American family life is vastly different than it was in the 50s and 60s, when Dad went to work from 9 to 5 every day and Mom was a homemaker. Gone are the days when family sat down to eat together in a dining room every evening and retired to the living room afterward to gather around the television set. Also gone are the homes design principles that reflected this traditional way of life; kitchens are no longer just for cooking, living rooms now serve as multifunctional entertaining spaces, and many modern homes don’t even have dining rooms. Below are just a few home design trends that are designed to meet the needs of the modern American family.
Multi-Generational Homes
With more and more people providing care for elderly parents, living with their parents to save up for a down payment, or relying on grandparents to provide child care, multi-generational homes are fast becoming the norm. Many homes today now have separate in-law/nanny suites complete with ensure bathrooms, distinct sitting areas, and even private balconies. Also popular in modern homes are “flex spaces” – multifunctional rooms that can be used as anything from a second living room to a dormitory-style bedroom.
Home Offices
Most homes today have computer workspaces. These workspaces range from a basic computer desk that takes up a small corner of a kitchen to a fully-equipped office or workshop. The need for a dedicated workspace in the home has brought with it changes in traditional home design; new homes have supply closets, places to store office equipment, and even built-in “charging stations.” Whether they work exclusively from home or simply want a dedicated space in the home for sorting bills and other important documents, homebuyers are increasingly seeking out properties with distinctly separate working spaces.
Outdoor Living Spaces
Patios and decks have always been popular home features when it comes to outdoor entertaining. Modern homes take outdoor entertaining even further with covered patios, screened verandas, and even outdoor living rooms. Fire pits are also growing in popularity, as they are inexpensive and provide 360-degree seating – unlike traditional indoor fireplaces. When looking for your next home, consider how much time you spend entertaining outdoors. Covered patios make for versatile outdoor living spaces, but depending on the climate where you live, a screened-in porch can be even better.
Casual Entertaining Spaces
Whereas in the past, the kitchen was designed solely for cooking and the dining room designed specifically for serving and enjoying meals, today’s homes are designed to accommodate a more casual style of living and entertaining. The primary entertaining space in modern homes is the kitchen – not the drawing room or even the living room. And as kitchen islands and kitchen tables have replaced dining and living rooms, modern home design has changed to meet the needs of homeowners with relaxed lifestyles. No longer do the kitchen, living, and dining rooms need to be separate spaces; today’s open floor plans usually feature kitchens that seamlessly flow into living rooms, dining rooms, and outdoor entertaining spaces.