It’s the beginning of a new year, and everybody has an opinion as to what trends are in store for the coming year. But what about the trends we saw in the year that just passed us by?

For a real estate builder, even though housing trends are generally slow to appear and develop, they are very important factors in doing well. Here are a few housing trends that took everyone by storm in 2015.

More Open Spaces

Walled interiors ensure privacy, but sometimes they can hinder communication and togetherness. Open spaces were in huge demand in 2015, with many suburban homes and condo buildings displaying this kind of layout. This is a trend which came a long time ago, faded into oblivion and is back once more.

Porcelain as Imitation Wood

A lot of people choose imitation wood, and 2015 saw porcelain as the most popular substitute. The main advantage of porcelain is its reasonable price. Thanks to its availability in a great variety of colors and textures, it can be used to create colorful flooring. Hallways and moisture-inducing areas are the places you would want porcelain flooring.

Charging Station

Individuals in most modern households have their own devices. Smartphones, laptops, netbooks; the list goes on. With so many portable devices, there is an obvious need for a dedicated space that functions as a charging station. This trend gathered plenty of momentum in 2015, while demand for home office spaces suffered a decline.

Fireplaces

Another trend that disappeared and came back was the demand for fireplaces. While heating systems are extremely popular for functional purposes, a fireplace holds much more romantic appeal. Manufacturers nowadays also ensure that venting concerns are taken care of, and also design fireplaces in compact styles.

Water Conservation

Water is a resource that we all take for granted, but one that is continuously running out. 2015 saw house owners becoming increasingly wary of water shortage and the environmental problems associated with it. There were increased purchases of watering stations, drought-tolerant plants and rainwater harvesting tanks.

Keyless Locking Systems

A lot of people manage to forget the keys to their front doors and hence, have been denied entry into their own homes. However in 2015, keyless entry systems began to garner popularity. Modern fingerprint door locks can also be used to track entry and exit of any individual.

Spending on the Bedroom

High quality sleep is vital to optimal functioning on a daily basis, and house owners are becoming increasingly aware of that. 2015 saw a lot of purchases related to bedroom renovations. Items such as brand new mattresses, calming scents, luxury bedding and comfortable pillows saw huge boosts in sales.

2015 has been and gone, and many a real estate builder had to sit up and take notice. Let’s see what trends 2016 have in store for us.