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It may seem to you that new homes are being built bigger than before. This
observation is correct. The average new home today is approximately 25 percent
larger than the typical home built 20 years ago, and 12 percent larger than
those built a decade ago.
However, mere square footage is not the only reason why new homes are more
spacious than their predecessors.
Homes now are designed to enhance the perception of more open areas and to allow
multiple functions in the common living areas. Open floor plans, increasingly
popular across all architectural styles, housing sizes and prices, create
unobstructed welcoming views through the home and afford “shared” spaces that serve various needs for its occupants.
A great example of this concept is the combination kitchen/gathering room where
the kitchen extends to include an eating nook as well as a cozy family room. An
uninterrupted view from either end makes this space appear quite large as each “area” spills easily into the next yet it still has its independent function. A
kitchen island extended into the eating area, for instance, may act as the
family’s everyday dining area, study desk or entertainment serving station. In turn,
this area seamlessly transitions into the family room where the family and
their guests can relax as well as stay in touch with activities and
conversations in the kitchen. Gone are the days of the isolated cook in the
kitchen.
These seemingly larger spaces are made even greater by integrating the outdoors
with the use of windows, especially aligned along the wall of the room that
looks out into the back yard. Additionally, more windows may be located to
enhance the natural lighting impact in the room. These windows might extend the length of the interior view even further to the
exterior of the house, giving the illusion of more space inside.
The benefits of the open plan concept are being extended beyond the kitchen/
gathering room and now also include other main living areas in the home. Pass
throughs from the living room and formal dining rooms to more informal areas of
the house
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thoughtfully maintain the shared usage and sightlines that create the feeling of
spaciousness. Wine grottos, entertainment bars and butler’s pantries are good examples.
Eliminating the distinction between the formal living room and the informal
family room to create an all purpose “great room” that is entirely open to other areas of the home is another popular approach to
the open floor plan model. For in-town dwellers, the loft-style house (born out
of urban industrial warehouse space renovated and adapted for residential use)
presents a uniquely open floor plan and providing flexibility with its living
spaces. While lofts may not offer the most square footage, they seemingly
appear to be one of the most spacious options of all.
Additional design features that will enhance perceived or actual space in new
homes include the use of higher ceilings, which are generally most effective in
larger rooms where the proportions are appropriate. Also, greater access and
views to usable and beautifully designed outdoor living areas impact the family’s enjoyment and improves the home’s overall flexibility and functionality. Balconies, covered patios and eco-friendly decks and appointed with cooking and
eating areas, comfortable lounging furniture, dramatic pools and spas, as well
as the more recent addition of flat-screen TVs and fireplaces are becoming mainstream and expected.
In summary, it is apparent that design trends in new homes offer greater space
and lifestyle flexibility. Existing homes, even those from just a decade ago,
cannot compete with the spacious look and feel of new homes today — without renovations of course. l
By Stephen K. Hann, CGR, GMB, GMR, CGP
Hann Builders
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