Everything’s bigger in Texas, whether that’s cowboy hats, lunch portions at the state fair, or ranch acreages. It’s become something of a point of pride in the Lone Star State.
However, “Everything’s bigger in Texas” also includes the heat. If you’ve spent any amount of time in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, you know just how hot our summers can be. As custom home builders, we’ve seen some interesting design choices from our clients that help to increase their enjoyment of their homes during the summer heat.
If you’re looking to design a custom home in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, consider these design elements to help your family through the sweltering Texas summers!
Pools
A pool is a must-have when the weather is above 100 and there’s not a cloud in the sky. When it’s hot out, a quick splash in the water can be a great way to cool off. There are so many different types of pools to consider and so many different customizations you can incorporate to make your pool your own. Everything from waterfalls and slides to rock gardens and shallow kid-friendly areas can spruce up the design of your family’s summer splash pad.
Be sure to think through safety, however, when designing a pool. Gated access, safe drain sizes, clear ways to enter and exit the pool, and slip-resistant surfaces are all great ways to make your family’s water escape that much safer.
Gardens & Event Areas
A garden is a fantastic resource to have when the weather gets hot – as long as you have proper shade available. Thankfully, there are numerous ways to add some shade while still keeping the garden both green and vibrant. Trees, awnings, umbrellas, and hedges are all great examples of this.
Additionally, fountains and sprinklers can help add some aquatic relief as well. Pairing shade with water lets you mitigate some of the effects of the heat while still enjoying all of the summer fun possible on your property!
Outdoor Structures
A covered, outdoor structure is another great resource to have when the sun is shining down. Gazebos, pergolas, and pavilions are an excellent way for you to enjoy the outdoors while also providing shade.
These might be the most common structures, but there are some other inventive ways to spice up your lawn. Pickleball courts, bonfire pits, pizza ovens, stone coolers, outdoor bars, dedicated areas for lawn games, and outdoor amphitheaters are great examples. You truly can build anything you want, so get creative and start building!
Window Shading & Positions
How you choose to incorporate windows into your home can also dramatically change your family’s use of the space. One thing to consider is window placement. Avoid placing window wells in a position where they’ll receive too much direct sunlight during the heat of the day in order to keep your home cool.
Certain window shapes are also better than others for minimizing sunlight. Vertical window wells are a great way to let light in without too much heat. However, don’t forget to incorporate quality blinds as well. These are a great option for allowing light in while still retaining control during the heat of summer.
Courtyards & Patios
A classic courtyard can be a great way to find some enjoyment during the dog days of summer. There’s a reason this style of architecture is so typical in Spain, Portugal, and Italy. A courtyard is an excellent centerpiece for a home and allows for ventilation throughout the structure. Plus, it’s a great way to create a common living space in the center of the house. If you like villa-style, Mediterranean homes, then this could be a good way to enjoy the summer months outside.
However, there are other ways to go about this. A screened-in patio, with an air conditioner or a fan, also allows you access to the outside without the full impact of the summer heat. There are many interesting ways to spice up a patio if you’re looking for some inspiration.
Contact Maykus Homes
Are you looking to build a custom home in the DFW Metroplex? Look no further than Maykus Homes for your custom homebuilder. We always strive to make the building process as delightful and straightforward as possible and always aim to leave our clients awestruck by the result.
Our process is simple. We focus on you and your needs. The result is that all of our builds are custom, beautiful homes, not templatized, off-the-shelf packages. The building process can be convoluted for many clients; we work with you to make it as simple as possible through regular status updates and proactive communication.
Contact Maykus Homes for a consultation and Maykus your builder!