As the current recession turns in to years, the homes we live in are changing and the effects of this could very well influence home building for decades to come. The Wall Street Journal recently covered some trends they’re seeing, as well as things that are fading by the wayside.

• The end of the closed-off, one-purpose living room is coming to an end. What people want now is a large living space, with living, kitchen and dining rooms spilling in to each other.
• Older homes used to have a grand staircase in the front of the home, with a much simpler, utilitarian one in the back. But with the coming “silver tsunami” that secondstaircase is making way for an elevator. When people are too ill or infirm to take the stairs, it doesn’t matter that there are two sets.
• Instead of an office or library, a new trend is for a multipurpose room that can be used for working, doing homework, reading, paying bills, etc.
• A Jacuzzi in the bathroom can be wonderful, but how often is it really used? Most people use a shower for their cleaning purposes, so there are going to be more enhancements to that, such as steam.
• As the Wall Street Journal notes, “As the kitchen has opened up into the dining room, there’s less need for a separate, small table for breakfast.” What to do with that extra space? The sky is the limit but builders are seeing a desire for more outdoor space.

Now here’s a project to get you excited about the future of home building.

Students at the University of Tennessee have paired with manufacturer Clayton Homes to build the New Norris House, a real-life testing ground for the next generation of builders. According to Builder.com:

…The project acts as a living lab for energy-efficient and green concepts and systems, employing everything from a super insulated shell to a multi-split heating and cooling system to see what it takes to build — as well as live in — a super-efficient home.

The building team has pulled out all the stops in creating the most energy efficient home possible. It’s not the cheapest prototype, but the New Norris House is all about experimentation and thinking big.

Beginning with a modular shell from Clayton Homes, which worked closely with the students to develop the design, the home is as highly insulated as you might expect such a project to be. Using 2×6 advanced framing, the team reduced lumber use by 17 percent to reduce thermal breaks and replaced the wood with a 17 percent increase in insulation. An active rainwater system is used to operate the toilets, washing machine, and an external hose. The home’s water is heated by a solar system, that is backed up by electricity. And the home is heated and cooled by a Mitsubishi multi-split air-source heat pump that uses refrigerant lines that run through the walls and under the house, but that does not require ducts.

Over the course of a year, the New Norris House is occupied by Ken McCown, chair of the Landscape Architecture program at Tennessee, and Mary Leverance, a graduate student who’s completing courses online while working part-time. The couple are keeping a blog of their experiences to capture life inside the futuristic home.

[photo by Ken McCown]

Via HousingZone.com, a leading news website for home-building and remodeling professionals, we learned of the Sherwin-Williams Colormix 2012 forecast, which presents a range of 40 colors the company’s “color experts” foresee being popular, trendy or just downright cool in the year ahead.

So what do we learn from this new Colormix forecast? “The 40 hues highlighted in colormix 2012 stay close to home with earth-inspired, color family groupings: Reds, Blues, Greens and Neutrals.” More specifically, Sherwin William’s Jackie Jordan says:

Colors that are analogous, or adjacent on the color wheel, are a dominant trend. We discover a fresh array of combinations within color families ― be it fiery reds, watery blues, grassy greens or organic neutrals. … Just hone in on a color you love and the ideal, natural complement will be right nearby.

See the colors in all their glory here. Anything you see inspire you?

Consumers’ needs have made remodeling a bright spot in the homebuilding and design industry, and a recent report by the Harvard Center for Joint Housing Studies suggests that the long-term trend will continue to be favorable.

Several factors are converging to produce the positive outlook. First, as Baby Boomers age, the turnover of their homes will generate remodeling activity. About three-quarters of home sales by people over 55 are made to people under 55. The homes of older sellers are generally older and generate immediate and significant spending on renovation.

A younger person buying from an older seller can be expected to spend about $5,000 annually on renovation, the report concludes. In addition, the median age of the existing U.S. housing stock grew from 29 years in 1997 to 32 years in 2007 — also indicating that future renovation and remodeling are more likely.

