3 Customization Options for Your Northern Idaho Custom Home

The architecture of your home is more than just its structure—it’s the canvas that reflects your personality, lifestyle, and the surrounding environment. When building with Messina Construction, you’re not limited to pre-designed templates or cookie-cutter blueprints. Instead, you can choose from various architectural styles, each of which can be customized down to the smallest detail. Northern Idaho’s diverse landscapes, ranging from thick forests to sweeping mountain vistas, provide the perfect backdrop for an array of stunning architectural designs.

Let’s explore the most popular architectural styles available with Messina Construction and how they can be tailored to match your vision.

Craftsman Homes: Charm Meets Functionality

Craftsman-style homes are known for their warmth, character, and handcrafted details. Inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement, this architectural style emphasizes using natural materials, such as wood and stone, which blend seamlessly with Northern Idaho’s natural beauty. Picture yourself on a large, covered front porch, nestled among towering pine trees, with rustic beams overhead, creating a sense of comfort and craftsmanship.

Key Customization Options for Craftsman Homes:

• Low-pitched rooflines: Enhance the roof’s design with exposed rafters and decorative beams to give your home a distinct craftsman flair.
• Built-in Shelves and Benches: Craftsman homes are famous for their built-ins. Add custom storage solutions like window seats, bookshelves, and cabinetry for beauty and function.
• Custom Woodwork: Whether handcrafted wooden railings or intricate doorframes, wood’s artistry can be tailored to reflect your style, giving your home a unique, personal touch.

Modern Designs: Sleek and Sophisticated

Modern architecture might be the perfect fit for those who appreciate clean lines, open spaces, and minimalist aesthetics. Modern homes are often characterized by flat or low-sloping roofs, large expanses of glass, and an open floor plan that maximizes natural light—perfect for taking in Northern Idaho’s breathtaking scenery. This style can contrast beautifully with the rugged outdoor environment, creating a contemporary oasis amidst the wilderness.

Key Customization Options for Modern Homes:

• Expansive Windows: Floor-to-ceiling windows or sliding glass doors can blur the line between indoors and outdoors, bringing nature into your living space.
• Sustainable Materials: Many modern homes incorporate eco-friendly materials such as steel, reclaimed wood, and polished concrete, adding sustainability and style to your build.
• Indoor-Outdoor Living Spaces: Incorporate rooftop decks, patios, or courtyards that flow seamlessly into the indoor living area, ideal for enjoying Northern Idaho’s picturesque landscapes.

Did you know? Many homeowners in Northern Idaho blend modern design with rustic elements, creating a style known as Mountain Modern. This fusion pairs sleek, contemporary features with natural materials like timber and stone, offering the best of both worlds—modern luxury with a rugged, earthy touch.

Ranch Style: Simple, Spacious, and Accessible

Ranch-style homes are beloved for their practicality and ease of movement. They feature single-story, sprawling floor plans. This architectural style is perfect for homeowners who prioritize accessibility or prefer to avoid stairs. In Northern Idaho, ranch homes also offer expansive outdoor living areas, perfect for families who love spending time outdoors.

Key Customization Options for Ranch Homes:

• L-shaped or U-shaped Layouts: Ranch homes often have layouts that wrap around outdoor patios or courtyards, which can be customized to maximize privacy or outdoor living space.
• Custom Exterior Materials: From classic brick to modern stucco or rustic timber, you can choose exterior materials that suit your aesthetic and blend into the surrounding landscape.
• Wide, Open Interiors: Ranch homes are known for their flowing floor plans. Customize your living space with vaulted ceilings and expansive rooms to create a sense of openness and light.

Mountain Cabins: Rustic and Cozy

For many homeowners in Northern Idaho, the quintessential mountain cabin is the ultimate dream. This style emphasizes warmth, rustic charm, and a deep connection to nature. Think log walls, stone fireplaces, and timber beams—all of which Messina Construction can customize to reflect your tastes. Whether you want a small weekend retreat or a large family home, a mountain cabin offers a timeless aesthetic that fits perfectly in Northern Idaho’s forested terrain.

Key Customization Options for Mountain Cabins:

• Log or Timber Construction: Depending on the rustic or modern feel you want, choose from various wood types, from traditional logs to sleek timber frames.
• Stone Accents: Add stone details around the fireplace, exterior walls, or columns to create a natural, earthy look.
• Large Decks and Balconies: Mountain cabins benefit from expansive outdoor spaces like decks and balconies, which are ideal for soaking in Idaho’s majestic mountain views.

