Housing Trends: What is IN style, and What is OUT in 2008

HOUSING TRENDS:
Whats in style, and whats out….

What Is In?
1.) Living Green.
High efficiency furnaces, new windows, strongly sealed doors.

2.) Outside Spaces.
Patios with comfortable outdoor furniture, large decks built with decorative elements, patio heaters, outdoor fireplaces, and more.

3.) Integrated Appliances.
The less you see of the dishwasher, stove, and refrigerator, the better. Hidden behind the cabinetry, they are completely concealed from view.

4.) Bathroom Suites.
Complete with flatscreen televisions in plain view from the super-deep freestanding bath tubs, some of these newer suites have mini bars and coffee makers.

5.) Elevators.
Baby boomers (retirees) do not always want patio homes or one-level living. Elevators help them stay in the homes they love.


WHAT IS OUT?
1.) Living Rooms.
Forget about them. Go straight for the large family room.

2.) Vaulted and High Ceilings.
The wasted space and the trend for “going green” is removing these ceilings from newer home plans, and they are being replaced with a more toned-down version of still tall ceilings with less vault.

3.) Tiny Balconies.
Bathroom sized balconies are useless and not as much of a selling point as one would think.

4.) Large Homes.
A.K.A. “McMansions”. Smaller and more sensible is becoming the norm.

Color trends for the current year:
Off-white, sand, browns and warm greys.Navy blue, almost black.
Influences from Morocco, China, Latin America- reds, yellows and pinks.

Source: Realtor Magaizine, April 2008 issue