Working with an experienced architect and custom home builder gives you the chance to create your dream home. Choosing all the details of your interior design gives your home personality and sets it apart. But with so many design components to consider—from fixtures to finishes—prioritizing what features you include can be challenging. For a functional and beautiful home, consider these seven must-have custom features.
Whenever you’re ready to start designing your dream home, the team at the Anderson Studio of Architecture and Design is happy to assist you. Contact us today to get started.
1. Gourmet Kitchen with Oversized Island
The kitchen is the heart of the home, where families and friends get together for meals and conversation, so an oversized island is a must-have. A kitchen island creates additional countertop space and can be customized to include seating, storage, sinks, cook tops, and built-in appliances. Installing an oversized island not only enhances kitchen functionality—it’s also a great statement piece! Island cabinetry may be painted a contrasting color for emphasis, and the countertop above is typically a stunning slab of granite or quartz.
Kitchens are often connected to other living spaces because of open-concept architecture so it’s important that you show off its best features, not dirty dishes. A modern scullery or butler’s pantry is a small addition to the main kitchen and this room is used to clean and store dishes. It offers extra work space, storage, and can make entertaining convenient. With a scullery, you keep your high-end appliances and luxury island the main centerpiece of your kitchen.
2. Mudrooms with Pet Accommodations
Creating a specific space where your family can unpack after a long day of work or school is essential – especially as it relates to the rest of your home. Coat hooks and shoe cubbies are wonderful for organization and offer an aesthetically pleasing solution to everyday needs.
Mudrooms also ensure your home stays beautiful and clean and is a must-have for anyone with children or pets. Shoes can be stored before they track mud and dirt into your home. If you have pets, you can also work with a design specialist to install built-in food and water bowls, elevated wash stations, a grooming station, and even built-in hidden dog gates.
3. En-Suite Laundry Room
While it’s common to have laundry near the mudroom, it doesn’t mean that should be your only option. Consider adding an additional laundry room to the second floor near bedrooms and guest suites for the ultimate convenience. Having a laundry room located near bedrooms and guest suites adds functionality and helps keep the home neat and clean. Be sure to discuss ways you can insulate to prevent sound and vibration from your washing machine and dryer from traveling to nearby rooms with an architect.
4. Spa-Style Master Bathroom
Make your master bathroom a private retreat with custom features like a walk-in shower, stand-alone tub, and dressing room. A spa-style master bathroom is a must-have for your new home because it adds a sense of luxury to your daily routine. Work with a design specialist to strike the right combination of features, such as a waterfall showerhead or body jets.
A spa-style bathroom is also an opportunity to showcase your personality and individuality by incorporating different styles of tile and customizing storage and lighting solutions.
5. Walk-In Closet with Custom Storage Solutions
A walk-in closet with custom storage is a must-have in order to keep your master bedroom organized and functional. Work with a designer so you can personalize the interior of your walk-in closet to provide the storage you need. Whether you need extra cubbies for storing shoes, room to hang longer dresses, or even a place to store your favorite accessories, a skilled designer can tailor your walk-in closet to fit your needs.
6. Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Flow
Having indoor-outdoor flow at home makes entertaining a breeze, and creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living areas is a must-have for custom builds. Lift and slide doors and hinged windows blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living, while offering a greater connection to nature. These seamless indoor-outdoor transitions also let in more light and fresh air to enhance your everyday living. Consider asking your architect how you can merge the indoor and outdoor areas of your home.
7. Eco-Friendly and Energy Efficient Design
Eco-friendly design is more than just building with environmentally friendly materials. By incorporating eco-friendly design in your custom built home, you can achieve greater energy efficiency throughout the lifetime of your home, ultimately reducing your energy bills. Consider adding these features to make your home more eco-friendly and energy efficient:
- Smart Home Automation
- WaterSense Features
- High-performance Windows and Doors
- Solar Shingles
- EV Charging
Ask your architect and custom home builder about using non-toxic materials and creating a climate-proof design.
Start Designing Today
Working with an experienced architect and custom home builder gives you complete control over the design details so you can create your dream home! If you’re ready to start designing your dream home, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at the Anderson Studio of Architecture and Design. We’d be delighted to put our experience and expertise to work for you, so contact us today to get started!
