Source: Realtormag.realtor.org

Just like food, fashion, cars, economics and architecture, homes travel through trends. Designs changes spur from economic, environmental and demographic shifts and change the materials used, creation of designs, development of layouts and construction methods for single or multifamily dwellings.

These 11 trends are rapidly emerging as designers and architects try to incorporate new building materials and methods to improve the look and functionality of homes in 2016. If you’re considering buying, building or selling a home this year- be sure to read through the list of trends and see how these can help you throughout the process. These trends will not only help you meet your own needs, but with future buyers, as well.

1. More resilient and sustainable homes

There are two reasons why sustainable homes are more popular and necessary: 1) natural resources are dwindling, 2) our climate is changing and homes needs to be more resilient to natural disasters. Builders and contractors are trying to combat these challenges by finding new materials and construction techniques. This is important to real estate because by having more resilient and sustainable homes means “more lives and buildings will be saved, costs to rebuild will be pared and insurance premiums will be lowered.”(Source: Realtormag.realtor.org) Home seekers are often looking for more sustainable homes to not only help with energy use, but to also lower utility costs over time thus save money.

2. Quality in new materials

There’s no question that when choosing a home, whether new construction or from 1964, owners want quality. Quality, luxurious materials aren’t always in the budget because of course they cost more. Construction and material costs are continually increasing so finding alternatives to certain luxe materials without losing quality is key for most buyers. Instead of using stone, opt for a less expensive stone veneer on studs. This way there isn’t a total sacrifice for quality over price. It still looks similar and reflects the current building trends, but costs less money. There are new materials emerging that might be a better fit for a buyer on a tight budget.

3. Drought awareness

This is a big trend for many Colorado home buyers because being in a drought is not only common, but most of the time expected. Water conservation is becoming just as important as energy conservation now days. While installing water-saving fixtures like low-flow toilets and shower heads might by effective, it is simply not enough. As buyers become more conscious of water use and conservation, they will start looking for rain water harvesting systems and smart irrigation systems to control the amount of water they are using for internal and external use. A small step to take for many buyers is xeriscaping, which is to landscape the yard to use little to no supplemental water from irrigation.

4. Digitized manufacturing

Sustainable materials in conjunction with new manufacturing materials are expanding the choices of colors, texture and sizes of materials available for home design. What some call the third industrial revolution, aka 3-D printing, is also providing readily available and prefabricated materials; making the choice of expensive custom materials a little easier to say “no” to. These new advancements with prefabricated materials can result in a new product that incorporates a sustainable material (i.e. glass) into a sturdy, practical, energy-efficient and glamorous new feature in a home. Such choices provide home owners and purchasers the ability to customize their home in the way they wish, ultimately distinguishing their home from the other in this crowded market.

5. Reclaimed wood floors

Reduce, reuse, recycle. Reclaimed wood floors are influencing homes because provide a home with a less expensive alternative to custom wood flooring all while presenting visual character rich in history. Segments of the home buying generation are starting to see reclaimed wood flooring as others in the past have seen granite, and now quartz or marble. This trend is certainly “in”: not only in style and visual appeal, but it also resonates with the popular “green” lifestyle.

6. Softening modern severity

No one wants to live in a home looking like an empty hospital hallway or a laboratory. Buyers want functionality and personality with their modern designs. Burnt wood and metal are incredibly popular in home design and staging now because it provides buyers with functional material with a clean, crisp overall look. These choices tend to warm rooms and give a modern home a better feeling of being lived-in, which most buyers want.

7. Tiny houses on wheels

It’s all over the TV and news- there are actual TV reality shows and house-hunting shows for Tiny Houses. Not only is downsizing for a cheaper cost of living on many people’s minds, but so is mobility and flexibility. These homes can be a greater alternative for more environmentally friendly homes as most are solar-powered and in general use substantially less energy than a normal home. Tiny houses provide an alternative to stick-built houses that may change the trend of real estate for the next few years. Investors may start shifting towards purchasing empty lots to rent to these homeowners on wheels.

9. Indoors vs outdoors

Screened porches were once were the prime ground for a home that could protect occupants from weather and outdoor creatures all while offering a feeling of the outdoors. Now, well-designed large-scale doors and garage doors are coming through with popular demand. These doors provide a sense of outdoor living and natural light that buyers are continually more intrigued by. It will start to shift the idealization of the yard or outdoor area being a part of the home rather than its own separate area. Landscaping and yard utilization will start to creep up to the top of the list for home seekers.

10. Softer, layered color pallets

Pantone, a color trendsetter, release two most popular colors for 2016; both of which reflect the rise of softer colors, along with continued use of creams and whites. When people are nervous or have a lot on their minds (which most do during an election year and during the home-buying process) a stark, bright color is only going to draw out the emotion more. Softer colors will help calm their nerves and minds.

11. New entertainment spaces

Everything happens in the kitchen, right? Home buyers are very aware of this and that is why they are more willing to spend money on great kitchen with tons of light, detail, refinishes, openness and overall size. Not only are kitchens becoming larger, but they are becoming more sleek. “Back kitchens” are becoming more popular; small appliances such as toasters and coffee makers are stored, rather than left out for use. More organization brings out more detailing with cabinetry and closets.

2016 trends are emerging as the year continues and staying ahead of the trends will not only help you decipher your own needs, but for those looking to purchase the home after you, too. If you’re thinking about buying, selling or even upgrading your home consider these 12 trends. For the full, original article, click here.