Why is Summer the Best Time to Relocate to Central Oregon?

Why is Summer the Best Time to Relocate to Central Oregon?

Each year, more families, professionals, and retirees are choosing to relocate to Central Oregon. From the vibrant communities in Bend and Sunriver to the peaceful high-desert landscapes, Central Oregon has quickly become one of the most sought-after places to live in the Pacific Northwest.

If you’re planning your move, summer is definitely the best time to relocate. Here’s why.

1. Summer Weather Makes Moving Easier

One of the biggest perks of relocating in the summer is the ideal weather. Central Oregon enjoys warm, dry summers with plenty of sunshine and minimal rain. This means you won’t have to navigate icy roads, snow-covered driveways, or unpredictable storms while packing or moving. Clear skies and long daylight hours make summer moves not only safer but far less stressful.

For families, it also means the kids are out of school, giving you time to settle in and explore your new community without the busy school schedules.

 

2. Enjoy Immediate Access to Outdoor Living

Central Oregon is known for its outdoor lifestyle, and there’s no better season to experience it than summer. With quick access to hiking trails, lakes, golf courses, and rivers, relocating in the summer gives you the chance to get outdoors right away.

Imagine moving into a new custom home near Bend or Sunriver and heading out for a family hike or a paddleboard session the very next day. From floating the Deschutes River to biking in Phil’s Trail Complex, Central Oregon’s summer activities are hard to beat.

3. Better Housing Options and Construction Conditions

If you’re planning to build your dream home in Central Oregon, summer is prime time. The warmer months provide ideal conditions for construction, from groundbreaking to exterior finishing. At Select Design & Build, we maximize the summer season to make steady progress on our custom home projects.

Also, with many homes hitting the market in late spring and summer, you’ll have more options to buy land or begin a custom home design that aligns with your vision and budget. Whether you’re looking to build in Bend, Sunriver, or on your own property, summer offers more flexibility and fewer weather-related delays.

4. A Smoother Transition for Families

Relocating a family is no small task, but summer makes the transition smoother. Moving during this season gives children time to adjust to their new surroundings, make friends in the neighborhood, and get settled before school starts.

This also gives you time to get involved in the community, explore nearby parks and recreation, and ease into your new lifestyle. Central Oregon’s welcoming vibe and family-friendly environment are especially noticeable during the summer, with events, farmers markets, and festivals bringing people together.

5. Discover the Best of Central Oregon Living

When you move in the summer, you get to experience Central Oregon at its absolute best. Long, sunny days allow you to explore everything from Downtown Bend’s food scene to Sunriver’s quiet trails and nature paths.

You’ll also get a true feel for what it’s like to live here full-time. The pace of life, the friendliness of the neighborhoods, and the range of seasonal activities all paint a clear picture of what to expect throughout the year.

Build Your Home with Select Design & Build

If you’re planning to build instead of buy, there’s no better partner than Select Design & Build. We specialize in affordable luxury homes designed to match your vision, your land, and your lifestyle.

Our full-service team handles everything, from lot evaluation and design planning to project management and custom construction. Whether you’re building a spacious family home, a barndominium, or a vacation rental, we combine quality craftsmanship, value-driven pricing, and efficient timelines to make your move seamless.

With custom homes starting at just $200 per square foot, we help families get the most out of their relocation investment. And with decades of experience building in the Bend and Sunriver areas, you can trust our team to deliver on every detail.

Ready to Move to Central Oregon?

Make your summer relocation simple, stress-free, and rewarding by building your dream home with Select Design & Build. From first consultation to final walk-through, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Contact us today to get a free quote or schedule your no-cost design consultation. Let’s bring your vision to life in one of Oregon’s most beautiful regions.

Summer Home Design Trends 2025: Affordable Luxury Meets High Desert Living

Summer Home Design Trends 2025: Affordable Luxury Meets High Desert Living

At Select Design & Build, we believe your home should be as inspiring as the landscape around it and summer 2025 is bringing exciting new trends that pair perfectly with Central Oregon’s natural beauty and climate. From earthy interiors to seamless outdoor spaces, this season’s design movement is all about comfort, functionality, and style. With custom homes starting at just $200/sf, creating your dream home with Team SELECT is more achievable than ever.

