It is no secret that in today’s sophisticated world, people have more belongings.
With innovations continually appearing on store shelves, a wealth of gadgets to make our lives more convenient and the explosion of technology, homebuyers are increasingly interested in the amount of storage in new construction homes.
Walk-in closets and pantries, mud rooms and basements have become increasingly popular, especially with larger families and pet owners. Chicagoland homebuilders are responding with innovative solutions to fill storage needs.
“Families today can never have too much storage,” says Jeremy Lund, sales manager for Shodeen Homes. “Evidence of this can be seen in features like pantries, especially large walk-in types that reflect the popularity of shopping at big box stores where products are sold in bulk.
“Kitchen islands are in demand for a variety of reasons, and their potential for additional storage space makes them even more desirable. We’re also finding that buyers are seeking larger garages for storage as well as parking cars,” he says.
The space with the most potential for both additional living space and storage is the basement.
“Everyone wants a big basement that can include a large entertainment area plus storage space where residents can craft whatever types of storage they may need. Pet owners can also equip an area with a bathtub, grooming table and space for other pet needs.
“On the upstairs bedroom level, walk-in closets are a must in master bedrooms and are also popular in secondary bedrooms,” he says. “Double-deep closets are an alternative to a walk-in closet that can add storage in secondary bedrooms.”
“The more storage the better” is a theme that is emphasized by Danielle Slutzky, Design Consultant for Toll Brothers.
“Many buyers today want a place for everything to ensure a harmonious look in open concept areas and other rooms as well,” Slutzky says. “Custom built-in closet shelving, mud rooms with cubbies and hooks, kitchens with islands that include cabinets with convenient roll-out shelves as well as cabinet-type pantries or walk-in pantries help to keep heavily-used spaces well-organized. Butler’s pantries are very popular in our larger homes, especially with those buyers who entertain frequently. A variation that is increasing in popularity is the breakfast buffet, a built-in cabinet with a countertop that adds more serving and storage space.
“Another place where clutter can accumulate is the tech center, where storage cabinets can provide space for school supplies, book bags and other items that can be tucked away when not in use. Finished basements with built-ins are popular, and storage rooms with wire shelving can hold a variety of larger items, craft supplies, sports equipment and more,” she says. “Another interesting trend is an attractive cabinet on top of the vanity countertop to add storage in this high-use room.”
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Because Toll Brothers offers extensive customization, built-in bookcases and other space organizers can be a decorative solution for plentiful storage and displays.
Today’s kitchens have the potential to gather the most clutter in the living area of the home, with large and small appliances, dishes, glasses and cookbooks.
“Our buyers appreciate walk-in pantries and islands with open shelving at one end for cookbooks,” says Christine Smith, sales manager at Ashcroft Place and The Townes of Ashcroft Walk in Oswego. “Cabinets with countertop space in laundry rooms and benches with cubbies in mud rooms work well for storage as the family transitions from the garage to the living area. Also in demand are extra-large 2.5 or three-car garages and full basements. Full basements are included in both of our single-family homes and townhomes. Rooms used for home offices and studies provide ample opportunities for storage, with built-ins or other types of cabinets.”
For more information about these builders and their new home communities, visit tollbrothers.com, westpointbuilders.com and shodeenhomes.com.