When designing your dream home, you may have the flexibility to choose a three-car garage. But is it worth the extra construction cost and footprint on your property? The answer depends on your lifestyle, hobbies, and family size. Consider the benefits of three-car garages and how to make the most of this feature.

Multi-Car Garage Advantages

• Extra vehicle space: A three-car garage is ideal for families with multiple vehicles. It accommodates cars, trucks, and motorcycles with ease. Even if your kids don’t drive yet, having additional parking space in the garage and driveway could prove extremely valuable when they grow up.
• Increased storage capacity: Beyond vehicle storage, a three-car garage offers ample room for storing seasonal decorations, sporting equipment, lawn tools, bicycles, and more. It helps keep your home organized and clutter-free, providing a designated space for items that might otherwise crowd your living area.
• Workspace and hobby studio: If you enjoy woodworking, painting, or DIY projects, a three-car garage effectively gives you a studio attached to your house. It offers a dedicated area to pursue your interests without encroaching on your main living space.
• Enhanced home value: Including a three-car garage in your custom home build may cost more than a two-car garage, but the additional market value could be worth it when the time comes to sell. Prospective buyers often crave ample garage space, so having a three-car garage makes your home more appealing.

Making the Most of Your Three-Car Garage

• Organize efficiently: Maximize your storage space with built-in shelving units, cabinets, and wall hooks. When filling the space, organize items by category to make them easier to find later on. You might also consider a workbench to store your power tools and work on messy projects you don’t want to do inside.
• Make it comfortable: If you plan to transform part of your garage into a gym, playroom, or entertainment area, it’s wise to insulate the garage door and install a dedicated heating and cooling system. These design choices allow you to use the space year-round, regardless of the weather.
• Install windows: Garages tend to be devoid of natural light, but it doesn’t have to be this way. Design your garage with windows in the walls or the garage door itself to let the sunshine in.
• Epoxy the floor: A floor coating is an easy way to make your garage more inviting. Epoxy and other garage floor finishes are durable, stain-resistant, and far more attractive than plain concrete.

Build Your Dream Home Today

Can you picture exactly how you’ll use your three-car garage? If you’re eager to realize your vision, reach out to Landmark Fine Homes, where we build great homes for great people. Drawing on over 20 years of home-building experience, we understand the importance of tailored design choices that enhance your quality of life. Whether you’re considering a three-car garage or another popular home feature, call us at 405.400.8616 to learn about building a custom home in Oklahoma City.

Are you in the early stages of planning your dream home? One fundamental decision is whether to build a one-story or two-story home. Each style has benefits and drawbacks that may affect your long-term satisfaction. Explore the qualities of a two-story vs. single-story house to help you decide which design fits your needs best.

One-Story Home Advantages

• Accessibility: With no stairs to navigate, one-story homes are ideal for families with young children, elderly members, or those with limited mobility.
• Simpler upkeep: Maintaining a one-story home is generally easier since there’s no need to carry cleaning supplies up and down stairs. Tasks like window cleaning and painting are also more straightforward.
• Design choices: With a single-story layout, you may have more flexibility to incorporate high ceilings, skylights, and an open floor plan.

One-Story Home Downsides

• Higher construction costs: Despite being simpler to design, one-story homes can be more expensive to build due to the larger foundation and roof area required.
• Land requirements: Sprawling single-story homes require a larger lot, which may be a limitation in urban areas where land is at a premium.
• Limited privacy: One-story construction means all living spaces are on one level, reducing privacy throughout the house. Window coverings are also a must to keep bedrooms and bathrooms concealed from prying eyes.

Two-Story Home Benefits

• Smaller footprint: Two-story homes offer more living space on a smaller lot, making them a good choice for urban or suburban areas where land is limited.
• Defined living areas: With separate levels, it’s easier to designate distinct areas for different activities, such as public entertaining spaces on the ground floor and private bedrooms upstairs.
• Lower per-square-foot cost: Building up rather than out usually requires less foundation and roofing material, making two-story homes less expensive per square foot.
• Better views: The upper floor offers better views, an important consideration when building a home amid scenic surroundings.
• Increased privacy: Bedrooms and other private spaces on the second floor are more secluded from public areas on the lower floor and passersby outside your home.

