Custom Home Features

Select list of must-have features for your custom home

Luxury homes are more than just their outward appearance and design. Each home comes equipped with lavish amenities and additions that can make your life easier and more fulfilling. Best of all? Each addition is specifically tailored to the needs of you and your family as you are given the freedom to create exactly what you want.

  

Whether you're looking for ways to spruce up your front yard or you want to add options for year-round entertainment indoors, the following guide reflects some of the many types of luxury options available to you, varying from outdoor to indoor to premium features.


OUTDOOR

Fountain

Not only are fountains a pleasant and natural way to drown out unwanted sounds in your neighborhood, but they add to your home's curb appeal and ambiance.

Courtyard Entrance

A surefire way for your home to standout to neighbors and guests. A courtyard entrance is a creative and eye-catching addition that transforms your entryway into a spectacle. The design options are endless such as including a beautiful garden, fountain or seating area. 

Guest House

Give your guests personal quarters and privacy so they get the full benefit of a luxurious visit.

Patio

The best way to enjoy your yard is with an outdoor patio, especially those affixed with luxury amenities such as TV, comfortable seating, ceiling patio heaters for the colder months, and a fireplace.

Outdoor Kitchen

Prepare delicious meals in your backyard with an outdoor kitchen and grill area. Many homes even feature an outdoor pizza oven.

Outdoor Bar

Delight your guests with creative cocktails, wine, and beer while chatting and hanging out together on the patio over tasty homemade dishes.

Fire Pit

There is nothing better than sitting around a fire pit with friends, maybe even roast a marshmallow or two!

Bug Screens

Ensure you and your guests can relax in comfort by installing bug screens to keep mosquitos and other pesky critters away.

Outdoor Bathroom

If you have a pool, sauna, or an exceptionally spacious backyard, an outdoor bathroom equipped with a shower is an excellent way to elevate comfort levels. Guests and residents can easily slip inside to clean up after a swim before returning indoors.

Pool

Swimming pools are a fantastic way to exercise, entertain, and relax. There are many different pool designs and styles depending on what will work best with your space.  

Water Features

Impress your guests by creating a sensory experience when they dive into the water with features like fountains, waterfalls, a grotto, a hot tub, water slides, underwater speakers, and more.

Outdoor Recreation

Who doesn't love the opportunity to play sports in the comfort and privacy of your yard? Play basketball, tennis, or even practice your golf swing on the putting green.

Cabana

Want to add some luxury to your backyard? Cabanas can really enhance the look of your outdoor space while providing a sheltered space adjacent to the pool to change and relax.

Indoor

Oversized Kitchen Island

There is nothing more frustrating than when you're making an elaborate meal and find out you've run out of kitchen space. Not only does an oversized kitchen island prevent that from happening, but it also creates a space for people to hang out or kids to do homework.

Mudroom

A mudroom is an informal entry area where people can remove dirty or wet articles of clothing so they don't track mud or water through your house.

Home Office

Work from home, dabble in hobbies, read, or relax in your personal home office. Having a separate, quiet area to work has never been so important in an increased work-from-home environment.  

Central Vacuum System

You no longer need the hassle of dragging a clunky, portable machine around the house with a central vacuum system fitted to the property. These systems are becoming increasingly prevalent as homeowners have come to appreciate their convenience.  

Sauna / Steam Room

Saunas and steam rooms are equipped to help you relax and have tons of health benefits.

Kids Playroom

If your kids are known to get loud, it's helpful to them and you to let them have a room where they can play and keep all of their toys. It also gives them a place to personalize and be creative.

Bathroom Luxury Features

  • Elevated Bathroom Countertop: Tall people won't have to stoop with a standard size.

  • Dual Toilets and Sinks: Why share if you don't have to?
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  • Walk-In Shower: Spacious and accommodating without doors.

Freestanding Tub

No better way to make your bathroom pop than with a freestanding tub with a beautiful backsplash.

His and her walk-in master closets

Keep all of your clothing separate and enjoy your space without overlap. Oversized walk-in closets are a luxury worth having if you have a lot of clothes, shoes, and accessories or need extra storage space.

Laundry Chute

Don't hassle with a hamper or dirty clothes in your bedroom. Send your laundry straight to the laundry room.

Catering kitchen

A functional off-site kitchen space is particularly important if you plan on hosting lots of parties or gatherings.

