Ideas and advice for the design of your custom home in Dallas, Texas.

If you’re going to build a custom home in Dallas (or anywhere), you’d be remiss not to explore the “Smart Home” options available today. Smart home devices of all kinds now allow homeowners to automate practically every aspect of their home’s operations, from temperature to audio to lighting, to cooking and cleaning and many, many other things.

And, although some innovations may be costly, many of these devices actually reduce overall costs through the efficiencies of automation.

This article is a deep-dive into the newest technologies available for smart custom homes. To provide some organization of the many options available in the market, we will look at the technologies relevant to each segment of a home:

  1. Lighting
  2. Security
  3. Mowing
  4. Irrigation
  5. Home Audio/Music
  6. Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Why should you consider smart home technologies?

Convenience: Being able to control your lighting or engage your locks without moving is a huge convenience. Smart gadgets make such conveniences possible because you can control them remotely from a central point, generally an app on your phone or hub in your house.

Cost Savings: Installing smart technologies in your home may seem expensive at first, but many can lead to cost savings. Smart devices can ensure that only designated areas of your home use light, cooling or heating, for example. The best smart devices provide energy-saving tips by showing you areas of your home that are rarely used, and therefore require less resources.

Flexibility: Smart Gadgets are super customizable. You can choose when the lights come on and practically everything in your home that happens after that. This flexibility is only possible with smart technology.

The products mentioned under each category below are arguably among the best in their space. Of course, our list does not claim to be a comprehensive list so you may find other options with further research.

On to the breakdown by categories, below.

Smart Lighting Technology for Custom Homes

Lighting is vital to a home’s atmosphere and feel, so it makes sense that it is the starting point for most people interested in living in a smart home.  Lighting showcases the beauty of the design and structural elements of a home. More importantly, lighting controls the mood of a home. When used correctly, lighting can create warmth and improve the ambiance in an otherwise dark and gloomy environment. 

Smart lighting systems are designed to control lighting around the home automatically or semi-automatically, through programming. Many smart lighting systems are motion and voice-activated, while some systems come with a central control hub, and others are Bluetooth/WiFi enabled. 

For example, smart lights (bulbs) designed by Cree, LIFX, and TP-Link, connect over WiFi, while others, such as the newest Philips Hue bulbs, communicate using your smartphone’s Bluetooth feature.

Other smart lights (including the Philips Hue mentioned above) are compatible with Zigbee radios and, as a result, require a Zigbee-to-Wi-Fi bridge to connect to your router. Any of these smart bulbs may be controlled via an app on your smartphone or tablet, which can also be used to design lighting scenarios and schedules.

Smart light switches are an alternative to smart lights (bulbs). Smart light switches made by Leviton, Lutron, TP-Link, Ecobee, and other manufacturers communicate with your WiFi network and don’t require a central hub.

If you have already committed to a regular lighting system for your custom home, you can still make your lights smart by replacing the standard wall switch with a smart switch. You can do the same thing for lamps by adding a smart plug to the system. In both cases, the smart switch/plug will allow you to control the lighting remotely from your smartphone, laptop or tablet. 

We’ve researched and evaluated everything from basic white dimmable lights to smart lamps loaded with extra features like the Philip Hue Starter kit, which is arguably the best smart bulb on the market currently. 

So, if you’re in the market for smart lights, we can point you in the right direction with our recommendations below.  All of these smart lights mentioned have excellent customer reviews, and are popular among consumers for different reasons.

The Philips Hue Starter Kit 

As mentioned earlier, the Philips Hue is one of the most advanced smart lighting solutions on the market today. The starter Philips Hue lighting system comes with three standard screw-in smart bulbs, with smartphone app control and a hub that connects to your router.

The bulbs have preset lighting schemes that can complement each other, so it is recommended to use the bulbs in the same room for maximum effect. However, you can also distribute the bulbs to different rooms and control each independently from your app. 

The hub and app allow you to control the brightness, color, and timing of your lights. You can program the lights to turn on and off at specific times, such as early morning or evening. If you are light sensitive, you can use your lights as your snooze reset device instead of using an alarm clock. 

You can control up to 50 bulbs from the hub or app, and the lighting can be controlled over the internet from miles away. 

The Philips Hue is compatible with Amazon’s Echo (as is the LIFX system, below). Interestingly, the latest Philips Hue systems can work without a hub, although you’ll still need the hub to connect everything and unlock the full capabilities.

Smart Bulb by LIFX

LIFX produces a line of WiFi-enabled LED lights that can be controlled via a (fantastic) smartphone app. The bulbs are available in both E27 (screw connector) and bayonet (spring connector) mount. You can get LIFX bulbs to produce a variety of colors, including numerous shades of white.

The latest model, LIFX +, has the same 1,100-lumens brightness as its prior Generation 3 bulb, but now also includes infrared LEDs that illuminate at night to light up the room for your security cameras.

The only disadvantage of LIFX bulbs is their cost, but we are confident that you will find the investment worthwhile because they provide excellent luminance across the full color spectrum, and in different shades of white.

With the LIFX app, you can separate whites and colors, and alter the color temperature to mimic natural light at different times of the day. You can also synchronize many bulbs to give off the same color and brightness simultaneously.

The LIFX app is appealing because it allows a ton of adjustments and supports IFTT integration, which allows you to schedule preset actions such as having the lights come on when you arrive home, and go off when you leave the house. 

Leviton Décora Smart WiFi Dimmer

As mentioned above, rather than installing smart lights (bulbs) you can replace your light switches as a way to make your home lighting smart. 

The Leviton Decora Smart WiFi Dimmer is a smart lighting solution that differs from other systems mentioned earlier, because a) it requires you to replace your light switches instead of your light bulbs, and b) all it does is dim the lights.

If you don’t require innumerable color choices for your lighting, this system can be especially beneficial for rooms with many different lights which would be prohibitively costly- or even impossible- to replace with smart bulbs (great-rooms with dozens of recessed ceiling lights, or chandeliers with in-built lights, for example). 

Additionally, this system may be cheaper to maintain over time because if a bulb goes out you are not forced to replace a smart bulb, and instead you are replacing a regular bulb.

The best part is that the Leviton Decora Smart WiFi Dimmer is relatively affordable. You can get a basic unit for $49, and upgraded variations with more features are available as well.

It should be mentioned that smart switches are not limited to lighting. You can install them as your plug sockets as well, and thereby control anything plugged into that socket.

LifeSmart Cololight Pro Decorative Light 

The Cololight Pro falls into the decorative light category. This beautiful, smart light has an easy-to-customize compact design. The light, which consists of small hexagonal panels, can be shaped into various forms and programmed to show different colors, patterns and dynamic effects.

Lifesmart equipped the latest Cololight Pro with a built-in pickup module that allows the lighting effect to sync with music or sound. You may have seen this type of synchronized lighting in high-end bars or other entertainment venues. Today, homeowners are able to integrate such decorative light systems in their homes to improve the overall ambience and to make them “party ready.”

The latest Cololight Pro is compatible with Google Home and Amazon Alexa, so you can control it with your voice. According to the product specs, the Cololight Pro supports 16,000,000 colors, and comes with a 12-month warranty.

The only drawback of the Cololight might be its less-than-sturdy build. If you’ve handled other smart lights, you will agree that the Cololight is somewhat delicate – as is common with decorative fixtures. 

Nanoleaf Shapes Decorative Lights

Also in the category of decorative lighting, the Nanoleaf Shapes is another interesting system available for your home. 

Nanoleaf Shapes mix smart lighting technology with wall art, offering illuminated panels in different shapes and sizes. The system is fully customizable, allowing you to create your own designs by combining panels of different shapes. 

Nanoleaf Shapes are simple to set up and use, and can be controlled via a full-feature app that allows brightness control and more. You can get creative with Nanoleaf shapes. For example, you can set the lights to emit your ideal white lighting temperature for work, relaxation or entertaining.

Every area of your home will look better with Nanoleaf Shapes. You just have to place shapes creatively to inspire anyone. If you run out of ideas, use the layout assistant on the Nanoleaf app.

However, Nanoleaf Shapes are not meant for outdoor use. Also, the manufacturer advises against using the product in areas with high humidity like your bathroom. 

Nanoleaf Shapes come in hexagons, triangles, and mini-triangle panels. They are fitted with adhesives for easy placement. Like the Cololight Pro, Nanoleaf reacts to music and sound thanks to its built-in rhythm module. Also, Nanoleaf is touch responsive – the light changes when you touch the panel’s surface.  They are also compatible with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and other voice assistants.

So, there are several ways to control Nanoleaf shapes. You can use the Nanoleaf app, Nanoleaf remote, Google Assistant/Alexa, and the built-in controller (sound, touch, and power switch).

Smart Home Security Systems

Home security systems have come a long way in the past decade, and if you love the flexibility and convenience of smart speakers, thermostats, and lighting, then you will probably love the smart home security cameras available today. Like other smart gadgets, a smart security camera offers flexibility and convenience without losing its primary function, capturing movement.

A smart security camera will allow you to keep an eye on your home, especially when you’re not around. There are indoor and outdoor security cameras, with each type performing the same function with slight differences. For example, smart outdoor cameras feature LED lights to illuminate the environment when the motion sensors detect movement, while indoor models can help you monitor the activity of kids and pets around the house.

Smart home security systems are the ultimate upgrade, integrating indoor and outdoor cameras, video doorbells, garage controls and more. 

There are several fantastic brands in the smart home security market. Most of the products offer the same primary functions, so the differences are based on the flexibility they offer. Some notable models include Vivint Smart Home, Ring, Arlo, Netatmo, and Maximus.

Vivint Smart Home

Vivint Smart Home is a full-option home security system that includes video recording as standard and smart home capabilities as needed.

A video doorbell, outdoor and interior cameras, smart locks, and garage control are among the company’s core offerings. The interior video camera has two-way audio (allows communication) and a full 1080p HD video recording. You can program the system to send custom alerts.

The system comes with enough memory space to accommodate up to 30 days of continuous recording. Impressively, it has a speed dialler that can be used to contact you right away.

Vivint designed the security system to support multi-channel control. You can control the system via a home security panel, smartphone app, and voice commands (Alexa or Google Home). The omnichannel control makes it easy to pair the system with other smart home technologies, like lighting and HVAC. You can also integrate other wireless security solutions, like Nest, with Vivint.

To put things in perspective, Vivint Smart Home is superb for the following reasons;

  • extensive customization
  • feature-rich system
  • home automation integration
  • high-end, quality equipment

The Vivint system can be pricey, with the base pricing for the system starting at $599. Add to this the additional installation cost and ongoing monthly fees for active monitoring. For $29.99 per month, Vivint will monitor your home security round the clock. When alarms are triggered, the company will contact first responders and offer assistance remotely.

Frontpoint

If you consider yourself capable and would like to save on installation costs, consider getting a Frontpoint security system. It is a full-featured security system which is easy to install

Frontpoint is a simple and smart home security solution that utilizes a variety of wireless technologies including cameras, sensors, and a Frontpoint Hub. Every component of the system has been preconfigured to work directly out of the box, so it is considered a “plug-and-play” unit.

You can control the entire security system through the Frontpoint Hub, which functions as a single controller. The hub works with both WiFi and cellular networks, ensuring that your home security remains active if your internet goes down.

