Functionality Of Rooms Is A Key Trend In New Homes Today

Here are seven of the most popular trends for new homes in today's market:

1. More Storage

That's the key phrase for new homebuyers. This trend is probably driving the three-car garage as a standard amenity in some areas. It's not for a third car but for all the important junk many people acquire. In parts of the country where basements are rare, inventive places, such as under staircases, are being utilized.

2. Entertainment Centers

Media rooms have replaced dens as many new homebuyers go for big-screen TVs and home theaters.

3. Home Offices

Whether you work full-time at home or just occasionally bring a little work back from the office, the home office is becoming a standard feature. Multiple phone lines and electrical outlets are necessary and for serious home offices include counter space and more storage.

4. Larger Room For Kids

Whether surfing the Internet of just playing games, most kids today are heavy users of computers. So, most kid's bedrooms today need to be larger to accommodate all the computer equipment.

5. Flexibility

Rooms that do double duty, such as a den that converts to a guestroom are very popular. Another growing trend is Òaccessory dwelling unitsÓ which is a fancy term for separate living quarters for a live-in grandparent or adult child. These spaces often have separate entrances and kitchenettes.

6. Porches

Many communities are trying to make neighborhoods more friendly and designers have responded to this trend by including six-foot front porches on many new homes.

7. The All-Purpose Kitchen

The plain kitchen desk has been transformed into a planning center complete with computer and storage. The formal dining room has given way to the causal eating spaces that function both for everyday and special occasions.