Under-Cabinet Outlets

Don't ruin the look of your kitchen or that beautiful kitchen backsplash.

First-Floor Master

First-floor master bedrooms are in high-demand, and for good reason, as you won’t need to trek up the stairs to get to your room. However, given the amount of space it takes up, you’ll have to make sure it will work with your lot and that there is adequate room for all the first-floor essentials such as a kitchen, living room and dining room. Kudos to you if you can make it work as first-floor suites have proven to add to a home’s resale value.

Fish Tank

There are some surprising health benefits to maintaining an indoor fish or shark tank. Plus, it just looks cool.

Electric Shutters

Control the natural light filtering into your home and privacy with the click of a button.

Soft-Close Cabinets

No more slamming cabinets and waking people up as you bustle around the kitchen. Additionally, due to less stress placed on the hinges, soft-close cabinets are much less likely to require repairs.  

ENTERTAINMENT

Home Theater

A movie theater or media room is the best way to enjoy everything from the newest movies to popular video game releases. Equip your space with an innovative, state-of-the-art speaker system, and it will feel like you're getting a high-quality theatrical experience from the comfort of your own home.

Game Room

Another way to provide entertainment. Golf simulators are a fun way to practice your swing and get a quick workout. How about an arcade, pool table, ping pong table or pinball machine?

Bowling Alley

Custom in-house bowling alleys are a fantastic way to add all-season entertainment to your home. Rain or shine, you can bowl with your family and friends during any time of year.

Library

Create a true bookworm’s paradise with a beautiful home library. If you're an avid reader, a library will give you the freedom to observe your enviable collection in full.

Indoor Pool

Somedays going outside to swim isn't feasible due to weather. Never miss a day of swimming with an indoor pool, and you get the added advantage of privacy.

Indoor Bar

Throw the best parties and host memorable gatherings with an indoor bar equipped with top-shelf liqour and cocktail recipes.

Basement

Basements are a great way to add extra storage to your home or create a functional space, such as a game room or wine cellar.

Gym

Home gyms have never been so popular amid the pandemic. Create the perfect customized space with the equipment you are most interested in. Plus, you’ll never have to worry about sharing with sweaty strangers again!

Premium

Pet Room

Give your pet a place to relax and escape from people from time to time. These rooms can also come equipped with a shower and cleaning area for grooming.

Spa

Soundproof this room for more relaxation as you enjoy the massage table, jacuzzi, manicure/ pedicure area, and more.

Smart Home Automation

Sophisticated smart-home technology makes everything easier to manage, from intuitive thermostats to automatic locking systems to smart garage openers.

Heated Bathroom Floors

Never feel uncomfortable going to the bathroom late at night or during the winter months.

Temperature-Controlled Shower

Smart showers, or temperature-controlled showers, allow you to find the optimal degree of water, and it turns on automatically, adjusting to your preference and specifications.

Hidden Room

A hidden room or even a panic room can add another layer of security to your home. Similarly, a safe room can be used as a shelter from tornados and bad weather.

Wine Cellar

Wine enthusiasts will appreciate having a wine room to show their guests and offer them a broad range of curated options. There are endless design options depending on the size, style and functionality you are looking for. 

Elevator

An essential asset as you get older or if you need assistance moving things between floors.

Built-In Safe

Put it wherever you prefer for easy access, while protecting all of your personal documents and valuables.

Built-In Water Dispensers

A sleek and easy addition to any room, filtered water dispensers have entered the residential market and the early feedback has been spectacular. 

Double-sided fireplace

These fireplaces are efficient and look fantastic in open-concept layouts.

Floating Staircase

A floating staircase is self-supported and creates a sleek, modern look inside your home.

Upstairs and Downstairs Laundry Room

Don't hassle yourself climbing up and down the stairs with multiple loads of laundry when you can have one on each floor. It's also great for people who regularly have guests that want to tend to their laundry in private.

Subterranean Garage

If you're a car enthusiast or collect automobiles, it's helpful to have an underground bunker to store all of them somewhere safe, dry, and easily accessible.

Solar Panels

Solar panels are an energy-efficient way to save you money and benefit the environment. As a renewable resource, solar panels have low maintenance costs and can increase your property's value.

Greenhouse

Do you have a green thumb that needs nurturing? Greenhouses give you a lush oasis to tend to flowers, produce, and more. There is nothing better than eating food you've grown yourself.

