Exciting new trends in home spaces
Families are doing more and more entertaining at home, continuing the “nesting” trend. Therefore, builders are offering houses that feature a greater percentage of interior area rather than outdoor acreage — the latest in home-building trends. As such, newer rooms are cropping up as must-have spaces. Here’s a rundown on some other rooms to consider for your floorplan.
•Mudrooms and Laundry Rooms — Once stashed away in the basement or another dark corner, these rooms are now getting updated and offer more flow into other living areas. More than ever, laundry rooms are being placed on the main level of the house — off a kitchen or bathroom for easy plumbing hookup. This allows families whose dirty laundry might pile up faster than dirty dishes to easily keep it manageable and contained in one area rather than in piles in the bedrooms. Organizational shelving, closets and cabinetry keep laundry/mudrooms in order and can also hide cleaning products and hampers. For those who must have a laundry area on the basement level, chutes installed throughout the house that connect to the basement eliminate the need to carry baskets of clothes downstairs for washing.
•Home Theaters — Now that the surround-sound systems and projection television or plasma television screens have become much more affordable, many people are opting to include a home theater in their design scheme. It offers the convenience of enjoying movies at home in an intimate space that is convenient for you. A home theater room allows for unique social opportunities as well — you can invite friends and family over for a “movie night,” or use it to occupy the kids when the weather isn’t ideal for outdoor activities.
•Billiard/Recreation Rooms — Many people like the idea of a room to house all of their “toys.” From pool tables to dart boards to chess sets, game rooms offer the ideal place for activities. They also offer the adults a distinct space where they can socialize and entertain guests away from the children. Game rooms can also be designed around the younger set, to include video game hubs, toys and a television. Again, this keeps the kids’ toys contained to one area rather than strewn all around the house.
•Outdoor Rooms — From the former “Florida Rooms” to greenhouses to outdoor kitchens, homeowners are bringing the indoors outside. Perfect for areas with a moderate climate, these rooms can be fully furnished spaces that take design hues and styles from the great outdoors. Glass-enclosed greenhouses or solariums offer a retreat where you can enjoy nature without the hassle of insects and pests. Plus, this room can house foliage year-round for those who live where the seasons change dramatically. Outdoor kitchens and other living spaces provide an interesting living space for homeowners who love to entertain in the open air.
•Great Rooms — Living rooms and dining rooms have stepped aside to make way for the “great room.” These oversized spaces are well-known for their open layout and multipurpose sensibility. They’re often rooms for family living — maximizing space to accommodate larger amounts of people. These rooms are often designed to be warm and inviting, and can easily benefit by including plush furniture in the space, and rich tones on the walls.
•Master Suite — Today’s master bedrooms have been expanded to include more than just a sleeping and washing area. They’re now being remodeled to imitate the luxuries of lavish hotels and vacation destinations, functioning as a secluded retreat. These suites can include anything from a wardrobe area to a private bathroom spa to a workout center to a reading nook, in addition to sleeping quarters.