Inspiration for luxury remodels, additions, and new homes!

The housing world of 1978, my first year as a designer-builder, was far different from the housing world of today. The exteriors of many Chapel Hill homes looked like traditional colonials, and the typical eight-foot-high main floor was segmented into separate spaces… living room… dining room… kitchen (with work space hidden away from family and guests). Oh, how these homes felt tight and dated to me! Coming from my background as an artist-potter, I thrived on creativity and the innovative expression of simple concepts.

With home design, I searched for new ways to express space that jived with how families were actually living. I introduced arched-top windows to convey style and light, removed walls to create open floor plans for casual family living, raised main floor ceilings to nine – or even ten – feet. Open open open! Here’s a recent open kitchen-dining-FR from a new Chapel Hill home:

As I’ve shared with you before, I find travel to be particularly inspirational.

It’s easy to become comfy with the tried and true, and isn’t that boring? Whether on a wandering walk or a biking escapade or exploring a country on the other side of the world, I am always looking for what stands out as visually worthy to inspire my designs.

And somehow Facebook and Instagram know that I’m looking, so without needing to move from my cozy home in Carrboro, I am inspired. Here are a few recent pics showing like-feeling photos from Zinn Design Build’s portfolio of completed work:

AI rendering
by Caitlin Wilson Design

Photo credit: Keith McNally, photo by Corry Arnold

I’m working on an exciting new remodel and addition for longtime Chapel Hill residents…. I look forward to sharing future pics with you. Please contact me if you want to explore a home transformation of your own!

Inspiration for luxury remodels, additions, and new homes!

Carol Ann Zinn