Indoor Basketball Court

For those days when the weather is bad, play the game inside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still exploring the best custom home features for your new build? Whether you're planning a luxury home in Dallas or looking to personalize every detail of your dream home, these FAQs cover the most common questions about high-end design, smart home upgrades, and must-have features in today's custom builds. 
 
 

What are the most popular custom home features in luxury Dallas homes?

Today’s high-end homeowners in Dallas are seeking homes that are not only beautiful but also functional and personalized. Some of the most requested features we build into custom homes include: chef-style kitchens with premium appliances and hidden prep areas; spa-inspired bathrooms with steam showers and heated floors; home theaters; smart home automation; resort-style outdoor living areas; private home gyms and wellness rooms; and custom closets. These features enhance both everyday living and long-term value.
 
 

Can I fully customize every part of my home with S&R Development?

Yes — S&R Development offers a true design-build experience where every element of your home can be tailored to your preferences. From layout to finishes, our team helps you bring your vision to life, whether you're inspired by a modern Mediterranean style or something completely unique. We specialize in building fully custom homes in Dallas neighborhoods like Preston Hollow, Highland Park, and University Park.
 
 

What smart home technologies can be integrated into my custom home?

We can integrate smart lighting, thermostats, security cameras, automated shades, whole-home audio, and voice-activated systems. Smart home features increase convenience, energy efficiency, and security — making them some of the most in-demand upgrades in Dallas custom homes.
 
 

How do energy-efficient features improve my custom home?

Energy-efficient features lower your utility bills, reduce your carbon footprint, and create a more comfortable home. We offer high-performance insulation, solar readiness, tankless water heaters, ENERGY STAR® appliances, and efficient HVAC zoning in many of our custom builds.
 
 

What outdoor living features are most popular in the Dallas climate?

Covered patios, outdoor kitchens, resort-style pools, fire pits, and lounge areas are some of the most desired outdoor features. Because of Dallas’s warm climate, homeowners often use these spaces year-round for entertaining and relaxing.
 
 

How customizable are the floor plans?

S&R Development gives you full control over your floor plan. Whether you want an open-concept layout or more defined rooms, we’ll design a layout that matches your lifestyle — including features like multigenerational suites, private offices, or expansive indoor-outdoor flow.
 
 

Can I include wellness features like a home gym or steam room?

Yes. We frequently build wellness spaces like private gyms, yoga rooms, steam showers, saunas, and even cold plunge tubs. These custom features help support your health and daily routine, right at home.
 
 

Do you build in specific Dallas neighborhoods?

We specialize in luxury home construction in top Dallas neighborhoods, including Preston Hollow, Highland Park, University Park, Bluffview, Greenway Parks, and Lakewood. We’re familiar with local styles, permitting, and zoning — ensuring a smooth process from start to finish.
 
 

Can I build a hidden room or other unique architectural features?

Absolutely. We’ve built secret doors, hidden offices, panic rooms, wine cellars, and more. Unique architectural details like floating staircases, statement fireplaces, and vaulted ceilings help make your home one-of-a-kind.
 
 

How long does it typically take to build a fully custom home?

Most fully custom homes take between 12 and 18 months from design through completion, depending on scope, complexity, and lot conditions. We’ll provide a clear project timeline at the start and keep you informed every step of the way.
 
 

How do I budget for a luxury custom home build?

We’ll help you set a realistic budget early in the process, including allowances for materials, labor, site work, and premium features. Our transparent approach ensures your custom home reflects your priorities without unexpected surprises.
 
 

Can I live in my current home while building a new custom home?

Yes. Many of our clients live in their existing homes while we build on a new lot or rebuild on their current property. We handle all aspects of the process so the transition is as seamless as possible.
 
 

What kitchen features are trending in luxury custom homes?

Homeowners are gravitating toward large islands with seating, concealed storage, custom cabinetry, walk-in pantries, and chef-grade appliances. Smart appliances and integrated lighting also enhance functionality and design.
 
 

What makes S&R Development different from other Dallas home builders?

We combine architectural creativity with precision craftsmanship and a deeply personalized process. As a true design-build firm, we deliver a seamless experience from concept to completion — with a strong reputation for quality, transparency, and high-end finishes across Dallas’s most prestigious neighborhoods.

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We are recipients of numerous awards for the design and quality of our custom homes including being named one of Dallas' Best by D Magazine.

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