Whether you’re looking to refresh your space or build from the ground up, here are this year’s top home design trends and how we bring them to life with Affordable Luxury.

1. Warm, Earthy Color Palettes with Bold Accents

This summer, interiors are leaning into natural tones like clay, linen, warm white, and sand all of which complement the high desert surroundings of Bend. To energize these subtle bases, homeowners are adding pops of tangerine, lemon yellow, or bold leafy greens.

Our Approach:
During your complimentary design consultation, our in-house interior design specialists help you choose paint colors, cabinetry, and accents that reflect your style and thrive in our local climate.

2. Integrated Outdoor Living

Outdoor kitchens, patios with fire features, and shaded lounge areas are must-haves for 2025. In the high desert, where warm days transition into cool, breezy evenings, these spaces become natural extensions of the home.

What We Offer:
Our custom design-build plans often include covered patios, folding glass walls, and outdoor living options designed to fit your lot and lifestyle. Whether you’re hosting summer dinners or simply enjoying the sunset, we’ll create a space that invites you outdoors.

3. Natural Wood Finishes that Withstand the Climate

Hardwoods like oak and maple remain timeless and durable choices in our dry environment. These warm wood finishes are trending for flooring, beams, and custom built-ins.

How We Build It:
With over four decades of experience and expert trade partners, we source high-quality materials suited for the Bend area. From built-in shelves to statement staircases, we deliver custom craftsmanship with lasting appeal.

4. Simplicity with Purpose: The New Minimalism

Summer 2025’s design ethos embraces functionality with elegance. Think spacious great rooms, vaulted ceilings, and fewer but more meaningful design elements.

Why It Works with Select:
Our award-winning floor plans feature open layouts, convenient built-ins, and thoughtful storage, giving you more space and less clutter. Every detail is intentionally designed for everyday comfort.

5. Smart and Sustainable Home Features

Smart lighting, irrigation, and temperature control are helping homeowners reduce their footprint and increase long-term savings.

Our Advantage:
As part of Select Design’s family, we’re proud to offer cutting-edge options in home automation and energy efficiency. Our in-house CAD and design teams integrate these technologies from the start, ensuring they work seamlessly with your custom floor plan.

6. Kitchens Designed for Connection

Summer kitchens in 2025 focus on bright, open concepts, ideal for entertaining and daily life. From oversized islands to hidden pantries, this trend blends utility with a social vibe.

How We Customize:
We offer endless customization options, whether you want glass-front cabinets, custom lighting, or expansive prep spaces. Your kitchen is the heart of your home, and we’ll help make it both beautiful and functional.

Why Homeowners Choose Select Design & Build

We don’t just build homes, we create value. From barndominiums and ADUs to family homes and investment properties, every project is crafted with integrity, experience, and precision.

Custom plans designed to fit your land
Personalized service from our design and build experts
High-end finishes and craftsmanship at an accessible price
Award-winning home designs that grow with you

Build Your Summer Vision with Select

Ready to bring your dream home to life? At Select Design & Build, we combine value, quality, and speed to deliver what we proudly call Affordable Luxury. Whether you’re building on your lot or looking for a home nestled in the trees at Caldera Springs, we’re here to help you design something extraordinary.

Contact us today to get a quote and schedule your free design consultation. Let’s start creating your perfect home tailored to your style, your land, and your life.

Summer Backyard Design Ideas to Transform Your Outdoor Space

Summer Backyard Design Ideas to Transform Your Outdoor Space

There’s nothing quite like summer in Oregon, the long days, warm evenings, and the gathering with friends and family in your own backyard. Now is the perfect time to start designing the backyard of your dreams.

At Select Design & Build, we don’t just create homes, we craft spaces that reflect your lifestyle. That includes turning your backyard into the perfect setting for family & friend Summer gatherings in Oregon. Whether you’re dreaming of cozy fire pits, outdoor kitchens, or a peaceful pergola escape, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Why Summer Backyard Design Matters

Your backyard is a place for outdoor dinners, morning coffee, playtime with the kids, or quiet evenings under the stars. A well-designed backyard extends your living space and enhances the way you enjoy your home, especially in the summer months.