These and other factors cited in the report suggest that the long-term prospects for the remodeling market are favorable for architects and others in the building industry. These trends were a topic of discussion at the recent American Institute of Architects convention in New Orleans, where Marvin had several innovative products on display, such as the Ultimate Replacement Casement, the Ultimate Glider and the Ultimate Lift and Slide.

We’ve long been a fan of architect Sarah Susanka and her “Not So Big House” philosophy. And it seems we keep seeing more evidence that a significant number of American homeowners are more interested in craftsmanship, quality and fine design than they are in raw square footage.

Affluent, mature homeowners especially fit this profile. The more money older homeowners have, the less they demand maximum square footage. Among Americans age 45 and up planning to spend $400,000 or more on a home, only 28 percent say they want as much space as their money will buy. By contrast, 46 percent of those planning to spend less than $150,000 say they want maximum square footage for the money.

That information comes from Margaret A. Wylde’s useful and insightful book, “Right House, Right Place, Right Time,” which looks at trends in the over-45 housing market.

It’s just one more indication that many affluent, mature Americans are interested in quality design and features, not just raw space.

Marvin can help  meet the needs of these premium customers with beautiful, innovative products like our Ultimate Casement, Ultimate Sliding French Door and Ultimate French Casement. If you happen to be an architect attending the AIA Convention in New Orleans, come visit us at booth 1453 to see all the latest products that will help you give your clients the home of their dreams.

Do you dream about having a gorgeous new kitchen that’s both aesthetically pleasing and practical? Maybe something like these dreamy kitchens recently featured on Curbly.com? Well, we have some tips that might help you get to that place or, at least, take a few steps in that direction.

AOL’s DIYLife blog recently shared some great kitchen remodeling ideas for any budget, whether you’re looking to spend $50 or $10,000 sprucing up what is probably the most-used room in your home. Among their tips on the lower end of the budget spectrum:

• a careful paint job with some timeless, stylish colors
• organizers for your pantry, cupboards, drawers and the like
• upgrades or enhancements to your kitchen’s lighting, including possibly installing under-cabinet lighting

On the higher end, about $1,000 and up, they mention:

• replacing your sink, faucet and countertops
• buying a complete “recycled kitchen,” which sounds a lot like getting a good deal at a classy second-hand store
• installing entirely new cabinetry

The article shares all sorts of ideas for projects in between the simple and the superior, as well.

When you’re thinking about making improvements to your kitchen, consider this trend as outlined by a home reporter for the Wall Street Journal: hiding appliances and other kitchen clutter while making the space much more comfortable and livable. What exactly do they mean?

For years, kitchen designers have been treating high-end appliances like trophies, making a stainless-steel-and-glass refrigerator, or a range in a shiny color finish, into the room’s focal point. Now, more homeowners are veering in the opposite direction, hiding kitchen bling behind wood panels or underneath countertops. The resulting look—streamlined, uncluttered, often with LED lighting and a mix of stone and wood finishes—marks the next phase in the kitchen’s evolution from cooking-and-eating hub to flexible multitasking space.

Many new kitchen designs feature adjacent seating areas with sofas or armchairs, instead of a kitchen table or high counter with chairs. The designs build in more storage and keep countertops empty, with sliding panels or doors hiding equipment.

Read more at WSJ.com.

What do you really need a permit for?
Home Construction and Improvement
A confusing, troubling issue for some homeowners as they start out on a remodeling project. “Though permit requirements vary from city to city (and by the size and scope of your plan) generally you’ll need a permit for major structural or electrical projects. Here are some of the projects you really need a permit for, though you are still encouraged to double-check with your individual city board.”