Disadvantages of Multi-Level Homes

• Temperature inconsistencies: Maintaining a consistent temperature between floors can be challenging. Typically, the upper floor stays warmer, especially in the summer, while the lower floor remains cooler.
• Mobility challenges: Stairs may pose a problem for people with mobility issues and elderly family members. They can even be a safety hazard for young children.
• More maintenance: Cleaning and maintenance tasks are more cumbersome when you must navigate stairs, reach high windows, and repaint a two-story exterior.
• Longer build time: A two-story home might cost less per square foot, but building up tends to take longer.

Making Your Decision

Choosing between a one-story and a two-story home comes down to your lifestyle, family needs, budget, and personal preferences. Whichever option you choose, Landmark Fine Homes can bring your custom home to life. We have over 20 years of experience serving the Oklahoma City area as a family-run business with a reputation for building quality, energy-efficient homes. Contact us today at 405.400.8616 to take the first step toward making your next house the home of your dreams.

The concept of work and school has shifted dramatically for many people since the COVID-19 pandemic. With more people working and learning from home than ever, home offices and study rooms have become a must for maintaining productivity and work-life balance.

Home Office Benefits

If you’re building a custom home, consider the top reasons to incorporate a home office or study space into the design:

• Enhanced productivity: A dedicated home office allows you to close the door when you need peace and quiet, minimizing distractions and allowing you to focus better. When you’re more productive during working hours, you can maximize your earnings and enjoy your downtime more.
• Improved work-life balance: Having a designated workspace makes it easier to “leave work” at the end of the day. Close the door behind you in the evening to help separate your professional life from your personal life.
• Cost savings: Working from home saves you money on commuting, meals, and work attire. These savings add up over time, making a home office a wise investment if you work remotely.
• Study space for the kids: More families are choosing online classes for their kids and teens. Having a quiet place to follow along with the lesson and not be distracted by other activities in the home can vastly improve your child’s academic success and prepare them for higher education or a job later on.
• Increased home value: Homes with dedicated offices and studies are in high demand. Expect this addition to increase the resale value of your custom home if you decide to sell in the future.

Design Choices for Home Workspaces

With the importance of home studies in mind, consider the following factors when designing your space:

• Storage: It’s easier to stay focused when your workspace is organized. Ensure your home office or study room has ample storage space, such as built-in bookshelves and closets, to keep the space clutter-free.
• Lighting: Natural light is highly desirable in a home office, yet you don’t want glare or high heat gain. Plan a strategic spot for your desk near a window to take advantage of daylight, and incorporate blinds and curtains to control the light as needed. You’ll also want dimmable lamps to illuminate your home office after dark.
• Temperature control: No one wants to work in an overheated room. Consider zoned heating and cooling with dedicated temperature sensors in your home office or a ductless mini-split to stay comfortable throughout the year.
• Minimize noise: Consider building a soundproof home office with extra insulation, a solid-core door, and triple-pane windows to create a private, distraction-free zone.

Design Your Dream Home Today

At Landmark Fine Homes, we understand the necessity of a modern home office or study room. Our family-run business has been building high-quality, energy-efficient homes in the Oklahoma City area since 2000. The professionals in our design studio will help you plan every last detail, ensuring your new study room, along with the rest of your home, meets your needs without compromise. Contact us at 405.400.8616 today to start building the home of your dreams!

Storage options are a fundamental consideration when designing the kitchen in your custom dream home. Among the most popular choices are butler’s pantries and walk-in pantries. Don’t confuse the two—while similar, these two pantry types have distinct features and benefits.

Butler’s Pantry Features

A butler’s pantry, often found in luxury homes, is more than just a food storage space. In the old days, it served as a staging area for serving meals and storing valuable silverware and fine china. It’s often designed as a walk-through pantry linking the kitchen and dining room. Today, a butler’s pantry includes additional countertop space, cabinets, and sometimes small appliances like microwaves, coffee makers, or wine fridges.

Butler’s Pantry Benefits

While the tradition of having an actual butler has declined, butler’s pantries remain as popular as ever. Here’s why you might want to include one in your custom home design:

• Conveniently prep food and drinks out of sight, leaving the main kitchen clean and uncluttered.
• Increase storage for large or specialty items, keeping them near the kitchen without taking up prime storage space.
• Extend the style and elegance of the main kitchen for a cohesive look and flattering conversation starter during social gatherings.

