Trends begin to emerge for ‘home of the future’

The phrase “Home of the Future” evokes Jetsons-like surroundings, with every homeowner’s desire being fulfilled by the simple touch of a button or voice-commanded robots.

While most episodes of the Jetsons were made in the 1960s and 1970s, the life depicted in the cartoon series took place in the 21st century—modern life as we know it. And although the family’s Skypad Apartments and vacations to Venus may still be far off, the Home of the Future is right around the corner.

“There is a move from house as place to house as product,” said John Connell of 2morrow Studio, a design/build firm in Warren, Vt. “With homeowners staying in their homes, on average, five-to-seven years, consumers are looking more for unique features rather than for a long term residence.”

“Consumers are far more educated and savvy when it comes to home design,” added Cheryl O’Brien, president of C. O’Brien Architects Inc. in Bala Cynwyd, Pa. “The bar for design will continue to be raised in the future, and more cohesive architecture will find its way into the modern home.” Connell and O’Brien were two of nearly 60 architects and builders interviewed by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) over the summer of 2005 to capture a view of the Home of the Future, circa 2015. The results were presented at the 2006 International Builders’ Show held in Orlando, Fla. in January. Below is a summary of those results.

Moving Upward, Outward

In 2005, the average size of a new-single family home was 2,400 square feet. In 2015, not much changes—the average size will be 2,300-2,500 square feet. Ceiling heights will increase, as they have for the past 10 years. By 2015, it is expected that most homes will have 9-foot ceilings on the first floor and some may even reach 10-to-12 feet, particularly in upscale homes. Doors also will widen; 3-foot-6-inch doors will be used extensively in place of 3-foot doors.

Living Large

In homes of less than 3,000 square feet, the living room will disappear and will be replaced by a den, parlor, retreat, library or music room.

“Entertainment will continue to be huge,” said Connell. “Features such as home theatres and wide-screen televisions will become more and more common.”

In many average-sized homes, the living room will combine with family and dining areas to form a great room with an open floor plan. Areas will be defined not by walls but pillars, arches, ceiling treatments or floor coverings. In upscale homes (over 3,000 square feet), the living room will remain. Glass rear walls or a huge glass window will also become prominent in upscale family rooms.

Congregating, Cooking

In 2015, kitchens remain the hub of the house and have upscale features in all home price ranges. A central island will serve as working or cooking space, and walk-in pantries, double sinks, lots of counter space and well-lighted areas will be present. In most new homes, wine storage racks will generally be included with upscale homes including built-in wine coolers. The year 2015 will also see an increase in commercial-style (or at least commercial looking appliances) and most new homes will have a butler’s pantry.

In addition to kitchens, utility areas are becoming more upscale, said Al Bloom, president of Bloom and Fiorino Architects in Oak Brook, Ill.

“We are seeing utility rooms expanding, so homeowners can not only use it for laundry, but for hobbies and crafts as well.”

Garages Grow

In most mid-price range to upscale homes, garages will be connected to the house through a mud room, although tandem garages will remain popular in some areas because of smaller lot size. Garages will be insulated and have more storage space, with average homes having a two-car garage and upscale homes having a three-to-four car garage. Garage door sizes will increase from 7-by-9 feet to 8-by-10 feet and garage sizes themselves will increase to 24-by-24 feet.

Separate and Equal

In 2015, master bedrooms will have areas of specific use, such as dressing, sleeping and sitting areas, and his and her’s walk-in closets will be standard. For master bathrooms, there will not be two separate bathrooms, but there will be two vanities and even his and her’s dressing areas.

In mid-price to upscale homes both shower stalls and tubs will be present and multiple shower heads will be in most upscale homes. Whirlpool tubs will also be found in upscale master baths, not frequently used. Master bedroom baths will include linen storage areas.

Bringing Outdoors in

In the year 2015, expect an increase in outdoor living. This will be evident in a rise in outdoor kitchens in upscale housing and indoor/outdoor fireplaces.

Exterior wall material will shift to maintenance-free types such as stucco and synthetic stone.

In other material trends, engineered wood use will grow significantly and flooring will move away from soft to hard surfaces.

Bamboo flooring use will rise and kitchen counters will continue with maintenance-free material trends seen in other areas of the home to include high definition laminate.

“Natural materials will also make their ways indoors, as part of the cohesive interior/exterior trend.” said O’Brien.

Trends in Technology

Unlike the Jetsons’ technology reliant on elaborate robotic contraptions, holograms and whimsical inventions, home technology in 2015 is basic. In the average home, security systems, automatic lighting control and energy management systems are the main places basic technology will take hold. The use of wireless technology may also enter the housing market in a big way.

Come See New Products

The Spokane Home Builders Association (SHBA) and sponsors Comcast, Washington Trust and Global Credit Union, invite you to check out what’s exciting and innovative in new home construction, remodeling and home improvement during the annual Premier Home Show April 21-23 at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center.

It’s an outstanding opportunity for you to see what’s new on the market and to talk to industry professionals.

As a special added attraction, the Bar J Wranglers, a renowned group of musicians from Jackson Hole, Wyo., will be performing for the first time in Spokane on Saturday, April 22 at the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center. For information about the Premier Home Show, or to reserve tickets for the Bar J Wranglers matinee or evening performance, please contact SHBA at (509) 532-4990.