When clients come to Homes by Hendriks, they often arrive with a vision: a stunning kitchen, a spa-inspired ensuite, and beautiful open-concept living spaces. But it’s the unexpected, thoughtful details — the hidden gems — that take a custom home from exceptional to unforgettable.
As a leading custom home builder in the Niagara Region, we specialize in designing luxury homes that are as functional as they are beautiful. Below are 10 custom features that our clients never knew they needed — but can’t imagine living without once they move in.
Radiant Heated Floors (Beyond the Bathroom)
While heated bathroom floors are a popular request, adding radiant floor heating to kitchens, mudrooms, or basements offers unmatched comfort during cold Ontario winters. It’s a subtle upgrade that adds serious value to any custom home in Niagara.
Built-In Charging Stations
Tuck away the tangle of cords with charging drawers in kitchens, offices, or bedside tables. These hidden tech hubs keep your devices powered up without cluttering your countertops — a must-have in any modern luxury home.
Toe-Kick Vacuums in the Kitchen
Forget bending over with a dustpan. Our clients love the convenience of toe-kick vacuums — built into the base of your cabinetry and part of your central vacuum system. Just sweep crumbs toward the kickplate and let it do the rest.
Pantry-to-Garage Pass-Through
Streamline your grocery routine with a pass-through from the garage to the pantry. This clever feature allows you to unload groceries without hauling them through your entire home — ideal for growing families or frequent entertainers.
Motion-Activated Closet and Cabinet Lighting
Motion-sensor lighting in closets, pantries, or under sinks is a game-changer. These fixtures illuminate automatically when the door opens, helping you find what you need without flipping a switch.
Integrated Pet Stations
If you have pets, consider adding custom dog showers, built-in feeding stations, or cozy alcoves for beds into your custom home design. These thoughtful details are seamlessly integrated and designed for both function and style.
Hidden Storage Behind Mirrors or Art
Our in-house design team can help you incorporate concealed storage behind mirrors, artwork, or millwork — perfect for valuables, seasonal décor, or even wine collections. Elegant and practical.
Floor Outlets for Floating Furniture
Large great rooms often feature furniture away from the walls. Recessed floor outlets allow you to plug in lamps or chargers discreetly, avoiding visible cords and enhancing the clean look of your space.
Motorized Window Shades and Skylights
Automated window treatments and remote-controlled skylights bring convenience and energy efficiency to the next level. Paired with smart home systems, they’re ideal for hard-to-reach windows or large-format glass features.
Kitchen Beverage Stations and Prep Sinks
A dedicated beverage station with a prep sink, under-counter fridge, or coffee bar adds convenience for everyday living and entertaining. It’s one of our favourite upgrades in open-concept kitchen designs.
Designing Thoughtfully, Building Beautifully
At Homes by Hendriks, we believe the best luxury homes are built around how you actually live — with personalized touches that improve your daily routine. These hidden gems might not make your original wishlist, but they’re often the details our clients rave about most.
Ready to explore smart custom features for your dream home?
Let’s build something beautiful together.
