7 Strategies to Build a House Full of Holiday Memories

A lot of time and thought goes into the planning process of building your house. You want to remember everything necessary to create a home where your family makes memories. This holiday home design guide should be a huge help!

Accommodate the Holidays Seamlessly

When designing your ideal custom home, there is a lot to consider for your comfort and enjoyment through all of the seasons. Here are some ideas to accommodate your celebrations:

1. Plan to have a dedicated space to store Christmas decorations. You can have a Christmas nook in the attic or clear stacked cabinets with interior lights.

2. Think about where you'll want your Christmas tree(s) to go so you can add outlets to those locations. Will you want an additional tree for the kids in the playroom or outdoors? Think about it and wherever your trees will go, add outlets and avoid installing HVAC vents in those areas. They can dry out the trees.

3. If you want Christmas trees outdoors, plant Evergreen shrubs. Ask your landscaper what kind of Evergreen will do best in your region.

4. Put outlets near the indoor and outdoor locations of your Christmas lights. Homeowners usually plug exterior lights in the soffits and let them hang from the eaves. It's wise to ask your contractor for two Christmas light switches in an out-of-the-way place, one for the interior and one for the exterior. You could even get smart solutions lights that you can control from your tablet!

5. If your decorations aren't stored on the main floor, add a dumbwaiter. It would be much easier than carrying boxes up and down the stairs.

6. Focus your design energy on critical areas. Save your decorations for the rooms guests typically gather in, like the porch, entryway, living room, and dining room. A fun, dramatic look would be to put your Christmas tree on your screened-in porch.

7. Maximize your open floor plan to enjoy time with your family. Toll Brothers states that “Homes with open floor plans, versatile lofts or basements, and flexible rooms offer the space to make the most of every moment.”

Here are some examples:

• Kitchens with waterfall islands that open into an expansive great room or casual dining areas make an excellent space for preparing, serving, and entertaining.

• A loft is an ideal place for family games and gift wrapping while your family is downstairs, so you can still feel included.

• Floor-to-ceiling multi-panel glass doors allow festivities to flow indoors and out.

If you plan to build in West Michigan, call Straight Edge Builders at 616-218-5444 or fill out our contact form for a consultation. We can walk you through designing a home that accommodates the era of your life, the size of your family, and your holiday traditions. You'll be making valuable memories in no time!