12 top remodeling trends for 2011
Moneywatch
“The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) conducted an exclusive poll of their top builders and developers for us and found that while most people are not starting major renovation projects due to the economy, now is the time to take care of the smaller jobs around your home. Call it the over-arching remodeling trend for 2011: Tackling small projects while you wait to do the really big remodeling project that’s on your list.”

Recapping the 2011 International Builders’ Show
Marvin Windows Media Room
Yes, we’re linking to ourselves here. This post is our round-up of news and information from the homebuilding industry’s largest convention. It features the new products Marvin unveiled, new products from other leading home product manufacturers, some great interviews, and more.

How to prepare your home and household for a remodel
Charles & Hudson
“Even if you aren’t doing the job yourself, you should take steps to prepare your home and household before a major renovation begins. Once contractors start running around your home and the demo starts, it’s often too late to lay the groundwork for an efficient remodel. Here are some steps you can take to prepare your home & household for a remodel.”

Get the lighting right: 8 mistakes to avoid
Houzz.com
“Interior designers are often called upon to give input about lighting in residential environments. In trying to tackle a lighting dilemma, many fixtures get specified in living areas, kitchens and baths that waste energy and do not get light where it is needed most. These ineffective specifications are often repeated as homeowners are unsure of lighting solutions and tricks of the trade. But sometimes, knowing what not to do can help make you look like a pro. Below I list 8 common lighting mistakes to avoid, and how to do it right, as demonstrated by Houzz designers.”

We spoke to designers, architects, builders and others in the home and fashion industries. As we had those conversations, some topics kept cropping up.

So, here’s what the experts are talking about: the top trends for 2011 in home building and design.

Trend #1: New Life for Old Materials

It’s more than merely recycling. It’s finding ways to turn substance into style — by taking raw material from one source and repurposing it in a completely unexpected way.

From metal tiles made of reclaimed airplane parts to countertops and wall panels made of recycled glass bottles, these innovative reworkings are adding creative flair – and sustainable substance — to homes across America.

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Trend #2: Designing For Yourself
Americans are staying longer in their homes. With that comes a desire to make their homes fit their lifestyle. People aren’t designing a home to be as bland as possible for the next buyer – they’re designing it for themselves, to be lived in to the fullest.

In keeping with this, architects and designers say there’s a new definition of value. It’s not about the lowest price.

It’s about quality, durability and getting the style and the performance you want from the products in your home, whether that’s a sofa or a picture window.

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Trend #3: Natural Materials
If it sprouted from the earth, designers are finding a way to use it in homes.

Flooring is one area where you might find a surprising substance under your feet – like palm, for example. How about wallcoverings made of banana trees? Ceiling tiles of jute? And while not as exotic as these other materials, sustainably grown pine can be found in window frames and other structural elements.

These products deliver beauty and durability along with their eco-friendly origins. The use of natural materials is still in its infancy in mainstream housing – but expect to see them more and more in the future.

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Trend #4: Trad-Mod
As the name suggests, these are traditional elements with a modern twist – a little sleeker, a little surprising. Examples include streamlined living and dining room sets, silk chandeliers and casement windows that simulate the look of a classic double hung.

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Trend #5: Relaxed Outdoor Living
Forget the elaborate outdoor kitchens of a few years ago. Outdoor living is still important to American homeowners, but they’re going for a more relaxed, low-key version. Think fireplaces and fire pits, comfortable outdoor seating and dining areas, interesting lighting and simple counter space.

And to connect indoors and out, energy-efficient patio doors – either sliding or swinging — are a must.

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Trend #6: Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
No list of home trends would be complete without these topics – and they only get more important every year. The largest annual study of American homebuying preferences, by AVID Ratings, found that four of the top 10 desired home features involve energy efficiency. So, alongside such features as walk-in closets and kitchen islands, American homebuyers want:

• Energy-efficient windows
• Energy-efficient appliances
• High-efficiency insulation

Sustainability includes conserving water, maximizing natural heat and light, and using low-VOC materials (volatile organic compounds). Quality and durability are also part of the sustainability picture. Well-built, high quality home products last longer — and don’t end up in landfills.

