As experienced home builders in Austin, TX, we know that when it comes to building a custom home, the details are what set it apart. We work with clients at Zbranek & Holt Custom Homes who want more than just high-end finishes. They want a home that reflects how they live every day. As seasoned builders working throughout Greater Austin and the Hill Country, we design with purpose, lifestyle, and long-term comfort in mind.
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If you are planning your next home and want something that feels just as elevated as it is functional, here are the features we recommend most often to the families we work with.
Kitchens That Work as Hard as You Do
The kitchen is the center of the home for a lot of our clients. People meet there, cook, relax, and entertain. That is why we put a lot of thought into both how our kitchens look and how well they function.
People appreciate dual islands—one for prep and one for serving—because they support multitasking and create natural gathering zones. Integrated appliances, hidden pantries, and full secondary refrigeration help keep things clean, streamlined, and efficient.
Across Central Texas, clients are asking for kitchens that feel both modern and timeless. Features like full-height backsplashes, natural stone countertops, and adaptive lighting systems create spaces that are elegant yet effortless. These are the kinds of thoughtful designs our Austin-based team consistently recommends for long-term value and livability.
Primary Suites That Feel Like a Private Spa
It’s feels good to start and end your day in a space that encourages relaxation. That is why we help our clients design bedrooms and bathrooms that serve as private wellness retreats.
Common features include heated bathroom floors, spa showers with multiple spray options, and soaking tubs positioned to capture natural light. We also incorporate separate closets, dressing rooms, and custom cabinetry to make organization simple and intuitive. Acoustic insulation adds to the sense of peace by reducing noise from the rest of the home.
These are the kinds of wellness-centered designs high-end clients are asking for—and we believe they should be standard in any luxury custom home.
Home Theaters That Are Well Thought Out
The way people enjoy entertainment at home continues to evolve, and so has the design of dedicated media spaces. Our clients no longer want oversized rooms with bulky recliners—they want custom home theaters that integrate seamlessly into the rest of the house.
We build for comfort, sound, and flexibility. That includes soundproofing, ambient lighting, and tiered seating that goes with the style of the building. These theaters are often next to game rooms, lounges, or bars, which makes them a nice place to relax while still being sophisticated.
At Zbranek & Holt, we’ve worked with clients to create Austin home theater design solutions that prioritize experience over excess—making the most of sound, sightlines, and smart automation.
Rooms That Flex With Your Life
Custom homes should change with you—not the other way around. That is why we design spaces that flex to support evolving needs and interests.
It might be a reading nook that doubles as a Zoom room, a lounge with a hidden wine room, or a catering kitchen tucked behind the main prep area. Guest suites are often designed to convert to home offices or aging-in-place living quarters.
This type of multi-functionality is one of the most-requested features in custom home design in Texas. It allows your home to stay relevant without needing constant renovation.
Outdoor Living That Works Year-Round
In Austin, outdoor living is not an afterthought—it is a core part of the design. We frequently build outdoor spaces that function as full living areas with integrated kitchens, entertainment systems, and retreat-like features.
Retractable glass walls, motorized screens, and covered patios with heating and misting systems allow our clients to enjoy the outdoors in any season. Pools, fire features, and lounge areas just steps from the main living room create easy transitions between indoors and out.
Many of our clients tell us their outdoor living area becomes the most-used space in the home—which is exactly how we plan it.
Smart systems that help with everyday tasks
Technology should make life easier, not harder. We help our clients set up systems that are simple to use and understand that keep their homes safe, control the lighting, climate, and sound.
For high-end projects, we often pre-wire for solar panels and battery backup systems to make sure they are energy-efficient and have backup power. We also make smart lighting scenes and motorized shade systems that you can control from afar or with your voice.
As trusted home builders in Austin TX, we stay ahead of what today’s homeowners expect—and make sure those features are delivered without disruption to the design.
Architecture That Reflects Your Style
It’s not just about the size your home is; it’s also about how you want to express yourself. No matter if you like modern, transitional, or Hill Country classic styles, our team will make sure that the architecture reflects that.
We often use big windows, structural steel accents, and layouts that take advantage of the site’s views and privacy. Custom staircases, gallery lighting, and natural materials are some of the things that make the home feel grounded and unique.
We are here to listen, guide, and help you make your architectural vision a reality with accuracy, discipline, and creativity.