Quality-over-quantity, one of my personal mantras, coupled with a tinge of minimalism has crept into the mainstream of custom home design. Single-use rooms and area-consuming specialty spaces are increasingly subject to the chopping block during plan design, as we progressively value space by the amount of time we spend occupying it, and the amount of heating/cooling, maintenance, cleaning, and cost the square footage adds to ownership. Somewhere along the line for many buyers formal dining rooms were chopped, along with sprawling master bedrooms, reading nooks, home theaters, libraries, and formal living rooms. Regardless of the portion we could attribute this trend to caution a decade after the housing bubble, or to changes in values and tastes, the important point to make is that smaller, highly functional homes are achievable while maintaining the amenities and stringent quality of luxury custom homes. We have helped clients achieve their goals to right-size gracefully for several years, and today we’re committed to the concept.

Our 2019 Parade of Homes Gold award winner 809 Journeys Rest Lane in the new Destin community manifests this change in ideals. At 3,750 square feet, it’s snugger than any home we’ve built in recent memory, yet it’s open sightlines and quality finishes inspire the same “wow” reaction typically received in an extravagant showcase home. A mix of 2 story, 12 ft., and 10 ft. ceiling heights with expansive windows allow light to spill through the foyer and living-dining-entertaining areas. A floating, open riser staircase grants the eye access to an open kitchen and wet bar with a modern wine display, adjacent to a “moving hidden wall” wrapped in vertical shiplap that cleverly opens or closes the study to the main body of the house.

Working within a 2,300 square foot first-floor, balance is struck in providing a lavish owner’s suite while maintaining modest dimensions. There is floor to ceiling storage in the shared his/hers closet, and openness wherever possible via floating vanity cabinets, a curb-less glass shower, and large modern windows. Kohler’s digital showering experience allows homeowners to program their perfect combination of temperature, lighting, music, and sprayers, and a cabinet integrated tissue dispenser eliminates the possibility of a tissue box occupying precious counter space. Behind the kitchen is a scullery with secondary refrigerator, dish washer, galley sink, and modern cabinetry. The second-floor hosts two suites, a flex bonus room, and a media room with entertainer’s wet bar.

Thriving beyond the living room’s 12’ vanishing door is easy thanks to a covered porch with both retractable screens and vinyl to block insects, chilly air, or pollen all at the press of a button. A rightsized 33’ x 12’ rectangular pool with integrated spa and spillway provides subject for the expansive windows.

This rightsized home is currently available in Destin, West Cary’s newest luxury community committed to the concept. Learn more at www.DestinNC.com, or contact Bost Custom Homes.