What’s Trendy in New Home Designs

New homes of today are designed very differently from houses of the past. In some ways, they are improved even from houses built just ten or twenty years ago. The design improvements keep changing each year thanks to advances in technology and building materials. Some recent trends are more stylistic in nature, while some have become popular for efficiency and functionality purposes. Many new homes are being designed specifically to appeal to first-time buyers. Here are some of the hottest design trends today:

-Smaller Square Footage: Many first-time buyers in today’s market are looking for more modest homes. The size reduction does not mean fewer rooms, just smaller ones. The amenities and spaces are the same as they were in large homes of the past, but with less square footage. These homes are more affordable and can compete with all of the foreclosures that are also on the market. Many of the smaller homes are one story, making them more appealing to the elderly and people with physical limitations.

- Environmentally Friendly: New homes are being built out of stylish and affordable recycled materials. Architects are taking parts of older structures and giving them new life and purpose in a new design. They are also incorporating ancient techniques in the construction of new houses.

Another trend among builders is to use more biodegradable resources and fewer synthetic materials. This is not only environmentally friendly, but also better for the health of the home’s inhabitants. Many of the chemicals added to some types of paint and composition wood items can have harmful effects on a person’s health. Home builders are relying less on these harmful materials and more on items that are human and pet friendly.

- Built-ins: Many features, such as shelves and seating areas, are built right into the small nooks of the home to get the most out of all available space. In some homes, even the office desk and bookshelves are built-in. In others, the kitchen features built-in wine and spice racks. Builders are essentially creating a purpose for all of the nooks and cubbies in the house and making use of every small space.

- Outdoor Rooms: Often included in the floor plan, outdoor rooms are usually accessible by sliding glass doors. These rooms may include a living room, garden room, or kitchen and dining area. One of the most common arrangements includes an outdoor kitchen and dining room near the indoor kitchen. Outdoor kitchens are typically equipped with grills, and an outdoor living room may include a fireplace. These spaces are great for summertime gatherings and parties.

- Energy Efficiency: Perhaps the biggest trend in new homes is better energy usage. There are many ways in which builders are making homes more energy efficient. Added wall insulation and windows with multiple panes can significantly lower electricity costs. These items help maintain the house temperature, so the heat or air is running far less often. Another improvement to heating and air systems is sealed ductwork that does not allow air to leak out.

There are many other hot trends in newly constructed houses. Increased kitchen workspace, such as oversize islands, can accommodate multiple cooks at once. Extra storage space is another popular feature. Design trends are ever-changing as the lifestyles and needs of buyers change. However, many of the current trends are sure to remain popular for years to come.