Rooms We Love: Today’s Use of Personal Space

Builders increasingly are including home offices, media rooms, playrooms, man caves, exercise rooms, music studies, or flex space in their designs to serve as retreats for homeowners. Tim Lantz of Pulte Homes says offices off the living area and near the kitchen are among the most popular flex spaces. Meanwhile, more buyers are seeking sun rooms, with numerous windows, a ceiling fan, and a fireplace as places to relax, dine, and entertain while avoiding insects and bad weather. Man caves featuring media rooms, theater-style seats, remote-controlled lighting and sound, and a kitchenette/snack bar are popular; but women also desire spaces for themselves dedicated to crafting, painting, exercise, or other hobbies. Other homeowners seek separate spaces for aging parents to stay, complete with a kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, open living space, and even an elevator to improve access. However, experts say homeowners need to consider long-term value, especially if these personal spaces are too specific to their needs. | Read More