With over 40 years of experience building luxury homes across the Pacific Northwest, Select Design & Build knows how to blend beauty and function in outdoor design. Our goal is simple: create spaces that bring people together and reflect the way you live.

Top Backyard Features to Consider This Summer

1. Outdoor Kitchens & Dining Areas

Outdoor kitchens make entertaining effortless and fun. With built-in grills, sinks, refrigerators, and custom countertops, you can host unforgettable gatherings with everything you need within reach.

2. Pergolas & Shade Structures

Add architectural interest and a break from the sun with a custom pergola or shade sail. They create cozy nooks for relaxing or reading, and they’re perfect for adding string lights for evening ambiance.

3. Fire Pits & Fireplaces

Extend the season with a built-in fire pit or fireplace. Great for roasting marshmallows, storytelling, or simply enjoying the cool Oregon nights with loved ones.

4. Custom Landscaping

Your yard should feel like a natural extension of your home. We help create cohesive, low-maintenance landscaping plans that are both visually appealing and sustainable, perfect for Central Oregon’s climate.

5. Smart Outdoor Lighting

Lighting enhances safety, extends the usability of your yard into the evening, and adds atmosphere. From path lights to lighting trees and garden features, the right lighting can completely transform your space.

Designed for You

We believe the best backyard designs start with a thoughtful process. Our proven 8-step building process ensures your space is not only beautiful, but also tailored to your lifestyle. From your first consultation to the final walkthrough, our team is here to listen, plan, and bring your vision to life.

Real Value for Real Life

We’re passionate about creating outdoor spaces that add real value, not just to your home, but to your life. Whether it’s hosting summer barbecues, enjoying peaceful mornings with coffee, or simply creating a safe place for kids to play, your backyard should support the life you love.

And with customizable floor plans, expert guidance, and high-end craftsmanship, Select Design & Build makes it easy to create your perfect summer sanctuary.

Let’s Bring Your Backyard to Life

Whether you’re ready to break ground or just exploring ideas, the Select Design & Build team is here to help you make the most of your space.

Contact us today to schedule your personalized consultation. Let’s design a backyard that’s beautiful, functional, and perfect for every memory you’ll make this summer.

Building vs. Buying: Why More Families Are Choosing to Build New in Oregon

Building vs. Buying: Why More Families Are Choosing to Build New in Oregon

With Oregon’s housing market as competitive as ever, more families are asking: Is it better to build or buy a home? While buying an existing home may seem simpler on the surface, a growing number of families across Bend, Sunriver, and Central Oregon are discovering that building new offers unmatched value, customization, and long-term benefits.

At Select Design & Build, we specialize in creating homes that match your lifestyle, your land, and your vision. From affordable luxury residences to high-performing investment properties, we help you build smart.

Why Families Are Choosing to Build in Oregon

1. More Value for Your Money

One of the biggest reasons families are choosing to build new homes is simple: value. With construction starting at just $200 per square foot, Select Design & Build offers affordable luxury at a price that often competes with existing homes on the market.

Instead of paying a premium for a resale home that may need updates, families can invest in a custom-designed home that includes modern features, energy-efficient systems, and personalized design elements, without sacrificing quality or budget.

2. Built for Your Lifestyle

Buying a home means compromising. Maybe the kitchen is too small, the layout doesn’t work, or the finishes aren’t your style. Building, on the other hand, puts you in control.

Whether you’re planning a primary residence in Sunriver, a barndominium on acreage, or a multi-unit rental property, Select Design & Build helps you create a floor plan tailored to your needs. With our in-house CAD team and design experts, every inch of your home is designed for functionality, efficiency, and beauty.

3. Avoid the Bidding Wars

Oregon’s real estate market remains competitive, especially in desirable neighborhoods like Bend and Sunriver. Buyers often face multiple-offer situations, inflated prices, and waived inspections leading to costly surprises.

Building a home means avoiding the stress of bidding wars. You’ll know exactly what you’re getting and what it costs. We work closely with you to establish a transparent budget and timeline, so there are no surprises, just progress.

