7 Must-Have Features Spokane Homeowners Are Adding to Their Custom Homes
Building a custom home gives you something a standard home simply cannot: the opportunity to design your living space around the way you actually live. For homeowners considering custom homes in Spokane, that means more than choosing countertops, flooring, and paint colors. Today's custom homes are being designed around comfort, functionality, energy efficiency, entertaining, storage, and long-term livability.
Spokane offers a unique mix of lifestyles and landscapes. Some homeowners want a modern home close to downtown, while others are building on larger properties throughout the Spokane area. Some prioritize indoor-outdoor living and views, while others want a warm, comfortable retreat for Eastern Washington winters.
As a result, custom home design is becoming increasingly personal.
Whether you're planning a new home now or simply gathering ideas for a future project, here are seven features Spokane homeowners are incorporating into their custom homes.
1. Large Windows and Indoor-Outdoor Living Spaces
One of the biggest trends in custom home design is creating a stronger connection between the interior and exterior of the home. For homeowners looking at custom homes in Spokane, this can be especially appealing because of the area's changing seasons, natural surroundings, and opportunities for outdoor living.
A custom home with indoor-outdoor living can make the most of the property by connecting kitchens, living rooms, patios, and outdoor entertaining areas. Large windows, oversized sliding doors, covered patios, and carefully positioned outdoor spaces can make the transition between inside and outside feel natural rather than separate.
Instead of treating the backyard as an afterthought, homeowners are designing the exterior as an extension of the home's living space.
A custom home might include:
Floor-to-ceiling windows
Large sliding or folding glass doors
Covered outdoor patios
Outdoor kitchens
Built-in fireplaces
Exterior heaters
Comfortable seating areas
Dining areas
Landscaping designed around the architecture
Direct access from the kitchen or living room to the patio
The key is planning these spaces during the initial design rather than trying to add them later.
For example, a covered patio can be positioned to provide shade during certain parts of the day. Large windows can be placed to capture a particular view. Doors can be positioned so that movement between the kitchen and outdoor dining area feels natural.
Good custom home design makes indoor and outdoor spaces feel connected rather than separate.
Designing Around Spokane's Seasons
Outdoor living in Eastern Washington also requires some planning.
Spokane experiences warm summers and cold winters, so homeowners need to consider how outdoor spaces will be used throughout the year.
A covered patio can provide shade in the summer and protection from snow and rain during colder months. Outdoor heating, lighting, fireplaces, and weather-resistant materials can extend the usability of the space.
These details are much easier to incorporate when they are considered before construction begins.
2. Thoughtfully Designed Home Offices
The home office has changed considerably over the past several years.
For many homeowners, a home office is no longer an occasional workspace. It may be where they spend several hours every day.
That means homeowners are looking beyond simply placing a desk in a spare bedroom.
A custom home provides an opportunity to design a workspace around the way someone actually works.
A well-planned home office might include:
Built-in cabinetry
Dedicated electrical outlets
Multiple monitor locations
Integrated lighting
Sound insulation
Large windows for natural light
Built-in shelving
Hidden cable management
A separate entrance
Space for two people to work
A small meeting or seating area
For some families, having two dedicated workspaces may make more sense than having one large office.
Another option is creating a flexible room that can function as an office today and a bedroom, hobby room, or study later.
The important part is thinking beyond the furniture.
Electrical, lighting, networking, acoustics, and storage should all be considered before the walls are finished.
3. Custom Kitchens Built for Everyday Life
The kitchen continues to be one of the most important rooms in a custom home.
But today's homeowners are increasingly focused on how the kitchen functions rather than simply how it looks.
A beautiful kitchen still needs to work well on a Tuesday night when everyone is busy.
That means custom kitchen planning often focuses on workflow, storage, lighting, and accessibility.
Popular features include:
Large kitchen islands
Walk-in or hidden pantries
Beverage stations
Double ovens
Induction cooktops
Built-in refrigerators
Appliance garages
Deep drawers for pots and pans
Custom cabinetry
Under-cabinet lighting
Dedicated coffee stations
Prep sinks
Secondary refrigerators or freezers
The Hidden Pantry Trend
One feature worth paying attention to is the scullery or hidden pantry.
