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by Lauren Busser The House Designers’ Editorial Director
Take a second and picture your dream house. Is it a majestic, art filled Victorian with all of the amenities? Is it a social hub to entertain your friends? Maybe it's a crisp and clean well-lit abode with a kitchen fit for a chef.
The way you answer these questions says something about your values and desires, but it may have even more to do with when you were born. Market research from GFK Roper, a global research organization, asked Americans to rank the features of their dream home. The survey covered everyone from baby boomers to first-time millennials.
The Baby Boomers
Baby boomers, those born between 1946 and 1964 rank the kitchen as their first priority. Products that round out their top five include walk-in closets, whirlpool baths, fireplaces and swimming pools. They also ranked a workshop or studio high on their list.
Generation X
Generation X, or those born between 1965 and 1978 also place a high priority on a kitchen and walk-in closets. Their aspirations dovetail with their parents' in that they want a home to be family friendly and have an emphasis on organization.
Members of Generation X have different priorities regarding entertainment and decorating. They tend not to prefer the formality of baby boomer homes, and they gravitate to layouts featuring open floor plans.
Generation Y
Lastly, Generation Y just wants to let the good times roll. Generation Y consists of people born between 1978 and 1995 and they want a home that screams fun. On the list of Generation Y’s top ten priorities were amenities like a whirlpool bath, sauna or steam room and an entertainment center.
Unlike their parents, Generation Y is not worried about accommodating children. They are emerging socially and their aspirations are for a home that will enhance that aspect of life. They don’t worry so much about putting down roots but instead want a social hub where technology is king.
Generation Y also like contemporary design and are not afraid of color. They want smaller homes and yards, with low maintenance. They prefer flexible spaces that can morph into something new at a future date.
When looking for a house plan for yourself or someone else, remember that the house has to fit the lifestyle. The trends we've discussed might be the most common for a given generation but they don’t have to be the norm for you in particular. If you are building your dream home, you want it to be a home that you love. So pick a home design that will give you the most joy and fits your lifestyle perfectly.
READ MORE: Homes Designed for All Ages
