I recently read an article by Christopher Palmeri from Business Week sparked by the International Builders' Show (annual trade show of the homebuilding industry) held in Las Vegas in January. The article, Inside the House of the Future, cited green technology, wireless connectivity and less ostentation as some of the newest home-building trends.
Also included was "the return of the basement" which the article points out provides space suited for game rooms, home theaters or even just a "man-cave" for Dad. In years past the basement was probably most popular in the Northeast, but we've seen a stead increase of basements here in Raleigh for several years now.
Outdoor living made the list as well; I can't go along with this being a new trend. Nonetheless, Business Week says that the number of US homes with patios or porches has doubled since 1992! Sounds like other parts of the country are catching on to a long-standing Southern tradition. In our area we've moved from (long ago) small patios to decks, to covered and screened porches. And doubtless you've seen a fair number of outdoor fireplaces added to backyard landscapes. Aren't we lucky that our climate allows us to enjoy these features all but a few months of the year?
The home office continues to be in demand (sometimes even with a separate exterior entry) unlike the out-of-favor living room. I chuckled at the reference to "the death of the living room". Is that anything like "death by chocolate"? The kitchen, living and dining areas are merging. Again, I don't agree that this is particularly new. The article goes on to say that buyers want fewer walls and unobstructed views into the backyard. Makes sense that if you've got beautiful outdoor living spaces you'd want to see them even when inside.
No surprise that "green" is in. One source was quoted as saying that you'll see more people with a "green badge of honor". I'm pleased to report that we have builders here at The Hamptons who are focused on both "green" and Energy Star construction.
If the report is to be believed, we'll see less ornate wood, stone and iron work. And say goodbye to grand entrances with curved staircases. I've never considered fireplaces to be ostentatious, but in reporting on the decline of over-the-top-elements, the writer includes fireplaces. I was very surprised at this tidbit -- 46% of homes built in 2007 included a fireplace, down from 59% in 1996.
It'll be interesting to see how these trends flow into our area.
-Jackie Mizelle
www.thehamptonsatumstead.com
mizelleJ@hpw.com
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