Custom Home Builder Blog

10 Must-Have Features for New Homes in 2025

Written by Richmond Homes | Apr 14, 2025 1:00:00 PM

Building a home in 2025 means more than selecting cabinets and paint colors—it’s about creating a lifestyle. Today’s homeowners want spaces that feel easy to live in, energy-smart, personalized, and future-ready.

In Brunswick County, New Hanover County, and Pender County, where coastal living meets everyday convenience, families are looking for homes that blend functionality with style. Whether you're upsizing, downsizing, or building your forever home, these 10 features are at the top of every buyer’s wish list this year—and for good reason.

1. Open-Concept Living Spaces

The heart of modern home design is open, airy, and flexible. In 2025, open-concept living isn’t just a trend, it’s a must.

  • Why homeowners love it: These spaces make entertaining easier, provide better natural light, and create a more connected feel for families.
  • What it looks like: Picture your kitchen flowing into a living room with a fireplace and large windows overlooking your backyard, perfect for hosting or relaxing.
  • Design tip: Pair open spaces with architectural details like tray ceilings or archways to define zones without adding walls.

Richmond Homes offers open floor plans with expansive kitchens, dining areas, and great rooms that make everyday living feel seamless.

2. Dedicated Home Office or Flex Space

Remote work and hybrid schedules are here to stay, and having a quiet, dedicated space for productivity is essential.

  • Not just for work: Use this space as a homework zone, hobby room, guest bedroom, or even a home gym.
  • Design it right: Add built-in shelving, soft lighting, and a door for privacy. A window with natural light can help boost focus and mood.

Flexibility is key in today’s custom homes—and we help you design spaces that evolve with your lifestyle.

3. Energy-Efficient Appliances and Features

In the coastal Carolinas, efficient systems are more than eco-conscious—they're cost-saving and comfort-enhancing.

  • Must-haves: 
    • ENERGY STAR appliances
    • smart thermostats
    • LED lighting 
    • tankless water heaters

Energy-efficient windows and upgraded insulation also help maintain a steady indoor temperature year-round, even in Wilmington’s hot summers and cool evenings.

The U.S. Department of Energy reports homeowners can save up to 30% on utilities with ENERGY STAR-rated features—something that pays off season after season.

4. Outdoor Living Areas

With mild winters and warm summers, outdoor spaces in southeastern North Carolina are a lifestyle essential—not just a bonus.

  • Features clients request most: 
    • Covered patios
    • Pools & Hot Tubs
    • Screened porches
    • Outdoor kitchens
    • Built-in fire pits

These spaces let you enjoy the weather, extend your living space, and entertain more easily.

Want more ideas? Don’t miss our March blog on outdoor design, where we walk through outdoor features and pool-friendly layouts.

5. Hotel-Like Master Bedroom Suites

Your bedroom isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s where you reset, relax, and recharge.

  • What’s trending: 
    • Oversized walk-in showers
    • Soaking tubs
    • Dual vanities
    • Large custom closets

Pro tip: Add a private seating nook, access to a screened porch, or smart window treatments to turn your suite into a true escape.

Design is a crucial step in the home building process. We work with homeowners to design peaceful, hotel-inspired suites that feel like a retreat right at home along with the rest of the house.

6. Smart Home Technology

Smart homes are no longer futuristic—they’re today’s standard for comfort, efficiency, and security.

  • Integrated options include:
    • App-controlled lighting and thermostats
    • Voice-activated assistants
    • Smart locks, cameras, and video doorbells
    • Whole-home Wi-Fi systems

According to Statista, over 60% of U.S. households use smart devices—proof that convenience and connectivity are a top priority.

We work with experts to hardwire your home for smart systems during construction so everything works together seamlessly from day one.

7. Ample Storage Solutions

From beach gear to seasonal decor, today’s homeowners need smarter storage—not more clutter.

  • Built-in solutions that work:
    • Walk-in pantries for kitchen overflow
    • Mudroom lockers with cubbies and hooks
    • Custom closet shelving and linen towers
    • Overhead garage storage and workbench areas

For families in transition or retirees downsizing, built-in storage makes daily life easier and keeps your home looking clean and calm.

8. Luxury Kitchens with High-End Finishes

Kitchens are still the most-used and most-loved room in the home. The difference in 2025? Function meets luxury.

  • Design details we’re including in builds:
    • Quartz countertops with waterfall edges
    • Statement backsplashes and under-cabinet lighting
    • Walk-in pantries and double ovens
    • Designer fixtures and soft-close cabinetry

Our clients love kitchens that feel like showpieces—but still handle the hustle of daily cooking and entertaining.

9. High-Performance Flooring

Life gets messy. Flooring should be stylish and tough enough to handle whatever your day brings.

  • Best options for coastal homes:
    • Luxury vinyl plank: waterproof, scratch-resistant, and perfect for sand and spills
    • Engineered hardwood: classic beauty with modern durability
    • Large-format tile in entryways and bathrooms for easy cleanup

We help you select flooring that matches your lifestyle—whether you’re hosting grandkids, pets, or parties.

10. Better Mudrooms and Drop Zones

One of the most-requested “hidden gems” in modern homes? A functional drop zone that keeps your home from feeling chaotic.

  • Common features:
    • Built-in benches with shoe storage
    • Wall hooks for bags and coats
    • Cabinet storage for sports gear, beach towels, or leashes
    • Washer/dryer connections in connected laundry areas

Especially in coastal communities like Leland and Southport, a well-designed mudroom is the first line of defense between outdoor fun and a tidy home.

Build a Home That Works for You—Now and in the Future

At Richmond Homes, we believe every new build should be both beautiful and smartly designed. The features above aren’t about trends—they’re about improving your daily life and making your home a place you love to be.

Whether you're building your forever home in Brunswick County or starting fresh in New Hanover County, our team will help you create a space that fits your goals, your style, and your lifestyle.  Contact us to start designing your dream home.

Let’s build something that’s uniquely yours—from the inside out. Explore our custom homes.