Experts predict kitchens and bedroom suites will continue to be focal points. The National Association of Home Builders' Home of the Future report tries to anticipate what homeowners will want in 2015. The luxury home of the future most likely will have two master bedroom suites, but don't despair - it's not an exaggerated twist on the days when Rob and Laura Petrie slept in separate twin beds.

It's simply about convenience.
In fact, convenience is the key word behind many of the features in the home of the future, at least as envisioned by architects, designers, manufacturers and marketing experts surveyed by the National Association of Home Builders. The results of the NAHB study, recently announced by the organization, produced a snapshot of what "average" and "upscale" homes will look like in the year 2015. While the typical average single-family house is expected to remain in the current range of 2,400 square feet, greater emphasis will be placed on amenities-particularly in the kitchen-designed to enhance the quality of living.

"People will be much more likely to get the house they really want," NAHB's Steve Melman says. "It's going to fit them better and they're going to be able to stay in place over the years, if they choose to do that. If they really think it through and work with the builder, they can get what they want to fit their lifestyle. Lifestyle needs are really what drive the purchase of a home. People want to enjoy their time; they don't want to give it up. That's what everybody is looking for." Cooking islands and lots of counter space should continue to be in demand for kitchens. Luxurious bathrooms with large mirrors, particularly as part of master suites, are expected to remain at the top of luxury homebuyers' lists of expectations.

According to the NAHB study, the typical upscale single-family home in 2015 will be a two-story unit of more than 4,000 square feet with 3.5 to 4.5 bathrooms and four or more bedrooms. Family room and kitchen spaces are most likely to increase; living rooms, which are most likely to vanish from average homes, will remain in the upscale house, although some of that space might be turned into parlors, libraries or specialized areas such as music rooms. "Anything 4,000 square feet or above, you can probably count on a living room being there," Melman says. "It's tradition, more than anything. People are still going to want to have that." Home office space and security also were deemed as either "critical" or "very critical" features in new upscale homes in the next decade.

In the kitchen, cabinet space, quality of appliances, floor area, counter space, double sinks, walk-in pantries, and flooring all rated highly. In bathrooms, a double vanity, both a shower stall and a tub in the master bedroom, size, large mirrors, and linen closets topped the list. The demand for outdoor kitchen areas, featuring items such as a grill, sink, cooking island, refrigerator, and beer dispensers/wine cooler is expected to increase significantly in upscale homes by 2015. So, too, will expectations for outdoor fireplaces, pools/spas, audio/TV equipment, and lighting. "It's easier to entertain and fits a more casual lifestyle," Melman says. "Once these items become hot in upscale homes, you'll start to see them in average homes, too." Nearly two-thirds of those surveyed said the demand for two master bedroom suites would increase in future upscale homes. "It's not going to be his and hers," Melman says, laughing. "As long as you're going to have an extra bedroom, you might as well make it complete. It's provides a little more privacy for guests, particularly if someone's parents or relatives are staying there. Maybe that helps generations survive better with each other under one roof. It just makes it convenient."

By Ken Weingartner