Creating spaces that seamlessly integrate with your daily routines is more important when designing a custom home than just style and square footage. We at NoCO Custom Homes are committed to creating homes that anticipate your needs, improve your quality of life, and infuse each space with a feeling of clarity and serenity. Careful planning during the design stage is crucial. Here are five frequently disregarded features that our team suggests taking into account, along with two extra improvements that provide convenience and long-term value.
1. Rethink Lower Cabinets in the Kitchen
Small design decisions often deliver the biggest impact. One simple yet transformative choice: opt for drawers instead of traditional lower cabinets in your kitchen. As Michelle Davick, our Bookkeeper, explains, “Drawers instead of cabinets for the kitchen, think waist or lower—makes finding things easier and you could even do pull outs for trash and pet food containers.” Deep drawers at waist height offer better visibility, easier access, and increased organization. Whether you’re reaching for a stockpot or sorting recyclables, this small shift turns your kitchen into a truly functional heart of the home.
2. Design with Sightlines and Privacy in Mind
The location of any great custom home starts with the property. Most people are unaware of how important each room’s orientation and what you can see from within it are. Matt VanCleave, our Operations Manager, highlights this by noting, “Sight lines. A good architect will help orient your home on the lot to make the most of panoramic views while also helping to maintain privacy from neighbors (especially on smaller lots).” A well-planned floor plan frames views of the Colorado landscape while ensuring you feel comfortable and shielded, even in tighter communities. The daily experience of living in your home is enhanced by this degree of architectural forethought.
3 . Include a Passthrough from Garage to Pantry
Thoughtful conveniences are what elevate the ordinary in custom home design. Project Manager Bailey Purman recommends planning for a small yet game-changing feature: “Passthrough grocery door in between the garage and the pantry.” Unloading groceries is one of the most frequent household chores made easier by this design element. Homeowners can save time and effort by putting items straight into the pantry through a discrete door rather than carrying bags through the kitchen. This keeps busy areas tidy and uncluttered.
4. Make Space for a Second Laundry Area
A primary laundry room is a must, but adding a second can be a revelation. Whether it’s a small washer and dryer in the primary closet or a full-sized unit in the basement or guest wing, having laundry capabilities where they’re most needed adds flexibility and ease. “Second laundry room—either at the lower level or washer/dryer in a primary closet,” suggests Julieta Marner, Project Manager. This feature is especially helpful for multi-level homes, families with children, or homeowners planning for aging in place. It’s about using seamless design to meet your everyday needs.
5. Integrate Wine Storage from the Start
For those who enjoy entertaining or simply relaxing with a favorite vintage, wine storage is a worthy consideration in the design phase. Business Development Manager Gretchen Johnson encourages homeowners to plan ahead: “Wine storage, whether that be a wine wall, wine fridge or wine room.” Instead of making wine storage an afterthought, it can be designed to complement the aesthetics and flow of your home. From statement wine walls that double as art to temperature-controlled rooms tucked behind glass, the options are as beautiful as they are functional.
At NoCO Custom Homes, we want you to feel prepared for your build process, so here are 2 BONUS features to think about when building your home:
Bonus #1: Centralized Smart Home Controls
Simplify your home by designing a central hub for smart controls. Rather than scattering devices throughout the home, plan for a sleek control panel or app-integrated system that handles lighting, audio, security, and climate. This intentional integration makes managing your home intuitive and elegant, while maintaining a clean, streamlined interior design.
Bonus #2: Dedicated Wellness Space
Whether it’s a private yoga room, an in-home sauna, or a sunlit space for meditation, planning for wellness at home creates long-term value and personal sanctuary. Dedicating even a small area to mental and physical well-being enriches your lifestyle in subtle but meaningful ways, creating balance in a busy world.
So in Summary: Functional Features That Enhances Your Custom Home
To ensure your custom homes supports your lifestyle from the start, consider these impactful design features:
- Waist-Height Kitchen Drawers: Improve access and organization with drawers instead of lower cabinets.
- Sight Line Optimization: Maximize views and maintain privacy through expert home orientation.
- Garage-to-Pantry Passthrough: Streamline grocery unloading with a direct-access design.
- Secondary Laundry Space: Add convenience with a washer/dryer near bedrooms or in private suites.
- Integrated Wine Storage: Include wine walls, fridges, or rooms tailored to your space and style.
- Smart Home Controls: Plan for centralized, intuitive home management technology.
- Wellness Retreat Area: Create a serene space dedicated to health, movement, and restoration.
Begin Building a Home That Works Beautifully for You
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