Walk-in Pantry Features

A walk-in pantry is designed primarily for food and small appliance storage. This small room is lined with adjustable shelves and racks, pull-out drawers and wire baskets, providing ample space to store bulk items, canned goods, and kitchen supplies. The wrap-around nature of the shelving offers a clear view of all items, reducing the need to rummage through cabinets.

Walk-in Pantry Advantages

Why might you choose a walk-in pantry over a traditional reach-in pantry or a luxurious butler’s pantry? Consider these reasons:

• Boost storage space for food and kitchen supplies, a must if you have a large family or prefer buying food in bulk.
• Organize and categorize your food items, making it easy to find what you need quickly.
• Simplify meal planning and reduce waste by keeping all your room-temperature food easily accessible within the same storage space.
• Get ample storage for a smaller investment than a butler’s pantry.

Comparing Pantry Types

When deciding between a butler’s pantry vs. a walk-in pantry, consider your kitchen habits, space availability, and personal preferences. For instance, if you frequently host gatherings, a butler’s pantry could be a handy secondary prep area, making it easier to entertain guests without cluttering your main kitchen. On the other hand, if you’re mostly looking for extra food storage, a classic walk-in pantry might suit your needs better.

Finalizing Your Choice

When you build with Landmark Fine Homes, you can personalize every design choice, from the cabinet hardware in your butler’s pantry to the storage solutions in your walk-in pantry. With over 20 years of experience serving the Oklahoma City area, our family-run business is known for providing excellent customer service and quality-focused builds. The knowledgeable team at our design studio would be happy to help you plan every detail. Contact us at 405.400.8616 to start your journey and experience the Landmark Difference for yourself.

Front porches are charming architectural features that enhance your home’s value and appeal. From providing a versatile outdoor space to protecting your home against the elements, front porches are a worthy addition to any home. Here’s why you should consider adding a front porch to your custom home and some tips to maximize your design choices.

Curb Appeal

A well-designed porch transforms a flat-fronted façade into a welcoming and aesthetically pleasing entryway. Porches are often the focal point of a home from the curb, drawing the eye and adding architectural interest with features like gables, columns, and decorative woodwork.

Customization and Style

Front porches offer a fantastic opportunity for customization. Whether you prefer a traditional, contemporary, or Victorian style, you can tailor your porch to match your home’s aesthetic.

Outdoor Living Space

Including a covered front porch in your custom home design adds year-round outdoor living space. It’s the perfect place to entertain guests, relax with family, or enjoy your morning cup of coffee.

Resale Value

From a real estate perspective, front porches greatly impact home value. They are a highly desired feature among buyers, helping the home sell faster and at a higher price because they enhance curb appeal and functionality.

Welcoming Atmosphere

A front porch creates an inviting entrance to your home. This transition space between the outdoors and indoors is sheltered from the weather, making it the ideal place for greetings and farewells.

Practical Benefits

Covered porches protect your front door and entryway from rain and direct sunlight, reducing wear and tear and lowering your energy bills. They also offer a safe, dry place for deliveries, keeping packages out of sight and away from the weather.

Tips for Designing Your Front Porch

Make every benefit more impactful with these porch design tips:

• Consider your home’s style: Ensure that your porch design complements your home’s architecture. For example, a craftsman-style porch with exposed rafters, gables, and tapered columns may suit a ranch home, while a Victorian porch with turned columns, porch railings, and gingerbread trim would enhance a more ornate property.
• Choose durable materials: Prioritize durability, not just good looks. Wood is a classic choice, but low-maintenance options like brick, concrete, or composite decking are also great.
• Incorporate seating: Comfortable seating is essential to maximize your front porch. Consider adding a porch swing, rocking chairs, or a cozy outdoor sofa with weather-resistant cushions.
• Add greenery: Potted plants, hanging baskets, and flower boxes add color and life to your porch, making it more inviting in the process.
• Don’t skimp on lighting: Good lighting improves safety and ambiance after dark. Install a mix of overhead lights, sconces, and decorative lanterns to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Your Dream Home Awaits

Landmark Fine Homes proudly creates beautiful, functional living spaces that enhance your property value and appeal. Serving the Oklahoma City area for over 20 years, we operate our family-run business on reliability, integrity, and long-lasting customer relationships. Our team will ensure your home is visually stunning and energy-efficient. Contact us at 405.400.8616 to learn more about working with Landmark Fine Homes, where we build great homes for great people.