Instead of having every appliance and countertop visible from the main kitchen, homeowners can create a secondary preparation area behind the kitchen.
This space can house small appliances, additional counter space, pantry storage, and cleanup areas.
The result is a main kitchen that stays visually clean without sacrificing functionality.
This is particularly useful for homeowners who enjoy entertaining.
Guests can gather around the main island while food preparation, dishes, and appliances remain somewhat out of sight.
Kitchens Designed for Gathering
The kitchen is also increasingly being designed around social interaction.
Instead of placing the island in a way that separates the person cooking from everyone else, custom layouts can position seating, appliances, and work areas so the kitchen becomes part of the home's social center.
That is one of the biggest advantages of designing a kitchen specifically for your household.
4. Dedicated Mudrooms and Smart Storage
Storage is one of those things homeowners rarely regret having more of.
In a custom home, storage can be designed around the belongings and routines of the people living there.
For Spokane-area homeowners, a dedicated mudroom can be particularly useful.
With changing seasons, families may need space for coats, boots, outdoor equipment, sports gear, backpacks, and other everyday items.
A well-designed mudroom might include:
Individual lockers
Built-in benches
Shoe storage
Coat hooks
Closed cabinets
Durable flooring
Utility sinks
Charging stations
Laundry access
Storage for outdoor equipment
Instead of having these items spread throughout the house, the mudroom creates a designated transition area between the garage and living spaces.
Don't Forget the Garage
Garage storage is another area worth planning early.
Homeowners may want space for more than vehicles. Bikes, tools, lawn equipment, recreational gear, holiday decorations, and workshop equipment can quickly consume available space.
During the custom design process, it is worth considering how the garage will actually be used.
A slightly larger garage, additional storage room, or dedicated workshop area can make a significant difference over the life of the home.
5. Spa-Like Primary Bathrooms
The primary bathroom has evolved from a purely functional space into an area designed for comfort and relaxation.
Many homeowners are incorporating features that make the bathroom feel more like a private retreat.
Common upgrades include:
Large walk-in showers
Multiple shower heads
Freestanding tubs
Heated floors
Heated towel racks
Double vanities
Large mirrors
Dedicated makeup areas
Built-in shower niches
Private water closets
Natural stone surfaces
Custom lighting
But the biggest trend isn't necessarily adding more expensive materials.
It is designing the bathroom around the homeowner's routine.
Someone who prefers quick morning showers may prioritize a large, efficient shower over a bathtub. Someone who enjoys relaxing at night may want a soaking tub positioned near a window.
Lighting is another important consideration.
A bathroom should ideally have multiple layers of lighting rather than relying on one ceiling fixture. Task lighting around the vanity, softer ambient lighting, and accent lighting can all serve different purposes.
Heated Floors for Spokane Winters
For homeowners dealing with cold winter mornings, heated bathroom floors can be a particularly appealing feature.
Radiant floor heating can provide warmth under tile and create a more comfortable experience during colder months.
It is also an example of a feature that is much easier to incorporate during the original construction process than as a later renovation.
6. Energy-Efficient Features and Better Building Performance
Energy efficiency is becoming a major consideration for homeowners building new homes.
While energy-efficient appliances and lighting are helpful, a truly efficient home starts with the building envelope and overall design.
Homeowners are increasingly asking questions about insulation, windows, heating and cooling systems, air sealing, and how the home will perform throughout the year.
Potential features include:
High-performance windows
Improved insulation
Air sealing
Efficient HVAC systems
Heat pumps
Smart thermostats
Energy-efficient appliances
LED lighting
High-efficiency water heaters
Solar-ready electrical systems
EV charging capability
The goal isn't simply to install individual efficient products.
The goal is to create a home that uses energy efficiently as a whole.
Planning for Future Technology
One of the smartest things homeowners can do during construction is plan for technology they may want later.
For example, even if an electric vehicle isn't currently part of the household, installing the appropriate electrical infrastructure during construction may make a future EV charger easier to add.
The same concept applies to solar, networking, security systems, home automation, and entertainment systems.
It's much easier to run wiring and plan electrical capacity before the walls are closed.
