Are you looking to build a new construction home in Orange County? Do you wonder what the difference will be in home design pre- and post-COVID-19? If so, then you’ll be interested to learn how the coronavirus might affect future home design.
Understanding future home design trends will help to stir your imagination and plan for the features you want, before you set out to find or build your next home. We are beginning to see old spaces used in new ways, with novel additions to current homes and adjusted open floor plans, just to name a few.
See below for an in-depth guide on several COVID-19 architecture design solutions that you can expect to see in a post-COVID world!
1. The New-Look Open Floor Plan
Everyone loves an open floor plan. It’s a trend that has become commonplace in many modern home designs, whether you’re building a new construction home or remodeling an existing structure.
However, the worldwide pandemic revealed something to us about open floor plans that we didn’t consider before: productivity is just as important at home as it is in the workplace. Really, the home has become a workplace itself.
Among those who were able to maintain their employment during the pandemic, many were forced to share space with their family members in ways they had never imagined. Suddenly, mom and pop were forced to work at home, while kids ran around, eating, playing, destroying, sometimes learning…
All of a sudden, those coveted open floor plans became more distracting than invigorating. Productivity declined as a result.
That brought on the invention of what we’re calling the “new-look open floor plan”. In this design, the entire space is maximized. What was once a living room/kitchen combo is now a living room, kitchen, office, arts and craft station, play area, study room, and more.
When looking at a new home, we at the Stavros Group believe that we need to embrace these changes, not run from them. It makes your home more functional and, thus, more valuable to your family!
2. Super Porches
Sounds like an awesome comic book title, right? While it might not be picked up by Marvel for their next blockbuster, this is certainly a growing trend in the home design industry.
We all had those neighbors, friends, and relatives that used the 2020 pandemic as a way to catch up on their home renovations, both inside and outside. Maybe you did too.
Many homeowners used that opportunity to improve the outside of their properties, like patios and porches. For some, it was the deck in their front yard. For others, it was the balcony or the roof lounge atop their home.
With more time spent at home, homeowners want better exterior living spaces to maximize their enjoyment of the great outdoors. A good portion of them preferred covered patios so that they could enjoy the fresh air in any weather (it helps that we’re blessed in Southern California with great weather most of the year).
These homeowners are on to something! Not only does the “super porch” give you more ways to enjoy the outdoors, but it also enhances the curb appeal of your home for when it comes time to sell. It’s what we like to call a “win-win,” improving your enjoyment of the home now and your sale price later.
3. At-Home Gyms
Did you know that Orange County has been ranked the healthiest county in California
This can be attributed to the residents, who are often health-conscious and committed to bettering their health and fitness each day. Unfortunately, when the pandemic struck, all the gyms we frequent to stay in shape were temporarily shuttered.
Everything was closed: CrossFit gyms, big-name gyms, the track at the nearest high school football field. All completely closed off to the public. Even public parks were shut down for a time!
So, many homeowners made their own workout solution. They invested in creating an at-home gym, which gradually continued to evolve as the year 2020 went on. Since everyone at once started looking for gym equipment, buyers had to hunt and buy piecemeal to put it all together. But now, a home gym has become a feature that many homebuyers are looking for in their next home.
4. Potential for Additions
As if land wasn’t already at a premium in Orange County real estate, the 2020 coronavirus pandemic made it even more of a hot commodity.
Economists believe that this is a direct correlation to many families having relatives move in with them during the pandemic, especially elderly relatives. Now, they’re with them for the long haul, and many homeowners are looking to build additional living space to give their new “roommates” their own private area.
Having a bonus bedroom suite or standalone ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit, aka “granny flat”) is a huge boon for housing multiple generations of family. An ADU is amazing when you have teens or grandparents living with you. Homebuyers know this too and will pay a premium for it!
5. Healthy Homes
An aging, dirty or broken HVAC system is never great, but homebuyers these days are putting even more attention on ventilation and comfort. After all, if the COVID-19 pandemic taught us anything, it’s to be more conscious of the air we’re breathing (and who’s breathing it near us).
The indoor air quality of a home is no different. Home inspectors put an emphasis on checking the home’s HVAC system for signs of mold or build-up in the air ducts, signs of poor air quality, etc.
Good cooling and heating has become a primary selling point. If you’re in the market for a new home, make sure that the home’s HVAC system is inspected by an expert. This pandemic has shown us all how much air quality truly matters!
Consider These Future Home Design Trends as You Search
Now that you have seen a few ways that COVID-19 has affected future home design, be sure to use these to your advantage while you search for or build your new house!
Getting ready for a big move? It’s never too early to start planning. See this article for a list of tips and tricks for a stress-free move.
For any other inquiries and questions about real estate, please feel free to connect with us and we will be happy to assist you further!
