home design software
What people want in their homes
Fireplace, pantry top the list
When it comes to what people want in their dream homes, some preferences remain remarkably constant, while others shift incrementally over time.
That pattern emerged as clearly as ever when the staff at Associated Designs tallied results of the 2003 Homes from the Heart Survey. Readers nationwide participated by noting their preferences on survey forms published early this year in newspapers, and sending them in to be counted.
A whopping 90 percent or more wanted a fireplace, pantry, and master suite walk-in closet, plus garage storage space. Almost as many asked for a main floor master suite, and deck/patio. Close to 80 percent requested that the laundry room be near the kitchen.
The 2,000-3,000 square foot home was most desired this year, with 1,500-2,000 square foot a close second. (Many percentages don’t add up to 100 percent, because some people mark two or more.) Sixty percent asked for a single story home, and nearly half wanted a basement.
As for exterior styles, contemporary and country homes each won about 30 percent of the votes, while Craftsman came in a very close third. The Craftsman style has slowly edged up over recent years.
About 70 percent wanted the master suite isolated from other bedrooms, and a breakfast nook in the kitchen. More than half wanted a kitchen open to the family room, adjacent to the garage and outfitted with an eating bar.