I'm older than dirt. Well, maybe I'm a tad bit younger than dirt, but not much! I am old enough, however, to remember when avocado and BROWN appliances were all the rage. Dark Mediterranean wood and avocado appliances were recommended for our very first kitchen remodel in 1973. The contractor looked quizzically at me when I declined avocado. Nope, not going there! Beautiful, pristine, white appliances were installed and moved to the next home because they had not gone "out of style".
Fads come and go in housing just like in fashion. Skirt hems lengthen and shorten. Sleeves billow and become sleek. Necklines are jewel, cowl, crew, and turtleneck. Housing is the same. There is always something new to entice the consumer to make a change.
Some changes in housing occur because our lifestyles change. Examples of this kind of change include formal living and dining rooms being replaced by kitchens that open to great rooms. Master suites have supplanted the single shared bathroom and small closets taking up one bedroom wall.
Other changes occur because society gained wealth and home buyers could afford more oppulence. This kind of change includes hardwood floors, granite countertops, vaulted ceilings, and bedroom suites. Unlike the 1950's rambler which made housing affordable for the middle class, today's middle class is buying more square footage per person with many more amenities built into the home.
The January 21 edition of REALTOR® Online, a professional publication for REALTORS®, listed home fads that are becoming passe´. The list included:
Since the article is written for a national audience, some of these trends may not apply to the Saint Paul real estate market. For instance, granite is still a positive feature here although skylights never have been a real selling point because of Minnesota's snow. Carpet has lost favor compared to hardwood floors. Fireplaces? I can't imagine that they will ever go out of style in Minnesota, but one's budget is still the operative word in deciding whether to add one or not. Living rooms have lost favor compared to great rooms as we merge our formal and daily lives together calling for more family friendly homes. Stainless or commercial appliances were not mentioned in the article. I truly wonder if they will become the avocado of the future!