According to Frontpoint’s marketing material, the hub is smashproof, and it is fitted with sensors to detect a physical attack. If the system detects a forceful pressure on its surface, it will alarm emergency responders.

Frontpoint also comes with a mobile app for user convenience. The app’s interface is clean and easy to navigate, allowing you to activate your security system with the push of a button.

Brinks Home Security 

If age is any indication of experience and quality, then Brinks Home Security is a top product. Backed by years of research, experienced customer service, and technology, Brinks Home Security offers a security package for all types of users. The base package contains a Qolsys IQ touch-screen control panel, a wireless motion sensor, two wireless door sensors, plus a yard sign and stickers. You can get the base package for $199 and a monitoring cost of $39.99. 

If you want to add a doorbell camera, outdoor and indoor cameras, extra sensors and professional installation, you can expect to pay $699 for the security system.

Interestingly, the smart home hub is compatible with Amazon Alexa as well as Z Wave devices, and can be used with just about any other home automation device. Like Vivint, Brinks Home Security can integrate with Nest products.

You’ll have tamper-proof equipment, as well as cellular backup and cloud storage for video feeds, and a Live Assist function to use with any setup you choose. Brinks also provides alarm monitoring 24 hours a day, seven days a week, allowing for remote emergency dialing and the cancellation of false alerts.

Each kit’s price is determined by the features you choose, and there’s plenty of flexibility to customize the system specifically for your custom home.

Ring Alarm Security Kit

While the idea of a smart security system is appealing to most homeowners, the accompanying monthly monitoring and operational costs can be a put-off. For this reason, we added the Ring Alarm Security Kit to our list of smart security products to consider for your custom home.

Ring Alarm Security is an all-inclusive security system that is easy to set up and operate, without the need for a monthly subscription. The primary security kit comes with a base station, contact sensor, keypad, motion detector, and range extender, and is less expensive than most of its competitors. Extra components can be purchased separately, or can be purchased as part of the larger, bundled kits they offer.

The entire system works as a coordinated, single unit and relays status reports to your smartphone. As expected, you can control the entire system from the Ring app, which is compatible with Android and iOS devices. The app also supports Amazon Alexa control.

A backup battery in the Ring kit guarantees that even if the power goes out, the Ring kit will keep running for a full day, utilizing your cellular network to stay connected.

While you don’t need a subscription plan to use the Ring system, there are contract-free Ring Protection Plans that provide you access to member perks and savings on further security product purchases. If you plan to purchase other Ring products, such as video doorbells, sirens, smoke alarms, cameras, and more, the Protection Plan membership may be beneficial.

SimpliSafe Security Systems

If you’re familiar with smart security products, you’d agree that SimpliSafe is a well-known brand. Unlike some other alternatives, the company’s security system is available in 5 packages, which are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.

SimpliSafe does not require a long-term monitoring contract. You are allowed to choose the monthly surveillance plan or to opt-out altogether.

$229 will get you the base package (The Foundation Kit) of this security system, which includes a base station, keypad, entry sensor, and motion sensor.

The most expensive package from SimpiSafe is the Haven Kit, which includes the same keypad and base station found in the Foundation Kit, and also includes four entry sensors, a key fob, a 105dB siren, two motion sensors, a panic button, a water sensor, a smoke detector and a freeze sensor. Clearly, the Haven Kit is designed for a larger home and provides advanced protection.

All kits come with a 60-day money-back guarantee (you can return it if it doesn’t work out), and you can choose from a variety of monitoring options, including expert monitoring and cellular backup, without committing to a contract.

Smart Lawnmowers

Today, thanks to smart technology, we have robots to mow our lawns. However, robot lawnmowers are still relatively new to the market, so it can be difficult to identify the market leaders in the industry.

For this article we researched smart lawnmowers and sampled user opinions to create these high-quality recommendations.

Redback MowRo RM24

Because it’s inexpensive without compromising quality or usefulness, the Redback MowRo RM24 may be the finest robotic lawn mower available for the average homeowner.

This mower is really designed for tiny lawns, since it will mow an area of up to a quarter acre on a single charge. The MowRo RM24 can also mow up to 30 degrees of slope, which is quite impressive.

The MowRo will mow your lawn once every 48 hours at the time you specify. Its brushless motor is whisper-quiet, producing just 65 decibels (about the loudness of a typical conversation), so you might even be able to use it at night without bothering yourself or your neighbors.

The MowRo is packed with safety features, so you can be confident that the mower won’t endanger your kids or pets if they are playing in the yard.  One example: the blades of the MowRo are covered by a guard that allows grass to pass through while keeping fingers out.

Landroid L

If your lawn is too big for the MowRo RM24, WORX’s WR150 Landroid L may be your best bet. This mower can tackle up to a half-acre of lawn and 20-degree slopes.

Equipped with built-in WiFi connectivity and a smartphone app that allows you to watch the mower’s progress, measure your lawn, and update your personalized mowing schedule from anywhere, the Landroid is truly a smart mower.

The Landroid is so clever that it can even design and propose a lawn-care regimen, depending on lawn size and other factors.

The mower’s rain sensor ensures that it never runs in the rain (despite its waterproof shell), so as to avoid the sloppy cut-lines that come with mowing wet grass.

Robomow RS622

The Robomow RS622 is a suitable alternative for bigger yards of up to half an acre with slopes of up to 20 degrees, just like the Landroid. The RS622’s most striking feature is its 22-inch cutting width, which is more than double that of some other robot mowers.

The RS622’s wider cutting deck essentially means it will mow your lawn considerably faster than the other alternatives on our list. The deck also offers a cutting height range of 0.8 to 3.5 inches, making it suitable for a variety of terrain.

While the RS622 doesn’t have WiFi, it does have Bluetooth and comes with a smartphone app that allows you to control the mower’s settings remotely.

The RS622 can link to Amazon’s Alexa virtual assistant, meaning it can respond to voice requests like other smart home gadgets.

The noise level of the Robomow RS622 is one of its significant drawbacks. It can emit up to 74 decibels of sound at maximum power. While this is still quieter than a gas lawn mower, it is substantially noisier than our other top selections.

Smart Irrigation Systems

A smart irrigation system is an eco-friendly and cost-saving addition to your custom home’s landscaping, as it ensures that your lawn and garden get an adequate amount of water without wasting any of it.

Good smart irrigation systems come with a dedicated app, making them easy to operate. Rachio makes our favorite products in this category, but Wyze Labs has also entered the market with a low-cost alternative.

Rachio Smart Sprinkler Systems

Rachio is not a newbie in the irrigation industry; the company is among the best makers of smart irrigation systems. The Rachio 3 Smart Sprinkler Controller is the latest smart irrigation system from the company. 

The Rachio 3 combines the existing smart sprinkler control system with Weather Intelligence Plus technology and optional wireless leak detection. Thanks to the weather detection watering algorithm and programmable settings, Rachio eliminates the need to guess how frequently or how much water your lawn needs. Watering is adjusted based on the weather.

Rachio 3 is super compatible and easy to install. It can work with your existing sprinkler system and can be installed in less than an hour. You do not need any special tools, nor do you need to be an expert in sprinkler system installation.

The Rachio mobile app or the controller itself may be used to monitor and operate the system. Rachio connects to your Wi-Fi network using both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, ensuring that your Rachio 3 will not be competing with other Wi-Fi linked systems.

The Rachio 3 employs several technologies to keep your lawn hydrated, resulting in healthier grass, and is available with either 8 or 16-zone configurations suitable for lawns of all sizes.

Wyze Sprinkler Controller Systems

Wyze sprinkler controllers offer a functional product at an affordable cost. The newest Wyze smart sprinkler controller comes with all the features you need to water your lawn efficiently, saving both water and energy with its precise timer and functionality.

Purchase of the Wyze devices includes a one-year subscription for their Sprinkler Plus subscription package (ongoing cost = $10 per year), which works with weather reports to discharge only the optimal amount of water. 

Wyze Sprinkler features and Sprinkler Plus include:

● Smart Schedules: ​Water plants automatically based on hyper-local weather data​*

● Fixed Schedules:​ Water plants on specific days or times

● Quick Run: ​Easily start watering from anywhere with the Wyze app

● Sunrise/Sunset Settings:​ Schedule your system to start or finish by sunrise/sunset

● Sensor Ready: ​Compatible with most rain and soil sensors

● Weather Skips:​ Rain, Saturation, Wind, and Temperature skips​*

● Advanced Zone Insights:​ See the past, current, and forecasted soil moisture level for

each zone​*

● Easy Control:​ Start or stop watering directly from the device

*Requires ​Sprinkler Plus ($9.99/yr)

Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors 

Smoke detectors are a compulsory and invaluable home safety feature. Unlike traditional smoke detectors that only provide audible alerts when smoke is detected, a smart smoke detector alerts those in the home and also sends messages to designated responders. 

We found the two best products in this category to be the Nest Protect and First Alert Onelink Safe & Sound systems. The Nest Protect is outfitted with emergency lights to help you navigate out of a smoke-filled home, while Alert Onelink Safe & Sound comes with sophisticated features like an integrated smart speaker for voice control.

Nest Protect Smoke Alarm

Nest Protect is one of the best smart smoke detectors money can buy. With a futuristic design, the device has a square body and rounded corners, and is slightly broader than conventional smoke alarms.

Nest Protect is available in two power configurations, battery-powered and hard-wired. The battery-powered variant requires six AA batteries, while the wired model requires three for backup.

The AA-powered model’s battery life is dependent on usage, but should last for five years or more. The product’s lifespan is meant to last 10 years, after which it should be replaced (as is recommended for all smoke detectors).

According to the product use guidelines, Nest Protect is not designed for use in kitchens due to the high humidity of this environment, but can be installed nearby at a distance of three meters or more away from cooking appliances.

The setup is straightforward. The Nest Protect is ideally mounted to the ceiling using the backplate; however, it can also be wall-mounted. Installation instructions are supplied. Once installed, you can use the Nest app to manage the smoke detector. 

The Nest Protector includes a Split-Spectrum Sensor that detects any type of fire or smoke. It also features a carbon monoxide (CO) sensor.

When the Nest Protect detects a problem, you’ll first hear a verbal message, such as “Smoke has been detected in your home,” before the 85dB alarm goes off.

First Alert Onelink Safe & Sound

First Alert’s Onelink Safe & Sound is one of the best and most reliable systems available today. First Alert has been keeping homes safe with its range of smoke and CO (carbon monoxide) alarms for over forty years. 

The Onelink Safe & Sound is a smart alarm that connects to your home network through Wi-Fi and sends warnings directly to your phone. Unlike Nest Protect or other detectors, Onelink Safe & Sound has a built-in speaker and comes with Alexa included, allowing you to also use the device for entertainment. 

In addition to the speakers and Alexa capabilities, a photoelectric smoke sensor, a Bluetooth radio, an 802.11n (2.4GHz) Wi-Fi radio, a carbon monoxide sensor, an 85dB siren, and a microphone are all housed within.

You can get all the functions of Alexa through the device, such as voice-activated access to sports scores, the latest news and weather, and the ability to manage other smart devices. Also, you can play music from your Amazon library or your phone through Bluetooth.

