Must-Have Features: Designing for Lifestyle

Jessica and Chris had a clear list of priorities for their custom home, each reflecting their unique needs and aspirations. At the top of the list was a four-car, extended garage to accommodate their vehicles and storage needs. The kitchen and main floor were designed for entertaining, featuring a large pantry, a butler’s kitchen with an additional fridge and dishwasher, and a custom wine rack area—a creative repurposing suggested by Mueller’s design team.  Custom cabinetry elevates the kitchen and butler pantry even further. “We initially wanted a small butler’s pantry,” Jessica recalls, “but the wine rack area allowed us to display our collection and was so much more useful.”

A standout feature was the indoor sports court, located in the sub-basement. Originally envisioned as a tennis court, Chris’s passion for the sport initially drove the idea. However, Mueller’s team advised a more budget-friendly and versatile design, resulting in a slightly smaller court for basketball, pickleball, and volleyball. “Chris loves basketball, our daughters love volleyball, and pickleball is probably what we’ll play more as we age,” Jessica says. The indoor court ensures year-round enjoyment, unaffected by Maryland’s weather.

The master suite was another focal point. Their old home’s small master closet was a constant frustration, so they prioritized expansive, customized closets with a center island for organization. Designed by Mueller’s master craftsmen, Charles Henry, the closets feature sturdy, high-quality cabinetry with hidden storage solutions. Nearby, a conveniently placed laundry room enhances functionality. Other thoughtful touches, like an elevator shaft for future accessibility and a first-floor in-law suite for Jessica’s parents, reflect their forward-thinking approach to aging in place and accommodating family.

Choosing Mueller Homes: A Seamless Transition

Jessica and Chris didn’t initially start the process building with Mueller Homes. They began their journey with another builder, who retired early in the process.  So, they pivoted and the project transitioned smoothly to Mueller Homes. Though hesitant at first, the couple was quickly impressed by Mueller’s professionalism and comprehensive services. Two elements stood out: access to Ella Lee Interior Designers and the expertise of Charles Henry’s custom cabinetry shop.

“Ella Lee’s designers, Hannah and Kalyn, provided renderings that helped us visualize the space,” Jessica says. “It made such a difference to see our ideas come to life.” Charles Henry’s craftsmanship was equally impressive. From special features in the kitchen, sturdy bedroom cabinetry to a bespoke powder room vanity, this work added a level of customization that felt both luxurious and practical. “You can tell it’s great quality,” Chris notes. “They can build anything you want, with hidden features that make it so functional.”

Navigating Budget and Expectations

Building a custom home wasn’t without challenges, particularly when it came to budget. “We had no idea what to expect,” Chris admits. “We didn’t want to be constrained by budget—this was supposed to be our forever home but there are obviously a few things that had to be managed along the way.” Features like marble countertops ($35,000 for the kitchen alone) and the sub-basement sports court pushed expenses higher than anticipated. One unexpected setback was a significant dirt haul-away fee for the sub-basement excavation. “Having a contingency piggy bank for these unexpected expenses is a definite must.  There are often costs associated with lot preparation, site work, and county permitting requirements.  So, in Howard County, in particular, these can be really challenging at the start of the project,” notes P.J. Mueller, President of Mueller Homes. 

Despite these hurdles, Mueller’s team excelled at presenting options without pressure. “They priced things out and let us choose,” Chris says. “Ella Lee’s designers were invaluable in guiding us to balance our vision with reality.” The couple opted not to skimp on high-end finishes, a decision they now celebrate. “The marble countertops were a lot, but we’re so glad we didn’t compromise,” Jessica adds.

A Collaborative Process: Builder, Architect, and Designers

The collaboration between Mueller Homes, architect Ellie Ben, and Ella Lee Interiors was a cornerstone of the project’s success. “We relied on them heavily to tell us what size and space requirements would work for our lifestyle,” Chris says. The team customized the home to accommodate their grown daughters’ visits, expanding upstairs bedrooms and closets and ensuring every bedroom had its own bathroom. A first-floor in-law suite and elevator shaft were added for Jessica’s parents and future accessibility needs.

Jessica and Chris drew inspiration from a home they saw on Instagram, which they adapted to fit their needs. For example, they replaced a theater room with a poker parlor to suit their hobbies and lifestyle. “Every space has a purpose,” Jessica emphasizes. The sports court, rec room, gym, sauna, and poker parlor are all fully utilized, ensuring the home’s ample square footage serves a function. Jessica asked Mueller to add a ‘heckler window’ in the spectator’s area of the sports court so she could heckle Chris during workouts.  “This was a really fun element that was added as an afterthought, but it’s a such a fun feature that makes us laugh!” 

The design process was remarkably fluid, thanks to Mueller’s in-house design team, Ella Lee Interiors. “It was 1,000% more cohesive because they had access to everything Mueller was doing,” Chris says. Site meetings, scheduling, and communication flowed seamlessly, with Ella Lee’s designers breaking down decisions into manageable steps. “They guided us through cabinet hardware, lighting, everything,” Jessica recalls. “It was never overwhelming. We never had to wait on any communication or selections.  They were always ahead of the construction process and that was awesome!”

Charles Henry’s Craftsmanship: Elevating the Details

Having access to the Charles Henry woodshop team was a game-changer for Jessica and Chris. From appliance garages in the pantry to a floating vanity in the powder room, the custom cabinetry added a polished, cohesive look. “The drawers are like butter—so sturdy,” Jessica says. Charles Henry incorporated hidden storage to keep clutter at bay, aligning with Jessica’s goal of a tidy, usable kitchen and living space. Paneling on appliances further enhanced the home’s seamless aesthetic. “The renderings and cabinet drawings helped us visualize everything,” Chris notes. “It made the design process so clear.”

The Mueller Difference: Perfectionism and Trust

What set Mueller Homes apart was their relentless pursuit of perfection. “They took it upon themselves to double-check the quality throughout the home,” Jessica says. “From the paint job to the trim work and sturdy doors, every element reflected Mueller’s pride in their craft. “We previously lived in a new production home, and the difference in quality is night and day,” Chris adds. “The longer we worked with Mueller, the more we realized we couldn’t have chosen a better company.”

When challenges arose, their project manager addressed them with transparency, explaining practical limitations, while prioritizing the couple’s vision. “If we didn’t like something, they fixed it,” Jessica says. “It’s our home, our opinion.” This trust and attention to detail put the couple at ease, transforming a complex process into a memorable experience.

Lessons Learned & Advice to Others Building a Luxury Home

Jessica and Chris’s advice for those considering a custom home is unequivocal: choose Mueller Homes and take full advantage of all of their resources. “Their team is phenomenal at every level,” Chris says. “The subs take pride in their work, Ella Lee’s designers elevate the entire experience, and the custom cabinetry is beautiful.” They also highly recommend budgeting for 10% more than you expect. “This is not the place to sacrifice,” Jessica advises. “The quality is unsurpassed, and it’s worth every penny.”

A Home That Reflects Their Vision

As Jessica and Chris settle into their Fulton masterpiece, they’re thrilled with the result. With 95% of furnishings in place, they’re planning to add final touches like patio furniture, artwork, and light fixtures. Every corner—from the sports court to the expansive master closets—reflects their lifestyle and priorities.

“This is our forever home,” Jessica says. “Mueller Homes made it perfect.” For this couple, the journey was worth it, resulting in a space where they can entertain, relax, and create lasting memories with family and friends.