The Pacific Northwest homebuilding market is a unique and dynamic one, with a relaxed, welcoming style that feels like it suits our one-of-a-kind region. We enjoy some of the most beautiful areas of the U.S., as well as a diverse (and always-changing) climate, and many of our homes are built to mirror that. It’s no wonder that our homebuilding trends sometimes stray a bit from the rest of the nation.
For homeowners who are considering upgrading to their next home in the foreseeable future, there are always interesting trends on the horizon. If you’re thinking about building your first custom home, this is an ideal opportunity to incorporate some of the newest technologies, floor plan ideas, and design trends into your new property.
Let’s take a look at what’s new this month in Pacific Northwest homebuilding:
A passion for the practical. Over the summer, widespread wildfires disrupted the typical rate of lumber production which, for homebuilding companies and consumers alike, can mean paying a bit more. Fortunately, Pacific Northwest homeowners are simultaneously embracing practical home designs and décor.
For example, a growing number of people building custom homes are choosing floor plans that can accommodate multiple generations. This follows the nationwide trend of millennials, Gen Xers, and baby boomers who are opting to live together. In fact, one in five Americans now lives in a multigenerational home, which provides a variety of potential benefits, such as lower living expenses and reduced childcare costs.
When it comes to décor, homeowners are gravitating toward classic styles with a warm and welcoming feeling. We’re seeing a lot of furniture with classic details, such as nail-head trim and natural materials. Bright, cheery colors are also a growing trend, as many homeowners give older furniture new life with a fresh coat of paint or a new finish. And in the DIY spirit, some are also putting up shiplap in their living rooms to add to the cozy, inviting vibe.
For many custom home buyers, all that practicality in home design and décor leaves some wiggle room in the budget for a gourmet kitchen and upgraded appliances. Some of the top trends are large kitchen islands, double ovens, farm sinks, and stainless steel appliances. These features are especially nice to have in multigenerational homes, when large families are often prepping and eating meals together.
A love of open floor plans. They say the summer and early fall is renovation season, because homeowners enjoy warmer, drier weather that’s perfect for getting projects done. For many with older homes, that means tearing down walls to create that much-loved open floor plan look. Luckily for shoppers who are considering building a custom home, an open floor plan is much easier to achieve—no sledgehammer required.
A renewed appreciation for central air conditioning. Just a few years ago, the majority of homes along the Northwest coast, west of the mountains, didn’t have central AC. But the last few months have been a sweltering reminder of why that’s changing over the years. With many areas experiencing highs above 100 in August, it’s no surprise that new homeowners—especially people building custom homes—are making AC a top priority. For example, today 70 percent of the Portland area’s occupied homes and apartments have AC—up from only 44 percent in 2002.
If you’re considering building a custom home, it can be extremely helpful to pay attention to homebuilding trends like these. Not only will your family have a chance to enjoy the latest and greatest in home design and décor, you’ll also ensure that your new home remains attractive to potential buyers in the future.
For even more inspiration, check out our photo gallery of previously completed custom homes in the Pacific Northwest.
