The holidays have a special way of reminding us what home is really for — gathering, celebrating, sharing meals, and making memories with the people we love. And if you dream of building a custom home in 2026, now is the perfect time to start thinking not just about what you want your home to look like, but how you want it to live.

As you begin planning, it’s a great time to start exploring our floor plans and pricing so you can imagine the possibilities that fit your lifestyle.

At Joyner Homes, every floor plan and finish is designed around you. During your architecture and design appointments, we walk through the details of your lifestyle — from your weekday routines to the special events you look forward to each year. For many families, holiday hosting is a big part of that conversation.

Below are the most important spaces to consider if you want your future home to be the go-to gathering place — and how thoughtful custom design can make all the difference.

The Kitchen: Where the Heart (and the Holiday Magic) Happens

It’s no surprise — the kitchen is the true hub of holiday hosting. Whether you’re baking Christmas morning cinnamon rolls, prepping appetizers before guests arrive, or letting friends hover around the island with a cup of hot cocoa, this space carries the celebration.

Design considerations we often guide homeowners through:

– Oversized islands for extra seating and prep space

– Walk-in pantries big enough to store hosting essentials

– Double ovens to make cooking for a crowd a breeze

– Open layouts that allow you to cook and chat with guest

The way you host will shape how we design this essential space.

Guest Bathroom: Small Space, Big Comfort

A well-designed guest bathroom may seem like a small detail — but during holiday gatherings, it becomes one of the most-used rooms in the home.

Thoughtful custom design may include:

– Easy-to-clean tile and durable finishes

– Additional storage for extra towels and other bathroom essentials

– A quiet, out-of-the-way location for privacy

– Beautiful lighting and simple, elegant selections that impress without trying too hard 

These touches create a welcoming and seamless experience for visitors.

Living Room: The Destination for Togetherness

This is where the tree glows, the stockings hang, and the best memories are made. Your living room sets the stage for holiday movies, gift exchanges, and cozy evenings by the fire.

Joyner Homes design decisions often focus on:

– Vaulted ceilings and natural light to create a grand-yet-cozy feel

– A fireplace as the natural centerpiece of the room

– Flexible layouts for both large gatherings and intimate family moments

– Extra outlets and smart wiring for holiday decor

During your design process, we’ll talk about how you envision using and spending time in this space — because that vision guides every design decision.

Finished Basement: The Bonus Hangout Space

For those who love to host, a finished basement can be the unsung hero of the holidays.

This space often shines when it includes:

– A second living area for movie marathons or cheering on your favorite team

– A game zone for your friends or kids to play

– A wet bar or snack area to keep everyone fueled

– Storage solutions for holiday decor and seasonal items 

It’s the perfect blend of fun, function, and flexibility — and one of the most customizable areas in any Joyner Home.

Outdoor Living: Celebrate Indoors… and Out

Even in December, a well-designed outdoor living space adds warmth to your hosting experience. Whether it’s greeting guests on a welcoming front porch or connecting inside and outside with a covered back patio, these spaces extend the celebration.

Design decisions that elevate holiday hosting include:

– A wide front porch that's easy to decorate

– Covered patios that allow for outdoor seating even in cooler temps

– Space for a fire pit or exterior string lights

– Back-porch access that flows naturally from the main living area 

These spots add charm, atmosphere, and extra room when your house is full.

Planning Your Dream Home Starts with How You Live

When you sit down with our team to begin designing your custom home, we want to understand not only your day-to-day routines, but also the moments you look forward to most — especially during the holidays.

Do you host the big family gathering?
Do you love cozy evenings by the fire?
Do you need extra space for overnight guests?
Do you want a kitchen made for creating memories?

Your answers shape your floor plan, your selections, and the way your home will support your life for years to come.

If holiday hosting is important to you, we’ll design your home around it.
Beautifully. Thoughtfully. And completely custom.

Ready to start designing your home? We’d love to help bring your vision to life. Visit one of our model homes, complete a Customer Worksheet, or call us at (317) 468-2330 to begin your journey.