By Sunrise Realty Group
As the Treasure Valley continues to grow, one thing is clear: Idaho buyers know exactly what they want in a new home. Anything from large windows that frame the state’s natural beauty to open layouts designed for family gatherings, certain floor plan features Idaho homeowners want are showing up again and again across model homes, custom builds and modern home design trends.
Whether you’re building from the ground up or choosing a plan from a local or semi-custom builder, understanding these highly desired elements will help you choose the right floor plan—one that fits daily life, enhances resale value and elevates your overall living experience.
The following are the top floor plan features Idaho homeowners want today.
Top Floor Plan Features Idaho Homeowners Want
⭐ 1. Open-Concept Living Spaces and Great Rooms
An open floor plan continues to be one of the most requested design elements across Idaho. Homeowners want bright and spacious living areas that bring everyone together.
Why it works in Idaho:
- Enhances natural light, especially with the state’s long summer evenings
- Makes modest square footage areas feel more expansive
- Ideal for family gatherings and dinner parties
- Offers flexible living space arrangements for modern lifestyles
Great rooms are now the “heart of the home,” creating a seamless flow from the kitchen to the dining and living areas.
⭐ 2. Large and Functional Kitchens With Oversized Islands
In Idaho homes, the kitchen is where daily life happens. Buyers consistently choose layouts with generous workspace, smart storage and modern amenities.
Most-wanted kitchen design features:
- Oversized islands with seating
- Walk-in or hidden pantries
- Quartz or granite counters
- Energy-efficient appliances
- Natural materials such as stone or wood
- Ample cabinets for a larger household size
New homes often showcase kitchens designed to bring everyone together.
⭐ 3. Split-Bedroom Floor Plans for Privacy
A split-bedroom design places the primary suite on one side and secondary bedrooms on the other—one of the strongest design trends in Idaho’s new home construction.
Idaho buyers prefer it because it:
- Creates privacy
- Reduces noise transfer
- Works perfectly with single-level layouts
- Fits a wide range of square feet
This is especially popular in modern mountain home designs and acreage properties.
⭐ 4. Dedicated Multifunctional Rooms (Flex Rooms)
Modern lifestyles have reshaped what buyers expect from modern home designs. Home owners today usually look for spaces that can have multiple functions.
A flex room can become:
- A home office
- A craft or hobby studio
- A guest room
- A kid’s study space
- A small gym or meditation room
For many buyers, this is no longer optional—it’s a specific space that is expected in the home design.
⭐ 5. Mudrooms With Smart Storage
With Idaho’s weather, (snow, dust and plenty of outdoor recreation) mudrooms are now considered a core essential design feature.
In a mudroom, homeowners usually want:
- Built-in benches
- Cubbies
- Coat hooks
- Storage for outdoor gear
- Durable flooring
- Space for pets
A well-designed mudroom creates an efficient transition space from your outdoor life to your home life.
⭐ 6. Oversized Garages & RV Bays
Idaho homeowners often have many things to store. Garages with optional features and additional depth are in high demand.
Popular options include:
- 3 or 4 car garages
- RV or boat garages
- Workshop areas
- Attic trusses or storage lofts
- Space for outdoor toys like ATVs
Garage space is a big deal, especially in areas outside Boise where buyers tend to have more land to work with.
⭐ 7. Main-Level Primary Suites
A main-level primary suite supports comfortable aging-in-place planning while increasing long-term value.
Buyers want:
- Large bedrooms
- Spa-style bathrooms
- Walk-in closets
- Direct access to outdoor living spaces
Outdoor living access matters as it has become a lifestyle priority in Idaho.
⭐ 8. Large Windows and Inside/Outside Living
Idaho is known for its foothills, rivers, mountain views and natural environment. Homeowners want a beautiful home that showcases all that natural beauty.
Design trends emphasize:
- Large windows often with transom windows above
- Sliding or accordion doors
- Covered patios
- Smooth flow from indoor to outdoor spaces
- Large back door openings that allow you to bring the outside in
The indoor/outdoor living vibe is especially popular in areas like Eagle, Star, the Boise Bench and the foothill neighborhoods.
⭐ 9. Walk-In Pantries and Storage Solutions
With busy households and active lifestyles, storage is non-negotiable.
Modern trending features are:
- Walk-in pantries
- Under-stair storage
- Extra closets
- Garage storage rooms
- Built-in shelving
- Closed in HVAC closets in the garage
An interesting solution that has also become popular is to build a RV garage with shelves around the inside perimeter using a mezzanine for access to high areas.
⭐ 10. Multi-Generational Suites (ADU)
More and more Idaho families are choosing to live together under one roof or open their homes to long-term guests. Whether it’s aging parents, adult children or extended family, this trend is all about creating space for connection while maintaining privacy.
A dedicated suite (complete with its own bedroom, bathroom or even a small kitchenette) offers the flexibility to adapt to changing needs and adds significant long-term value to the home.
Popular configurations have:
- A private bedroom and bathroom
- A Private entrance
- A kitchenette
This helps foster both independence and a strong sense of community.
⭐ 11. Thoughtful Laundry/Utility Room Placement
Gone are the days of laundry rooms tucked away in awkward corners or cramped spaces. Idaho homeowners are looking for laundry areas that are multifunctional, well designed and conveniently located. Often near main living areas or bedrooms, it’s all about making everyday chores easier and more efficient.
Popular features include:
- Being near the primary suite (often accessible from the walk-in closet)
- Separate but near the mudroom
- Possibly used for cleaning pets with a built in dog wash
- Large wash basin for cleaning things you don’t want drug though the house like muddy clothes
Modern expectations in a laundry/utility room and built-in cabinets, hanging rods and folding areas.
⭐ 12. Single-Level Floor Plans
Single-level homes are preferred in the Treasure Valley by home owners to avoid the stairs of a two-story home.
Benefits include:
- Easy accessibility
- Better energy efficiency
- Open spaces
- Safer for kids and older adults
It is important to note that building a single story home often is more expensive than building a two story home. Since the home is spread out on the property rather than being stacked, additional concrete and lumber would be required to build the home.
⭐ Final Thoughts
Choosing the right floor plan comes down to how you live, what you value and the Idaho lifestyle you want to embrace. The most popular floor plan features Idaho homeowners want blend comfort, smart design, modern amenities and a strong connection to nature. They also contribute to energy efficiency, enhanced resale value and long-term enjoyment of your home.
Thinking about building a custom home or exploring new construction? The Sunrise Realty Group is here to walk you through it all. Whether it’s finding the right layout or adding outdoor living spaces and modern design features, we will make the process simple and stress free.
Ready to get started? Reach out anytime to tour model homes, talk about your goals or start planning your next move in Idaho’s booming real estate market.
