Designing a home from the ground up is more than a checklist. It’s a chance to shape how you live, connect, and unwind. At Rare Bird Builders, we specialize in creating custom homes in Bentonville and the greater Northwest Arkansas area that are both deeply personal and expertly crafted.
If you're dreaming up your next space, here are 10 design-forward features we recommend considering for your custom home build, based on what our Bentonville clients value most.
Northwest Arkansas is known for its natural beauty, and your home should bring that in. We design open-concept living areas that feel effortless and bright, making space for connection and flow. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or wrangling kids after school, an open layout creates both ease and flexibility.
In a food-loving town like Bentonville, the kitchen becomes the heart of the home. Think oversized islands, custom cabinetry, hidden storage, and smart appliance placement that supports how you cook, prep, and gather. We design kitchens that work as hard as they wow, whether you’re a weekday meal-prepper or a weekend host.
At Rare Bird, we can seamlessly integrate smart technology into your home’s design, from security systems and climate control to lighting and audio. These features enhance convenience, security, and energy efficiency without disrupting the clean lines and intentional flow of your space.
Bentonville weather can be unpredictable, so we build homes that stay comfortable and efficient year-round. Our builds often include high-performance insulation, double or triple pane windows, tankless water heaters, and optional solar-ready infrastructure, all designed with sustainability, comfort, control, and long-term savings in mind.
We love designing outdoor living areas that feel like natural extensions of your home. Covered patios, screened porches, fireplaces, and outdoor kitchens are just a few ways to enjoy the Bentonville landscape year-round. Whether your lot backs up to woods, hills, or open sky, we’ll help you make the most of it.
Luxury isn’t always loud—it’s in the quiet moments of a well-designed space. Our bathrooms blend clean lines, warm materials, and spa-like features: walk-in showers, soaking tubs, radiant-heated floors, and custom vanities all come together to create a daily retreat that feels indulgent yet practical.
As more of our clients work from home, we’re designing dedicated workspaces that actually work. Think soundproofing, tailored lighting, built-in shelving, and even Zoom-friendly backdrops. These aren’t afterthoughts; they’re integrated from the start so your work-life balance doesn’t mean sacrificing good design.
Life in the Ozarks comes with muddy boots, gear, and unpredictable weather. That’s why we often combine mudrooms and laundry spaces into smart, functional zones, with custom storage, built-ins, and utility sinks to keep the mess at bay and the day running smoothly.
We love helping clients design bonus rooms that can grow with their needs, whether it's a yoga studio, home theater, game room, or creative workshop. These spaces are about versatility without compromise, and we make sure they feel as intentional as the rest of your home.
At Rare Bird, we see storage as an opportunity for design, not just utility. From built-in shelving and custom closets to hidden nooks and entryway solutions, we design storage that blends into your home’s aesthetic, keeping things beautiful and clutter-free.
Your home should reflect who you are, how you live, and what matters most. At Rare Bird Builders, we don’t do cookie-cutter. We do one-of-a-kind homes, crafted with care, creativity, and a deep love for the landscape and lifestyle of Northwest Arkansas.
Thinking about building in Bentonville or another part of Northwest Arkansas? Let’s talk. We’re ready to bring your ideas to life, beautifully and thoughtfully.