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Thursday, January 8, 2009

Looking Ahead, Builders See More 'Man-Caves'

From Realtor Magazine Online, Daily Real Estate News January 8, 2009

When the National Association of Home Builders convenes its annual trade show in Las Vegas beginning Jan. 20, attendees will be considering these and other trends in home design and amenities.

Indoor-Outdoor Living. Since 1992, the number of U.S. homes with porches and patios has doubled. New homes in warm climates are being built with courtyards that offer shelter and privacy while still offering an outdoor feel.

The Basement is Back. With lots getting smaller, underground space is growing more valuable for everything from family rooms to “man caves” to underground garages.Say Goodbye to the Living Room. Great rooms continue to hold sway, while formal living rooms grow ever more passé.

Home Offices Go Solo. No more offices in spare bedrooms. The latest is to have a separate space where the mobile workforce member can receive work-related visitors or seat assistants without traipsing these folks through the home.

No More Computer Work Stations. Wireless has made every space a workspace, so that desk under the steps or in the kitchen has been rechristened a charging station or a baby-changing center.

Wall Up the Lofts. "Architects love to show these wide-open floor plans, but the reality is people want some privacy," says Los Angeles architect Jonathan Watts.

Green Is In. Solar panels and lots of natural light let more people go green.

Age in Place. Wider doors and first-floor masters help aging baby boomers stay home as they grow old.

Source: Business Week, Christopher Palmeri (01/06/2009)

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