Concept Builders, Inc.

My Thai Kitchen closes after 14 years at midtown location My Thai Kitchen opened at its Harvard location in 2010; it was a continuation of Thai-Siam, which Parnee and Dee Jiniaseranee opened near 31st Street and Sheridan Road

Wow... time flies!

🐶 BARKITECTURE: HOW TO DESIGN PET-FRIENDLY HOMES

Home design is going to the dogs, with many pet-owning households across North America. The popularity of pet ownership is redefining what a perfect family home looks like, making sure all household members are accounted for in the design—even those with four legs.

The American Pet Products Association says that 45% of U.S. households own a dog, with another 26% owning a cat. According to the Canadian Animal Health Institute, 60% of Canadian households have a pet.

Interior design is evolving to support the lifestyle needs of homeowners and their canine and feline companions, with community-based pet amenities, as well as ways to integrate stylish design features for animals at home.

Location, Location, Location
Home design matters for pets, but the community where a home is located is important.

Dog owners need certain amenities close to home, including access to green space, along with safe areas for dog walking. Ideally, a community would have a dog park, or walking trails.

Given the vast number of homeowners with pets and recognizing the important role that housing and community design play in facilitating a pet-friendly lifestyle, many new communities are being designed with amenities and social events geared for pets.

Cameron Cook, community marketing and retail programming director at Walsh, a pet-friendly master-planned community near Fort Worth, Texas, says, “We intentionally designed the neighborhood so that each home has a park or green space within walking distance.”

“Each park is pet-friendly (on leash) and equipped with Dogipots. The entire neighborhood is connected via sidewalks, trails, and pathways,” making it easier to take a dog for a stroll, he says. Walsh also has nature trails, off-leash parks, and ongoing dog-related events in the lifestyle calendar, including “Yappy Hour” and Halloween pet costume contests.

Fenced-In Yards
A home with a yard is desirable for pet owners, but to make the most of outdoor space, homeowners should design the area with their pet’s safety and enjoyment in mind.

A must is a fenced-in area. Any material will do, if there are no gaps for Fido to sneak through. Material choices will influence a home’s aesthetic, so choose something that is cohesive with the home’s exterior. Some HOAs require certain materials to be used.

If space allows, include a dog run for extra fun and exercise. It’s especially useful with larger breed dogs.

For homeowners with large properties, an invisible fence is good way to let a pet run free, but still stay within a safe distance.

In the yard, be mindful of landscaping choices. “Choose, pet-friendly landscaping. Avoid toxic plants to provide a safe outdoor space for pets to play,” says marketing strategy consultant for Walsh, Malee Tobias of Malee Tobias Strategies.

Durable and Low-Maintenance Materials
Pets put household finishes and materials to the test on a regular basis, so choosing easy-to-clean materials that will stand up to messes, pet hair, and four-legged traffic is essential.

Hard floors are easiest to keep clean from pet hair and other messes, but not all hard materials are well-suited to the pitter patter of paws, because they scratch easily. Most tiles, whether stone, ceramic, or porcelain, are fairly scratch-resistant, especially if they are glazed and sealed.

Hardwood flooring is relatively easy to keep clean but is prone to scratches and wear. For a hardwood look with pet-friendly durability, luxury vinyl plank is a good alternative.

For carpet, choose something sturdy and stain-resistant, such as a Berber-style. “Upgraded rug pads underneath resist soaking in liquids and help to avoid stains,” says Tobias.

Furniture should be easy to clean, with leather or stain-resistant fabric. Choose textiles that are machine washable.

Mudroom Magic
Pet owners that have a well-designed mudroom pat themselves on the back every time they come in from walking the dog on a rainy day. Not only does a mudroom contain mess from outside, but it’s also the perfect space to add design features for furry friends, including the all-important dog wash, and concealed storage for toys and food.

The mudroom is also a good spot for a litter box for a cat, ideal if there is an out-of-the-way space within the space.

It’s worth installing a fan that vents outside in the mudroom, to divert pet odors away.