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Many thanks to the experts who shared their 2011 predictions. Special thanks to

Christine L. Albertsson AIA, CID, NCARB, Albertsson Hansen Architecture, Ltd.

Kurt Gough, A-AIA, Shelter Architecture

Susan Nackers Ludwig, Residential Architect

We recently shared some tips on refreshing your home in 2010 with a successful remodeling project. Of course, remodeling is only part of the picture, so let’s take a look at some interior design and decorating trends pros see on the horizon for the year ahead.

Shelterffic has a list of 15 predictions of hot trends from interior design Christopher Hyland, some of which are simple and sensible (like “couches with high backs” or “frosted glass”) and others of which are maybe just a bit too sophisticated for your average homeowner (like “18th Century Gustavian design” or “An increasingly creative use of seemingly incongruous elements such as sheets of studded metal over plastic or in tandem with silk damask as wall panels”). Still, it’s a good list and should give just about anyone a little something interesting to think about.

A blogger at Houzz.com says the classic black-and-white color combo, though it never really went away, will see a resurgence in 2010. And if black and white isn’t your thing, purple will be a popular, bold color choice. She also expected demand for reclaimed wood and other “green” materials to continue to rise.

Speaking of which, Natural Home Magazine offers its own take on predicted trends for 2010. Among them: sprucing up with bright, natural colors like turquoise and an increase in “designing with natural light.”

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Here’s a round-up of some quick bits on a variety of home style and design trends. This information was culled from the most recent myMarvin Trend Update. Hopefully you’ll find something interesting or inspiring here. If you do, you can read the full newsletter and sign up to receive these updates in the future here.

Home design

Libraries
During these anxious economic times, consider a return to the classics. One of the most popular rooms in larger new homes has become the library — so popular, even Oprah Winfrey featured her Santa Barbara, Calif., home library (hers contains first editions collected by a rare-book dealer) on a recent Oprah magazine cover. Not always about books, the appeal is more often about creating a particular ambience, connoting elegance and quality. A recent survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders found that 63 percent of homebuyers said they wanted a library or considered one essential, an increase over the past few years.

The newfound popularity of libraries is part of a general movement towards traditional design and décor, coziness and comfort. When stacking your shelves, you want your bookshelves to look as interesting as the books you’ve so carefully collected. Proper lighting, furniture placed against a bookcase, painting or papering the backs of bookcases, variety of book heights — consider all of these for creating decorative and literary appeal. Also, bring new life into your old built-ins by painting the inside and back of your bookcases a subtle yet contrasting color. Your books, art, ceramics, clocks and other collectibles will “pop” off the shelves.

Interior design

Bamboo flooring
Hardwood floors, typically oak or maple, have always been appealing because of their beauty and durability, but bamboo should be added to the list of flooring options because of its versatility. Bamboo is beautiful and comes in appealing colors — blonde or amber — and offers the same design appeal as traditional hardwood flooring. It’s harder than oak and rock maple, making it more durable, and installed the same as hardwood floors. (Not to mention easy to maintain and environmentally friendly.) Because bamboo is the fastest-growing plant on earth, can be harvested and replenished without impact to the environment and offers 25 times the yield of hardwood, it is highly sustainable, renewable and “green.” Bamboo flooring has been used for centuries in Asia because of all of these attributes, and is now becoming recognized and appreciated in the West.

Scandinavian design
Popular in the 1950s, Scandinavian design is finding a place with those who appreciate mid-century modern style. With it’s natural look, clean and simple lines, graphic patterns and pale colors, Scandinavian design fits into a contemporary environment and appeals to people who consider themselves “green” and are sensitive to nature and the environment. Designers past (Arne Jacobsen) and present (Front Design) utilize classic design elements with a modern flare to create functional, relatively inexpensive, mass-produced furniture and home accessories.