4. Energy Efficiency and Smart Technology

Older homes come with outdated systems, higher utility bills, and expensive upgrades. With a newly built home, you start fresh with modern HVAC, smart lighting, eco-friendly materials, and high-efficiency insulation.

We integrate smart and sustainable features into every home we build. From low-maintenance exteriors to energy-saving appliances, your home is built to perform and to save you money.

5. Better Use of Your Land

When you build with Select Design & Build, you’re not just getting a house. You’re getting a custom solution designed specifically for your land and your lifestyle.

Whether you already own a lot or are searching for land in Bend, Sunriver, or elsewhere in Central Oregon, we help you maximize the space, orientation, and potential of your property. Our team handles everything from site planning and home design to permits and project management.

Our Full-Service Process Makes Building Simple

We know building can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time homeowners. That’s why we’ve developed a proven, client-first process designed to make it simple and enjoyable.

Here’s what working with Select Design & Build looks like:

  • Free Design Consultation: We start with a conversation to understand your goals, style, and budget.
  • Custom Plan Design: Our experts create floor plans that blend efficiency with luxury.
  • Construction Management: From breaking ground to final inspection, we oversee every detail.
  • Transparent Budgeting: No hidden fees. No surprises. Just honest, upfront planning.
  • On-Time, On-Budget Delivery: We deliver what we promise: quality homes, built to last.

Featured Locations: Bend, Sunriver & Beyond

Whether you’re dreaming of a home nestled in the pines of Sunriver, a modern retreat in Bend, or a multi-unit development elsewhere in Central Oregon, we bring your vision to life.

Sunriver offers a peaceful lifestyle with access to nature, trails, and recreation, making it a top choice for families, retirees, and second-home investors alike. With our experience building in diverse settings, we make sure your home complements the beauty and function of your land.

Build with Confidence. Build with Select.

Choosing to build a new home is more than a construction decision, it’s a lifestyle choice. At Select Design & Build, we make sure it’s the right one.

With over four decades of experience, award-winning designs, and a passion for affordable luxury, we’re proud to be Oregon’s trusted choice for custom homes, barndominiums, shopdominiums, and investment properties.

Ready to build your dream home in Oregon?

Contact Select Design & Build today for a free quote and consultation. Let’s turn your vision into a home that’s beautifully built, smartly designed, and perfectly yours.

The Latest Trends In Pet-Friendly House Design

The Latest Trends In Pet-Friendly House Design

Pets undoubtedly make our lives richer. They fill our homes with rambunctious energy, nonstop affection, and humor. And of all the things we can do for our pets, providing a comfortable home is top for most pet owners. A recent National Association of Realtors survey found that 43% of homeowners are willing to move to accommodate their pets. Here are some pet-friendly house design trends that make keeping your interiors clean and pets comfortable a win-win.

 

Luxury Vinyl, Tile, and Other Stain-Resistant Flooring For Your Pet 

Flooring is the most used feature of every home. Unfortunately, muddy paw prints, messy drinks from the water bowl, and the great race to the front door to welcome visitors can leave some major wear and tear on floors. Choosing a flooring option that looks great and lasts a long time will save you money from having to replace broken or damaged surface areas from your pet’s claws. Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is one type of flooring with extreme strength and resistance to damage from water or scratches. Tile and engineered hardwoods are other popular materials that stand up to wear and tear from pets. The sweet spot for durable pet flooring is where stain and scratch resistance meets style. 


Add a Dog Washing Station in the Mud Room For Less Mess

Dogs especially tend to race inside after a day of exploring muddy trails. So if you’re tired of getting tangled up in the shower curtain trying to wrestle a wet dog into the bathtub, consider installing a dog-washing station in the mudroom or laundry room. A quick hose down where the nearest water hookup exists will save your interiors from the dirt and stains accompanying your pet’s outdoor adventures.

When designing a dog washing station, it should be approximately twice or three times the size of your pet. That means just enough room for the dog to sit or stand without being able to sneak out of the shower or hide in the corner. Consider including a handheld shower attachment as you may need to move around to adjust to your pet’s avoidance or enthusiasm about the water. Open shelving options are another great idea to keep shampoos, soaps, dog brushes, and stacks of clean towels within reach. 


