When building or designing a custom home, one fundamental question shapes every decision: How do we actually live in our spaces today?
On an episode of the Creating Shelter podcast, host David Grubb sat down with Michael Grant of Modern Rustic Homes to explore how residential design is adapting to shifting family dynamics, remote-work demands, and daily routines.
The Evolution of the Flex Space
One of the fastest-growing trends in modern custom home architecture is the flex room. Designed without a single rigid function, flex spaces adapt to changing household requirements over time. Whether used as a quiet home office, an exercise room, a craft studio, or a guest room, flexible square footage maximizes efficiency.
“Flex spaces are very much needed because they serve more than one purpose. And the reality of that is it reduces your square footage in a house.”
— Michael Grant, Modern Rustic Homes
However, designing effective flex space requires intentional boundaries. Combining a high-traffic personal workspace with a guest room can create clutter issues during overnight visits. As a result, successful custom architecture anticipates these trade-offs early in the floor planning stage.
The kitchen anchors the open space with a generous, dark soapstone prep island that offers integrated bar seating.
Open-Concept Entertaining with Purpose
Open-plan living areas—combining kitchen, dining, and great rooms into a single cohesive zone—remain a cornerstone of modern home design. By removing unnecessary interior walls, small footprint spaces visually expand while strengthening social connection.
Host and guest sight-lines are preserved, allowing hosts to seamlessly interact with friends and family while preparing meals.
“I realized there are different categories of space; there are different areas: there’s entertainment areas, there’s personal and private storage, flex rooms, and outdoor space.”
— David Grubb, Modern Rustic Homes
The New Butler’s Pantry: Secondary Prep & High-Utility Storage
Storage requirements have shifted dramatically. With modern kitchens accommodating large counter-top appliances—from espresso machines to air fryers—homeowners are seeking clean, clutter-free surfaces.
This need has revitalized the butler’s pantry into a high-function secondary prep space. Today’s walk-in pantries regularly feature:
- Dedicated counter space for heavy appliances
- Secondary prep sinks and additional dishwashers
- Expanded floor-to-ceiling food and utility storage
By moving heavy appliance prep out of main sight-lines, the kitchen remains an open, aesthetically pleasing space for gathering.
Post-Pandemic Layout Demands
Recent lifestyle shifts have forced homes to serve as everything at once: office, school, gym, and entertainment hub. While home sizes briefly trended downward before 2020, modern custom home buyers now prioritize distinct, dedicated zones that support quiet productivity alongside active family life.
How has the way you use your home changed in recent years, and what single flex space or storage upgrade would make your daily routine run more smoothly?
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