My, my how times have changed! Over the past 30 years real estate has evolved from a mom ‘n pop business of selling T1-11 clad homes to a corporate driven market of luxury laden Colonials. I created a list of home trends over the past 30 years (well, 27 to be exact) and have highlighted the trends that stood the test of time while pointing out the trends that just didn’t catch on.

1980s
The 1980s arrived when the U.S. was going through an adjustment period of the 60’s and 70’s; becoming a world of more structure, practicality and affordability. Bi-levels were the name of the new home game in the 80’s, created by the desire for Colonial space with the affordability of a Split Level. Bi-Levels are modest sized homes, usually ranging anywhere from 1,600 – 2,200 sqft, and were designed with super efficient use of space in mind. Carpet, all the rage in the 60s, 70s and 80s was placed in nearly every room of the house with the usual exception of “wet” zones like the kitchen and bathrooms. The average bi-level built during this time had T1-11 siding which is vertical wood with a gadgety name. This presented a problem similar to what we face today with granite in so many homes. Buyers purchased the home and enjoyed the upscale appearance of the product but it wasn’t until later that consumers found out that the product requires relatively frequent maintenance like staining (T1-11) or sealing (granite) every few years. Towards the mid-late 80’s Colonials took back the market and have since been the most popular choice for new construction.

80’s Hits
• Colonials
• Bi-Levels

80’s Misses
• Brown carpet!
• T1-11 Siding
• Wall-To-Wall Carpeting in Bathrooms

1990s
All of the research and breakthroughs in technology through the 70’s and 80’s finally came to fruition in the 90’s with the eventual widespread use of the internet that helped revolutionize the IT sector and created millions of jobs. This brought a more sophisticated home buyer to the market with different needs and desires. Luxurious amenities were in high demand by buyers of all price ranges and a few amenities quickly became the norm in new construction and renovations.

90’s Hits
• Soaking Tubs
Often called “Jacuzzis”, a soaking tub in the master suite is a must-have, even today. Jacuzzi is actually a brand, not a type of tub, but when someone refers to a jacuzzi they are often talking about a tub that can accommodate up to 2 people, has massage jets and is capable of being filled with water up to the average person’s neck/chin.
• Master Suite with Walk-in Closet
• Cathedral/Vaulted Ceilings
• Synthetic Stucco (EIFS)

90’s Misses
• Black tiles
• Black or Burgundy Toilets/Tubs/Sinks
• Gold/Brass Style Fixtures
• Shiny Light Bar Over Sinks

2000s
The United States fell upon a world of change in the early 2000s mostly due to the Y2K drama and the attacks of 9/11. This forced us to take a step back and look at what we wanted out of life and brought forth a more rapid consumption of luxury and amenities as many took the stance of “living for the day”. This spawned the craze for what were later termed “McMansions” or homes greater than about 2,200 sqft that offered a host of amenities including in-law living suites, more walk-in closets and homes redesigned with entertaining guests in mind. Towards the later part of this decade green building and all-inclusive home pricing emerged as the next growing trends.

2000’s Hits
• Two or more walk-in closets in the master suite
• Sitting room inside the master suite
• Commode (toilet) designated room inside the master bath with it’s own door and window.
• Jr/Princess Suite (Master suite for child or in-law suite with walk-in closet and private bathroom)
• Renewable Building Materials (Bamboo hardwood flooring)
• Island in Kitchen
• Duplicate Appliances (Two dishwashers and/or two ovens)
• Granite Countertops
• Rise of upscale condominiums/townhomes

2000’s Misses
• McMansions (Huge in the beginning and now falling out of favor)

… The rest has yet to be seen.

It’s interesting to look back over nearly 30 years to see just how rapidly home building has changed from a cookie cutter industry of the same home over and over again into a more customized, luxury-oriented consumer driven industry. I am certain that green building will catch on for the long term but I predict stainless steel appliances and granite countertops will fade away in favor of more interesting and maintenance free alternatives. I also see ranch homes becoming more popular due to the baby boomer generation’s buying power in addition to American home buyers coming to the realization that a highly customized, luxurious small space is better and more cost/energy efficient than buying impersonal and massive McMansions. If you have any trends you’d like to point out or would like to comment on the ones above feel free to leave a comment!