Are you working on the finer points of your custom home design? Adding a fireplace or two could enhance your quality of life in numerous ways. Explore eight advantages of having a fireplace in your home.

1. Keep comfortable: Fireplaces provide cozy warmth that no other heat source can match. Whether you have a traditional wood-burning fireplace, a modern gas fireplace, or a stylish electric fireplace, this custom home feature radiates warmth to banish the chill from the room.
2. Save on energy bills: Heating with gas and electric fireplaces can be cost-effective. The zoned heating provided by multiple fireplaces throughout your home reduces the dependence on your furnace. It also allows you to heat rooms only as needed instead of paying to heat your entire home day and night.
3. Add visual appeal: Fireplaces come in various styles and designs, from classic stone hearths and wood mantels to sleek, modern frames. The visual warmth of a glowing fireplace adds to the overall ambiance, easing your stress level at the end of a long day and inviting you to relax with your family and friends.
4. Boost home value: Including a fireplace in your custom design increases home value. Interested buyers often consider fireplaces a desirable feature, making your home more competitive in the real estate market. This increased home value makes investing in a fireplace a wise decision for the future.
5. Enjoy instant heat with a gas fireplace: Gas fireplaces offer the convenience of instant flames at the push of a button. Unlike wood-burning fireplaces, which require preparation and maintenance, gas fireplaces are a hassle-free way to enjoy a cozy fire. Models often come with remote controls and thermostats, allowing you to easily adjust the temperature and flame intensity.
6. Use an electric fireplace year-round: Electric fireplaces can be used any time of year because they operate with or without heat. This means you can enjoy the ambiance of a fire regardless of the season.
7. Stay warm during emergencies with a wood-burning fireplace: A classic wood-burning fireplace is a crucial heat source during power outages. Having this feature in your home ensures you always have a reliable way to keep warm and even cook food when electric or gas heating methods fail.
8. Warm your patio with an outdoor fireplace: Outdoor fireplaces extend the comfort and usability of your outdoor space. Designing a porch or patio with a cozy fireplace makes it perfect for entertaining guests, enjoying family time, or simply relaxing outside during cooler evenings.

Deciding whether to include a fireplace is one decision out of hundreds you must make when designing a custom home in Oklahoma City. Landmark Fine Homes would be happy to help you make the right choices for your family’s needs and lifestyle. Serving Oklahoma City since 2000, our family-run business proudly provides reliable design services and high-quality materials, finishes, and fixtures. If you’re considering adding a fireplace or other custom features to your home, our knowledgeable professionals can answer any questions you may have. Contact us at 405.400.8616 today to make your next house the home of your dreams.

If you work remotely, a pocket office could be a game-changer for your work-from-home setup. This trend focuses on creating a compact, functional home workspace, emphasizing productivity without taking up much room. Learn all about the modern pocket office trend, its many benefits, and some design ideas to maximize functionality.

What is a Pocket Office?

A pocket office is a small area in your home dedicated to work-related tasks, typically about a quarter to half the size of a traditional office. A compact workspace could be perfect if you want the privacy of a home office without taking up too much square footage.

Pocket Office Benefits

Why would you design a small home office in your custom home? Consider four reasons why it’s a growing trend:

• Maximized space: The primary benefit of a pocket office is that it provides a functional workspace without taking up much of your home’s square footage.
• Increased privacy: A pocket office offers a closed-off space to work away from the hustle and bustle of daily household activities. Its compact size makes it an excellent way to ensure peace and quiet while you focus on your tasks.
• Enhanced organization: Having a specific area for work helps you keep your supplies organized and easily accessible.
• Versatility: Pocket offices can be used for various purposes besides working. You might convert it into a study area for the kids, a place to manage household finances, or a small hobby corner.

