We are living in a time of significant accelerated change. Our homes have become our schools, our workplace, our sanctuary, and our places of entertainment. This shift of how our homes are used will inevitably change the way new homes are designed. These trends will continue to evolve as we all adjust to this new normal, but here are the initial trends we are already seeing in the homes we are working on now.

1.) The end of Open Concept Plans?

Well no I would not say that, however as we spend more time in our homes there is a desire to have privacy and soundproofing between spaces. A single connected living, dining, and kitchen space was great to come home to after work. However, now this space is being used all day / every day for school, work, and relaxing which doesn't work quite as well. We are seeing these rooms tweaked with more definition between spaces and designed with the flexibility to separate the spaces with glass & corner doors. This maintains the visual open & airy feeling while giving us the privacy we all desire.

2.) New Normal: Work from Home 

This trend became supercharged during the pandemic and is here to stay. Companies that would have never tried work at home concepts were forced to (us included).  We all found out it worked much better than we ever thought it would. For several years we had been building mini offices in our homes, but now these are being shifted to larger multi person shared offices.

3.) Away Rooms (Sanctuary)

Reading nooks, yoga room, zoom cocktail hour, or a music listening space. These are small cozy rooms designed to be your personal get-away to wind down from your day.

4.) Storage Space

Not to be confused with hoarding space! With the limited trips people have been taking to the store they need additional space for extra toilet paper and canned goods. Larger walk in storage closets off the garage are important in addition to the locker space for everyday coats & gear. Back kitchens and walk in pantry's have been a trend for several years and are even more important now for the larger grocery shopping trips.

5.) Outdoor Living & Gathering Space

Outdoor living has been an important space in our homes for years, but during the pandemic it has taken on a new importance. It is not only a separate space to relax and entertain, but also a space you can gather (social distance) with family & friends. These outdoor spaces give you a much more comfortable space to social distance than lawn chairs in the driveway.