12 of The Trendiest Home Features Right Now:

It’s fair to say that the pandemic reshaped the purpose of our homes. Before, we used our home to rest, recharge, and host the occasional backyard barbecue.

Well, now, home is the epicenter of where many of us work, exercise, and do many other things. Well, are these changes still having an effect on homeowners’ priorities for their homes?

We asked a couple of designers what’s hot right now, and we found out what their customers are looking for. If you’re feeling that your home could use an updo but don’t really know what you want (don’t worry, we’re all in this situation in one way or another), maybe you’ll find it on this list!

Comfortable and cozy spaces

There is an increasing shift away from the larger square footage everyone seemed to want in the last few years, with clients asking for smaller and more well-appointed and finished rooms like libraries and dens.

I believe that many of these changes are also driven by the fact that these people came to the realization that they don’t need such big spaces. especially just for the sake of having more space.

Now, there’s an increasing focus on usable, well-functioning spaces, and they don’t want to pay for square footage they don’t even use.

Hidden rooms

Probably the most surprising things our clients have asked in recent years are for hidden rooms and large vault doors that are covered, like wall paneling.

But this time, not with the same purpose as they had thousands of years ago, back in the Belle Epoque. No, this time, it’s for hiding supplies and concealing belongings.

Carpeting

Wood flooring has long been beloved by homeowners for all kinds of reasons. First, there’s the natural look and feel, which have been in the spotlight for many years.

However, according to Cynthia Stafford and Lindi Bolinger, the main designers and co-owners of TruDesign in Colorado, cozy carpets seem to be making a comeback.

In fact, the two designers declared that while the trend for hardwoods in public areas isn’t really blooming, there are increasingly more clients asking for wall-to-wall carpeting in private spaces, whether we’re talking about bedrooms or offices.

They even say their clients are wishing for some degree of warmth and softness in their homes, and that’s why they decided on carpeting. because it can help achieve that.

Home office spaces

Home offices are an essential component of the program at any home. One hundred percent of our projects now require a minimum of two home offices, and one of them has a double purpose: it’s also a guest bedroom.

Generally, the offices have to be in completely separate zones of the home, within their own sound-isolated enclosure. Why? Well, virtual meetings are now a given in everyday work life.

Moreover, some designers even explained that the firms they are working for have started incorporating home offices into vacation homes. In some cases, the kitchen island, dining table, and even the balcony table are chosen in such a way as to reflect a space that can rapidly convert into a makeshift office space. For instance, here’s a kitchen island that could do the trick for you!

You know, for the occasional Skype or Zoom meeting that you simply need to attend. I know it might sound a bit crazy, but you can also incorporate home office spaces in the kitchen.

Some people don’t even want home offices because they manage to do most of their work from the kitchen island. Nowadays, the layout of the kitchen is also meant to integrate seating and electronics.

Aging-in-place features

Increasing numbers of clients decide to take the long view when it comes to building or even remodeling their homes. In fact, increasingly more companies are asked to include certain features that allow for aging in place, such as elevators, main-floor bedrooms, and curb-free showers.

Twenty-four percent of all homeowners remodel their bathrooms with a curb-free shower, which is 3% more than last year.

Home theaters

Pre-pandemic, it really seemed that our passion for fully equipped home theaters was going downward for many different reasons, like the amount of square footage they occupied.

However, as COVID lockdowns moved the focus to finding new ways to have fun at home, these spaces started creeping back into the spotlight.

Now, three years later, a home theater features most of the client’s wish list. He even credits the trend to the fundamental change in what homeowners want from their homes these days.

As it turns out, homes are becoming multipurpose, and people who can afford these kinds of features are obviously more home-centric.

Pantry kitchens

Now, pantry kitchens aren’t found only on grand estates. Luckily for all of us, butler’s pantries hit the mainstream, and they are now a very common feature in new-build kitchens and kitchen remodels.

It’s quite easy to see the appeal, especially for those who love to entertain. Having a rather small and separate kitchen will also offer you more space to prepare your meals, run a second dishwasher, and even store all the other small appliances that could easily turn into countertop clutter.

Basically, you could keep the main kitchen clean and clear for impromptu gatherings, socializing, and, of course, serving.

Home gyms

The pandemic ignited the at-home workout trend, and it’s now showing little sign of slowing down. Some designers even reported on growing numbers of health-conscious clients who are quite dedicated to their at-home gyms.

Many decided to pack an isolated room in their home with exercise equipment, storage, and the right type of flooring, which would allow them to work up a sweat without actually having to set foot outside the front door.

Blended indoor-outdoor spaces

Plenty of Americans are moving to smaller homes, whether we’re talking about budgetary reasons or lifestyle changes. It might have to do with their decision to downsize or even live close to the city or the coast.

They are looking for smarter ways to create big-home feels on smaller lots. Believe it or not, there’s an increased focus on blending the indoors and outdoors. Clients’s perception is that their homes are larger than their interior square footage.

Supersize windows

But when it comes to windows, the rule doesn’t apply. As clients revealed, bigger is better. There are increasingly more people who are willing to invest in glass that runs the full length of a room.

Now, we are seeing more steel and aluminum windows, but also door assemblies that recreate floor-to-ceiling glass walls, maximizing the views and bringing in more natural light.

Outdoor recreation features

Ever since the pandemic, homeowners have been trying to get more out of their backyards. That’s how they ended up adding all kinds of aspirational landscape features, like basketball courts, tennis courts, and, of course, swimming pools.

There wasn’t really as much investment in this kind of space before the pandemic started. Generally, people try to spend more time in their homes with less regard to resale value nowadays.

Backyard ADUs

The backyard shed is making room for structures that are more luxurious and functional. More and more clients are looking for outbuildings, like pool houses and accessory dwelling units. Some of them even feature private bedrooms and kitchens for visiting family members and guests.

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