At 1116 Kimberly Drive in Raleigh’s coveted North Hills Estates, every design choice reflects intention—from vaulted ceilings to custom built-ins—but perhaps nothing enhances the daily experience quite like lounge lighting. This Gold-winning Parade of Homes entry isn’t just about space and finishes; it’s about how light makes you feel within that space.
The holidays have a way of slowing us down—inviting us to reflect, reconnect, and appreciate the moments that matter most. At Revolution Homes, those moments often center around family, tradition, and the memories created inside the places we call home.
In our latest holiday video, our team shares the traditions that make this season meaningful to them. From time-honored recipes to ornaments filled with memories, each story is a reminder that a home is more than walls and finishes—it’s where life happens.
Sweet Traditions That Get Passed Down
For Ryan Johnson, President at Revolution Homes, the holidays are synonymous with baking Christmas cookies. What started as his mother’s molasses cookie recipe—similar to gingerbread—has become a tradition he now shares with his own family.
Today, his wife has added her own twist, expanding the lineup to include favorites like candy cane cookies. Baking together has become more than a treat; it’s a way to carry family traditions forward.
Looking for a great molasses cookie recipe? Try this one—it captures the classic flavor Ryan remembers from childhood.
Lights, Movies, and Quiet Moments Together
Ashley Chapman, VP of Sales & Operations at Revoluton Homes, says her favorite holiday traditions revolve around togetherness. Each year, she and her family load up the kids to drive around and look at Christmas lights—an experience they all look forward to.
But one tradition is especially meaningful: a few days before Christmas, Ashley and her husband curl up on the sofa to watch The Family Stone. It’s a simple ritual, but one that helps them pause, reflect, and keep the season in perspective.
Ornaments That Tell a Story
For Dan Lutz, VP of Construction at Revolution Homes, decorating the Christmas tree is the heart of the holiday season. His mother carefully documented every ornament their family received—recording the year and the person who gifted it. Dan has continued that tradition with his own children.
As ornaments come out each year, so do the memories. Each one tells a story, often tied to loved ones who are no longer here. Decorating the tree becomes a meaningful moment of remembrance, reflection, and gratitude.
Rather than store-bought ornaments, Nathan’s tree is decorated entirely with creations made by his children over the years. Each ornament captures a moment in time, serving as a reminder of how quickly kids grow and how meaningful those handmade memories become.
Feeling inspired to create your own DIY ornaments this year? Explore these tutorials to help you get started.
Happy Holidays From All of Us at Revolution Homes
We believe a well-built home should support the moments that truly matter—whether that’s baking cookies in the kitchen, decorating a tree together, or curling up on the couch to watch a favorite holiday movie.
These traditions remind us why we do what we do: to create spaces where memories are made and carried forward for generations. We hope your home is filled with moments that make this season meaningful.
In the video, Dan Lutz, VP of Construction at Revolution Homes, highlights one of our favorite subtle upgrades at 1116 Kimberly Drive: a fluted return grill designed to match the fluted paneling in the foyer. It’s not a detail most builders think about, which is exactly why it stands out.
At Revolution Homes, our veterans, active military, and civil service members hold a special place in our hearts. Our story—and our success—is deeply rooted in the values learned through service: dedication, integrity, structure, and a commitment to excellence.
A Foundation Built on Service
Founded in 2010 by Ryan Johnson, a proud U.S. Army Veteran and son of a veteran, Revolution Homes was created with one clear mission—to build custom homes with the same discipline, dependability, and integrity that define military service.
From the start, Ryan set out to design a company that values craftsmanship, communication, and care for its clients above all else. Today, those principles remain at the heart of everything we do.
The Veterans Who Shape Our Team
Our foundation is strengthened by the dedicated veterans and civil service members who lead our projects and operations every day:
Dan Lutz, U.S. Army Veteran and Construction Manager since 2015, brings unmatched attention to detail and a steadfast focus on energy efficiency to every build.
Nathan Bowers, Senior Project Manager since 2017 and U.S. Air Force Veteran, oversees daily site operations with precision, pride, and ownership.
Ashley Chapman, daughter of a U.S. Army Veteran and part of the Revolution team since 2012, leads marketing, sales, and operations with discipline, determination, and a client-first mindset.
Josh McNab, current Army National Guard Staff Sergeant and Project Manager since 2023, continues to serve both his country and our clients with focus and commitment.
Together, our team embodies the same dedication and teamwork learned through years of service—values that directly influence how we build, communicate, and deliver exceptional homes for families across the Triangle.
Built With Integrity, Driven by Service
At Revolution Homes, we don’t just build houses—we create custom homes that reflect care, structure, and integrity in every detail. From high-performance construction and energy efficiency to thoughtful design and client communication, our approach is rooted in reliability, discipline, and pride in the work we do.
We’re proud to be a veteran-owned business built on service—and even prouder to continue serving our community through the homes we create.
📞 Contact Ashley at Revolution Realty today at 984-217-2430.
Your complete guide to custom homebuilding with Revolution Homes in Raleigh, NC
Dreaming of a home that’s tailored to your lifestyle—without giving up your current neighborhood, favorite coffee spot, or school district? Building a custom home on your own lot might be the perfect solution. But where do you begin?
At Revolution Homes, we specialize in complete rebuild services across the Raleigh area. Whether you’re updating an older home or building from scratch on raw land, we make the process simple, seamless, and—dare we say—exciting.
Let’s walk through the benefits and what you need to know before building on your lot.
Why Build on Your Own Lot?
💡 Stay Where You Belong
Love your location but not your current home? Skip the bidding wars and the heartbreak of losing a dream house. Rebuilding means staying in the neighborhood you know and love—just with a home that fits your lifestyle today.
💰 Equity, Not Extra Costs
Leverage the value of your existing land to meet lending requirements. You’ll avoid the cost of buying a new lot—and sidestep closing costs, fees, and the stress of moving twice.
✏️ Full Customization
Every lot is different. Every homeowner is different. When you build with us, your home is designed specifically for your property, your budget, and your vision.
🗓️ More Flexibility
Stay in your current home until construction starts, and plan the build around your schedule—not the other way around.
From demolition to final touches, we’ve got you covered. That includes:
Permitting
Site preparation
Design
Construction
You won’t need to coordinate with multiple contractors or juggle surprise delays. We manage it all under one roof.
2. Planning Is Key
During our initial meeting, we’ll walk you through timelines, rental options (if needed), and our streamlined design-build process. You can even stay in your current home while we prepare everything behind the scenes.
3. You’ll Need Local Know-How
Building in Raleigh means understanding zoning laws, setbacks, stormwater rules, and other city regulations. Luckily, we’ve been doing this since 2010—and we know how to navigate it all.
4. Financing Is Available
We work with trusted local lenders and are happy to connect you—or work with the lender of your choice. Either way, our goal is to help you secure the best financing path for your project.
Bonus: Short-Term Housing Solutions
Need a place to stay while your home is being built? We offer temporary housing and rental options to make the transition easy and comfortable for your family.
Whether you’re rebuilding on your current lot or just getting started with land you love, Revolution Homes is here to help every step of the way. We believe building a home should feel like an adventure—not a hassle.
Ready to explore the future of homebuilding? Let’s talk.
It’s that time of year again! The Triangle Parade of Homes is back this October, and we’re thrilled to share not one but two show-stopping entries that reflect everything we love about building homes: thoughtful layouts, elevated design, and details that make everyday living extraordinary.
There’s nothing quite like being home for the holidays. While you may take the vacation time to go on a trip or enjoy some peace and quiet away from work, it’s actually an ideal time of year to buy a house or start planning for a custom build in the new year.