If floor plans are any reflection of the changing lifestyles many Americans are embracing post-pandemic, they must, above all else, be flexible. From multi-generational suites to low-maintenance, non-porous countertops and more expansive workspaces, Housing Design Matters suggests small design changes to accommodate increased time spent at home and a heightened consumer focus on wellness.
Flex spaces provide endless possibilities in a tight floor plan, allowing a spare bedroom to be easily converted into a home office or gym without compromising living space. Minor aesthetic updates like color updates and timeless design features can also breathe new life into older homes.
We are in the business of designing houses, but it is the people who live in these buildings that make them special. This is why we shouldn’t be forcing the people to adapt to an outdated plan, but instead, adapt our plans to how the home buyer lives. New technologies and innovations have allowed our lifestyles to evolve at a rapid pace. This presents challenges and, more importantly, opportunities for the housing industry to adapt to build a better home for today’s home buyer. Let’s resolve to chase that moving target and keep the American Dream alive and strong.
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