Gates Are a Pet-Friendly House Design Tip to Keep Pets Off Furniture

Securing your pet in an area of the house while you work or cook dinner is a popular pet-friendly house design feature. If your pet has the bad habit of stealing food off countertops or you want carpeted areas that are off limits, you may have tried using a baby gate to keep them corralled and out of trouble. Thankfully, there are more aesthetically pleasing options for pet gates. 

Alternately, a great option is a built-in gate that matches your home interior’s design style and preferred materials. Include a pet gate as part of your home interior design plan, and never worry about it distracting from your home’s intended look and feel. Pocket door gates are the latest trend in home design for pet gates. The ability to retract the gate into a wall gives the option of keeping the space open or closed without that constant, walled-off look. Other creative ideas include a farmhouse pet door that matches the interior decor style of your home.


More Space With a Yard or Enclosed Dog Run

A dedicated green space is one of the top gestures of love you can give your pet. Especially if your dog tends to chew up patio furniture or dig up freshly planted flowers, a dog run is a great outdoor solution to give your pet space to roam without being destructive. For example, artificial turf, natural grass, wood chips, and concrete are all great options for landscaping your dog run for your desired look and functionality. And if you have cold winters, you might consider a dog house or a covering for the area when your pet is outside in the snow or rain. 


An Automatic Water-Filler, Feeding Dish, and Custom Pet Doors

In reality, almost everything can be automated nowadays, which is excellent for busy lifestyles! Between running the kids to school, stopping by client meetings, and keeping the laundry going, it’s easy to forget to feed your dog on time (until he protests) or let him outside. If you want your home to feel tidy, consider an automatic pet food dish to keep the kitchen space clean and organized. Or, for a more custom look and feel for your pet’s feeding space, consider hooking up a pet water filler near their dish to avoid those splash-over moments from the kitchen sink. Finally, dog and cat door designs have improved massively since they first came on the market. Now there’s a design solution for every shape and size of pet you have. Consider some of these fun ideas for dog door design and get inspiration for your next home! 


Discover Pet-Friendly House Design Options with Select Design & Build 

Lastly, providing a comfortable and safe home environment is every pet parent’s top priority. If you are dreaming up a pet-focused feature for your future home, Select Design & Build would love to work with you to make it a reality. We love creating possibilities around our clients’ preferred lifestyles! If you encountered an exciting new home feature idea for your pet, talk to one of our Client Managers about it. They’ll schedule you for a discussion of the possibilities when building a personalized, affordable luxury home with Select Design & Build. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter for regular updates on more trending home designs. 

Imagine the Possibilities for How to Design Your Outdoor Living Space

Imagine the Possibilities for How to Design Your Outdoor Living Space

Whether you dream of a whimsical shaded pergola to escape the heat or the ultimate outdoor game night patio with a fire pit, you’re in luck. Select Design & Build offers endless possibilities to achieve the space of your dreams. We’ve curated some of our favorite ideas for how to design outdoor living space on a budget and timeline that suits you. 

 

Dream Up a Mood Board with Your Favorite Designs

Before you start putting items in your shopping cart, take some time to really sit with what you want out of this space. Whether it’s a generous yard or covered patio, this will help move you in the right design direction. Alternately, if new construction plans are in your future, then you may have the freedom to work with a blank slate. A design theme is what will drive most decisions about furniture, including accents like floor pillows and colors. Era-driven design themes are popular (mid-century modern) or even textures like rattan and wicker. Get imaginative and make a mood board on Pinterest to dream up some design themes or eras you love. Also, taking initial measurements before ordering furniture and decor will help you work with what you’ve got. 

 

Extend Your Lifestyle Outdoors

More of us are working from home than ever before, which could mean fewer boundaries between workspace and home life. This is an incredible opportunity to extend your lifestyle to embrace outdoor living. Biophilic design draws inspiration from architectural features that bring the outside indoors. We are familiar with this trend and can guide you through a perfect design for your outdoor living space.

