8 Design Features Shaping Luxury Homes in Central NC
- Governors Club Realty
- 1 hour ago
- 5 min read
Luxury custom homes in Central North Carolina are evolving with a stronger focus on intention, comfort, and longevity.
Today, people are building homes that support how they live day to day, how they want to feel in their space, and how their home will serve them long term. In 2026, we’re seeing design decisions that elevate everyday routines, create a calmer rhythm at home, and bring warmth and personality into every room.
Below are eight custom home features we’re seeing in new builds and major renovations across Chapel Hill, Pittsboro, and Hillsborough.
1. Sculleries (The Entertainer’s Secret Weapon)
One of the most defining features in high-end custom homes right now is the scullery, a beautifully designed support kitchen that allows the main kitchen to stay calm, clean, and guest-ready.
For homeowners who love to cook, host, and entertain, the scullery becomes the behind-the-scenes space where prep, cleanup, and storage happen while the main kitchen remains open and welcoming.
Common scullery features include:
Secondary sinks, dishwashers, and prep counters
Hidden appliance garages for espresso machines and everyday tools
Walk-in pantries that connect naturally to the prep space
Catering-friendly layouts with warming drawers or additional refrigeration
Floor-to-ceiling custom cabinetry in warm, natural wood tones
Slab backsplashes and under-cabinet task lighting
A well-designed scullery supports everyday life and makes hosting feel effortless.
2. Dressing Rooms (Not Just Closets, A Daily Ritual)
The walk-in closet is evolving into something more intentional. Dressing rooms are designed to feel calm, organized, and personal, more like a private boutique than a utility space.
These rooms support daily routines with better lighting, better storage, and a layout that feels considered from every angle.
Thoughtful dressing room features include:
Custom millwork islands with felt-lined drawers
Integrated lighting throughout shelving and hanging bays
Built-in hampers and hidden valet rods
Comfortable seating for dressing and transitions
Display niches for handbags, watches, or curated collections
Full-height mirrors with sconce lighting
Vanity stations with daylight-balanced LEDs
3. Moveable Glass Walls (Indoor and Outdoor Flow)
Moveable glass wall systems continue to reshape how homeowners experience indoor and outdoor living.
These floor-to-ceiling sliding or accordion panels allow great rooms to open fully to porches, terraces, or outdoor living areas. They bring in natural light and create a stronger connection to the landscape, especially on wooded lots and rolling terrain common in this area.
4. Dynamic Outdoor Living Spaces
Outdoor living has become a true extension of the home. Families want spaces designed for gathering, relaxing, and lingering, with the same craftsmanship and comfort found indoors.
Popular outdoor features include:
Fully equipped outdoor kitchens
Outdoor living rooms with fireplaces and weather-protected TVs
Custom bars with ice makers and beverage refrigeration
Timber-framed dining pavilions with natural stone flooring
Tongue-and-groove ceilings, integrated heaters, and layered lighting
Saltwater plunge pools or spa-style hot tubs tucked into private courtyards
5. Ceiling Design (Architectural Distinction You Feel)
Ceilings are getting more attention in 2026, especially in spaces where homeowners want added character and dimension. The overhead plane has become a powerful way to add warmth and architectural detail.
Ceiling choices can change how a room feels the moment you walk in. They add volume, texture, and visual balance, even in smaller bedrooms, hallways, and upstairs spaces.
Ceiling design ideas we’re seeing more of include:
Vaulted or subtly pitched ceilings that add height and openness
Custom lighting coves that create a soft glow
Wood-clad ceilings, including tongue-and-groove and slatted details
Soft paint washes or plaster-like finishes that add depth
Ceiling details in unexpected places like hallways, nooks, and stair landings
These ceiling choices align closely with the broader move toward personalized luxury and natural finishes.
6. Wellness & Resilient Living (Homes That Support You Long-Term)
Wellness is shaping home design in a bigger way in 2026. Homeowners are thinking about how their home supports physical health, mental restoration, and long-term comfort.
Many are creating dedicated spaces that make wellness more accessible and more consistent, especially when life gets busy.
Wellness-focused features often include:
Infrared saunas or steam showers
Cold plunges or contrast therapy zones
Yoga or movement rooms with soft natural light
Massage nooks or quiet restorative spaces
Aromatherapy systems and acoustic treatments
Spa bathrooms: Wet rooms
Wet rooms remain one of the most requested wellness upgrades. They create a fully waterproofed bathing space where the shower and soaking tub live together in one clean, unified environment.
Common wet room elements include:
Large-format stone or porcelain slabs
Integrated linear drains
Skylights or high windows for soft natural light
Steam shower capability for a spa-level experience
Resilience-driven design
Resilience is also becoming a bigger part of the conversation. Homeowners want systems and materials that support comfort through extreme temperatures, unpredictable storms, and occasional power disruptions.
Resilience-driven considerations include:
Advanced HVAC filtration systems to support air quality
Efficient mechanical design for steady year-round comfort
Storm-conscious building practices and durable material selections
Backup power strategies and smart systems that support continuity
Together, wellness and resilience features reflect a long-term approach to home design that prioritizes comfort, peace of mind, and durability.
7. A Softer Era (Curves, Texture, and Spaces That Feel Good)
Curves, layered textures, and organic materials are showing up more in 2026 home design. The shift is visible in architectural forms, material choices, and furniture silhouettes.
Homeowners are leaning into curved ceiling details, rounded transitions, plaster finishes, warm woods, and tactile fabrics. These choices create rooms that feel inviting and grounded.
This design direction also supports the way people live. We are seeing more emphasis on coffee nooks, quiet alcoves, and lighting plans that create a calmer rhythm throughout the day.
Arched openings and curved transitions
As Amy from BOLD Construction explains:
“Arched openings soften hard lines and create a more natural flow through the home. They guide the eye upward, which adds a sense of height and openness, and they bring in a feeling that’s both elegant and timeless.”
Arched details can show up in hallway transitions, kitchen entries, primary suite thresholds, built-ins, and exterior openings.
For a lighter, more refined feel, Amy adds:
“Using a glass-paneled arched doorway keeps things open while still making the detail feel elevated.”
8. Color Drenching (Rooms That Feel Complete)
Color drenching is an interior approach where a single color, or closely related tones, is used across walls, trim, and ceilings to create a cohesive, immersive space.
As Amy puts it:
“Color drenching creates a really unified, almost cocoon-like feeling. Depending on the color, it can feel calming, dramatic, or make a space feel more intentional.”
We’re seeing it used most in powder rooms, bedrooms, home offices, and dens, especially in spaces where homeowners want a complete, finished look.
Texture, sheen, and lighting make the difference. Limewash, paneling, a contrast in paint finish, or layered lighting can add depth and keep the space feeling rich rather than flat.
If you’re beginning to explore a custom home or major renovation in Governors Club, our sister company, BOLD Constructino, would love to talk through what matters most to you and which design choices will serve you best.
Ready to explore what’s possible? Book a Discovery Call today.
Book A Discovery Call