Wishes for the Home: Past, Present, Future

By Michael Edlen | Special to the Palisadian-Post

Some priorities regarding housing preferences are timeless. A safe neighborhood, good schools, proximity to shops and so on are consistent desires in many areas and likely will continue to be high on wish lists for many years to come.

Ten to 20 years ago people wanted walk-in closets, granite kitchens with a center island, indoor laundry rooms and spa-type tubs in the master baths. They often preferred to do or coordinate most of the work in updating the home to their taste. Desk areas in kitchens, energy-efficient windows and environmental standards became focal points in newer construction.

Today’s buyers tend to prefer either a new home or one that has already been updated. They generally like the “great room” style, with kitchen, dining area and family room all open to each other. If their budget will enable it, other lifestyle spaces might include a home office, gym, family technology-work area and even a home theater, especially if there is a third level below the rest of the house.

Today’s buyer generally prefers an upstairs laundry room, walk-in kitchen pantry, large shower in the master bath instead of a spa tub, and a “mudroom” with storage bins for shoes, backpacks and other odds and ends. Stainless steel appliances, commercial-grade ranges and a second sink for food preparations are often preferred. Outdoor full kitchens and rooftop decks have become popular too.

Many homes today include so-called “smart” systems with controls done by wireless portable technology. Some examples include temperature control, security systems, door locks and mobile-accessed camera systems. Electric car chargers are becoming more in demand.

What can we anticipate the buyer of 2025 will be seeking? Probably many of the features sought today, and refinements that technology will enable. There will likely be an increasing demand for both one-level homes easier for seniors to live in, as well as even larger two- to three-level multi-generational homes with the older generation having semi-separate quarters. It is likely that there will be an increased demand for different architectural styles and ease of accessibility. Many will be designed with a barrier-free living for an ageing population.

Future buyers will expect more wireless access and systems, more solar and energy-efficient appliances and climate controls. There may be well-developed “virtual homes” with remote controls to change interior décor and visual backdrops.

Robot maids may become a part of a home’s electronics, and a smart kitchen may be able to keep track of such things as ingredients for favorite recipes and create a shopping list for items needed to add to pantry inventory. Fully automated and energy-efficient systems will adjust things like lighting and heat in accord with the owner’s customized settings.

Nanotechnology and artificial intelligence may be integral to the design of state-of-the-art homes before 2025. Perhaps whole-house generators will become more cost-effective, and more owners will have air conditioning as the climate gradually becomes warmer.

By 2025 there also may be a strong wish for greater digital privacy and serenity. For example, today the TVs have gradually become an information source for various designers and manufacturers. In 10 years, there may be a growing desire to prevent the TV from “looking at you” and relaying information to people who can target market based on the knowledge obtained.

Our team is glad to serve as a sounding board for architects and designers wherever it can be helpful. Our perspective includes both what is highly in demand now as well as what future features are likely to be of value to the buyer of tomorrow.

Michael Edlen has been a leading agent in Pacific Palisades for 20+ years. He provides counseling services to local owners and investors regarding which design elements and features may be most profitable to include in projects. Michael can be reached at 310-230-7373 or michael@michaeledlen.com.