The Onelink Safe & Sound is somewhat bigger than the Nest Protect, measuring 2.2 by 6.8 by 6.8 inches (HWD). In the middle, a 10-watt BMR (Balanced Mode Radiator) speaker is encircled by a multi-color LED status indication ring that also functions as a nightlight. The device uses multi-colored LED light to indicate use or actions. For example, when the device is active for setup, the led status indication ring flashes white. It glows green when idle, flashes blue when you connect with a phone and flashes red during an alert. When an Alexa voice command is processed, it shows blue and cyan colors.

The Safe & Sound may be used as a stand-alone alarm or wirelessly linked to other Safe & Sound devices. When activated, it will send a push notification to your phone with a red screen indicating that smoke/CO has been detected in the room. The screen has controls for contacting 911 and disabling the alarm.

Smart Speakers

A smart speaker is an excellent accessory to control your smart lighting systems, and a convenient entertainment technology for your home. 

Amazon’s Echo and Google’s Home are the market leaders in this category. Amazon Echo has been in the lead for a few years thanks to its large userbase, dependable support and constant updates. Their device is powered by Amazon Alexa, while Google’s Home is powered by Google Assistant. Other smart product manufacturers have adopted both Alexa and Google Assistant, thus they have a wider integration than other manufacturers.

Amazon Echo

The latest Amazon Echo (4th gen) is wrapped in a near-spherical shell made from recycled fabric and aluminum. Amazon moved the trademark light ring from the top to the bottom of the device. The new Echo is still powered by Amazons Alexa. Like the Echo Plus, the 4th gen Echo is fitted with a built-in smart hub made by Zigbee.

This Echo sports Amazon’s AZ1 Neutral Edge processor for machine learning, which makes the Echo smarter and more efficient than earlier versions – particularly notable in the device’s improved speech recognition.

Critics agree that the fourth-generation Echo is the best Echo yet. If you’ve never used a smart speaker, the 4th gen Amazon Echo is an excellent smart speaker for a first-time user. It is equally great for experienced users, and provides excellent value relative to cost.

Google Home

Despite being released 2 years after the Amazon Echo, Google Home is a major competitor to the Echo and rightly so. This smart speaker from Google is designed for convenience and entertainment. You can get information, play music, and control other smart products through voice control. The device is powered by Google Assistant, which is Google’s proprietary AI assistant. 

Google Home can connect to Philips Hue lightbulbs, Nest thermostats, and Samsung’s SmartThings platform, among many other systems and manufacturers.

Google recently renamed Google Home speakers to Google Nest, so the latest smart speakers from Google are called Google Nest Audio, Google Nest Hub Max, and Google Nest Mini. The Nest Audio is a low-end product. 

If you’re not an audiophile, then the Nest Audio will serve you well. We will recommend the Nest Hub Max and Nest Mini if you want to enjoy superior sound and the smart features of Google Nest simultaneously. 

Google Home/Google Nest is a capable device, providing access all types of streaming and services, and the voice assistant is responsive. Overall, the device provides excellent value relative to cost.

Apple HomeKit and HomePod Smart Speakers

Apple also has products available in the smart home market, with its HomeKit cosystem and HomePod smart speakers. Characteristically, Apple promotes its security and privacy as part of the compelling features of the HomeKit ecosystem.

Apple’s HomePod speakers offer excellent sound quality and is compatible with AI powered assistants like Google Home and Amazon Alexa. The HomePod is one of the best sounding speakers in the market, producing big and clear sounds from its tiny box. 

Sonos Smart One

The Sonos Smart One is among the best smart speakers you can buy right now. The device delivers impressive sound quality and smart function simultaneously. Sonos equipped the Smart One with six internal microphones which pick up sound easily, providing one of the best user experiences available in the smart speaker market.

The design of the speaker is similar to the company’s previous Sonos Play:1 model. However, the Smart One adds a touch-sensitive capability which allows the user to control music by swiping or tapping on the top surface of the devicd, in addition to controlling the speakers from anywhere remotely through the included app.

Sonos Smart One supports Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and as some lesser-known AI assistants, as well as most streaming platforms.

Smart Audio Systems for Music

Technology has also gifted us with smart audio systems, which are different from smart speakers. Smart audio systems are designed to integrate with and improve your TV and movie viewing experiences, as well as provide superior audio quality.  These systems include multi-room audio capabilities like those from Audio Pro, Denon, and Sonos, and they have multiple speakers that can be placed in different rooms and controlled from an app.

Sonos Arc – the premium soundbar

Sonos products offer exceptional sound quality for a reasonable price. The Sonos Arc uses Dolby’s newest TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus sound codecs to provide the highest quality lossless audio available on cutting-edge Blu-ray discs and some of the most popular streaming services. It then improves the 3D soundscape by employing Dolby Atmos object tracks to bounce some sounds off the walls surrounding you, giving the impression that they are coming at you from all directions.

The soundbar sports subtle volume control, play/pause, and mute buttons that let it blend into the background, and features a basic status LED light that self-adjusts brightness based on ambient light.

The Sonos Arc weighs13.78 lb (6.25 kg), making it light enough for a wall mount. It has two reinforced rear holes for wall installation for a forward-facing mounting arrangement, although the bass response is naturally more focused when it bounces off a tabletop surface.

Multiple Sonos speakers can be paired to provide a  multi-room sound experience

Denon HEOS Multi-Room System

Denon is a favorite sound system manufacturer among audiophiles. The company’s products are as impressive as they come, and the Denon HEOS multi-room is no exception. The speakers offer punchy bass, clear midrange, refined tonal balance, and a simple app for controls.

If you want a multi-room sound system, consider getting the larger HEOS 7. It is powered by five Class D amplifiers and features two tweeters, two mid/bass drivers, a pair of passive bass radiators, and a subwoofer.

Each speaker is fitted with the same number of connectors on the back: USB, ethernet, and auxiliary inputs (the HEOS 7 comes with a headphone output too). There are additional buttons for pairing Bluetooth and connecting the items to Wi-Fi.

To connect the speakers to your wireless network, use the HEOS app and either attach an ethernet connection into the back of the device or use a 3.5mm connector to transfer data from your smartphone or tablet to the device.

Audio Pro Multi-Room System

This shortlist of excellent smart multi-room audio systems would be incomplete without the Audio Pro multi-room system. You can build out your multi-room system with any of Audio Pro’s speakers. The impressive Addon C5 speaker, Addon C3, Addon C5A, and the sonically superior Addon C10 are among the best speakers in the Audio Pro lineup. 

The Addon C5, Addon C3, and Addon C10 are nearly identical in appearance but for size. The Addon C5A sports a volume indication and a pair of microphones on its head for usage with Alexa voice assistant.

Among the four speakers listed, the ADD C10 has the biggest woofer at 13cm, the Addon C3 carries a 9cm woofer, while the Addon C5 and Addon C5A have a 10cm woofer. The Class D digital amplification power output for these devices matches their woofer sizes: 80W, 40W, and 15W.

On the top of each of the four speakers is a large circular volume control flanked by four smaller buttons for power-on, play/pause, input selection, Bluetooth pairing to the left, and pre-sets to the right.

Smart Technology for Home Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

If you’re serious about installing the newest smart technologies in your custom home, then a smart thermostat is a must-have. Only a handful of smart home gadgets can offer the comfort and energy-saving a smart thermostat provides.

Smart thermostats are more than mere temperature regulators. They can tell when you’re at home and when you’re not, so your HVAC system works only when needed, which can amount to significant energy savings.  In addition, many now come with features typically associated with other smart devices, such as speakers and voice control for streaming audio services and AI interfaces.

The latest smart thermostats come with multiple sensors that can be placed in different rooms to detect human presence, ensuring that the HVAC system works only in spaces that are in use.

Ecobee SmartThermostat

The 5th generation Ecobee SmartThermostat, the Ecobee 5, supports full Amazon Alexa integration, allowing users to utilize the Alexa calling, messaging, and drop-in features directly from the device.

The Ecobee 5 supports Amazon Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio, TuneIn and a slew of other music players. In addition to controls available through the app, there is a small touchscreen display for controlling temperature and other features on the front of the device. 

In terms of connectivity, the Ecobee 5 features everything you want in a smart thermostat: smartphone app management, intelligent scheduling, and presence detection, which allows it to recognize whether you are at home or not and modify your HVAC system appropriately. The integrated remote sensor allows you to detect the temperature in different sections of your home and balance the system accordingly, eliminating the need for numerous zones. The remote sensor can detect human presence, allowing the system to adjust output based on where people are in your house. 

The remote sensor on the Ecobee 5 SmartThermostat has been entirely redesigned for this 5th generation device, with a battery life of up to five years, a pairing range of up to 60 feet, and enhanced wide-angle detection of motion activity. For mounting options, the system includes a new magnetic mount, a standard wall mount, and a traditional stand for more versatile positioning choices. The SmartThermostat comes with one sensor, and additional sensors may be purchased in packs of two for $79. At any given moment, the system can accommodate up to 32 sensors.

Nest Thermostat

Nest thermostats offer an excellent alternative to Ecobee thermostats, as they are feature-rich and reasonably priced as well. You can get a Nest thermostat for $129 on Amazon currently, and if you’re lucky, as low as $109 with a promotional price. If you want a more sophisticated thermostat, consider increasing your budget to purchase the Google Nest Learning Thermostat.

The Nest Thermostat has a side-touch interface that simplifies the hardware into slide-and-tap controls, eliminating the need to spin the entire thermostat ring to access the setting. Although the Nest Thermostat doesn’t come with a built-in smart speaker like the Ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control, it does support Alexa and Google Assistant. Also, it allows remote control through the Google Home app.

Overall, the latest Nest Thermostat has a new app and look, and it is also less expensive than its predecessors.

Wyze Thermostat

Wyze Labs makes some of the most affordable smart thermostats in the market. For $78.98, you get a simple, smart thermostat with all the features you need to manage your home’s cooling/heating remotely. And, don’t let the affordability fool you, as the device supports Alexa and Google Assistant and can be controlled via the Wyze app. 

Once you’ve downloaded the Wyze app and registered an account, installing the thermostat is straightforward. The software facilitates initial configuration and programming by allowing you to build a custom schedule for home, sleep, and away temperatures for each day of the week and weekend, as well as for full weeks. If you don’t always want to be connected to your smartphone, you can access most of the thermostat’s choices via its onboard display.

Reminders to change your air filter are becoming more popular on smart thermostats, but Wyze goes a step farther than others. A percentage of utilization is calculated using the filter’s size and lifespan rating. It also allows you to save several filter types for tracking reasons. If you change to a better-performing filter during the year, you can just add the details of the item, and the software will keep note of it. Unlike the Nest Thermostat, Wyze does not track the overall operation of your HVAC system and does not give maintenance reminders or warnings.

Controlling Your Smart Home as a Unit: Smart Home Hubs

As your smart home grows, you’ll undoubtedly want to consider purchasing a smart home hub to connect everything together. A smart home hub allows smart devices from different brands to communicate on one platform, acting as the brains of the operation.

The most popular smart home hubs are the Wink Hub 2 and Samsung SmartThings Hub. SmartThings is considerably more powerful under the hood if you prefer to tinker, while Wink has a simpler, easier-to-use interface. In all, both smart home hubs function nicely with both iOS and Android, so they’re relatively platform-agnostic. Also, they have a wide range of smart home device compatibility; however, nothing is truly all-encompassing. So, before you buy, check out their compatibility pages (Wink, SmartThings). If you ignore this essential research, you risk spending unnecessarily to get smart devices that fit together efficiently.