Unexpected Fact! Many modern mountain cabins now feature floor-to-ceiling glass walls, creating a stunning contrast between the warm, rustic materials of the interior and the sleek transparency of the exterior. This design allows you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of your natural surroundings without sacrificing comfort or style.

Farmhouse and Rustic Styles: Classic with a Twist

Farmhouse-style homes, with their inviting wrap-around porches, gabled roofs, and simple, elegant designs, are also incredibly popular in Northern Idaho. A farmhouse can feel timeless and fresh by blending modern conveniences with rustic charm. Whether looking for a modern farmhouse with clean lines and contemporary finishes or a traditional take with weathered wood and cozy interiors, Messina Construction can customize your design to capture that perfect balance.

Key Customization Options for Farmhouse and Rustic Homes:

• Exposed Beams: Whether purely decorative or structural, exposed wooden beams add a rustic charm that harkens back to classic past farmhouses.
• Shiplap Walls: Popularized by modern farmhouse designs, shiplap can add texture and character to interior walls.
• Barn Doors: Sliding barn doors offer function and style, especially in open-concept spaces or as a design feature for pantries or closets.

Your Style, Your Vision

At Messina Construction, your home should be as unique as you are. Whether you’re drawn to the classic beauty of a craftsman home, the sleek sophistication of a modern design, or the rustic warmth of a mountain cabin, we can turn your vision into a reality. Our team is here to guide you through the architectural design process, ensuring that every decision—no matter how big or small—reflects your style, lifestyle, and the stunning Northern Idaho landscape.

So, what’s your dream home style? At Messina Construction, the possibilities are endless!

The layout of your home determines how you live in it every day. Whether you prefer an open, flowing space perfect for family gatherings or a more traditional layout with distinct rooms for privacy, the floor plan is the heartbeat of your home. At Messina Construction, we believe your home should reflect your unique lifestyle, so we offer fully customizable floor plans to fit your needs. No matter how ambitious or specific your vision, we’re here to bring it to life.

Northern Idaho’s stunning scenery offers the perfect backdrop for designing a home with spaces that flow naturally, connecting indoor and outdoor living. Imagine watching the sunset over the mountains from your living room or having an expansive kitchen that opens up to a patio, perfect for entertaining guests. Let’s dive into how customizable your floor plan can be and the elements that can be tailored to create your dream layout.

Open vs. Traditional Layouts: Choosing Your Flow

When designing your home’s floor plan, one of the first decisions is whether you prefer an open-concept layout or a more traditional layout with separate rooms. Each has its own advantages, and the choice depends on how you envision using the space.

Open-Concept Design: Seamless and Spacious

Open-concept floor plans have become increasingly popular for their ability to create large, connected spaces that flow into each other. This design is ideal for those who love entertaining or want to maximize natural light and create a sense of airiness. With an open layout, the kitchen, dining, and living areas often share the same space, allowing for easy interaction between family members or guests.

• Wide, Open Spaces: Walls between rooms can be eliminated, creating a smooth transition from one space to another. This layout is perfect if you enjoy hosting large gatherings where guests can move freely between rooms.
• Maximized Views: Open layouts allow more oversized windows and glass doors, giving you unobstructed views of Northern Idaho’s stunning landscapes.
• Flexibility in Furnishing: Open-concept designs give you more freedom to change the purpose of certain areas as your lifestyle evolves. For instance, a living area can easily become a playroom, or a dining space can be expanded for holiday gatherings.

Traditional Layout: Defined Spaces and Privacy

On the other hand, traditional floor plans offer separate, defined rooms, creating distinct areas for different activities. If you prefer more privacy or enjoy having dedicated spaces for specific purposes, this layout may be better suited to your needs.

• Separation of Spaces: Each room has its own purpose, whether it’s a formal dining room, a private study, or a quiet guest bedroom tucked away from the main living areas.
• Noise Control: Separate rooms help control noise levels, making traditional layouts ideal for families with children or those who work from home and need quiet office space.
• More Intimate Atmosphere: Traditional layouts create cozy, intimate spaces where family members or guests can retreat for privacy, relaxation, or focused work.

