With the third annual edition of Best Floorplans now out (haven’t gotten a copy yet? Get it online here!), we took some time to compile some of the biggest home trends of the moment that are definitely having an effect on the way homes are being built.
1. Flexibility of space – Flexible spaces in home design are a big trend now due to evolving family structures. With aging parents, returning college students, or new bundles of joy, homes are now being built with more sliding doors, movable partitions, and multi-purpose spaces in order to make the most of every room.
2. Open and accessible house plans – Another big trend of the moment is maximizing the openness and accessibility of a floor plan. Keeping in mind the needs of people of all ages and abilities; from babies to boomers, today’s homes are being planned with accessibility at their core.
3. Closets and garages are getting an upgrade – As homeowners continue to demand more and more storage space for their belongings, closets and garages are getting much bigger. Walk-in closets, large dressing rooms, more built-in cabinets and bigger garages to hold larger vehicles are now all just part of the deal.
4. Inside-out kitchens – Kitchens have always been called the heart of the home. As the main gathering place for those that love to prepare meals and entertain, kitchens that open up to a family or recreational room are still popular. However, now the kitchen refers to much more. Grill islands with built-in sinks, storage, and countertop space give you traditional kitchen amenities for a wonderful outdoor experience.
5. Healthy & earthy homes – More conscious about the environment than ever, homes are now being built with attention to organic living with no plastics, glue or chemicals that may produce toxic fumes. Also, builders are now looking to build homes with biodegradable materials.
Now that you know the trends…how do you choose a house plan that’s right for you? Here are some tips: (Source: LC Homes Blog)
• Don’t choose your floor plan over the Location, Location, Location
• Floor plans are not created equal, take your time to discover different options
• Look past the furnishing and the beautiful décor during your tour of a new model
• Picture your own furnishings and designs in different floor plans
• Is each room sized adequately for your intended use?
• Is the open space adequate for entertaining and the number of guest you need to accommodate?
• Don’t forget to think about the safety features for children or older relatives
• If you are downsizing, is there space to store your most cherished treasures?
• Involve your family in choosing your floor plan. They probably know you well and can provide valuable feedback.
Worried about whether or not your furniture will fit a floor plan you love? There are tools to help you with that! These tools are perfect to see how your things would fit in a potential new home and help layout your furniture in a new space.
• Arrange a Room
• SmartDraw
• Pottery Barn Room Planner
