Money magazine called these “The 5 Dumbest Renovation Fads”.
1. The Not-So-Great Great Room. These behemoth rooms with windows rising to cathedral heights often combined kitchen, living, dining and family rooms. These energy inefficient echo chambers often combine different activities, and people, in one big mess. The overabundance of windows boils you in summer and freezes you in winter. With energy costs ever rising (like those odd shaped windows), this great room is a guzzler. It also can give that hotel lobby or lodge feel, unless that’s what you’re going for. Great rooms can be great if you have a great view and can afford the utility bills. You can break up the space with screens, distinct furniture groupings, French doors or other designer tricks.
2. The Kitchen on Steroids. Like the great room, this kitchen lives by the credo “bigger is better” . This often results in mile long counter tops, industrial strength commercial appliances and refrigerators Tony Soprano could hide his latest whacked foot soldiers. The problem with these caverns is spacial inefficiency. If you do a lot of entertaining and hire caterers, these kitchens are great to keep staff from bumping into each other.
3. Gargantuan Garages. These gigantors built to house your 3 cars required structures that competed, and often overpowered, the main house. This was not appealing from the curb. The trend is to build a two car garage and a separate structure for a third car or other use (shed, studio, office, living space) or to offset the monster so that it is somewhat hidden from the main house.
4. The Porch Off the Living Room. Porches are great but they have to be properly placed. Porches placed off the living room have several disadvantages. One is less light into the living room. The second is less air flow. Another disadvantage is the view— you’re left to peer out of the dark cave living room to the porch furniture. You also lose wall space to the porch entryways. The living room becomes a passageway rather than a destination. Since living and dining rooms often have the best views (or should have), don’t spoil them with a porch. Try putting the porch on the side of the house, the experts say.
5. Showroom Lighting. Recess lighting, like track lighting, if used to excess, creates a showroom effect. Rooms are three dimensional and not all light should come from overhead. Better to mix it up– lamps, sconces, spot— ambient, accent and task. And use dimmers to create different moods. You may spend a lot of time in convention centers but who wants to live in one?
So there you have it. What do you think is out? What’s in?
Technorati Tags: homebuyers, home improvements, house renovation
We don’t see much of any of these 5 things in San Mateo County. Our homes are generally older, thus no great rooms. Kitchens are generally normal sized but professional appliances do strike a bell with the buyer when it’s the stove. As for porches? We don’t have them, because we can live outside without getting bitten by mosquitoes in the summer. Aren’t we lucky! I have seen homes like that in other areas and agree that high ceiling great rooms make little sense economically to heat or live in. I’ve had clients want them, but since we can’t find them, they accept what we have to offer here.
I do think people are finally realizing that huge houses cost money to furnish, heat/cool, and take care of. Perhaps smaller is better? Now to get the furniture companies to build furniture to fill small spaces. That’s the challenge.
Given the current state of affairs– housing market, economy and rising fuel costs– conversations will focus more and more on energy efficient home improvements. The need for green housing will likely make this a growing niche for professionals.
After decades of “living large” I hope the trend will turn towards
living more wisely. A well planned space can be stylish as well highly more functional than a 2 story cavern of never ending glass. I would venture to say “in” will be spaces that help us live better, more responsibly while still expressing great taste and style.
I am completely, totally, never-let-me-see-this-again, OVER granite countertops. I know I’m in the minority, but I just can’t stand the sight of them anymore. It makes the homeowners look like they are trying just too hard. They lack style and imagination. There, I’ve said it. I feel better.
What new things are you seeing that are interesting?
Hello,
Great post……thank you for posting this, and in such great detail. I know you answered a lot of questions that many people are uncomfortable asking!
Some definite things on the “in” list:
Tankless hot water heater (wxample: Rinai)
Low voltage pendant lighting
Low VOC paint products
Efficient installation of trim and millwork to prevent waste and trash to the land fill.
Cement board siding, wood floors from sustainable sources.
Landscaping and rainwater capture systems and recycled clean waste water for use in irrigation. To name a few.