Pocket Office Design Ideas

Creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing pocket office requires thoughtful design choices. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Smart storage solutions: Use vertical space effectively by incorporating shelves and wall-mounted organizers to keep the desk area clutter-free without taking up floor space.
• Ergonomics: Since you might spend long hours working in your pocket office, it’s crucial to have ergonomic furniture. Choose a comfortable chair, a desk with a rollout keyboard tray, and other comfort features to avoid strain.
• Good lighting: Ensure your pocket office is well-lit. Natural light is ideal, but if a window isn’t possible, invest in dimmable task lighting to reduce eye strain and improve focus.
• Heating and cooling: A pocket office with electronic equipment is bound to heat up quickly. A small window AC unit or ductless mini-split is the key to staying comfortable while you work.
• Soundproofing: If your pocket office is in a noisy part of the house, consider soundproofing the walls with acoustic panels or wearing noise-canceling headphones to maintain a peaceful work setting.

Embrace the Pocket Office Trend in Your Custom Home Design

If you want to add the latest trends to your custom home, consult Landmark Fine Homes to learn more about your options. We are a custom home builder serving the Oklahoma City area since 2000, so we understand the importance of creating spaces that enhance your lifestyle. Our family-run business is known for offering excellent customer service and building quality, energy-efficient homes. Let us help you design the perfect pocket office in your dream home—call us at 405.400.8616 to experience the Landmark Difference for yourself.

Over the past several years, open-concept living areas have taken over the home design world, becoming a favorite among homeowners and builders alike. This floor plan design, often called a “great room,” eliminates walls between the kitchen, living room, and dining area. The resulting open space is vast and welcoming, offering numerous benefits for modern families. Explore the top five reasons why this design choice is a staple of most custom homes in Oklahoma City.

Entertainment Value

The seamless transition between living, dining, and kitchen areas makes open-concept living ideal for entertaining guests. It allows the host to prepare food without missing out on the fun and conversations in the living or dining room. Without walls in the way, you can effectively be in three places at once, making gatherings more social, inclusive, and engaging for everyone.

Natural Light

One of the most appealing aspects of open-concept designs is the abundance of natural light. With fewer walls, sunlight can flow freely throughout the living space, creating a brighter, more inviting atmosphere. This effect enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home and delivers positive effects associated with natural light, such as improved mood, increased productivity, and a healthier circadian rhythm. When planning your home’s layout and window placement, consider how lighting at different times of the day will affect your enjoyment of the great room.

Better Traffic Flow

Open-concept living areas promote a smoother flow throughout the house. Without the interruption of doors and walls, navigating between living spaces becomes more intuitive and less restrictive. You can even keep an eye on your kids playing in the living room while you prepare dinner in the kitchen. A great room configuration is especially beneficial in homes where the kitchen is the central hub, allowing easier access for everyone and creating a more cohesive living experience.

Spacious and Modern Feel

Open floor plans allow sightlines to extend from one end of the house to the other, creating the illusion of a larger interior. This design choice is integral to modern architecture because it offers a spacious, airy feeling that many homeowners desire. Also, eliminating hallways and dividing walls is a more effective use of space, letting you make the most of every square foot.

Improved Energy Efficiency

The improved airflow of an open-concept living area makes your home more energy-efficient and easier to heat and cool uniformly. This layout leads to utility savings and a more comfortable environment. Plus, strategic window placement maximizes natural light, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day and furthering your energy savings.

Build a Home with an Open-Concept Living Area

When it comes time to design a floor plan for your custom home, an open-concept living area could be exactly what you’re looking for. Landmark Fine Homes has the knowledge and experience to meet your modern family’s needs. Serving Oklahoma City since 2000, our dedication to building great homes for great people set us apart. Our caring team loves building strong customer relationships by bringing a personal touch to every project we complete. Contact us at (405) 292-5263 to make your next house the home of your dreams.

Natural light is a crucial yet often overlooked element of custom home design. Today’s modern homes embrace natural light for its ability to highlight design elements, connect indoor and outdoor spaces, improve mood, and boost energy efficiency. Here’s a closer look at the benefits of natural light and tips to harness natural lighting in your custom-built home.

The Advantages of Using Natural Light

Humans have long relied on natural light for functional and aesthetic purposes. One benefit is that it brightens interiors, making rooms feel more spacious and inviting. Natural light also regulates your circadian rhythm, lifts your spirits when you feel sad, and increases productivity. Plus, strategically incorporating natural light into your custom home build reduces reliance on artificial lighting, lowering energy consumption and utility bills as a result.

