Top 10 Must-Haves in Every Custom Build (2026 Edition)
The best custom homes aren’t necessarily the biggest, but they are the most thoughtfully designed.
At LPC Projects, we help clients create homes that work for real life in 2026. That means combining beautiful design with functionality, sustainability, and adaptability.
Whether you’re in the early stages of planning or refining your finishes, here are 10 must-haves we’re building into almost every architectural home this year.
1. Zoned Living Spaces
Open plan is still popular, but zoning is key.
Think: a quiet lounge for adults, a play zone near the kitchen, and a media room tucked away from bedrooms.
2. Dedicated Work from Home Nooks (That Don’t Kill the Dining Room)
Working from home is here to stay, but no one wants a monitor on the kitchen bench.
Clients love tucked away study nooks, pocket offices, or librarystyle rooms that feel intentional, not like an afterthought.
3. Smart Storage (Beyond Just a Walk-In Pantry)
Think vertically and beyond the kitchen.
Custom joinery under stairs, mudroom lockers, deep linen cupboards, charging drawers, storage is the secret to a home that looks and feels organised.
4. Natural Light & Cross Ventilation
Good design beats square meterage every time.
Large north-facing windows, skylights, and operable louvres aren’t just energy efficient, they transform how a home feels.
5. Energy Efficiency Without the Greenwashing
Clients are choosing:
Higher BASIX ratings
Better insulation
Double glazing
Solar
Sustainable materials
6. Kitchen Design That Matches Your Lifestyle
The kitchen is still the heart of the home and in 2026, it’s all about usability.
We’re seeing:
Dual kitchen islands
Concealed appliance stations
Butler’s pantries with prep sinks and task lighting
Underbench drawers over upper cupboards
7. Ensuites That Feel Like Retreats
Main bedroom ensuites are becoming spa-inspired, with:
Double showers
Skylights
Feature lighting
Freestanding baths
Stone or concrete basins
Warm metallics, brushed nickel is still in!
8. Connection to Outdoors
Even on smaller lots, outdoor integration is a top priority.
Clients want:
Covered alfresco zones
Outdoor kitchens
Sliding or stacker doors that disappear
Level thresholds from inside to out
External fans, lighting, and weatherproof audio
9.Durable Finishes that Age Gracefully
We are seeing in 2026 clients are prioritising materials that last, without compromising style.
We’re seeing a shift towards:
Porcelain panels that mimic natural stone (without the maintenance)
Engineered timber with matte finishes for warmth & durability
Tapware and fittings with long-wear coatings (brushed brass, nickel, gunmetal)
10. Tech Infrastructure
Even if you don’t want full smart-home automation, wiring now means less hassle later.
We’re pre-wiring for:
EV chargers
Security systems
Home networking (NBN + mesh systems)
Outdoor lighting
Sensor lighting & smart switches
The Best Homes Feel Tailored, Not Trendy
These features aren’t about ticking boxes. tThey’re about building a home that works beautifully now and adapts over time.
At LPC Projects, we help clients prioritise what really matters, so you don’t overcapitalise on trends, but still enjoy a home that feels architectural, functional, and future-proof.
