Modeled after a Swiss army knife, this kitchen island has a retr…
Panelists also advocated spaces that can adapt as homeowners’ needs change. Swing rooms—a buzzword for spaces that do double duty such as a dining room that also functions as an office space—were seen as a solution. For a 600-square-foot condo, Hetherman described a Swiss army knife-style kitchen island with a retractable cutting board and table.
Other ideas from the session included:
—Think about offering fewer choices, says Hetherman. His research shows that home buyers are confused by an overabundance of product selections. Provide two or three design packages instead of unlimited choices.
—Integrated drain boards, which slant slightly into the sink, are an ingenious way to save space in the kitchen because they eliminate the need for a dish-drying rack.
—Grand Rapids, Mich., architect Wayne Visbeen is a big fan of booths and banquettes in or near the kitchen because his clients love them as a place to hang out and socialize.
—Don’t be afraid to mix architectural styles. Buyers are looking for a unique approach.
—Give buyers small spaces they can escape to such as window seat, a homework area on a stair landing, or man cave area styled differently than the rest of the house. “It’s like taking a vacation inside your house,” says Visbeen.
—Seamless shower entries look good and are wheelchair accessible, noted Sheree Schimmer, vice president of sales at Mary Cook Associates, a Chicago interior design firm.
—For insect-prone regions, retractable Phantom screens are a great way to extend outdoor living that many homeowners crave.
—Don’t neglect side elevations, Philadelphia architect James Wentling told the audience. Make them look as good as the front with wrapped porches, plentiful windows, and attractive landscaping.
