When it comes to choosing a place to call home, it’s important to be strategic. You can find older homes on the market that have character and historical features, and ones that are brand new. However, when considering the wiser long-term choice, a compelling argument can be made in favor of purchasing a new home rather than an older, pre-owned one. And while several factors support this decision, one of the most apparent is being the home’s first occupant. However, there are times when personal schedules and construction timelines for new homes just don’t align. That’s when the need for Empire Express Homes was discovered.

Empire Express Homes provide all the advantages of new-build homes, just delivered within shorter time frames. Here are six reasons why Empire Express Homes are the premier choice for those looking for a fresh start:

Next, discover what to buy before or after you move into your new home, and learn how to read your home’s floor plan.

As trends come and go, timeless interior design styles always prevail. With this in mind, designer Helena Da Costa selected finishes, furniture and features in our Dryden model home from different eras to create a classic and timeless space. “The home was designed to exude an upscale feel, with timeless furniture pieces reflective of classic interiors,” says Da Costa. “Clean lines and soft furnishings yield a comfortable atmosphere while still feeling polished and intentional.” With the help of Helena, we’ve put together a guide to help you replicate these classic interiors. Take inspiration from our Dryden model home at Calderwood to curate the home of your dreams with a look that’ll stand the test of time.

Create the ultimate work-from-home office with a few elevated pieces including a modern light fixture, a minimalist desk and plenty of storage to stay organized. Cozy up the space with a simple neutral rug and a few pieces of art that complement the accent wall to tie the whole room together.

A lot of hard work happens in the kitchen — but that doesn’t mean style has to be compromised for functionality. Quartz countertops and white cabinetry give the space a fresh and clean look, complemented by stainless-steel appliances and neutral accents. All-white elements keep the space bright, airy, and open.

The living room is where conversations take place, right beside the home’s fireplace. Helena used a grey sofa facing two white-wingback chairs to keep the space comfortable yet stylish. A dark coffee table provides contrast, while patterned and textured pillows add depth and flare.

The use of simple, clean lines is one of the hallmarks of a timeless home. Use a dark-coloured dining table and neutral chairs to maintain balance in the space, and a patterned rug and geometric chandelier to keep the room vibrant and cohesive.

A coveted primary retreat is a welcoming reprieve with a luxe upholstered bed and lounge chair. ​​Rest peacefully during the night and awake in the morning with ease through the use of blue and grey hues, and nature-inspired artwork on the walls to reinforce relaxation and serenity.

This loft is a great multi-purpose area for kids to do their homework, play or sit at the window bench and read. Custom cabinetry is perfect for storing toys and keeping the space neat and tidy. Use a bean bag chair to add an element of fun and a patterned circular rug to ground the room.

Want to learn more about the Dryden model home and similar floor plans at Calderwood in Thorold? Contact our New Home Specialist via email at homehunt@empirecommunities.com or phone to book an appointment.

Feeling inspired? Explore our blog, and learn how to style your fireplace like a designer or how to incorporate timeless contemporary style into your home.

Images courtesy of: Wayfair (Trule Standard Outdoor Friendly Bean Bag Chair, Terrence Bar Stool, Jace Arm Chair, Ragnhild Single Dome Pendant, Kaylie Round Metal Wall Mirror, Cale Solid Sofa Table, Fitz Machine Woven Rug, Veronica Solid Wood Dining Table, Sanath Glass Frame End Table, Upholstered Bed, Upholstered Chaise Lounge, Sidney Handmade Performance Rug, Vezina Kids Activity Table and Chair Set, Marionville Handwoven Rattan Magazine File, Foldable Storage Cardboard Bin, Minimalist Small Artificial Orchid In White Ceramic Pot, Dominic Machine Woven Rug, Wood Picture Frame, Fisk Outdoor Rectangular Pillow Cover & Insert, Gaige Machine Woven Beige Rug, Eisenman Rectangular Striped Cotton Table Runner, Acuna Glass Table Lamp, Niki Rectangular Velvet Pillow Cover & Insert, Reale Wood Bench, 3 Piece Square Floating Shelf); Structube (Sergio Desk, Spence Office Chair, Hurdsfield Machine Woven Rug, Polo Tufted Armchair, Adella End Table); All Modern (Asana Dimmable LED Pendant); Spoonflower (Chevron Blush Navy Wallpaper, Retro Ribbon Teal Blush Mustard White Fabric); Renwil (Yanno Wall Art); IKEA (Finnala Sofa); Urban Barn (Montana Dining Chair); Crate and Barrel (Keane Espresso Wood Charging Nightstand).

Empire Calderwood in Thorold is one of our most asked about communities in the Niagara region, and it isn’t hard to see why. Ideal for families looking to plant their roots, Calderwood is an intimate, tight-knit community that’s just minutes from some of the region’s best schools, urban attractions, wineries and provincial parks. With so much interest in the community and the neighbourhood, we thought we’d share an exciting first look into the new home designs coming soon to Calderwood.

Empire is proud to offer a collection of modern 3- and 4-bedroom home designs in Calderwood that will fit the lifestyle of your unique family. With a mix of towns and detached homes ranging from 1,300 to 2,800 sq.ft., Calderwood can accommodate whichever stage of life you find yourself in.

Our 27′ product line includes the Sunridge, Palmerston, Clinton, Belwood and Belfountain floor plans, which range from 1,457 to 1,863 sq.ft. and feature 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms.

Our 34′ product line includes the Camden, Sauble, Markdale, Rocklyn and Dryden floor plans, which range from 1,854 to 2,394 sq.ft. and feature 3- and 4-bedroom and 2.5- to 3.5-bathroom designs.

Our townhome product line includes the Spruce and Wallflower floor plans, which range from 1,446 to 1,658 sq.ft. and feature 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathroom designs.

See what’s close to the community and learn more about what schools Calderwood students will attend.

Explore our community guide to learn more about Calderwood and Thorold, and be sure to join our interest list so that you don’t miss our latest release of homes.

In the heart of the Niagara region is the charming city of Thorold — a community rich in history and brimming with culture and activity. With its convenient proximity to the Greater Golden Horseshoe, Thorold offers not just a home, but a gateway to a lifestyle that’s both enriching and accessible. From best restaurants to local insider tips, we’re sure that our guide will help you to familiarize yourself with this amazing town and provide helpful info and exciting news as you discover the magic of Empire Calderwood and Thorold.