My name is Lindsey, and I had the opportunity of attending the Salt Lake Parade of Homes, thanks to UtahDave.com! I wanted to share with you some of my favorite features that builders and designers are incorporating into new home construction and design. It's always fun to see all of the creativity and variety to get your own wheels turning about what you can do in your current home or how to plan for the next! These ideas are fantastic ways to open up a space, enhance efficiency and create a more cohesive home taken from this year's Parade Entry #7 by Hard Rock Homes. If you have a chance to attend the Parade, I personally encourage you to do so. For discount tickets, go to http://www.saltlakeparade.com/) or you can follow UtahDave.com on Facebook for a chance to win free tickets.
#1 - Big windows and high ceilings create more open spaces. I also love the wide set stairs opening to the basement which helped the two floors feel more cohesive. When constructing a new home, keep in mind the direction of your windows and what kind of view you'll be creating...that soaking tub you had in mind might not be quite as relaxing if the window overlooks the neighbor's yard! ;)
#2 - A laundry room in the master walk-in closet is a time saver! Most builders are realizing that a ground-floor laundry room is a big selling feature for home buyers. If you only have the master bedroom on the ground floor - why not just put a washer and dryer in the master closet? Features like this are great for buyers who are planning on staying in the home for the unforeseeable future as they won't have to worry about going up stairs to complete the daily required chores like laundry. Love!
#3 - Jack and Jill bathrooms are such a great feature to give two bedrooms direct access to a bathroom while still maintaining privacy. This home separated the shower and toilet from the sinks/mirrors which is great to allow multiple children to get ready for school at the same time. Growing up as 1 of 6 daughters, I can vouch that this would have been a time AND argument saver!
#4 - The window seat in the kitchen adds a whimsical touch while also functioning as extra seating. I love window seats! What a great way to add a purpose to an unused area, especially in the kitchen/great room where extra seating will always come in handy. #5 - Maintaining a similar color base paint throughout the house creates continuity. All of the different bedrooms had a unique theme but the home still flowed from room to room with the use of consistent flooring and paint. This home used a soft green which warmed up the space without being too overwhelming.
#6 - Finally builders are starting to add benches and storage shelves to the bathrooms! Let me tell you, if I have the option to sit whilst shaving as opposed to hopping around on one foot like a spastic flamingo...I'll take the bench ina heartbeat! Functionality is key. In this home, there was a corner bench in the master shower with a little space around the soaking tub for your necessities and in one of the bathrooms upstairs, they had built up the area behind the tub to function as a tall shelf for all your products - so great!
These are just a few of my favorite features from this home but there were plenty more I could have mentioned. Check out the Parade for more great features!
Guest Blogger for Utahdave.com,
Lindsey Bean
Utah Dave - Daybreak Neighboorhood Expert and Local Resident