Times they are a changing as we adjust to a “new” normal that’s going to be with us for a while. Our homes are becoming more than just the place we live, eat, and sleep. Thanks to the global pandemic, they are now offices, schools, and places we vacation as well.

Many homeowners recognize the need for their home to be a multipurpose domain for the foreseeable future. At RDS, we are fielding calls asking for existing attics, basements, unused spaces, and more turned into offices, gyms, commands centers, and enlarged kitchens. And, we’re receiving inquiries to design homes with dedicated offices, learned, health and organization spaces.

This past June, Houzz.com reported a 58% annual increase alone in project leads. Is your home one in need of a change, or are you contemplating a new with added features for today’s shifting needs? These highly in-demand trends might be something you want to think about as you move forward in your own remodeling or building process.

So, What is Trending in Design Now?

Home Office/Classroom Command Center

Working from home is a new reality for many of us and will continue to be for a while. Added to this, many families will spend at least part of the year with their kids learning from home. One of the most requested rooms we’ve seen this year, especially in our more recent conversations, is the addition of a home office/kids’ classroom space.

What you might want:

Personalization for your family’s needs-dedicated office, crafts area, classroom setup, family command center, etc.
Built-in workstations, with separate desks or a long shelf workstation
More wall outlets including USB and charging outlets
Extra lighting for specific tasks and additional windows
A setup for Zoom or conference calls with a blank wall, green screen, or interesting backdrop
A room that is closed off from the rest of the house and offers privacy with a door, or an open area where you can see and hear what is going on, especially if you have younger or school-aged children.

Laundry Rooms/Mud Rooms/Home Gyms

More sought after than ever this year are laundry rooms, mud rooms, and home gyms. With many people opting out of heading to the local gym in person, we’re seeing the desire for dedicated home gym areas. And with everyone at home, there’s more laundry and more “stuff” collecting around the home. A mudroom creates a drop zone for all your family’s routinely used items, and a larger or more convenience laundry room may top the list of your wants.

A completed project we designed recently contains a laundry room, full bath, mudrooms, and kids’ command center. Though this project was planned before the pandemic, our clients are extremely grateful they have this new addition to take them into remote learning season.

Healthier and Energy-Efficient Features

Programmable thermostats, energy efficient appliances and lighting, better air ventilation and filtration, UV air-treatment systems, building materials with low VOCs (volatile organic compounds), bidets (due to the toilet paper shortage) as well as touchless toilets and faucets, and designated areas for package security to keep delivered items secure and away from potential thieves are all trending this year. Whether your personal need is for some or all of these options, they are well worth considering.

Patios and Outdoor Living Spaces

Vacations at home have become the norm this summer and with that comes an uptick in creating an outdoor oasis. Whether it entails a DIY weekend project or a remodel of the space, backyard retreats are in demand. Instead of vacations, people are using the money to update backyards. What do we see being the most requested and searched for needs and wants?

Pools
Backyard gardens – raised garden beds and areas to garden
Patios and decks
4-Season rooms
Fire pits and gathering areas
Outdoor kitchens or grill areas
Movie and TV spaces
Updated landscapes

Smaller Homes for Some, Larger Homes for Others

Some of our clients are requesting a smaller footprint with less square footage and fewer bedrooms and bathrooms. They prefer to have a smaller well-built home with quality products. Single level living homes are gaining popularity with not only older buyers, but younger buyers as well. Some are choosing to have everything on a first floor with an extra bedroom, loft area or bonus room only on a second floor.

On the flip side, we also are fielding requests for building or remodeling homes to allow for multi-generational living. Ground level suites with ADA-compliant features are allowing families to house family members they might not otherwise see frequently. Others are choosing to build larger homes, with space for everyone and designated spaces for all living scenarios.

So How Long is a Remodel or New Build Taking Now?

During these shifting times, it’s taking longer than normal for new homes and remodeling projects to be completed. Remaining compliant with all COVID protocols has slowed work down, as have the disruptions to the supply chain, among other factors. Builders, designers, and architects are working from home, remotely, in the office with social distancing, and at the construction sites with new rules and regulations. It’s a new way to do business and they are adjusting both to the changing times and homeowners’ needs.

From the time you sit down with us at RDS to discuss your wants and needs regarding a remodel, it can take anywhere from 2 to 6 months for the project to be completed. A new home is taking as long as a year to reach completion. It’s important to start construction conversations now so the planning process can get moving, especially if you’re planning to add a pool or outdoor living space.

Our job is to help you define what “at-home” means for your family now. Your home is your sanctuary and our design team is here to help you reimagine your existing home or design a brand-new new home from scratch. Call us to start the conversation today!