Although a home renovation requires captivating style, exciting color palettes, and plush furnishings, I love the process of taking an existing home and making it beautiful and functional to perfectly fit your lifestyle.
The best way to make your house a home is to design custom features that will function flawlessly for you and your family. Here are 3 show-stopping features you should consider for your next home renovation project…
1. Think Outside the Box with Built-Ins
I love built-ins! Most folks think of a wall of bookcases or tv cabinets when they think of built-ins. And while that is definitely an option, it’s my job to think outside the proverbial box!
A built-in desk is an underrated custom feature I love incorporating into a home. A built-in desk becomes your custom workspace, and your organization improves because you have a place to hide what otherwise clutters up your view. The desk goes from functional to functionally beautiful.
2. A Luxurious Walk-In Kitchen Pantry
A walk-in pantry is one of those luxuries in life you don’t know you need until you’ve had one (like a warming drawer, more on that later!).
While adequate cabinet space is great, consider designing a pantry that can house your human food, pet food, and those random counter-clutter appliances from your bridal registry! It will completely change the aesthetics of your kitchen.
And while it’s easy to buy a home with this one-room wonder, it is possible to create one too. For example, we’ve just created a kitchen for a client where we stole a bit of space from a little-used closet and made a small walk-in pantry cleverly discussed as a cabinet.
3. Splurge on Specialty Appliances
The typical kitchen appliance package includes a fridge, oven/range, dishwasher, and maybe a microwave. However, I encourage you to expand your thinking by considering these other options:
A Warming Drawer
When I bought my new wall oven a few years ago, the salesperson threw in a warming drawer. My husband thought I was crazy, but it took the place of a drawer we never used and turned out to be one of the favorite items from our remodel!
This small, simple appliance tucks neatly away under your built-in oven or your cooktop. It’s the perfect way to bring meals to the table, and ALL ingredients are still warm. It makes entertaining so much easier and perfect for a family on the go.
Microwave Drawer
I’ve put a microwave drawer into every kitchen reno I’ve done in the last 15 years. I don’t particularly appreciate having a microwave sitting on the counters, and these little things are fantastic. They cost slightly more than a standard wall-mount microwave and are conveniently placed under the counter. Easy for all ages and especially great for universal living.
Plumbed Coffee Center
If you’re a coffee drinker whose day doesn’t really start until that first cup is underway, this might be a little luxury that makes you feel like you’re living the good life. These wall units don’t take up space and have their own water supply lines! No more schlepping coffee across the room or keeping the coffee maker next to the sink for convenience.
Beverage Fridge
You might think of this as the fridge in the garage where the beer and a year’s supply of Costco water bottles live. But now, attractive options exist for refrigeration, specifically for beverages, so you can keep drinks cold outside the kitchen and have it live where YOU spend time and entertain.
The dictionary defines “custom” as “made or performed according to personal order.”
When you include custom features in your home, you create personal space for you and your family based on your lifestyle. I make all the difference in your completed and successful home renovation.
You deserve to live in the home of your dreams, and creative custom options are one of the ways to get you there.
Reach out to us if you’re ready to create a custom home that ticks all the boxes on your goals. We can’t wait to hear about your project.
Xoxo,
Pamela
