Our latest Homebuying Webinar covered everything you need to know while home shopping, from finance all the way to the smallest design details. In this blog, we’ll cover the design portion, exclusively! Personalizing your new home is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated parts of the journey. From choosing cabinets and countertops to exploring flooring and tile, the Taylor Morrison Design Studio is where your vision begins to take shape.
Whether you attended the webinar or are preparing for an upcoming appointment, understanding what happens before, during, and after your Design Studio visit can help you feel informed, confident, and ready to get inspired.
More Webinar Resources
Curious about the financial side of homebuying? Click here for a finance-focused recap of our Homebuying Webinar.
Plus, at the end of the webinar, we took live questions from real home shoppers. See exactly what they asked, and how our experts answered, here.
Meet Your Host | National Director of Design & Model Experience, Lee Crowder
Lee Crowder always has her finger on the pulse of what’s trending and timeless when it comes to home design. With nearly two decades of design experience at Taylor Morrison, Crowder’s design expertise and unique insight into the psyche of homebuyers has made her a go-to subject matter expert for the media. Today, she leads a team of design and color experts across the country to implement Taylor Morrison’s national design and model home strategy, key initiatives, and programs.
How Getting Started Works
Your personalization journey begins soon after signing your purchase agreement. Once your Design Studio appointment is scheduled, you’ll receive resources and inspiration materials to help you start exploring styles, colors, and design ideas before your visit.
Taking time to gather inspiration beforehand can make the process feel more manageable and help clarify what’s most important to you.
Consider creating a list that includes:
- Must-have features
- Preferred colors and finishes
- Inspiration photos
- Lifestyle priorities
- Budget goals
Pro Tip
Consider visiting Taylor Morrison model homes near you. This is the best way to gather inspiration for your own home. Or take it a step further and check out a Discover Design Day!
What Is Discover Design Day?
This is your chance to explore our stunning design selections before your official appointment or before you make the decision to build. Chat one-on-one with our expert design consultants, browse beautiful tile, flooring, and countertops, and start building a personalized wish list.
Understanding the Design Timeline
The Design Studio process follows a structured timeline to keep your homebuilding journey on track.
Day 1: Schedule Your Appointment
Your Community Sales Manager will help schedule your Design Studio appointment and ensure you have the information needed to prepare.
Day 2: Review Your Inspiration Guide
An online inspiration guide provides ideas and examples that can help you narrow down your design preferences before your appointment.
Days 3-13: Make Your Selections
During your appointment, you’ll work with a Design Consultant to review available options and personalize key areas of your home.
Following the appointment:
- Selections are finalized and documented
- Design paperwork is reviewed and signed
- Deposits are collected for applicable upgrades
- Final selections move forward with the construction process
Day 14: Access Your Selections Digitally
In some areas, your finalized selections will be available digitally, making it easy to reference your choices throughout the building process.
So, what can you expect during your appointment? Read on!
What Happens During a Design Studio Appointment?
If you’re not a design extraordinaire, there’s no need to worry. The appointment is organized in a way that helps simplify decision-making and create a cohesive look throughout the home. Our goal is for this to be fun, never stressful.
Start With the Big Picture
The experience typically begins with a review of your floor plan, included features, structural options, wish list, and budget. This conversation helps establish priorities before moving into specific selections.
Appliance Selections
Appliances are an important part of daily life. You’ll have the opportunity to explore available options and choose products that align with your cooking habits and lifestyle needs.
Cabinet Selections
Cabinetry plays a major role in the overall design of kitchens, bathrooms, and other living areas. During this phase, you’ll explore styles, colors, and available upgrades.
Countertop Selections
Countertops add both beauty and functionality to your spaces. Selecting materials and finishes that complement your cabinetry helps create a cohesive design aesthetic.
Flooring and Wall Tile Selections
Flooring and tile choices help bring texture, durability, and personality into each room. Selections may include flooring materials, backsplashes, bathroom tile, and other decorative features throughout your new home.
Understanding Tile Patterns
Tile has more impact than you might think! Beyond selecting colors and materials, installation patterns can create visual interest and change how a room feels.
Depending on the product and location, options may include:
- Stacked layouts
- Offset patterns
- Herringbone designs
- Hexagon installations
- Decorative statement patterns
- Horizontal and vertical layouts
Thoughtful pattern selections can add character and create a truly personalized design.
Meet Your Design Consultant
One of the biggest advantages of the Design Studio experience is having an experienced Design Consultant by your side. Your consultant serves as a trusted guide throughout the process, helping answer questions, explain options, and provide recommendations that align with your style, lifestyle, and budget.
With professional guidance and product expertise, you’ll feel more confident making selections that work well together and support your long-term goals for the home.
Why Investing in Upgrades Today Can Save You Later
Planning an upgrade budget ahead of your appointment can help you prioritize the features that matter most.
As you prepare, consider:
- Which upgrades would be difficult to add later?
- Which spaces will be used most often?
- Which features will enhance everyday living?
- Which selections provide the greatest long-term value?
Answering these questions can help guide decisions and ensure your investment is focused where it matters most.
You’re almost there! Here’s how the final steps of the journey work.
Finalizing Your Design Selections
After your appointment, selections are reviewed, documented, and prepared for the next phase of the building process. For many, this milestone is especially exciting because it transforms inspiration and ideas into a detailed plan for the home taking shape.
Big Changes at The Design Studio
Craving more design content? Click here to see the improvements we’ve made at the Taylor Morrison Design Studio to give you the best experience possible.
Enjoy the Personalization Journey
The Design Studio experience is about so much more than selecting products. It’s an opportunity to create spaces that reflect your style, support your lifestyle, and feel uniquely yours. With thoughtful preparation, expert guidance, and plenty of inspiration, you’ll be well equipped to make confident choices and enjoy every step of the personalization journey. Thanks for reading, and happy designing!
