Builder Magazine recently gave its forecast of residential design themes that are likely to proliferate in the New Year. Now, they’ve released a list of design fads that likely won’t make appearances in 2011. Here are our Top 5 choices from their list of negative design trends.
Trophy Space – Gratuitous volume spaces are getting cut out of plans now that lending standards have tightened and builders are racing to build more affordable, energy efficient homes.
Just for Show - Industrial-grade kitchen ranges that never so much as touch a pan or the spa tub in the master bath that the owners never fire up because they don’t want to clean are falling by the wayside. “Use it or lose it” is the new mantra for right-sized kitchens and baths.
Greenfield Growth – There won’t be many new outlying master-planned communities breaking ground in 2011, considering investors are still recovering and cutting their losses from existing stalled projects. Smart builders are turning their attention to smaller infill neighborhoods or pockets of homes in established communities with existing school districts.
Egocentric Houses – Thinking a house’s value is inherent only in its interior is folly. Also important is the presence of nearby parks, amenities, and neighborhood connections that create the sense of community that don’t significantly increase what a homeowner has to pay. Buyers are happy to trade extra space for a smaller house that has a nice environment outside its front door.
Home Flipping – According to Census figures, the average American moves 11 times. That number is destined to fall as the idea of a home as a short-term money maker is essentially gone. Now when people buy, they’ll likely stay 10 years instead of 2. When people plan to stay a while, they tend to care more about home design that feels right – not profitable.
Check out the rest of Builder Magazine’s 10 Residential Design Trends You Won’t See in 2011.