Built-In Features
Food and water dishes can take up a lot of room and be messy. The answer is to install a built-in feeding system. There are stylish, creative solutions, including pull-out drawers in the underused toe-kick space in the kitchen cabinetry or a built-in feeding system as part of the kitchen island.

Trending in the kitchen for homeowners are pot fillers, that are both convenient and add a subtle splash of style. Use the same concept with the pet’s dishes, with a pet-sized pot filler located above a feeding area to easily refill water dishes.

Having their own bed space is also recommended. Invest in a hidden dog bed or crate, built into cabinetry, with an open-style cabinet face. There are also several stylish dog crate options that double as furniture, blending right into the decor.

Another popular option takes advantage of a home’s architectural features to make a cozy spot for pets like a built-in dog area under the staircase.

Pet-Focused Tech
Need to leave a pet on their own? Not to worry. With a host of smart tech gadgets and systems, homeowners can keep tabs on their animals.

Pet cameras let homeowners monitor pets remotely and make sure that they are safe and secure. Two-way audio lets owners remind them omnisciently to stay off the couch or offer praise for good behavior.

Automatic pet feeders can be directed using an app, which are great for cat owners.

Pet doors are a convenient way for a pet to let themselves out whenever they want, but for added safety, put in an automatic pet door that works on a motion sensor, opening on demand, and is securely closed otherwise.

Cat Couture
Not a dog person? Cats benefit from pet-focused interior design, too.

Popular are catios, which are outdoor enclosures where cats can play safely and get fresh air. They range in size from small, single-level enclosures, to larger, playground-style with cat-friendly toys and platforms.

Indoor cats will enjoy “walkways, perches, and elevated spaces to climb and explore,” says Tobias.

Trending are built-in, wall-mounted cat beds with plush textiles and sleek finishes, that add visual interest, as well as somewhere stylish for kitty to nap.

Pet-Friendly Home Wish List
Pet-friendly homes are designed function first. Here are some additional features that pet-owning households will appreciate:

👉Central vacuum, for quick and easy cleanup.
👉Upgraded HVAC systems with high-end filtration systems to clean the air of pet dander.
👉Increased insulation and soundproofing to muffle barking noise, inside and out.
👉A bathtub. Even if they are shower-only people, having an additional bathtub somewhere in the house is useful.
👉Bay window. It’s the perfect viewing spot for four-legged friends to watch the world go by. It’s even better if there is a window seat attached.

HEATHER WRIGHT
About the author:
Heather Wright is a journalist for Livabl with a background in real estate reporting and home design, decor, and architecture. She has written for a number of print and digital publications in the lifestyle space.

2017! ... interior colors have changed quite a bit since then

🌟 Photos are in! 🌟

🏡 Our brand-new Lincoln II plan in the beautiful Hickory Falls neighborhood is complete, and it's ready to dazzle at the 2024 Greater Tulsa Parade of Homes! 🏡

📅 Parade of Homes Schedule:
🗓️ Saturday, June 15th - Sunday, June 23rd
🕐 1 PM - 7 PM daily

✨ Come see why this home is the talk of the town! From stunning interiors to top-notch finishes, you won't want to miss it.

🔍 Get all the details and a sneak peek here: https://concept-builders.com/homes/sapulpa/hickory-falls/1307-falls-drive

Join us and experience the charm and elegance of the Lincoln II! 🚪🔑

One of our Parade homes 12 years ago!😁

Check out Concept Builders' latest new home during the 2012 Greater Tulsa Parade of Homes, June 16 to 24. The Official Guide containing a map and home descriptions are available at any Tulsa-area QuikTrip beginning Friday, June 15.

https://concept-builders.com/homes

A great looking version of the original Dorsey floor plan in Rivercrest (Prattville-Sand Springs).
Model home - Sales Office
2024 Greater Tulsa Parade of Homes Entry

More information right here... https://concept-builders.com/homes/sand-springs-ok/rivercrest-prattville/22-east-32nd-st

Dorsey V floor plan in Bricktown East - Broken Arrow.
Model homes - Community Sales office
2024 Greater Tulsa Parade of Homes entry

More details here: https://concept-builders.com/homes/broken-arrow/bricktown-east-broken-arrow/2509-w-madison-street

Teal Ridge Sales Office - 2024 Greater Tulsa Parade of Homes entry.

