In a recent “Realtor Magazine” article, writer Barbara Ballinger wrote an excellent feature article about the trends in designs in 2013. At the top of this list is a focus on smarter controls that cost less – a home’s systems such as security, temperature controls, lighting, electronics and possibly 80 more, can be controlled via a computer or devices such as an iPhone or iPad — helping working home owners manage things when they are not home.
In addition to great rooms where families can enjoy being together, people are also thinking about more light, and nature. Now many home designs are inspired by spaces that extend beyond the traditional outdoor patio or deck. These spaces almost function like an indoor room for year-round living —with cozy furniture and fire pits, television and audio systems, bars, hybrid BBQ grills, and other creature comforts. With this trend there is more interest in outdoor food preparation cook’s stations with many elaborate yet functional features like a built-in sink, refrigerator, and nice marble countertops — but also extra storage, a pizza oven and even beer on tap! And as if those aren’t enough, some future homes may even have a backyard pond in which to raise organic fish.
Family “staycations†mean homeowners are putting together rooms devoted to television, games and other multimedia entertainment. And with hard use this requires sturdier home furnishings that can double for small spaces — like storage ottomans, convertible beds in sofas, and even coffee tables that can be raised up into a dining table.
House plans today call for better illumination and larger looking rooms, so many decorators are taking down large standing bookshelves and replacing them with shelves that are wall mounted. Expect to see ottomans used for seating and storage, couches that convert to beds, and coffee tables that can rise for dining. Hard wood floors, and cove rather than crown molding is now in, and often it’s in lovely painted finishes rather than natural wood. You’ll see the larger tiles (24†by 24â€) on the floors of the modern kitchen — an open liveable space for families to gather. Green houses are hot – living with sustainable and environmentally friendly materials such as paints, flooring and carpet is now becoming mainstream, right along with low flow toilets, more efficient furnaces and solar panels.
At the same time, many folks are saving money by using energy efficient appliances, low flow toilets and more efficient furnaces or cooling systems along with solar panels.
Homeowner wish lists now reflect the remodeling trend.