Did you know? Some homeowners opt for a hybrid layout, combining the best of both worlds. You can enjoy an open kitchen and living area for entertaining, while still having separate rooms like a library, office, or guest room for privacy. With Messina Construction, we can merge these styles seamlessly.

Number of Bedrooms and Bathrooms: Tailored for Your Needs

Your family’s size and future plans significantly determine how many bedrooms and bathrooms you’ll need. Whether you’re a growing family, a couple who loves to host overnight guests, or simply looking to future-proof your home, Messina Construction offers flexibility in this crucial part of the design.

Bedrooms:

• Master Suites: Customize your master bedroom with luxurious details like walk-in closets, private sitting areas, or even a personal balcony. Imagine seeing a stunning view of Northern Idaho’s natural beauty every morning.
• Guest Bedrooms: Do you love hosting family or friends? Adding multiple guest bedrooms or a designated guest wing can offer them comfort and privacy, especially if they have en-suite bathrooms.
• Kids’ Bedrooms: Do you need a design that grows with your children? We can create bedrooms with built-in desks, customized shelving, or connecting play areas that evolve as your children grow older.
• Flex Rooms: Consider adding a flex room that can serve as a guest bedroom, office, or hobby space as your needs change. With a custom floor plan, every square foot of your home can be purposeful.

Bathrooms:

• Luxury Master Baths: Design the perfect master bath with features like a soaking tub, rain shower, or even heated floors. A spa-like retreat can be your everyday experience.
• Jack-and-Jill Bathrooms: Ideal for families with children, Jack-and-Jill bathrooms connect two bedrooms, offering easy access while maintaining privacy.
• Powder Rooms: Adding a small powder room near the living area provides convenience for guests without the need to enter more private areas of your home.

Ever heard of a pet shower? Many homeowners are now incorporating specialized pet-friendly features like dog-washing stations in mudrooms or garages, making it easier to clean up after muddy hikes or play sessions in Northern Idaho’s beautiful outdoors.

Additional Spaces: Beyond the Basics

A truly custom home goes beyond the basics of bedrooms, bathrooms, and living areas. At Messina Construction, we can incorporate any additional space you desire, making your home perfectly suited to your hobbies, lifestyle, and plans.

Home Office:

With more people working from home, a customized home office is necessary. Whether you need a quiet space for productivity or a multi-functional area for meetings, we can design your office with built-in desks, bookshelves, or even a soundproof door for added focus.

Home Gym:

Why leave the house for a workout? Add a home gym with space for yoga, cardio equipment, and free weights. We can also install mirrored walls, rubber flooring, or a sauna for post-workout relaxation.

Media Room or Home Theater:

Love watching movies or sports? Create the perfect home theater with built-in surround sound, projector screens, and plush seating. Customize it with blackout curtains and soundproofing to enjoy a cinematic experience in your own home.

Mudroom:

A mudroom is essential for managing the elements in Northern Idaho, especially during winter. Customize it with built-in storage, cubbies, and benches to ensure you have a space to keep your outdoor gear organized and ready for any adventure.

Wine Cellar:

For wine enthusiasts, a custom wine cellar can be built to store their collection at the perfect temperature. We can create a design that showcases their bottles in style, whether in a small niche or a full underground cellar.

In-Law Suite:

Multigenerational living is becoming increasingly popular, and many homeowners opt for in-law suites—self-contained living spaces with private entrances, kitchens, and bathrooms. These suites allow family members to live independently while staying close.

One of the most unique custom requests is for indoor treehouses! These playful spaces can be designed as a fun, whimsical feature in a child’s room or even as a quirky hideaway for adults. With Messina Construction, the sky’s the limit!

Multigenerational Designs: Creating Spaces for Every Age

As families grow and change, homes need to adapt. A multigenerational home is designed to accommodate family members of all ages, from young children to elderly parents. At Messina Construction, we can help you create spaces that promote independence while keeping your family close.

Separate Living Areas:

Multigenerational homes often feature separate living spaces for privacy and independence. These areas include a bedroom, bathroom, small kitchen, and living area, all with a private entrance.

Universal Design Features:

To ensure accessibility for family members with limited mobility, we can integrate universal design features such as wider doorways, no-step entries, and lower countertops. These designs allow for comfortable living at every stage of life.