When you decide to build, it can be exciting to think about how to design your new home to cater to the needs of you and your family. The possibilities are endless in making a house uniquely yours.
“There are so many choices when building a new home,” said David Kallie, MCR, CKBR, CAPS, president and CEO of Dimension Inc. “Sometimes it’s helpful to look at a list of what’s trending in custom home design to start making decisions.”
The following are some popular features in 2024 new homes:
Open Floor Plan
Open floor plans have been around for quite some time, and they are here to stay. Fewer walls or barriers can help communication between members of the family in everyday living and between guests when entertaining. It also allows the natural light coming in from your windows to reach further into the home, making the majority of the house look brighter and bigger.
First Floor Master Suite
Many homeowners are looking toward the future when thinking about their master bedrooms and bathrooms. “For those who plan to live in their homes past retirement or for those who plan to house aging parents, a bed and bath on the main floor is a smart option,” said David.
Your master suite can have all the fixings — a walk-in closet with custom shelving, and a luxurious bathroom. Trending this year are bigger shower rooms of natural stone, complete with built-in seating and curbless entrances.
Kitchen Storage Solutions
The kitchen is where you spend most of your time, and kitchen storage is crucial. Food items and appliances are commonly kept in cabinets. “A popular idea today is to include very few upper cabinets,” said David. “It gives the kitchen a more spacious feel, and in place of the upper cabinets, homeowners can install integrated cabinets on the walls.”
Another solution is a walk-in pantry in the kitchen. This allows you to store items — especially those you don’t use often — without sacrificing your cabinets. You can also keep snacks and other popular food items in an easy-to-reach space.
Other Specific First Floor Rooms
In addition to the master suite, newer homes have individual rooms on the first floor that serve a specific purpose.
Off the entrance from the garage is often a mudroom, which keeps the outside items away from the rest of the house. Dirty shoes, coats, backpacks, dog paraphernalia, and sports equipment can stay in individual cubbies or lockers for every member of the family.
Also popular on the first floor is a laundry room. “A laundry room isn’t viewed as too exciting but imagine not having to walk down or upstairs to get to your washer and dryer,” David said. “It might motivate you to do the laundry, plus you’d have plenty of space to tend to stains, iron, or hang clothes to air dry.”
Finally, since some people work from home full-time or catch up on work at home, many modern homes have a home office. Forgoing the couch or kitchen table and having a designated space to work can help productivity levels.
Smart Technology
If you’re going to build a new home, you might as well embrace the new technological advancements. “There is a demand for smart home technologies that will help homeowners keep energy usage down, like smart lighting and thermostats,” said David.
Kitchens and bathrooms also are embracing smart technology with smart ovens, refrigerators, and even showers.
Eco-Friendliness and Sustainability
Sustainability is a trend in 2024, with a focus on our connection to nature and the earth. Builders have seen a demand for locally made and eco-conscious materials, particularly recycled materials. Some homeowners are even experimenting with solar panels.
Connected to the idea of a healthy planet is our own healthy living. “A Sussex home that Dimension Design-Build-Remodel built was named the healthiest home in Wisconsin by Indoor Environmental Testing,” David said. ‘With health consciousness trending, demand is growing for toxin-free materials, low or no VOC finishes, and allergen prevention throughout the home. You will find this and more in new homes we construct.”
Dimension’s ability to realize and achieve your visions results in a completed project that will meet or exceed your expectations. If you’re ready to design your custom home, call us today at 262-402-6602 or complete our contact form to get started.