state of the art appliances and large granite island. “The island is table height, so whether you’re preparing meals or entertaining, you’ve got tons of space to operate from,” says Doiron. There’s a lot of functional space in the kitchen, with one side of the wall devoted to the fridge, more cabinet and mail slot space overhead and a little office nook. Other surprises include a maple wine rack below the granite island and the full tile backsplash resembling bricks. The large nook gets a lot of morning light and is large enough for a hutch to fit in.

Decorative arches define the space between the kitchen and the great room. “It’s also open so you can watch TV while you’re in the kitchen,” says Doiron. The focal feature of the great room is the fireplace, with built-in niches on either side, and Winchester hardwood flooring, all classics with its dark maple colour. “The point with having built-ins is that you can put various types of decorative accessories, and a television,” says Doiron. Decorative niches, a fancy vessel sink in the powder room, the expansive autumn coloured tile, as well as the elegant railing along the stairs all tie-in with the colour scheme of the Birmingham.

The knock-down ceiling and shag carpeting are noticed as one takes to the stairs. “The stairs are split so you can have a bit of rest before you go all the way up,” says Doiron. The first stop along the second floor is a recreation IT centre, with lots of shelves and counter space. Two steps down and you hit the bonus room with its vaulted ceiling and black stained maple fireplace for accent.

Located along a spacious hallway are two large bedrooms with walk-in closet and main bath. “It’s a bit of a Jack-and-Jill room, but it is almost like a master in size,” says Doiron.

The master bedroom is saved for last, with its dramatic jetted tub, arched window, elegant fixtures in brush antique, shower bench and vaulted ceiling. Central to the master are the double sinks and the large walk in closet. “The ‘wow factor’ is that you have so many built-ins in the ensuite,” says Doiron.

The Birmingham can be built for about $600,000. The amount of architectural detail in it has not gone unnoticed, says Doiron. “People make it a point of coming back.” For more information about the Birmingham, visit http://www.broadviewhomes.com NL