Building a custom home is an exciting adventure, and it’s easy to get all consumed in the process. Things like budgeting, planning, and obtaining permits are the basics. There’s no home construction without them. But to build a home that truly feels “yours,” you need to go beyond the basics and spend some time on the architectural features.

No, you don’t need a degree or diploma in architecture. All you need to do is go through the features highlighted in this article! In this article, we will list 8 timeless architectural features that you must consider for your custom home.

1. Architectural Home Style: The Theme

When focusing on architecture, you should look at the big picture. This big picture is the architectural style of your home, which serves as the theme. Over the years, many styles have defined architecture. And as such, you’ll find some homes in certain localities or geographies sharing styles.

Some of the most common popular architectural design styles are:

• Craftsman: Known for its warm and inviting feel, craftsman homes feature exposed beams, built-in cabinetry, and natural materials like brick, stone, and wood.
• Contemporary: Clean lines, open floor plans, and an emphasis on natural light are hallmarks of contemporary design. Think large windows, minimalist interiors, and integration with the outdoors.
• Mediterranean: Inspired by coastal villas, the Mediterranean style features stucco exteriors, terracotta roofs, wrought-iron accents, and courtyards for bringing the outdoors in.
• Ranch: Typically single-story with sprawling layouts, ranch homes offer a casual and functional living space. They often feature low-pitched roofs, open floor plans, and attached garages.
• Mid-Century Modern: This iconic style from the 1950s and 60s emphasizes clean lines, geometric shapes, large windows, and integration of indoor and outdoor spaces.

HGTV lists 26 architectural home styles from Egyptian Art Deco to Victorian. Check out the list and pick the theme of your home.

2. Vertical Design Elements

Vertical design elements are a key characteristic of many architectural styles. These create a sense of height, drama, and sophistication, thereby glamorizing a mundane space.

One of the most basic vertical design elements is tall windows. Large, vertical windows are a hallmark of many homes. They allow natural light connection to the outdoors and emphasize the verticality of the facade.

Vertical elements can be incorporated inside as well. Use tall bookshelves, floor-to-ceiling curtains, or vertical shiplap on accent walls.

On the outdoors, the building’s exterior might have a tiered or stepped design, where the upper floors visually recede compared to the lower ones. This creates a sense of height and dynamism, which is the aim of vertical designs.

While verticality is important, maintain balance with horizontal elements. Long, low window sills or horizontal bands of color can add visual interest.

3. Biophilic Designs

Biophilic design is a fascinating concept that revolves around creating spaces that nurture our inherent connection with nature. It’s not just about aesthetics but rather about incorporating elements of the natural world into the built environment to improve our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Start with a variety of low-maintenance indoor plants that thrive in your climate. Maximize natural light by keeping windows clean and using light-colored curtains. Consider skylights for darker sections.

Biophilic design can promote natural ventilation and encourage the use of natural materials that regulate temperature and humidity, leading to a healthier and more comfortable indoor environment. Thus, incorporate elements like wood furniture, stone countertops, or woven rugs.

4. Earthy Tones

If you’re all in on biophilic design, you can embrace the earthy tones color palette that is growing in popularity. Earthy tones are a timeless and versatile color palette inspired by the natural world. These colors evoke a sense of comfort, grounding, and connection to nature, making them a popular choice for creating warm and inviting interiors in custom homes.

Earthy tones encompass a range of colors found in nature, including brown, green, beiges, terracotta red, and grays. Earthy tones are incredibly versatile and can be adapted to various design styles, from rustic farmhouses to modern minimalists. They are sure to create a classic look that won’t go out of fashion quickly.

5. Multipurpose Sections

The concept of “open spaces” might be outdated, but no one can deny their utilitarian aspect. Such spaces could be used for a variety of purposes.

You can have the same utilitarian value by creating multipurpose sections instead. A single space can serve multiple purposes, maximizing its utility. This is particularly beneficial for smaller homes or those with limited square footage.

Also, these spaces can adapt to your changing needs over time. As your family grows or your hobbies evolve, the space can be easily reconfigured to suit your new requirements.

Start by brainstorming the various functions you want the space to accommodate. Will it be a home office that transforms into a guest room? A playroom that doubles as a workout area? Define your priorities and how often you’ll use each function. This will give you ideas as to how to create a multipurpose area.

6. Home Offices with a View

Experts predict that the work-from-home trend is here to stay. This means more and more homes in Mission, TX, should have home offices.

But the days of a small space in the dark corner of the house are gone. Instead, home offices should have a view of the outside world. It’s about creating a functional and inspiring workspace that boosts productivity and well-being.

Studies have shown that natural light and views of nature can improve focus, concentration, and overall cognitive function. An inspiring view can be a welcome distraction during short breaks, helping you return to work feeling refreshed.

The view doesn’t have to be that of Nigra Falls. Simply, position your desk to directly face the most inspiring view in your home. Utilize large windows or even sliding glass doors to create a seamless connection to the outdoors. Consider incorporating skylights for additional natural light, especially in areas with limited window space.

7. Smart Home Design

Imagine controlling lights, thermostats, locks, and even appliances from your smartphone or tablet, irrespective of location. Smart home systems allow you to adjust settings, monitor your home, and even troubleshoot minor issues remotely.

You can have numerous smart appliances. But it’s helpful to design a home that can accommodate them. Discuss your needs and lifestyle with your builder or architect during the planning phase. Consider which smart home features would be most beneficial for you and ensure your home’s infrastructure can accommodate them.

8. Outdoor Living

An outdoor living space can significantly enhance your enjoyment. It extends your living area, fosters a connection with nature, and creates a perfect environment for relaxation, entertaining, and enjoying the outdoors year-round.

With proper design, your outdoor living space can be transformed to suit various needs. Host a barbeque with a dedicated grilling area, create a yoga retreat with a calming corner, or enjoy movie nights under the stars with a projector setup.

The most common outdoor living space is a patio. It provides a solid foundation for your outdoor space. Consider using pavers, concrete, or wood decking materials that complement your home’s style. You can then consider covered areas like a pergola, awning, etc. If possible, you can have fire pits and water features like a fountain or water wall.

Build Your Custom Home With Us!

At the end of the day, designing a custom home in McAllen, TX, is about knowing your preferences and needs. A good home builder can only translate your vision into reality. But it’s you who need to have that vision. Go over the concepts again and sharpen your vision for your upcoming custom home. And if you are stuck anywhere, look upon Villa Homes for any kind of assistance.