Here are the latest trends in new homes:
- Kitchen Central
Today’s homes are all about casual living. Gone are the formal parlors and living rooms. Instead, the kitchen has become the heart of the home. Kitchen space has expanded and absorbed family seating areas, making dining rooms nonessential. - Getting Outside
The other increasingly popular place for today’s families is outside. Outdoor living areas, often with fire pits, sofas, and televisions, are becoming more and more essential in home design. The line between indoors and outdoors is becoming more blurred through the use of glass doors that can turn a wall into an open space. - Flexible Space
Flex rooms, which are areas of the home that do not have a dedicated purpose, have become more common and can easily be transformed from one purpose to another without costly renovations. For example, quiet office space or a suite for an aging relative. - Healthy Living
Green building is going mainstream. The trend is towards healthy paints, high-efficiency AC/heating units, and the use of natural materials. - Energy Efficiency
Both government mandates and homeowner demands are pushing for an increase of a new home’s efficiency. Solar power, better insulation, thermal windows, and LED lighting will continue to become features. - Aging in Place
America’s aging population is also influencing home design. Older residents are looking for smaller, single-story homes that are easily navigable. - Finding Community
Homebuyers are looking not only for a home but also for a community. New-home projects are adding fitness centers, clubhouses, and barbecue areas where people can socialize.
Original article can be found here:
http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/real-estate/home-pride/sd-ad-nh-homepride-trending-new-homes-20170912-story.html