What Are the Latest Trends in Custom Home Design for East Texas?

East Texas homeowners are redefining what it means to build a dream home. Instead of cookie-cutter blueprints and one-size-fits-all finishes, today’s custom builds reflect distinct priorities: open layouts that support fluid living, materials that reflect environmental consciousness, and smart technologies that enhance convenience.

These priorities have shifted the focus of modern residential architecture across the region, blending timeless East Texas charm with practical, future-ready innovation.

At JennRand Diversified, the trends shaping custom home design today are rooted in the changing needs of families, lifestyles, and the natural environment.

Whether it's integrating wide, unobstructed floor plans or using renewable construction materials tailored for Texas heat and humidity, homebuilders are responding with intentional design.

In this article, we’ll explore how custom homes are being influenced by five key design directions. Each trend reflects a broader movement in East Texas toward smarter, more personalized, and environmentally responsible living.

Open Floor Plans: Redefining Space in East Texas Custom Homes

Open floor plans are a defining feature of contemporary home design, especially in East Texas, where families often prioritize shared space and a seamless flow between rooms.

This layout eliminates traditional barriers like walls and doors that separate the kitchen, living, and dining areas, creating a unified and expansive feel.

By removing visual obstructions, homeowners gain increased natural light and better sightlines across the main living areas, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.

This is especially beneficial in homes designed for entertaining or multigenerational living, which require flexible and inclusive environments.

East Texas builders like JennRand Diversified have responded by designing homes with integrated spaces that allow families to cook, dine, and relax together without separation.

These design choices are increasingly popular in custom homes where buyers are looking for long-term value, ease of movement, and adaptability in how they use their space.

Sustainable Materials Leading East Texas Construction Trends

Demand for sustainable materials in East Texas home construction has grown significantly in the past five years.

Homeowners seek eco-friendly alternatives that reduce environmental impact without sacrificing durability or aesthetic quality.

Products such as reclaimed wood, low-VOC paints, and energy-efficient windows are no longer niche options—they’re becoming standard features in custom builds. These materials support long-term energy savings and align with both national building codes and local environmental goals.

Builders in the region are also using advanced framing techniques to reduce lumber waste and improve insulation. Insulated concrete forms (ICFs) and spray foam insulation are common in energy-conscious designs, providing thermal efficiency that translates to lower utility bills and a smaller carbon footprint.

Other sustainable products—like bamboo flooring, recycled metal roofing, and permeable pavers—are gaining traction due to their renewable nature and resistance to East Texas humidity and heat.

Homeowners interested in future-proofing their investments choose materials that perform well over time and support indoor air quality.

This approach goes beyond personal preference—it's also a financial strategy. Sustainable features can increase resale value, lower long-term operating costs, and qualify for green building certifications. These factors are transforming how custom homes are planned and built across the region.

Integrating Smart Home Technology into East Texas Builds

Smart home technology has shifted from novelty to necessity in the East Texas custom home market. Builders are increasingly incorporating systems that enhance convenience, security, and energy efficiency.

Features such as programmable thermostats, smart lighting, and app-controlled security systems are now standard in many new builds. These tools offer real-time control and automation, allowing homeowners to monitor and manage their property from anywhere with a mobile device.

Voice-activated assistants, integrated with everything from blinds to entertainment systems, are part of a growing demand for seamless digital environments.

Many East Texas builders pre-wire homes for high-speed internet, smart appliances, and future technology upgrades, anticipating evolving tech trends. Smart irrigation systems and leak detectors are also common in new homes, especially in areas where water conservation and property protection are top priorities.

These technologies are designed not just for convenience, but for optimizing how the home functions. By automating repetitive tasks and providing real-time data, homeowners can make informed decisions that reduce waste and improve quality of life.

Integrating smart tech into new homes reflects a broader cultural shift toward intelligent, responsive living environments that match the pace and demands of modern life.

Outdoor Living Spaces Gaining Popularity in Custom Home Design

Outdoor living spaces have become a central element in East Texas home design, driven by a regional climate that supports year-round use and a lifestyle that values connection to the outdoors.

Covered patios, screened-in porches, and outdoor kitchens are being integrated into the architectural footprint of custom homes, often functioning as full extensions of interior living areas. These features expand usable square footage and offer versatile cooking, relaxing, and entertaining environments.

Current outdoor design trends include using durable, low-maintenance materials such as composite decking, weather-resistant cabinetry, and stone finishes that complement the surrounding landscape.

Fire pits, pergolas, and outdoor audio systems add both function and ambiance, creating areas that feel curated and intentional. Builders are increasingly designing these spaces with plumbing, electricity, and heating solutions to support year-round use.

The emphasis on outdoor living is also tied to health and wellness considerations. Exposure to natural light, improved air quality, and a sense of openness contribute to physical and mental well-being. As East Texas homeowners continue to prioritize these outcomes, outdoor environments are evolving from simple patios into complex, multi-functional living zones.

Personalization: How Homeowners Are Customizing Every Detail

One of the most influential trends in East Texas custom home construction is the level of personalization that buyers expect.

From layout to finishes, every element is tailored to individual needs, styles, and routines. Custom cabinetry, built-in shelving, and specialty rooms such as home offices, gyms, or craft studios are increasingly common.

This attention to detail transforms standard builds into truly unique residences designed to enhance daily life.

Material selection is another key area of customization. Homeowners are working closely with designers and builders to select tile patterns, lighting schemes, and flooring combinations that reflect personal taste while maintaining functionality.

Smart storage solutions and creative use of space, particularly in smaller homes or multi-generational households, are a high priority.

This level of customization is supported by the collaborative design approach offered by builders like JennRand Diversified. By involving clients in every stage—from blueprint to finish—projects are not only more accurate but more satisfying. The goal is to create homes that serve as practical reflections of the people who live in them, using architecture to support lifestyle and identity in meaningful ways.

How JennRand Diversified Helps Homeowners Build Smarter, Personalized Homes in East Texas

JennRand Diversified brings over two decades of custom homebuilding experience to East Texas, offering homeowners a trusted partner in transforming design ideas into reality.

Whether it’s a fully open-concept layout or an energy-efficient home constructed with eco-conscious materials, we're equipped to meet a wide range of design and performance goals. Our team manages the entire process—from architectural planning to material selection and project execution—ensuring that each custom build reflects both the personal style and functional needs of the homeowner.

Whether you're just beginning the design process or ready to start building, contact us to speak with JennRand Diversified. Call us at 903-557-1070 to learn how they can help with your next project.