Today marks the first in an ongoing series of posts titled “Built Around You.” The idea is the days of flipping homes are over; today’s homeowners expect to be in their homes longer. With that in mind, it makes sense to create the home that you want instead of something safe but bland, something with the lone goal of not offending potential buyers.

What colors would you use if you were choosing what you really want? What kind of custom windows and doors would you choose? What countertop options? How about a red resin counter with glass beads mixed in? You get the idea.

Our first Built Around You featured item is below. In the future, feel free to submit your own unique home features or point out neat things you find elsewhere on the Web. (Send me an e-mail with your suggestions.)

Jean-Paul Vellotti, editor of FineHomebuilding.com, recently shared some photos and basic plans for a very intriguing idea: putting some extra closet space to good use by turning a closet into a hide-away laundry room.

It’s a smart way to use closet space and keep your washer and dryer tucked away. Even better, you can have your laundry room in a much more convenient part of your house — no need to trek down to the basement to wash your towels.

More details and photos at FineHomebuilding.com.

Photo courtesy of FineHomebuilding.com