Home Trends

Homeowners want casual, high-tech living.

April 2005

More casual lifestyle trends now dictate a slightly evolved floor plan. Formal living rooms are becoming less popular, as homeowners prefer more frequently  used spaces, such as libraries, dens, and home offices. It is also clear that many buyers desire state-of-the-art technology throughout their homes, not just in media rooms. High-tech conveniences like improved security systems and home-utility management are quickly becoming must-haves. It's a trend finding it's way into new construction as well as remodeled older homes.

Realtors are not the only ones tuned into these needs. Builders, contractors, and architects are paying close attention to this demand. Some have chosen to partner with vendors that specialize in comprehensive technology development for residential needs.

"The technology within our homes is on the verge of a major transformation," says Jeremy Beck, president of Futurian™ Home Systems, Ltd. "While solutions used to be designed to address one area, such as a media room, we will start to see complete systems that are built around lifestyles and integrated throughout the house."

According to Beck, scenarios include preset interior lighting levels that respond to incoming natural light, getting brighter as the sun sets and dimmer as the day brightens. Similar comfort and efficiency may be seen through smart water and gas systems that override present programs when weather forecasts predict conditions that would alter their usual settings. Televisions may be set to automatically turn on local news for traffic and weather, enabling residents to better plan for the day ahead.