Parade of Homes

Smart storage space is a priority in new homes. Pantries have become standard in kitchens. Walk-in closets in master bed- rooms have more built-in systems and roomy broom closets are a plus in laundry rooms, which are often on the main floor or second floor for added convenience. There's a lot of thought going into large laundry/mudroom combinations, es- pecially coming in off the garage. Some families are adding individual lockers for their childrens' belongings, along with side-by-side appliances and extra coun- ter space that includes a place to set down groceries. "i hear this over and over: 'i don't want to have to walk all the way across the house to my kitchen.' We're also doing a lot of stairs from the garage directly into the basement for those teenagers that have the big sports bags," Thorsteinson says. homeowners are also using the latest smart technology to help save steps. "What i've seen that's new and continu- ing in 2014 is the Smart homes with the stereo systems, the lights — everything — all operating off of the iPad," Thorstein- son says. "When it was first introduced, it was very expensive, but the more popular it is the more the price comes down. These days you can program your life, your home, everything. it's amazing. and it talks to you. i go into our show home and it tells me the front door is open! it is very cool." Bathrooms, particularly master bed- room en suites, are incorporating heated tile floors that can be turned on and off as needed. and mirror TVs — attractively framed sets that are indistinguishable from mirrors until they're turned on — are showing up in bathrooms as well as living rooms. Lynne Fenwick, of Fenwick & co. inte- rior Design, says TVs are even being integrated into medicine cabinets. and homeowners are adding more drama in the bathroom with black faucets, tubs and tile. Black-and-white combinations are hot this year, and there's a trend toward matte tile in pale, neutral shades. "We're still seeing the white bath- rooms, but with a little more charac- ter," Fenwick says. "So you're seeing neutral matte tiles with the floor tiles going up the wall that makes the room look larger." curbless showers are becoming more common — their seamless look is at- tractive and they're practical for peo- ple who plan to live in their home well into their retirement years. Thorsteinson says floating vanities, wall-mounted taps and toilets and free-standing bathtubs are popular, as are tiled showers, especially with glass tiles. and Fenwick adds that we're going to see more floating storage in bathrooms, with sinks pulled out about six inches from the wall to cre- ate a ledge for toiletries. in other rooms, people are leaning to- ward opening up their spaces so activ- ities can flow from one area to another Thorsteinson says younger homeown- ers are eliminating the formal dining room and opting for larger nook ex- tensions. instead of separate dining, living and family rooms, spaces are being combined into a larger, more relaxed great room. Fenwick says homeowners are more relaxed about decorating, too. "The biggest thing for 2014 is people want their homes to be comfortable, especially when they're with family and friends entertaining." 'What I've seen that's new and continuing in 2014 is the Smart Homes with the stereo systems, the lights — everything — all operating off of the iPad' Cont'd on page 8 Parade of Homes Spring 2014 7

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