You know how clothing styles seem to change every season? Well, the same goes for home designs, although they tend to adjust at a bit of a slower pace.

When it comes to new and exciting developments in the design of homes, it all boils down to a few key factors: technology, cool product designs, the creative minds of interior designers and architects, and thorough research into what new-home buyers really want in their lives. These things work together to bring us some seriously amazing innovations in residential design.

““There are a few common societal trends driving change in new homes today,”

“Most important is the time constraint that everyone feels, which means we all want things in our homes to make our lives easier.””

— Douglas Smith, president of Miller & Smith

What’s In

Smart Home Technology

““The biggest, fastest change we’re seeing in new homes is the use of technology,”

“Consumers are embracing smart home features for energy efficiency and safety and security, with entertainment a distant third priority.””

— Sabine H. Schoenberg, founder and host of Sabine’s New House

Smith is basically saying that nowadays, there are these cool wireless gadgets that make your life as a homeowner a whole lot easier. For example, you can control your door locks using an app on your phone, how convenient is that? And then there's these smart thermostats from Nest that actually learn your preferences and adjust the temperature accordingly. It's not just millennials who are into these things either, older folks are getting on board too.

Entertaining in the Kitchen

According to Smith, the kitchen has become the star of the home and the biggest space in the house, especially now that everyone is more into casual entertaining.

““The more open your floor plan, the better you want your kitchen to look,”

“Kitchen islands are getting bigger and are being designed for multifunctional use with materials that are anti-microbial and stain resistant.””

— Schoenberg

Flexible Rooms

Smith mentioned that he enjoys having a flexible space on every level of the house. For example, on the first floor, he likes to have a home office that can easily transform into a guest room or a dining room. And upstairs, he prefers having a playroom that can be converted into a study when needed.

You know what Schoenberg believed? He said that having a room with a big table can totally work as your office space, but at the same time, you can clear it out and use it as a dining room whenever you need to. So, it's like having a multi-purpose room that serves both your work and dining needs. Pretty cool idea, right?

““I think it’s smart to set up every room with pocket doors or a barn door so you can have your whole first floor open or you can close some off for separation,””

— Schoenberg

Low-Maintenance Materials

““Another time-saver for downsizing buyers and for busy young families is that homes can be built with materials that don’t need to be constantly painted or maintained,” Granite counters, Hardie Plank siding and even longer-lasting paint reduce the workload for homeowners.”

— Smith

Cleaner Exterior Style

According to Megan Harris, the director of design for Edward Andrews Homes in Atlanta, when it comes to the exterior of their house, buyers tend to lean towards a clean and sleek look. They really dig white bricks and are all about that farmhouse-style vibe with cream, white, blue, and gray colors. They're not really into those houses with multiple colors and dark trim that you often see in Craftsman-style homes.

Rustic Touches

Guess what? At the National Association of Home Builders' 2017 International Builders Show, they announced the winners of the Best in American Living Awards. And you know what? Homes with those stunning natural wood beams and even natural wood ceilings were among the winners! How cool is that?

““I like to use barn doors made of authentic old wood as counterpoint to the sleek cabinets in a modern kitchen,”

“Sometimes I add glass panels like French doors for a more contemporary look. It’s nice to have an accent of something rustic in a modern house to add the idea of history.””

— Schoenberg

Blending Outdoor and Indoor Living

““Buyers are adding covers or screens to their outdoor spaces so they can use them year-round,”

“They also like direct access from the master suite, as well as living areas to a patio or porch.””

— Harris

According to Smith, outdoor fireplaces and fire pits are all the rage these days. People really love the cozy and inviting vibe they bring to their outdoor spaces. And it's not just about the fire features—Smith also mentions that walls of glass doors are quite popular too. These doors allow for seamless visual connections between the indoor and outdoor areas of a home, creating a beautiful and open feel.

““We’ve brought back screened porches even for townhouses because people want to use them in three seasons,” ”

— Smith

Schoenberg was mentioning that people are really into outdoor TVs and speakers these days - perfect for enjoying some fun and entertainment outside.

Hybrid Interior Design

According to Harris, buyers tend to enjoy a modern style, but they like to make it a bit more relaxed for their own taste. Take, for example, a modern farmhouse: they might have a classic cabinet, but they'll paint it white and add a sleek handle and an industrial-looking faucet.

““Millennials take more risks, are creative and willing to mix different colors and design styles,”

“They rarely choose something completely traditional or purely Southern in style.””

— Smith

What’s Out

Wood-Burning Fireplaces.

““Most new floor plans don’t have a fireplace,”

“This gives buyers the flexibility of having different built-ins as a focal point, such as floating shelves or bookcases.””

— Harris

So, here's the deal: some people really dig having a sleek electric fireplace instead of the classic, old-school one. It's all about that modern vibe, you know?

““It’s inconceivable to people interested in green building to put in a wood-burning fireplace, because it puts a hole in the home’s energy efficiency,”

“Linear gas fireplaces with crystals in the bottom are here to stay because it gives the visual impact of flames and it’s also safer around children.””

— Schoenberg

Clutter

According to Schoenberg, buyers these days are all about efficiency when it comes to their new homes. They want everything to be streamlined and organized, including their closets. That's why closet systems and organizers are all the rage. And it's not just limited to closets – buyers also love the idea of having organizers built right into their kitchen cabinets and drawers. It just makes life so much easier and more convenient. So if you're in the market for a new home, keep an eye out for these trendy features that will make your life a whole lot neater!

Standard Bathtubs

““Most buyers want a larger, more luxurious shower rather than a big soaking tub,”

“If they have the space, they’ll put in a freestanding tub rather than a drop-in tub.””

— Harris

Dark Hardwood Flooring

In the past, it was all the rage to darken wood floors, but let me tell you, things have definitely shifted. Nowadays, people are totally into lighter wood tones, like gray, blond, and even white-washed treatments. And you know what else? Wide planks are totally where it's at these days!

Well, whether you're into the latest trends or have your own unique style, the great thing about buying a brand-new home is that you can make it truly yours. You have the freedom to personalize it exactly how you want, so it becomes a reflection of your own taste and personality.