Building a custom home is truly one of life’s most memorable (and dare we say, enjoyable!) experiences. Not only do you have the opportunity to build a home from the ground up on the land of your choice, you can personalize nearly every detail so that it looks and feels entirely your own.
With that said, sometimes the choices for finishes and features are so broad that it can be hard to choose! That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the top design trends for new custom homes in 2021. Whether you incorporate some or all of these building and design elements into your new home, you’ll end up with a modern space with timeless appeal that you’ll love for a lifetime.
New Home Design Trends
Board and Batten Siding
Board and batten is a type of siding made up of wide vertical planks (boards), connected by thin vertical stripes (battens). While the style is popular today for new homes, it actually dates back hundreds of years to when the materials were used as an alternative to log siding. Today, the look is fresh and clean when painted in a popular color and used on specific portions of the home, like the second level or under gables or eaves. Board and batten is highly durable and requires less maintenance than other forms of siding, especially when constructed from fiber cement.
Black and White Exteriors
The most classic of color combinations is breathing fresh life into many new homes built today! Crisp and clean, this color palette can take on slight variations, like cream and charcoal gray, and still maintain its modern edge. The most common applications are white siding or painted white brick with black window trim, black entry and garage doors, and a black roof. For added interest, you can always add a pop of color to dormers or use brick or natural wood as an accent.
Front AND Back Porches
Private outdoor space has become a priority for new homeowners over the last few years, and many new homes today give you the option to enjoy the outdoors anywhere you’d like! Front porches have been extended to accommodate more seating and sometimes even wrap around the side of the home, while back patios and decks are often covered and have electric outlets to enjoy maximum comfort and convenience.
Energy Efficient Everything
Homeowners today want energy efficient everything. From ENERGY STAR-certified windows and appliances, to smart lighting and plumbing solutions that reduce waste, homeowners want to feel confident that they’re doing their part for the planet without giving up luxury.
Flex Space
Interior layouts of homes have certainly changed even from a decade ago! Home has become so much more than just the place you return to after work or school. It has become your office, school room, gym, entertainment center, and so much more. Flex space has become an all-important feature because it allows your home to change along with your needs.
Mudrooms & Drop Zones
Increasingly, when we come home, we want to leave the outside world at the door — both figuratively and literally. Mudrooms and drop zones have become essential to keep both our homes and our minds less cluttered.
Pet Stations
Because our homes are not just for humans, builders have started incorporating dedicated (and quite nice!) pet stations for baths, meals, and naps. These areas are great custom additions to laundry rooms or mudrooms, and can be finished in the same style and with the same materials as the rest of the home, so that they blend in seamlessly. Your fur friends have never been happier!
Walk-In Pantries
Granite countertops, double sinks, and large kitchen islands have been in vogue for quite some time, but the latest must-have for new homebuyers is the walk-in pantry. Many people adjusted their shopping habits in the past year and a half to buy in bulk whenever possible. With a walk-in pantry, there’s somewhere to store it all out of sight, but organized and accessible.
Separate Tub & Shower
Bathrooms in new homes have become full-on luxury suites, especially in the primary bath. Here we are seeing a growing trend of having a separate soaking tub and walk-in shower. Homeowners want to indulge in their private suite, and this is one way to do it! Adding to the opulence, many primary baths feature granite or quartz countertops, double vanities, and elegant light fixtures to create a one-of-a-kind sanctuary.
Full Bathroom on Main Level
Another trend we’re seeing is for there to be a full bathroom built on the main level of two-story homes. This makes sense if a flex space is to be used for overnight guests, so they won’t have to go up and down stairs or infringe on anyone else’s privacy.
The good news is, with a custom home built on your lot, all of these design trends are possible, and more. The beauty of a high-end, custom home in Charlotte is that you can create it to be as unique and perfect for you and your family as your dreams allow. For more information on a new custom home on your lot in Charlotte or the surrounding areas, give Kelsey a call at 704-389-5237 or schedule an appointment to tour our model homes in Reali. We can’t wait to show you the possibilities!