We typically advise against single-protocol hubs, such as the one included with the Amazon Echo Plus, which only supports Zigbee. The more protocols your hub supports, the more flexibility you’ll have.

Voice assistants are also a good investment for the beginning of your smart home adventure. Nothing beats being able to control your lights, air conditioner, and television with your voice.

Both the Amazon Echo and the Google Home have a wide range of device compatibility, although Alexa is more compatible with smart home devices and third-party capabilities, while Google is more intelligent when answering inquiries and learning about your routine.

As you add devices, sophisticated controllers such as the Brilliant Operate and the forthcoming AtmosControl may be worth considering, which install a panel on your wall and allow you to control many of your smart home devices- even those that use different protocols- from a single location.

For those who want a voice assistant that shows the condition of your thermostat or the view from your security cameras, the Amazon Echo Show and Google Home Hub might be useful additions.

Choosing the Best Smart Home Products for Your Custom Home

Don’t assume you have to purchase everything at the same time. Start with a few devices, and you’ll soon discover which kind of integrations are most beneficial to you. Instead of collecting every device you can get your hands on, consider the pain spots in your day.

Focus on products with a wide range of compatibility and multi-channel control

For example, we consider voice control to be the most helpful aspect of a smart home. Voice control support allows you to operate your smart device without touching your smartphone or interacting with the dedicated hub, so it follows that smart gadgets with Alexa and Google Assistant support should be top on your preference list.

Compatibility is another important factor to consider when purchasing your smart devices. Most manufacturers of smart devices build each unit to be part of an ecosystem of smart things. The best smart devices are capable of integrating and communicating with a high number of devices. For example, your smart lock can notify your lights that you’ve arrived home, causing them to switch on.

So if you want this type of communication and automation, consider buying smart devices with high compatibility.

Smart Homes Have the Potential to Be Even Smarter

When dealing with smart gadgets, keep in mind that they are not as intelligent as you, so don’t be disappointed if your smart home doesn’t work as you envisioned.

You will learn that there is no single system or app that will manage all your smart gadgets seamlessly. Even if you purchase all your smart products from one brand, there is still a chance that one/some of the gadgets won’t integrate perfectly every time you use them.

Instead of worrying about the glitches and incompatibility of the devices, you can raise the synchronization and automation of your smart home a notch higher by using smart workaround tools like IFTTT and Yonomi. These tools coordinate devices and systems across brands and platforms, allowing the user to schedule a chain of reactions based on specific actions, such as a typical sequence which goes like this: “when I unlock the door after 6:30 pm, turn on the lights.”

Conclusion 

At the end of the day, smart gadgets should make your life simpler, not more difficult. Start your smart home design by focusing on activities that you want to automate. For example, if mowing is a challenge for you because you are busy or don’t want the constant responsibility of lawn maintenance, that is a great reason to invest in a smart lawnmower.  Similarly, if home security provides you with a level of personal comfort you desire, then automate it with smart devices.

Don’t get too caught up in constructing a cutting-edge, integrated system that will compete with the Bat cave or Ironman suit —you’ll be disappointed. Instead, focus on the areas of your day that are bothering you and start by building a simple smart system to solve those challenges.  Then add features and new systems as time and budgets allow.

If you are considering building your own custom home in Dallas, now is the perfect time. According to the Dallas Business Journal, new home construction in Dallas soared in 2020, even after the outbreak of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

In fact, the construction of new single-family homes in the Dallas-Fort Worth area surged by 30% last year. To put that in perspective, that was the highest new construction volume in over a decade

Ben Caballero, the owner of HomesUSA.com, says, “Dallas-area new home sales continue to impress…Builders in the Dallas-Fort Worth market simply can’t build homes fast enough to meet the remarkable demand.”

Let’s look at the local trends to understand why this is happening, the best ways you can (and should) respond, and finally, how you can use this information to have the home of your dreams.

Dallas is Definitely a Seller’s Market: By the Numbers

54% of real estate experts who responded to the latest Zillow Home Prices Expectations Survey predict that DFW will be the sixth-hottest housing market in the country and outperform the national average. Right now, median home prices in the area have reached an all-time high of $330,000, representing an astounding year-over-year spike of nearly 32%.

Realtor.com agrees — their March 2021 Market Hotness Report says that the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington market is “heating up” and that inventory is moving 26% faster, both compared to 2020. On average, homes spend 16 less days on the market than they did last year.  

There are more house-hunters and buyers than there are homes for sale in Dallas. The total number of sales has increased by nearly 9%, while the number of active listings has gone down by over 25%. As a result, inventory is at an all-time low. Right now, the Months of Inventory in Dallas has dropped to 1.2 months. In May of 2020, the MOI figure was 3 months.

What are the Takeaways from All of This?

First and foremost, it means that for existing homes in and around Dallas, Fort Worth, and Arlington, it is absolutely a seller’s market. Existing homes are harder to find, they are being sold faster, and they are more expensive than ever. That is the reality for you as a buyer.

But looked at another way, these challenges present an exciting opportunity. Since it is getting harder and harder to buy a home, more people are building a home in Dallas. According to the National Association of Home Builders, there were 43,844 single-family construction permits issued in DFW in 2020. That makes Dallas #2 among all U.S. metros.

For you, that means that the best way for you to find the home you are looking for is to build it. YOU set your budget, YOU choose the plan and the features, and YOU work with your builder to make your dream home a reality.

If you have never had a home built before, let’s look at some of the hottest trends in Dallas custom homes.

Location, Location, Location: Where to Build Your Dallas Custom Home

Obviously, you need land to build your home, but it can be difficult to find undeveloped land for sale or a vacant residential lot within the city limits. You can stumble upon such a location from time to time, but not in any specific neighborhood, and not with any regularity

This issue has led to a suburban boom that is happening across the country in general, but in the Dallas area in particular. In fact, just a few years ago, Realtor.com ranked Dallas #2 in the country among cities with the fastest-growing suburbs. The standouts include:

  • Richardson (12 miles away): Population 121,323. Growth since 2010 +22%

For over a decade, Richardson has been included on a wide variety of annual “Best of” lists, including Places to Live, Safest, Places to Raise Kids, Workplace for Commuters, Happiest, Suburbs for Young Professionals, and Best Real Estate Market;

  • Carrollton (15 miles): Pop. 139,248. +17%

In 2020, personal finance technology company SmartAsset named Carrollton one of the Most Livable Cities in the U.S. and one of the Best Places to Do Business in Texas. In 2021, the company also named Carrollton as one of the Top Safest Cities Nationwide.

  • Plano (17 miles): Pop. 287,677. +11%

Over two dozen Fortune 1000 companies have corporate headquarters or major regional offices in Plano.

  • Allen (20 miles): Pop. 105,623. +25%

In 2017, CNN Money ranked Allen #2 in both its Best Places to Live and Best Places to Launch a Career lists.

  • Forney (21 miles): Pop. 27,236. +86%

Homes.com ranks Forney #2 on its list of the Best Suburbs to Move To in 2021.

  • Wylie (24 miles):  Pop. 53,067. +28%

In 2016, NerdWallet ranked Wyle as the #1 Small City for a Family.

  • Frisco (25 miles): Pop. 207,748. +78%

WalletHub ranks Frisco #6 nationally and #1 in Texas on its list of the Fastest-Growing Cities in America.

  • Little Elm (28 miles): Pop. 53,126. +105%

In 2013, the FBI proclaimed Little Elm to be the Safest City in Texas.

  • McKinney (32 miles): Pop. 199,177. +52%

In 2014, Money magazine rated McKinney as the Best Place to Live in America. 

  • Prosper (34 miles): Pop. 31,700. +264%

Conveniently, the North Dallas Tollway runs through Prosper, making for an easier commute.

  • Denton (40 miles): Pop. 141,541. +25%

Denton is home to two colleges: the University of North Texas and Texas Women’s College, with a combined enrollment of over 45,000 students.

  • Melissa (40 miles): Pop. 12,117. +158%

Melissa students graduate at a higher rate and score better on standardized tests than the state average.

Looking at the population explosions in these DFW suburbs, you can see that the top custom housing trend in Dallas is that people are flocking to the suburbs, more than happy to trade a daily commute for a happier overall lifestyle. 

What About Planned Communities?

Another growing trend that affects custom home building in the Dallas area is the expansion of master-planned communities. Because the development process takes years, these communities often have hundreds of empty lots available. Right now, there are dozens of master-planned communities in the DFW area, with tens of thousands of opportunities available. 

Although they are often thought of only in terms of pre-designed “cookie-cutter” houses, in reality, most master-planned communities do allow custom-built homes that stay within their architectural guidelines.

It’s the best of both worlds — the home builder adheres to standards set by the community and the owner gets the custom-built home of their dreams.

How hot is this particular trend locally?

According to RCLCO Real Estate Consulting, 4 of the top 50 fastest-growing master-planned communities are here in North Texas, each within commuting distance of DFW.

  • Woodcreek Fate (Little Elm)
  • Union Park (Little Elm)
  • Silverado (Aubrey)
  • Pecan Square (Northlake) 

Landscaping: Your Public Face and Private Space

For most people who build a custom home in Dallas, their landscaping is somewhat of an afterthought. They focus so much on the house itself that they do not give enough consideration to the flora and fauna of the surrounding grounds. 

That’s unfortunate, because your landscaping acts as your welcome mat to the world for both visitors and even passers-by, by expressing your personality and your pride of ownership. For yourself, your landscaped areas represent beauty, relaxation, and recreation, whether it’s for gardening, cookouts, or just getting in touch with nature.

Look at it this way — on average, Dallas enjoys 234 sunny days a year. That means you are going to be spending a lot of time outside. In other words, your landscaping matters.

And, if you ever decide to sell your home, the right landscaping can have a huge positive impact on the all-important curbside appeal to potential buyers. In fact, Turf Magazine says that upgrading your landscape from “average” to “excellent” can increase your home’s value by as much as 12 percent.

Longtime Dallas real estate professional Diane Bearden Barrett says there are 5 landscaping trends to watch out for in 2021:

  • Low-Maintenance Options: If you don’t relish the idea of spending hours maintaining your yard and plants, try incorporating no-fuss landscaping ideas such as lighting, rocks, statuary, or even potted plants, which typically need less care than in-ground plants.
  • Native Plants: Not every plant can thrive in the North Texas climate. Instead, opt for native plants like White Honeysuckle, Maximilian Sunflowers, Engelmann Daisies, Indian Paintbrushes, Post Oaks, and of course, Bluebonnets.
  • Multi-Season Plants: With a little bit of planning, you can enjoy flowers and greenery year-round. This means that your garden should have a mix of flowers and other plants that bloom during different seasons.
  • Pollinator Gardens: One of the most eco-conscious trends is to include plants, vegetables, and flowers that attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. This is an important contribution you can make, because in some parts of the world, 40% of butterflies and bees are threatened or have declining populations.

Outdoor Living Spaces Blur the Lines

Social distancing during the pandemic highlighted the importance of maximizing your home’s potential. Following this trend when planning your custom home could include building a gazebo, deck, pergola, firepit, or pergola to create an extra “room”.

