After spending more time at home—and in some cases for weeks at a stretch—homeowners have realized what home design features they really need. A home is now not only the place where we live, but the place we work, learn, relax, and even camp in. These abrupt changes require a rethinking of what’s important in a home. The latest in new home features reflects this mentality. From kitchen updates to multifunction spaces, homebuyers are taking home design much more seriously than before and making the house not only comfortable but functional and livable for every day.
Laundry Rooms
Everyone does laundry, even on Maui. After families found themselves with more at-home time, the laundry didn’t end. For those in smaller spaces with the washer and dryer in the kitchen or other common room, laundry became something in the way, all day.
According to Kiplinger, 87% of home buyers want a dedicated laundry room. Homes with a built-in laundry room with a door are one of the most desirable must-haves of the post-pandemic homebuyer’s market. Like cooking, laundry is something you can’t ignore. But you can shut the door and keep it contained out of sight when you’re busy elsewhere until you have time to take care of everything.
Exterior Lighting
Right behind a dedicated laundry room is exterior lighting. Because people began using their exterior living spaces more during the pandemic, lighting up the outside is the second most desirable feature after the laundry room.
Exterior lighting also gives a home an attractive appearance while enhancing security. Motion-sensor lights turn on when they detect movement. Walkway lights, spotlights, and pendant lights are additional options.
Functional Exterior Living Spaces
Maui’s weather is just made for patios, porches, pergolas, gazebos, and other hardscape features that let you enjoy the fantastic year-round climate. It also allows you to increase your home’s living space without the expense of a significant building project for your home.
Many people who watch TV shows that deal with DIY and home improvement expect a property to have things like an outdoor kitchen, built-in grill, fire pit/fireplace, and other accouterments. Buyers also like to see exterior spaces where they can relax with their families or entertain guests. Patios and developed outdoor living spaces are some of the most desirable features in a home, allowing residents to relax and connect with nature.
Multi-Function Spaces
Previously, many new homes included a formal dining room used only on special occasions. Going forward, new homes include a multi-functional space that’s used for a home office with privacy, schoolwork, crafting, exercise, and other activities. While adding a home theater, game room, or other entertainment space may be something you’re considering, like the dining room, it may become wasted space when not used. A multi-function space can be a home theater some of the time, and a home office or exercise studio the rest of the time.
The Kitchen
The so-called “heart of the home” became the major hub for everyone and more than just cooking. Floor plans that not only have more space but allow for a kitchen island that doubles as a dining area have become very popular. Whether they’re built-in or freestanding, a center island with bar stools can be a welcome addition to the center of a kitchen for a range of activities.
Additional accessories like deep double sinks, higher-end appliances, and other kitchen improvements have also become popular. Other features like a built-in breakfast bar, walk-in pantry, appliances that are kept out of sight, and lighting under cabinets also feature that enhance the kitchen.
Let Pro Draft Design Your Next Building Project
Pro Draft has been helping bring ideas to life in Maui for 30 years. We’re ready to help with drawings, interior design, “green design” with LEED certification, project management, and permit expedition.
We can help with architecture, drawings, blueprints, permits, and answer all of your questions before the first day of construction. We’re happy to help, and will work to ensure your project is exactly the way you envision. Call Pro Draft today at (808) 579-9050 or 1-800-499-4699 from the Mainland.