No matter what television show you see about potential homebuyers, they all seem to cherish those homes that have smart technology with open floor layouts (and a big kitchen that flows into the living room or den), versatile utility rooms, screened-in porches that keep a moderate temperature year-round, and elegant master baths.

If the home we find doesn’t have all the features we want, we can always remodel it and add them later since most homes don’t have many of those features included anyway.  But what about those of us who are willing to build a new home that has all the features we’ve always wanted?  

 

If you’re ready to create the home of your dreams, then there’s no doubt that there are some features you can’t do without. But you’re probably thinking about a few features that you’d like to have that make owning your own home worthwhile. If so, then you may find this list of trending home amenities to be a goldmine of innovative ideas.

1.  Getting a Smart Start: Smart Home Technology

It’s no surprise that smartphone technology would eventually become a part of our homes. Current trends in smart technology now include smart home devices that help make life at home less stressful and more comforting.

Smart Appliances and Smart Apps

Having, smart coffee makers, stoves, and refrigerators are both exciting and time-saving. You can use smart apps from Google or other popular smart apps such as Alexa and Siri to program your kitchen appliances to turn on or off while you are out shopping, working, or working out.  Imagine having freshly brewed coffee waiting for you when you get back from your morning run! You can also set the mood by turning on your favorite love song without having to leave the bed.

Smart Thermostats

Smart apps can also be used to control your cooling and heating system. You can turn up the temperature of your heater or turn on your air conditioning while at work so the temperature in the house will be comfortable when you arrive home.

Smart Security 

Smart technology did not overlook home security systems, either. Forgot to turn off the oven before heading to the shopping mall? Not only can you use a smartphone app to turn off your oven while out shopping, but you can also lock any doors you left unlocked (or set your security alarm). Your smart apps will allow you to have peace of mind about activities that may be taking place in your home while you’re away.

2. Twin Kitchen Islands/Workstations 

Nothing says home like a nice kitchen. It’s both a cooking haven and a network center for the family. If your family often entertains a lot, then you could benefit from having a second kitchen workstation to increase work productivity. Having twin workstations gives you twice the space and resources to prepare food, cook food, and recycle waste.

 

3.  Mud Room with a Pet Washing Station 

Your fur baby no longer has to bathe in your tub or your backyard if you install a pet washing station in your home. This amenity can be installed in your garage or your utility room.

4.  Jetted Laundry Sink

Another cool feature you can install in your utility room is a jetted laundry sink. This feature is perfect for those clothes that have to be hand washed, and it’s also a practical tool to have nearby the washer when you have heavily soiled clothes that may need to be presoaked. It’s like having a jacuzzi for your delicate clothes and a pressure washer for your heavily soiled clothes.

5.  Garage/Grocery Pantry Doors 

Most people go to the kitchen after they buy groceries to unpack them and put them into the pantry. However, if your pantry and garage are next to each other, then you can install a pantry door in your garage to make it easier to unpack your groceries. This practical addition to your garage takes up very little space and is only the size of half a regular door.  It is a very useful addition to your kitchen because it will help alleviate the burden of transporting heavy groceries from the car to the kitchen. Just imagine no more hauling heavy cases of water from the garage to the kitchen! 

6.  Gazing in the Skylights

Imagine counting the stars to help fall asleep while you’re lying in bed wrapped in your favorite blanket on a winter’s night. With skylights installed in your bedroom, you can search the stars while gazing at the moonlight in the comfort of the inside of your home. Skylights can also be installed in the kitchen, bathroom, and other rooms of the house to save on energy costs and create an ambiance in your home.

7.  Outdoor Outlets 

The extension cord nightmare homeowners have when decorating the outside of their home and yard for Christmas is enough to give anyone the “bah-humbug” for the holidays. Fortunately, homes built today can include outdoor outlets that can either be connected to indoor switches or incorporated into a smart home automation system that will allow you to control your Christmas lights from your smartphone. The days of the extension cord nightmare are now a relic from the days of Christmas past.

8. Under-Cabinet Outlets

If you have a smart home automation system, installing outlets under the cabinets is a great way to free up space on your countertops. Make your kitchen come alive with creative backsplash designs. Also, enjoy savings on your energy bill thanks to using smart home technology.   

9. Energy-Efficient Design 

Energy efficiency is one of the most practical trends in real estate today. It is a cost-effective way to make your home eco-friendly. An energy-efficient design for your home will include cool features such as high-quality insulation, energy-efficient windows, LED lighting (explained more below), and Energy Star appliances with a high rating. Solar panel technology will keep your electric bill at bay since your home will run on a solar electric system.

10.  Statement / Accent Walls 

One of the most exciting luxuries you can have in your custom-built home is a statement/accent wall. You can have them placed on walls in the kitchen, bathroom, entryways, or even behind the master bed’s headboard. You can have your accents directly painted on the wall, or you can use geometric tiles or wallpaper. Whatever you desire, make sure your statement wall speaks volumes of happiness for you.