7. Smart Home Technology That Works Behind the Scenes
Smart home technology has become increasingly sophisticated.
But the best smart home features aren't necessarily the ones that make a house feel like a technology showroom.
Instead, homeowners are looking for technology that quietly makes everyday life easier.
Examples include:
Whole-home audio
Automated lighting
Motorized shades
Smart thermostats
Security cameras
Smart locks
Home theater systems
Automated landscape lighting
Wi-Fi access points
Centralized control systems
Energy monitoring
Smart garage systems
The key is planning the technology as part of the home's design.
For example, speakers can be integrated into ceilings instead of sitting on shelves. Television wiring can be hidden inside walls. Network access points can be positioned where they provide better coverage.
Motorized shades can be planned around large windows before electrical work is completed.
This creates a cleaner finished product because the technology becomes part of the architecture rather than something added afterward.
Why These Features Are Easier to Add During Construction
One of the biggest advantages of building a custom home is the ability to make decisions before construction begins.
Some features are relatively easy to add later. Others become significantly more expensive or complicated once the home is finished.
Electrical wiring is a good example.
If you know you want landscape lighting, a home theater, motorized shades, exterior heaters, security cameras, or an EV charger, planning for those systems during construction can save headaches later.
The same applies to plumbing.
A future outdoor kitchen, additional bathroom fixture, pot filler, utility sink, or specialty appliance may require plumbing that is much easier to install while the home is being built.
The earlier these decisions are made, the more seamlessly they can be incorporated into the design.
Designing a Home Around How You Actually Live
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners can make when designing a custom home is focusing too heavily on trends.
A feature may be popular today, but that doesn't necessarily mean it belongs in your home.
Instead, start with your daily routines.
Ask questions such as:
Where do we enter the house?
Where do backpacks and shoes end up?
How often do we entertain?
Do we work from home?
Do we cook frequently?
Do we need space for hobbies?
How much storage do we actually need?
Do we spend time outdoors?
Will our family change over the next decade?
Do we want space for aging parents or guests?
What areas of our current home frustrate us?
These questions can reveal opportunities that aren't necessarily visible on a floor plan.
For example, a homeowner might initially think they need a larger living room when what they really need is a better-designed entry and mudroom.
Someone might think they need a larger kitchen when the real issue is insufficient pantry storage.
Custom home design works best when it solves real problems rather than simply adding more square footage.
Planning for the Future
A custom home is a significant investment, so it makes sense to think beyond move-in day.
Families change.
Children grow up. Parents may eventually need more accessibility. Work arrangements can change. Hobbies evolve. Technology changes.
That doesn't mean every possible future scenario needs to be accommodated.
It does mean homeowners should consider flexibility.
A room that functions as a nursery today could become an office later. A bonus room could become a guest suite. A large garage could eventually accommodate a workshop.
Universal design elements can also be incorporated without making a home feel institutional.
Examples include:
Wider doorways
Minimal thresholds
Main-level bedrooms
Comfortable stair layouts
Walk-in showers
Thoughtful lighting
Easy-to-reach storage
These details can improve the home for everyone while also making it easier to adapt over time.
How Spokane's Landscape Influences Custom Home Design
Another reason custom homes can be so different from one another is the property itself.
A home being built on a flat suburban lot has different opportunities and challenges than one being constructed on a sloped property with views.
The orientation of the home can influence natural light, outdoor spaces, window placement, and privacy.
Before finalizing a design, homeowners should consider:
Sun exposure
Views
Privacy
Existing trees
Slope
Drainage
Access
Outdoor living areas
Snow management
Landscaping
Garage placement
A great floor plan isn't necessarily great for every piece of property.
The home should respond to the land rather than forcing the land to fit the house.
Choosing Features That Are Worth the Investment
With so many options available, it can be easy for a custom home project to become overwhelming.
Every feature has a cost, and budgets are rarely unlimited.
One useful approach is to divide features into three categories:
Must-have features are things that directly improve how you live every day.
Nice-to-have features add comfort or convenience but aren't essential.
Future upgrades are things that can potentially be added later if the budget doesn't allow them immediately.
This approach can help homeowners prioritize the areas that matter most.
