Top Trends in House Design in 2024

Prepare for excitement, surprises, and the impact of the world we live in today as we unveil our top house design trends and forecasts for 2024. From rethinking the kitchen layout and efficiently adding space to creating balance and harmony at home, the 2024 trends impact every corner of the house. With house prices at all-time highs and challenging mortgage rates, many homeowners reconsider the real estate market, opting to make the most of their current home by adding an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) or guest house in the backyard. When renovation isn’t an option, many will pursue new house plan construction, building a practical yet harmonious home in the exurbs with a few luxuries added to the mix.

1. Smart Homes Get Smarter with AI

AI-powered technology has both the futuristic and creepy vibe of “Hal” from 2001: A Space Odyssey. Many thought similarly about Alexa, Siri, and Google, but now run in millions of homes. In 2024, remote access and the "Internet of Things" (IoT) will evolve into an AI-powered home automation system using tools like ChatGPT to make homes even smarter. Not all of this will hit the shelves in 2024, but this is where life at home with AI is leading us.

• Lighting with AI capabilities will adjust based on not a pre-programmed day of the week or time of the day — today’s home automation — but by anticipating when you will be leaving and returning to the home and by the activity going on in the home. 

• Heating/cooling systems learn to adjust to the preferences of the occupants in the room, thereby maximizing comfort and improving efficiency.

• AI-powered security will collect and analyze information to detect and prevent potential threats. There’s no need for you to check your smartphone’s Ring app to see what is going on at home! 

• Forget about burning your casserole in the oven! AI-optimized cooking appliances will adjust cooking conditions using machine learning and computerized visual techniques.

2. Kitchen Efficiency & Spce Optimization: A Recipe for Success

The kitchen remains the “heart of the home” for family gatherings and entertaining. However, in 2024, the kitchen is less about size — or at least excessive size — and more about optimization and efficiency. With home prices at all-time highs and construction costs at a premium, homeowners will do more with less.

While not a new concept, the essential kitchen triangle is making a comeback since it maximizes productivity, comfort, and safety. This design classic was forgotten too many times when kitchen square footage was all that mattered in design only a few years ago. Homeowners have tired, quite literally, of logging in their 10,000 steps while doing kitchen prep. 

Practical kitchen islands are the center of attention in the kitchen triangle now. The islands are optimized for seating and prep work rather than as a visual statement. Kitchen islands still have style with distinctive stone, concrete, or wood surfaces. 

Undercounter refrigerators are the must–have large appliance of 2024. Fruits, vegetables, beverages, and snacks are kept cool and fresh but easy to access by young kids and when guests arrive. An added benefit? They save much-needed countertop space during holidays and birthday parties.

Walk-in pantries get an upgrade when it comes to intelligent organization. Designers reorganize cabinets and shelving to include space for larger appliances, such as a microwave, coffeemaker, or dough mixer. Storage bins go to the ceiling. Optimized storage cubbies offer space for specific tasks or kitchen items, such as spices, baking items, or pots and pans. 

3. Basements and Bonus Rooms: Adding Space without Adding On

For homeowners needing more space in 2024 but are unable or unwilling to move, remodeling existing square footage will be a top priority. The unfinished bonus room over the garage will transform into an ensuite bedroom. The basement will get a makeover, including a recreation room, home office, or media center. For those looking to splurge, basement saunas, hot tubs, zen spaces, and faux fireplaces will be top of the list. It’s all about optimizing existing square footage and adding space efficiently.

4. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - aka the Guest House

Popular in some specific regions for the past decade, the ADU will break out into a national trend in 2024. According to Realtrends.com, there are currently an estimated 1.5 million ADUs in the US, with over 100,000 of them built over the last year. This trend is not slowing down.

What is an accessory dwelling unit or ADU?

• A small, self-contained living unit located on the same lot as the primary residence.

• Can be attached to the primary dwelling or detached as a separate structure.

• Provides complete, independent living quarters for one or more people.

• May be used by a family member or rented for additional income.

• Also known as a guest house, granny flat, casita, garage apartment, backyard bungalow, or carriage house, depending on the region of the country.

High home prices and interest rates propel the ADU to the forefront as a practical alternative. Driven by the continued crisis in affordable housing, many communities have adopted zoning changes, allowing or even encouraging the construction of ADUs. For some homeowners who build an ADU, it will become rentable square footage for an Airbnb or tenants. For others, it will provide dedicated living space for aging parents or in-laws.

5. Going Up! Outdoor Living

Elevated outdoor living will take center stage in 2024. And by “elevated,” we don’t necessarily mean more refined — although it certainly can be. Architects and designers will work with homeowners to create new, raised outdoor spaces at home, such as a second-floor deck, balcony, or rooftop lounge. These outdoor rooms optimize the available footprint while providing additional space for relaxation and entertainment. The sky’s the limit!

6. Game, Set, Match! Backyard Pickleball

A national sensation, in 2024, pickleball comes to the backyard. Accessible to the young and the young-at-heart, pickleball requires far less space than a tennis court. Plus, it is easy to learn and improves cardiovascular health. Is the backyard not an option? Set one up on the driveway. Pretty soon, you will be the most popular family on the block!

7. A New Sensation: Sensory Architecture — Beyond the Visual

8. The Exurbs — Where New Home Construction Awaits

What is an Exurb, you ask? The exurbs are an area that lies beyond the suburbs of a city and is characterized by a low population density and farther distance from the urban center. Yes, people are moving even further out from cities and suburbia. 

Given the low inventory of homes on the market and the high home prices in the suburbs, prospective buyers are exploring the benefits of new home construction in the exurbs. Work-from-home (WFH) jobs have eliminated or significantly reduced the traditional commute — who needs to compromise on a house when the daily commute is a thing of the past? New construction especially appeals to Millennials and Gen Z families — they can choose newer home styles and larger floor plans while maximizing their budget. 

Builders can’t keep up with the exodus and have turned to hosting lotteries or bidding wars for these new construction homes. With over 141 million Millennials and Gen Zers in the U.S., we anticipate this trend is just starting.

There you have it — the top trends in house design for 2024. Now that you’re in the know, it’s time for the fun part. Keep those dreams alive by making a list and start shopping! As always, if you have any questions about any of our house plans, feel free to contact us - we're here to help!

Which one is your favorite trend, or have an idea of your own? Let us know in the comments below.