Top Trends in House Plan Design for 2018

The New Year Brings New and Old Elements to Home Plan Design 

What do people really want in their homes in the coming year? Are there “must-have” features or a “wish list” to be reviewed at a future time?

As 2018 looms closer, residential architects, builders, and home designers get ready to face the challenges of providing the features that potential buyers and current homeowners want – and need – in their homes. While interior décor trends shift and change at a faster, more frantic rate, home plan design trends tend to move at a slower, steadier pace. So features and modifications that made sense in previous years – like the open floor plan concept, larger showers in master bathrooms instead of tubs, and outdoor living spaces – are not necessarily passé, with homeowners still looking to include them, along with newer trends, as they build new homes or renovate older residences.     

The Plan Collection approached several experts who track trends in home design and innovations in the housing industry for their predictions and expectations. Here’s the verdict for 2018.

Classic Design Features, the Environment, Technology

Simple and beautiful lines will always be “in,” no matter the size of the home. And even with the improving economy, homebuyers are leaning toward the comfortable, practical, and functional rather than the showy and ostentatious. Eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and water-conserving home features continue to be popular.

Technology is here to stay as it is integrated into the home – as in charging stations, tech closets, and a new smart glass application to be unveiled in 2018 “that allows users to tint glazing electronically up to 99.9 percent opacity,” which the manufacturer claims can eliminate the need for blinds, shades, and curtains.”

What’s “Hot” in 2018

1.  Transitional Farmhouse

Call it the Joanna Gaines/Fixer Upper effect, but America is enamored with Farmhouse plans, especially the newer, contemporary – or transitional – versions with light-colored vertical siding, metal roofs, and main-floor master suites. While the Farmhouse has stepped into the 21^st century, it has maintained its simple, clean lines, and homey feel that everyone loves. Add all the modern amenities, and it’s easy to see why people just can’t resist the updated Farmhouse style.

A note for those who may be interested in other sought-after styles: transitional Prairie, Craftsman, Shingle, and Mountain style in Colorado continue to be strong – and watch out for the Mid-Century Modern!

2.  From Exposed Beams to Columns and Paned Windows

Potential buyers with a penchant for homes with character and history find the simple but well-defined and charming features of the Craftsman aesthetic quite attractive and appealing.

3.  In Demand: White and Light-Gray

Forget about blue and white or black and gray siding combinations paired with darker blue hues. Expect more houses to feature white and light-gray sidings – both warm, neutral colors that highlight the home’s exterior lines.

4.  Vault Those Ceilings!

Add character and visual attractiveness to the Great Room or a simple living room with exposed beams. Not only does a vaulted room create a breezier and bigger feel in a space, it also allows more natural light to filter into the room. For those struggling to visualize an interior, todays house plans with videos and virtual reality walk-throughs can demonstrate the "wow" factor of vaulted ceilings before making such a design commitment.

5.  Embrace the Views 

Large Craftsman or Prairie style windows, especially with black sashes and grids, are attractive and decorative, and they bring the outdoors into the interior space.

6.  "Drop Zones" and Mudrooms

Instead of a general utility space that combines the laundry and mudrooms, families are more interested in a dedicated drop zone/mud hall with cabinets, shelves, sinks, storage, benches, and lockers where they can “dump” backpacks, coats, boots, shoes, sports equipment, and other stuff.

7.  Computer Desks? No More

Computer desks now tend to give way to tech closets and charging stations. With multiple cell phones and other electronic devices in the home, the family needs sufficient room for a charging station. Make sure there are also plenty of outlets around the house to plug in these devices. Think about installing a charging station in the kitchen, entryway, or mudroom so that the entire family can have easy access to it.

8.  Pantry/Wet Bar Wine Storage

The so-called wine culture continues to grow in American society, but not everyone (make that very few of us) can have a wine cellar. Wine chillers are hot appliances these days, and more newly built homes come with them in butlers pantries (which are also increasing in popularity) and wet bars than ever before. Can’t afford a wine cellar? Go for a combination butler’s pantry/wet bar and wine refrigerator – and still impress your friends!

9.  Fewer Arches and More Straight Lines

As Craftsman, Arts & Crafts, and other “back to basics” design styles continue a strong foothold in the American home building and design scene, the straight-line aesthetic of these styles will dominate the scene. Think rectilinear openings, quadralateral rather than rounded columns, and other squared-off design features.

10.  Three Cars and More

As the economy improves, house sizes will tend to get bigger, even with the “not-so-big” disclaimer from homebuyers. And bigger homes will feature three-car (and bigger) garages for all those vehicles of a mobile society – and for additional storage space.

As 2018 unfolds, we can expect more innovations in house plan design trends to come up – all aimed at meeting the “must-haves” of homebuyers and ensuring that these features bring homeowners the best in comfort, practicality, and functionality.

Update: We have published our trends for 2019 in a more recent blog post titled, "Top Trends in House Plan Design for 2019." Be sure to check it out to see the latest trends in home plan design.

Footnote: The lead image in this article is a 2,611-sq.-ft., 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath transitional Arts & Crafts ranch style home. For details, click here (House Plan #198-1010).