New Home Design Trends - Simplicity and Accessibility
The American Institute of Architects continues to survey changes in residential design. Here's some of the big changes they saw in third quarter 2009. See how these 2009 trends compare to 2012 new home design.
New Homes that Fit the Budget and the Lifestyle
As part of a general trend towards more affordable homes that fit well in the budget, the AIA saw more requests for simpler home exteriors, AND green features.
Front Porches
The number of front or side porches requested increased by 53%. Front porches have been one of our top requested items over the past year as well.
There's a focus on simpler living, with a bigger emphasis on time spent at home and building relationships with friends, family, and neighbors.

One Story Homes
Even though one story homes are a little more expensive to build (more roof and foundation, among other factors), one story homes continue to grow in demand.
The AIA saw a 24% increase in number of one story homes requested.
Our clients often like to see a second story bonus room or bedroom for extra space for guests. One story homes are more accessible and easier on aging knees.
Simpler Detailing on Exterior
There was a 15% increase in requests for simpler detailing. This can be a fairly easy way to cut some cost from the building process, while maintaining square footage (and adding that front porch!)
Contemporary Home Styles
Contemporary home styles are making a come back (think the 70s).
Clean, crisp lines, lots of angular windows, and an austere appearance is becoming more appealing. We've done more design work lately for contemporary styles - it's harder to find floor plans with just the right look, but the number of "ready to build" floor plans has started to increase.

Designing Your New Lifestyle
Above all, it's your new home. The place where you'll come home every night, invite your friends, play, do homework, and LIVE.
Gather ideas, then talk to your builder about how to best fit those ideas inside your budget. Want to get started?
More new home design ideas and trends:
2012 New Home Design Trends - New Home Exterior Trends
Design Trends 2012 - What Rooms are Least Important to Homebuyers?
Finding Your New Home in the Raleigh Area
Stanton Homes makes it easy! We'll guide you through the entire process - select from thousands of different floor plans, and hundreds of different locations, with a focus on new custom homes in the upper $100s to the $500s. Custom design build options available too!
Call 919-278-8070 or visit www.StantonHomes.com to find out more about new homes in the Raleigh area today.
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Penny, I always love stopping in to read your posts. There's always new goodies... Your posts are certainly eye candy for us who love design and looking at pretty homes!
Porches and simplicty are the trends! That's neat! Your posts have caught my eye as informative and fun even thought I am from a different area of the country with a different batch of Builders and Inventory Styles.
Pam - there's so much to stay on top of with design trends, but we love it!
Cheryl - those local and regional differences make it so much fun to check out different styles. Thanks very much!
Hello,
I enjoyed your post! Contemporary or One Story style homes are becoming popular in our area. Thank you for sharing the information on home design trends.
Chris
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Penny, You make come interesting points. I can't help but think some of the changes in taste are motivated by homeowners considering aging-in-place issues as well as a desire to return to homes reflecting traditional values.
Steve
Chris - sounds like it's a truly national trend.
Steve - Aging in Place is definitely on the mind. Homeowners want a home that they can stay in, even if they aren't quite as mobile as they used to be.
Changes in style may have come about because of the market or because Buyers see that they can have it their way. More buyers are wanting a first floor master bedroom or one level home. Interesting. Margaret C.
Definitely seeing an increased demand for one story and main floor master floor plans here!