All Posts

Appliance decisions shape your kitchen more than you think. Here’s how to approach them with both function and design in mind. In the last post, I shared why layout is the foundation of a great kitchen. The natural next step in that conversation is appliances, because appliances influence the layout more than most people realize. As we begin laying out plans during the design phase of a project, we have clients think carefully about how they want to live and function in their

After years of designing kitchens and living in one, I’ve learned that layout is the difference between a kitchen that looks good and one that truly works. Where My Approach to Kitchen Design Began My first job out of college was at Kitchen Distributors in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Before that, I completed my design internship during my junior year at the University of Arkansas in Edinburgh, Scotland, at a small kitchen design firm. Those early experiences sparked my interest

A new year naturally invites reflection. It’s a moment to pause—long enough to look at what worked, what didn’t, and what’s worth carrying forward with more intention. In an industry built on long timelines and layered decisions, that kind of reset matters. At Mark Phillips Construction, our work lives in the details: plans, budgets, schedules, materials, people, and the many small decisions that quietly shape the finished home. As we head into 2026, these are five things I’m

A calm, guided approach to making meaningful design decisions with confidence. The home design world isn’t all that different from fashion. What’s “in” one day is suddenly “out” the next…until it circles right back around with a slight update. It’s no wonder clients feel overwhelmed making choices for a powder bath remodel—let alone an entire custom home. But here’s the good news: The design process doesn’t have to feel chaotic. In fact, when it’s done well, it can be easy—an

When building a custom home, the primary closet is always one of the most exciting—and personal—spaces to plan. It’s more than just storage. It’s your daily launch pad. And when it's well thought out, it makes life easier. At the start of every project, we work with the home designer to carve out the right amount of space based on each client’s lifestyle and wardrobe needs. From there, we focus on four core zones that make up a functional closet layout: The Four Essentials 1.

In Part One, we covered closet layout basics—arguably the most important step in creating a space that actually works. Once that’s dialed in, it’s time to layer on the details that turn your closet into something special: finishes, lighting, and thoughtful little upgrades that make everyday routines feel a bit more effortless. Flooring Choices Closet flooring typically falls into one of three categories: plush carpet, hardwood, or an extension of your bathroom tile. If client

Why Builders Should Be Involved Early in the Plan Design A few years ago, we met with a family who had already invested months into drafting their dream home. The plans looked beautiful on paper — but once we walked the lot together, it was clear the driveway would have been far too steep without proper space to back in and out of the side facing garage, and storage was lacking in a few key areas. Because we were brought in before construction began, we were able to make adju