Top 5 Design Features Luxury Homeowners Are Asking For in 2025

By integrabuildersBlog

The definition of luxury is changing. In 2025, high-end homeowners in Central Indiana are more focused than ever on intentional design, long-term comfort, and lifestyle-enhancing features that go beyond the surface.

At Integra Builders, we’ve seen what today’s custom home clients are prioritizing — and it’s not just square footage and marble countertops. If you’re thinking about building a $1.5M+ custom home in places like Fishers, Carmel, Zionsville, or Westfield, here are five features rising to the top of everyone’s wishlist.

1. Wellness-Centered Primary Suites

The bedroom isn’t just for sleep anymore — it’s becoming a private retreat designed for wellness, rest, and daily rituals.

  • Steam showers and infrared saunas
  • Heated floors and towel warmers
  • Morning bars with coffee/juice stations
  • Integrated lighting and scent control
  • Soundproofing for total rest

“Our clients want the feeling of checking into a boutique resort — without leaving home.”

2. Hidden Kitchens & Dual Pantries

Open-concept living is still king, but clients now want the ability to hide the mess. That means designing spaces that allow kitchens to look clean and intentional — even when cooking is in full swing.

What this looks like:

  • A primary show kitchen + a hidden working pantry or scullery
  • Storage for small appliances (air fryer, mixer, blender)
  • Custom cabinet design that blends in with millwork or walls

This is especially important for clients who love to host — but don’t want guests staring at dirty dishes over dinner.

3. Statement Ceilings and Lighting

In high-end homes, the fifth wall (the ceiling) is finally getting the attention it deserves. Lighting and ceiling treatments are becoming a true design centerpiece.

Details that make an impact:

  • Groin vaults or custom beam layouts
  • Oversized sculptural light fixtures
  • Layered lighting zones (ambient, task, accent)
  • Cove lighting and backlit design features

Clients are using lighting and ceilings to define spaces in open floor plans — and the effect is often more powerful than a wall or door.

4. Indoor/Outdoor Living That Works Year-Round

Luxury homeowners don’t just want a backyard — they want a fully integrated extension of their home. Outdoor living spaces are getting smarter, more comfortable, and better suited to Midwest weather.

In-demand features:

  • Retractable screens and heated patios
  • Outdoor kitchens with vent hoods and beverage centers
  • Covered lounges with fireplaces and TVs
  • Integrated sound, lighting, and landscape design

Done right, these spaces become usable 9–10 months a year, especially with overhead heat and screens to keep bugs out.

5. Tech That Makes Life Simpler — Not Louder

Smart home tech is no longer about showing off gadgets — it’s about quiet convenience and reliability. Clients want the home to anticipate their lifestyle without overcomplication.

  • Whole-home automation via one easy system
  • Discreet security and surveillance (not a wall of screens)
  • Integrated lighting and shading controls
  • Hidden tech (speakers in the ceiling, charging drawers)

The best tech features are the ones you forget are even there — because they work seamlessly in the background.

Designing Your Dream Home in 2025?

Whether you already have plans or are just beginning to dream, Integra Builders works with top architects and designers to bring cutting-edge ideas like these to life — without sacrificing comfort, build quality, or process clarity.

👉 Contact Integra Builders to explore what’s possible for your custom home in Central Indiana.

Next Week’s Post:
“What This Fishers Client Asked For vs. What They Got” — a real-world example of how design vision evolves through the build process.