Remember those television shows of the 1960's, portraying the "home of the future" similar to that occupied by the cartoon family, the Jetsons? There was wildly-colored ergonomic furniture, automatic sliding doors -- even moving sidewalks throughout the house.

While the shape of homes in the new millennium won't be quite that avant garde, there will be some changes. Homebuilders are starting to gravitate to new floor plans, more technology, as well as more environmentally friendly and cost-effective building materials. Let's take a look at home change ideas from the inside-out to see how the complexion of home building may appear after the turn of the new century.

Technology will perhaps play the most extreme role in changing new homes. A central control unit in the home will control most lighting, heating, and cooling functions -- programmed to adjust to times of the day, days of the week -- even seasons of the year.

For example, if you desire lower lights in the evening starting at 6pm, you'd program the control unit to lower the lights, draw the blinds -- even close the shutters! Or perhaps you'd like to wake up to sunlight streaming into your bedroom. Again, just program your bedroom blinds to open at 7AM, turn the heat up in the bathroom -- -and even start to brew your coffee.

Technology will become so sophisticated in new homes that it will be possible, using voice-control activation, to command the doors to lock, the alarm system to activate -- all done without lifting a finger!

Room configuration and style will be somewhat different, too, in tomorrow's homes. More open space is predicted a la "great rooms" combining dining, living, and kitchen areas resulting in even larger rooms than we've experienced in the past. This will allow the family to have more togetherness -- perhaps with alcoves for hobbies, computer units -- even a game area. One strong style change is to that of the additional apartment, or what we've traditionally called the mother-in-law apartment. This is due, in part, because of the need to house elderly parents, make extra space for kids who don't leave (or perhaps return!) as well as have privacy from guests when they visit. It will be complete with its own mini-kitchen including refrigerator and microwave.

Outside things may not appear to be too different from today; but a closer look at the materials used will change your mind. A much greater use of molded plastics -- everything from foundations to sturdy, long-lasting fences (which are already on the scene.) Wood and other natural products will be used primarily for decorative purposes, not as primary materials (like wood siding is used today.)

Landscaping will be eco-efficient, and will contain lots of walkways and paths. In fact, as walking becomes more important for health as well as to promote energy efficiency and cut down on pollution, developments are going back to adding broad walkways where homes sit closer to the street. These are especially apparent in planned neighborhoods, (like Seaside, Florida), where sidewalks and front porches on homes are actually a zoning requirement. This allows for greater opportunity to meet neighbors, chat with them as they stroll by creating a more neighbor-friendly environment and hopefully deter crime.

It appears that consumers want flexibility, comfort, and efficiency in their homes of tomorrow. Things may look a bit different; but in general, those are the same requirements home owners have asked for all along!

Published: April 24, 2000

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