Home design: Toll tailors to times

Toll Bros. designs its homes' living areas to be both comfortable and functional, according to Gary Mayo, vice president.

"The family room is often where the family gathers to watch television, play games or just relax in the evenings or on weekends. It should be a warm, welcoming space that makes your guests feel at home," he said, pointing out that in some of the homes, the living and dining rooms join to create a larger space for entertaining.

"Formal living rooms were the room that no one ever used with furniture no one was allowed to sit on. But now homeowners are using these spaces in ways similar to old-fashioned parlors. With beautiful furniture and a fireplace, the living room is the ideal place to serve dessert after a dinner party or to simply enjoy a good book."

Family rooms may feature high ceilings and expansive glass to enhance views. Options may include fireplaces, entertainment niches or built-in media centers, French doors and wet bars, all per plan.

High ceilings may also be featured in living rooms, as can fireplaces, bay windows, French doors and built-ins, depending on the floor plan.

Some homes also offer a separate formal living room, as well as a family room, while others feature great rooms with space for two sitting areas.

The builder is developing The Reserve and The Retreat in Toll Brothers at Red Rock Country Club, Traccia, Serrano and Palomar, all in Summerlin; Terra Bella, Toscana and North Canyon Estates in northwest Las Vegas; and The Reserve and The Retreat in Toll Brothers at MacDonald Highlands in Henderson.

Toll Bros. has been building homes for 37 years, and operates more than 205 selling neighborhoods in 21 states.

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