Coastal homes are picturesque, and even more so on Whidbey Island! You probably have a lot of ideas of what you’d love to include. Over the last two decades we’ve built dozens of custom homes on Whidbey Island. Here are the most popular AND practical features homeowners request for your idea board.
We delve into aesthetics like large windows to maximize views, natural light, unique staircases, and outdoor dining spaces.
We also share our best practical ideas like solar panels, ample insulation for energy efficiency, and storage space.
10 picturesque and practical ideas for your custom home!
1. Location Matters:
Your first step in building a custom coastal home is deciding on the kind of location you desire. How close to the beach? Do you want a stunning ocean view from a higher vantage point? We discuss this complex topic in detail in our post on How to Choose a Custom Home Site on Whidbey Island.
2. Open Floor Plans:
Most homeowners desire a modern or contemporary open floor plan for the main floor of their coastal home. You’ll often see a living room, kitchen, and dining room that share one space or have subtle definition between them.
When entertaining the openness allows family and friends to be together in a relaxed space. Open floor plans maximize views and create a sense of spaciousness that is associated with the Pacific Northwest!
Open floor plan with living room, kitchen and dining room in a custom home by Boren Construction Inc.
3. Natural Light:
Open floor plans and large windows, skylights, and glass doors go hand and hand; where you find one you usually find the other. Both increase spaciousness, increase natural light, and decrease dependence on artificial lighting. Both are associated with PNW lifestyles, and modern – contemporary style.
4. Outdoor Living Spaces / Entertainment Areas:
As an outdoorsy person who loves dining al fresco, I could talk about this topic all day. Many coastal homes feature outdoor areas like decks, patios, and balconies for enjoying the coastal breeze and stunning sunsets. Many dining rooms include sliding doors. If you have more space, consider an outdoor kitchen with a range, sink, BBQ and large table under a pergola. Other popular features include fire pits with seating for hosting gatherings and entertaining friends in the beautiful outdoors.
Dining room and living room that open to a spacious deck. The entire wall pops open.
5. Coastal-Inspired Design:
This is a fun one! The coast is outside, but you can bring it indoors too and capture that beach vibe.
It’s common in the PNW is to choose coastal colors inspired by the ocean, sand, and sky such as blues, greens, and browns. This natural pallet includes shades of blue, turquoise, aqua, and seafoam green as well as neutrals like white, beige, and sandy tones.
You’ll also see interior design incorporate reclaimed wood, bamboo, rattan, wicker, and jute to add warmth and texture reminiscent of coastal landscapes.
Additionally, interior design will use coastal-themed artwork with sea creatures, shell, or ocean views. Occasionally, homeowners will want to emphasize nautical and ship themes with navy and white stripes, rope accents, and anchor symbols.
6. Unique Staircases
Adding a unique stairway is another custom home element that sophisticated homeowners gravitate to and ties in well with contemporary design. Sometimes modern stairways feature sculptural elements such as curved or geometrically shaped stairs. Sometimes the design focuses on a eye-catching material such as wood, concrete, metal, and even glass.
And for those who love open floor plans, open riser stairs enhance the sense of spaciousness and adds a dynamic visual element. (If you’re wondering what these are, open risers have gaps between each step which allows light to pass through.)
This home features a tower with exceptional 180 degree views.
7. Smart Home Technology:
Many homeowners choose to add smart home technology to their coastal custom home. These features include automated lighting, climate control, and security systems. For example, automated lighting allows users to control the ambiance and brightness of their home. Climate control systems enable precise temperature regulation, optimizing energy efficiency and ensuring a comfortable environment throughout the day. Additionally, smart security systems provide peace of mind by offering remote monitoring, real-time alerts, and customizable access control which makes sense for custom homes and vacation homes in remote locations.
8.Energy Efficiency Features:
Energy-efficient features offer sustainability benefits and substantial cost savings, typically saving homeowners $1000’s each month on cooling, heating, and lighting. Solar panels harness renewable energy and lower electricity bills. Energy-efficient appliances, such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and HVAC systems, consume less energy without compromising performance, leading to long-term savings on utilities. Investing in insulation, including high-performance windows and insulation materials, improves thermal efficiency, reducing heating and cooling needs and optimizing indoor comfort. By integrating these energy-efficient technologies and practices, modern coastal homes can be more sustainable, have lower operating costs, and provide healthier living spaces.
Luxurious bathroom with a deep tub, double sinks mounted in rustic cabinetry, and a unique chandelier.
9. Luxurious Amenities:
Luxurious amenities are key features that elevate the experience of coastal custom homes. Spa-like bathrooms provide a sanctuary for relaxation, featuring luxurious fixtures, soaking tubs, steam showers, and ambient lighting. Gourmet kitchens are a chef’s dream, equipped with high-end appliances, custom cabinetry, spacious countertops with seating, and elegant finishes that make cooking and entertaining a pleasure. Home theaters offer a cinematic experience with state-of-the-art audiovisual systems, plush seating, acoustic treatments, and immersive technology, perfect for enjoying movies, concerts, or gaming in the comfort of one’s home.
10. Custom Storage Solutions:
Most custom home builders appreciate custom storage additions to maximize their space. Built-in shelving provides functional and aesthetically pleasing display areas for books, decor, and personal belongings, while optimizing vertical space and adding character to rooms! Custom closets are designed to maximize storage capacity and efficiency, with personalized configurations for clothing, shoes, accessories, and seasonal items. Cabinets, whether in kitchens, bathrooms, or living areas, provide storage to keep spaces free of clutter. By incorporating custom storage options, homeowners can create a more organized and efficient home environment that fits the modern and minimal home aesthetic.
These 10 custom features are popular with homeowners seeking a modern or contemporary coastal home. Perhaps we’ve reinforced the ideas you are considering and introduced one or two more. Leave a comment if you have a question or email us on our contact page.
Enjoy planning your coastal home on Whidbey Island!
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Boren Construction is Whidbey Island’s premier custom home builder, well known for our skilled execution of high end residential projects.
Our construction process has set a new standard in the residential construction industry, leveraging cloud based technology to create a transparent and productive environment which allows us to provide the highest level of service to our clients.
Founded in 2001 by LeRoy Boren, we put our client’s needs first, creating a team environment based on continuous improvement and the daily practice of excellence. With projects throughout Whidbey Island including Clinton, Langley, Freeland, Greenbank and Coupeville, the Boren Construction team has the experience necessary to build dwellings that are both timeless and bespoke.