In fact, multiple experts predict that outdoor kitchens and dining areas might be the next big thing in custom home design. What used to be as simple as setting up a grill and a picnic table in the backyard has evolved into a much more elaborate, yet-popular addition increasingly seen in new constructions.

An outdoor kitchen is exactly what it sounds like — the top setups will have virtually everything your interior kitchen has, including appliances, refrigeration, lighting, electrical outlets, plumbing, countertops, and cabinetry. The biggest difference is, in an outdoor kitchen, everything also has to be weather-resistant and able to stand up to the elements. 

Your Custom Home’s Interior: Spending Quality Time

In many ways, the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic forever changed our lives, including how we view and use our homes. Now, we expect more of our living spaces, demanding better comfort, functionality, versatility, and aesthetic value, and those expectations are reflected in these 2021 design trends for custom homes in Dallas.

The Home Office is Now a Necessity

According to Fixr’s 2021 Single-Family Home Trends Report, home offices are the most-requested additional spaces in new construction projects.

Even before the pandemic began, remote jobs in Dallas-Fort Worth were on the rise. Between 2005 and 2017, the number of full-time telecommuters soared 123%, to a then-total of over 160,000 people. In fact, pre-COVID-19, the Dallas-area remote job share was already above that of the average of the country’s 100 largest metropolitan areas…and still climbing.

In 2016, FlexJobs named Dallas as one of its Top 5 Cities for Remote Work.

Because of social distancing and shelter-in-place mandates, working from home became the new normal. Consider these statistics about telecommuting and COVID-19:

  • 97% of U.S. companies cancelled their work-related travel plans.
  • 88% of businesses asked their employees to work from home.
  • Companies had 38% fewer employees actually in the workplace.
  • Having worked from home, 77% of employees now want to have a hybrid telecommute/workplace schedule.
  • Only 12% want to go back to the way things were.
  • Even with the vaccine and the ability to physically go back to work, it is predicted that by the end of 2021, up to 30% of employees will work from home at least one day a week.

Of special relevance, 29% of people who work from home find it hard to achieve a good work/life balance. 54% of remote employees feel stressed during any given workday, and 45% feel extremely anxious.

Part of the problem is that most people do not have a dedicated distraction-free workspace in their home where they can focus on their job. They end up working on the couch, the kitchen table, or in their bedroom, all places where they are sure to be interrupted. Including an office in your home design plans solves that problem.

Work Out Without Going Out

Similarly, the coronavirus outbreak changed Americans’ exercise habits. Sheltering in-place meant people had more time on their hands, and many decided to use that time productively. By June of 2020, 60% of people polled said they were meeting the physical activity recommendations of the World Health Organization. That was a significant 11% increase over their pre-pandemic fitness routines.

That is good news for local residents, because in 2019, the American College of Sports Medicine released their annual list of the Fittest Cities in America, and Dallas did not score very well, ranking #61 among the 100 largest cities in the country.   

COVID-19 also interfered with people’s ability to go to the gym, and many were afraid to even perform solo fitness activities like cycling, walking, or running. Stuck at home for months, exercise enthusiasts became accustomed to working out in-place.  

Now that lockdowns have ended, people want to keep enjoying the convenience of exercising at home, but they want their bedrooms, living rooms, and garages back. This is why there is a growing demand for dedicated fitness rooms where people can set up home gym equipment like weight benches, treadmills, stationary bikes, yoga mats, and other fitness products.

How hot is this trend?

The Washington Post reports that revenue from health and fitness equipment more than doubled between March and October of last year, climbing to $2.3 billion. Treadmill sales jumped 135%, and stationary bike sales nearly tripled.

Having It Your Way with an Open Floor Plan

In a poll of the building and design industry’s leading experts, 91% responded that open floor plans are the most popular option for new custom homes.

Again, this trend was influenced by the pandemic, as we all had to rely on our homes more than ever before. They needed to be not just our homes, but also our restaurants, schools, gyms, theaters, playgrounds, offices, and libraries.

Only one floor plan is this versatile. By design, an open floor plan is adaptable so the interior spaces of your home can fulfill whatever needs you and your family have at any given time.

Open floor plans are particularly popular with larger or growing families with hectic schedules. For example, on busy mornings when everyone is rushing around trying to get ready for school or work, the “traffic” moves a lot smoother within the great room common area than it would with the walls and doors of a closed floor plan.

Open floor plans also make it easier for family members to communicate and be together, even when they are doing their own thing. Because they aren’t separated by barriers, family members can talk with each other, parents can keep an eye on young children or pets, and everyone can interact, even while they might be individually cooking, working, studying, or playing.

Bigger is Still Better, But So is Versatility

With the aforementioned increased demand for home offices and fitness rooms, it is no surprise that most experts believe that new homes will be getting bigger. In fact, take a look at what people are requesting, in order of preference:

  • Home Offices
  • Extra Storage (closets, pantries, etc.)
  • Playing Spaces
  • Home Gyms
  • Learning Spaces
  • Disinfection Spaces
  • Meditation Spaces

Although some of these will most likely be separate rooms, in other cases, you can have your individual needs met by having multi-use rooms. For example, with the right storage, a learning space can easily convert to a playroom when lessons are done, or your meditation space can be in your fitness room. 

But either way, homes ARE trending bigger, in terms of both number of bedrooms and the overall square footage.

According to Today’s Homeowner, 89% of new single family home construction projects have 3 or more bedrooms. Even more telling, in 2010, only 35% of new single-family residences had 4 or more bedrooms, but today, that number has climbed to 43%.

The Bottom Line About Custom Home Trends in the Dallas Area

Ultimately, the choice of which trends, if any, you choose to follow when you build your Dallas custom home will depend on your preferences, your family’s needs, and your budget. We hope this information has served as a good jumping-off point that has given you something to think about as you start the process of designing and building your dream home here in the DFW area.

At the same time, we want to hear from YOU about your experiences during the whole process. Please leave any comments or questions and feel free to reach out if there is a specific topic you would like to see addressed.   

SOURCES:

Dallas-Fort Worth new home construction soared in 2020 despite COVID – Dallas Business Journal (bizjournals.com)

Dallas-Fort Worth new home sales hold strong, but market is tightening – Dallas Business Journal (bizjournals.com)

Zillow Q1 2021 Home Price Expectations Survey – Summary & Comments (economicgreenfield.com)

Market Hotness Index – Realtor.com Economic Research

Texas Quarterly Housing Report – Texas REALTORS® (texasrealestate.com)

Dallas Housing Market: Prices | Trends | Forecast 2021 (noradarealestate.com)

Dallas nails ranking as second busiest home construction spot in U.S. – CultureMap Dallas

Where are Texas’ fastest-growing cities? Check the suburbs | The Kinder Institute for Urban Research (rice.edu)

Dallas Ranks #2 For The Fastest Growing Suburbs – Destination DFW – Dallas Fort Worth Relocation Guide

The Best Small American Cities For Families (forbes.com)

Fastest-Growing Cities in America (wallethub.com)

FBI Names Little Elm The Safest City In Texas – CBS Dallas / Fort Worth (cbslocal.com)

Allen, Texas: MONEY’s # Best Place to Live in 2017 | Money

Carrollton Ranks as One of the Most Livable Cities in the U.S. | Latest City News | City of Carrollton, TX

The Best U.S. Suburbs to Move to in 2021 | Homes.com

DFW Dallas Fort Worth Master-Planned Communities (texasnewhomerebates.com)

North Texas Master-Planned Communities Among 50 Fastest-Growing in U.S. – CandysDirt.com

The Top-Selling Master-Planned Communities of 2020 (rclco.com)

How Much Does Landscaping Really Add to a Home’s Value? – Turf Magazine

Trends in Landscaping | Diane Bearden (dianebeardenrealestate.com)

Pollination and Pollinators (psu.edu)

The 8 Major Home Design Trends That’ll Be Big in 2021 – Redfin

https://comfyliving.net/work-from-home-statistics/-

Dallas works its way up the work-from-home ladder, report shows – CultureMap Dallas

Work from Home Before and After the COVID-19 Outbreak – Research Dept. Working Paper No. 2017 – Dallas Fed

Hottest home design trends for 2021 (globalsources.com)

Study: People in U.S. exercising more, but less intensely, during pandemic – UPI.com

Here’s How Dallas Ranks For Physical Fitness | Dallas, TX Patch

Home-fitness gear surges during pandemic – The Washington Post

Single-Family Home Trends 2021: Construction and Remodeling Report (fixr.com)

10 Different Design Trends That Will Be Everywhere in 2021—and Beyond (realtor.com)

Characteristics of New Housing (census.gov)

Trend Reversal:  Homes are Getting Bigger Again (inside.lighting)

2021 AIA Home Design Trends Survey – Q2 Home and Property Design

New Homes Bigger Than 10 Years Ago but Apartments Trail Behind (storagecafe.com)

The tile you choose for your custom home in Dallas shouldn’t be a spur-of-the-moment decision. Unlike other elements such as light fixtures or paint, tile is incredibly difficult and costly to change down the road. It requires an extensive remodel with plenty of debris in the mix. So, to avoid that hassle in the future, it’s best to take time to select a tile that you know you’ll love long term. 

To make that decision easier, we’ve created a guide of the main considerations to keep in mind. Tile may seem straightforward as far as materials go, but it’s actually quite complex. So, read on to find out everything you need to know to select your tiles correctly from the start.

Tile Type

First and foremost, you’ll want to determine the type of tile you need for each space. Are you in search of a kitchen backsplash? Mudroom flooring? Shower surround or powder room floor? No matter the area, knowing precisely what you need will help you narrow down your search. And while virtually any tile can be used in any room, there are some tiles that are more conducive to certain environments. 

Bathrooms, to start, are typically much more prone to water spills and high humidity. Slipping can be a hazard with the wrong type of tile. Because of this, we recommend staying away from high-gloss marble tiles that will be less forgiving should water splash on occasion. The same goes for entryways and mudrooms, which tend to be spaces where water and mud are frequently tracked inside. Avoid too-smooth tiles that may make it difficult to grip the floor.

On the other hand, backsplashes and showers tend to be areas that need frequent cleaning. Everything from cooking messes to soap scum can build up quickly, so having a tile that is a breeze to wipe down is a must. Avoid ultra-matte tiles or tiles with rougher textured surfaces. These are generally more difficult to keep clean since getting into each groove can be a painstaking and time-consuming process. In these cases, stick with smoother tiles.

Installation

An extremely important, but often overlooked, consideration is the installation process. Most people look only at the sticker price of tiles on the shelves, but they don’t necessarily stop to consider the cost of installation until it’s too late and they’ve already committed to a specific material. The bottom line is that certain tiles are more difficult to install than others, which can greatly impact how expensive the end cost will be.

Encaustic and cement tiles, while beautiful, can be tricky to get right. They are heavy and made via a process that is more natural, which means each tile may not be an exact match. There will be imperfections, and while this will undoubtedly look beautiful and organic, it can make for a costly installation. Similarly, certain tiles that are more intricate and detailed like custom mosaic patterns or penny tiles will be more difficult to install than larger and more uniform tile types. With these, there is less room for error and each piece must be placed exactly. The end result is absolutely beautiful, but keeping the installation top of mind is important during your planning process.

