Everyone dreams of having their own custom-built home. After all, you get to be the first to live there and can design it exactly as you want. Unfortunately, the cost of upgrading a custom build prevents many homeowners from ever moving off of the base offering.
The good news is that even if you can’t include the chef’s kitchen of your dreams as part of your package, there are many small features that can work wonders for helping your custom build stand out from the crowd. Keep reading as we explore some of the best details that will perfectly complete your custom home build.
Fencing and Gates
Fences can often get pigeonholed for their role in securing the perimeter of the property. While this is undoubtedly important, fences also pack significant aesthetic punch. They help give the home’s exterior a finished aspect that ties the entire property together. Sleek hog wire, bold wrought iron, and vinyl picket are some trending fencing materials that can provide the all-important final touches to landscaping efforts.
When exploring your options, it is equally important to consider gates for fences. The gate will not only provide access to your home, but establish a key focal point that makes the rest of the fencing infrastructure pop.
Composite, vinyl, and cedar are some popular gate materials that perfectly balance the lines between durability and aesthetics.
Trim
Trim is a small detail that can have a multi-faceted benefit for your custom home. Not only can door and window trim provide stunning contrast against your home’s walls, but it can also help improve energy efficiency by introducing an additional layer of defense between vulnerable wall-to-frame transitions.
Although the ideal style and color of trim will depend on your home’s architectural theme, some trending options include flat, fluted, Colonial, and ranch style.
Porch Accents
Homeowners use their porch to look out on the world. Conversely, it happens to be one of the first areas the rest of the world notices when looking in at your house. A barren porch will evoke a sense of emptiness, while a cluttered porch will immediately cause onlookers to jump to conclusions about the condition of the interior.
As such, tactful porch accents are crucial for setting the scene. A pair of angled rockers are the perfect setting for fellowship at dawn or dusk. Well-placed directional fans help keep the area comfortable even during the hottest days of summer. Plants and small fountains offer a connectedness to nature that help to blend the lines between the home’s interior and exterior.
Gutters
Gutters are a seemingly minor yet crucial aspect of a finished exterior. It is often said that quality gutters will pass largely unnoticed, but drooping, twisted, dented, or otherwise damaged gutters will stick out like a sore thumb.
Therefore, when performing your custom build, choose gutters that are well-positioned to withstand the diverse forces of nature. Steel and aluminum are great options. Also pay attention to flashing and soffit when installing the gutters. Flashing will keep runoff from backing up under the roofing surface. Soffit will ensure proper ventilation in the attic and crawl space. This will keep the entire roofing infrastructure looking top-notch for years to come.
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Railings
Modern architects and designers are leveraging innovative railing options. They are no longer just a utilitarian feature to enhance stairway safety although this is important. Railings also offer dynamic accents to the home’s interior design that can help the entire theme shine.
Elegant glass railings around the staircases promote natural light flow and work wonderfully with open concept design. Black metal railings around the loft add bold character for modern and industrial designs. Stainless steel shower grab bars in the bathroom are easy to clean and guarantee ongoing safety on slippery surfaces.
Lighting
Proper lighting is crucial for helping your custom build stand out. Adequate window area is a great place to start. It will do wonders for natural daylighting and creating a bright, cheerful ambiance in the house.
After the sun goes down, choose lighting options that achieve a specific purpose. Canned lighting in the kitchen helps promote a sense of spacious elegance. LED lighting around staircases and sidewalks enhances safety while adequately framing these essential home features. String lighting in exterior landscaping helps festoon the space and gives it a modern, inviting aspect.
Crown Moulding
Crown moulding helps wall-to-ceiling intersections stand out. It gives these transitions a touch of character that helps attract the attention of onlookers.
While crown moulding can be used anywhere throughout the interior of the home, it performs really well in a few specific areas. It can help the main bedroom stand out from other bedrooms in the house. It helps dining rooms achieve a sophisticated, modern feel. It helps highlight windows and create a cozy ambiance in living rooms.
The Devil Is in the Details: Small Accents That Make a World of Difference
The cost of upgrading custom builds can be prohibitive for many aspiring homeowners. Fortunately, there are many impactful small details that don’t have to break the bank. From tactful gate additions to elegant crown moulding, explore any of the ideas listed above to help your custom build shine. For more of the latest trends shaping the contemporary home design landscape, explore the resources at Structures Insider for ideas and inspiration today!