Texas typically conjures up images of sunshine and hot weather. Barbecue food, the deserts of West Texas, and our state’s infamous summertime highs feature prominently in the popular imagining of Texas. Even the cowboy hat, one of Texas’s most famous articles of clothing, was designed to protect against the scorching Texas sun.

There’s no denying that the Lone Star state receives its share of sun and heat, especially relative to many other parts of the country. However, if you’ve spent any time in North Texas in particular, you know just how cold our winters can be. Winter in North Texas might not be the tundra, but the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex can experience frigid, icy conditions as the nights get longer.

If you’re looking to build a custom home in DFW, your home will need to be prepared for both summer heat and winter cold. Luckily, Maykus Homes has a few great options to keep in mind when you’re designing a custom home. If you want to ensure that you and your family are prepared for colder North Texas nights in your custom home, read on to learn more!

1. Saunas

If you’re looking to find enjoyment in your home when the nights get colder, look to some of the colder parts of the world for inspiration. The saunas of Scandinavia and northern Europe are a great option when the weather gets chilly. A restful steam is just the ticket when the nights start biting. What’s more, using a sauna might actually come with some health benefits!

There are several ways to build a sauna into your custom home. In its simplest form, a sauna could be a room attached to your bathroom. At its most elaborate, a sauna could be a standalone structure in your backyard. Check out some examples here if you’re interested in learning more!

2. Sunrooms

Even when the temperatures outside are above freezing, the amount of sunlight you’ll receive throughout the day will decline as you enter the winter months. This can have a dramatic impact on the amount of natural light that enters your home.

A sunroom is an excellent remedy for this problem, and it might even help your family’s mental health! Low sun exposure can have an impact on your mental health, so incorporating sunrooms into your home might just not be a good design idea: it might be a good health choice.

In that same vein, keep sunlight in mind when designing windows and other light access points. More expansive windows will let you soak up as much sunlight as possible on winter days when the days are short. Pair with blinds or window shades to allow for more control when the sun is scorching in the summer months.

3. Outdoor Areas

Texas winters might not be as warm as other parts of the country, but you likely will still be able to enjoy some moments outside, even in December and January. The temperatures might not be balmy, but we can still have some pleasant daytime highs throughout the winter. If you’re willing to bundle up, consider including some outdoor areas for winter enjoyment.

This can look very different from family to family. We’ve seen clients incorporate everything from bonfire pits to outdoor hot tubs to wood-fired pizza ovens to bars. You definitely want to remember fun in the sun when planning your outdoor activities, but don’t neglect winter festivities either! A few strategically placed space heaters can make all the difference in the world.

4. Game Rooms

If the elements are preventing you from going outside, consider an indoor gameroom. This is such a versatile way of passing the time throughout the winter. The beauty of a gameroom is that the type of game employed can vary significantly from household to household.

An indoor gameroom can serve your family well when the temperatures dip, whether you’re more interested in board games, video games, arcade games, or paddle games like ping pong or pickleball. What’s more, you will likely still enjoy the gameroom when the sun is scorching in summer, and it’s too hot to go outside.

5. Home Theater

There’s only so much you can do outside when the weather gets cold. A few well-prepared rooms can help, but there will be nights you want to stay inside and shelter from the elements. If a night of quiet relaxation and contemplation sounds right up your alley when the weather gets cold, consider a home theater.

The best part about a home theater is that you can enjoy it year-round. A dedicated place to enjoy your favorite shows and films with your family and friends is just as great an option when it’s 100 degrees outside, and you need a reprieve from the heat.

Call Maykus Homes Today

Are you looking to build a custom home in DFW? Call Maykus Homes today! We have decades of experience building some of the most beautiful custom homes in North Texas, and we would love to discuss your future dream home and how we can bring it to life.