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Top Trends in Custom Home Design

There’s never been a better time to build a home in the Twin Cities. There are some great locations opening up including some wonderful spaces in Woodbury, Stillwater and Lake Elmo. The eastern Twin Cities is growing quickly and yet there are still some great locations available. When you choose to build a custom home you not only get a quality home but you get to choose the features and amenities that suit your needs and your family’s needs. There are no cookie cutter homes when you choose to customize. Still, there are several trends that have been catching our eye in the last couple of years. Many of these top trends in custom home design are due to convenience while others are more pragmatic. Some of these trends are both as well as being simply beautiful. What follows is a list of the top ten trends in custom home design

No Formal Dining Room

Several homeowners have been building their homes without a formal dining room. With today’s floor plan built around the kitchen many families find they simply don’t use the formal dining room anymore. The kitchen dinette and island are so much more convenient and there is no need to haul dishes, food and people into another room in the house. Clean up is easy and everyone can stay part of the conversation. An added bonus is that you can use the dining room space for a home office or craft room.

Hidden Microwave

For decades the microwave has had a prominent position above the stove. If it wasn’t located there it usually on a counter in the kitchen. What was once a status symbol has now been placed in an out of the way area.  Microwaves, though convenient for warming coffee and making popcorn don’t play much of a role in today’s gourmet kitchens. Homeowners would prefer to use the space for another conventional oven, roasting oven or convection oven. Because other more conventional ovens are more ideal for cooking (rather than reheating) the microwave is losing its prominence and being located in other less conspicuous locations.

Second Master Suite

Today families are choosing more and more to age in place instead of moving to an assisted living home or nursing home when they get older. When you build with the knowledge that you will be growing older in the home you can adapt the design to include a second master bedroom and bath. This allows the homeowner to remain in the home, have all the comforts and yet provide lovely accommodations to those who would be caregivers whether adult children or professional live in help.

Elevator and Ramps

Similar idea as including a second master suite. By including an elevator and ramps in the home’s design you can be assured that you or your spouse will have full access to the home even if they have been limited by walker or wheelchair.

Sport Court

One of the biggest and most exciting new trends in custom home design has been the inclusion of an indoor sports courts. Sports courts can be a great place for the kids to blow off steam, practice their free throws or kick up their heels. Sports courts provide added value and provide a place for everyone to get in a great workout. There are no excuses anymore!

Drop Station/Charging Station

With the proliferation of WiFi we’ve all got devices that need charging. A drop station provides an organized way to keep all your tech charged. Gone are the days of tangled cords and overloaded outlets. Today’s drop stations or charging stations provide a single space that discreetly charges all of your tech such as tablets, phones, watches, and even portable speakers.

Rear foyer with Locker/Cubbies

The rear foyer is the grown up version of the mud room — on steroids. Rear foyers are stunningly beautiful spaces usually located between the garage and the main kitchen area. What used to be a place to kick off your boots and drop your coat on the floor has turned into an organized area that you’ll want to show off. Assign each family member their own cubby or locker to keep all of their outdoor gear and sports gear.

Wine Tasting Rooms

The rec room has come into its own except now it’s called the wine tasting room. Located in the lower level of the home this room is filled with ambiance and charm. Perfect for small get togethers.

Game Rooms

Keep the kids occupied with a game room designed for gaming. Not only do you free up your living area from game consoles, games and accessories but your kids have their own place to hang out leaving your living fresh and clean for your friends.

Outdoor Great Rooms

More than a patio with a set of chairs and a table the outdoor great room comes complete with stone fireplace, kitchen and fire pit. Enjoy the fresh air, ambiance and wonder of the great outdoors but with all the comforts and convenience of home.