What aspects of nature inspire you most? Is it fire? Water? The lush shade cover of trees? Or something grown in your raised garden beds? Include these organic features into your design, even if you don’t have the space for a garden. Also, think about the change of seasons. If you live in the Pacific Northwest, you’ll want cover from rain or snow. Be flexible with the space and imagine how your needs might change by adding outdoor heaters or a hot tub. 

 

Lounge in Style on the Perfect Outdoor Furniture Set

Above all, no outdoor space is complete without the perfect place to sit! A beautiful outdoor sectional complete with a coffee table is the perfect place to start. Consider couches, chairs, and outdoor rugs that add the right comfort and texture to the space. Thumb through design collections to find styles you like or visit stores like Pottery Barn or Crate and Barrel. For eclectic or whimsical furniture picks, consider World Market. For traditional takes on interior design styles, try Ballard Designs. For global interior design trends, The Citizenry is a good pick. Or West Elm’s modern and earthy design styles might be right for you. 

 

Dine Al Fresco All Summer Long

Outdoor kitchens are growing in popularity for all the ways to dine al fresco. Pizza ovens and an outdoor wet bar could make a tasteful sidekick to your BBQ grill or smoker. Curate the outdoor dining experience of your dreams with the right table or casual bartop seating to chat with friends as you prepare. Pergolas are another popular design trend for setting up an outdoor dining space that feels like an absolute getaway. String up some vintage Edison outdoor lights, use terracotta planters to frame up the space with a splash of texture, or drape your favorite billowy fabric from the overhead rafters for added privacy or shade. 

 

Create Ambience with the Sound of Running Water 

Water features can transform your outdoor space into a zen retreat. A meditative spot in the sun or beside a tree in the backyard will meet your wellness needs and provide a sanctuary of calm. Pedestal and stone fountains are a chic way to achieve zen by invite the sound of running water into your backyard. Place a water feature outside a primary bedroom window for the perfect ambient sound to help you fall asleep at night. An in-ground pool is the ultimate luxury and convenience to beat the heat in your own backyard or to entertain summer guests.

Bring in poolside loungers and shade umbrellas to your outdoor oasis or leafy plants like palms or banana trees for shade. If your backyard doesn’t have room for a pool, consider an in-ground hot tub as the ultimate relaxation spot. This will ensure you can use the space year-round on cool summer nights or even in snowy winters. 

 

Light Up the Night When the Sun Goes Down 

Keep the party going with amazing outdoor lighting when the sun goes down. A fire pit is often the go-to centerpiece for outdoor living spaces; however, there are always patio string lights, solar lanterns, or outdoor lamps. Floor cushions and poufs can help to create pockets of coziness in your outdoor space for lounging long into the night. Place candles as centerpieces on outdoor coffee tables or hang a few LED lanterns from trees to create that secret garden feeling. Outdoor fire bowls in various colors and materials will bring the atmosphere. 

 

Tune in to the Perfect Playlist (Without Plugging In) 

Finally, tech and audio capabilities can help to blend the barrier between indoor and outdoor living with ease. The right soundtrack can create a rich experience for entertainment. Curate the perfect playlist for a themed wine-tasting event in your backyard, or create a bit of atmosphere for a romantic dinner. If a sports game or outdoor movie is on your mind, bring these experiences outside and catch every second of action on the big screen. From waterproof speakers to Bluetooth capabilities for convenience, making this upgrade can pay off for years to come.

Hide subwoofers under foliage with Sonance speakers built to disappear into your landscape. Outfit your patio with an HD TV that’s made for outdoor viewing with Samsung’s Terrace. And when it’s time to close up shop for the evening, go to bed carefree by setting up your home surveillance or alarm system. This also brings convenience and peace of mind if you only use the home seasonally but want to know it’s taken care of. 

 

How to Design the Outdoor Living Space of Your Dreams with Select Design & Build 

Now that you have a dreamy vision for your future outdoor living space, make it a reality with Select Design & Build. Put power outlets where you want them, design the path before we lay a single paver, and handpick lighting options. Select’s many floor plans favor the outdoor lifestyle, from covered patios to courtyards and beautiful verandas. If you found inspiration from this blog and want to speak to a Pahlisch team member about your outdoor living plans, contact Select today.