Building a custom home allows you to bring your dream home to life. The obvious benefit of a custom build is the ability to tailor your living spaces to your specific needs and preferences. A custom-built home offers the opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind living space that reflects the individuality and style of the homeowner.
Designing a custom home build gives you the freedom to choose all of your features from the ground up. If you can dream it, chances are it can be built. From your home's layout to your fixtures and room design to smart home technologies, there are so many exciting ways to personalize your new home and make it work for you. Check out some of the top design elements you should consider when building a new home.
1. Home Design Layout
The best layout for your family will depend mainly on your lifestyle. Whether you work from home or entertain a lot, your space needs should be considered when designing your home's floor plan.
If you have a big family and love to entertain, you may prefer an open floor plan conducive to large gatherings. If you're a family who thrives in quiet, private spaces, your floor plan should reflect that. Remember, open spaces tend to be noisier, while closed floor plans are more favorable in creating quiet spaces.
Lastly, regarding your custom home's layout, consider how rooms flow from one to the next and traffic patterns.
2. Home Exterior Finishes
When it comes to exterior design elements, it's all about curb appeal. From architecture to building materials and landscaping to windows, there are so many facets to your home's exterior aesthetic. For instance, an often overlooked exterior feature is a home's roofline. If you've never built a home before, you may be surprised to know that there are several roofline styles to consider; some styles include a simple gable roof, while others, such as mansard or butterfly roofs, are more elaborate in their appeal.
Building materials make a big difference in your home's attractiveness. If you prefer a simple, more traditional look, you may opt to use fewer building materials. In contrast, if you're partial to a contemporary look, you could mix and match materials. From brick to stucco and siding and stone, the world is your oyster for exterior building materials.
A significant exterior (and interior, for that matter) consideration is the windows you select for your new home. Installing ornate and/or uniquely shaped windows will evoke warmth and elegance, and standard window styles conjure a traditional sensibility. You can't go wrong with either window style, but be sure that your window style matches the style of other exterior elements.
3. Home Interior Finishes
While your exterior features will make your home's first impression, the interior makes it your home. If you hope to have a cohesive style for your interior, first determine your style. Do you prefer the clean lines of a modern look or the coziness of a traditional aesthetic? Maybe you prefer a minimalist interior vibe.
Once you've determined your interior style, you'll have many finishes to consider. Here's a short list of the interior design elements that go into a custom-built home:
- Cabinetry (kitchen, bathrooms, garage, etc.)
- Countertops
- Flooring (carpet, tile, wood, marble, etc.)
- Trim
- Wall colors
- Hardware
- Appliances
- Lighting
It's important to think about how each feature will impact the functionality of the space as well. For example, oversized windows can bring in more natural light and create a sense of openness, while built-in storage solutions can help maximize space and keep clutter at bay. Considering the long-term durability and maintenance of each feature is also crucial. Investing in high-quality materials and finishes can increase the home's value and reduce the need for costly repairs or replacements down the line.
With each of your home's interior elements, your choices are endless. There's much to consider, from colors to textures and patterns to functionality. While the number of decisions you must make may seem daunting, the ultimate customization inherent to building a new home is incredibly gratifying.
Ultimately, choosing interior features for a custom-built home is a personal decision that should reflect the homeowner's unique preferences and lifestyle. Homeowners can create a beautiful and practical space by carefully considering each feature's style, functionality, and durability.
4. Smart Technology
If you've never had the opportunity to outfit your home with smart technology, now's your chance. Besides creating a living space that reduces your carbon footprint, a smart home creates convenient and money-saving energy efficiency.
Here are some of the most popular top smart technologies that you can add to your new home:
- Remotely-Operated Thermostats
- Programmable/Remote Lighting
- Digital Door Locks
- Security Cameras/Systems
- Voice-Controlled Home Assistants
- Built-In Bluetooth Speakers
- Motorized Window Coverings and Treatments
- Energy Efficient Appliances
- Smart Irrigation Systems
While some of these technologies will add luxury to your home, others will create convenience, and others will improve your home's security. However, the one thing all of these technologies have in common is that each will ramp up your home's efficiency and make life easier for you.
5. Lighting
Choosing the right lighting design in a custom home build is crucial because it creates and elevates any space's ambiance and functionality. Some things to consider include:
- Natural light sources and how they will interact with artificial lighting
- Style of fixtures with overall home design
- Adequate lighting for each room
Layering different types of lighting, such as ambient, task, and accent, can create depth and atmosphere. Lastly, a pro tip is to install dimmer switches to have ultimate control over your light sources.
Luxurious Design Features With the Location to Match
If you're in the market for the most luxurious setting for your custom-built home, look no further than Central Florida's Bella Collina. This luxurious, private golf community is set amid the rolling, lakeside hills of picturesque Montverde, Florida. Enjoy a Sir Nick Faldo-designed golf course, amenities galore, and exclusivity.
If you're looking for a location that matches the magnificence you've got in mind for your custom home build, Bella Collina is the place. Contact us today and learn how our award-winning custom home builders can bring your dreams to life.
