Smaller, Smarter and Greener Top the List

Private retreats, smart storage and energy efficiency are in, along with smaller homes, an affordable price tag and healthy green living spaces.

These are some of the trends in new home construction for 2009 from builders who say the financial climate, a growing eco-consciousness and the tendency toward cocooning has led to a rethinking of home design, with more attention being paid to size, economy and ecology.

“Buyers right now are focused on an affordable monthly mortgage payment, low utility bills and a home that fits their lifestyle while maximizing every square foot,” said Erika Frantz, Vice President of Sales and Design Studio. “They want all the rooms and every bit of space in the home to work for them — and without sacrificing luxury.”

The “less is more” idea has some builders scaling down the size of their homes. Beazer, for instance, found that by eliminating walls and underused hallways, it is able to use every square foot in the home more efficiently and “design homes that may be smaller, but feel just as big,” said Frantz.

Many think 2009 will go down as the year green goes mainstream and homebuyers become much more savvy about the need for eco-friendly options. A recent study of 2,300 homeowners by the National Association of Home Builders found that more than 50 percent of those surveyed said they would pay $5,000 to $11,000 more upfront for a new house if they could save on their utility bills.

Beazer is among the only national homebuilders including energy and water savings features as standard in every new home. Programmable thermostats, energy-saving appliances, compact fluorescent light bulbs, better insulation and advanced HVAC systems help keep utility bills down — with estimated savings of at least $500 annually — and are part of Beazer’s ongoing commitment to move toward more sustainable building practices.

Other trends worth watching include:

Smarter storage. Making every inch count translates to more room for smarter storage, which is fast becoming a necessity in nearly every room in the house. Must-haves include closet organization systems, home entertainment centers, and laundry rooms with built-in storage that keep soaps, detergent and other cleaning supplies behind closed doors.

Cleaner air. Mothers with small children increasingly are more concerned with air quality. Builders like Beazer are using paint that is low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as well as improved air filters that trap harmful allergens to contribute to a healthier indoor environment for the whole family.

Built-in flexibility. As baby boomers age, manufacturers are developing new products and are re-thinking others to help people better navigate their home life. Shelves that slide out for easy reach and dishwashers that can be loaded from a wheelchair help make life simpler without skimping on style.

Uncompromised kitchen. A hard-working and great looking kitchen remains the most important area of the home. An abundance of rich cabinetry, spacious center islands, and sleek appliances that look built in ensure the busiest room in the home efficiently accommodates a bevy of activity.

Pet care. TV programs for foodies have elevated the kitchen to chef status, and now animal subject channels are doing the same for pet owners. Enter the pet care center where you can wash and pamper your pooch in the privacy of your own home — without making a mess of the bathroom.

Shades of gray. The search for a comfortable and tranquil home environment and a resurgence of softer pastels from the mid-century modern era of the ‘50s and ‘60s is leading a trend toward multiple shades of gray on walls and soft pink — everywhere. Also look for vibrant dabs of color on kitchen backsplashes and bathrooms.

Outdoor living. The trend toward living outdoors continues to flourish. Outdoor kitchens with everything from elaborate grills, refrigerators, televisions and wine coolers are sought-after items for both single-family homebuyers and those who prefer a condo or townhouse.