23 Thoughtful Features I Wish I Had Included in My Gulf Coast Home
By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
Designing a home on the Gulf Coast is a dream. The gentle breezes, salt air, and wraparound porches lend themselves to long mornings on the veranda and sunset cocktails by the bay. But after walking hundreds of luxury homes and hearing the desires of homeowners from Orange Beach to Gulf Shores, I’ve discovered there are some things you only realize after living here.
Whether you're building new construction on Ono Island, purchasing a custom home, or beginning a thoughtful renovation, here are the 23 features refined by experience, inspired by Southern charm, and curated for the coastal lifestyle.
1. Butler’s Pantry or Working Pantry
Behind every polished kitchen is a hidden gem: a pantry where the prep, mess, and appliances live out of sight. A working pantry lets you entertain in elegance without sacrificing functionality. Add a second sink, dishwasher, or even a wine fridge, and you’ll never look back.
Southern Tip: A butler’s pantry is ideal for those who love to host oyster roasts, gumbo nights, or weekend brunch.
2. Outdoor Shower with a Privacy Wall
There's something undeniably coastal about rinsing off under the open sky after a boat ride or beach day. Built with stone or wood slats, an outdoor shower adds charm, utility, and a little slice of barefoot luxury.
3. Poolside Bathroom (Accessible from Outside)
This feature is one I recommend to every homeowner building on the Gulf Coast. When the kids or grandkids are wet from the pool—or you’ve just stepped off the dock—it’s a lifesaver. Keep your interiors dry, your towels within reach, and your guests comfortable.
4. Reel Room or Angler’s Tackle Station
If you or your partner loves fishing, this one’s non-negotiable. A custom “reel room” provides a dedicated space for rods, tackle, coolers, and rigging before a deep-sea trip. Add vertical rod storage, a rinse-down sink, and climate control to protect your gear from salt air.
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5. His and Her Vanities in the Primary Bath
No more morning elbow bumps. Separate vanities with ample storage and customized lighting let each person create their own space. Incorporate marble or quartz, fluted cabinets, or a vanity tower for extra Southern sophistication.
6. Private Water Closet
This simple upgrade makes a big difference. A discreet space for the toilet preserves privacy and improves the overall layout of the primary suite. It's now a must in high-end homes.
7. Closet Within the Bathroom
There’s something seamless and practical about stepping from the shower directly into your dressing area. A bathroom-accessed closet keeps routines efficient—and the bedroom tidy.
8. Multiple En-Suite Bedrooms
Two or more bedrooms with private baths create a welcoming layout for visiting children, friends, or future guests. It adds a layer of privacy and comfort that’s appreciated by all generations.
9. Dual Kitchens or Guest Wing Kitchenette
An ideal feature for multigenerational households, hosting long-term guests, or even adding future rental value. A second kitchen—whether full-size or kitchenette—adds independence and ease for in-laws or grown children.
10. Whole-Home Generator
Here on the Gulf Coast, weather can be unpredictable. A whole-house generator keeps your appliances, HVAC, and security systems running no matter what. It’s one of those “you don’t need it until you really need it” features.
Discover other storm-smart home upgrades
11. Smart Home System with Voice & Remote Access
Security, lighting, sound, temperature, even your irrigation system—can all be controlled from your phone or voice assistant. Ideal for second homes or tech-forward buyers.
12. Multi-Zone HVAC for True Comfort
Different wings of your home, especially two-story homes or those with large windows, often require separate climate zones. Zoning provides efficiency, comfort, and helps lower monthly energy bills.
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13. Two Dishwashers (One Hidden in the Pantry)
In the South, we know how to host. A second dishwasher tucked away in the pantry makes cleanup faster and more discreet—especially after a shrimp boil or oyster bake.
14. Generous Outdoor Living Spaces with Coastal Finishes
Think: cypress ceilings, fans, and soft lighting. Create distinct zones—a dining area, a conversation space, a pool lounge. Screened-in porches with retractable shades are perfect for year-round enjoyment.
15. Fully Equipped Outdoor Kitchen
From game day gatherings to low country boils, your outdoor kitchen should have a gas grill, ice maker, sink, beverage center, and counter seating. Bonus points for a Big Green Egg nook or fish cleaning station.
16. Outdoor Fireplace or Fire Table
It adds ambiance and extends your outdoor season into our cooler months. A stone hearth or built-in gas fire bowl becomes the heart of cozy evenings.
17. Outdoor TV & Game Day Lounge
Here on the Gulf, we take football season seriously. Mount a weatherproof TV above your fireplace or create a built-in media area with speakers and cushioned seating for Saturday tailgates at home.
18. Climate-Controlled Attic or Garage Bay
Store holiday décor, fishing gear, or family keepsakes without worrying about heat or humidity damage. Add built-in shelves and sealed floors to create a functional, polished space.
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19. Mudroom with Drop Zone
Custom cubbies, shoe storage, and bench seating turn everyday chaos into calm. Ideal for sandy shoes, beach bags, hats, or pup accessories.
20. Oversized Walk-In Closets with Custom Built-Ins
One of the most-requested features in resale: well-lit, organized closets with drawers, pull-out shelves, valet hooks, and even charging stations.
21. Outdoor Pool Lounge or Party Porch
Make your backyard feel like a private resort. Consider adding tongue-and-groove ceilings, mosquito screens, ceiling fans, and designer lighting. Extend the roofline and create zones that invite gathering.
22. Laundry Room Designed for Real Life
Include a folding station, utility sink, built-in hampers, and extra cabinetry. If space allows, consider dual washers and dryers—perfect for large households or short-term rental management.
23. Workshop or Golf Cart Garage
Tinkerers, boaters, and outdoor lovers will appreciate a separate bay with workbenches, wall storage, and durable flooring. Include electrical for charging tools or golf carts.
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Final Thoughts
Designing a Gulf Coast home is about more than square footage. It’s about lifestyle—easy mornings, outdoor evenings, and spaces that feel both elegant and lived-in. These features don’t just add value—they create comfort, connection, and ease.
Whether you're planning a new build, buying a custom home, or making a coastal escape your permanent residence, I’d be honored to share what I’ve learned from working with the area’s best builders and most thoughtful homeowners.
Visit www.searchthegulf.com to explore available homes or connect with me to start designing your dream life on the Gulf Coast.
Meredith Amon is a Gulf Coast Expert Real Estate Advisor, licensed in Alabama and Florida. She specializes in helping buyers and sellers navigate the buying and selling of homes along the Gulf Coast.
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