New Home Trends
Home trends are constantly changing and the world of homebuilding is no exception. The wants and needs of homebuyers have changed drastically throughout the years, and the impact of COVID-19 (coronavirus) can certainly be seen in current trends. One major trend is an increased desire for space to accommodate areas to work from home and do online school from home. Other preferences include more outdoor space and additional flexible areas for privacy or other uses.
Bigger is Better
According to third-quarter 2021 data from the Census Quarterly Starts and Completions by Purpose and Design and National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) analysis, the median single-family square floor area increased to 2,337 square feet, while the average square footage for new single-family homes increased to 2,541. These metrics have increased 9.3% and 6.2%, respectively, since Great Recession lows. This is a major turnaround from the previous downward trend in home size from 2016 to 2020, during which time more starter homes were developed.
With pressures on builders from shortages and increased fees for lumber, building materials, labor, lots and more, the entry-level home is a bit endangered. Making the move-up or move-down home way more prevalent in terms of the new homes being built.
“Pre-pandemic, everyone was on the go all the time,” Taniya Nayak, Boston-based interior designer on HGTV’s “Battle on the Beach,” said in an interview with TMRW. “During the pandemic, we found new ways to interact, which all centered on the home, and this reshaped the way we worked, slept, lived, exercised and entertained. Now we are putting more time and energy into more uses and spaces of our homes and designing them for a new lifestyle today, which is home-centered.”
A Few Popular Trends
Privacy is Important – Homeowners figured out that doors are nice, especially when working from home with kids and dogs running around. Are open home plans a thing of the past? Probably not, but people crave small, intimate spaces, so flexible spaces are more important than ever.
Zoom Room – Having a private home office to Zoom from or host conference calls is a must. Make sure the room has ample storage for hiding office clutter as well.
Floor Plan Flexibility – The home needs to be multifunctional for working from home, for gatherings with friends and family and for supporting multigenerational activities all happening at once — i.e., no wasted space. Spaces can pull double duty. For example, laundry sinks could be replaced with tubs that double as DIY dog washes, and garages could be turned into home gyms.
Storage, storage, storage, everywhere — but hidden in plain sight. Storage that works and isn’t just a quick fix for small remnant spaces, and what about tastefully designed hand sanitizer dispensers near the front door?
Outdoor living – For example, porches that are actually deep enough to sit comfortably in a chair. Areas for fire pits or fireplaces, covered or screened porches, swimming pools, hot tubs and more.
Muted colors – Most of the 2022 colors of the year are relaxing, soft, earthy tones for homeowners to build serene spaces, perfect for remote work, relaxation and quiet time.
Home trends are constantly changing, and metro Atlanta home builders are always adjusting their home plans to accommodate the buyers’ desires. What are the features that you can’t live without in your new home? Let us know in the comments below!