Home buyers change with the times

A new nesting season has begun.

Amid signs that the economy is recovering, that fickle migratory species known as Homeowner sapiens is fluffing its feathers. Many homeowners are thinking about remodeling or upgrading to new spaces.

They'll have no shortage of decisions to make: At the National Association of Homebuilders' annual international show last month in Florida, more than 1,100 companies exhibited the latest in appliances, building accessories, construction materials, doors, cabinetry, countertops, windows, home automation systems, energy-saving products, and wall and floor products.

But what do people really want in a home now? Real estate agents, builders, architects and interior designers say homeowners want a casual, comfortable, convenient lifestyle that's budget- and environmentally conscious. Here's how that translates to the spaces we inhabit, according to those experts:

Smarter rooms: One custom builder has noticed a 15 percent downsizing in living space of newer homes, but customers want more functionality from their rooms. The formal dining room, for example, is nearly extinct. Today's buyers are more likely to want that square footage devoted to a media-filled gathering space. People are more likely to work from home at least some of the time, so home offices are an asset, too.

King kitchen: A large, open kitchen-family room is a must, with a corner for kids to do their homework and an informal dining area. Specialized appliances such as warmer drawers, espresso machines and built-in steamers (the microwave of the 21st century) also are in vogue. People might not be inclined to flash their wealth with a three- or four-car garage, but in the kitchen, high-end ranges by makers such as Wolf and Viking are on many people's must-have lists.

Boffo baths: People want luxury baths with free-standing tubs and showers with myriad water features. Couples with shared baths don't want to share sinks, storage or counter space. They also want privacy, including a separate toilet if they can afford it.

Convenient technology: There's no end to the number of TVs that people want in the house. They also expect integrated technology -- Wi-Fi, special lighting and other electronics -- woven into the house.

Evolving storage: Buyers rarely ask for walls of bookshelves anymore, but they want their master closets bigger than ever. That extra-small bedroom converts to provide not only space for clothes and shoes, but a well-lit packing station and a chaise. Garage and pantry storage also are important.

Energy efficiency: Some new homes are 50 percent more efficient than they were five years ago. That could save up to $1,200 annually on utility bills. Window orientation and shading don't cost more money upfront during building but bring huge savings, as do overhangs that keep out the heat of direct sun during warm months. Features such as upgraded insulation cost more upfront but reduce energy costs long-term.

Great outdoors: Many home buyers are trading indoor square footage for large outdoor living spaces. Outdoor kitchens, pools and fireplaces might seem like a splurge, but the slow economy has contributed to their popularity. Spending more time at home, families want to put their money where it counts. And it's less expensive to build an outdoor kitchen and entertainment space than to renovate one inside. The ideal space for many includes a covered area for a flat-screen TV.

Floor show: Even high-end buyers are favoring tile and wood floors now over carpet. One reason: Wood wears and matures, while carpet wears and gets dirty. It's less expensive to replace area rugs than carpet.