Style & Pattern

Perhaps the most enjoyable element of choosing your home’s tile is narrowing down your style and pattern. As long as you’re aware of the difficulties and cost of installation, and you have an idea of the type of tile you need for each space, this step is completely subjective and personal. It’s all about your individual style and personality. 

For those who love a healthy dose of color in their homes, and who aren’t afraid to take bold design risks, opting for a whimsical tile pattern or an ultra-saturated and colorful tile can make for a beautiful design overall. However, as we mentioned previously, tile is difficult to change out over time. So, if you like to refresh your home’s style and furnishings over time, you may want to consider a more subtle and neutral base as your tile choice. Whites, creams, greys, and blacks are timeless, and there are endless patterns and sizes to choose from, so you can still get creative with your style if you’re looking for something a bit more unique. Try installing a hexagon tile pattern for a modern design, or consider something like a fish scale tile for an infusion of a playful aesthetic.

Grout Color

Finally, when choosing your custom home’s tiles, you absolutely need to prioritize grout. It’s far less “sexy” than the tile itself, but it is extremely important to get it right since it will impact how your tile fares over time.

When it comes to grout, you’ll want to weigh two key factors: the style of your tile and grout pairing, and the ease of cleaning. First is your tile style. While any color of grout can work with any tile, the color of grout you choose will change the aesthetic of your space. Opting for a softer grout color that blends with your tile or has just a hint of contrast will make your tile feel more expansive and can open up the room visually. On the contrary, choosing a heavily-contrasted grout color will emphasize the detail and design of your tile. Each individual tile will stand out more clearly, and the overall look may feel more busy. It all depends on the style you’re going for.

Of course, cleaning ease must be considered as well. This second consideration is purely functional, and also incredibly straightforward. Lighter grout will get dirty and require cleaning more frequently, while darker grout is more forgiving for dirt and grime. For these reasons, the placement of your tiles will help you make the right decision. Avoid white or very light grout in heavy traffic areas like a mudroom or on bathroom floors, but feel free to use it on walls or backsplashes that will see less dirt overall. 

Tile offers endless possibilities for creativity and personality in your custom home, so it’s incredibly important to choose a style that is right for you both aesthetically and functionally. With our foolproof guide, you can safely eliminate the overwhelm of the decision process and find a tile that works for exactly what you need. And when it’s all done and you have the perfect tile in place, we guarantee you’ll love it through and through.

Closets can be designed in a number of ways. They can be typical and expected, using a mass-produced system from a big-box store. Or they can be semi-custom, using a pre-made set from a store, but designed in a way that meets the specifications of both your closet space and your clothing storage needs. Then again, a closet can also go the fully-custom route with high quality built-ins that are made exactly to the room’s dimensions and customized in new and unexpected ways. No matter the type or level of customization you choose, a master closet deserves a healthy dose of creativity. 

Seating

A walk-in closet in a custom home isn’t complete without seating. After all, everyone needs an area to put on shoes, or an extra surface to toss clothes on occasion. That seating could be an ottoman, bench, or comfortable chair. But as long as you’re going the custom home route, why not get creative with your seating? A custom-made island dresser in the center of your closet is great for extra storage, but it’s also an opportunity to build a permanent seating solution. Especially if you opt for a plush upholstered bench seat, it’s guaranteed to elevate both the style and functionality of the entire space. Another seating option for wardrobes with cabinet doors is to build in a bench that spans the length of the wall. Similar to a mudroom design, this allows for plenty of seating, and because it’s built along the wall, it saves floor space and keeps the room open and unobstructed.

Dual Office Space

One of the benefits of a custom home is the high square footage, including a spacious master bedroom closet. But not everyone needs multiple dressers or standing storage units in addition to the built-in wall units. So, what do you do with the extra space in the center of the closet? You can certainly keep it open, but putting it to good use is also a smart idea. In current times when remote work is the norm, why not use the extra floor space for a comfortable home office? This is especially a great solution if you have multiple remote workers in your household. With a bright window and a trend-setting desk, it can be the perfect quiet retreat to get your work done each day.

Space Savers

From a functional perspective, a custom closet absolutely needs space-saving organizers. Dedicated racks, drawers, and shelves are important foundations, of course. But beyond this, you’ll want to consider creative dividers and drawer inserts to make the best use of your closet. Honeycomb compartment inserts are great for rolled shirts or undergarments. Beyond this, drawer organizers can come in handy for jewelry, accessories, perfume, or makeup. For articles of clothing that need to stay crisp and starched, you should consider pull-out racks for dress pant storage, or even install a revolving tie rack to display your most-used ties. In addition, we recommend skipping the floor hamper. Instead, go for a built-in hamper that pulls out from your closet cabinetry. This allows you to easily collect dirty clothes and keep the floor of your closet spotless.

Open Closet Design

Closets don’t always need to be tucked out of sight. In fact, some of the most intriguing closet designs are easily accessible and located right within the main bedroom area. The trick to this design, though, is to keep the area partially hidden. Erecting a custom wall between the bedroom and the closet space allows you to keep your clothing out of direct sight, but still gives the effect of an open and airy space. In this case, your closet feels connected to your bedroom, both in style and in terms of natural lighting. No need to worry about installing an extra window. With an open closet design, the flow between your bedroom and closet is seamless.

Custom Shelving for Unique Nooks 

At times, a custom home may make use of every floor – including the traditional attic space. What that means is that instead of using that level for storage or insulation alone, it is used as a bedroom or other living space. In these situations, installing a creative closet system is essential. The key in unique areas like lofts or eaves is to make use of every nook and cranny. Consider building shelves that slant into the unused corner between the slanted ceiling and floor. By using these for shoe storage, for instance, you can easily fit daily essentials without the space feeling awkward or misplaced. Likewise, it’s always a good idea to take advantage of any wall space and build your closet vertically. Don’t be afraid to incorporate hooks or ceiling-suspended rods in order to accommodate non-traditional closet areas of your home.

Lighting

Finally, a custom closet always needs good lighting. Whether that’s an overhead chandelier, in-cabinet LED lights, or overhead track lighting, it’s a must to illuminate the entire space. Not only do you need lights to see the actual clothes in your closet, but you also need lighting to see an accurate reflection of your outfit in the mirror. Whenever possible, we also recommend installing an exterior window. The natural light combined with the well-lit interior will make for a pleasant closet space and experience overall.

Creating the ideal custom closet takes more than a pre-made kit. It takes innovation and a deep understanding of how you intend to use the space. Are you someone who prefers utility and function above all else? Then a well-designed and organized closet is for you. Do you prefer to add a dash of style to every space – including your closet? Then a beautiful closet with a stylish light fixture, comfortable rug, and plush seating may be your best choice. Whatever you choose, don’t be afraid to think outside the box with your closet design. The resulting experience will be well worth it.

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Let’s face it – summers in Dallas (and the rest of Texas) are HOT. And we all know that the best way to beat the heat is to cool off in a beautiful pool. Pool designs range in size and complexity, and must be tailored to each home’s particular landscape and layout. In fact, you should put as much effort into your pool’s design as you do for the interior of your custom home, because you are designing your backyard to be a retreat- a place that encourages relaxation and serves as an escape from the outside world.

If you’re in the process of designing your in-ground pool, read on for our favorite unique pool design ideas. With these additions, you’ll enjoy your backyard oasis through all the seasons of the year here in Dallas.

Beach Entry or Tanning Ledge

Any pool can have a ladder or step entrance. But a truly custom pool earns major appreciation with a built-in beach entry. Also known as a tanning ledge, this space is either an elongated first step for lounging or a slowly-sloping entrance that mimics a beach. The result is a sunbathing spot that automatically keeps you cool, no matter how hot or humid it may be. To upgrade your beach entry even further, you can add built-in lounge chairs and an umbrella. All you need to top it all off is a nice cold cocktail and your new summer read.

Dual Pool & Hot Tub

Even in the dead of summer, a hot tub is relaxing and rejuvenating. But why keep it in a separate space, away from the activity of the pool? Why not join the two together? A dual pool and hot tub setup is ideal not only for aesthetic purposes, but also for functionality. Tired of the cool water? One quick step over the ledge will get you right into your hot tub station. Or, perhaps you desire a pool that’s not too cool. A hot tub that is slightly raised can offer an infusion of warmth for the pool via a waterfall effect. No matter the set up, if you’re building a custom pool, you’ll definitely want a hot tub to finalize your retreat.

Swim-Up Bar

Summer entertainment isn’t complete without a bar, so why not center your bar around all of the pool action? For in-ground pools, the bar design potential is limitless. A swim-up bar, for instance, offers a cool space to relax with a drink. While the seating is built into the pool, the bar is outside the pool. Thus, it remains dry and can be fully stocked for easy access. With a gazebo top, you can even mount a TV inside to watch the game outdoors. Or, why not try a dual swim-up bar and fire pit? Instead of a stocked bar, you can swim right up to a cozy fire with dry-land seating on the other side. It might not be ideal in the middle of summer, but it will let you enjoy the cool pool through the fall. And, if you integrate a built-in hot tub, you’ll be able to enjoy it even through the winter here in Texas.

Kid-Friendly Solutions

If you have kids, a slide may be at the top of your pool list. But while you can always install a standalone slide, you also have the option to make it more adult-friendly and visually appealing. With a custom pool, you have the ability to create any vision you like. A raised waterfall, for instance, can be custom built to include a slide. The result is a tranquil oasis that still allows for plenty of fun.

Beyond this, a great kid-friendly pool solution is to invest in a mesh safety cover. Not only does it provide peace of mind for children playing in the backyard, but it also keeps your pool debris-free. It’s also strong enough to walk on for both adults and children, so it effectively doubles as a play space when the pool is not in use.

Lazy River

Who says your pool has to be square or stationary? One of the most impressive pool designs is undoubtedly a lazy river. But this design isn’t only for resorts or waterparks. You can actually design a lazy river right in your own backyard. Some designs include a stationary pool in the center with a winding lazy river around it. Others use the center section as an extra lounge area, complete with seating and lush tropical plants. Whatever the design you opt for, a lazy river is a solution that is enjoyable for the entire family.

Pools and hot tubs aren’t merely entertaining, in Texas we would assert they are essential for your custom home. To truly enjoy the summer, a custom home needs a luxurious pool to keep things cool, and a custom hot tub can be enjoyed all year round. No matter what your style – be it a relaxing beach entry or a fun-filled slide design – an in-ground pool and hot tub combination will guarantee endless hours of fun for everyone.

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Unlike renovating an existing home, when you are building a custom home there’s no need to worry about maintaining the previous light fixture placement, or springing for expensive electrical rewiring to get the placement you actually want. A custom home allows you to design your lighting your way, from the start. 

Choosing the right fixtures, though, can be challenging. Even the most beautiful fixture can look out of place in a room if it is not correct in its size, scale, finish, or style. To help ease the selection process, and to avoid the hassle of a return or fixture swap in the future, we have a step-by-step guide that will simplify your experience and let you focus on enjoying the end result.

Step 1: Narrow Your Search by Knowing Your Style

Before you begin to source your light fixtures, it will save you a substantial amount of time to first solidify your style.  This is an absolute necessity because there are an endless number of light fixtures available on the market. The goal when selecting your fixtures is to make the process as straightforward as possible, and that starts with narrowing down your search.

