Crafting the Perfect Holiday Home

The holidays are upon us, and, as the song says, “There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays!” Choosing to build a custom home that’s perfect for family gatherings is a significant decision. When designing your dream space, consider how it will function during the holiday season. If you enjoy hosting friends and family, incorporating seasonal considerations into your design can be a game changer.

Thoughtful Touches for Holiday Celebrations

From innovative storage solutions to an entertainer’s kitchen, you can enhance your home with features that make holiday gatherings easier and enjoyable—year-round.

Include a Cozy Fireplace

A fireplace adds warmth and ambiance, making it a classic element for winter and holiday cheer. Choose from easy gas fireplaces for year-round use or traditional wood-burning options for a classic winter feel. Either way, a fireplace is a great focal point for bringing everyone together during the holidays.

Indoor and Outdoor Hooks

Think about the decorations you want to hang. If you love holiday lights, consider installing small hooks that make it easy to set up your decorations when the time comes. Inside, a coat room or hooks near the entrance can help guests store their outerwear comfortably.

Ample Storage Space

The holidays often require more decorations than usual, making extra storage space essential. Many people overlook this aspect when planning their new home. Collaborate with your builder to create dedicated storage areas that keep your decorations conveniently accessible yet out of the way. While basements often provide storage, consider a main-level room or space in the garage for easier access.

Don’t forget about seasonal serving pieces and linens. A large walk-in pantry could be invaluable for stowing away your entertaining essentials.

Extra Closet Space

If hosting is your passion, think about incorporating two coat closets—one near the front door for guests and another by the garage for family. A built-in bench near the closets is a practical design choice, allowing guests to comfortably remove their boots while providing storage for umbrellas and winter accessories.

Extra Outlets & Electricity

Plan ahead for plugging in your holiday decor. Strategically placed outlets can reduce the hassle of extension cords. In open-concept homes, consider floor outlets to maintain a streamlined look. An electrical outlet in the mantel is perfect for decorations and lights.

Also, don’t forget your outdoor decorations! If you enjoy festive exterior displays, ensure your electrical panel can handle the load. Install eave outlets for seasonal lights, and consider a switch at the front door for easy access.

Other ideal outlet locations include:

• Front porch
• Back porch/patio/deck
• Garage
• Landscape areas

Designing for Holiday Entertaining

If your holiday gatherings often involve large crowds, it’s vital to create spaces that facilitate entertaining. The kitchen and dining room layout should enable smooth flow, whether you prefer sit-down dinners or buffet-style serving.

Plan for additional sleeping quarters, such as extra bedrooms or a guest suite, to accommodate out-of-town visitors. Providing your guests with their own space can help minimize stress.

Ready to Design Your Custom Home?

At Colby Construction, we’re dedicated to bringing your custom home dreams to life. We stay at the forefront of the home-building industry by embracing the latest designs and technology in our projects. By working closely with our clients, we effectively create spaces tailored to their needs.

If you’re ready to embark on your custom home journey, contact us today to get started on your dream project.