Whether you're building new or simply redecorating, customizing your home to your liking will improve every aspect of your life. Now is the time to consider habits, preferences, and future goals so you can customize your home to these factors.

The Beginning Steps of Home Customization

Take a look at your regular habits. Do you like to enjoy a cup of coffee first thing each morning? Your kitchen may need a coffee bar, or you might want to add a butler's pantry with a sink so you can make coffee in there. The trend towards minimalism, if that appeals to your design sense, may mean that you don't want appliances sitting on your countertop 24/7. 

If you enjoy mixing cocktails like Bee's Knees or entertaining guests, consider incorporating a stylish home cocktail bar. This can be a dedicated space with elegant glassware, your favorite spirits, and various mixers, making it a perfect spot for hosting gatherings or unwinding after a long day. A home cocktail bar adds a touch of sophistication to your home and ensures that you have everything you need to craft the perfect drink at your fingertips.

Next, do you like to enjoy your coffee in a quiet living room or would you prefer it on a balcony? Do you want an open deck so you can enjoy the sun or would you prefer a canopy or cover to shield you and yours? Even the orientation of your home can make a difference when it's time to consider your outdoor living choices.

Because the kitchen is such a hard-working room, now is also the time to consider customizing your storage. If you're tall, put heavy duty drawers into your base cabinets so you don't have to try to reach to the back of these cupboards. If you're short, invest in pull-down tools or add simple, open shelving instead of very high cupboards. 

Perhaps you prefer to utilize natural lighting whenever possible. Skylights can be of great importance in such circumstances. Your custom home choice may include direct, open skylights or diffused tubes. The location of your home and the direction of the light over the course of the day will need to be studied, especially if your location includes very hot summers.

How to Customize Your Home to Your Liking

Once you make a list of the activities, habits and preferences that add to your quality of life, it's time to talk to your builder. A simple first step in building a new home is to determine orientation. If you love the idea of enjoying the sunset on your deck or patio, orienting your home so this outdoor space is shaded by the structure of the house can greatly increase your comfort. Perhaps a second story balcony is necessary for the best views.

Pay special attention to your current needs and future goals. If your renovation or building plans will be used by you and your household as you age in place, now is the time to

• widen hallways

• add safety features to your bathroom

• consider adding a roll-in shower or a step-in tub

• add motion sensor lights to your kitchen so workspaces are safer

Another feature to guard the safety of you and your partner as you age is the placement of your laundry room. A laundry room near the bedrooms will lessen the risk of a tumble with a laundry basket. Anything that you can do to lessen the risk of a fall in your new or refreshed home will increase your chance of enjoying a safe retirement.

Perhaps you plan to start a family in your custom home. Talk with your builder about features such as staircase access, balconies, and outdoor spaces. It's tough to shield an open staircase, no matter how much you like the look. Careful attention to such details will make your home much easier to baby-proof. As your children age, you can update the space.

Unique Ideas of Home Customization

Your custom home build or renovation is also an ideal time to increase both comfort and safety. If your home is being built in tornado country, adding a shelter within the structure of your home is a great idea. Building a safe room inside your new home, accessed behind a bookcase or another secret door, can lessen anxiety and increase confidence for the whole family.

Open concept design has done a great deal to increase the breadth of light and fresh air in many homes. This concept can also make storage options a bit more limited. Talk with your builder about adding custom features that will make storage much simpler. For example, adding built-in window seats in the bedrooms gives you the option of creating storage chests for each child. Sweaters, extra blankets and toys can all go into these seating areas and make it much easier to keep clutter down.

Your home can be customized to make many aspects of life easier. Treat yourself to a design that makes it easier for you to enjoy every minute of your life with your family in your beautiful home.

Written by Taylor McKnight, Author for KAI Custom Homes