The Latest Post-Pandemic Home Trends

A lot has changed in just a few months, and for many people that includes the idea of what a 'dream home' looks like. Not long ago, buyers were showing preference toward smaller homes and open floor plans for entertaining. After a few months of being cooped up inside, those features don't seem so appealing – trends are shifting towards homes with private quiet workspace, larger family gathering areas and peaceful outdoor space with pools high on many lists.

"While the coronavirus still rages on, it's hard to predict what post-pandemic abodes might look like," according to Barrons. "Yet, developers around the U.S. are already rethinking projects, anticipating residents' needs and preferences that Covid-19 would spur. In doing so, they are re-evaluating current in-unit aesthetics and in-demand amenities."

Here are the prime home trends that are shifting:

Home size
Home size had been trending smaller, but that may be over. With so many families spending (way) more time around the home lately, there's never been more need for personal space. Families with small children, teenagers and elders all have different needs. Being confined in small spaces can test anyone’s sanity. Families want room to spread out and we can expect homes to grow in size accordingly.

Prioritizing the Home Office
As more and more businesses require work-from-home practices, or shift to full-time remote work entirely, the home office will become an essential for many buyers. A space that was once an after-thought now will need to offer privacy, good lighting and be wired accordingly.

Return to the closed-floor plan
For some buyers, the appeal of the open-floor plan was already fading prior to 2020, and the pandemic has only made the reasons why more evident. Sharing more time and space at home demands privacy for school work, hobbies, and entertainment. With more meals being cooked at home, an open concept kitchen becomes a noisy epicenter practically all day long. Developers expect a rise in demand for closed floor plans, where rooms are partitioned and dedicated for specific purposes.

Outdoor Space

We have already seen a huge increase in the DIY projects as evidenced by record sales at the hardware stores, thank you HGTV. Whether it is a revamped patio, firepit, summer kitchen or pool/spa, etc..., homeowners realize that outdoor space is an important extension of the home. Pool builders currently cannot keep up with demand and many are quoting a year out on build times. We are seeing a trend towards buyers are seeking out homes with some or all of these items in place. 

Smart technology
This is currently one of the fastest growing trends in home design, but smart home technology will soon move from a bonus to a 'must'. Thermostats and lighting control can now be voice or motion-activated. Touchless faucets and soap dispensers, once thought frivolous, are now inexpensive and health-conscious upgrades. Systems that filter and purify air and monitor air quality will become more common and affordable.