Murfreesboro, TN, is one of the fastest-growing cities in Middle Tennessee, making it a top choice for families looking to build a custom home. With great schools, family-friendly neighborhoods, and affordable housing options, Murfreesboro offers the perfect balance between suburban living and city convenience.

If you’re building a home for a growing family, it’s important to include features that maximize space, organization, and long-term functionality. In this guide, we’ll cover the best home features to consider when designing a family-friendly custom home.

1. Open-Concept Living Spaces for Connection & Functionality

An open floor plan allows families to spend more time together while maintaining a functional, well-organized home.

Best Features for Open-Concept Homes:

  • Large Kitchen with Island Seating – Creates a gathering space for meals, homework, and conversation.
  • Combined Living & Dining Areas – Makes it easy to supervise children while cooking or working.
  • Sliding or Folding Glass Doors – Connect indoor and outdoor spaces for expanded play areas.

Tip: Avoid layouts with too many walls or small, closed-off rooms, which can make the home feel disconnected.

2. Multiple Bedrooms & Flexible Spaces

A growing family needs ample bedroom space and flexible rooms that can evolve over time.

Key Considerations:

  • Jack-and-Jill Bathrooms – Shared en-suite bathrooms for siblings to reduce morning traffic.
  • Guest Room or In-Law Suite – Accommodates visitors or multi-generational family members.
  • Loft or Bonus Room – Can serve as a playroom, study area, or future media room.

Tip: Consider zoning bedroom layouts so parents and children have privacy but easy accessibility.

3. Smart & Functional Storage Solutions

A well-organized home helps reduce clutter and improve daily routines.

Best Family Storage Features:

  • Mudroom with Built-In Lockers – Keeps shoes, backpacks, and coats organized.
  • Walk-In Pantry – Essential for stocking groceries and bulk items.
  • Under-Stair Storage – Ideal for toy organization or seasonal storage.
  • Custom Closet Systems – Adjustable shelving for growing children.

Tip: Look for hidden storage options in benches, built-ins, and multi-functional furniture.

4. Dedicated Playroom or Family Game Room

A designated kids’ space helps keep toys, games, and activities contained.

Ideas for Play & Game Rooms:

  • Built-in Bookshelves & Storage Bins – Encourages organization.
  • Chalkboard or Whiteboard Walls – Adds creativity to the space.
  • Convertible Design – Can later serve as a teen hangout or study area.

Tip: Place playrooms near living spaces for easy supervision, but with soundproofing to reduce noise.

5. Energy-Efficient & Low-Maintenance Features

A family-friendly home should also be cost-effective and easy to maintain.

Best Energy & Maintenance Features:

  • Durable, Scratch-Resistant Flooring – Hardwood, luxury vinyl plank, or tile withstand heavy foot traffic.
  • Smart Thermostats & Zoned HVAC – Helps regulate temperatures in different areas of the home.
  • LED Lighting & Motion Sensors – Cuts down on electricity use.
  • Quartz or Solid-Surface Countertops – More durable and easier to clean than granite.

Tip: Choose low-maintenance materials that can handle spills, pets, and daily wear-and-tear.

6. Outdoor Living & Kid-Friendly Backyard Spaces

Outdoor areas should be safe, functional, and designed for family fun.

Top Outdoor Features for Families:

  • Fenced-In Yard – Provides safety for young children and pets.
  • Covered Patio or Deck – Extends the home’s living space.
  • Play Areas & Climbing Structures – Encourages outdoor activity.
  • Garden Space or Raised Beds – A fun way for kids to learn about plants and food.

Tip: Consider outdoor storage for sports equipment, bikes, and toys.

7. Home Office & Homework Stations

With remote work and online learning becoming more common, having a dedicated work area is essential.

Best Features for Productivity:

  • Built-In Desks & Study Nooks – Located in shared areas for easy access.
  • Soundproof Home Office – Offers quiet space for parents working from home.
  • Charging Stations & Tech Storage – Keeps devices organized.

Tip: Consider a dual-purpose room that can serve as both a home office and guest room.

8. Safe & Smart Home Technology

Adding smart home features improves security and convenience for families.

Best Smart Home Upgrades for Families:

  • Video Doorbells & Security Cameras – Monitors visitors and package deliveries.
  • Smart Locks & Garage Door Openers – Provides remote access for kids arriving home.
  • Programmable Lighting & Thermostats – Reduces energy waste.
  • Leak Detection Sensors – Helps prevent major water damage.

Tip: Look for kid-friendly tech, like voice-controlled lighting and security systems with parental controls.

9. Kid-Friendly Bathroom Designs

Shared bathrooms should be designed for easy access and long-term functionality.

Best Family Bathroom Features:

  • Double Vanities – Reduces morning congestion.
  • Step Stools & Lower Storage – Makes sinks and drawers accessible for young kids.
  • Deep Drawers for Towels & Supplies – Helps keep essentials organized.

Tip: Choose durable surfaces like tile and quartz for easy cleaning and water resistance.

10. Future-Proofing for Teenage Years & Beyond

As kids grow, their needs change, so it’s important to design a home that can adapt.

How to Future-Proof Your Home:

  • Multi-Use Bonus Rooms – Spaces that can transition from playroom to study area to media room.
  • Extra Outlets & Charging Stations – Teens require more device-friendly spaces.
  • Soundproofing Between Rooms – Reduces noise between sibling bedrooms and shared areas.

Tip: Plan for additional parking space as kids grow into drivers.

Best Family-Friendly Neighborhoods in Murfreesboro

Neighborhood Family-Friendly Features Home Price Range
Berkshire Playground, community pool, sidewalks $$$
Mirabella Large yards, quiet streets, newer construction $$$$
Liberty Station Close to top schools, parks, family-oriented $$$

Tip: Choose a neighborhood with top-rated schools, parks, and sidewalks for added safety.

Final Thoughts

Designing a custom home for a growing family requires flexibility, smart organization, and family-friendly features. Whether you’re looking for extra storage, outdoor space, or future-proof layouts, planning ahead ensures your home meets both current and future needs.

Thinking about building a family-friendly home in Murfreesboro? Contact us today to start designing your dream home!