Trends in Home Customization

Home makeover shows and trends on social media inspiration boards have made it easier than ever to envision the abode of your dreams, and building a custom residence can be a worthwhile endeavor, the folks at contracting company Barker Kappelle Construction say.  And many Island homeowners are choosing to personalize their spaces from the ground up, tailoring their homes to their needs and for added comfort and efficiency.

“Over the years, access to information and exposure to design trends has grown exponentially,” says Will Gilbert, lead estimator and senior project manager at Barker Kappelle Construction. “Homeowners seek spaces that not only meet their practical needs, but also resonate with their unique lifestyles and preferences.”

BKC has seen design trends come and go throughout its nearly two decades in business. What Gilbert says has remained consistent is the company’s commitment to thoughtfulness, craftsmanship and innovative solutions for each client, on projects big and small.

“BKC has always built personalized and customized homes, helping clients achieve the dream spaces they envision,” notes Gilbert. “But that doesn’t always mean huge, grand statements. A lot of times what makes a home special are the little touches and details.”

Homeowners may be daunted by the time and cost a custom build requires. The BKC team works closely with homeowners to take a “holistic view” during the design phase, establishing a realistic budget before determining a project’s size and scope.

“While the house is in the design phase, it’s a blank canvas,” says Gilbert. “It can be tempting at that point to create a lot of intricate details, numerous finish selections, and to overdesign. However, it’s important to remember that after you move in, your family pictures, artwork, furniture and keepsakes are going to add life to the painting you’re creating.”

BKC can incorporate unique features in cost-effective ways, he says, by “keeping things simple with clean building details and techniques, complemented by a few special architectural details to create focal points.”

Gilbert highlights some personalized design trends that can make a big impact:

Under-stair storage: “Traditionally, under-stair storage is accessed from behind the staircase. You typically can utilize about half of the space before the stairs get so low you can’t reach back any further.” Custom millwork on a recent project creatively maximized storage potential by flipping access to the side of the stairs.

Built-in desk and bookshelf (top photo): Enhanced by a pop of decorative wallpaper, this arrangement “adds movement and life to the work-from-home routine.”

Pocket door jambs: “With standard door jambs, pocket doors never close properly. There always seems to be a gap where light gets through and there’s a lack of privacy. We like to custom-mill pocket door jambs so there’s a slight recess in the middle. That way, the door closes completely.”

There are many benefits to personalized builds in Hawaii, says Gilbert. Additions and bespoke spaces can accommodate multigenerational living. The size and arrangement of rooms can be adjusted to function best for your family, and structural adjustments can be made to fit your property’s location. Investing in an addition, accessory dwelling unit or custom home usually increases property value.

The disadvantages of custom-building are time and cost, he notes. Intricate projects require specialized installations and processes. An experienced construction team like BKC, he says, can help clients navigate these challenges and create homes they’ll be satisfied with for years to come.

“The best way to be prepared for a new project is to ask questions about risks and design alternatives,” says Gilbert. “For those able to afford to build, the value of the finished house is almost always more than what it cost to build.”

To get in touch with Barker Kappelle Construction for your next project, call (808) 664-9212, email contact@barkerkappelle.com or visit barkerkappelleconstruction.com.

Editor’s Note: This article has been slightly modified from the original print version for optimal online reading. To view the full print story, pick up your copy of Hawaii Home + Remodeling at one of our partner locations.