For example, it may make sense to prioritize excellent windows, insulation, electrical infrastructure, and a well-designed kitchen before spending heavily on decorative upgrades.
Some investments are difficult to change later.
Others can be upgraded over time.
Understanding that difference can help homeowners make better decisions.
Working With Your Builder and Design Team
A successful custom home project involves much more than choosing finishes.
The homeowner, architect or designer, builder, and subcontractors all need to work together to turn ideas into a functioning home.
Early communication is especially important.
If you want a hidden pantry, oversized windows, an outdoor kitchen, a dedicated theater, or advanced technology, bring those ideas into the conversation early.
The earlier the team knows what you want, the easier it is to determine how those features affect:
Floor plans
Structural design
Electrical
Plumbing
HVAC
Lighting
Cabinetry
Framing
Exterior design
Budget
A builder such as Ramey Construction can help coordinate these details during the construction process so that individual features work together as part of the larger home design.
The Best Custom Homes Feel Personal
The most memorable custom homes aren't necessarily the biggest homes or the ones with the longest list of upgrades.
They're the homes that feel like they were designed specifically for the people who live there.
A well-planned mudroom can be more valuable than an oversized entryway. A carefully designed kitchen can make everyday life easier. A strategically placed window can completely change the experience of a room.
The goal is to create a home that works.
That means considering the way you wake up, where you make coffee, how you get ready for work, where the kids drop their backpacks, where guests gather, where you relax at the end of the day, and how you want to use the property outside.
FAQ Section
What features should I include in a custom home?
The best features depend on how you live, but popular options include large windows, outdoor living spaces, custom kitchens, dedicated offices, mudrooms, energy-efficient systems, smart home technology, and flexible living spaces. Features that address your everyday routines are generally more valuable than simply following trends.
What are the most popular custom home features in Spokane?
Spokane homeowners are incorporating features such as indoor-outdoor living areas, large windows, custom kitchens, home offices, dedicated storage, energy-efficient systems, and smart home technology. The property's location, views, lot characteristics, and the homeowner's lifestyle can all influence which features make the most sense.
Is it more expensive to build a custom home in Spokane?
The cost of a custom home varies significantly depending on factors such as home size, property conditions, site work, materials, architectural details, and the features selected. Planning the project carefully with your design and construction team can help prioritize the features that matter most.
What should I plan before building a custom home?
Before construction begins, homeowners should consider the floor plan, site conditions, room layouts, storage, electrical needs, plumbing, lighting, HVAC, technology, outdoor spaces, and future needs. Features that require wiring, plumbing, structural changes, or specialized infrastructure are particularly important to discuss early.
Are smart home features worth adding to a new home?
Smart home technology can provide convenience, security, entertainment, and energy-management benefits. New construction is often an ideal time to plan for whole-home audio, automated lighting, security systems, networking, motorized shades, smart thermostats, and other technology because wiring and infrastructure can be incorporated into the home's design.
Should I plan for an EV charger when building a custom home?
If you expect to own an electric vehicle in the future, it can be worthwhile to discuss EV charging infrastructure during the design and construction process. Even if you don't install a charger immediately, planning the electrical infrastructure ahead of time may make a future installation easier.
How do I choose the right custom home builder in Spokane?
Look for a builder with experience building homes similar to the type you want, a strong portfolio, clear communication, and an established construction process. It can also be helpful to ask how the builder handles project management, scheduling, subcontractors, selections, budgeting, and communication throughout construction.
Conclusion
Today's Spokane homeowners are looking beyond basic floor plans and surface-level finishes when designing custom homes. They are creating spaces that support the way their families live now while providing flexibility for the future.
From indoor-outdoor living spaces and dedicated home offices to custom kitchens, smart storage, spa-inspired bathrooms, energy-efficient systems, and integrated technology, the most valuable features are often the ones that improve everyday life.
The advantage of working with a Custom Home Builder Spokane homeowners can rely on is the ability to think through these details before construction begins and incorporate them into the home's overall design.
If you're planning a custom home, start by thinking about how you live—not simply what you want your house to look like. The best homes aren't built around a checklist of trends. They're designed around the people who will call them home.
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