More details here.... https://concept-builders.com/homes/sand-springs-ok/teal-ridge-sand-springs-berryhill-schools/1920-e-45th-st

Our Lincoln II (aka Baby Lincoln) is coming together! This is our Parade of Homes entry for Hickoryfallsneighborhood in Sapulpa this year, and it's looking great!

A 2-story version is also available that adds a game room, full bath and 4th bedroom, or can be adjusted to 2 bedrooms or however you want it!

You can get a sneak preview on the weekend with Kent Eisenhauer Saturdays 10a-5pm and Sundays 3pm-6pm.

https://concept-builders.com/homes/sapulpa/hickory-falls/1307-falls-drive

Vacation Home Security Tips 🌞🏡

Summer is here, and so is vacation season! As you prepare for your getaway, ensure your home is safe and secure with these tips.

🔒 Smart Home Technology: Use your smartphone to lock doors, control lights, and monitor activity (we install video doorbells and smart switches as standard features on our homes 😊). Try to make your home look lived-in even when you're away.

📬 Hold Mail & Deliveries: If you don't have someone to pick it up for you regularly, you can submit a request online to pause mail and newspaper deliveries. This keeps your absence less noticeable.

👥 House Sitter: Consider hiring a house sitter to look after your pets, garden, and home. It's a great way to maintain a lived-in look.

🛡️ Home Security Systems: Invest in a home security service or DIY system for 24/7 monitoring. These can include smart locks, video surveillance, and more.

📋 Pre-Vacation Checklist:

📭 Stop mail and newspaper deliveries.
💡 Use lights on timers or smart switches (standard in Concept Builders homes!).
🌿 Arrange for lawn care and plant watering.
🔐 Lock all entry points, including windows and pet doors.
🚨 Install motion-activated lights, video doorbells (also standard on Concept Builders homes😊) , and smart thermostats.
🔌 Lower utility bills by adjusting thermostats, closing curtains, and unplugging electronics.
❗ Limit Social Media Sharing: Avoid posting your travel plans online until you return to reduce the risk of break-ins.

Wishing you a safe and relaxing vacation! 🌴✨

Complete, Cleaned, Photos Done and Just Listed!
Teal Ridge, Sand Springs. 15-20 minute drive, to downtown, Gathering Place, Tulsa Hills, Brookside... Even at Rush Hour!
1/2 Acre Lot, 4th Bedroom is huge, can be a game room, or whatever.
More details here... https://concept-builders.com/homes/sand-springs-ok/teal-ridge-sand-springs-berryhill-schools/1802-e-44th-st

New on the market! The original Dorsey floor plan in Rivercrest... this will be a 2024 Great Tulsa Parade of Homes Entry in June.

https://concept-builders.com/homes/sand-springs-ok/rivercrest-prattville/22-east-32nd-st

New team pic!

An updated Team Photo - Monday April 22nd, 2024 - 11:26 am Post weekly sales meeting... Welcome Maria Carlucci to the team!

Open House Alert ‼️

Come Check out this Beauty in Torrey Lakes 🏠

Saturday & Sunday 2-5 p.m

Introducing the Hickory Plan currently being built in Hickoryfallsneighborhood, an evolution of our popular Woodland TR design, now featuring a split layout with the primary bedroom moved for greater privacy. This home includes three bedrooms, three full baths, and a flexible space ideal for a 4th bedroom with its own bath, a game room, office, or can be converted to a multi-gen space. Central to the Hickory Plan is a living area that flows into an open kitchen and dining space, perfect for entertainment and family life. The living room, with its vaulted ceiling and high dormers, fills the space with natural light. The newly designed front elevation adds a distinctive touch, making the Hickory Plan a refined blend of privacy and communal living, ideal for today's homeowners.

Click here for more details: https://concept-builders.com/plan/hickory