5 Building Trends for 2015

Home design has come a long way in the past 10 years. If you were to look at pictures of home interior design, you’ll notice it lacks that “modern quality” about it. Efficiency is the theme of what modern home design is all about and some homes may come off as clever, compact and easily customized. For your house tomorrow, I will share with you 5 of the latest and greatest building trends of 2015 and what is considered as a modern home.

Walkable communities is growing in popularity and adds with it a growth in property value along with a variety of uses. This is meaning that perhaps one of the most major trends in home design these days doesn’t have anything to do with the house itself at all, but where it’s located. Living in what is called a walkable community with walkable streets and flexible choices of transportation has shown to have a positive impact on not only the finances, but the social and even emotional benefits of living in such a community.

 

We have all heard of Energy Star, right? I remember when I built my first computer back in probably 1997 and on the boot screen I saw the Energy Star logo, which was something completely new at that time. Today, there is something called Zero Energy Ready (ZER) and it appears to be a step above the Energy Star we have grown to be familiar with all these years. What is it? In a nutshell, ZER is the newest standard for new constructions.  ZER handles the operation and use of all things that can be powered in the home such as windows, doors and other such mechanical systems.

Houses today are being designed small, but clever. A project called “Tiny Homes”  creates homes that are made to be so small, but designed with the cleverness packed full of more space than what meets the eye. This is another major trend that is becoming more and more popular and accepted. These homes are small, yet big enough for 2 people and loaded with storage space. For example, open a cabinet door one way and you are presented with your closet, but if you then fold the door down, you now have your kitchen table.

 

 

 

This tiny trend also ties into 4th trend dealing with customization. Everyone wants something that they can call theirs, something different, unique and impressive. Hearing someone say, “What a lovely home!” is what any homeowner would love to hear. Let’s say you dislike the look of your appliances, but replacing it is expensive and foolish just because you don’t like the look. Good news for you! Word has it that FirstBuild Studio is creating 3D-printed accessories for its older model kitchen appliances. The service will enable you to order new knobs, handles, doors, etc. in different colors and styles.

You’ve probably seen the commercials from AT&T that show how you are able to control your entire house right from your smart phone turning it into a smart home. Everything from the lights, TV, garage and alarm system can be activated no matter where you are. While this may be too much convenience for countless people such as Ralph Slaske, a handful of others are thrilled and excited for these new bold futuristic changes. It seems the AT&T service is taken a bit further and being implemented into homes making the entire home automated. The lights will turn off automatically and the stove may even heat up at 7pm to get ready for dinner.

And there you have it! Home trends of the modern day of 2015. With 2016 approaching quickly up on our heels, who knows just where these trends will go and what new trends will come about. Will these trends become the norm and new standard of living?