Stay on Top of Changing Homebuyer Trends While Earning Cash Back
July 28, 2020
Changing times mean changing homebuyer trends, and nothing will inspire people to take a more critical look at their surroundings than being stuck at home all day. So, today, we’re pulling some of the popular home design trends that have risen in the past few months. Luckily, our brand partners — including Mannington, GE Appliances, MasterBrand Cabinets, GoControl and Astria Fireplaces — are here to help home builders adapt to changing homebuyer wants.
While it’s hard to say which of these trends will last, there’s no question our relationships to our homes and public spaces are being re-examined.
Versatile space for working
Anyone who’s working at a makeshift desk in their dining room can tell you they’d really love a home office. And, in fact, a HomeLight survey found that home offices are the most desirable upgrade.
Though it’s not clear how many workers will be heading back to the office in the next several months, it's likely office culture is facing permanent changes — at least for companies that can handle work from home permanently. While extra bedrooms can be easily converted, backyard sheds have also become an option.
No matter the solution, home offices are huge now and any space that can be used or converted to one will be a big draw for homebuyers — the more privacy, the better.
Stylish home office flooring
Mannington offers a variety of hard surface flooring products to help home builders create a stylish and easy-to-clean space for homebuyers who need a home office. Pictured is ADURA®Flex Plank in Dockside.
Evolving floor plans
We’ll admit this is a controversial one. Some real estate agents think the popularity of the open floor plan will give way to more traditional spaces that allow for greater separation.
Other experts think it’s a passing concern because it's still possible to provide open space in living areas while maintaining private spaces for other uses.
But it’s a good acknowledgment that homebuyers are rethinking how their space is laid out.
Organized kitchens
Whether people are reheating delivery or spending more time cooking, the kitchen is having a moment, and industry experts agree design will be impacted. For one, people are more likely to want refrigerators and freezers with better capacity and organization.
The same goes for dry foods, including larger pantries and more cabinet space. It should be noted that a desire for better storage was trending pre-virus, so there’s a good chance this trend will stick.
Elevated appliances
GE Appliances refrigerators can include thoughtful features like hands-free autofill, door-in-door design, drop-down trays and more. Pictured is the GE Profile™ Series 22.1 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth French-Door Refrigerator.
Sleek storage solutions
MasterBrand Cabinets, which includes Aristokraft, Diamond and KitchenCraft, provide a broad range of cabinet choices so home builders can create much-wanted storage for homebuyers. Pictured is Aristokraft's Brellin cabinet.
Healthy living
It’s no wonder people are more conscious of the health of their homes, and it’s likely homebuyers will want to see touches that help prevent the spread of viruses. This includes smart technology, better air quality and materials that are viral-resistant or easy to clean.
It's possible we’ll see entryways modified and mudrooms make a return as an area where people can sanitize themselves and their belongings before entering the home. A sink in the mudroom could be a luxury touch.
Outdoor diversions
With the open air becoming a respite for so many, it follows that outdoor living has become very important.
Some designers and architects are seeing increasing demand for porches, decks and other areas for outdoor entertainment — particularly space that's made private from neighbors.
Other popular features include luxury amenities like quality lighting, outdoor fireplaces and outdoor bars.
Smart tech for wireless control
GoControl provides a line of connected and smart devices so homebuyers can control their living spaces through their smartphones. Pictured is the Z-Wave Wall Smart 3-Way Switch/Dimmer which allows users to control any device.
The perfect gathering spot
Astria Fireplaces, an Innovative Hearth Products company, offers a variety of gas, wood-burning and electric fireplaces, including welcoming outdoor options. Pictured is the Oracle wood-burning outdoor fireplace.
Already using these brands?
If you plan to or have already used these brands in a construction project this year, you can earn rebates through HomeSphere on your brand usage. What’s more, when you use more than one of these brands on the same project, you can earn even more in rebates. It’s all thanks to our loyalty program that rewards builders for using our brand partners. See our full list of partners.
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