August 5th
How to Personalize Your House Design Plan
When you build a custom home in East Tennessee, you do more than just pick out a layout. You’re designing a space that fits your lifestyle, both now and in the future. A house design plan is your starting point, but how do you make it feel like home?
At Red Door Homes, we love helping future homeowners take a base floor plan and make it truly theirs. Below, we’ll share some of the ways you can personalize your house design plan so it works for you for years to come.
Start With a Solid House Design Plan
Your house design plan usually consists of the layout of your rooms, the total square footage of the home, and the general flow throughout the home. It’s like your blueprint. You need a good design plan to give you a strong foundation to personalize from the start.
At Red Door Homes, we offer a variety of floor plans made for East Tennessee living. Whether you want a cozy one-level home or a two-story home with extra space, you can start with a solid structure that fits your budget and needs. Once you pick the perfect base, the fun can begin.
Customize to Match Your Lifestyle
Everyone lives differently, so your house design plan should reflect how you and your family spend your time at home. That might mean you need to change the number or placement of rooms, or adjust the size of certain parts of the home.
For example, if you work from home , you may want to add a dedicated office space. Or, if you love to cook, you may want to expand the kitchen and add a larger island. Frequent guests? Add a bonus room or in-law suite.
At Red Door Homes, most of the homes we build are customized in some way. Work closely with your builder to adjust the plan so your home meets your lifestyle needs.
Choose Finishes That Fit Your Style
One of the most exciting parts of personalizing your house design plan is choosing all the finishes! Those small details add up to make a big impact. The floors you walk on, the paint on your walls, and the cabinets in your kitchen all help you tell the story of who you are.
Some of the custom elements you can usually choose include:
- Flooring (hardwood, tile, luxury vinyl, carpet)
- Countertops (quartz, granite, butcher block)
- Kitchen and bathroom cabinets
- Paint colors for each room
- Trim, doors, and light fixtures
Your design choices may match a certain style, like farmhouse or modern. Many East Tennessee homeowners love mixing cozy textures with neutral colors and wood tones for a natural feel. But if you’re not sure what you like best, Red Door’s design team can lead you through the process.
Don’t Forget the Exterior!
Most people think about the inside of the house when thinking about their house design plan. However, the outside of your home matters just as much! Curb appeal is your home’s first impression, and it can say a lot about your style.
There are countless ways to personalize the exterior of your home, including:
- Siding materials
- Paint colors
- Adding porches or columns
- Roof style and color
- Driveway design
- Landscaping
Your home should look and feel right in its setting, whether you’re in a rural area or in a growing neighborhood.
Think About Future Needs in Your House Design Plan
Don’t just think about today when it comes to your home! Your house design plan should also consider the future. Are you planning to grow your family, or will you need space for aging parents down the road?
Consider how you can make your house plan flexible. One way you could do this is through flex rooms, like turning a nursery into an office later on. You should also consider future mobility needs, like wider doorways and hallways, or laundry rooms near bedrooms for convenience.
These thoughtful details can save you time, money, and stress later on.
Special Touches to Make it Yours
Once your layout and finishes are in place, you get to think about those small personal touches that really bring your home to life. These might be functional additions or just things that make you smile every day.
Some examples of touches we’ve seen added to custom homes include:
- Built-in bookshelves or reading nooks
- Coffee bars or wine stations
- Pet-friendly features like dog showers
- Outdoor fireplaces
- Mudrooms with hooks and cubbies
These extra touches make your home feel like it’s really yours.
Work With a Builder Who Listens
All the personalization in the world doesn’t matter if your builder isn’t on board. That’s why working with a team that really listens to your ideas is key.
At Red Door Homes, we want to make your building experience exciting, not overwhelming. Our team walks with you every step of the way, from your initial floor plan to any upgrades you want to fit your lifestyle and budget. Every home is a collaboration between us and the family we build for, because no two families (or their homes) are the same.
Whether you’re starting fresh in East Tennessee or just moving to Knoxville from across town, our goal is to make the process smooth and fun the entire way.
Final Thoughts: Make Your Dream Home a Reality
When it comes to building a custom home, your house design plan is only the beginning. With the right team and a little creativity, you can make your dream home a reality that fits your life and your future.
If you’re ready to start designing a home that’s truly yours, we’re here to help. Reach out to us today to explore floor plans and start building the home you’ve always dreamed of.