A recent journey to Paris provided, yes, multiple views of the Eiffel Tower, of the Seine River, of castle-like buildings.
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Yummy croissants and strolling on winding medieval cobblestone streets enticed as I journeyed with my granddaughter, Parker Zinn, to celebrate her graduation from Parsons School of Design. My calling is unique elegant homes, hers is unique elegant women’s clothing.
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As Chapel Hill’s longest established designer and builder of luxury custom homes, my eyes and my spirit have long been stimulated by new vistas, and Paris is no exception.
Many years ago, an antique horse hitching post, common throughout parts of Paris, became the inspiration for one of the custom stair newel posts that are often featured in our homes. That newel, and many other custom options, are offered to our lucky custom clients.
![](https://zinndesignbuild.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/IMG_1029_web-683x1024.jpg)
These details appear as well in our spec homes, which are no different in quality or detail from the unique client-driven homes I have been designing and building since 1978.
My journey to France also offered an opportunity to visit Monet’s famed home and gardens in Giverny.
![](https://zinndesignbuild.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Monet-fireplace-768x1024.jpg)
The tile and detailing at his kitchen fireplace, though dated to its very early twentieth century time and place, spoke to my love of ceramic tile.
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And speaking of ceramic tile, I can’t wait to install this winner at our newest spec home at our new community Beacon, a short bike ride from downtown Carrboro.
![](https://zinndesignbuild.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Leaf-tile-1024x1024.jpg)
Inspiration is stimulated by travel, and it also comes from our wonderful clients. My decades-long method of clarifying client needs and desires guides the development of floor plans, elevations and interiors which express the unique and specific taste of our clients. Our homes are more than a version of the current trends which I see repeating in our market. They are modern, they are elegant and they are timeless.