Besides having great, colorful style and helpful tips for homeowners, Emily also has insight into what it’s like to build a dream home. As the author of the blog Two Purple Couches (and yes, she really does have two purple couches that are beautiful), Emily’s passion is to share her projects and creativity with readers by inspiring them with do-able DIYs. We recently connected with Emily regarding her building experience and what she loves most about her Drees home:

What floor plan did you build? What made you choose this plan?

We toured a few different Drees models and floor plans, but as soon as we stepped inside the Davidson, it felt like home. We love the openness of the main floor, the higher ceiling in our family room, the bonus room on the second floor, the spacious master and the large front porch. (We chose Elevation D.) We also liked that the staircase is tucked back in the family room versus right inside the front door – this is a little different layout than we were used to seeing in other homes.

After building your home, what did you discover were your favorite spaces or features?

We were really excited about some of the customizable options. My favorite space is my home office – we added French doors to the living room to turn it into a study for me. Since we’ve moved in, we’ve added a built-in bookcase and window seat to this room. It’s my happy place!

I love the ample storage space in our kitchen, from all of the cabinets to the walk-in pantry. The island is so convenient for parties and holiday entertaining.

We didn’t realize how much we’d like having the tandem space in our garage until we moved in. My husband was able to set up a workshop area and we still have plenty of space to store our lawn mower, gardening supplies, etc.

What was your favorite part of the building process?

While my husband was looking forward to the technology and wiring discussions, I was most excited to visit the Design Center. I really enjoyed selecting our cabinetry, countertops, flooring, hardware and lighting. That was the moment when our home really felt like it was coming together!

What would you recommend to others who are looking to build or what do you wish you knew before kicking off the building process?

My advice would be to always ask. If you have any questions or ideas about potential upgrades or custom options, talk to your Market Manager. I would also encourage people to try to think about what their daily routines will look like once they move in. For instance, enter the house from the garage versus the front door. This might sound strange, but it could help with small details like where you place a light switch or adding a ceiling fixture.

I captured some of my favorite advice and tips on building in this post on my blog.

Why did you choose Drees Homes?

Drees offered the neighborhood and location where we really wanted to be. The variety of floor plans, house features, and upgrade options were more robust and appealing than other local builders we looked into.

To see more of Emily’s projects, visit her blog Two Purple Couches.