Mom offices, jumbo pantries — new homes have the features families want
Thursday, November 8th, 2018
Step inside some houses built just a few years ago and you might think something’s missing. Where are the downstairs master bedroom, the extra-large pantry, the “mom office” or the open kitchen that doubles as an entertainment center?
Those are all popular features in many new homes today but may not be found in older houses. That’s because the shape of homes is changing to keep up with the way families live in them.
“It’s the big, open kitchen that’s driving people to new construction,” said Realtor Lindy Gaughan, with the Gaughan Team at Re/Max Choice Properties.
That’s the case at all price levels, from luxury, custom homes to subdivision homes built by Goodall Homes, Meritage Homes and other companies, she said.
Families are busier than ever with work, school, soccer and other sports, entertaining and other commitments. They need floor plans that help them use their time efficiently, said Seth Argo, president of Focus Builders.
“People are shifting more toward family functionality,” he said.
The change is obvious when you’re standing in a large kitchen that opens to the family room. But there are changes behind the scenes, too. Behind the pantry door, for example, you may find a caterer’s kitchen, also known as a scullery or a prep kitchen.
“It’s a place where people do more than keep mac and cheese on a shelf,” said Argo.
Shelves and cabinets hold all the countertop appliances that otherwise would clutter the kitchen. A cooler stores beverages.
“Pantries are getting bigger and serving a dual role,” he said.
Behind another door off the kitchen you’ll find what’s called the “mom office.” It has grown larger even as the traditional formal home office has gotten smaller.
“The mom office used to be a 'me space' in the kitchen. Now it’s the nerve center of the family — school calendars, the soccer schedule, all the chaos that has to be organized,” said Argo.
Upstairs laundry rooms — next to the kids’ bedrooms — are a new thing. Mom and dad might have their own washer and dryer in the master closet. In other homes, the laundry becomes a larger, multi-use space with cabinets and a farmhouse sink. Mud rooms and playrooms are popular. So is storage in the three-car garage.
“People are ditching the mini-storage unit and using the third bay,” said Argo.
Today’s home buyers are looking for “the living triangle,” said Julie Adams, market manager for Drees Homes.
“The kitchen, family room and eating area are very open. People definitely want the open floor plan,” she said.
Sky-high kitchen cabinets are a popular choice in Drees homes with 10-foot ceilings.
“Cabinets up to the ceiling emphasize the height of the ceiling,” said Adams.
Dual-purpose islands are a must-have item for many homeowners, said home builder David Patton.
“A lot of people are putting sinks in them (for food prep and cleanup) and also using them as an eating area. It’s a good gathering place,” said Patton, owner of David Patton Construction.
Downstairs master bedrooms allow one-level living and are especially popular with older buyers. Large showers and free-standing tubs are also in demand. So are heated tile floors in the bath.
“It’s very enticing,” said Patton.
