When you’re building a custom home in Nashville, you have the opportunity to create a space that’s not just beautiful, but also smart, functional, and aligned with how you live today—and tomorrow. As a leading custom home builder in Nashville, we’ve seen firsthand how design trends are shifting, and what features are quickly becoming must-haves for homeowners in neighborhoods like East Nashville, Belle Meade, 12 South, Forest Hills, and Green Hills.
Here are the top 7 most-requested features homeowners are including in their new builds right now—many of which we’ve recently brought to life in BuildCo7 projects across the city.
1. Covered Outdoor Living Spaces
Why it’s trending: Nashville’s climate makes outdoor living a year-round possibility—especially with the right design.
From covered patios with fireplaces to screened-in porches, homeowners are prioritizing outdoor areas where they can relax, entertain, and dine without worrying about the weather. Additions like built-in grilling stations, fans, outdoor TVs, and plumbed gas fire pits are also on the rise.
In Forest Hills and West Nashville, where properties often come with larger lots, we’ve designed expansive outdoor kitchens and multi-zone patios. In 12 South and Sylvan Park, even smaller lots benefit from compact but elegant backyard spaces that blend seamlessly with the home.
2. Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (DADUs)
Why it’s trending: Nashville zoning has evolved to allow DADUs—or backyard cottages—on many residential lots, especially in areas like East Nashville, Belmont-Hillsboro Village, and Germantown.
These secondary structures are perfect for:
- Short- or long-term rental income
- Guest houses for extended family
- Private offices or studios
- Housing for aging parents or young adults
At BuildCo7, we specialize in designing DADUs that meet local zoning, maximize small footprints, and match the architectural character of the main home. If you’re looking for a smart investment, a well-built DADU is one of the best returns per square foot in Nashville right now.
3. Home Offices and Hybrid Work Zones
Why it’s trending: The work-from-home lifestyle is here to stay—and Nashville homeowners are building around it.
Home offices are no longer an afterthought tucked into a guest room. Instead, we’re designing dedicated office spaces with built-in storage, Zoom-friendly lighting, acoustic treatments, and private entrances. In dual-income households, we often build two separate work zones or a flexible study nook for children.
In Green Hills and Belle Meade, clients are requesting elevated home offices with statement lighting, library shelving, and cozy textures that feel luxurious and functional. For smaller urban lots in Wedgewood-Houston or East Nashville, we get creative with lofted offices or converted attic spaces.
4. Energy-Efficient Everything
Why it’s trending: Rising energy costs and growing environmental awareness have made sustainability a core priority for new home construction in Nashville.
Popular energy-efficient upgrades include:
- Spray foam insulation and advanced window glazing
- Tankless water heaters and energy-efficient HVAC systems
- Smart thermostats and lighting systems
- Solar panel readiness
We also frequently install EV chargers in garages, especially in forward-thinking communities like West End and Richland. These features not only lower utility bills but also increase resale value for environmentally conscious buyers.
5. Luxe Kitchens That Feel Like Living Spaces
Why it’s trending: Kitchens are no longer just for cooking—they’re where life happens. Today’s kitchens are open, multifunctional, and designed with style and practicality in mind.
Must-have kitchen features in 2025 include:
- Oversized islands with seating for 4–6
- Hidden pantries and appliance garages
- Statement range hoods and full-height backsplash tile
- Warm wood tones, quartz counters, and brass accents
- Double ovens and professional-grade appliances
At BuildCo7, we love designing kitchens that reflect how families live—whether that means hosting, meal-prepping, or doing homework at the island.
6. Spa-Inspired Primary Bathrooms
Why it’s trending: Homeowners are seeking spaces to unwind—and the bathroom is becoming a place to do just that.
We’re building primary suites that rival boutique hotels, with features like:
- Curbless walk-in showers with dual showerheads
- Freestanding soaking tubs
- In-floor heating and built-in towel warmers
- Separate vanities with dedicated storage
- Lighting that shifts from task to ambient
In homes across Oak Hill, Green Hills, and Forest Hills, the bathroom is now a retreat—not just a utility room. We help clients design spaces that feel both indulgent and effortless.
7. Smart Home Integration (That Doesn’t Feel Overwhelming)
Why it’s trending: Home automation has evolved—today’s homeowners want smart systems that enhance their lifestyle without adding tech stress.
From voice-controlled lighting and music to automated blinds, we design tech-forward homes that still feel warm and personal. Security systems, app-controlled garage doors, and integrated irrigation systems are also popular.
We make sure these features are seamlessly integrated during the design-build process, so the home functions as beautifully as it looks.
Designing for the Way Nashville Lives Now
One of the best parts of building a custom home is making it truly yours. And in a city like Nashville —with its diverse neighborhoods, vibrant culture, and varied architectural styles—there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
That’s where BuildCo7’s design-build expertise makes all the difference. Whether you’re building from the ground up in Belle Meade, adding a DADU in East Nashville, or crafting a forever home in Forest Hills, we help you incorporate the features that make daily life more enjoyable—and future resale even stronger.
Thinking of Building in Nashville? Let’s Talk.
At BuildCo7, we bring your vision to life through a personalized, stress-free design-build experience. With over 16 years of experience in custom home construction across Nashville, our team is ready to guide you from concept to completion—with attention to detail, clear communication, and unmatched craftsmanship.
Schedule a consultation today and start designing your dream home with the features that matter most to you.
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