I love watching the trends in the home building industry.  In fact, it's one of my favorite subjects to read up on.  What you need to realize is that the "HOT" trends of today are because of what you said was important.  See if you agree with these sources of the latest and greatest trends in home design. 

Everyone knows that Location, Price, and Condition always rule!  However, "new materials and new technologies are reshaping the way we build." (Craven, About.com).  With the emergence of casual entertaining and the home being a person's showcase, here's what sources have said are the "HOT" items in Home Building.

March 2007 - Realtor Magazine

• Cozy, small homes on a big lot 
• Earth tone colors
• Oversized Family Rooms
• Open Kitchens
• Exotic Hardwood Floors like bamboo and brazilian cherry
• Mudrooms with lots of cubbies/storage
• Stone for countertops... ie. Marble, limestone

May 2007 - Realtor Magazine

• Various materials, textures and colors (this would include metal, granite, stone, copper, different floorings) can make a huge impact.
• Healthier Homes - includes:  Sound proofing, Water Conservation, Wastewater Treatment, Roof Space, Native Plants, Graywater, Sun/Wind Power, Engineered Hardwood

August 2007 - GR Press

• Large Family Rooms, Smaller Living Rooms
• Home to be airy and bright
• Larger Open Kitchens with Islands and Recessed Lighting
• Fireplace
• 3 Stall Garage
• Universal Design - "A concept that makes homes accessible to all people regardless of age or disabilities" (GR Press, August 19, 2007).

Latest Recent Google Search - About.com

1. Earth-Friendly Design - Sensitivity to the environment and the reuse of materials

2. "Prefab" Construction - Far from the perceived notions of prefab and trailers, prefabricated materials come in all shapes and styles and have great new designs.  Anyone hear of SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels)? More to come on this later.

3. Adaptive Reuse - How can we reuse the buildings we already have?

4. Healthy Design - Increasing awareness is making healthy design a BIG deal.  People have realized that they are becoming sick from the synthetic and chemical materials that are present in our homes.

5. Storm-Resistance - Can anyone say Hurricane Katrina?

6. Flexible Floor Plans - This one seems to be a trend everywhere I read.  More people want the ability to use a great room and/or bonus room for multiple uses.  Hence pocket doors and movable partitions are becoming vital.

7. Accessibility - Universal Design: making the room accessible to all individuals including those with disabilities.  It includes wider hallways and doorways that is so beautifully blended in with the design that it doesn't look "handicap accessible."

8. Outdoor Rooms - Haven't heard of this one from other sources, but the article goes on to say that the yard/garden may become part of the floor plan on the patios and decks.  It's not that far-fetched and you definitely won't have to walk that far to get fresh tomatoes if your garden is right off the slider.

9. Abundant Storage - Storage, storage, storage everywhere is now a necessity.

10. Eastern Ideas - Feng Shui principles are probably the most influential in homes today.  The belief is that you will feel positive effects in your life.

There seems to be a common thread in most of these publications.  Just to summarize:

• People want large family rooms/great rooms

•·         People want large, open kitchens

•·         Various materials and textures is important

•·         Universal Design will be a term that becomes more important

•·         Healthier Homes, Environmental Concerns, Sustainability of the Home - "GREEN" concerns are affecting the way we build today!

References: Craven, Jackie. "Top 10 Trends in Home Design." About.com. http://architecture.about.com/od/buildyourhous1/tp/homedesigntrend.htm

March 2007.  "The only tool you need."  Realtor Magazine. http://www.REALTOR.org/realtormag

May 2007. Ballinger, Barbara.  "Trends in Home Building & Design." Realtor Magazine.   http://www.REALTOR.org/realtormag

August 19, 2007.  Grand Rapids Press.  "For homes in 2015, it's what's inside that will count."