When families dream of building a custom home, they often focus on everyday functionality: kitchens, storage, curb appeal, etc. However, there’s another design layer worth planning from the start: holiday living.
Whether your home is the center of Christmas morning, annual New Year’s gatherings, Hanukkah celebrations, or weekend dinner parties, thoughtful features make the holiday season easier, safer, and more magical. When features are integrated early in the custom construction process, homeowners save money, avoid add-ons later, and enjoy timeless convenience.
As a custom home builder serving Brevard County, from Indialantic to Cocoa Beach, and Titusville through Melbourne, we’ve seen how the right upgrades elevate holiday hosting. Below are smart, functional, and luxurious ideas to consider for your new custom home.
Lighting and Electrical Features Built for the Holidays
Holiday lighting can be beautiful—but it can also be a hassle when you rely on tangled timers, extension cords, and overloaded outlets. Building custom lets you prepare intelligently:
Dedicated Soffit Lighting Circuits and Outlets
Instead of running cords to ground outlets, soffit circuits let you plug holiday lights directly under the roof eaves and control them from a single interior switch.
Perfect for icicle lights, roofline displays, or hanging décor. These outlets prevent visible cords and reduce tripping hazards.
Permanent Soffit Strip Lighting Systems
Homeowners increasingly opt for LED strip lighting built into trim or under fascia boards. These systems change colors for any holiday, like Christmas, July 4th, or St. Patrick’s Day, all at the touch of a button.
Landscape Lighting for Seasonal Ambiance
Pathway and accent lighting enhances curb appeal year-round, and it beautifully illuminates outdoor holiday décor and guest arrival areas.
Floor Outlet for the Christmas Tree
A single well-placed outlet eliminates cords across walkways and allows the tree to sit naturally in a featured location. Consider a switched outlet for convenience.
Power on the Front Porch for Garland and Wreath Lighting
Avoid stapling extension cords to door frames or nailing it to your stucco. Built-in outlets help create a refined and intentional entry display.
Interior Features That Create Holiday Atmosphere
The winter season is about warmth, togetherness, and memories. Small architectural moments can enhance these experiences.
Traditional Fireplace and Mantle
Whether gas or electric, fireplaces create a gathering focal point. A well-sized mantle offers space to hang stockings and display seasonal décor.
Media Wall Designed for Both Décor and TV Placement
Instead of fighting for wall space between the tree and the television, a properly planned media wall accommodates both entertainment and decorative shelving. Built-ins allow you to showcase seasonal pieces without clutter.
Two-Story Foyer or High Ceilings for a Large Christmas Tree
If your tradition includes an oversized tree, high ceilings make decorating easier and more impactful. This visual moment can become a signature of your custom home.
Holiday Storage & Organization
Holiday décor accumulates quickly and often ends up in inconvenient locations. Plan ahead with these features:
Attic or Hidden Storage for Seasonal Decorations
Built-in overhead shelving, walk-in attic access, or dedicated holiday storage closets keep bins organized and out of sight. This makes decorating and packing up the house far more efficient.
Kitchens Built for Holiday Entertaining
The kitchen becomes the heart of the home during the holidays. Designing with hosting in mind improves circulation and reduces stress when preparing large meals.
Double Ovens
Roast the turkey in one oven and bake desserts in the other. Dual capacity dramatically improves timing and flexibility.
Large Island for Gathering and Serving
Family and guests naturally gravitate toward the island. Include seating and power outlets for slow cookers, warming trays, and holiday treats.
Walk-in Pantry with Warming Drawer
A warming drawer keeps dishes ready without drying them out, making it easier to serve meals to a full table. A large pantry keeps bulk items and serving platters organized.
Dedicated Dining Room
Formal dining spaces make holiday meals feel special, and they allow kitchens to remain functional and uncluttered during preparations.
Wet Bar or Beverage Center
This prevents guests from crowding the kitchen and makes hosting easier. It pairs perfectly with an undercounter ice maker, especially during large gatherings.
Built-in Speakers for Holiday Music
A whole-home audio system adds ambiance both indoors and outdoors. This feature integrates most seamlessly during construction.
Outdoor Holiday Hosting
Florida homeowners enjoy outdoor entertaining even during the winter. Consider spaces that function for year-round enjoyment:
Outdoor Kitchen
A built-in grill, fridge, and prep space make holiday parties smoother and keep heat out of the indoor kitchen.
Wine Room or Wine Storage Wall
This adds luxury and convenience while creating an appealing entertainment focal point.
Conclusion
If you’re planning a new home in Brevard County, talk to a custom builder early about incorporating holiday-friendly features while they’re easy and cost-effective to install.
By preparing ahead, you’ll enjoy a smoother, happier holiday season, year after year.