Harness Natural Light with Windows, Skylights & Light Tubes

Glass elements are crucial for letting natural light into your home. Floor-to-ceiling windows and skylights blur the line between indoors and outside. Then, tubular skylights are a clever way to illuminate interior rooms. They reflect sunlight down through a mirrored tube, so even bathrooms and basements can benefit from natural light.

Large windows and skylights invite abundant daylight to enter while providing stunning views that change with the seasons. When you build a home from the ground up, you get to select the placement of these glass features to maximize light intake while still accounting for privacy, energy efficiency, and glare.

Think About Home Orientation and Layout

Understanding the path of natural light throughout the day is important when planning your custom home’s orientation and layout. You may want to position living areas on the south side, where they can receive ample daylight. Then, face the kitchen, home office, and bedrooms to the north or east to minimize heat gain in the late afternoon. Thoughtful orientation optimizes light and temperature regulation, contributing to a more sustainable home environment.

Choose Materials and Colors That Reflect Light

The building materials and color scheme you choose for your home impact how light is absorbed or reflected in different rooms. Light-colored walls, ceilings, and floors help bounce daylight deeper into your home so every room appears bright and open. Incorporating reflective surfaces, such as mirrors or glossy furniture finishes, also enhances light distribution. In comparison, darker paint colors and matte surfaces absorb light, a technique you can use strategically to create cozy, intimate spaces where desired.

Build a Custom Home Full of Natural Light

Ready to put the transformative power of natural lighting to use in your custom-built home? Landmark Fine Homes can make it happen! We have over 20 years of experience building great homes for great people in Oklahoma City, OK. Our family-run business leverages industry knowledge, integrity, and a customer-focused approach to design homes that reflect our clients’ unique lifestyles. We’re eager to make your next house the home of your dreams—contact us at (405) 292-5263 today to start your journey!

Do you love watching movies and TV shows or playing video games with your kids? If so, you need a dedicated room in your home for these activities, allowing you to relax, entertain, and enjoy quality time with friends and family like never before.

Going beyond the concept of a typical home theater, a media room combines high-tech sound and screen upgrades with the comfort and sociability of a living room. This multi-use space offers a flexible environment where you can watch, stream, or play your favorite content to the fullest. If you’re thinking of building a custom home in Oklahoma City, explore three reasons to incorporate a media room into the design.

Versatility

The standout feature of a media room is its flexibility. Unlike home theaters specifically designed for watching movies in a dark, theater-like setting, media rooms cater to a variety of activities. From hosting movie nights to playing interactive video games to using immersive home golf simulators, a media room adapts to your lifestyle. A flexible design supports different seating arrangements and activities, making it an ideal space for entertainment and relaxation.

Enhanced Home Value

When building a custom home, every design choice impacts your property’s future resale value. Thanks to its broad appeal and functional versatility, media rooms have plenty to offer potential buyers. Consider that incorporating a media room enhances your home’s marketability and value, especially if integrated into otherwise unused spaces, like the basement or spare bedroom. This makes a media room a smart investment if your goal is to promote long-term home value.

Social Hub of the Home

A strategically designed media room serves as a social space where talking, interaction, and enjoyment are encouraged. It’s the perfect setting for your children’s play dates, sports-watching parties, and family gatherings, so you know the space will get plenty of use. This aspect of media rooms makes them a valuable part of any custom home, promoting socialization and entertainment in a comfortable setting.

Why Professional Media Room Design Matters

Working with a professional designer to create your media room, not to mention the rest of your custom home, ensures stunning results. A design team can guarantee seamless integration with the overall style of your home while suggesting design choices that enhance usability and enjoyment.

Professionals can also navigate the technical aspects of setting up high-quality audiovisual systems for the optimal media experience. In short, having the complete support of a professional custom home builder turns your vision into reality, leaving you with a media room that exceeds expectations in every way.

Build a Custom Home with a Media Room

With over 20 years of experience serving Oklahoma City, OK, Landmark Fine Homes understands the importance of creating spaces that cater to our clients’ diverse needs. Our family-run business prioritizes quality, integrity, and customer relationships above all. A versatile media room is just one example of how we can customize your dream home to suit your lifestyle. To begin discussing your vision, please contact us at (405) 292-5263 for a consultation.