As you may know, my husband Steve and I own and operate SweetWater Contracting, a New Home Construction and Remodeling Company in Leelanau County Michigan. We have the opportunity to spend a lot of time with customers, designers and tradesmen discussing new trends and what's happening in the building market. I am often asked "what's trending?" so here we go........
I am seeing a consistency in customer choices these days that are really focusing on the practicality and function of a space rather than the outright appearance. Let me explain what I mean about appearance. In years past, many home designs contained 2 story 'grand' foyer entrances that were influenced by what I refer to as McMansion Mania. These 2 story open spaces would continue into the great room with loft areas that would overlook the space. We still see high-end homes that are designed in this fashion, and they are beautiful, but the majority of our customers are making savvy design choices to get increased energy efficiency and the best use of space possible. You can create a spacious feel to your rooms by having your ceilings at 9 or 10 feet and take advantage of the extra space by adding additional rooms upstairs.
Leading the must-have list of customers are open floor plans that combine the kitchen and great rooms. We find casual dining areas within the kitchen along with an over-sized island where the kids may do their homework or friends might gather for appetizers and good conversation.
Mudrooms just make good sense! These rooms are what I call the catch-all for everything. Cabinets, cubbies, benches, boot trays, coat closets and sometimes even a dog shower (or muddy kid shower) to clean things up & put things away as you enter the house.
The formal dining room has been replaced with a home office/guest bedroom where you can work by day and pull out a sofa bed at night. Maybe just a great place to sneak away and read a book!
Second floor laundry areas that are placed adjacent to the master bedroom or in the master closet are very common. Hooray for eliminating 3 flights of stairs with laundry-what took so long for this idea?
The days of large whirpool tubs in the master bathroom have been replaced by the very roomy custom shower with frameless glass doors. A standard tub/shower unit is usually located in a seperate bath for children and guests.
Basements are being utilized for exercise rooms, spa areas, home theaters, craft rooms and guest rooms.
Connecting the indoors to the outdoors with continued flooring, french doors and even operable glass walls are a fabulous way to enjoy beautiful Leelanau County!
Low maintenance is the request being shouted from the mountain tops. When it comes to siding and decking there is an ever growing number of products on the market that will reduce cleaning and refinishing tasks, but be prepared for the cost of these materials. I do highly recommend them!
Ultimately, do your research- make sure that your space is designed for you and your families needs.
Building and Remodeling are big processes that need educated decisions. Don't be afraid to ask questions and if you aren't getting proper answers-move on to someone that has them. I know my favorite builder of 30 years has the answers--you might be able to guess who he is...........
Remember, "There's no Place like Home"
