Designing a new Florida home is an exciting process – one that affords consumers the ability to incorporate all of their most desired features into the home they’ve always wanted. The details and nuances will be unique for each person, but trends indicate that there are many “must-haves” for those who wish to build a home that stands out from all the others and is the envy of the neighborhood. Whether to design your dream home or ensure its future resale value, these are the design elements that experts and architects recommend incorporating into your plans.

  • Open floor plans: Bright, open spaces have been a staple of Florida homes for quite a while, and no one expects that to change. Open layouts offer an abundance of natural light, flexibility in functionality, and a feeling of togetherness for family, entertaining, or multitasking. While open floor plans are common in area homes, it’s hard to imagine a standout home without one.
  • Outdoor living spaces: Living in Florida means enjoying the outdoors – whether a lanai, courtyard, deck, garden, or pool. Our outdoor areas allow for entertaining, relaxing, and enjoying the view and are highly desirable when it comes to Sarasota real estate. your location will determine the best features to include, such as a rooftop patio at the beach or a walled-in garden oasis downtown.
  • Intentional curb appeal: Making a good first impression never goes out of style, and curb appeal is always important when creating an impressive impact. Concentrate on interesting and eye-catching landscaping, a welcoming front porch, and a neat, manicured lawn. Remarkable curb appeal and landscape design need not be tedious – there are many natural options that require little maintenance while providing native beauty and appeal.
  • High-performance windows: Windows are an all-important design feature for a Florida home, as they not only have the ability to offer a striking aesthetic but can also reduce energy loss, minimize the infrared and UV light that enters the home, and offer impact protection in the event of a storm. The design of the home will often dictate the type of windows that make the most sense, but the most captivating home designs typically feature grand, sweeping views through oversized window panes or glass walls to showcase the outdoors. Incorporating hurricane protection into the initial design (such as rolldown hurricane shutters) will create an even more desirable home overall.
  • Oversized and creative garage space: Florida homes typically lack truly useful attic space, and basements are non-existent because of our water table and elevation. Storage space is considered a premium asset for any Sarasota home, and a well-designed garage can fill that need. From housing multiple cars to storing tools and Christmas decorations – not to mention keeping you dry when you return home during a torrential downpour – a large garage is a timeless must-have and a huge benefit when selling a home. If designing the garage from the outset, consider built-in cabinets, drawers, or toolboxes to house everything you need safely and away from critters.
  • Additional storage space: Let’s face it, the garage may not provide all the storage you need. Large storage areas, pantries, and walk-in closets are vital design elements for any standout home – ask your architect about utilizing underutilized spaces (such as under the stairs) to create even more functional space.
  • Functional flooring: Newcomers to Florida may not realize the environmental factors that affect our flooring, from intense humidity to sand and water being tracked through the home. Add in the traditional abuse from shoes, pets, and children, and choosing durable and low-maintenance flooring becomes a necessity. New innovations such as vinyl plank flooring look great and withstand moisture and shock – and are easy to clean and maintain.
  • Gorgeous, high-tech kitchens: No matter the type of home, the kitchen is the timeless gathering place for family and friends – and one of the most influential design areas for your home. Consider tall kitchen cabinets for storage, and don’t forget the under-cabinet lighting that illuminates counters and prep areas. Choose high-performance, low-maintenance countertops such as granite or quartz, and don’t skimp on the energy-saving smart appliances that will save money and look sleek and contemporary.

In the end, your standout Florida home will incorporate all of your favorite features and design elements and will be personalized to your own preferences. The best way to ensure that your home is exactly what you want is to work with a team of professional architects from blueprints to construction. JTL Studios are known for their passion for bringing your unique style and vision to life – call today to learn more about building your Sarasota home!