Multi-generational House Plans And Other Home Design Trends
For 2014
America's economic slump has had a significant influence on
home designs. Before the Great Recession hit, lavish "McMansions"
were popular. In contrast, many of today's homebuyers are looking for small
house plans that can help them minimize heating costs as well as their mortgage
payments. Flexibility is another "must have" in family house plans.
With new appreciation for economic unpredictability, many Americans have
abandoned the idea of upgrading to larger homes as their families grow.
Instead, multigenerational house plans are gaining in popularity, since these
flexible family house plans can easily sustain a new baby, a returning
graduate, or an aging parent.
Another reason why
multigenerational house plans are trendy at the moment is that Americans' life
expectancy is longer than ever. Hoping to live comfortably in their own homes
as long as possible (rather than being hauled off into a nursing home), many
homebuyers are thinking ahead and looking for family house plans that are
designed for people of all ages and physical abilities.
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| Home Decor Trends |
Here are a few more
top home design trends for 2014.
1. Bigger garages -
but not for cars.
Designers of family
house plans are favoring larger garages, but not for the reason you might
expect. Rather than storing an extra set of wheels, Americans are using these
larger garages as "flex space," for storage or living space, as
needed. For instance, while one family may choose to store clutter in the extra
garage space, another may transform an extra garage bay into a "man
cave" den, where Dad and his buddies can hang out. Ultimately, additional
space in the garage is appealing to modern buyers because it can quickly be
shifted to alternative purposes if needed.
2. Accessibility for
all Age Groups.
A new survey
conducted by the American Institute of Architects found that almost half of
American architects rank accessibility as a growing preference among
homeowners. Multigenerational house plans designed for age-in-place comfort
often feature attributes such as:
-No-twist faucet
handles, to avoid arthritic pain. These faucets are activated through a lifting
action that completely avoids the wrist pain that is so common among older
Americans.
-Minimizing stairs.
Because stairs can be difficult or even impossible for seniors to navigate,
many multigenerational house plans are designed on a single level.
-Bars to provide
stability in slippery spaces, such as bathrooms.
Because such features
are appealing to a broad swath of homeowners, family house plans that feature
universal design often maintain a high property value over time.
3. Multiple Master
Suites.
Small house plans
don't have to feel cramped. Architects are creating multiple family
arrangements within in the same home to provide a comfortable living
arrangement for different generations of residents. For instance, rather than
having all living spaces connected, a separate bathroom/bedroom/kitchenette
suite in the back of a home can be accessed through a separate entrance. This
preserves family members' privacy.
4. "Command
Centers" within other rooms.
Back in the nineties,
family house plans often included a distinct office area. Today, in contrast,
the popularity of small house plans inspire such work zones to be located
within other rooms. As an example, a designer may feature a kitchen nook with a
desk, bookcase, and paper storage area for bills. That way, Dad can keep an eye
on dinner while doing the family finances.
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