When building a luxury custom home in the Treasure Valley, there are countless possibilities to consider. Every detail, from the materials to the design, affects the aesthetic and functionality of your living space. Because this area of Idaho offers a unique balance of urban amenities and natural beauty, we believe your home should enhance your lifestyle and complement the local environment.
Here are some top features that should be included in any high-end custom home.
1. Smart Home Technology
In today’s digital age, smart home devices have become an essential component of everyday lifestyle. By integrating smart devices throughout your luxury home, you can enjoy enhanced convenience, security, and energy efficiency.
Some popular smart home features include:
- Voice-activated control: Use voice assistants to help you control lights, thermostats, and other devices. Whether you’re a fan of Amazon Alexa or Google Home, smart speakers can help you entertain, keep track of your to-do list, and perform other daily tasks.
- Home security systems: With a smartphone or tablet, you can access live video feeds, receive instant alerts for suspicious activity, and control locks, alarms, or lights from anywhere. These systems provide peace of mind by allowing homeowners to check in on their property at any time, ensuring the safety of their family and belongings.
- Smart thermostats: Boise’s climate can vary significantly throughout the year, with hot summers and cold winters. Smart thermostats can help you optimize energy consumption and maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
- Automated lighting: Create different lighting moods and schedules to suit your preferences, like lights that automatically turn on when you enter your pantry. Exterior lights that respond to sunlight levels are ideal for homes this far north since the amount of daylight we get changes throughout the year. But you can also add motorized shades and curtains to let the sunlight in at eh perfect time.
2. Central Vacuum
For a convenient cleaning experience, install a central vacuum system. This system consists of a network of pipes that run through the walls, connected to a central vacuum unit, which is more powerful than a traditional vacuum. This central unit is usually tucked away in a basement, garage, or utility room.
Strategically place inlets around the house for flexible, lightweight vacuum hoses — in hallways, kitchen, living rooms, and bedrooms. When you need to vacuum, the strong suction of the vacuum system carries the dirt and debris through the pipes to the central unit.
By eliminating the need for bulky, portable vacuums, a central vacuum system streamlines your cleaning routine and creates a more elegant and clutter-free home.
3. Butler’s Pantry
One of our favorite luxury home features is a butler’s pantry. The kitchen is often the heart of the home, so it should be both functional and beautiful. A custom kitchen with a butler’s pantry is the perfect feature for entertaining family and guests.
A butler’s pantry is a transitional space, often between the kitchen and dining room. It includes additional cabinets and countertops, and it may feature a sink. Use this space for preparing meals or storing glassware, keeping your main kitchen area spotless.
To level up your butler’s pantry or walk-in pantry, ask your home builder to include a “Costco door.” These are small, hidden doors or pass-throughs that connect the garage to the pantry. This feature makes it easy to bring in large grocery hauls so you can maintain an organized kitchen with ease.
4. Spa-Like Bathrooms
After a long day exploring Idaho’s natural landscape, an elegant bathroom can provide much-needed respite. By incorporating spa-like features, you can transform your bathroom into a personal oasis.
Some popular features to consider include:
- Soaking tub: Indulge in a relaxing soak after a long day. Add a freestanding tub that allows for full immersion and jets to relieve stress, sore joints, and muscle tension.
- Walk-in shower: Enjoy a spacious shower experience, complete with multiple showerheads, a built-in bench, seamless shelves, and convenient towel hooks.
- Dual vanities: Provide ample space to get ready by upgrading your double vanity to dual vanities.
- Radiant floor heating: Keep your feet warm and cozy during Idaho’s chilly months with built-in floor heating.
- Heated towel rack: To stay warm in the winter, add a heated towel rack to your bathroom for warm towels on demand.
5. Outdoor Living Spaces
A luxury Idaho home wouldn’t be complete without an outdoor living space. A well-designed outdoor living space extends the comfort and style of your home, offering an elegant area for relaxation, entertainment, and recreation. Consider a patio, fireplace, landscaping, or outdoor kitchen to create an inviting space for entertaining guests or simply relaxing.
Having a well-designed outdoor living space enhances your property’s appeal, provides seamless indoor-outdoor living, and increases your home’s value. It creates a perfect environment for hosting gatherings, enjoying nature, and maximizing usable space, making it an essential element of a high-end lifestyle.
6. Indoor/Outdoor Pool
An indoor/outdoor pool combines the best of two worlds since it is designed to be used both indoors and outdoors. These pools may feature a pool that is half indoors and half outdoors, or they could have removable or sliding panels. Indoor/outdoor pools give homeowners year-round use, which is ideal for Idaho’s longer winters.
In the warmer months, enjoy outdoor swimming under the sunny skies. While in colder months, you can stay warm and comfortable in the indoor portion. The pool’s design allows seamless transitions between the indoor and outdoor spaces, making it perfect for entertaining, exercising, or relaxing no matter the weather.
7. Casement & Pass-Through Windows
Casement and pass-through windows are an excellent choice for luxury homes in Boise due to their combination of style, functionality, and energy efficiency.
- Casement windows swing open on a hinge, and you can open them fully to bring the outdoors in.
- Pass-through windows can open up a wall completely, connecting indoor and outdoor spaces.
Both windows offer sleek, clean lines and large glass panes offer unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape, making them ideal for showcasing Idaho’s natural surroundings.
Additionally, these windows allow for ample airflow and fresh air circulation. Their tight seals and weatherstripping also help to improve energy efficiency, reducing heating and cooling costs.
Final Thoughts: Best Luxury Home Features
There are a wide range of luxury features to consider in your home. However, when building a luxury custom home, focus on your personal needs and preferences. By carefully selecting the features that are most important to you, you can create a truly exceptional living space that will provide you with years of enjoyment.
At Pleasant View, we’re excited to collaborate with you in designing your dream home, complete with all the custom features you envision. Share your project details with us, and let’s bring your vision to life!
