The End of the McMansion

The square footage of newly built houses is decreasing as Americans’ priorities shift. Rather than seeking showy, palatial dwellings, many homeowners now want something a bit more conservative. Remodeling projects and new home construction are focused on doing more with less – creating houses that  maximize the use of available space to balance functionality, comfort, and style. 

Creative Storage

Many new or newly remodeled homes include inventive storage solutions that make the most of spaces that have often been overlooked. For example, the area under a stairway may now contain a series of drawers mounted into the wall under the steps to add a great deal of storage capacity while creating visual interest. Entry hallways can be fitted with wall hooks, shelves, and benches with storage underneath to create a transitional space for entering and leaving, creating a dedicated area for storing shoes, boots, scarves, umbrellas, and other outdoor necessities. This also saves closet space for storing items that are less frequently used while keeping those that are used multiple times a day close at hand.

In dine-in kitchens, the space that used to be dedicated to a dining table can be converted to an island with seating on two or three sides and storage on the fourth. This doubles as prep space when not in use for meals, or as a place for kids to do homework while a parent is working in the kitchen. 

Redefining Outdoor Space

With less space inside, one exciting current home trend is the idea of repurposing outdoor space to perform functions that have traditionally been kept indoors. Outdoor kitchens and living rooms have become extremely popular in recent years.  A glass-paneled door among a row of floor to ceiling windows allows a traditional living room to flow into an outdoor space that’s equally comfortable and designed for relaxation and socializing. French doors, with their wider frames and inviting look, also create a beautiful transition from indoor to outdoor living space.

Designs That Serve Multiple Functions

Today’s homes are more fluid than their predecessors. Spaces that used to be clearly defined – a formal living room for receiving guests, a kitchen for preparing meals, a dining room for serving them – now serve a wider variety of purposes. Home offices can be found in kitchens, dining rooms, and even hallways. The spaces between rooms are being put to use with built-ins, throw pillows, and other amenities that transform them into nooks that can be used for paying bills or relaxing with a good book.

Today’s home designs do more with less, making maximum use of available space to create a home that’s functional, inviting, and visually appealing.

There’s nothing like a well designed home!  Thank you for popping in for a look.  Have a lovely day and remember to be kind to one another!

Toodles,