Are you drawn to traditional silhouettes? Do you prefer streamlined and clean, modern lines? What style is your custom home built around? Whatever direction you’ve gone with the rest of your home’s aesthetic is the direction you’ll want to follow when choosing your lighting. It’s easy to get distracted by a gorgeous wedding cake chandelier that would look luxurious in your foyer. But if you have an ultra-contemporary approach to your home design in every other space, it will undoubtedly feel jarring style-wise. Stick to your existing aesthetic and keep your design style top of mind, and we guarantee the selection process will be far easier for you.

Step 2: Take Note of Placement & Type

The beauty of choosing light fixtures in a custom home is that you know exactly where your fixtures need to be placed. Based on your home’s design, you should have a clear list of exactly how many lights you need, and which types of fixtures you need. Your builder can work with you to lay out a checklist of vanity light type, kitchen island pendants, flush mounts, semi-flush mounts, can lighting, or chandeliers, depending on each space’s needs. Armed with a detailed amount of information will help you to know precisely what you should be looking for during your search.

Step 3: Measure Your Space for Scale

To narrow down your selections further, you need to know the size and scale of each space. This is where measurements come into play – once you have the right sizes narrowed down, you can customize your search from there. A basic rule of thumb is to choose a light fixture that fits the size of each room (and when in doubt, go larger than you think is necessary). For example, a miniscule flush-mount light in a wide-open living room with cathedral ceilings will look far too tiny, and functionally, it won’t provide enough light for the entire space. In this case, you’d want to opt for either an oversized chandelier that adequately fits the scale of the room, or multiple smaller lights throughout the ceiling space to provide scale and enough light. Conversely, a smaller mudroom or laundry room needs a smaller-scale fixture to match its size. Options appropriate for such a smaller space could include simple flush mount or semi-flush mount fixtures, or even wall sconces, for a simple and fit-to-size look.

Step 4: Stick to Your Finishes

Just as you want to stay consistent with your light fixture style throughout your custom home, you also want to pay attention to your fixture finishes. And while a mix-and-match approach can look quite beautiful, and there certainly isn’t a hard and fast rule about mixing fixture finishes, you want to ensure that you’re being intentional about your finish selections. Overall, you want to stick to similar finishes in each room, and opt for no more than two different metals in any given space. Brushed brass and matte black, for instance, go quite well together and make for a stunning contemporary aesthetic. Likewise, a brushed nickel or an antique bronze finish will add a warm and traditional vibe to a room. Chrome tends to brighten things up, and matte black will make the best pairing with fixtures in this finish.

Light fixtures don’t have to be complicated, and with our quick checklist the process should be quite approachable. So, if you’ve been scrolling through endless pages of fixtures, feeling like the selection process will never end, don’t stress. With key search criteria firmly in place, narrowing down your choices will be much more manageable, and you’ll have a beautiful light-filled home in no time.

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One of the best aspects of building your own custom home is the fact that you get to quite literally start from scratch. There’s no need to sacrifice on space or square footage, ceiling height or plumbing locations. You can skip the costly retrofitting of an older home, and you never have to face the disappointment that often comes with the realization that that dreamy master suite you envisioned simply cannot happen.

A custom home gives you all the freedom to choose exactly what you want. And one of the most popular areas for customization is hands down the master bath. While each custom bath can look vastly different, depending on each owners’ personal tastes and preferences, there are a few must-haves to consider when designing your own space that you definitely won’t want to skip.

Trendsetting Tile

Incorporating a tile pattern into your master bath that you love through and through is essential. Sure, a run-of-the-mill white or grey tile will look classic and beautiful, but why not take this opportunity to choose something that you know you’ll adore for years to come? Tile is one of the most impactful design choices you can make because it instantly sets the tone and aesthetic for a room. Just be sure that when you’re selecting your tile, you consider all angles. Consult with your contractor on which types of tile may or may not be more difficult to install, and likewise, understand that there is a wide range of price points to consider. Similarly, when choosing your style, consider the longevity of the design. Is it something you could design around endlessly – like a stunning creamy catalina tile? Or are you drawn to a vibrant encaustic tile that you just can’t take your eyes off of (and are more than ready to commit to a bold vibe overall)? Whatever your decision, just know that replacing tile down the road is not an easy (or cheap) task, so you want to find the best fit for the long run.

Double Sink

There are definitely gorgeous single-sink designs out there, but if you have a custom home, why not go for the double sink setup? Trust us when we say that it can be a gamechanger for your relationship. Each person gets their own space, and there’s no debating where you put your toothbrush, hair products, or makeup. If having a double sink has always felt like a faraway luxury, well, now’s the time to embrace it. You have a custom home after all! Go for the design you want.

Ample Storage

Speaking of personal space, one thing that is absolutely non-negotiable is ensuring you have ample storage in your master bath. Whether you’re opting for vanity drawers, a custom-built linen closet, or even a few strategically-placed open shelves, having space to store all those unsightly odds and ends we all use each day in the bathroom is highly recommended. In fact, if you’ve ever had trouble achieving that hotel-quality bathroom style because of constantly-cluttered countertops, then this will be a lifesaver for you. Now, your storage areas don’t have to be perfect, but even something as simple as an open drawer where you can quickly toss your daily toiletries out of sight will give your master bath a luxurious spa-like aesthetic each and every day.

Relaxation

A custom master bath isn’t complete without relaxation at the forefront of the design. Not everyone will want the same elements, of course, but whether you love a rejuvenating shower each morning, or prefer a long bath before bed, you should incorporate your lifestyle into your design. Skip the typical tub/shower combo and single shower head. With a custom master bath, you have the chance to go all out (and we highly recommend doing so). If you have the square footage, it’s worth it to install both a soaking tub and a separate walk-in shower so you can take advantage of both options. Or, at the very least, if a tub is something you just aren’t into at all, be sure to make your walk-in shower as luxurious as possible with custom shower heads that will make you feel as though you’ve entered a tropical paradise each morning. 

Quality Faucets & Hardware

To top everything off, your custom master bath needs to have a collection of quality faucets and hardware. And while it can be tempting to simply opt for the builder-grade materials, in our opinion, it’s worth it big time to source more unique hardware to fit your personal style. Aesthetically, it can be the difference between an exact replica of your neighbor’s home or a magazine-worthy design that wows guests for years (and makes you feel right at home). If you’re wondering where to start, we recommend first narrowing down your desired aesthetic. Whether you love modern, traditional, boho, vintage, or coastal, knowing your style is going to help you narrow down your options. Then, you’ll need to decide on a metal finish. The simplest solution is to keep all of your finishes consistent throughout the entire room, but you can certainly mix and match metals, too. Just remember to keep some consistency throughout by choosing no more than three metals and keeping like metals on the same plane (e.g. all vanity hardware in one metal, your light fixtures in another, and your faucets in another). 

There are endless directions you can take your master bathroom design. But no matter the specifics you choose, if you make sure to prioritize these must-haves, there’s no reason you can’t have a custom space that fits your every need. Because achieving a space that encourages total relaxation isn’t just for high-end hotels. You can get that same feeling inside the walls of your own home. With a custom master bath built to your exact specifications, you’ll never want to leave.

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What makes or breaks curb appeal? With a custom home, it may seem obvious. With everything in brand new condition, what could be more appealing than that? The truth, however, is that curb appeal is about more than maintaining a high quality condition of your home’s exterior. Curb appeal is character, charm, and beauty. It’s made up of all of the small details that together combine to make a house feel inviting through and through. And whether you’re a green thumb, or prefer things simplified for ease of maintenance, there are more curb appeal essentials beyond landscaping to consider. From your home’s color to the placement of your shutters (and more), we’re breaking down all of the essentials you need to make your home visually appealing for both you and your neighbors.

House Color

Getting the right house color seems like a no brainer, right? But requesting a yellow house, for instance, can mean many different things. A soft, almost pastel, yellow offers a cheerful, yet subtle addition to a home’s exterior. On the other hand, opting for a nearly-fluorescent shade of yellow will quickly earn your home the nickname of “lemon meringue pie” (tasty as a dessert, but not so great as a house color). The bottom line is that when you’re choosing your home’s exterior color, you want to take a few things into account. 

The first consideration is the aesthetic of your neighborhood. Do you live in an area where classic colors like white, grey, and blue reign supreme? Then skip the bright pinks or caribbean blues. Similarly, if your neighborhood is known for its artistic individuality and it has an inherently eclectic vibe, you can certainly opt for something a bit more saturated and vibrant. The second thing to keep in mind is that colors always play much brighter in the daylight. So, when choosing a bolder color, you should always opt for more subtle shades in general. For example, while you might be able to get away with a luxurious plum in a powder room or bedroom, on an exterior, it could read more like “grape soda,” so it’s safer to go with a softer shade that can work almost as a neutral instead. For the exterior of your home, playing it safe is usually a good bet. 

Front Door

Just as your house color can be either a major mood booster or a total downer, your front door has the potential to either shine or feel drab and outdated. While it may be tempting to choose any old front door that your builder recommends, remember that it’s one of the first things people see when approaching your home. So, you want it to fit your personality and home’s aesthetic. Someone who loves traditional elements and is inspired by the ornate details in a colonial home or french cottage is going to be much more pleased with a strong and thick wood door, perhaps with stained glass windows or a unique brass door knocker. Contrarily, for someone drawn to modern farmhouse vibes, a simple and straightforward door – perhaps with shaker-style detailing – will be their best fit. 

Now, whether or not you choose to make your front door pop with a unique color is totally up to you. Just be sure that if you choose a color, it works well with your exterior paint color and isn’t too neon-like in hue to blind passerby. A bright color is fine, but going overboard can be disastrous (and generally speaking, if you have a more saturated hue on your home’s exterior, it’s a good idea to create some balance and go for a more toned-down front door).

Shutters

Shutters can be absolutely stunning, no doubt. There’s something so regal and classic about adding them to each floor’s windows. However, if shutters are wrong, they are very wrong. You may not have noticed incorrectly-installed shutters in the past, but after reading this, we guarantee you’ll be able to spot them everywhere you go.

The first mistake some people make is simply buying shutters that are the wrong size. Your shutters should always be the size of your windows (after all, before they were merely decorative, they were meant to functionally close and protect your windows). A too-small shutter wouldn’t ever actually cover the entirety of your window, and even in just a decorative sense, it makes your home look stunted and odd. A too-large shutter looks a little less strange, but it also wouldn’t fit the “function” test, and somehow manages to feel unbalanced next to a smaller window. 

Another shutter mistake people often make is the placement. Remember – a shutter is supposed to, when closed, actually cover the window. So you want to install them on each wall facing the opposite direction. If your window is arched, your arched shutters should swing out so that the lowest point is facing the window and the highest point is on the outside. It may look opposite, but you have to remember that you’re placing it where it would functionally go (even if you aren’t using them functionally).

Front Porch 

There’s nothing quite like a spacious front porch (and a wraparound one is even better). But one of the biggest custom home mistakes we see is a front porch without any railings. That’s not to say it isn’t on the punch list for the future, but we promise that skipping this step is a major curb appeal faux pas. You see, railings are about more than function. Sure, they keep you safe and prevent you from falling and breaking your ankle if you take a step in the wrong direction. But beyond that, railings function in a very strategic visual way. 

