Whether entertaining is focused on championship games, giving thanks or an ambitious holiday social schedule, today’s new homes are more fun-friendly than ever before.
Thoughtfully created floor plans are bright, cheerful and practical for everyday family living as well as large parties. State-of-the-art conveniences in the kitchen ensure that all the party-goers, including the host and hostess, have a great time.
The open floor plans that are so popular today lend themselves to both family togetherness and large holiday occasions.
“Open floor plans that group the kitchen, dining room and great room into one large space make it easy for guests to circulate and share in the festivities,” says Anna Harmon, director of Marketing and Public Relations for Shodeen Homes. “People can cluster in small groups or move around freely to greet other guests, and the large island/breakfast bars that define the kitchens in these floor plans are natural magnets for guests as they sample the snacks and visit with the cook.
“Our buyers appreciate the 9- to 11-foot ceilings in these open living areas. Higher ceilings allow for larger windows and add to the charm of these open living areas,” she says.
The luxurious finishes that are used in kitchens today have elevated this room from a utilitarian food preparation area to a striking gathering room that contributes to the ambiance of the home, according to Jim Esperson, Division president for David Weekley Homes.
“We’ve come full circle from the kitchens of years ago that were considered the heart of the home to today, when kitchens are again the hub of the living and entertaining environment,” he says. “Today’s kitchen is a much more elegant space, with high ceilings, hardwood floors, walk-in pantries, 42-inch cabinets with crown molding and a variety of stainless-steel appliances. Large food preparation islands with breakfast bars can seat several people and the great room fireplace, laid with a crackling fire, provides a comfortable space that both family and friends can enjoy,” he says.
“Many kitchens in our homes have butler’s pantries that include a built-in sink and bar as well as additional cabinets that are ideal for seasonal glassware, dishes and serving pieces.
Many Millennial buyers prefer one large dining area that is used for the occasional formal meal as well as family meals and entertaining. David Weekley Homes does include separate formal dining rooms in homes that are 3,500 square feet or larger.
“Lifestyles are more casual these days and our buyers prefer one dining area that is part of the open living area with its natural light and informal, comfortable ambiance,” Esperson says. “In addition, buyers prefer hardwood and other hard surface floors that are easier to maintain.”
The basement is another popular feature in today’s homes that expands the possibilities for daily living and entertaining.
“We recently offered a finished basement as a promotion and it was very well received by homebuyers,” Harmon says. “A finished basement provides extra living space both for family use and entertaining. Many people have the lower level space equipped as a large recreation room and/or media room. These lower level spaces are a natural retreat for lively children who have more space and freedom for playing games while expressing themselves at a higher decibel level without disturbing the adults upstairs. Having a basement also ensures plenty of storage space for party supplies as well as indoor and outdoor decorations and some buyers even set aside space for a gift-wrapping room.”
Popular open living spaces come with their challenges, and builders are providing ways to minimize unwanted noise.
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“Sound echoes against hard surfaces, so we are using cabinets with soft close doors and drawers, quieter dishwashers and other appliances while upgrading sound-proofing and insulation in our homes,” Harmon says. “Attention to these details helps to ensure a truly livable home.”
When buyers are planning their new construction homes, Esperson advises them to consider two items that are practical and can help if seasonal decorating is done.
“Buyers should request that all exterior outlets be on one switch for greater convenience turning outdoor lighting on and off,” he says. “Another suggestion is to have a hose bib that can provide hot water as well as cold. Warm water to clean off Rover’s paws after a run in the yard can help protect party-ready floors.”
Shodeen Homes is developing new home communities in Geneva and the Fox River Valley. David Weekley Homes has new home communities in several communities throughout Chicagoland including Barrington and Buffalo Grove. For more information, contact ShodeenHomes.com and DavidWeekleyHomes.com. Like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.