This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

BLOG: Home Design Trends for 2012 and Beyond

Outdoor living and "green homes" are just a few of latest and greatest home design trends for 2012 and beyond.

For the first time in many years, new home building is on the rise.  Irvine is currently building two large villages, Rancho Mission Viejo is grading for their first village, and there are 2 new homes tracts currently selling and a third set to open this month in San Juan Capistrano.

I’ve always loved new homes toured many models in the past 27 years.  One of the most exciting parts is checking out the new trends in building and design.

Design trends are nothing new…just take a look at homes built 20 years ago vs. 40 years ago vs. today to see the differences.  Changes in lifestyle, buyer demand, and simple efficiency drive the shift.

Find out what's happening in San Juan Capistranowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

So what are the latest home trends?

Trend #1: The house that flows

Find out what's happening in San Juan Capistranowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

This is not necessarily a new trend but as homes have gotten smaller in recent years, an open floor plan is a way to make a home seem larger than it is.  The most obvious example is the way many new homes now have a continuous space and open sight line — a great room — that extends from kitchen to dining area to living area.  Also called “the family triangle”, this open feeling floor plan is gaining popularity in many markets.

By losing the walls and hallways, a home can seem much bigger.

Trend #2: The outdoor space as an extension of living space

This trend is closely related to the open flowing floor plan and especially in areas with good weather.  Having a great room or kitchen that open directly to outdoor living areas brings in lots of natural light and extends your living and entertaining area as well.

Home buyers are looking for private outdoor spaces that blend seamlessly with the indoors. This trend can be seen in many of the newer homes with a “California Room” built as part of the home with a solid roof and large sliding or bi-fold doors.  At Valinda in San Juan Capistrano, the “Capistrano Rooms” are approximately 400 SF and come with outdoor fireplaces and are pre-wired for electricity and TV!

Trend #3: Smaller homes that “live” the same

With the crash of the housing market and overall economy, home buyers are no longer looking for the opulence of 10 years ago.  In fact, the median size of new U.S. homes fell from 2,277 square feet in 2007 to 2,135 square feet in 2009, according to the National Association of Home Builders. 

With so many Americans experiencing foreclosure, the focus is more on affordability.  (But) they still want the amenities and features in these smaller homes which is why you will see less homes built today with “formal” living rooms as an easy way to give up unnecessary square footage and still have good size bedrooms, great rooms, and kitchens.

Trend # 4: Resource or Tech Centers

Another sign that as the size of the home diminishes the need for effective use of space increases.  These multi-purpose areas are usually nooks that include a desk, printer, room for a laptop and even some cubbyholes for mail and bills.  You don't really need a huge den/office anymore especially as most families are working off laptops or iPads.  Set right off the kitchen, they allow for easy organization and connection to kids doing homework, etc.

Trend #5: Multi-generational living

Homebuilders are starting to respond to this trend with floor plans that include dual master suites. Whether it's because more are children returning home after college or more parents are moving in with the family, multigenerational homes are increasing in popularity. In fact, one study indicated that the construction of such homes has jumped 30 percent in the past few years.

Trend #6: A ‘greener’ home

Not surprisingly, energy efficiency is one of the year's hottest trends.  This efficiency comes in many forms, from improved insulation, better windows, Energy Star-rated appliances, and some builders are even installing low-energy LED lights for accent lighting.  For a premium, some large builders are even offering homes with solar panels that help power the house.

All in all the improvements end up to more efficiency in living area, comfort, cost of living, and the environment.  In my next blog we’ll look at some of the trends that are on the way out!

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?