Even if they are minimal and can easily be seen through, they work similar to fences, giving a sense that there is a barrier of privacy between your home and the street. It makes your front porch feel enclosed and comfortable, allowing you to fully relax as you watch passerby over a cup of coffee or a happy hour cocktail. Without it, your porch will feel bare and unfinished, to say the least.

The beauty of curb appeal is that it doesn’t take an extraordinary amount of work to get it right. By following a few basic color rules, paying attention to placement of exterior elements, and prioritizing both functionality and style, knocking out a final list of exterior home improvements is actually quite simple. And as far as home improvements go, it’s important to remember that something as straightforward as a new coat of paint can make a huge difference in the way your home looks and feels. The exterior, after all, has a large footprint and is perhaps the most stand-out aspect visually (especially since it’s the first thing anyone sees). So, the bottom line when it comes to perfecting your custom home is to remember that the exterior deserves to have the same attention to detail you’ve given to every other corner of your space. Trust us when we say that if you prioritize it, you’ll be surprised at just how incredible your home’s transformation can be.

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Creating a custom home can sometimes be misleading. “Custom” is often synonymous with “new” rather than actually being completely customized to your taste and personality. What often happens is that a custom home is built for an individual family, but it is also a replica of the neighbor’s home, or the home down the street. And while that makes sense to a certain extent given that different builders and contractors favor different styles, there’s still a level of customization that most people crave.

So, how do you truly customize your home’s look when faced with typical builder-grade fixtures, tile, and finishes? The answer is to get creative and source from a wide variety of vendors, including mom & pop shops, vintage and antique dealers, big box hardware stores, and online marketplaces. The wider you cast your net, the more unique your home’s look is bound to be.

Lighting

Lighting is one of the most overlooked elements of a custom build, and many people assume they have no other option than to use the exact same flush mount fixtures throughout their home. But nothing screams “cookie cutter” like taking that route, and trust us when we say that getting your lighting right is worth every penny because it will completely transform how you feel in each space. 

To choose your lighting, you’ll first want to narrow down the style you’re drawn to. And whether that’s traditional, modern, vintage, or a mix of all three and more, you want to maintain consistency throughout your home. Then, get your size and scale right. A too-small fixture is always a bad idea, and it’s better in general to choose fixtures that are slightly bigger than you think you’ll need. An oversized chandelier can look absolutely amazing over, say, a dining room table, but a tiny pendant over that same table will definitely seem off. 

When it comes to sourcing your lighting, don’t be afraid to check out different vendors, too. Especially if you’re drawn to popular styles, there are a ton of different options to choose from, and as long as you’re keeping to your overall home style, it’s actually preferred if you have different fixtures in each space. Now, if this feels overwhelming, that’s totally okay – lighting is a fairly straightforward thing to change as time goes on, so don’t be afraid to live in the house for a bit to determine exactly the types of fixtures you love in your rooms.

Tile

Similar to lighting, tile is a major game changer in a home – but with this finish, you’ll definitely want to get it right the first time because replacing tile down the road can be a costly and messy fix. But don’t go rushing to your local hardware store to pick up whatever white subway tile or grey chevron backsplash you first lay eyes on. Choosing a tile pattern and style takes a bit more finesse to give it the most longevity in your home. 

First and foremost, remind yourself of that style goal you had in mind while choosing your lighting. The tile you select should stay true to who you are and what you love because it makes a statement, no matter where it’s placed. Have a bold and whimsical personality? Go ahead and embrace a colorful graphic encaustic tile. Prefer things a bit more streamlined and minimalist? Probably a good idea to stick to neutral colors and simple patterns. Just be sure to follow your gut instead of following whatever happens to be trendy at the moment – you want to be sure you’ll love it 5, 10, and 20 years from now.

After selecting your style, you’ll want to explore as many tile vendors as you can, both in person and online. The benefit to in-person viewing, of course, is that you can really grasp the texture and feel of each piece. But with online shopping, you do also get a much wider range of options to choose from. Whichever route you take, just remember that tile is one of those custom items that can get pricey pretty quickly. The cost runs the gamut from an inexpensive ceramic tile to a large-scale marble tile made of natural stone. These and everything in between are gorgeous, but being aware of your budget while shopping around will definitely help you narrow down your selections and stop you from falling in love with something far outside of your price range.

Flooring

Flooring is another key element you won’t want to skimp on. And whether you’re drawn to engineered flooring like luxury vinyl tile or luxury vinyl planks, or you prefer a good old fashioned hardwood flooring, your flooring is a choice you won’t want to make lightly.

While it may seem easy to just choose inexpensive flooring to get it done, it’s best to consider all options on the market because it will affect the lifespan of your flooring. Will you have heavy traffic areas in your home, like mudrooms and kitchens, that will likely need easy-to-maintain and durable flooring? Are you someone who prefers the soft feel of carpeting under foot when waking up in the morning, or do you like the look of natural wood with a plush rug on top instead? All of these are key factors, and ensuring that you’re looking at a variety of flooring vendors to figure out what they offer is essential.

Faucets & Hardware

Finally, making the decision on your faucets and hardware is quite important. You certainly don’t want to choose these at random because the result will be a mish mash of clashing styles throughout each space. Instead, with these selections in particular, you want to try to maintain some sort of consistency throughout. Your door handles, for one, should be identical throughout the entire home, while the finishes on your faucets and cabinet hardware can vary from room to room (as long as you’re keeping things pared down visually in those spaces). Mixed metals can work in a room, but if you’re worried about the space feeling too cluttered or overdone, it’s much easier to keep it simple and stick to a single look.

Oh, and just as you’d reach out to other vendors with your lighting, flooring, and tile, you absolutely want to take a look through multiple vendor sites and shops to find the right look for your faucets and hardware. Faucets lining your hardware store aisle are perfectly functional, but often lack the stylistic and customized elements you may prefer in the long run. Similarly, choosing your cabinet hardware is incredibly important because while these pieces are small, together they have a big impact on the overall space.

A home’s footprint and layout don’t have to be 100% customized. In fact, in many cases, reinventing the wheel (so to speak) is entirely unnecessary – after all, there’s a reason builders tend to stick to certain floor plans again and again – they work! But building a custom home should still, at the end of the day, feel customized to your needs. And while furniture and decor certainly accomplish that, you want to make sure you aren’t skipping the more permanent elements in the process. From faucets to tile, there are endless options to choose from, and with a bit of searching, you’re bound to find the look that fits just right for you.

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Windows aren’t always top-of-mind for people building custom homes. Many think they’re about as routine of a choice as the location of light fixtures or doorways – what could possibly go wrong? The answer is a lot.

You see, when windows are overlooked, it can affect quite literally everything in your home – the way you feel, the amount of natural light, privacy, water damage, soundproofing, electric costs, and more. So, if you haven’t yet given a thought to where your windows will be located in your new custom home, take a few minutes to read our guide. By understanding several key factors, you’re certain to get it right from the get-go and will definitely avoid costly and unnecessary repairs down the road

Light & Direction

Understanding where your home is situated – that is, the direction it faces – is the most important starting point when selecting your windows. But if you’ve never stopped to consider this, you’re not alone. In fact, it’s one of the most forgotten components of a custom build for homeowners. Have you ever seen a new construction home with a single completely blank wall and zero windows on that entire side? They’re more common than you might think, and unfortunately, that’s a sure sign that the light in the home is minimal, at best.

Generally speaking, a home that faces east will receive the brightest light in the morning, while a west-facing home will see brilliant sunsets from its front windows. The south side of a home will always get the highest amount of natural light throughout the day while the darkest side of a home will be on the north side. What this means is that however your home is positioned, the choice on where to place your rooms and windows will determine exactly how much natural light streams inside.

The best bet is to place rooms that don’t need a lot of light (like the garage or bedrooms), on the north side of your home, and keep the common higher-activity spaces (like your living room or kitchen) on the south end of the building. Of course, in Texas, too much sun can mean higher electric bills in the summer heat. But that doesn’t mean you should ditch all south-facing windows for convenience. Instead, you’ll want to still keep that side of your home prioritized for light and place the light-friendly rooms in that area. You can always combat the heat with quality sun shades for your windows to save on energy, and the way that ample natural lighting will make you feel is abundantly more important in the long run.

Size & Scale

Speaking of light, when you’re choosing your home’s windows, you definitely want to take each room’s size and scale into account. There’s nothing worse than a beautiful living room with soaring cathedral ceilings paired with tiny windows fit for a small bedroom. Windows have the potential to bring a room to life, and just as you’d want furniture to fit your space like a glove, you want your windows to fit accordingly. 

Choosing the size is, of course, a personal opinion (after all, not everyone wants the lack of privacy that floor-to-ceiling windows can bring). But when in doubt, a good rule of thumb is to err on the side of larger windows. If you’ve ever been inside a small bedroom that still feels bright and cheery, it’s likely because the windows are sizable enough to let in plenty of light. By contrast, the opposite – a tiny window in a large room – tends to look stunted and out-of-proportion. 

Window Type

Once your direction and window size are narrowed down, you’ll need to determine the type of window that’s right for you. Style-wise, you’ll usually be faced with choosing between single/double-hung panes or crank-out/casement panes. There are other options as well – custom arched windows, glass block windows, bay windows, awning windows, and sliding windows, to name a few. But these are usually selected on a case-by-case basis, depending on your custom home needs.

Regardless of style, your window type really comes down to two functional factors: ease of cleaning and airflow. Windows like double-hungs (that open from the bottom or top and usually swing out for cleaning) or casement windows (when the full window cranks out from the home) tend to be easier to clean in general. Because you can easily access both the inside and outside of each pane, you can usually clean the entire window from one spot versus having to hire professional window cleaners each year.

As for airflow, you’ll need to decide precisely how much you’d like in your home. Casement windows (and similar-opening windows like awning or sliding options) tend to allow a full window’s worth of fresh air to enter your home. On the other hand, single-hung windows will only open halfway, meaning you’ll still catch a breeze, but it won’t be nearly as strong or cool as if the full window were open. One option isn’t necessarily better than another, but it does depend on your personal preference, so you’ll want to think about what is most important for you and your family.

Window Quality

Finally, determining the window brand that’s right for you is a must. Don’t simply go with whatever brand your builder suggests – do a bit of research on your end as well to find out their specific components, if there are any warranties (both on the window itself and on the hardware), and what their reviews are like. Something like a faucet or even a vanity are easy to change out down the road, but for windows, you want to ensure you get quality right away. 

You see, while windows are visually important for a home (as evidenced by each of the above sections), they’re also structurally essential. Anytime there is a hole cut into a home (doors, roofs, windows, etc.), it literally opens up your home to potential damage. And if these elements aren’t installed properly or they are poor quality, you can be subjected to excessive rainwater build-up or leaks, mold, rotting wood, or even vermin. Plus, a higher quality window will be much more sound-proof and sturdy, and can even provide a better seal to stop unnecessary heat or AC from escaping (keeping your energy costs low). So the importance of choosing windows that are reliable cannot be overstated. Always go for quality if you can swing it financially – we promise it’s worth every penny.

Windows don’t have to be complicated, but they do deserve some serious attention. Because no matter what type of window you’re drawn to, how much airflow you desire, or what level of cleaning ease you prefer, selecting the windows that will fit your vision of your dream home is a must. Over time, it will be one of the smartest investments you’ve ever made.

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