It started at a friend’s housewarming party.
She walked through the entryway, admiring the natural light, the gentle glide of soft-close drawers, and how everything just seemed to flow. “It’s like they thought of everything,” she said, tucking away a mental note for her future dream home.
Stories like this are familiar to us here at LaFollette Custom Homes. Most of our clients are building their “forever home,” thinking not just about today’s trends but what will make life simpler, safer, and more enjoyable 10, 20, or even 30 years from now. Here are 12 design features you’ll be glad you included for the long haul.
Main-Level Primary Suite
Planning a custom home with the future in mind means thinking ahead to a time when everyday tasks, like climbing stairs, might not be as easy as they are now. Whether you design a single-story home or place the primary suite on the first floor of a two-story layout, this thoughtful decision enhances accessibility, welcomes guests of all ages, boosts resale value, and supports aging in place.
Wide Doorways & Hallways
To be fully ADA-compatible, residential doorframes should be at least 32 inches wide. Not only does this make your home wheelchair friendly and accessible, but it also improves the flow between the rooms of your home. Make the space your own by adding styled trim detailing.
Zero-Step Entryways
Omit the use of thresholds at your home’s entrances to eliminate a common tripping hazard. This subtle design choice adds major everyday convenience, whether you’re carrying groceries or rolling in luggage. Zero-step entryways support safe aging in place in the long term as well.
Strategic Laundry Room Placement
How much time do you spend walking back and forth in your home to do laundry? By planning for your laundry room to be next to your primary bedroom, you reduce your steps and make daily life run more smoothly.
Spaces That Change as You Do
Creating a custom home designed for the future means planning for your space to change as you do. Without making costly remodels to your home, you can enjoy a room that can serve as a home office, dining room, guest bedroom, craft space, or caregiver suite, depending on what is needed.
Extra Storage Where You’ll Actually Use It
Where does clutter tend to accumulate in your home? Plan ahead with built-in storage spaces in the mudroom, pantry, bathrooms, and closets.
Walk-In Pantry
Keep your kitchen tidy and organized with a walk-in pantry to store groceries and bulk items. Everyday appliances, such as toaster ovens and blenders, can be kept close at hand but tucked out of sight.
Low-Maintenance Exterior Materials
When thinking about the longevity of your home, don’t forget to consider the exterior as well. Consider using low-maintenance materials such as brick, stone, fiber cement siding, and metal roofing to reduce upkeep.
Smart Lighting Controls
Automated lighting systems, dimmers, and motion sensors can simplify your life now and in the future. These are especially helpful in hallways, bathrooms, and entryways.
Covered Outdoor Living Space
Extend your custom home’s usable square footage with a covered patio and outdoor dining area. A well-designed outdoor living space blends your interior style with the outdoors, perfect for enjoying a quiet morning coffee or hosting guests.
Energy-Efficient Windows & HVAC
Planning for the future of your custom home may mean making a larger investment up front so you can enjoy savings over the long term. Choosing energy efficiency also improves your overall comfort through every season.
Soft, Layered Lighting
Create a warm, inviting atmosphere in your home with soft, layered lighting. Combine overhead, task, and accent lighting to enhance both the functionality and aesthetic of each room. Add dimmer switches in bedrooms, living rooms, and dining areas to easily adjust light levels and create a cozy, flexible environment.
Build Your Forever Home with LaFollette Custom Homes
Are you looking for a custom home builder who has thought of everything? At LaFollette Custom Homes, we work with families every day to bring their visions to life. We know that building your forever home is about more than just today; it’s about designing a home that works beautifully for the life you’re building into it. The right features today can bring comfort, independence, and joy for decades to come.
Let’s design a home that takes care of you for the long haul. Learn more about our process.