C O N S U M E R i Q : HOUSING

W H A T ’ S H O T I N H O M E A M E N I T I E S ?

The single, most-requested amenity is a walk-in closet in the master bedroom. 31% of buyers say they would happily sacrifice some other household feature for his-and-hers closets in the master bedroom. Second on a house-hunters’ wish list is a state-of-the-art laundry room. Buyers are looking for laundry rooms with skylights, built-in ironing boards, room for folding clothes, storage and upgraded appliances.

H O M E T R E N D S :

Trendwatch: return to the ‘burbs

© 2015 Sphere Trending, LLC

A poll released by the National Association of

Home Builders, shows that Americans in their 20s

and mid-30s actually would rather settle down in

the suburbs than in city centers. According to

the NAHB’s study, 66% of respondents who were

born in 1977 or later said they would prefer to buy

a home in an outlying suburb or close to a

suburb.

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DREES HOMES – NORTH CAROLINA

The August

Smart Lock is a

new lock and

access system

that allows

you to send a

virtual key to

anyone you

choose to

have access

to your

home.

Trendwatch: smart home disruption

THE FUTURES COMPANY

The home security vertical has been the first to be

significantly disrupted by smart home/consumer IoT.

Home security products, cameras, thermostats,

bulbs and locks have been the hot point products in

the last couple of years. Looking forward, some new

point product categories will become more popular

among consumers (doorbells, water-control and

monitoring devices, pet products, garage openers,

outdoor/irrigation). NEXTMARKET

Life in the suburbs is no longer drab, home

builders embrace unique architecture and color

stories to appeal to new, design savvy buyers. AUGUST

The Ring doorbell allows users to see

and speak with visitors using a

smartphone or tablet.

RING

SPHERE TRENDSPOTTING NAHB

contact us today! For more trends, inspiration and to learn about our services, VISIT US: www.spheretrending.com

A P R I L 2 0 1 5

© 2015 Sphere Trending, LLC

G E N N O W H O M E O W N E R S :

Trendwatch: comfort Trendwatch: satisfaction gap One in three U.S. households plans to move in the

next five years. Many are unsatisfied with certain

aspects of their living situations. The Demand

Institute has termed these gaps between what

Americans have and what they say they need or

want the “Satisfaction Gap.”

Slowing down seemed to be the magic word

describing home furnishings from our winter

tradeshows. The major trend towards "coziness"

should be seen as a reaction to globalization,

terrorism and the rampant loss of regional identity.

Customers seeking relaxation put a lot of emphasis

on appropriate details such as the shape and other

aesthetic properties of furniture.

In vogue this year are warm colors and cuddly

fabrics. Also trending are large, soft couches piled

with as many pillows as possible.

BRUHL ERIK JORGENSEN KFF

BRETZ

1

2

3

LOVE TO LIVE OUTDOORS: 73% of Gen Now report that outdoor space is important

for entertaining

ACTIVELY GROWING THEIR OWN FOOD: The number of Gen Now gardeners has

increased 63% over the last five years

EMBRACING COLOR: 64% of Gen Now report using a pop of color to enhance the

curb appeal of their homes BETTER HOMES & GARDENS / NATIONAL GARDENING ASSOCIATION

The largest disparity between consumers' haves and

wants lies with their home energy efficiency—or lack

thereof. While 71% of households think energy

efficiency is important, only 35% describe their

homes as energy efficient. DEMAND INSTITUTE

Meritage Homes offers the Echo Solar System as an upgrade on their new homes.

SPHERE TRENDSPOTTING

SPHERE TRENDSPOTTING

The Flex House development in Chicago offers homebuyers a private backyard, an amenity desirable for urban families.

C O N S U M E R i Q : HOUSING