Homebuilders are adapting to material shortages and rising costs by embracing new trends such as prefinished engineered floors, which are cost-effective and structurally sound, and mixed-use spaces to address the shortage of affordable housing. Other emerging trends include dopamine decor for mental well-being, all-electric homes for environmental and cost benefits, and a growing preference for single-story homes due to their accessibility and aesthetic appeal.
According to U.S. News, homebuilders have faced their share of challenges in recent years. Material shortages and increased costs have forced builders to be more mindful of their clients’ needs to maximize resources and allocate funds where they’ll have the most impact. Here are some newer trends that are emerging in the world of home construction.
1. Prefinished Engineered Floors
Flooring has long been an important element of home design. Maria Rozenfeld, product specialist at Havwoods in New York, says that hardwood flooring is no longer the go-to option for those seeking a higher-end interior.
“In 2024, we’re most excited about prefinished engineered floors,” she says. “They are more structurally sound, which means their construction allows the boards to be wider and longer compared to solid wood flooring. This allows our customers to create more cohesive, beautiful spaces.”
Rozenfeld also notes that engineered floors tend to cost less, which is a big consideration for builders today.
“By eliminating the need for on-site sanding and finishing, you not only save on materials, but also significantly lower labor expenses,” she says.
2. Mixed-Use Spaces
The events of 2020 had a negative impact on commercial retail spaces, as many businesses shuttered permanently in the course of the pandemic. That only piled on to the existing plight of malls and shopping centers, which have long struggled to maintain tenants.
It’s also become increasingly difficult for people to secure affordable housing. These factors have led to an uptick in mixed-use spaces, says Kurt Volkman, associate principal at HED, a national architecture, engineering and planning firm.
3. Dopamine Decor
There’s an increased need for homes to serve as a haven for mental health, says Ashley Banbury, color marketing manager and a certified designer at Sherwin Williams brands Krylon and Dutch Boy Paints. To this end, she’s seen a push in “dopamine decor.”
“Dopamine decor, named after the feel-good neurotransmitter, is a trend that aims to evoke a sense of happiness, warmth and nostalgia through vibrant colors, layered textures and playful patterns that reflect the homeowner’s personality and style,” she explains.
Whether it’s bold colors, unique patterns or inviting textures, the goal is to make it so people’s homes can function as mood-enhancers. Banbury has also seen bold colors popping up in more outdoor spaces as well indoor.
4. All-Electric Homes
It’s not just electric vehicles that are all the rage these days. There’s been a push toward homes that use electricity as their sole energy source, says Stephen Pallrand, owner/founder at architecture and interior design company CarbonShack in Los Angeles.
“All-electric homes are on the rise, particularly considering the targeted benefits that the Inflation Reduction Act gives to homeowners for solar,” he says. “Removing fossil fuels from the home is not only good for the environment but good for our lungs.”
There’s a big cost savings as well. “Once you are fully electric with battery storage,” says Pallrand, “you can run your entire household and charge your EVs for almost free.”
5. Single-Story Homes
Single-story living is ideal for people with mobility challenges. But it’s not just older homebuyers who are favoring single-story homes, says Jill DiDonna, chief marketing officer at GL Homes in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
“There’s a lot of reasons to like first-floor living,” she says. In her experience, Gen X homebuyers are increasingly moving toward single-story homes because they’re thinking ahead. These homes are conducive to aging in place.
DiDonna also says single-story homes offer certain aesthetic benefits, like tall ceilings and a sense of spaciousness. As a plus, they tend to be less expensive.
Pallrand is seeing a shift toward single-story living as well. “As building and remodeling costs increase, we are doing less two-story additions and more single-story,” he says.
